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, WEDNESDAY, MARCH 21, 2007 No. 49 House of Representatives The House met at 10 a.m. and was Pursuant to clause 1, rule I, the Jour- Father McCarthy has also spent called to order by the Speaker pro tem- nal stands approved. much of his career in service to other pore (Ms. SCHAKOWSKY). f priests. He has served as Diocesan Di- f rector of Vocations, Priest Personnel PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Adviser, a member of the Priest Per- DESIGNATION OF THE SPEAKER The SPEAKER pro tempore. Will the sonnel Board, and for 6 years served as PRO TEMPORE gentlewoman from Michigan (Mrs. MIL- a director of that board. Father McCar- The SPEAKER pro tempore laid be- LER) come forward and lead the House thy also spent time in Chicago as presi- fore the House the following commu- in the Pledge of Allegiance. dent of the National Federation of nication from the Speaker: Mrs. MILLER of Michigan led the Priests’ Councils. Since 2003, he has WASHINGTON, DC, Pledge of Allegiance as follows: served as the Bishop’s Delegate for Re- March 21, 2007. I pledge allegiance to the Flag of the tired Priests. I hereby appoint the Honorable JANICE D. United States of America, and to the Repub- I am happy to have invited, along SCHAKOWSKY to act as Speaker pro tempore lic for which it stands, one nation under God, with my colleague, Charlie Wilson, Fa- on this day. indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. ther McCarthy to Washington, D.C. I NANCY PELOSI, f thank him for his service to our com- Speaker of the House of Representatives. WELCOMING AND HONORING munity, for his prayer this morning, f FATHER THOMAS J. MCCARTHY and for his many, many years of serv- PRAYER ice to the Catholic Church. (Mr. RYAN of Ohio asked and was f The Reverend Thomas J. McCarthy, given permission to address the House St. Paul Catholic Church, Salem, Ohio for 1 minute.) WELCOMING AND HONORING offered the following prayer: Mr. RYAN of Ohio. Madam Speaker, I FATHER THOMAS J. MCCARTHY God, we acknowledge Your gracious want to thank Father McCarthy for (Mr. WILSON of Ohio asked and was presence among us. We acknowledge your inspiring prayer. given permission to address the House the human limitations that bind us. We Albert Einstein once said that ‘‘Only for 1 minute.) know how many of Your people depend a life lived for others is a life worth- Mr. WILSON of Ohio. Madam Speak- upon our wisdom and our ways to bet- while.’’ And for almost 46 years Father er, I join my distinguished colleague ter their lives and brighten their to- Tom McCarthy has served the Diocese from Ohio, Mr. RYAN, in welcoming Fa- morrows. We are aware of Your call to of Youngstown as a priest, and in that ther Thomas McCarthy to the Congress serve Your people well. service he has lived that motto. today. With these huge tasks ahead of us, A Warren native, Father McCarthy After an active and impressive career we call upon You for wisdom, guidance attended St. Mary’s School and St. serving the people of northeastern and a sense of concern for what is right Mary’s High School, which was the Ohio, Father McCarthy has retired to and good. Give us a generous share of predecessor to my alma mater, John F. St. Paul’s Parish in Salem, which is in Your spirit and Your love for Your peo- Kennedy High School. After his semi- Ohio’s Sixth Congressional District ple. Guide our minds and hearts in the nary training, he was ordained on Au- which I represent. As the Sixth Dis- right ordering of human affairs. gust 15, 1961 in St. Columba Cathedral trict Representative in Congress, I am We seek today to be a source of hope by Bishop Emmet Walsh. honored to represent Father McCarthy, and assistance to Your people; we seek Those who know him would describe and I am also pleased to welcome him today to find the opportunity to make Father McCarthy as pastoral, charm- here today. peace with justice for all people the ing, gregarious, a great friend, funny, While Father McCarthy may have of- badge of our service. In this we ask everything Irish, and above all, holy in ficially retired, he is showing no signs Your continued help. Amen. his service to God. of slowing down. To this day, Father f Father McCarthy has served at many McCarthy remains active in the dio- parishes in the Youngstown Diocese, cese, where he serves as the Bishop’s THE JOURNAL including St. Ed’s in Youngstown, St. Delegate for Retired Priests. The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Joseph’s in Austintown, St. William’s The people at St. Paul’s describe Fa- Chair has examined the Journal of the in Champion, St. Michael’s in Canfield, ther McCarthy as a beloved and dedi- last day’s proceedings and announces Blessed Sacrament in Warren and St. cated member of their close-knit com- to the House her approval thereof. Joseph’s in Mantua. munity. They say he is someone who

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 00:08 Mar 22, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00001 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A21MR7.000 H21MRPT1 jcorcoran on PROD1PC62 with HOUSE H2748 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE March 21, 2007 never hesitates to help someone in Patterson and what he has meant to SeniorCare to continue, for it saves not need, whether that means making a this world. only taxpayers’ money, it also saves late-night hospital visit to pray with f their very lives. the sick, or comforting a family mem- f ber during the death and funeral of a THE MESSAGE COUNTS SUPPORTING THE TROOPS loved one. (Mr. SAXTON asked and was given We are so lucky to have Father permission to address the House for 1 (Mr. WILSON of South Carolina McCarthy among us here today in Con- minute and to revise and extend his re- asked and was given permission to ad- gress. We are even more fortunate to marks.) dress the House for 1 minute and to re- have his unwavering commitment and Mr. SAXTON. Madam Speaker, in the vise and extend his remarks.) faith guiding us each day in the Ohio upcoming debate on the supplemental, Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Valley. I just want to point out to my friends Madam Speaker, our men and women f on both sides of the aisle that the mes- in uniform deserve our wholehearted, sage counts. unequivocal support protecting our IRAQ SUPPLEMENTAL As we prepare for the debate on the freedoms. Our distinguished colleague, (Mr. PITTS asked and was given per- supplemental appropriations bill, I former Vietnam POW, Congressman mission to address the House for 1 want to caution my colleagues to bear SAM JOHNSON, has filed a discharge pe- minute and to revise and extend his re- in mind that our words are heard and tition to bring to the floor of the House marks.) seen all over the world by the Iraqi his bill, which declares to the United Mr. PITTS. Madam Speaker, the people, by our allies, and by our en- States Armed Forces that Congress House is scheduled to take up an emer- emies. will fully fund and support their mis- gency supplemental spending bill to The President has given guidance on sion. Unlike the proposed supplemental fund our troops in Iraq. But the other benchmarks for the Iraqi Government bill which undercuts our military, the side has worked themselves into a di- to meet, but this does not give Con- Johnson legislation provides Members lemma over this bill to pander to their gress license to attach timelines and the opportunity to cast a clear vote in left-wing base. The Democrats have in- penalties. If we do, we are undermining support of our troops. cluded language in the bill that sets an the authority of General Petraeus, to As a 31-year veteran and also the fa- arbitrary date for withdrawing our whom we have entrusted this very im- ther of four sons in the military, in- troops, whether we have achieved vic- portant mission. cluding one that served in Iraq, I un- tory or not. While that pleases the far Perhaps those who would vote in derstand the importance of supporting left, the more moderate Democrats are Congress to set deadlines, or any other our troops. Bin Laden and his cohorts rightfully concerned about congres- maneuver aimed at limiting the ability are committed to our destruction, de- sional micromanagement of the war. of the White House and the Depart- claring the Iraq war as the third world So what is the solution? Load the bill ment of Defense to manage this dan- war and the central front in the global up with pork to pressure Members to gerous situation under the guise of war on terrorism. Democrats and Re- vote for it. sending a message to the Iraqi leader- publicans should work together to pro- At last count, the supposed emer- ship, will consider how their message mote our troops’ success to protect gency supplemental now contains more will be received and interpreted by oth- American families. than $20 billion in unrelated spending. ers. In conclusion, God bless our troops, I think most Americans agree that the The future stability of Iraq and the and we will never forget September 11. money they want to spend on spinach national security of the American peo- f subsidies and peanut storage would be ple would be better served with a mes- SUPPORT H.R. 1234 better spent on body armor and sage that clearly states ‘‘We will stand Humvees for our troops. with our allies and partners until (Mr. KUCINICH asked and was given Madam Speaker, this bill fails both Iraq’s goal of stability is utilized.’’ permission to address the House for 1 our troops in combat and the taxpayer minute and to revise and extend his re- here at home. Let’s stop playing poli- f marks.) tics with emergency war funding, b 1010 Mr. KUCINICH. Four years ago this Madam Speaker. Let’s have a clean week, in violation of international law, AN APPEAL FOR SENIORCARE supplemental. standing upon a mountain of lies, the f (Mr. KAGEN asked and was given United States went to war against the permission to address the House for 1 people of Iraq. The U.S. now has a IN MEMORY OF BISHOP G.E. minute.) moral responsibility for the deaths of PATTERSON Mr. KAGEN. Madam Speaker, I rise as many as 1 million innocent Iraqis, (Mr. COHEN asked and was given per- today to respectfully request that the for the destruction of Iraq and the mission to address the House for 1 administration be kind to Wisconsin’s theft of billions in Iraq oil assets. minute.) elders by granting a waiver to Those who told lies to take us into Mr. COHEN. Madam Speaker, yester- SeniorCare, an extraordinarily success- war should be held accountable under day in Memphis, Tennessee, a giant of ful prescription drug program. the U.S. Constitution and at the Inter- a man passed away: G.E. Patterson, the SeniorCare does three things we should national Criminal Court. Instead of bishop of the Church of God in Christ, all appreciate: It saves tax dollars, it is true accountability on the war, the a congregation of over 6.5 million peo- nearly half the cost of Medicare part D, President and the Vice President could ple worldwide headquartered in Mem- and it offers a broader range of pre- get over $100 billion to keep the war phis, Tennessee. scription drugs to our elders. going through the end of their term. Bishop Patterson was born in Hum- The AARP found that 94 percent of More war, more civilian deaths, more boldt, Tennessee. He lived to the age of SeniorCare enrollees are better served soldiers killed or maimed. Less money 67. He was a giant, godly man, who I by SeniorCare than by part D. And for housing, for health care, for edu- last saw in November at a rally with SeniorCare is easy to understand. It cation, for seniors as we borrow money President Clinton and Cybill Shepherd. has a simple, one-page application from Beijing to fight a war in Baghdad. At that time, Bishop Patterson knew form and an annual fee of only $30. Instead of accountability, the appro- he was dying, he had prostate cancer, Simply put, SeniorCare is a better pro- priations bill will mandate the privat- but he knew where he was going. He gram than Medicare part D and it ization of $6 trillion in Iraqi oil assets was a bishop. He was a saint. He was a should be imitated across America. and provide money which can be used man who graced this planet. He was a But SeniorCare cannot continue to attack Iran to try to grab another $7 valuable citizen and knows where he without permission from the Bush ad- trillion in Iranian oil assets for the oil was going, and he is there now. I hope ministration. I am appealing to the companies. you will all share with me a moment of conscience of the President. Please, Support the troops. Stop the war. reflection upon the great life of Bishop please be kind to our elders. Allow End the occupation. Support H.R. 1234.

VerDate Aug 31 2005 00:08 Mar 22, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00002 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K21MR7.003 H21MRPT1 jcorcoran on PROD1PC62 with HOUSE March 21, 2007 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H2749 DEMOCRAT MAJORITY BUYING Right now, we have the A–Team in But in the emergency war supple- VOTES Iraq and they are producing results. I mental appropriation bill that we are (Mr. PRICE of Georgia asked and was saw it firsthand: considering this week, spinach farmers given permission to address the House Sunnis working with Shia and the will be getting support. In fact, there is for 1 minute.) United States Marine Corps in the al- over $21 billion of unrelated spending Mr. PRICE of Georgia. Madam Anbar province. in the bill; pork, pure and simple. And Speaker, many of us in this Chamber Sunnis looking forward to the next the purpose is simply to buy votes. find it absolutely incomprehensible elections. I thought the Democrats promised to An oil distribution plan that is on that there are those who believe that stop all of this. I thought they said the brink of completion. the best course of action in the face of they were going to clean up Wash- The majority supplemental bill is ington and not waste taxpayers’ a determined enemy is to tell that simply defeat on the installment plan. enemy that we are less than deter- money. This is hypocrisy, and you have How can Congress convey our support to ask why they need to buy votes if mined. Yet that is exactly what the for the troops in Iraq and at the same Iraq supplemental financing bill does. they are so confident in their slow- time pass a bill which pulls the rug bleed strategy. What message do we send our brave from the very people we claim to sup- military men and women when we I said during the debate on this non- port? Plain and simple, this supple- binding resolution that the House con- won’t guarantee them the resources mental as written by the majority is a and equipment that they need without sidered a few weeks ago that micro- blueprint for defeat. management from the White House is including a litany of restrictive and ar- I urge my colleagues to reject this bitrary timetables? What will our sol- wrong and micromanagement from the bill and pass a clean supplemental bill floor of this House is worse. diers on the front lines of this war that provides support to those who are think when they hear that salmon fish- The emergency supplemental is not fighting and dying. We owe them that nonbinding, it is for real, and many eries and spinach growers are being much. used to buy votes? Democrats will be joining Republicans This Iraq supplemental bill is just f to vote to let the generals run the war, one more step in what has become a DEMOCRATS WILL CLEAN UP FIS- not politicians, regardless of money for long list of unprecedented attempts by CAL MESS CREATED OVER THE spinach farmers. this majority to accept defeat at any LAST 6 YEARS f cost. For those of us in Washington, we (Mr. PERLMUTTER asked and was BRING OUR TROOPS HOME get to face this moment in the warmth given permission to address the House (Ms. SHEA-PORTER asked and was and comfort of our homes and our of- for 1 minute.) given permission to address the House fices. For so many Americans, they Mr. PERLMUTTER. Good morning, for 1 minute and to revise and extend will face this moment in the harsh re- Madam Speaker. her remarks.) ality of a war zone. We must not forget This week, the House Budget Com- Ms. SHEA-PORTER. Madam Speak- what is at stake. Our military will not mittee will prepare a Democratic budg- er, there are those who say we need to and the American people will not. et that begins the process of fixing a support our troops. The question is f fiscal mess created by President Bush what troops, the same troops we have and congressional Republicans over the THE DEMOCRATIC BUDGET sent out three and four times? I have last 6 years. This is not something that asked my colleagues on the other side (Mr. ALTMIRE asked and was given can be done in one year. After all, it of the aisle to please look at the armed permission to address the House for 1 took the prior Congresses and adminis- services numbers and see the strain minute.) tration 6 years to turn a $5.6 trillion that we are putting on our military. Mr. ALTMIRE. Madam Speaker, surplus into a $2.8 trillion deficit. I have also asked them to think Democrats this week complete com- That’s a fiscal collapse over a 6-year about if they had family members mittee work on a 2008 budget that fi- period of more than $8 trillion. The there, would they still be talking about nally moves us away from the fiscal ir- misguided budget priorities of this ad- supporting the troops in such a way as responsibility, reckless spending and ministration have forced the President to put them in harm’s danger? record deficits of the past 6 years. to borrow more money from countries Supporting our troops means getting When President Bush first came into like Japan and China than all of his 42 them out of a civil war. Support our office, America had just had 4 consecu- predecessors combined. That is not country by caring for our own people tive years of budget surplus, forecast only a budget concern but also a seri- and bringing our money home to pro- to continue as far as the eye can see. ous national security concern. tect our borders in this country. Now, 6 years later, Republicans have It’s time that we get our fiscal house We need to spend money to build our turned a projected $5.5 trillion surplus in order. The Democratic budget will military back up. We need to protect into a $3 trillion deficit. They borrowed restore fiscal sanity here in Wash- our borders, and we need to support our more money from foreign nations in ington by actually balancing the budg- troops and support their families by the past 6 years than we had in the et over the next 5 years. This is some- bringing our troops home now. past 212 years combined. thing that the Republicans were not f Fortunately, Democrats have a new able to accomplish over the last 6. The set of priorities, one that moves Amer- Democratic budget will bring about PREVENTION OF VETERAN ica towards a balanced budget for the change and a new direction in sound SUICIDES first time in 6 years. budgetary policies. (Mrs. CAPITO asked and was given f f permission to address the House for 1 b 1020 minute and to revise and extend her re- IRAQ marks.) (Mr. CALVERT asked and was given MICROMANAGEMENT OF WAR Mrs. CAPITO. Madam Speaker, I rise permission to address the House for 1 WRONG today in support of the Joshua Omvig minute.) (Mrs. MILLER of Michigan asked and Suicide Prevention Act, of which I am Mr. CALVERT. Madam Speaker, I was given permission to address the a cosponsor. The House will consider rise today in opposition to the major- House for 1 minute and to revise and this important legislation today. ity party’s Iraq supplemental appro- extend her remarks.) Roughly one in five military per- priations bill. I returned from Iraq last Mrs. MILLER of Michigan. Madam sonnel returning from active duty suf- week where I met with our troops. The Speaker, I have a very easy question: fers from a debilitating condition one question I was asked repeatedly What does support for spinach farmers called post-traumatic stress syndrome. was, ‘‘Why doesn’t Congress support have to do with fighting the war in Unfortunately, the effects of PTSD us?’’ I told them that I do support Iraq and Afghanistan? The easy answer have hit close to home for one family them. Unfortunately, this bill does not. is: Nothing. in my district. Their son, Sergeant

VerDate Aug 31 2005 03:29 Mar 22, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00003 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K21MR7.005 H21MRPT1 jcorcoran on PROD1PC62 with HOUSE H2750 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE March 21, 2007 Charles Call, of the United States minute and to revise and extend his re- U.S. Attorney General Alberto Army, always dreamed of serving his marks.) Gonzales. country. He even left his unit, which Mr. BOOZMAN. Madam Speaker, I I came to Congress with a pledge to was not being sent to Iraq, and joined rise this morning to honor two excep- bring back accountability to our Fed- another that was being deployed so he tional people honored recently by the eral Government. Attorney General could be with those fighting for our director of the United States Marshal Gonzales has put his political agenda freedom and safety. He loved his coun- Service. They are two of four honored over the needs of our Justice Depart- try and was willing to make that sac- nationwide. ment. It is time for real oversight on rifice. Mike Blevins, the chief deputy mar- these issues, and it begins by calling After returning from Iraq, he devel- shal for the Western District of Arkan- for Mr. Gonzales’ resignation. oped the symptoms of PTSD. Despite sas, has been awarded the Meritorious I am disgusted that this administra- his attempts to seek help from the Service Award, recognizing his exem- tion is more concerned about pro- local veterans hospital, he did not re- plary service to the Marshal Service tecting themselves rather than the ceive the treatment he so desperately the last 31 years. Mike is a great exam- American people. We need unbiased, needed; and, sadly, Sergeant Call took ple for all of us, and I greatly appre- honorable men and women rep- his own life on February 3, 2006. ciate his service to community and resenting our country in this judicial With the passage of this legislation, country. system, not political favors or hand- we can finally provide a safety net for Trent Thompson, an Eagle Scout, outs. our veterans coming home and prevent was also named Citizen of the Year by We need a full investigation into the tragedies like that of Sergeant Call. It the service. Thompson’s Eagle Scout allegations of the plan to remove U.S. is crucial that they have the resources project was making wood memorial Attorneys from their posts anytime needed to pursue healthy lives upon re- markers honoring deputy marshals they defect from the administration’s turning to civilian life. Screening of all from the Western District who fell in political agenda. This week, the Jus- returning combat veterans and 24-hour the line of duty since its inception. tice Department released thousands of access to counseling are just some of Trent is a fine young man, and I appre- pages of e-mails and internal docu- the options we must offer. ciate his leadership at such a young ments related to the U.S. Attorney I support this in the name of Ser- age. scandal. The documents are still under I congratulate both of these people geant Charles Call. review, but it is clear that congres- who by example indeed have done so sional oversight is needed so we can f much for the people of the Third Dis- prosecute offenders. ASSISTANCE TO THOSE INJURED trict of Arkansas, and I congratulate The House Judiciary Committee is IN COMBAT them for their honors. continuing its investigation into this (Mr. HODES asked and was given per- f serious matter, and I will continue to mission to address the House for 1 TROOPS DESERVE OUR SUPPORT fight to ensure that U.S. Attorneys are minute and to revise and extend his re- (Mr. SARBANES asked and was given free from political pressure and have marks.) permission to address the House for 1 the tools they need to prosecute crimi- Mr. HODES. Madam Speaker, we minute and to revise and extend his re- nals. have entered the fifth year of the war marks.) f in Iraq, and thousands of soldiers have Mr. SARBANES. Madam Speaker, NO MORE BLANK CHECKS returned home wounded and in need of when our Nation is at war, it is our serious medical care. The situation at government’s responsibility to provide (Mr. MAHONEY of Florida asked and Walter Reed made it clear that changes the best protection and care for the was given permission to address the must be made to ensure that our men and women who willingly volun- House for 1 minute and to revise and wounded troops receive timely com- teer to serve in our armed services. extend his remarks.) prehensive care that extends through Now as we enter the fifth year of the Mr. MAHONEY of Florida. Madam the length of their condition. Iraq war, it is no secret that the ad- Speaker, when I ran for Congress, I To provide these crucial services, ministration’s strategy has dan- promised to stand up for our veterans more is needed for defense health care gerously eroded our military readiness. and our men and women in uniform. I than the President requested. The sta- Troops are being sent overseas without promised I would do everything in my tus quo is simply not acceptable for the proper training, equipment and power to fight and win the war on ter- our troops who are injured while serv- armor necessary to keep them safe. ror. ing our country. We owe them our real And as the conditions at Walter Poor political leadership and gross support. Reed’s Building 18 starkly testify, we mismanagement has put America in The emergency supplemental pro- must bring much more attention and the middle of an increasingly violent posed by this Democratic Congress support to our troops when they return religious civil war. nearly doubles the amount of funding home. Our troops completed their mission. requested by the President for military Madam Speaker, this Democratic They removed a brutal dictator, and health care. These additional funds will Congress is committed to supporting through $400 billion of our hard-earned enhance medical services for active our men and women in uniform. The money and our brave men and women’s duty forces, mobilized personnel and supplemental legislation coming before blood, sweat and tears, we gave the their families, including: post-trau- this House will provide an additional Iraqi people the hope for a better life matic stress disorder counseling, trau- $1.7 billion for military health care, in- through democracy. matic brain injury care and burn treat- cluding conditions at Walter Reed, $1.7 This week I am going to vote to give ment. billion for veterans health care, $2.5 the President the money he requested. The funds will also help prevent billion for improving the readiness of But for the first time, we have the op- health care fee increases for troops and our troops, and $1.4 billion for military portunity to hold him accountable to address the problems found at Walter housing. As long as they are at war, the American people for the promises Reed. our troops deserve our support. that he made to us. This bill gives the President the Madam Speaker, passage of this bill f supports our troops and will ensure mandate to keep troops in Iraq for as that they receive the quality care they ATTORNEY GENERAL GONZALES long as it takes to destroy the terror- deserve. SHOULD RESIGN ists. It sets requirements for troop f (Mr. CARNEY asked and was given readiness, provides money to rebuild permission to address the House for 1 our military, and gets our troops and HONORING U.S. MARSHAL AWARD minute and to revise and extend his re- our veterans the resources and the help WINNERS marks.) they need. (Mr. BOOZMAN asked and was given Mr. CARNEY. Madam Speaker, I am Mr. President, no more blank checks. permission to address the House for 1 here today to ask for the resignation of Congress and the American people for

VerDate Aug 31 2005 03:29 Mar 22, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00004 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K21MR7.006 H21MRPT1 jcorcoran on PROD1PC62 with HOUSE March 21, 2007 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H2751 the first time in over 4 years are hold- nonpartisan CBO that concludes the White House officials involved in the ing you to your word. President’s budget does not reach bal- U.S. Attorney scandal to testify under f ance in 5 years. oath. Unfortunately, the administra- Madam Speaker, Democrats have a tion does not want to comply and pro- b 1030 different set of priorities, and ours vide the American people with the TIME FOR THE TRUTH begin with actually aiming to balance facts. the budget for the first time in 6 years. As a former elected district attorney, (Mr. EMANUEL asked and was given f I know how critically important it is permission to address the House for 1 for prosecutors to be independent and minute.) WHAT ARE ROVE AND MIERS to perform their job without fear of re- Mr. EMANUEL. Madam Speaker, AFRAID OF? WHY WON’T THEY taliatory firings. from the beginning, the Bush adminis- TESTIFY UNDER OATH? It is time for this administration to tration has offered a litany of reasons (Mr. MCDERMOTT asked and was do the right thing and hold those re- to justify their decision to fire the U.S. given permission to address the House sponsible for the scandal accountable. Attorneys. Unfortunately, the answers for 1 minute and to revise and extend f they provided have never even held up his remarks.) for 48 hours. Mr. MCDERMOTT. Madam Speaker, IRAQ SUPPLEMENTAL First, the Bush administration said yesterday the White House said that (Mr. CARNAHAN asked and was the attorneys were fired because of per- political strategist Karl Rove and given permission to address the House formance-related issues. Yet we find former appointee to the U.S. Supreme for 1 minute and to revise and extend out these attorneys have exemplary Court Harriet Miers would be made his remarks.) records. The Deputy Attorney General available to the Senate for an inter- Mr. CARNAHAN. Madam Speaker, did not even review the file of one of view regarding the growing U.S. Attor- the Iraq supplemental will be coming the fired U.S. Attorneys. neys scandal. However, the White to the floor this week, and it brings to- Then the administration said it was House refused to allow them to testify gether many of the recommendations an internal staffing issue and pointed under oath or in public. that we have heard from the non- the finger at Harriet Miers. And now Is the White House serious? Do they partisan Iraq Study Group, from the other top White House officials not honestly believe this Congress will Pentagon and the President himself, only knew about it from the beginning, allow them to get away with this? but it provides more resources for our but were behind the firings. It would be one thing if the Bush ad- troops in the field and when they come Yesterday the White House said that ministration had been completely hon- home, and finally provides account- they will talk to Congress, but they est with the Congress over the last ability for this administration. will not take the oath and swear to tell month, but every day there are new de- First, the legislation demands that the whole truth. tails that completely contradict what the Iraqi Government meet bench- The White House says they have was said the day before. marks the President himself outlined nothing to hide, but they are only will- Last month, Attorney General earlier this year. ing to speak behind closed doors, not Gonzales said there was no coordina- Second, the legislation calls for re- under oath. Our goal is to finally get to tion between the Justice Department sponsible redeployment out of Iraq at the truth, but not to create a con- and the White House in the firing of the beginning of next year. The Demo- frontation. the eight U.S. Attorneys. But we now cratic Congress did not come up with The scandal at the Justice Depart- know that Karl Rove and Harriet Miers this date out of the blue. This was in ment has gone on long enough. Careers were involved from the very beginning. the recommendations from the Iraq The administration has stalled and have been destroyed, and legitimate Study Group. deceived at every step during this in- public corruption cases have been de- Third, the supplemental includes im- vestigation. With that track record, railed. It is time for accountability. It portant funding for our military that why should this administration believe is time for the truth. was requested by the Pentagon. the Congress would agree to unaccept- This week marks an important mile- f able secret testimony without being stone to begin a new direction in Iraq DEMOCRATS TRYING TO FIX THE under oath? and begin to phase our troops home, FINANCIAL MESS THAT WAS f and to bring about a regional solution for what is going on in the Middle East. CREATED OVER THE LAST 6 U.S. ATTORNEY SCANDAL YEARS f (Mr. ARCURI asked and was given (Mr. HILL asked and was given per- permission to address the House for 1 EQUIPMENT FOR OUR MILITARY mission to address the House for 1 minute.) (Mrs. BOYDA of Kansas asked and minute.) Mr. ARCURI. Madam Speaker, Demo- was given permission to address the Mr. HILL. Madam Speaker, this week crats made a promise last November to House for 1 minute.) the House Budget Committee will bring accountability back to Congress Mrs. BOYDA of Kansas. Madam mark up its fiscal year 2008 budget. and the Federal Government. In just a Speaker, thanks to the long contribu- After 6 years of fiscal recklessness, the few short months, we have conducted tions of our soldiers and our veterans, Democratic budget will actually aim to thorough and meaningful oversight on America has amassed the most power- balance in 2012, something that Repub- a series of issues that would have been ful military in the history of mankind. lican budgets have been unable to swept under the rug by the previous It is so powerful that we almost cannot achieve over the last 6 years. Republican leadership, which sadly was imagine, we can almost imagine its re- It is important that the American often more concerned with protecting sources are infinite, but they are not. people remember how we got to where the administration than doing the They are limited, and due to the we are today. In 2001, President Bush right thing. ever-expanding, ever-deteriorating war inherited a $5.6 trillion surplus, but Earlier this week, the Justice De- in Iraq, they are stretched dangerously over the next 6 years, with help from partment, at the request of congres- thin. Our soldiers and our families, Congress, the President turned that sional Democrats, released thousands they will never complain, and that is surplus into a $2.8 trillion deficit. of pages of e-mails and internal docu- why we must speak for them. We must Congress has been so fiscally irre- ments related to the firing of eight ask, no, we must demand, that they sponsible that President Bush has bor- U.S. Attorneys by the administration. have the equipment, the training and rowed more money from other nations The documents indicate that the ad- the support that they need to succeed, than all 42 of his predecessors com- ministration’s contention that the at- and today they do not. bined. torneys were dismissed for perform- Since the Iraq war began in 2003, the This is not a fiscal record to be proud ance-related reasons simply is not true. Army has lost nearly 2,000 wheeled ve- of. The President’s attempt to finesse This Congress is seeking to attain hicles and more than 100 armored vehi- his budget has been uncovered by a the rest of the story by asking senior cles. Almost half of the U.S. Army’s

VerDate Aug 31 2005 00:08 Mar 22, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00005 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K21MR7.007 H21MRPT1 jcorcoran on PROD1PC62 with HOUSE H2752 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE March 21, 2007 entire supply of ground equipment is What we do in this legislation al- going back and reusing. It doesn’t now deployed in the Middle East. The ready is we extend many of the vouch- make sense to me to go back and re- constant demands of combat and the ers for the disaster voucher program. build all of these units or remodel treacherous terrain are wearing out But what we are trying to do in this them, only to come back eventually equipment at up to nine times the bill is not only just say we want to ex- and have to tear them down so that we usual rate. tend them, but that we want to make can do the new planned communities. America’s military is overburdened, them permanent. We should go back to the basic tenets and now our Nation must seriously dis- Actually, this is not the place to de- of this bill. The basic tenets of this bill cuss how to best deploy our depleted bate whether we need to add additional was to hopefully get off high center forces against the dangers of our day. vouchers to the voucher section 8 pro- those few glitches that, quote, the f gram. One of the concerns I have about leadership in New Orleans and Lou- this is that the scoring on this is an ad- isiana say is keeping them from mov- ANNOUNCEMENT BY THE SPEAKER ditional authorization of $735 million, ing their reconstruction forward. It PRO TEMPORE nearly three-quarters of $1 billion. We hasn’t stopped the people in Mis- The SPEAKER pro tempore. In re- are not opposed to debating whether we sissippi, but for whatever reason, it has sponse to one of the earlier 1-minute need to add additional vouchers or stopped the people in Louisiana and speeches, the Chair must note that change the formula in the future, but moved forward. Members should direct remarks in de- this is not the place to do that. Mr. Chairman, we should not extend bate to the Chair and not to the Presi- What I said yesterday and continue permanently these vouchers. This is dent. to say is we are using these disaster not the form for that. It’s not appro- f programs to push forward things that priate, it’s not fiscally responsible for GULF COAST HURRICANE HOUSING other people have been working on in us to do that. We have extended those RECOVERY ACT OF 2007 other agendas and trying to do this on vouchers to meet the current needs of the backs of the people that have suf- some of the folks. We really don’t even The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- fered a great disaster. know how much people will think ant to House Resolution 254 and rule One of the things I want to go back about returning. But one of the things XVIII, the Chair declares the House in to is the fact that we stated yesterday about making these vouchers perma- the Committee of the Whole House on that it’s not like this Congress has not nent, I believe you will ensure that the state of the Union for the further responded to the people in Louisiana some of these people don’t return be- consideration of the bill, H.R. 1227. and Mississippi; $110 billion has been cause many of them have moved on to b 1039 authorized by this Congress for the dis- other places. aster relief, and $116.7 billion in CDBG Now, we are saying we are going to IN THE COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE money has been provided to give flexi- make your vouchers permanent. We are Accordingly, the House resolved bility for the housing needs of the peo- going to put you in front of people that itself into the Committee of the Whole ple in this area. have been in those communities for a House on the state of the Union for the When we go back to the city of New number of years and have been waiting further consideration of the bill (H.R. Orleans itself prior to the hurricane, in line to be eligible for this very as- 1227) to assist in the provision of af- we had 7,000 public housing units in sistance. fordable housing to low-income fami- New Orleans, and 2,000 of those were al- Mr. Chairman, I reserve the balance lies affected by Hurricane Katrina, ready scheduled to be torn down, and of my time. with Mr. CARDOZA (Acting Chairman) 5,100 were online, and not all of those Mr. FRANK of Massachusetts. Mr. in the chair. occupied. Now approximately 2,000 Chairman, I rise in opposition to the The Clerk read the title of the bill. units already have been repaired, 1,200 amendment. The Acting CHAIRMAN. When the have been returned. The Acting CHAIRMAN. The gen- Committee of the Whole rose on Tues- Ten billion dollars has been allocated tleman from Massachusetts is recog- day, March 20, 2007, amendment No. 5 to the Road Home Program in Lou- nized for 30 minutes. printed in part B of House Report 110– isiana. Let me repeat that, $10.5 billion Mr. FRANK of Massachusetts. Mr. 53 by the gentleman from Texas (Mr. authorized, $300 million spent, a full 3 Chairman, I yield myself such time as AL GREEN), as modified, had been dis- months after the hurricane. I may consume. posed of. The problem making these vouchers The gentleman from Texas once b 1040 permanent is we are giving preference again referred to an earlier amendment AMENDMENT NO. 6 OFFERED BY MR. to folks that are living in communities from yesterday, but trying to under- NEUGEBAUER where other people have been in line. stand this particular amendment has The Acting CHAIRMAN. It is now in One of the things that I think there is nothing to do with whether you con- order to consider amendment No. 6 a misconception on is we have talked struct or destruct or replace public printed in part B of House Report 110– the last few days about what is going housing. What this says is the fol- 53. on in New Orleans and what the future lowing: There were people who were Mr. NEUGEBAUER. Mr. Chairman, I is. In 2019 or thereabouts, New Orleans living in the gulf area who were receiv- offer an amendment. will celebrate its 300th anniversary. ing some form of assistance under HUD The Acting CHAIRMAN. The Clerk For 300 years, that community has programs. Some of them lived in public will designate the amendment. been building to what it was pre- housing, some of them were in vouch- The text of the amendment is as fol- Katrina. ers, some of them were living in sub- lows: There is some misconception in the sidized housing for the elderly and the Amendment No. 6 offered by Mr. next 6 months by extending some of disabled. The places where they were NEUGEBAUER: these programs and moving forward living were washed away in the most Strike section 306 (relating to transfer of that all of a sudden everything is going literal, physical sense. DVP vouchers to voucher program). to be back to normal in New Orleans. We all agree that we have not yet, in The Acting CHAIRMAN. Pursuant to That is not going to be the truth. the gulf area, replaced that housing. House Resolution 254, the gentleman What we need to do is begin to build It’s true there have been slowdowns, from Texas (Mr. NEUGEBAUER) and a the housing back, letting that go for- for instance, in Road Home money in Member opposed each will control 30 ward. I know that yesterday, the dis- New Orleans. But in Mississippi earlier minutes. tinguished chairman said, well, the this year, the Oreck Vacuum Company, The Chair recognizes the gentleman reason we have to go back and get the which to its credit had tried to help the from Texas. units back in order is so that is not people in the gulf by reopening a fac- Mr. NEUGEBAUER. Mr. Chairman, keeping them from building new units. tory that the company had in the gulf, this is a pretty simple and straight- In fact, it is. The fact is, we can’t tear shut the factory down because, they forward amendment. It just simply just down some of those units. That is the explained, the shortage of housing strikes section 306 from this bill. very land that we are talking about made it impossible for them to recruit

VerDate Aug 31 2005 00:08 Mar 22, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00006 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K21MR7.009 H21MRPT1 jcorcoran on PROD1PC62 with HOUSE March 21, 2007 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H2753 people. There was a physical shortage reason, as they no longer need the You then are telling the people who of housing, and we have people who vouchers or are eligible for them, the were the recipients of these vouchers were once living in the area who have vouchers will cease to exist. as of December 31 you are on your own. moved to other places. Some of them b 1050 Find the housing, or compete with a may still be in the area. number of other people for limited We know that employment in the So they are permanent in one sense, stock. gulf area hasn’t yet returned to its but not in another. They are perma- These vouchers go only to people who prior level, and we have this chicken- nent as long as this universe of 12,000 had previously been on HUD assistance and-egg problem of housing and unem- recipients of HUD help before the hur- who were physically displaced by the ployment. We have now about 12,000 ricane still need them. But as the peo- hurricane, and the vouchers are only people, who were affected by this ple in that category no longer need for them. And as they begin to find amendment, who were previously re- them or are ineligible, they will dis- other housing, as they die off, as they ceiving HUD assistance. Because of the appear. So they are not permanent in will, as people get new jobs and aren’t hurricane, the form of assistance they that sense. eligible, the vouchers will disappear. were receiving is no longer possible. Now, again, we have acknowledged I very much hope that this amend- They are the ones who were on these that there have been slowdowns in try- ment is defeated. disaster vouchers. ing to rebuild the housing. So the ques- Mr. Chairman, I reserve the balance Now, before we brought this bill out, tion is, if we cut this off as of Decem- of my time. those people were legally going to lose ber 31, what will happen to those peo- Mr. NEUGEBAUER. Mr. Chairman, those vouchers as of the end of this fis- ple? How many thousands of them will just to clarify a couple of things. What cal year, September 30, an uncontested have no place to live? I think the question is here is not the part of the bill. I appreciate the mi- And then, by the way, they will be- fact that this Congress has reached nority’s acquiescence in that. There is come competitors with others for sec- out. We have reached out. I think we some agreement here between us. An tion 8. This is a separate category of have all acknowledged that these fami- uncontested part of this bill extends vouchers for people who were victims lies and folks in this area have suffered into November. of disasters. Some of them live now in a tremendous disaster. The amendment today says that other parts of the country. Abolish this The problem is, the question today, those people who were on HUD assist- separate category as of December 31, is how long is the disaster relief going ance before, they have to have been eli- and then these people will be com- to be extended to these people. I mean, gible before and still be eligible by var- peting with other people. when is the disaster over? And the ious income and other qualifications And again I want to go back to a problem I have with this bill is it says for HUD assistance, that if as of De- point I made yesterday. I don’t under- we are going to do it permanently. cember 31 of this year they have not stand the resistance to reaching out to Now, the gentleman from Massachu- been able to find alternative housing, these people. They were living in their setts stated that they disappear. Well, we will not administer what my friend homes, and a hurricane wiped their the scoring that the CBO did on this from Texas called ‘‘tough love’’ by homes out. They are not wealthy peo- did an 8 percent attrition rate, saying kicking them out. ple. They are not middle-income peo- that 8 percent of these are going to I do not think these are appropriate ple. They are people who were other- begin to roll off over a 10-year period, candidates for tough love. These are wise eligible for HUD programs. They and that is how they came up with the not people who are in some situation were people who were complying with scoring of $735 million. So that attri- through their own lack of character. the terms of those programs because tion has taken place in there. They are people who were displaced by they hadn’t been expelled from them, What I would submit to you is we a great physical disaster. and their homes were destroyed. temporarily extended these. We may Now, I will acknowledge that the mi- And we had hoped that by now we need to extend a piece or a portion of nority side in our committee offered an would have done a better job collec- them in the future. But what we are amendment in particular or raised an tively of helping them relocate. We saying with this bill is we are going to issue that we thought was correct. As haven’t. There is plenty of blame to go make disaster assistance permanent by originally drafted, this particular lan- around. One place that does not seem making these vouchers permanent. guage would have not only extended to me the blame sticks is with these At this time I would like to yield to the vouchers for those who have been people, these people who had vouchers, the distinguished ranking member of in the disaster situation, but would who had public housing residences. the Housing Subcommittee on Finan- have continued them, adding to the And the question now is, do we say to cial Services, the gentlewoman from Il- stock. these victims of the hurricane, we are linois (Mrs. BIGGERT). Now, we did that because the gen- sorry that it has taken us 18 months to Mrs. BIGGERT. Mr. Chairman, I tleman from Texas correctly said you get things organized? But you know thank the gentleman for yielding, and don’t want to put these people ahead of what? You have only the rest of this I thank him for all his hard work on other people who might be necessarily, year to find a new place to live. this bill as well as on this amendment, who might have a need. So we wanted There are elderly people here. There which I support. these to be additional vouchers, not to are disabled people here. There are oth- My problem with it is that right now bite into the other section 8. But we in- ers. They came from a place where we we are doing a lot of housing law on correctly, in my judgment, drafted this know employment hasn’t come back. these disasters, and what we are doing originally so that even after the cur- Why the insistence on treating them as is setting precedent. And if this trend rent recipients, the current recipients people who are somehow looking for in the weather continues, I think we’ll of the disaster vouchers, the victims of something they don’t deserve? Why the probably see a lot more. So I think we New Orleans, as they no longer needed refusal to say, you know, we haven’t have to be very careful in how we move the vouchers or were no longer eligible done the right thing in terms of over- on this, because if it is made perma- for them the vouchers would continue all. We hope we will, but as long as you nent, then the disaster voucher pro- to be part of the overall number. are in this situation where you were gram will serve as a model for the fu- We offered an amendment, unani- displaced physically by a disaster, and ture disasters, forcing Congress to act mous in the committee, that said, no, as long as back in your home area similarly time and time again. they will be what we call disappearing there isn’t sufficient replacement hous- Assisted families will continue to re- vouchers. That is, there is a fixed num- ing, and you know, in Mississippi and ceive this rental subsidy for several ber of people who now have these it is true, Mississippi has done better months. This is to continue allowing vouchers. on the CDBG than Louisiana. But you time to transition to other types of As those people die, find other hous- just have to pick up the paper to read housing, including home ownership. ing, become economically ineligible, as about the insurance fights. There And I think that what we are doing is we hope many of them will be as they hasn’t been a massive amount of re- really making, prematurely making are able to return to jobs, for whatever building in Mississippi either. these DVPs permanent, so that as long

VerDate Aug 31 2005 00:08 Mar 22, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00007 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K21MR7.014 H21MRPT1 jcorcoran on PROD1PC62 with HOUSE H2754 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE March 21, 2007 as the recipient remains eligible for as- My son was in New Orleans when the and approved by Congress as perma- sistance it eliminates other ap- flood hit, a student at Dillard Univer- nent housing. Sections 811 and 202 are proaches. sity. He had an automobile, and even permanent housing projects. We cannot Authorizing this, according to the with an automobile, he had difficulty do additional damage to the elderly Congressional Budget Office, puts the getting out of New Orleans, ended up and the poor. cost at about $11,900 per voucher per spending the night on a Wal-Mart park- Now, I think one of the things that year. And I really wonder, we all have ing lot. But he had a car, and he was we need to consider here as well is that the goal of really getting the people, able to get out. this amendment would strike 1,200 the victims of this disaster, back where This is a very, very poor city. We are vouchers to families who actually need they want to be, back in a home. And told that the poor shall be with us al- them. And during our committee de- I don’t know that by extending the ways, but then there is a transition bate, I think the gentleman and the time more, we have got until Decem- word: ‘‘unless.’’ And the ‘‘unless’’ is ranking member will remember that ber, will encourage them, give them something that I think this bill ad- there was a discussion about substitute the incentive then to get moving. I dresses. Unless men and women are language, a compromise, if you will, think extending it through December willing to do what is necessary to en- using the word ‘‘sunset.’’ And if we had 31 of 2007 allows Congress and HUD to able people who are in poverty to es- used the word ‘‘sunset,’’ and if it had assess the appropriate long-term solu- cape. been placed in the language of the bill, tions. One of the things that this amend- perhaps that would have satisfied What we have been talking about ment does not take into account, for Members on the other side who have with all of these vouchers, we have got example, is 202 housing. I know the difficulty with the term ‘‘disappearing other ways to do this. And we put in program well. I served as mayor of vouchers.’’ But that is exactly what the bill the survey, and until this sur- Kansas City. We did about 10 section would happen. That would be a sunset vey is completed, it may be difficult to 202 projects during my administration. on the vouchers when they are no identify the need for a permanent dis- Section 202 projects are designed to longer needed. aster voucher program extension, as accommodate the elderly. In some in- Striking 1,200 vouchers from families the disaster voucher program provides stances HUD has allowed for 202 hous- who need them is very, very wrong. It assistance to many of these former ing to be used by people who suffer certainly is unintentional in terms of HANO tenants. So I think we are kind from extremely difficult ailments, wreaking havoc on those families, but of putting the cart before the horse. We physical problems. So the people who that is exactly what would happen if really need to know where the people live in 202 are either elderly, certified this amendment is approved. Its im- are, if they are coming back, and what already as elderly with low income or pact would only hurt families who need their future plans are. And until HUD no income, or they suffer from some the housing assistance. Now, the one thing I would like to has the opportunity to do that, which malady, some physical, maybe even leave in terms of what I hope can hap- they have said they would do soon, but mental, malady. If this amendment is pen from this discussion today is that not soon enough in time for this bill. approved, it would mean that the peo- if we are unwilling or unable to con- So I think that this is premature, mak- ple who are elderly and poor who were tinue assistance for previously, pre- ing these vouchers permanent, so long displaced from their 202 housing and viously federally assisted individuals as the recipient remains eligible for are now living with a relative some- and families in public housing section their assistance. place or in some temporary housing, 8, 202 or 811 projects for the disabled, Mr. FRANK of Massachusetts. Mr. they end up being punished again be- Chairman, I yield such time as he may we are going to do immense damage cause this means that there would be consume to the gentleman from Mis- and hurt families who don’t deserve to no opportunity for them to even return souri (Mr. CLEAVER), a member of the be hurt further. to the conditions under which they committee. If you can imagine living in a 202 Mr. CLEAVER. Mr. Chairman, I want lived. housing project and realizing that you These are not people who are some- to first express appreciation to the are never going to live in your dream how refusing to work or people who ranking member and the maker of this home. There is no such thing as sitting somehow don’t want to find permanent motion for spending time down in New down one day with an architect and de- housing. This was, in fact, permanent Orleans with the committee at Dillard signing your dream home. It won’t hap- housing. Section 202 housing is perma- University and then going over into pen. If you live in a 202 or an 811 HUD Mississippi. I think it was very impor- nent housing. And if you look at the project, you are already in nirvana. tant for the people of Mississippi to see HUD statistics, you will find that peo- That is as far as you are going to go. Members of Congress from both sides of ple who leave 202 housing generally And we cannot tell those residents that the aisle coming into that devastated leave it for the funeral home. They die they cannot return to those living con- region, expressing concern and inter- in 202 housing. These are the elderly, ditions. ested in putting forth legislation to and this Congress should exercise all The point I am trying to make, and help them out of something that has the care we can conjure to take care of perhaps poorly, is that we are hurting devastated their lives, yet they are not the poor and the elderly, particularly people who would have no other way of responsible for. those living in section 202 housing. living. And if you are opposed to per- I have got to oppose the gentleman Now, my hope is that the gentleman manent housing, you are opposed to from Texas’ amendment. Let me just from Texas would consider in his the 202 program not only in New Orle- say that there are good and decent peo- amendment, even though I would still ans, but all around this country. In ple who are poor. That is about the oppose it for other reasons, at least every major city in the country there only thing good I can say about pov- eliminating 202 elderly housing. is at least one, and perhaps several, 202 Additionally, HUD has a program, 811 erty. project, and in every community there housing, for the disabled. The same is at least one 811 project. And if it is b 1100 thing would apply for the disabled. wrong in New Orleans, it is wrong any- I know it personally. We are on a These are people who lost housing be- where and everywhere. first-name basis. I grew up with pov- cause of Katrina and Rita, and then My hope, to the gentleman who has erty. I know it well. And so I had a they end up being told, if this amend- proposed the amendment, is that you clear picture of what happened after ment were to pass, that they still will withdraw the amendment and express Katrina and Rita. not be helped even to return to the appreciation for the debate, acknowl- Only one in six New Orleanians owns conditions under which they lived prior edge that you were trying desperately an automobile. One in six. That means to the flood, even if those conditions to make sure that we don’t overspend that this city is a city of poverty. And were not at the highest living stand- any taxpayer money that we don’t when you think about the individuals ard. The disabled are all just saying, have to expend. And I will lead a dele- at the Dome begging for help, probably we want to return to where we lived. gation from this side to congratulate 95 to 98 percent of them had no auto- And, yes, it is permanent housing. It is the maker of this amendment for a val- mobiles. not temporary. It was designed by HUD iant effort to do the right thing that is

VerDate Aug 31 2005 03:29 Mar 22, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00008 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K21MR7.016 H21MRPT1 jcorcoran on PROD1PC62 with HOUSE March 21, 2007 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H2755 not quite as right as, in his heart, he decision to reside in those commu- people who were already assisted by would like for it to be. nities that they have gone to. Many of HUD, those people, for example, who b 1110 them have gone back to cities closer to were living in section 8 housing, they maybe their children or their families. were renting from landlords and the Mr. NEUGEBAUER. Mr. Chairman, I We need to give them the opportunity. building was destroyed, to somehow yield myself such time as I may con- But what we don’t need to do is create not be permanently assisted and get sume. a whole new voucher program with this back on their section 8. Mr. Chairman, I want to thank the disaster. I don’t think that he means that gentleman from Missouri for his elo- As the ranking member on the Sub- those people who were in public hous- quent comments about the poor and committee on Housing said, we are set- ing units who were assisted by HUD, if the elderly. First of all, I want to make ting precedent every time we get up their unit does not get repaired, I don’t a couple of points. One, I understand with one of these disasters and we try think he means that they should not when he speaks about that, he shared to outdo the last disaster. I think the have a section 8. I don’t think he his family’s story with me, it is a great American people have said, why don’t means that for the disabled. I don’t story. It is an American success story, you all come up with a plan and stick think he means that for the homeless. and I know that he knows a lot about with it? We came up with a plan. We So I am going to chalk this up to a public housing. executed that plan. We sent the re- misunderstanding and One of the things I want to say about sources down to those areas. From a miscommunication, and, as we con- my amendment, my amendment does Federal perspective, I don’t know how tinue this debate, I hope that we are not show a lack of support for 202 hous- much more money we can throw at able to help my colleague on the oppo- ing or any other housing. I believe in that initiative to get it off high center. site side of the aisle understand what and have supported housing proposals One of the things we need to be clear he is proposing. that this Congress has put forward. We on about this amendment, it doesn’t Mr. Chairman, I reserve the balance have a number of wonderful, affordable take anything away from elderly peo- of my time. housing programs that are adminis- ple, it doesn’t take anything away Mr. NEUGEBAUER. Mr. Chairman, I tered through HUD, and we need to from poor people, it doesn’t make a yield such time as he may consume to continue those. In fact, we are trying statement that we shouldn’t have a the gentleman from Alabama (Mr. to get those programs off high center permanent housing solution. A perma- BACHUS), the distinguished ranking down in New Orleans in the hurricane nent housing solution is a better solu- member of the full committee. area, because that is, long term, a bet- tion. But when you extend and make Mr. BACHUS. Mr. Chairman, I thank ter housing solution for many of the permanent some of these other side the gentleman for yielding. victims of the hurricane. programs, you keep taking away re- Mr. Chairman, let me start by saying The other thing that I think needs to sources that could go to the permanent that the minority is not opposed to a be clarified, and I know the gentleman housing. debate on section 8 vouchers for evac- didn’t intend to misrepresent this, this As I made the statement yesterday uees. We understand, and we have said bill does not take away any benefits when we talked about going back and on this floor that they have left New from any poor or elderly people. This building maybe some housing for elder- Orleans, they are in other cities, and bill extends that. My amendment does ly and other folks down there, we don’t there is a temporary need. We don’t not take that away. What my amend- need to go back and do it where they know how long that temporary need is. ment says is it is probably not good were before, because I have seen those There is a temporary need for housing. policy just to permanently extend this units, and I know why a lot of people Some of them will drop off in eligi- disaster program. haven’t gone back, because the thought bility, and we are hearing that may be What we do in the bill is already ex- of having to go back to those units, 8 percent. But this is a 10-year perma- tend this program to many of our sen- and I don’t care how much money you nent program. ior citizens. In fact, prior to the hurri- spend on them, it wasn’t a good situa- One of my concerns is they won’t cane, there were 8,500 people on section tion before, it won’t be a good situa- want to return to New Orleans with 8 vouchers. Today there are about tion today. this section 302 housing that we are 12,000 people using these emergency You need to support this amendment creating, a more or less permanent pro- vouchers. because it is fiscally responsible. It gram where they can stay in Houston So what we are really trying to do meets the needs of the people. But it or they can move from Houston to Dal- with this bill, if we go back again, does say before we begin to create a las. sometimes we get off track, what is the whole new level of voucher programs, Now, yesterday we talked about what purpose of this bill? The purpose of this we need to have that debate in another I consider is a rush to go back and take bill is to get permanent housing back forum, not on the backs of the re- some of these dilapidated units, units in New Orleans and Mississippi for all sources needed for the people to rebuild that weren’t habitable even before the income groups; poor, elderly, the fami- after Katrina. hurricane, and fix them up. We say we lies that were residing there. We have Mr. Chairman, I reserve the balance need to do that because we needed to allocated a substantial amount of re- of my time. get everybody back to New Orleans as sources to do this. But what we are Ms. WATERS. Mr. Chairman, I ask soon as we could. saying with this amendment is we unanimous consent to transfer control What we said yesterday, we talked should not make disaster assistance of the time from the gentleman from about East Lake in Atlanta, where permanent. We were extending it in Massachusetts (Mr. FRANK) to myself. they took a large public housing this bill, and that makes sense, be- The Acting CHAIRMAN. Is there ob- project which was, as I said, 56th out of cause, unfortunately, the folks in New jection to the request of the gentle- 56. It was the most dangerous precinct Orleans are way behind schedule. They woman from California? in the city of Atlanta. Seventy percent need to get off high center and get There was no objection. of the youth in some of these public back on schedule. Ms. WATERS. Mr. Chairman, I yield housing projects ended up in the State This amendment does not, and people to myself 2 minutes. penitentiary. There was an article in listening to this debate today need to Mr. Chairman, I have worked with the New York Times about that in New be clear, this amendment does not take Mr. NEUGEBAUER, and he has been ex- York. We wanted to replace that with away vouchers from anybody. What it ceptionally cooperative, understanding mixed-income units. That is going to doesn’t do is just write a continuing the plight of the poor and those people take time. For that to happen, we will blank check. who have been displaced who were vic- have to have some people stay in other In many of the cities and places tims of Katrina and Rita, and I am con- cities. where people that were displaced from vinced, having listened to this discus- But we don’t think that we can deter- this disaster are living, there are hous- sion and this debate, that there is sim- mine right now what we need 10 years ing units available to them. It may be ply a misunderstanding, because I from now and commit to spending $735 that they decide to make a permanent don’t think that he intends for those million. At the same time, if we are

VerDate Aug 31 2005 00:08 Mar 22, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00009 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K21MR7.017 H21MRPT1 jcorcoran on PROD1PC62 with HOUSE H2756 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE March 21, 2007 going to do that, why do we go back for them in New Orleans. The problem units have been vacant so long, they and replace all these units? These peo- that we have here, Mr. Chairman, is had to go back and make them ready ple are either going to come back, or the fact that the job hasn’t been done. again. In that climate, when a unit sits they are not. They are not going to do There have been mistakes, missteps, vacant for a short period of time or an both. But it seems as if we are creating miscommunication. Eighteen months extended period of time, the unit gets public housing for everyone in New Or- seems like a long time, but very little stale and they have to go back and do leans that has a potential of coming has been done to reconstruct or ren- some mold mitigation and some other back, and, at the same time, we are ovate or rebuild the homes for so many things because there is not someone oc- creating a program over here where ev- people that were displaced. That is the cupying it. erybody can stay away from New Orle- bottom line here. The point here is we have extended ans. The bottom line is, coming from Col- the benefits. The benefits are in this The end result is, I think, a lack of orado, coming from my background, bill for all of the people that have been planning. I think we ought to, instead my faith, we want to help people who talked about here this morning. But of replacing the failed public housing are poor, we want to help them if they what we are saying is two things: One, in New Orleans that we all agree was a have been displaced by a huge natural we are trying to permanently increase disaster, we ought to replace it with disaster. They haven’t been able to re- the amount of section 8 vouchers avail- something where people have a safer turn because, through no fault of their able in a bill that is about disaster. home, a better community, more qual- own, things haven’t been rebuilt or re- Secondly, we are talking about extend- ity of life. While we do that, we deter- constructed. I can’t see why we would ing things where people do not have to mine how long that is going to take want to strike section 306 because we come to some kind of a decision about and fashion this program around what haven’t gotten the job done. Not what they want to do. we think is a better day for people in through any fault of the people who We want them to go back to New Or- New Orleans, a better public housing have been dispersed throughout the leans. I think the people of New Orle- system there. country, but because of some problem ans want the people to come back, they Instead, I think we are creating two either between the administration and want to have the community and the stand-alone programs, both designed the State of Louisiana or whatever. sense of community that they had for the same group of evacuees. It sim- That is what has got to be straightened prior to the storm. But I will tell you ply is going to create a disincentive to out here. We can’t cut out this section that I think we are being the enemy come back. At the same time, we are and look ourselves in the mirror think- here by not bringing some deadlines creating housing in New Orleans that ing that we have done the job. and definition to this disaster program. At some point in time the disaster is really not suitable for anyone, re- The people that were displaced are piece is over and the recovery piece has placing units that need to be torn down entitled to return to New Orleans, they are entitled to return to these homes, to begin. and replaced with better units. We have made an allowance for the As I have said, this is the greatest and that is what this bill is about. That transition to do that, but when you is why we brought this bill. You know, natural catastrophe this Nation has make something permanent, even when in a perfect world, everything should faced. That, if anything, ought to lead you say, well, it disappears, what we have been done by now, but it has not us to do this right, and not just throw know about Federal programs is they been finished, not anywhere near it. So money at it, but to spend it wisely. don’t have a history of disappearing. we have got to step forward again. b 1120 Once we put them on the books, they We aren’t trying to outdo ourselves. generally stay with us. This amendment by Mr. NEUGEBAUER We are trying to finish what all of you is a way to do that. Section 302 is a du- We have the ability down the road, started 18 months ago; but for what- this Congress will, if in fact there plication of effort, and I think it is ill ever reason, we can blame the adminis- conceived. needs to be another extension, and in tration, we can blame the State, we fact the administration has some flexi- I will close with this: Yesterday, if I can blame a lot of things, but it hasn’t heard it once, I heard it a hundred bility. But when you put the word been finished. Our job is to finish the ‘‘permanent’’ on anything, it is perma- times. And we agree, we want people to job and allow people to return to their come back to New Orleans as long as nent. homes in New Orleans as quickly as Mr. Chairman, I reserve the balance there is suitable housing there and to possible and not to cut this section 306. of my time. do so as soon as possible. This section So I am going to urge the House to Ms. WATERS. I yield 3 minutes to 302, which the gentleman from Texas defeat this amendment. I understand the gentleman from Massachusetts would strike, is a disincentive to New Mr. NEUGEBAUER’s desire to be fiscally (Mr. CAPUANO). Orleans recovering as soon as possible. responsible, I couldn’t agree with him Mr. CAPUANO. Mr. Chairman, I don’t Ms. WATERS. Mr. Chairman, I yield more. But the fact of the matter is the get it. I am just reading section 306 as 3 minutes to the gentleman from Colo- money is out there, things haven’t being stricken now, and it says, this is rado (Mr. PERLMUTTER). been finished, and these vouchers are a direct quote, blah, blah, blah, ‘‘for Mr. PERLMUTTER. Mr. Chairman, I important to keep for the people. the period that such household is eligi- think our friends on the other side of Mr. NEUGEBAUER. Mr. Chairman, I ble for such voucher assistance.’’ Once the aisle have framed this in a way yield myself such time as I may con- the household is no longer eligible, the that I think is legitimate, which is, sume. voucher disappears. What is permanent how long will this relief be extended. I appreciate the gentleman from about that? Subsection 3 says, ‘‘Such We talked about this in committee. Colorado’s remarks. I think what you vouchers shall not be taken into con- And my feeling is the relief has got to hear from both of us is frustration that sideration for purposes of determining be extended until we actually get on things haven’t moved along faster. any future allocation of amounts to the job. What I would point out to the gen- such tenant-based rental assistance for Mr. NEUGEBAUER mentioned the fact tleman and to the folks on the other any public housing agency.’’ What is that there has been a substantial side of the aisle is the point that we permanent about that? amount of money appropriated and ob- have been making that we believe that Now I don’t know, if you just don’t ligated to repairing and reconstructing this keeps people in limbo, causes them like the section 8 program, I respect these homes in New Orleans, but a very not to begin to make some kind of a that. That is a respectful and honest small portion of it has yet to be ex- permanent housing decision. I use the difference of opinion on how to help tended. example that in New Orleans today people have a home, have a roof above We had a debate over a couple of sec- there are about 2,000 units of public their head. But let’s just try to get rid tions; one, that vouchers, it has been 18 housing that are available today, but of the entire section 8 program. Let’s months or 19 months now, shouldn’t be they have about 400 or 500 vacancies not just pick on the people that got available for people outside of New Or- that people are not applying for. hurt the most in this entire country leans; and now we are saying those Secondly, they have had to go back and have been shafted from the day of same vouchers shouldn’t be available on a number of occasions because those the hurricane until now.

VerDate Aug 31 2005 00:08 Mar 22, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00010 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K21MR7.019 H21MRPT1 jcorcoran on PROD1PC62 with HOUSE March 21, 2007 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H2757 I haven’t looked at the numbers, but expression on my part or have I made were doing a little bit better then are your own numbers a few minutes ago the point that I am against section 8 worse off than they were. And so the where there were 8,000 before the hurri- vouchers. What I am for, and as the need has expanded for more assistance cane and now there are 12,000, maybe I gentleman mentioned, if we have an there rather than less. missed something. That is not as big opportunity and a place and a forum to With respect to the issue of perma- an increase as I would have suspected debate the section 8 program, many of nency, which seems to be the gravamen would happen if there was such a big us believe that there can be some of the gentleman’s objection here, we sham going on. things done to the section 8 program to are talking about people who were eli- And by the way, if it is all about a actually make it a more effective pro- gible for section 8 or 202 or whatever sham, you have got to give these peo- gram. the programs might have been before ple in New Orleans credit. They had a The other piece of the deal is that we the storm, who were displaced to other house, they were poor, they qualified are not taking away any section 8 places, and who will remain eligible for a Federal program that has been vouchers with my amendment. In fact, there in these new places. We passed around for years, and they somehow as I mentioned a while ago, there were laws early on after the storm to make mysteriously worked it so that their 8,500 section 8 vouchers in New Orleans sure that people were eligible who oth- houses would be destroyed so they prior to the storm. Anybody that is liv- erwise might have lost their eligibility could stay on this program. Their ing in Houston or Oklahoma, anywhere because of the fact they were just phys- houses and their jobs, by the way; that else right now, that wants to come ically in another place. We took care of is why you have 12,000 people eligible back to New Orleans, there is a section that. because they have no jobs. The econ- 8 voucher, if they qualify, available for Now, none of us here would have an- omy hasn’t come back. When they get them today. ticipated it would have taken so long their jobs back and the economy comes I don’t understand this. I think the to get people back in their places, to back, they will no longer be eligible other side is trying to somehow argue get folks back to New Orleans, to get and they will be off the rolls and we against my amendment because they this whole thing fixed. But it has. For will be back to 8,000. This is not a per- know what making something perma- whatever reason, it has. We can cast manent program. nent means. It means permanent. They blame here or there, but whatever the Again, if you just don’t like the sec- want to try to say that we are some- reason is, people have not been able to tion 8 program, I respect that. We will how depriving people of the ability to come back home. have a legitimate difference of opinion have vouchers. If people qualify for I can tell you this much. There aren’t on that; that’s above the board. I un- vouchers in Houston, they can qualify many people I have met, and I have derstand that that is a philosophical for them in Houston. If they want to been all over the place, in Memphis and view that I don’t share, but I respect it. come back to New Orleans, they can in San Antonio and in Houston and in But you can’t just go and take the peo- come back to New Orleans. There are Atlanta, just above in Baton Rouge and ple in this country that got hurt the vouchers available for them there. We up the river. There aren’t many people worst, for no cause of their own, and made sure, and I thought it was the out there who do not want to make somehow think they are trying to scam right policy, and the gentlewoman their way back home. They are trying the system because they happen to live from California made this point, I be- desperately to get home. Many of them in the path of the worst hurricane this lieve, in the hearing, that we need to are close in, doubled up and tripled up country has seen in my lifetime. make sure that we keep New Orleans’ in houses, trying to find a way back You can’t pretend that this is a per- hold on the programs that they had home. They do not want to be outside manent program when the language available. I believe this bill takes steps of New Orleans. They do not want to be itself says it is temporary. As long as to do this. away. We don’t need to worry about these people are eligible, they would Really what we are talking about, we creating a disincentive for people who have a section 8 certificate. If they get need to get back to what this amend- return. They want to return home their jobs back and the economy comes ment does. It just says, you know right now, already. Believe me, at the back and they make enough money to what, it doesn’t make sense in this bill bottom of it all, people want to come no longer be eligible, they will be off to make this disaster relief permanent back home. the rolls, we will be back to the 8,000. when it goes to section 8 vouchers. It Our objective here is to say as long And then maybe we will have the dis- doesn’t take vouchers away from any- as they are displaced through no fault cussion we should be having, which I body. It doesn’t say anything about 202 of their own, as long as programs would disagree with then, but it is an housing. It doesn’t say anything about aren’t working to get them back home honest one; we just get rid of the sec- rebuilding the affordable housing right now, we have got to make sure tion 8 program altogether and that is projects in New Orleans. It just says it that they have a chance to live de- the end of it. is not appropriate policy to start using cently and in some order outside of the In the meantime, quit trying to pick disaster bills to make other programs city. That is really all that is going on on the people that got hurt the most in permanent. here. You need to understand that the this country, no cause of their own, no Mr. Chairman, I reserve the balance need remains, and it is even greater fault of their own. I can’t imagine any- of my time. than it was before the storm for the body down there, any little old lady is Ms. WATERS. Mr. Chairman, I yield programs we are talking about here. sitting there trying to figure out how 3 minutes to the gentleman from New As to this notion of setting a dead- to scam the system so they can rebuild Orleans (Mr. JEFFERSON). line, we have tried this before in al- the house that shouldn’t be rebuilt, so Mr. JEFFERSON. I thank the gentle- most every program. All we do is just they don’t have a job. If that is hap- woman for yielding to me. kind of make people’s lives unsettled. pening, find me the three people that I am having a great deal of trouble We say to people who are in assisted are doing that, and I will agree with connecting the debate here to the re- housing in someplace in Houston that you and we will get them off the rolls. ality that people are facing back home. by deadline X, you must be out of your Starting out, you have to know, and place. This is, simply put, to put pres- b 1130 just look back to what the conditions sure on people to hope they’ll find a Other than that, let’s get on with fix- were in New Orleans before the storm. way to find a house somewhere. They ing New Orleans so we can get back on Before the storm there wasn’t enough can’t, and so the deadline gets moved track for this country and for this affordable housing there even then. anyhow. If we set a deadline here, it world. There were 18,000 people on a waiting can only be arbitrary. We don’t know Mr. NEUGEBAUER. Mr. Chairman, I list, 10,000 or so for public housing, that by December such and such there yield myself such time as I may con- 8,000 or so for section 8 vouchers. There won’t be a need for these programs. We sume. were people on waiting lists for 202 don’t know that. What this legislation I appreciate the gentleman from housing. All sorts of needs were there. does is take the more reasonable view Massachusetts’ point. One, I don’t see The folks who were down and out then that so long as they need the program, anywhere in here where there is any are worse off now. And the folks who then they remain eligible. When they

VerDate Aug 31 2005 00:36 Mar 22, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00011 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K21MR7.021 H21MRPT1 jcorcoran on PROD1PC62 with HOUSE H2758 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE March 21, 2007 don’t need it, then the eligibility dis- having such a difficult time, who have money and our resources on bringing appears, and the people are no longer not really gotten all of the assistance people back and giving them the abil- on the program. that I think we could have given them ity to come back. That is the only sensible way to deal from the very beginning. I urge Members to support a fiscally with this, because no one of us knows, I think when the gentleman spoke, responsible bill that is compassionate no one of us here can say today when he said the people did not seem to be in that it doesn’t take away anything, this disaster will be at its end, when re- taking the first step to help them- but it just says this is not the appro- covery will be done. We need to see this selves. That is an insult. I reject it. I priate forum to be adding vouchers to through and be logical about it. speak on their behalf. We were there, the section 8 program. It is not appro- Mr. NEUGEBAUER. Mr. Chairman, and we know how hard they have been priate to use a disaster bill to have the can I inquire as to the time both sides working, and they deserve to be seen in dialogue about whether we should in- have left here? a better light than the gentleman just crease the amount of section 8 vouch- The Acting CHAIRMAN. The gen- described them. ers. tleman from Texas has 6 minutes re- Mr. NEUGEBAUER. Mr. Chairman, I I know that the distinguished chair- maining. The gentlelady from Cali- yield myself such time as I may con- man of the Committee on Financial fornia has 11⁄2 minutes remaining. sume. Services is going to have a hearing on Mr. NEUGEBAUER. Mr. Chairman, I Well, I just want to reiterate what that, and I welcome that discussion as yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from this bill does and what it does not. We we talk about it, and it shouldn’t be Georgia (Mr. WESTMORELAND). have heard a lot of things about what just about section 8. When we sit down Mr. WESTMORELAND. I want to people think it does, but I think we and talk about housing for our poor thank the gentleman from Texas for need to go back and review what the and our elderly, we ought to talk about having this amendment. I have called bill does. Reviewing what the bill does, a comprehensive look at it. Is section 8 this Congress the smoke-and-mirrors it strictly strikes section 306. What the the best way to do that, or are more Congress because of the way the major- bill doesn’t do is it doesn’t take away permanent housing projects better? ity party has presented their case to benefits to elderly and benefits to the But that is not the debate here on the public, and it has been a process of poor. In fact, we have a number of peo- this bill, nor should we be trying to smoke and mirrors. This seems to be a ple who are on these emergency vouch- have that debate and to make that pol- fuzzy math program. ers who actually don’t qualify for sec- icy within this bill. I urge Members to vote for my If you have 7,000 section 8 homes in tion 8. It doesn’t say to people that we don’t amendment. New Orleans, and it’s funny, we haven’t Mr. Chairman, I yield back the bal- care. But what it does say is that this heard from the people in Mississippi or ance of my time. Florida or some of the other places. is not the appropriate form. As the Ms. WATERS. Mr. Chairman, I yield This is specifically for the New Orleans gentleman from Louisiana stated, to the chairman of the Committee on housing. Seven thousand section 8 there is a waiting list. For all kinds of Financial Services, the gentleman homes. Only 5,000 of them were occu- housing in many cities all across the from Massachusetts (Mr. FRANK), the pied before the hurricane, and now we country today, there are waiting lists balance of my time. are wanting to put all 7,000 back. Yet for section 8 vouchers and there are Mr. FRANK of Massachusetts. Mr. in New Orleans today, there are 500 waiting lists for housing for the elder- Chairman, the gentleman from Texas that is uninhabited that they can’t get ly. All across this country there are has given us a good example of the people to come back to. So somewhere those opportunities. meaning of true conservatism. there is a need to help people that Our job here is not to fix preexisting He had a speech written on this don’t seem to be taking that first step conditions. Our job here is to help with amendment when the bill was first in- to helping themselves. disaster relief, bringing that commu- troduced. We have amended the section We have people from New Orleans in nity back to some semblance of what it he is talking about, but he still likes Atlanta and in a lot of places in Geor- was prior to the hurricane and not to that speech so much he won’t get rid of gia. If they want to go back to New Or- try to fix problems that were existing it. He keeps talking about permanent leans, I am sure that we want them to in that community before. section 8s. They were permanent when be back in their hometown, and that There are opportunities within this the bill was introduced, I agree. When probably the Federal Government relief to fix some of the issues that the bill was introduced, they were not would give them some assistance to get were going on. We had housing projects just disaster vouchers for the people back to New Orleans and to know that that were massive, that had a huge ac- who were displaced from their homes there are 500 vacant section 8 houses cumulation of poor people and a lot by a flood in New Orleans, but even for them to go to. crime and a lot of things going on in after those people no longer used the I think the other interesting thing is those that we don’t find acceptable in vouchers, they would remain on the that if you were in a section 8 house our country. books. He objected to that and we prior to Hurricane Katrina, and Hurri- With this disaster recovery money we agreed to that part of his objection. cane Katrina destroyed your home that have appropriated, we have an oppor- We adopted an amendment that says you were living in under the section 8 tunity to go back and make those com- they disappear when the people dis- program, then you would now be enti- munities better. But we should not be appear. So let me put it this way: tled to section 8 for the rest of your trying to fix preexisting conditions These vouchers are permanent only if life. Maybe for the gentleman from with this legislation. And by making 12,000 refugees from the New Orleans Texas that we would need to say that these vouchers permanent, we are try- hurricane are permanent human anybody, and I feel sorry for these peo- ing to say we had a problem before and beings. If they live forever, so does the ple, but anybody that has an unfortu- we want to fix that. voucher program. But I do not think nate situation happen to them in their What we want to do, and I think that every recipient of elderly housing life, that they could come to the gov- what I heard from the testimony from is going to be permanently with us. I ernment and just give us a list of the mayor and from the Governor and will lament their passing, they are un- things that they would need for the from the community leaders down doubtedly decent people, but they are rest of their life. there, we are trying to rebuild our not permanent. And so the gentleman’s I want to thank the gentleman from community. politics and theology are both incor- Texas for offering this amendment, and But when you make these disaster rect in this case. They are by no means I hope that this House will see fit to vouchers permanent, people can stay in permanent. support it. Houston and they can stay other He said anybody who had a voucher places, and they don’t have to come in New Orleans can go back and get it, b 1140 back to this community. As we stated, but they were people who lived in pub- Ms. WATERS. Mr. Chairman, I want there are housing units available here. lic housing. They can’t have a voucher. to speak on behalf of the people of New There are vouchers available here. To Public housing was physically de- Orleans and of the gulf coast who are the point we can, we need to focus our stroyed. There were people who lived in

VerDate Aug 31 2005 00:36 Mar 22, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00012 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K21MR7.023 H21MRPT1 jcorcoran on PROD1PC62 with HOUSE March 21, 2007 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H2759 202 housing for the elderly, and housing fraud and abuse of Federal spending on lions of dollars of improper and poten- for the disabled; that housing has been Hurricane Katrina recovery efforts in tially fraudulent payments went to destroyed. Louisiana. nonqualified aliens, including foreign What we are doing here is providing a Mr. Chairman, as a condition of Fed- students and temporary workers. replacement not just for the vouchers eral assistance, Federal grants often- Why is it, Mr. Chairman, that we in New Orleans but for physical hous- times require State and local govern- would want to lower the threshold of ing that was destroyed in New Orleans. ments to match Federal grants or to due diligence that should be applied to Finally, the gentleman said they can provide a portion of matching funds spending Federal assistance when go to Houston if they are eligible in with State or local spending contribu- waste, fraud and abuse has already Houston; but previously he said we tions, oftentimes in the range of 10 per- been so well documented? don’t want them competing. So either cent. This is in order to encourage the It is obvious to everyone that better they compete with the people of Hous- efficient administration of the assisted oversight of Federal spending is need- ton, who have already been very de- activities giving local recipients an in- ed. This amendment would assist in cent, or they get nothing. I hope the centive for good management. providing that oversight and making amendment is defeated. Why do we do this? Mr. Chairman, I certain that local and State individuals The Acting CHAIRMAN. The ques- would suggest it is analogous to a would have a greater responsibility, a tion is on the amendment offered by copay when you go to your doctor. As greater incentive to make certain that the gentleman from Texas (Mr. a former physician, I am familiar with the programs and the grants that they NEUGEBAUER). those, and most Americans are familiar receive, those moneys are spent in a re- The question was taken; and the Act- with those. When you go to your doc- sponsible way. ing Chairman announced that the noes tor, you have a bit of a copay. And It is an effort to be better stewards of appeared to have it. what that does is provide for you an the American taxpayers’ money, and I Mr. NEUGEBAUER. Mr. Chairman, I opportunity to encourage appropriate would urge my colleagues to adopt this amendment. demand a recorded vote. and proper attention and oversight. It The Acting CHAIRMAN. Pursuant to Mr. Chairman, I reserve the balance actually increases the responsibility of clause 6 of rule XVIII, further pro- of my time. individuals and it increases the finan- ceedings on the amendment offered by The Acting CHAIRMAN. For what cial soundness of the entire system. the gentleman from Texas will be post- purpose does the gentlewoman from This amendment would provide that poned. California (Ms. WATERS) rise? Does the same type of responsibility. AMENDMENT NO. 7 OFFERED BY MR. PRICE OF gentlewoman wish to claim the time of GEORGIA b 1150 the opposition? Ms. WATERS. I do. The Acting CHAIRMAN. It is now in Striking section 103 would prevent The Acting CHAIRMAN. The gentle- order to consider amendment No. 7 the use of Federal CDBG funds, these printed in part B of House Report 110– woman from California is recognized. are Federal funds, these are hard- Ms. WATERS. Mr. Chairman, I yield 53. earned taxpayer dollars, for the local Mr. PRICE of Georgia. Mr. Chairman, myself 3 minutes. match requirements and maintain I am so overwhelmed with the gentle- I offer an amendment. much-needed local incentives to maxi- The Acting CHAIRMAN. The Clerk man’s statement that would deny to mize Federal assistance. the people of New Orleans basic assist- will designate the amendment. I think it is also important for Amer- The text of the amendment is as fol- ance that would allow them to use icans to appreciate that Congress has lows: their Community Development Block already promised over $100 billion, that Grant money as match, no new money, Amendment No. 7 offered by Mr. PRICE of is with a ‘‘B,’’ since Katrina and Rita Georgia: but simply the money that has already Strike section 103 (relating to elimination have occurred. To put that in some been allocated to them to be used as a of prohibition of use for match requirement). context, the Louisiana State budget match to FEMA money in order to help The Acting CHAIRMAN. Pursuant to prior to Katrina was $16 billion. the area move forward with reconstruc- House Resolution 254, the gentleman Although we have held over 11 hear- tion, redevelopment and getting peo- from Georgia (Mr. PRICE) and a Mem- ings and four briefings and questioned ple’s lives together. ber opposed each will control 10 min- over 137 witnesses, what is needed is in- I do not think that most people in utes. creased oversight of that Federal as- America would believe that there was The Chair recognizes the gentleman sistance. The underlying bill weakens something wrong with giving this basic from Georgia. that ability to provide that oversight. kind of assistance. Here we have cities Mr. PRICE of Georgia. Mr. Chairman, Why, I would ask, would we want to where the city halls have been de- I yield myself such time as I may con- weaken that ability? stroyed, water systems have been de- sume. In fact, a report by Representatives stroyed, schools, hospitals, roads, Mr. Chairman, as I begin, I do want WAXMAN and CARDOZA and OBEY and sewer systems, police departments, and to set the record straight a little bit. I TANNER and HOLMES-NORTON and we would then deny them the oppor- think it is important for us to appre- TIERNEY by the Democratic staff on the tunity to use money that has already ciate and for America to appreciate Committee on Government Reform in been granted as matching money so that the comments by Members on the August of 2006 itself identified 19 con- they could make use of the FEMA other side, who have stated over and tracts that were offered or that were money that they are eligible for? I can- over that there seems to be a resist- given during Katrina collectively not believe that the gentleman would ance by Members on our side of the worth over $8.75 billion that they want to do that. aisle to helping individuals out after themselves say have been plagued by I am adamantly opposed to this Katrina, simply is not borne out by ei- waste and fraud and abuse, citing amendment. It is one of the most ther the facts or history, and it is not wasteful spending, lack of competition, mean-spirited amendments that I have an appropriate reflection of history. mismanagement, et cetera. heard that has been attempted to be The heart of the American people is Examples from a GAO audit provided attached to the bill that I have intro- immense, and we all poured out our to the Senate Committee on Homeland duced. I would ask my colleagues to re- hearts and we helped immensely when Security and Governmental Affairs in ject it out of hand. It does not make Katrina occurred. We opened our testimony in December of last year good sense. We do not gain anything homes and our communities. In my dis- stated just as an example nearly $17 from it. trict in the north side of Atlanta, we million in potentially improper and/or We have not heard anybody come to opened up shelters and provided great fraudulent rental assistance payments this floor from the opposite side of the assistance, as I know men and women to individuals, nearly $20 million in po- aisle, and certainly this gentleman, and boys and girls did all across this tentially improper or fraudulent pay- talk about fraud and abuse by Halli- Nation. The heart of America is huge. ments went to individuals who are reg- burton or any of those companies that I offer my amendment today in an ef- istered for both Hurricanes Katrina are known to be ripping off the govern- fort to try to prevent further waste and and Rita, using the same property. Mil- ment, and here we have a Member of

VerDate Aug 31 2005 00:36 Mar 22, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00013 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K21MR7.025 H21MRPT1 jcorcoran on PROD1PC62 with HOUSE H2760 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE March 21, 2007 this floor who would come to the floor nized that the distress situation that is $139 per person. It was also waived for and a Member of this Congress who created by a disaster makes it highly New York City following the attacks of would come to the floor and suggest to unlikely, improbable, impossible in September 11, $390 a person. us that they may misuse it, they may many circumstances, that the 10 per- But despite a $6,700 per capita recovery abuse it. I do not think we want to en- cent match would be able to be met by cost following Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, the tertain that. I do not think we want to the local community. administration has refused to waive the local be a part of denying basic help to peo- You take that and multiply it times match, despite repeated requests. How is this ple who need it so desperately. five, because this is five times the fair to Louisiana? I am a fiscal conservative, Mr. Chairman, I reserve the balance worst natural disaster that our country but this policy is ridiculous. It is dooming the of my time. has ever had. So we should reject this recovery to failure, and it’s time we correct it. Mr. PRICE of Georgia. Mr. Chairman, five times, not just once. I emphatically urge you to defeat the Price I appreciate the gentlewoman’s com- Mr. PRICE of Georgia. Mr. Chairman, amendment, and pass the Gulf Coast Recov- ments. However, the hyperbole and the I reserve my time. ery Act, which will help thousands of people emotion brought with it is curious, Ms. WATERS. Mr. Chairman, I yield return home and begin rebuilding their lives. again in light of the remarkable assist- 2 minutes to the gentleman from Lou- Mr. PRICE of Georgia. Mr. Chairman, ance that the American people have isiana (Mr. MELANCON). I reserve the balance of my time. Ms. WATERS. May I inquire of the provided out of their own generosity b 1200 privately and the generosity that this Chair, do I have the right to close? The CHAIRMAN. The gentlelady has Congress has provided to the tune of Mr. MELANCON. I thank the gentlelady. the right to close. greater than $100 billion of assistance Ms. WATERS. I yield to the gen- to individuals who have suffered from Mr. Chairman, first let me talk about the fraud. The fraud was perpetrated tleman from Mississippi (Mr. TAYLOR) the greatest devastation of Hurricane for 2 minutes. Katrina. by people throughout this country in Florida, in California, in Colorado, that Mr. TAYLOR. First let me tell the The purpose of this amendment is an gentleman from Georgia I appreciate attempt to move in albeit a small di- used addresses in Louisiana. The money that was spent was spent by the him trying to save some money. I rection, but a small direction of fiscal think his efforts, though, are a year Federal agencies, and not misspent by responsibility. We hear comments by late. If you want to look for Katrina the State of Louisiana. the Members on the other side all the fraud, look for Katrina fraud that was I am speaking today to urge my col- time about how they want to bring new perpetrated by the Bush administra- leagues to vote in favor of the Gulf fiscal responsibility to Congress. Well, tion. Mr. Chairman, in fact, what we have Coast Recovery Act and against the In south Mississippi we had 40,000 had is a step in the opposite direction Price amendment, which would keep in people at one point living in FEMA ever since they have taken charge. place a major roadblock to Louisiana’s trailers. We are grateful for every one So I would hope that Members would recovery from Hurricanes Rita and of them, but those trailers were deliv- appreciate that this bill, again, is a Katrina. Rebuilding in the wake of ered by a friend of the President, Riley small step in the direction of financial these two hurricanes is the biggest Bechtel, a major contributor to the and fiscal responsibility. It does not challenge people on the gulf coast and, Bush administration. He got $16,000 to preclude the use of previous moneys for that matter, in this country, have haul a trailer the last 70 miles from prior to this bill. If $110 billion is not ever faced. Purvis, Mississippi down to the gulf Katrina was the worst natural dis- enough then to provide for allowing in- coast, hook it up to a garden hose, aster ever in the United States history. dividuals to have some local assistance hook it up to a sewer tap and plug it in; Rita, which has been dubbed the for- use, I am not certain how much will be. $16,000. So, Mr. Chairman, I again state that gotten storm, was the third worst cata- So the gentleman never came to the this is a small step for fiscal responsi- strophic event in this country. Local floor once last year to talk about that bility and encourage my colleagues to governments are valiantly moving for- fraud. But now little towns like adopt this amendment. ward to try and rebuild, but without Waveland, Bay Saint Louis, Pas Chris- Mr. Chairman, I reserve my time. the ability to have the tax base that tian, that have no tax base because Ms. WATERS. Mr. Chairman, I yield they need just to do day-to-day oper- their stores were destroyed in the 2 minutes to the gentleman from North ations. If you have lived in a gulf coast storm, a county like Hancock County Carolina (Mr. WATT). community, you know the commu- where 90 percent of the residents lost Mr. WATT. Mr. Chairman, I thank nities come back under normal cir- everything, or at least substantial the gentlewoman for yielding. cumstances. That is not happening. damage to their home, he wants to I thank the gentleman from Georgia This was devastating, totally dev- punish Bay Saint Louis, he wants to for the way he has framed this issue as astating. Bureaucratic red tape is hold- punish Waveland, he wants to punish a fiscal responsibility issue; although I ing us back. Our local tax base in south Pas Christian. think he frames it incorrectly in this Louisiana is gone. Local governments Mr. PRICE, I wish you would have the case. have no way of coming up with money decency, if you are going to do that to There really is no precedent in dis- for the 10 percent match. For some par- the people of south Mississippi, that aster situations if you go back ishes, the cost of local match for maybe you ought to come visit south throughout all the disaster situations projects is many millions of dollars and Mississippi before you hold them to a for even requiring a local 10 percent could go as high as $1 billion across the standard that you would never hold match, and I think in another bill devastated area. Ninety thousand your own people to and that you failed there will be language that would actu- miles, square miles, of devastation was to hold the Bush administration to. ally waive the 10 percent local match. caused by these two storms the size of With that, I yield back my time. This component of it disallows the Great Britain. We are sitting here and ANNOUNCEMENT BY THE ACTING CHAIRMAN use of Federal money that has been worrying about a 10 percent match The Acting CHAIRMAN. The Chair granted to the local communities to that was harmful to these small com- would ask Members to address their re- provide that 10 percent match. I think munities and the City of New Orleans marks to the Chair. the issue is going to go away in an- but has devastated this entire area. Mr. PRICE of Georgia. Mr. Chairman, other context anyway, but it is One thing that I need to point out: I would inquire as to whether or not counterintuitive to say to local com- The President has the authority to those words are eligible to be taken munities whose complete tax base has waive the local match requirements down. been destroyed that they should some- with the stroke of his pen. In fact, this The Acting CHAIRMAN. The Chair how provide a 10 percent match for authority has been exercised 32 times cannot render an advisory opinion on Federal funds that are given, and his- since 1985 for other major disasters. that point. torically in disaster situations, there In 1992, George H.W. Bush waived the Mr. PRICE of Georgia. Mr. Chairman, really has never been a 10 percent requirement when the per capita recov- I demand that his words be taken match at all because we have recog- ery cost of Hurricane Andrew reached down.

VerDate Aug 31 2005 00:36 Mar 22, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00014 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K21MR7.028 H21MRPT1 jcorcoran on PROD1PC62 with HOUSE March 21, 2007 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H2761 The Acting CHAIRMAN. Would the PARLIAMENTARY INQUIRY Lampson Nadler Shea-Porter Langevin Napolitano Sherman gentleman specify the words? Mr. FRANK of Massachusetts. Mr. Lantos Neal (MA) Shuler Mr. PRICE of Georgia. The words ac- Speaker, I have a parliamentary in- Larsen (WA) Oberstar Sires cusing this Member of action unbecom- quiry. Larson (CT) Obey Skelton ing of the House as it relates to having The SPEAKER pro tempore. The gen- Lee Olver Slaughter Levin Ortiz Smith (NJ) Members of my district not be held to tleman will state it. Lewis (GA) Pallone Smith (WA) the same account. Mr. FRANK of Massachusetts. Mr. Lipinski Pascrell Snyder The Acting CHAIRMAN. Members Speaker, is it in order to move that the LoBiondo Pastor Solis will suspend, and the Clerk will report Loebsack Payne Space gentleman from Mississippi’s right to Lofgren, Zoe Perlmutter Spratt the words. address the House be restored? Lowey Peterson (MN) Stark b 1232 The SPEAKER pro tempore. That Lungren, Daniel Pickering Stupak motion may be offered. E. Platts Sutton The Acting CHAIRMAN (Mr. Lynch Pomeroy Tanner HOLDEN). The Clerk will report the MOTION TO PERMIT TO PROCEED IN ORDER ON Mahoney (FL) Porter Tauscher THIS DAY Maloney (NY) Price (NC) Taylor words. Markey Putnam Thompson (CA) The Clerk read as follows: Mr. FRANK of Massachusetts. Mr. Marshall Rahall Thompson (MS) ‘‘Mr. PRICE, I wish you would have Speaker, I move that the rights of the Matheson Ramstad Thornberry the decency, if you are going to do that gentleman from Mississippi to speak Matsui Rangel Tierney to the people of south Mississippi, that during the remainder of the day be re- McCarthy (NY) Renzi Towns McCollum (MN) Reyes Turner maybe you ought to come visit south stored. McDermott Rodriguez Udall (CO) Mississippi before you hold them to a The SPEAKER pro tempore. The McGovern Rogers (MI) Udall (NM) standard that you would never hold question is on the motion offered by McIntyre Rohrabacher Van Hollen McNerney Ross Vela´ zquez your own people to and that you failed the gentleman from Massachusetts McNulty Rothman Visclosky to hold the Bush administration to. (Mr. FRANK) that the gentleman from Meehan Roybal-Allard Walz (MN) With that, I yield back my time.’’ Mississippi be permitted to proceed in Meek (FL) Ruppersberger Wamp The Acting CHAIRMAN. The Com- order. Meeks (NY) Rush Wasserman Melancon Ryan (OH) Schultz mittee will rise. The question was taken; and the Michaud Salazar Waters Accordingly, the Committee rose; Speaker pro tempore announced that Millender- Sa´ nchez, Linda Watson and the Speaker pro tempore (Mr. PAS- the ayes appeared to have it. McDonald T. Watt TOR) having assumed the chair, Mr. Miller (NC) Sanchez, Loretta Waxman Mr. SENSENBRENNER. Mr. Speak- Miller, George Sarbanes Weiner HOLDEN, Acting Chairman of the Com- er, I object to the vote on the ground Mitchell Saxton Welch (VT) mittee of the Whole House on the state that a quorum is not present and make Mollohan Schakowsky Wexler of the Union, reported that that Com- Moore (KS) Schiff Wicker the point of order that a quorum is not Moore (WI) Schwartz Wilson (NM) mittee, having had under consideration present. Moran (KS) Scott (GA) Wilson (OH) the bill (H.R. 1227) to assist in the pro- The SPEAKER pro tempore. Evi- Moran (VA) Scott (VA) Woolsey vision of affordable housing to low-in- dently a quorum is not present. Murphy (CT) Serrano Wu come families affected by Hurricane Murphy, Patrick Sestak Wynn The Sergeant at Arms will notify ab- Murtha Shays Yarmuth Katrina, when certain words used in sent Members. debate were objected to and, on re- The vote was taken by electronic de- NAYS—160 quest, were taken down and read at the vice, and there were—yeas 265, nays Akin Feeney McCotter Clerk’s desk, and he herewith reported 160, answered ‘‘present’’ 0, not voting 8, Alexander Ferguson McCrery the same to the House. as follows: Bachmann Forbes McHenry The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Bachus Fortenberry McHugh [Roll No. 167] Barrett (SC) Fossella McKeon Chairman of the Committee of the Barton (TX) Foxx McMorris Whole House on the state of the Union YEAS—265 Biggert Frelinghuysen Rodgers reports that during consideration of Abercrombie Clyburn Gonzalez Bilirakis Gallegly Mica Ackerman Cohen Gordon Bishop (UT) Garrett (NJ) Miller (FL) H.R. 1227 certain words used in debate Aderholt Conyers Green, Al Blackburn Gillmor Miller (MI) were objected to and, on request, were Allen Cooper Green, Gene Blunt Gingrey Miller, Gary taken down and read at the Clerk’s Altmire Costa Grijalva Boehner Gohmert Murphy, Tim desk and now reports the words ob- Andrews Costello Gutierrez Bono Goode Musgrave Arcuri Courtney Hall (NY) Boozman Goodlatte Myrick jected to to the House. The Clerk will Baca Cramer Hare Boustany Granger Neugebauer report the words objected to in the Baird Crowley Harman Brady (TX) Graves Nunes Committee of the Whole House on the Baldwin Cuellar Hastings (FL) Brown (SC) Hall (TX) Paul Barrow Cummings Herseth Brown-Waite, Hastert Pearce state of the Union. Bartlett (MD) Davis (AL) Higgins Ginny Hastings (WA) Peterson (PA) The Clerk read as follows: Bean Davis (CA) Hill Buchanan Hayes Petri ‘‘Mr. PRICE, I wish you would have Becerra Davis (IL) Hinchey Burgess Heller Pitts the decency, if you are going to do that Berkley Davis, Lincoln Hinojosa Burton (IN) Hensarling Poe to the people of south Mississippi, that Berman DeFazio Hirono Buyer Herger Price (GA) Berry DeGette Hobson Calvert Hoekstra Pryce (OH) maybe you ought to come visit south Bilbray Delahunt Hodes Camp (MI) Hulshof Radanovich Mississippi before you hold them to a Bishop (GA) DeLauro Holden Campbell (CA) Inglis (SC) Regula standard that you would never hold Bishop (NY) Dent Holt Cannon Issa Rehberg Blumenauer Dicks Honda Cantor Jindal Reichert your own people to and that you failed Bonner Dingell Hooley Carter Jordan Reynolds to hold the Bush administration to. Boren Doggett Hoyer Castle Keller Rogers (AL) With that, I yield back my time.’’ Boswell Donnelly Hunter Chabot King (IA) Rogers (KY) The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Boucher Doyle Inslee Coble King (NY) Ros-Lehtinen Boyd (FL) Edwards Israel Cole (OK) Kingston Roskam Chair holds that remarks in debate Boyda (KS) Ehlers Jackson (IL) Conaway Kirk Royce that question the decency of another Brady (PA) Ellison Jackson-Lee Crenshaw Kline (MN) Ryan (WI) Member improperly descend to person- Braley (IA) Ellsworth (TX) Cubin Knollenberg Sali Brown, Corrine Emanuel Jefferson Culberson Kuhl (NY) Schmidt ality. The words are not in order. Butterfield Emerson Johnson (GA) Davis (KY) LaHood Sensenbrenner Without objection, the words are Capito Engel Johnson (IL) Davis, David Lamborn Shadegg stricken from the RECORD. Capps Eshoo Johnson, Sam Davis, Tom Latham Shimkus There was no objection. Capuano Etheridge Jones (NC) Deal (GA) LaTourette Shuster Without objection, the gentleman Cardoza Farr Jones (OH) Diaz-Balart, L. Lewis (CA) Simpson Carnahan Filner Kagen Diaz-Balart, M. Lewis (KY) Smith (NE) from Mississippi may proceed in order Carney Flake Kaptur Doolittle Linder Smith (TX) on this day. Carson Frank (MA) Kennedy Drake Lucas Souder Mr. SENSENBRENNER. Mr. Speak- Castor Franks (AZ) Kildee Dreier Mack Stearns er, I object. Chandler Gerlach Kilpatrick Duncan Manzullo Sullivan Clarke Giffords Kind English (PA) Marchant Tancredo The SPEAKER pro tempore. Objec- Clay Gilchrest Klein (FL) Everett McCarthy (CA) Terry tion is heard. Cleaver Gillibrand Kucinich Fallin McCaul (TX) Tiahrt

VerDate Aug 31 2005 00:36 Mar 22, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00015 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K21MR7.032 H21MRPT1 jcorcoran on PROD1PC62 with HOUSE H2762 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE March 21, 2007 Tiberi Walsh (NY) Whitfield to have a more civil House and that Mr. BUYER. Mr. Speaker, I ask Upton Weldon (FL) Wilson (SC) Walberg Weller Wolf we—— unanimous consent that the gentleman Walden (OR) Westmoreland Young (AK) Mr. FRANK of Massachusetts. Point from Mississippi be recognized for 1 of order, Mr. Speaker. The gentleman minute out of order. NOT VOTING—8 has not stated a parliamentary in- The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there Baker Johnson, E. B. Sessions quiry. objection to the request of the gen- Davis, Jo Ann Kanjorski Young (FL) Fattah Pence The SPEAKER pro tempore. The gen- tleman from Indiana? tleman may state a parliamentary in- There was no objection. b 1301 quiry. Mr. TAYLOR. Thank you, Mr. Speak- Messrs. MILLER of Florida, SUL- Mr. WESTMORELAND. Parliamen- er, and thank you, Mr. BUYER. LIVAN, WELDON of Florida and Ms. tary inquiry: Is it true that we did not In the course of the debate I encour- GRANGER changed their vote from pass rules in this House that talked aged, with words that were a little bit ‘‘yea’’ to ‘‘nay.’’ about civility? too strong, my colleague from Georgia Messrs. CARNEY, SAXTON, ROTH- The SPEAKER pro tempore. The to come visit south Mississippi and see MAN, LOBIONDO, PORTER, OBER- rules that have been adopted address the aftermath of Katrina. I used the STAR, SHAYS, JOHNSON of Illinois, order in the House. word ‘‘decency’’ when I should have FLAKE, PLATTS, ROHRABACHER, The gentlewoman from Texas. said ‘‘the courtesy.’’ If I have offended JONES of North Carolina, GIL- Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Mr. his decency, then I apologize for that. CHREST, DENT, DANIEL E. LUN- Speaker, parliamentary inquiry. But the offer stands. The gentleman GREN of California, and MORAN of I am not sure everyone heard you. I was good enough to admit privately Kansas changed their vote from ‘‘nay’’ would appreciate it, so the vote we just that he has not visited south Mis- to ‘‘yea.’’ voted is clarified, would you please re- sissippi since the storm, has not seen So the motion was agreed to. state the vote and also indicate wheth- that the town of Waveland is virtually The result of the vote was announced er or not that was an overruling of the gone, that Bay Saint Louis is virtually as above recorded. Chair? Would you restate it for the full gone, that Pass Christian is virtually A motion to reconsider was laid on body, please? gone. To the point of his amendment: the table. The SPEAKER pro tempore. By mo- How does a town that is gone come up tion, the gentleman from Mississippi f with matching funds to restore itself? was allowed to proceed in order on this So I appreciate the gentleman yield- LEADERSHIP FROM BOTH SIDES day. ing. I hope I have made my point to the MUST COME TOGETHER The gentleman from Mississippi. membership, and I thank the body. Mr. TAYLOR. Mr. Speaker, I ask (Mr. LEWIS of California asked and unanimous consent to address the f was given permission to address the House for 1 minute. GULF COAST HURRICANE HOUSING House for 1 minute.) The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there RECOVERY ACT OF 2007 Mr. LEWIS of California. Mr. Speak- objection to the request of the gen- er, first I appreciate your recognizing The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- tleman from Mississippi? me. ant to House Resolution 254 and rule Mr. ISSA. I object. XVIII, the Chair declares the House in Mr. Speaker, the process we have just The SPEAKER pro tempore. Objec- the Committee of the Whole House on gone through where we had a vote tion is heard. the state of the Union for the further whereby a significant majority voted Mr. STEARNS. Parliamentary in- consideration of the bill, H.R. 1227. to overrule the ruling of the Chair quiry. would suggest to me it is very impor- The SPEAKER pro tempore. The gen- b 1308 tant at the highest level our leadership tleman from Florida. IN THE COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE come together from both sides of the Mr. STEARNS. Mr. Speaker, I would Accordingly, the House resolved aisle and discuss how this kind of thing like to inquire of the Rules of the itself into the Committee of the Whole can happen in the House. It is not good House, when the words of a Member is House on the state of the Union for the for the body. It does not allow us to go taken down and the Speaker rules that further consideration of the bill (H.R. forward with our work effectively. these words were incorrect and not 1227) to assist in the provision of af- I thank the Speaker. within the decorum of the House and fordable housing to low-income fami- f that these words would be stricken, is lies affected by Hurricane Katrina, the normal procedure, notwithstanding PARLIAMENTARY INQUIRIES with Mr. HOLDEN (Acting Chairman) in the motion from Mr. FRANK, is the nor- the chair. Mr. FRANK of Massachusetts. Par- mal procedure that the Member is no liamentary inquiry, Mr. Speaker. The Clerk read the title of the bill. longer allowed to debate for the full The Acting CHAIRMAN. When the Mr. Speaker, is it not the case that day in the House? Is that the proce- Committee of the Whole rose earlier the vote did not overrule the Chair? Is dure? I want to confirm that procedure. today, 5 minutes debate remained on it not the case that the Chair’s ruling The SPEAKER pro tempore. The an- amendment No. 7 printed in part B of that the words were out of order was swer is yes; the presumptive sanction House Report 110–53 by the gentleman not challenged, and was it not the case is a disability from further recognition from Georgia (Mr. PRICE). that the motion was simply to restore on that day; but in this case, by mo- The gentleman from Georgia (Mr. the right of the gentleman from Mis- tion, the gentleman from Mississippi is PRICE) has 31⁄2 minutes remaining and sissippi to speak and in no way over- allowed to proceed in order on this day. the gentlewoman from California (Ms. ruled the ruling of the Chair? Mr. STEARNS. I have a follow-up WATERS) has 11⁄2 minutes remaining. The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. PAS- question, Mr. Speaker. Who yields time? TOR). The gentleman is correct. The If that is the normal procedure, when motion was to allow the gentleman is the last time we have allowed some- b 1310 from Mississippi to proceed in order on one to speak on the floor after his Mr. PRICE of Georgia. Mr. Chairman, this day. words were taken down and stricken I yield myself such time as I may con- Mr. WESTMORELAND. Parliamen- from the RECORD? Would the Parlia- sume. tary inquiry, Mr. Speaker. mentarian please provide it to this I appreciate the apology of the gen- The SPEAKER pro tempore. The gen- Member? When was the last time we al- tleman from Mississippi. It should be tleman from Georgia. lowed someone to continue to debate noted that it was an offer from this Mr. WESTMORELAND. We just had a on this floor after his words were Member to forego what occurred over vote to restore the floor privileges for stricken from the RECORD? the past hour in this House to the gen- a Member who had his words taken The SPEAKER pro tempore. The tleman from Mississippi during the down. Is it not true that the Demo- Chair cannot place today’s proceedings process, and that offer was declined. cratic leadership, Speaker PELOSI, in historical context. That is not the But I appreciate his apology, and I ac- made the comments that we were going role of the Chair. cept his apology.

VerDate Aug 31 2005 03:29 Mar 22, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00016 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A21MR7.004 H21MRPT1 jcorcoran on PROD1PC62 with HOUSE March 21, 2007 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H2763 Mr. Chairman, it is indeed a remark- but for all of the work that he has done The Clerk redesignated the amend- able privilege for each and every one of to try and help restore the gulf coast ment. us to serve in this House of Representa- and his town and his city, and to get RECORDED VOTE tives. This is the greatest deliberative the kind of development that is nec- The Acting CHAIRMAN. A recorded body in the world, and it is the great- essary for people to restore their lives. vote has been demanded. est deliberative body in the world be- He has worked very hard, as other A recorded vote was ordered. cause we treat one another with re- Members of the gulf coast have. They The vote was taken by electronic de- spect during our deliberations. Our de- were on the floor today, Mr. MELANCON, vice, and there were—ayes 185, noes 247, liberative process works because of a Mr. JEFFERSON, Mr. TAYLOR, trying to not voting 6, as follows: level of comity. It is not appropriate to make the case that this gulf coast ca- impugn the motives of individuals, nor tastrophe should not be penalized. [Roll No. 168] is it appropriate to call one’s personal We do not know why and they do not AYES—185 character into question. know why they would be prohibited Aderholt Gallegly Neugebauer My amendment to this bill simply from using their CDBG, Community Akin Garrett (NJ) Nunes Alexander Gerlach Paul would move us in the direction of fi- Development Block Grant, funds as a Bachmann Gilchrest Pearce nancial responsibility, a small direc- match. It is unheard of, it is unprece- Bachus Gillmor Peterson (PA) tion admittedly, but in the direction of dented that any town, any city, any re- Baker Gingrey Petri financial responsibility. Barrett (SC) Gohmert Pickering gion that has been hit by this kind of Bartlett (MD) Goode To correct some historical inaccura- Pitts disaster, and there is no other like it in Barton (TX) Goodlatte Platts cies that have been stated on this floor, the history of this country, would be Biggert Granger Poe during the 1998 floods in the Midwest, prohibited from using as a match the Bilbray Graves Porter Bilirakis Hall (TX) Price (GA) the local match that was required by Community Development Block Grant Bishop (UT) Hastert our government was 25 percent. During Pryce (OH) funds. Blackburn Hastings (WA) Putnam the 2004 Florida hurricanes, the local These communities have been vir- Blunt Hayes Radanovich match that was required for Federal tually destroyed, their city halls, their Boehner Heller Ramstad Bonner Hensarling Regula grants was 10 percent. water systems, their schools, their hos- Bono Herger This amendment would simply state Rehberg pitals. They do not have any money. Boozman Hobson Reichert that more resources provided for the They are cash strapped. They do not Brady (TX) Hoekstra Renzi local communities from this remark- Brown (SC) Hulshof Reynolds have any money to use as a match, and Brown-Waite, Hunter Rogers (AL) ably generous Nation who have already we do not know why they would be sin- Ginny Inglis (SC) Rogers (KY) Buchanan Issa provided, authorized over $100 billion gled out with this disaster and told Rogers (MI) Burgess Johnson (IL) for recuperation after the remarkable that they could not use Community Rohrabacher Burton (IN) Johnson, Sam Roskam devastation of Hurricane Katrina, that Development Block Grant funds. This Buyer Jones (NC) Royce further moneys would not be allowed Calvert Jordan is not new money. This would simply Ryan (WI) Camp (MI) Keller to be utilized for the local match. That allow them to use that CDBG money as Sali Campbell (CA) King (IA) does not preclude this administration Saxton a match. Cantor King (NY) Schmidt or the Secretary of HUD being able to I would ask that this amendment be Capito Kingston waive that requirement. rejected, and I ask my colleagues to Carter Kirk Sensenbrenner Castle Kline (MN) Sessions This amendment is a very small step vote ‘‘no.’’ Shadegg in the direction of fiscal responsibility, Chabot Knollenberg The Acting CHAIRMAN. All time has Coble Kuhl (NY) Shays of respecting the hard-earned taxpayer expired. Cole (OK) Lamborn Shimkus money that is sent to Washington. I The question is on the amendment Conaway Latham Shuster Simpson would encourage my colleagues to sup- offered by the gentleman from Georgia Crenshaw Lewis (CA) Cubin Lewis (KY) Smith (NE) port this commonsense amendment (Mr. PRICE). Culberson Linder Smith (NJ) that respects that hard work and The question was taken; and the Act- Davis (KY) LoBiondo Smith (TX) moves us in the direction of account- ing Chairman announced that the noes Davis, David Lucas Souder Stearns ability in an area that is desperately appeared to have it. Davis, Tom Lungren, Daniel Deal (GA) E. Sullivan requiring that kind of accountability. Mr. PRICE of Georgia. Mr. Chairman, Dent Mack Tancredo Mr. Chairman, I reserve the balance I demand a recorded vote. Doolittle Manzullo Terry of my time. The Acting CHAIRMAN. Pursuant to Drake Marchant Thornberry Tiahrt Ms. WATERS. May I inquire of the clause 6 of rule XVIII, further pro- Dreier McCarthy (CA) Duncan McCaul (TX) Tiberi Chair if we have the right to close? ceedings on the amendment offered by Ehlers McCotter Turner The Acting CHAIRMAN. The gentle- the gentleman from Georgia will be English (PA) McCrery Upton woman from California has the right to postponed. Everett McHenry Walberg close. Fallin McKeon Walden (OR) ANNOUNCEMENT BY THE ACTING CHAIRMAN Walsh (NY) Ms. WATERS. Has the gentleman ex- Feeney McMorris The Acting CHAIRMAN. Pursuant to Ferguson Rodgers Wamp hausted his time? clause 6 of rule XVIII, proceedings will Flake Mica Welch (VT) The Acting CHAIRMAN. The gen- Forbes Miller (MI) Weldon (FL) now resume on those amendments on tleman has 30 seconds remaining on his Fortenberry Miller, Gary Weller which further proceedings were post- Fossella Moran (KS) Westmoreland time. Foxx Murphy, Tim Wilson (SC) Ms. WATERS. If the gentleman poned, in the following order: Amendment No. 6 printed in part B Franks (AZ) Musgrave Wolf would like to use his 30 seconds, then Frelinghuysen Myrick Young (AK) by Mr. NEUGEBAUER of Texas. we would proceed. NOES—247 The Acting CHAIRMAN. The gentle- Amendment No. 7 printed in part B woman reserves the balance of her by Mr. PRICE of Georgia. Abercrombie Boren Clarke The Chair will reduce to 5 minutes Ackerman Boswell Clay time? Allen Boucher Cleaver Ms. WATERS. Yes. the time for any electronic vote after Altmire Boustany Clyburn Mr. PRICE of Georgia. May I inquire the first vote in this series. Andrews Boyd (FL) Cohen if the gentlewoman has any other AMENDMENT NO. 6 OFFERED BY MR. Arcuri Boyda (KS) Conyers NEUGEBAUER Baca Brady (PA) Cooper speakers? Baird Braley (IA) Costa Ms. WATERS. No, we will use our The Acting CHAIRMAN. The unfin- Baldwin Brown, Corrine Costello balance of the time for our close. ished business is the demand for a re- Barrow Butterfield Courtney Mr. PRICE of Georgia. Mr. Chairman, corded vote on the amendment offered Bean Capps Cramer Becerra Capuano Crowley then I yield back the balance of my by the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Berkley Cardoza Cuellar time. NEUGEBAUER) on which further pro- Berman Carnahan Cummings Ms. WATERS. Mr. Chairman, I yield ceedings were postponed and on which Berry Carney Davis (AL) myself the remaining time. the noes prevailed by voice vote. Bishop (GA) Carson Davis (CA) Bishop (NY) Castor Davis (IL) First, I would like to congratulate The Clerk will redesignate the Blumenauer Chandler Davis, Lincoln Mr. TAYLOR not only for his passion, amendment. Bordallo Christensen DeFazio

VerDate Aug 31 2005 00:36 Mar 22, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00017 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K21MR7.039 H21MRPT1 jcorcoran on PROD1PC62 with HOUSE H2764 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE March 21, 2007

DeGette LaHood Reyes RECORDED VOTE Jefferson Miller (NC) Schiff Delahunt Lampson Rodriguez Jindal Miller, George Schwartz DeLauro Langevin Ros-Lehtinen The Acting CHAIRMAN. A recorded Johnson (GA) Mitchell Scott (GA) Diaz-Balart, L. Lantos Ross vote has been demanded. Jones (NC) Mollohan Scott (VA) Diaz-Balart, M. Larsen (WA) Rothman A recorded vote was ordered. Jones (OH) Moore (KS) Serrano Dicks Larson (CT) Kagen Moore (WI) Roybal-Allard The Acting CHAIRMAN. This will be Sestak Dingell LaTourette Ruppersberger Kaptur Moran (VA) Shays Doggett Lee Rush a 5-minute vote. Kennedy Murphy (CT) Shea-Porter Donnelly Levin Ryan (OH) The vote was taken by electronic de- Kildee Murphy, Patrick Sherman Doyle Lewis (GA) Salazar Kilpatrick Murphy, Tim Shimkus Edwards Lipinski vice, and there were—ayes 98, noes 333, Kind Murtha Sa´ nchez, Linda Shuler Ellison Loebsack not voting 7, as follows: King (NY) Musgrave T. Simpson Ellsworth Lofgren, Zoe Kirk Myrick Sanchez, Loretta [Roll No. 169] Sires Emanuel Lowey Klein (FL) Nadler Sarbanes Skelton Emerson Lynch Schakowsky AYES—98 Kucinich Napolitano Engel Mahoney (FL) Kuhl (NY) Neal (MA) Slaughter Schiff Akin Foxx Mica Eshoo Maloney (NY) LaHood Neugebauer Smith (NJ) Schwartz Bachmann Franks (AZ) Miller (MI) Etheridge Markey Lampson Norton Smith (WA) Scott (GA) Barrett (SC) Gallegly Miller, Gary Faleomavaega Marshall Langevin Oberstar Snyder Scott (VA) Barton (TX) Garrett (NJ) Farr Matheson Moran (KS) Lantos Obey Solis Serrano Bilbray Gingrey Fattah Matsui Nunes Larsen (WA) Olver Space Sestak Bishop (UT) Goode Filner McCarthy (NY) Paul Larson (CT) Ortiz Spratt Shea-Porter Blackburn Graves Fortun˜ o McCollum (MN) Pearce Latham Pallone Stark Sherman Boehner Hall (TX) Frank (MA) McDermott Petri LaTourette Pascrell Stupak Shuler Bono Hastert Giffords McGovern Pitts Lee Pastor Sutton Sires Boozman Hastings (WA) Gillibrand McHugh Price (GA) Levin Payne Tanner Skelton Brown (SC) Hayes Gonzalez McIntyre Radanovich Lewis (CA) Perlmutter Tauscher Slaughter Burton (IN) Hensarling Gordon McNerney Rogers (AL) Lewis (GA) Peterson (MN) Taylor Smith (WA) Buyer Herger Green, Al McNulty Rohrabacher Lipinski Peterson (PA) Thompson (CA) Snyder Campbell (CA) Hoekstra Green, Gene Meehan Royce LoBiondo Pickering Thompson (MS) Solis Cannon Hulshof Grijalva Meek (FL) Sali Loebsack Platts Tiahrt Space Cantor Hunter Gutierrez Meeks (NY) Schmidt Lofgren, Zoe Poe Tiberi Spratt Carney Inglis (SC) Hall (NY) Melancon Sensenbrenner Lowey Pomeroy Stark Carter Johnson (IL) Tierney Hare Michaud Lucas Porter Chabot Johnson, Sam Sessions Towns Harman Millender- Stupak Lungren, Daniel Price (NC) Coble Jordan Shuster Turner Hastings (FL) McDonald Sutton E. Pryce (OH) Conaway Keller Smith (NE) Udall (CO) Herseth Miller (FL) Tanner Lynch Putnam Crenshaw King (IA) Smith (TX) Udall (NM) Higgins Miller (NC) Tauscher Mahoney (FL) Rahall Cubin Kingston Souder Upton Hill Miller, George Taylor Maloney (NY) Ramstad Davis (KY) Kline (MN) Stearns Van Hollen Hinchey Mitchell Thompson (CA) Markey Rangel Davis, David Knollenberg Sullivan Vela´ zquez Hinojosa Mollohan Thompson (MS) Marshall Regula Deal (GA) Lamborn Tancredo Visclosky Hirono Moore (KS) Tierney Matheson Rehberg Dreier Lewis (KY) Terry Walberg Hodes Moore (WI) Towns Matsui Reichert Duncan Linder Thornberry Walden (OR) Holden Moran (VA) Udall (CO) McCarthy (CA) Renzi English (PA) Mack Wamp Walsh (NY) Holt Murphy (CT) Udall (NM) McCarthy (NY) Reyes Fallin Manzullo Weldon (FL) Walz (MN) Honda Murphy, Patrick Van Hollen McCaul (TX) Reynolds Feeney Marchant Weller Wasserman Hooley Murtha Vela´ zquez McCollum (MN) Rodriguez Flake McHenry Westmoreland Schultz Hoyer Nadler Visclosky McCotter Rogers (KY) Forbes McKeon Wilson (SC) Waters Inslee Napolitano Walz (MN) McCrery Rogers (MI) Watson Israel Neal (MA) Wasserman NOES—333 McDermott Ros-Lehtinen Jackson (IL) Norton Schultz McGovern Roskam Watt Jackson-Lee Oberstar Waters Abercrombie Carnahan Everett McHugh Ross Waxman (TX) Obey Watson Ackerman Carson Faleomavaega McIntyre Rothman Weiner Jefferson Olver Watt Aderholt Castle Farr McMorris Roybal-Allard Welch (VT) Jindal Ortiz Waxman Alexander Castor Fattah Rodgers Ruppersberger Wexler Johnson (GA) Pallone Weiner Allen Chandler Ferguson McNerney Rush Whitfield Jones (OH) Pascrell Wexler Altmire Christensen Filner McNulty Ryan (OH) Wicker Kagen Pastor Whitfield Andrews Clarke Fortenberry Meehan Ryan (WI) Wilson (NM) Kaptur Payne Wicker Arcuri Clay Fortun˜ o Meek (FL) Salazar Wilson (OH) Kennedy Perlmutter Wilson (NM) Baca Cleaver Fossella Meeks (NY) Sa´ nchez, Linda Wolf Kildee Peterson (MN) Wilson (OH) Bachus Clyburn Frank (MA) Melancon T. Woolsey Kilpatrick Pomeroy Woolsey Baird Cohen Frelinghuysen Michaud Sanchez, Loretta Wu Kind Price (NC) Wu Baker Cole (OK) Gerlach Millender- Sarbanes Wynn Klein (FL) Rahall Wynn Baldwin Conyers Giffords McDonald Saxton Yarmuth Kucinich Rangel Yarmuth Barrow Cooper Gilchrest Miller (FL) Schakowsky Young (AK) Bartlett (MD) Costa Gillibrand NOT VOTING—6 Bean Costello Gillmor NOT VOTING—7 Cannon Johnson, E. B. Pence Becerra Courtney Gohmert Davis, Jo Ann Kanjorski Young (FL) Davis, Jo Ann Kanjorski Young (FL) Berkley Cramer Gonzalez Delahunt Pence Berman Crowley Goodlatte Johnson, E. B. Shadegg b 1336 Berry Cuellar Gordon Biggert Culberson Granger Messrs. PATRICK J. MURPHY of ANNOUNCEMENT BY THE ACTING CHAIRMAN Bilirakis Cummings Green, Al The Acting CHAIRMAN (during the Pennsylvania, BLUMENAUER, and Bishop (GA) Davis (AL) Green, Gene MILLER of Florida changed their vote Bishop (NY) Davis (CA) Grijalva vote). Members are advised that there from ‘‘aye’’ to ‘‘no.’’ Blumenauer Davis (IL) Gutierrez are 2 minutes remaining in this vote. Blunt Davis, Lincoln Hall (NY) Mr. DOOLITTLE and Mr. PICK- Bonner Davis, Tom Hare b 1345 ERING changed their vote from ‘‘no’’ Bordallo DeFazio Harman Mr. BROWN of South Carolina to ‘‘aye.’’ Boren DeGette Hastings (FL) So the amendment was rejected. Boswell DeLauro Heller changed his vote from ‘‘no’’ to ‘‘aye.’’ The result of the vote was announced Boucher Dent Herseth Mr. DICKS changed his vote from Boustany Diaz-Balart, L. Higgins as above recorded. ‘‘aye’’ to ‘‘no.’’ Boyd (FL) Diaz-Balart, M. Hill So the amendment was rejected. AMENDMENT NO. 7 OFFERED BY MR. PRICE OF Boyda (KS) Dicks Hinchey GEORGIA Brady (PA) Dingell Hinojosa The result of the vote was announced The Acting CHAIRMAN. The unfin- Brady (TX) Doggett Hirono as above recorded. Braley (IA) Donnelly Hobson Mr. CONYERS. Mr. Chairman, I rise today ished business is the demand for a re- Brown, Corrine Doolittle Hodes corded vote on the amendment offered Brown-Waite, Doyle Holden in support of House Resolution 1227, the Gulf by the gentleman from Georgia (Mr. Ginny Drake Holt Coast Hurricane Housing Recovery Act of Buchanan Edwards Honda 2007. This resolution will improve flexibility for PRICE) on which further proceedings Burgess Ehlers Hooley were postponed and on which the noes Butterfield Ellison Hoyer previously appropriated funds for hurricane re- prevailed by voice vote. Calvert Ellsworth Inslee covery efforts on the Gulf Coast. In addition, The Clerk will redesignate the Camp (MI) Emanuel Israel the bill would free up for use $1.175 billion in Capito Emerson Issa funds previously made available to the State amendment. Capps Engel Jackson (IL) The Clerk redesignated the amend- Capuano Eshoo Jackson-Lee of Louisiana under the Hazard Mitigation ment. Cardoza Etheridge (TX) Grant Program, but not being utilized by

VerDate Aug 31 2005 02:14 Mar 22, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00018 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 9920 E:\CR\FM\A21MR7.005 H21MRPT1 jcorcoran on PROD1PC62 with HOUSE March 21, 2007 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H2765 FEMA. The legislation also includes a number The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under based rental assistance under section 8(o) of of provisions designed to preserve the supply the rule, the previous question is or- the United States Housing Act of 1937 (42 of affordable rental housing and would author- dered. U.S.C. 1437f(o)), such sums as may be nec- essary to provide vouchers for such assist- ize 4,500 new housing vouchers for the pur- Is a separate vote demanded on any further amendment reported from the ance for each individual and household that, pose of project-based assistance for sup- pursuant to an offer of such assistance under portive housing units for seniors, disabled per- Committee of the Whole? paragraph (1) requests such assistance, for sons, and the homeless. In addition, this bill Mr. PRICE of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I the period beginning upon occupancy of the would require HUD to provide a replacement demand a re-vote on the Green amend- individual or household in a dwelling unit voucher for every public housing and assisted ment. acquired for rental with such assistance and housing unit that is not brought back on line. The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is a sep- continuing through such period that such in- The House also adopted the Green Amend- arate vote demanded on any other dividual or household remains eligible for such voucher assistance. ment which extends FEMA housing assistance amendment? If not, the Chair will then (c) TEMPORARY VOUCHERS.—If at any time until December 31, 2007 and then transfers el- put them en gros. The amendments were agreed to. an assisted family for whom a voucher for igible households to HUD’s tenant-based rent- The SPEAKER pro tempore. The rental housing assistance is provided pursu- al assistance program. This amendment is of Clerk will designate the amendment on ant to this section becomes ineligible for fur- vital importance, because it addresses the which a separate vote has been de- ther such rental assistance— (1) the public housing agency admin- looming September deadline and gives more manded. than 12,000 families the assurance that they istering such voucher pursuant to this sec- The text of the amendment is as fol- tion may not provide rental assistance under will not be displaced for a second time as they lows: await the rebuilding of their housing. such voucher for any other household; Amendment: (2) the Secretary of Housing and Urban De- In effect, this bill provides an opportunity for At the end of the bill, add the following velopment shall recapture from such agency our government to correct some of the injus- new title: any remaining amounts for assistance at- tices to the residents of the Gulf Coast for the: TITLE IX—PROTECTION OF HOUSEHOLDS tributable to such voucher and may not re- slow and sometimes mismanaged response of RECEIVING FEMA HOUSING ASSISTANCE obligate such amounts to any public housing the Bush Administration. This bill helps those SEC. 901. EXTENSION OF FEMA HOUSING ASSIST- agency; and displaced residents begin to regain stability in ANCE. (3) such voucher shall not be taken into their lives. There are authorized to be appropriated consideration for purposes of determining A test of our government’s commitment to such sums as may be necessary to provide any future allocation of amounts for such until December 31, 2007, temporary housing these citizens occurred when the first flood tenant-based rental assistance for any public assistance, including financial and direct as- housing agency. waters and storm surges arrived. Unfortu- sistance, under section 408(c)(1) of the Robert The SPEAKER pro tempore. The nately as the waters slowly receded, the gov- T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency ernment also moved slowly. It is in this after- Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5174(c)(1)) to indi- question is on the amendment. math, over 18 months later, that we finally viduals and households eligible to receive The question was taken; and the begin to address the grave miscarriage of jus- such assistance as a result of Hurricane Speaker pro tempore announced that tice that occurred. Katrina, Rita, or Wilma, and to the extent the ayes appeared to have it. The current status has former residents that amounts for such purpose are made Mr. PRICE of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, available, such assistance shall be so ex- on that I demand the yeas and nays. caught in a perpetual, vicious circle in that the tended. The yeas and nays were ordered. storm damaged areas do not have enough SEC. 902. VOUCHER ASSISTANCE FOR HOUSE- schools, hospitals and services to support HOLDS RECEIVING FEMA RENTAL The vote was taken by electronic de- their return home. However, these resources ASSISTANCE AND HOUSEHOLDS RE- vice, and there were—yeas 242, nays are not available because there are not SIDING IN FEMA TRAILERS. 184, not voting 7, as follows: (a) TRANSFER OF FEMA RENTAL ASSIST- enough people in their neighborhoods to sup- [Roll No. 170] ANCE TO SECTION 8 VOUCHER PROGRAM.— port having hospitals, schools and services. There are authorized to be appropriated, for YEAS—242 The lack of housing fuels this crisis and pre- tenant-based rental assistance under section Abercrombie Cooper Gutierrez vents many from returning to the area. 8(o) of the United States Housing Act of 1937 Ackerman Costa Hall (NY) Currently, fewer than 200,000 of the (42 U.S.C. 1437f(o)), such sums as may be nec- Allen Costello Hare 454,000 pre-Katrina displaced residents have essary to provide vouchers for such assist- Altmire Courtney Harman Andrews Cramer Hastings (FL) returned home. The survivors of Hurricane ance for each individual and household that is eligible for such voucher assistance and re- Arcuri Crowley Herseth Katrina are not asking for a hand out, these Baca Cuellar Higgins ceived financial assistance for temporary survivors were not displaced through any fault Baird Cummings Hill housing under section 408(c)(1) of the Robert Baldwin Davis (AL) Hinchey of their own and we must immediately use our T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Barrow Davis (CA) Hinojosa resources to help them return home. We must Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5174(c)(1)) as a re- Bean Davis (IL) Hirono treat the survivors of Hurricanes Katrina and sult of Hurricane Katrina, Rita, or Wilma, Becerra Davis, Lincoln Hodes Rita in the Gulf Coast region the same as we for the period beginning upon termination of Berkley DeFazio Holden Berman DeGette Holt have treated survivors of other natural disas- such temporary housing assistance and con- tinuing through such period that such indi- Berry Delahunt Honda ters. Bilirakis DeLauro Hooley Though we have much work ahead to make vidual or household remains eligible for such Bishop (GA) Dent Hoyer voucher assistance. Such voucher assistance the residents of the Gulf Coast whole, this is Bishop (NY) Diaz-Balart, L. Inslee shall be administered by the public housing Blumenauer Diaz-Balart, M. Israel a very important first step. agency having jurisdiction of the area in Boren Dicks Jackson (IL) The Acting CHAIRMAN. There being which such assisted individual or household Boswell Dingell Jackson-Lee no further amendments, under the rule, resides as of such termination date. Boucher Doggett (TX) Boyd (FL) Donnelly Jefferson the Committee rises. (b) VOUCHER ASSISTANCE FOR HOUSEHOLDS Boyda (KS) Doyle Jindal Accordingly, the Committee rose; RESIDING IN FEMA TRAILERS.— Brady (PA) Edwards Johnson (GA) and the Speaker pro tempore (Mr. (1) OFFER.—The Secretary of Housing and Braley (IA) Ellison Jones (OH) HASTINGS of Florida) having assumed Urban Development shall offer, to each indi- Brown, Corrine Ellsworth Kagen vidual and household who, as of the date of Buchanan Emanuel Kaptur the chair, Mr. HOLDEN, Acting Chair- the enactment of this Act, receives direct as- Burgess Emerson Kennedy man of the Committee of the Whole sistance for temporary housing under section Butterfield Engel Kildee House on the state of the Union, re- 408(c)(2) of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Capps Eshoo Kilpatrick ported that that Committee, having Capuano Etheridge Kind Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (42 Cardoza Farr Klein (FL) had under consideration the bill (H.R. U.S.C. 5174(c)(2)) as a result of Hurricane Carnahan Fattah Kucinich 1227), to assist in the provision of af- Katrina, Rita, or Wilma and is eligible for Carney Filner Lampson fordable housing to low-income fami- tenant-based rental assistance under section Carson Frank (MA) Langevin 8(o) of the United States Housing Act of 1937 Castor Giffords Lantos lies affected by Hurricane Katrina, pur- Chandler Gilchrest Larsen (WA) suant to House Resolution 254, he re- (42 U.S.C. 1437f(o)), a voucher for such rental assistance, subject to the availability of Clarke Gillibrand Larson (CT) Clay Gonzalez Lee ported the bill, as amended by that res- amounts for such assistance made available olution, back to the House with sundry Cleaver Gordon Levin in advance in appropriation Acts. Clyburn Green, Al Lewis (GA) further amendments adopted in the (2) PROVISION OF ASSISTANCE.—There are Cohen Green, Gene Lipinski Committee of the Whole. authorized to be appropriated, for tenant- Conyers Grijalva Loebsack

VerDate Aug 31 2005 02:14 Mar 22, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00019 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A21MR7.021 H21MRPT1 jcorcoran on PROD1PC62 with HOUSE H2766 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE March 21, 2007 Lofgren, Zoe Olver Sires Wamp Whitfield Wolf (3) Notwithstanding any priority under Lowey Ortiz Skelton Weldon (FL) Wicker Young (AK) paragraphs (4) through (6), a household shall Lynch Pallone Slaughter Weller Wilson (NM) be prevented from such occupancy on the Westmoreland Wilson (SC) Mahoney (FL) Pascrell Smith (WA) basis of a determination that occupancy of Maloney (NY) Pastor Snyder Markey Payne Solis NOT VOTING—7 any individual who is a member of the house- Matheson Perlmutter Space Akin Kanjorski Young (FL) hold may constitute a threat to public safe- Matsui Peterson (MN) Spratt Davis, Jo Ann Marshall ty, including a threat caused by occupancy McCarthy (NY) Pickering Stark Johnson, E. B. Pence that would facilitate reunification of mem- McCollum (MN) Pomeroy Stupak b 1404 bers of gangs involved in criminal activity. McDermott Price (NC) Sutton (4) Priority in such occupancy shall be pro- McGovern Rahall Tanner So the amendment was agreed to. vided to individuals who are employed or McIntyre Rangel Tauscher McNerney Reyes Taylor The result of the vote was announced households that include individuals who are McNulty Rodriguez Thompson (CA) as above recorded. employed. Meehan Ros-Lehtinen Thompson (MS) The SPEAKER pro tempore. The (5) Priority in such occupancy in public Meek (FL) Ross Tierney question is on the engrossment and housing dwelling units shall be provided to— Meeks (NY) Rothman Towns third reading of the bill. (A) individuals who agree to contribute to- Melancon Roybal-Allard Udall (CO) ward community service, or to participate in Michaud Ruppersberger Udall (NM) The bill was ordered to be engrossed an economic self-sufficiency program for, Millender- Rush Van Hollen and read a third time, and was read the McDonald Ryan (OH) Vela´ zquez more hours per month than is required under Miller (NC) Salazar Visclosky third time. section 12(c) of the United States Housing Miller, George Sa´ nchez, Linda Walz (MN) PARLIAMENTARY INQUIRY Act of 1937 (42 U.S.C. 1437j(c)); Mitchell T. Wasserman Mr. WESTMORELAND. Mr. Speaker, (B) individuals who, under paragraph (2) of Mollohan Sanchez, Loretta Schultz section 12(c) of the United States Housing Moore (KS) Sarbanes Waters I have a parliamentary inquiry. The SPEAKER pro tempore. The gen- Act of 1937, are exempt from the requirement Moore (WI) Schakowsky Watson under paragraph (1) of such section; and Moran (VA) Schiff Watt tleman will state it. (C) households that include such individ- Murphy (CT) Schwartz Waxman Mr. WESTMORELAND. Mr. Speaker, Murphy, Patrick Scott (GA) Weiner uals. Murphy, Tim Scott (VA) Welch (VT) according to rule IV, clause 4(a), the (6) A household that consists of a family or Murtha Serrano Wexler privileges of former Members on this youth described in section 8(x)(2) of the Nadler Sestak Wilson (OH) floor, it states, ‘‘is a registered lob- United States Housing Act of 1937 (42 U.S.C. Napolitano Shays Woolsey byist or an agent of a foreign principal, 1437f(x)(2); relating to family unification) Neal (MA) Shea-Porter Wu shall be provided priority in such occupancy. Oberstar Sherman Wynn as those terms are defined in clause 5 Obey Shuler Yarmuth of rule XXV.’’ Is it true that if a former The Secretary of Housing and Urban Devel- Member was a registered lobbyist or an opment shall issue regulations to carry out NAYS—184 agent of a foreign principal, that they the exceptions under paragraphs (1) through Aderholt Frelinghuysen Mica could not be on the floor? (6). Alexander Gallegly Miller (FL) The SPEAKER pro tempore. The gen- Mr. JINDAL (during the reading). Bachmann Garrett (NJ) Miller (MI) Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent Bachus Gerlach Miller, Gary tleman is correct. Baker Gillmor Moran (KS) MOTION TO RECOMMIT OFFERED BY MR. JINDAL that the motion be considered as read Barrett (SC) Gingrey Musgrave Mr. JINDAL. Mr. Speaker, I offer a and printed in the RECORD. Bartlett (MD) Gohmert Myrick The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there motion to recommit. Barton (TX) Goode Neugebauer objection to the request of the gen- Biggert Goodlatte Nunes The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is the Bilbray Granger Paul gentleman opposed to the bill? tleman from Louisiana? Bishop (UT) Graves Pearce Mr. FRANK of Massachusetts. No, we Mr. JINDAL. In its current form, I Blackburn Hall (TX) Peterson (PA) object to that, because we just got it, am. Blunt Hastert Petri and it would be inappropriate in 10 sec- Boehner Hastings (WA) Pitts Mr. FRANK of Massachusetts. Mr. Bonner Hayes Platts Speaker, having as the manager of the onds to be able to read it. Bono Heller Poe The SPEAKER pro tempore. Objec- bill seen the motion to recommit about Boozman Hensarling Porter tion is heard. Boustany Herger Price (GA) 8 seconds ago, I reserve a point of order Brady (TX) Hobson Pryce (OH) The Clerk will continue to read. until we get a chance to know what is The Clerk continued reading the mo- Brown (SC) Hoekstra Putnam in it. Brown-Waite, Hulshof Radanovich tion to recommit. Ginny Hunter Ramstad The SPEAKER pro tempore. The gen- Burton (IN) Inglis (SC) Regula tleman reserves a point of order b 1410 Buyer Issa Rehberg against the motion. The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- Calvert Johnson (IL) Reichert Camp (MI) Johnson, Sam Renzi The Clerk will report the motion. ant to the rule, the gentleman from Campbell (CA) Jones (NC) Reynolds The Clerk read as follows: Louisiana is recognized for 5 minutes Cannon Jordan Rogers (AL) Mr. Jindal moves to recommit the bill H.R. in support of his motion. Cantor Keller Rogers (KY) 1227 to the Committee on Financial Services Mr. JINDAL. I want to thank the Capito King (IA) Rogers (MI) with instructions that the Committee report Carter King (NY) Rohrabacher chairman and I want to thank Ranking the same back to the House forthwith with Castle Kingston Roskam Member BACHUS for their contributions Chabot Kirk Royce the following amendments: to this legislation in trying to ensure Coble Kline (MN) Ryan (WI) In section 202(c), strike ‘‘to the extent Cole (OK) Knollenberg Sali that’’ and insert ‘‘that such Housing Author- that we do the right thing in New Orle- Conaway Kuhl (NY) Saxton ity or other manager shall prevent a house- ans, that things can actually be better, Crenshaw LaHood Schmidt hold from occupying such a dwelling unit, that we do not have to return to the Cubin Lamborn Sensenbrenner and shall provide priority for occupancy in Culberson Latham Sessions way that things were even before the Davis (KY) LaTourette Shadegg such dwelling units, as follows:’’. storms. Davis, David Lewis (CA) Shimkus At the end of section 202(c), add the fol- Prior to hurricanes, thousands of Davis, Tom Lewis (KY) Shuster lowing new paragraphs: New Orleans residents living in public Deal (GA) Linder Simpson (1) Notwithstanding any priority under Doolittle LoBiondo Smith (NE) paragraphs (4) through (6), a household shall housing often had to deal with horrific Drake Lucas Smith (NJ) be prevented from such occupancy to the ex- living conditions, poorly maintained Dreier Lungren, Daniel Smith (TX) tent that any other provision of Federal law units, out-of-control crime, drugs, Duncan E. Souder gangs and more. It was not the living Ehlers Mack Stearns prohibits occupancy or tenancy of such English (PA) Manzullo Sullivan household, or any individual who is a mem- conditions that any human being Everett Marchant Tancredo ber of such household, in the type of housing should have to endure. We must ensure Fallin McCarthy (CA) Terry of the replacement dwelling unit provided that the residents of Louisiana return- Feeney McCaul (TX) Thornberry for such household. ing home following the devastation of Ferguson McCotter Tiahrt (2) Notwithstanding any priority under Flake McCrery Tiberi paragraphs (4) through (6), a household shall Hurricanes Katrina and Rita have ac- Forbes McHenry Turner be prevented from such occupancy if it in- cess to safe, affordable and quality Fortenberry McHugh Upton housing. Fossella McKeon Walberg cludes any individual who has been convicted Foxx McMorris Walden (OR) of a drug dealing offense, sex offense, or We now have the opportunity to re- Franks (AZ) Rodgers Walsh (NY) crime of domestic violence. build a significant portion of our State,

VerDate Aug 31 2005 03:29 Mar 22, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00020 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A21MR7.009 H21MRPT1 jcorcoran on PROD1PC62 with HOUSE March 21, 2007 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H2767 and we must make certain that the in here. I don’t know why it had to be ANNOUNCEMENT BY THE SPEAKER mistakes of the past are not repeated. withheld so we couldn’t have a sensible Mr. CROWLEY. The audience in not This includes ensuring that our public analysis, but maybe there is one possi- in order, Mr. Speaker. The gallery is housing system does not force resi- bility. Could the gentleman tell me not in order. dents to live in unacceptable condi- what in here changes existing law? The SPEAKER pro tempore. Persons tions, and replacing the old public Mr. Speaker, I yield to the gentleman in the gallery are reminded to refrain housing units with safe, habitable and from Lousiana. from manifestations of approval or dis- affordable housing for the future. Mr. JINDAL. We are directing the approval of proceedings. Mixed-income developments have housing authority that they have to do The gentleman from Massachusetts proven to be successful when tried in these things. may continue. other States and should be given a Mr. FRANK of Massachusetts. Does Mr. FRANK of Massachusetts. Mr. chance to succeed in New Orleans. this change existing law? The housing Speaker, I just have got to comment We must also ensure that the poor, authority, by the way, so people can that some of my friends on the other elderly or disabled individuals coming understand, the housing authority that side appear more concerned about en- back are given the tools that they need we are directing here is otherwise forcing the rules strictly than at other to ensure affordable housing opportuni- known as HUD, because HUD controls times. I asked several times to get an ties. Our housing system must give in- this housing authority and has for answer. I don’t think the answer is dividuals a range of affordable choices. some time since before the hurricane. over there. I don’t think this is very We must ensure that our public hous- But does this change existing law af- well considered. It does not appear to ing system is not again overwhelmed fecting housing authorities? me to change existing law. with drugs and crime, but that it in- Mr. JINDAL. Mr. Speaker, this And to say that we are going to tell stead serves its intended purpose of changes current law by not giving the them that they have to follow existing aiding those in need of housing assist- discretion, by directing the housing au- law, it seems rather odd. If it is so im- ance with a safe place to live. That is thority to keep these certain crimi- portant, you know, if this had been of- why I am offering this motion to re- nals—— fered as an amendment, we argued suc- commit. Mr. FRANK of Massachusetts. In cessfully all the subsequent amend- Building upon the base bill, this mo- what areas does it direct them? My un- ments would be in order. To the extent tion to recommit gives priority in the derstanding is that, for instance, the that it changes anything, it changes awarding of housing units under the work requirement they have already only for New Orleans. So this is only bill to individuals who are either em- got, the housing authority, that the re- for people whose houses were washed ployed or residents of households with strictions on people with criminal away. Now, I don’t know how it makes any people who are employed, exceed the backgrounds are already there. In what change. I will take on faith the gentle- number of legally required hours of way does this recommit? Which I am man’s assertion that it makes changes, community service that public housing sure the gentleman has seriously stud- even though he couldn’t tell me what residents may perform. Third, are indi- ied and is very familiar with it. He they were. But I would then say, why viduals who are elderly or disabled. wouldn’t legislate unseriously. Could would we say only if your house had Fourth, who qualify for placement in he tell me what in this changes exist- been washed away would you be subject housing to avoid having their families ing law? to some restriction? separated under existing Federal fam- I will yield to the gentleman from Mr. Speaker, I will now yield 2 min- ily unification housing rules. Louisiana. The motion to recommit also seeks utes to the gentleman from Louisiana Mr. JINDAL. Mr. Speaker, under cur- to ensure that public housing facilities (Mr. MELANCON). rent law, they have the discretion; in New Orleans foster a safer living en- The SPEAKER pro tempore. The gen- they are not required. We are requiring vironment for returning families by tleman from Massachusetts must re- the housing authority to do this. precluding availability of housing to claim his time. individuals who have either been con- Mr. FRANK of Massachusetts. The Mr. FRANK of Massachusetts. The victed of being drug dealers, have been question is, in what area, since in the gentleman is probably trying to figure convicted of a sex crime, have been work requirement they don’t have dis- out what the amendment says, and convicted of a crime of domestic vio- cretion. Check with whoever you have that is a hard job. lence, or are a direct threat to public to check with. In what areas are you I will then repeat what he said to me, safety. This includes allowing a refusal changing it from discretionary to man- which is, and read this, this I do know, to return if an applicant is a threat to datory? ‘‘it is for New Orleans only.’’ Now, we a community through gang member- I will yield to the gentleman from could not amend it for the whole area. ship. Given the fact that New Orleans’ Lousiana again. What about Mississippi? I mean, was murder rate on a per-capita basis now Mr. JINDAL. The underlying bill pre- the gentleman afraid that if he in- may be the highest in the Nation, I be- vents the preferences that we have list- cluded Mississippi, the gentleman, Mr. lieve this motion to recommit should ed in this motion to recommit. This TAYLOR, would challenge him to come be supported. would direct the housing authority to to Mississippi? I think the gentleman Mr. Speaker, we must put the resi- give preference to those that meet the from Louisiana has already been to dents of public housing in a position to requirements. Mississippi. He wouldn’t have to succeed. Allowing the old system to be Mr. FRANK of Massachusetts. Well, change his travel plans the way the put back in place is irresponsible and the point that we are directing the gentleman from Georgia would have. unacceptable; and especially when you housing authority to give preference to Why should only people who have consider the fact that we are in des- people who follow existing law; Mr. suffered this enormous trauma, who perate need of workers to help us re- Speaker, I wish we had had this before, live in New Orleans, be subjected to a build our community. We think this we might have been able to understand special set of rules? By the way, we motion to recommit deserves every it better. It appears to me to be simply will send the Members long lists of Member’s support. a restatement of existing law. rules already on the books, statutory Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance And apparently Members on the and regulatory, that prevent public of my time. other side are afraid that HUD, which housing authorities from allowing peo- Mr. FRANK of Massachusetts. I is the housing authority, won’t follow ple with criminal records to come in. thank the gentleman. existing law. And I do have my own You have the ‘‘one strike’’ situation Let me ask the gentleman from Lou- doubts about this administration’s where they can be easily evicted. isiana, we have been reading it over, predilection for following existing law. So this does not add, as nearly as we and I do regret the fact that we got Mr. JINDAL. Will the gentleman can tell, to the restriction on letting this a couple of minutes ago. I am yield? people in. To the extent that it imposes going to check with Valerie Plame, I Mr. FRANK of Massachusetts. No. I a greater work requirement, we are don’t think there was anything secret tried five times. I give up. talking about people whose homes were

VerDate Aug 31 2005 02:14 Mar 22, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00021 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K21MR7.051 H21MRPT1 jcorcoran on PROD1PC62 with HOUSE H2768 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE March 21, 2007 destroyed, whose jobs may have been LaHood Musgrave Shimkus Waters Waxman Woolsey Lamborn Myrick Shuler Watson Welch (VT) Wu washed away, who may be trying to Lampson Neugebauer Shuster Watt Wexler Wynn find additional housing. Latham Nunes Simpson ANSWERED ‘‘PRESENT’’—1 The SPEAKER pro tempore. The gen- LaTourette Pearce Skelton tleman’s time has expired. Lewis (CA) Peterson (PA) Smith (NE) Culberson Lewis (KY) Petri Smith (NJ) Mr. FRANK of Massachusetts. Thank Linder Pickering Smith (TX) NOT VOTING—7 you, Mr. Speaker, for so has my pa- Lipinski Pitts Snyder Davis, Jo Ann Johnson, E. B. Young (FL) tience. LoBiondo Platts Souder Deal (GA) Kanjorski Lucas Poe Space Hall (TX) Pence The SPEAKER pro tempore. Does the Lungren, Daniel Pomeroy Spratt gentleman from Massachusetts with- E. Porter Stearns b 1440 draw his reservation? Lynch Price (GA) Stupak Messrs. CAPUANO, LANTOS and Mack Pryce (OH) Sullivan Mr. FRANK of Massachusetts. I with- Mahoney (FL) Putnam Tancredo LARSON of Connecticut changed their draw my parliamentary reservation. I Manzullo Radanovich Tanner vote from ‘‘aye’’ to ‘‘no.’’ reinforce my substantive ones. Marchant Rahall Taylor Ms. BEAN, Messrs. HARE, The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Marshall Ramstad Terry YARMUTH, COURTNEY, ELLS- Matheson Regula Thornberry point of order reservation is with- McCarthy (CA) Rehberg Tiahrt WORTH, SPRATT and RAHALL drawn. McCaul (TX) Reichert Tiberi changed their vote from ‘‘no’’ to ‘‘aye.’’ All time has expired. McCotter Renzi Turner So the motion to recommit was Without objection, the previous ques- McCrery Reynolds Upton agreed to. McHenry Rogers (AL) Walberg The result of the vote was announced tion is ordered on the motion to recom- McHugh Rogers (KY) Walden (OR) mit. McIntyre Rogers (MI) Walsh (NY) as above recorded. McKeon Rohrabacher Wamp Mr. FRANK of Massachusetts. Mr. There was no objection. McMorris Ros-Lehtinen Weiner Speaker, pursuant to the instructions The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Rodgers Roskam Weldon (FL) of the House in the motion to recom- question is on the motion to recommit. McNerney Ross Weller mit, I report the bill, H.R. 1227, back to The question was taken; and the Mica Royce Westmoreland Miller (FL) Ryan (WI) Whitfield the House with an amendment. Speaker pro tempore announced that Miller (MI) Sali Wicker The SPEAKER pro tempore. The the noes appeared to have it. Miller, Gary Saxton Wilson (NM) Mitchell Schmidt Wilson (OH) Clerk will report the amendment. RECORDED VOTE Mollohan Sensenbrenner Wilson (SC) The Clerk read as follows: Mr. JINDAL. Mr. Speaker, I demand Moore (KS) Sessions Wolf In section 202(c), strike ‘‘to the extent a recorded vote. Moran (KS) Shadegg Yarmuth that’’ and insert ‘‘that such Housing Author- A recorded vote was ordered. Murphy, Tim Shays Young (AK) ity or other manager shall prevent a house- The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- hold from occupying such a dwelling unit, NOES—176 and shall provide priority for occupancy in ant to clause 9 of rule XX, the Chair Abercrombie Gutierrez Murtha such dwelling units, as follows:’’. will reduce to 5 minutes the minimum Ackerman Hastings (FL) Nadler At the end of section 202(c), add the fol- time for any electronic vote on the Allen Higgins Napolitano lowing new paragraphs: question of passage. Andrews Hinchey Neal (MA) (1) Notwithstanding any priority under Arcuri Hinojosa Oberstar The vote was taken by electronic de- Baca Hirono Obey paragraphs (4) through (6), a household shall vice, and there were—ayes 249, noes 176, Baird Hodes Olver be prevented from such occupancy to the ex- answered ‘‘present’’ 1, not voting 7, as Baldwin Holt Ortiz tent that any other provision of Federal law Becerra Honda Pallone prohibits occupancy or tenancy of such follows: Berkley Hooley Pascrell household, or any individual who is a mem- [Roll No. 171] Berman Hoyer Pastor ber of such household, in the type of housing Berry Inslee Paul of the replacement dwelling unit provided AYES—249 Bishop (GA) Israel Payne Aderholt Chabot Gerlach Bishop (NY) Jackson (IL) Perlmutter for such household. Akin Chandler Giffords Blumenauer Jackson-Lee Peterson (MN) (2) Notwithstanding any priority under Alexander Coble Gilchrest Boucher (TX) Price (NC) paragraphs (4) through (6), a household shall Altmire Cole (OK) Gillibrand Brady (PA) Jefferson Rangel be prevented from such occupancy if it in- Bachmann Conaway Gillmor Braley (IA) Johnson (GA) Reyes cludes any individual who has been convicted Bachus Courtney Gingrey Brown, Corrine Jones (OH) Rodriguez of a drug dealing offense, sex offense, or Baker Cramer Gohmert Butterfield Kagen Rothman crime of domestic violence. Barrett (SC) Crenshaw Goode Capps Kaptur Roybal-Allard Barrow Cubin Goodlatte Capuano Kennedy Ruppersberger (3) Notwithstanding any priority under Bartlett (MD) Cuellar Gordon Cardoza Kilpatrick Rush paragraphs (4) through (6), a household shall Barton (TX) Davis (AL) Granger Carnahan Kind Ryan (OH) be prevented from such occupancy on the Bean Davis (KY) Graves Carson Klein (FL) Salazar basis of a determination that occupancy of Biggert Davis, David Hall (NY) Castor Kucinich Sa´ nchez, Linda any individual who is a member of the house- Bilbray Davis, Lincoln Hare Clarke Langevin T. hold may constitute a threat to public safe- Bilirakis Davis, Tom Harman Clay Lantos Sanchez, Loretta ty, including a threat caused by occupancy Bishop (UT) DeFazio Hastert Cleaver Larsen (WA) Sarbanes Blackburn Dent Hastings (WA) Clyburn Larson (CT) Schakowsky that would facilitate reunification of mem- Blunt Diaz-Balart, L. Hayes Cohen Lee Schiff bers of gangs involved in criminal activity. Boehner Diaz-Balart, M. Heller Conyers Levin Schwartz (4) Priority in such occupancy shall be pro- Bonner Doggett Hensarling Cooper Lewis (GA) Scott (GA) vided to individuals who are employed or Bono Donnelly Herger Costa Loebsack Scott (VA) households that include individuals who are Boozman Doolittle Herseth Costello Lofgren, Zoe Serrano employed. Boren Drake Hill Crowley Lowey Sestak (5) Priority in such occupancy in public Boswell Dreier Hobson Cummings Maloney (NY) Shea-Porter Boustany Duncan Hoekstra Davis (CA) Markey Sherman housing dwelling units shall be provided to— Boyd (FL) Edwards Holden Davis (IL) Matsui Sires (A) individuals who agree to contribute to- Boyda (KS) Ehlers Hulshof DeGette McCarthy (NY) Slaughter ward community service, or to participate in Brady (TX) Ellsworth Hunter Delahunt McCollum (MN) Smith (WA) an economic self-sufficiency program for, Brown (SC) Emerson Inglis (SC) DeLauro McDermott Solis more hours per month than is required under Brown-Waite, English (PA) Issa Dicks McGovern Stark section 12(c) of the United States Housing Ginny Etheridge Jindal Dingell McNulty Sutton Act of 1937 (42 U.S.C. 1437j(c)); Buchanan Everett Johnson (IL) Doyle Meehan Tauscher Burgess Fallin Johnson, Sam Ellison Meek (FL) Thompson (CA) (B) individuals who, under paragraph (2) of Burton (IN) Feeney Jones (NC) Emanuel Meeks (NY) Thompson (MS) section 12(c) of the United States Housing Buyer Ferguson Jordan Engel Melancon Tierney Act of 1937, are exempt from the requirement Calvert Flake Keller Eshoo Michaud Towns under paragraph (1) of such section; and Camp (MI) Forbes Kildee Farr Millender- Udall (CO) (C) households that include such individ- Campbell (CA) Fortenberry King (IA) Fattah McDonald Udall (NM) uals. Cannon Fossella King (NY) Filner Miller (NC) Van Hollen (6) A household that consists of a family or Cantor Foxx Kingston Frank (MA) Miller, George Vela´ zquez Capito Franks (AZ) Kirk Gonzalez Moore (WI) Visclosky youth described in section 8(x)(2) of the Carney Frelinghuysen Kline (MN) Green, Al Moran (VA) Walz (MN) United States Housing Act of 1937 (42 U.S.C. Carter Gallegly Knollenberg Green, Gene Murphy (CT) Wasserman 1437f(x)(2); relating to family unification) Castle Garrett (NJ) Kuhl (NY) Grijalva Murphy, Patrick Schultz shall be provided priority in such occupancy.

VerDate Aug 31 2005 02:14 Mar 22, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00022 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K21MR7.053 H21MRPT1 jcorcoran on PROD1PC62 with HOUSE March 21, 2007 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H2769 The Secretary of Housing and Urban Devel- Lee Obey Shuler NOT VOTING—6 Levin Olver Simpson opment shall issue regulations to carry out Davis, Jo Ann Johnson, E. B. Pence Lewis (CA) Ortiz Sires the exceptions under paragraphs (1) through Deal (GA) Kanjorski Young (FL) (6). Lewis (GA) Pallone Skelton Lipinski Pascrell Slaughter ANNOUNCEMENT BY THE SPEAKER PRO TEMPORE Mr. FRANK of Massachusetts (during LoBiondo Pastor Smith (NJ) The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. RA- Loebsack Payne Smith (WA) the reading). Mr. Speaker, I ask unani- HALL) (during the vote). Members are mous consent that the amendment be Lofgren, Zoe Perlmutter Snyder Lowey Peterson (MN) Solis advised there are 2 minutes remaining considered as read and printed in the Lynch Pickering Space in this vote. RECORD. Mahoney (FL) Platts Spratt The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there Maloney (NY) Poe Stark b 1451 objection to the request of the gen- Markey Pomeroy Stupak Mr. HALL of Texas changed his vote tleman from Massachusetts? Marshall Porter Sutton from ‘‘aye’’ to ‘‘no.’’ Matheson Price (NC) Tanner There was no objection. Matsui Pryce (OH) Tauscher So the bill was passed. The SPEAKER pro tempore. The McCarthy (NY) Rahall Taylor The result of the vote was announced question is on the amendment. McCaul (TX) Ramstad Thompson (CA) as above recorded. The amendment was agreed to. McCollum (MN) Rangel Thompson (MS) A motion to reconsider was laid on McCrery Regula Tierney the table. The SPEAKER pro tempore. The McDermott Reichert Towns question is on the engrossment and McGovern Renzi Udall (CO) f third reading of the bill. McHugh Reyes Udall (NM) ANNOUNCEMENT BY THE SPEAKER The bill was ordered to be engrossed McIntyre Reynolds Upton McMorris Rodriguez Van Hollen PRO TEMPORE and read a third time, and was read the Rodgers Rogers (KY) Vela´ zquez The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- third time. McNerney Rogers (MI) Visclosky ant to clause 8 of rule XX, the Chair The SPEAKER pro tempore. The McNulty Ros-Lehtinen Walden (OR) Meehan Ross Walsh (NY) will postpone further proceedings question is on the passage of the bill. today on motions to suspend the rules The question was taken; and the Meek (FL) Rothman Walz (MN) Meeks (NY) Roybal-Allard Wasserman on which a recorded vote or the yeas Speaker pro tempore announced that Melancon Ruppersberger Schultz and nays are ordered, or on which the the ayes appeared to have it. Michaud Rush Waters vote is objected to under clause 6 of Millender- Ryan (OH) Watson RECORDED VOTE McDonald Salazar Watt rule XX. Mr. FRANK of Massachusetts. Mr. Miller (NC) Sa´ nchez, Linda Waxman Record votes on postponed questions Speaker, I demand a recorded vote. Miller, George T. Weiner will be taken later today. Mitchell Sanchez, Loretta Welch (VT) A recorded vote was ordered. f The vote was taken by electronic de- Mollohan Sarbanes Weller Moore (KS) Saxton Wexler HAWAIIAN HOMEOWNERSHIP vice, and there were—ayes 302, noes 125, Moore (WI) Schakowsky Whitfield OPPORTUNITY ACT OF 2007 not voting 6, as follows: Moran (VA) Schiff Wicker [Roll No. 172] Murphy (CT) Schwartz Wilson (NM) Ms. WATERS. Mr. Speaker, I move to Murphy, Patrick Scott (GA) Wilson (OH) suspend the rules and pass the bill AYES—302 Murphy, Tim Scott (VA) Wolf (H.R. 835) to reauthorize the programs Abercrombie Cooper Grijalva Murtha Serrano Woolsey Ackerman Costa Gutierrez Nadler Sestak Wu of the Department of Housing and Alexander Costello Hall (NY) Napolitano Shays Wynn Urban Development for housing assist- Allen Courtney Hare Neal (MA) Shea-Porter Yarmuth ance for Native Hawaiians. Altmire Cramer Harman Nunes Sherman The Clerk read the title of the bill. Andrews Crowley Hastings (FL) Oberstar Shimkus Arcuri Cuellar Hayes The text of the bill is as follows: Baca Cummings Heller NOES—125 H.R. 835 Baird Davis (AL) Herseth Aderholt Foxx Moran (KS) Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Rep- Baker Davis (CA) Higgins resentatives of the United States of America in Baldwin Davis (IL) Hill Akin Franks (AZ) Musgrave Barrow Davis (KY) Hinchey Bachmann Gallegly Myrick Congress assembled, Bean Davis, Lincoln Hinojosa Bachus Garrett (NJ) Neugebauer SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. Becerra Davis, Tom Hirono Barrett (SC) Gingrey Paul This Act may be cited as the ‘‘Hawaiian Berkley DeFazio Hobson Bartlett (MD) Gohmert Pearce Homeownership Opportunity Act of 2007’’. Berman DeGette Hodes Barton (TX) Goode Peterson (PA) SEC. 2. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS Berry Delahunt Holden Bilbray Goodlatte Petri Biggert DeLauro Holt FOR HOUSING ASSISTANCE. Bishop (UT) Granger Pitts Section 824 of the Native American Hous- Bilirakis Dent Honda Blackburn Graves Price (GA) Bishop (GA) Diaz-Balart, L. Hooley Blunt Hall (TX) Putnam ing Assistance and Self-Determination Act Bishop (NY) Diaz-Balart, M. Hoyer Boehner Hastert Radanovich of 1996 (25 U.S.C. 4243), as added by section Blumenauer Dicks Inslee Bonner Hastings (WA) Rehberg 513 of Public Law 106–569 (114 Stat. 2969), is Boren Dingell Israel Bono Hensarling Rogers (AL) amended by striking ‘‘fiscal years’’ and all Boswell Doggett Jackson (IL) that follows and inserting the following: Boucher Donnelly Jackson-Lee Boozman Herger Rohrabacher Boustany Doyle (TX) Brown (SC) Hoekstra Roskam ‘‘fiscal years 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011 and 2012.’’. Boyd (FL) Edwards Jefferson Brown-Waite, Hulshof Royce SEC. 3. LOAN GUARANTEES FOR NATIVE HAWAI- Boyda (KS) Ehlers Jindal Ginny Hunter Ryan (WI) IAN HOUSING. Brady (PA) Ellison Johnson (GA) Burton (IN) Inglis (SC) Sali Section 184A of the Housing and Commu- Brady (TX) Ellsworth Johnson (IL) Calvert Issa Schmidt nity Development Act of 1992 (12 U.S.C. Braley (IA) Emanuel Jones (NC) Camp (MI) Johnson, Sam Sensenbrenner 1715z–13b), as added by section 514 of Public Brown, Corrine Emerson Jones (OH) Campbell (CA) Jordan Sessions Law 106–569 (114 Stat. 2989), is amended as Buchanan Engel Kagen Cannon Keller Shadegg Burgess English (PA) Kaptur Cantor King (IA) Shuster follows: Butterfield Eshoo Kennedy Carter Kingston Smith (NE) (1) AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.—In Buyer Etheridge Kildee Chabot Kline (MN) Smith (TX) subsection (j)(7), by striking ‘‘fiscal years’’ Capito Farr Kilpatrick Coble Lamborn Souder and all that follows and inserting the fol- Capps Fattah Kind Cole (OK) Lewis (KY) Stearns lowing: ‘‘fiscal years 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011 and Capuano Ferguson King (NY) Conaway Linder Sullivan 2012.’’. Cardoza Filner Kirk Crenshaw Lucas Tancredo Carnahan Fortenberry Klein (FL) (2) AUTHORITY.—In subsection (b), by strik- Cubin Lungren, Daniel Terry Carney Frank (MA) Knollenberg ing ‘‘or as a result of a lack of access to pri- Culberson E. Thornberry Carson Frelinghuysen Kucinich vate financial markets’’. Davis, David Mack Castle Gerlach Kuhl (NY) Tiahrt (3) ELIGIBLE HOUSING.—In subsection (c), by Castor Giffords LaHood Doolittle Manzullo Tiberi striking paragraph (2) and inserting the fol- Drake Marchant Chandler Gilchrest Lampson Turner lowing new paragraph: Clarke Gillibrand Langevin Dreier McCarthy (CA) Walberg ‘‘(2) ELIGIBLE HOUSING.—The loan will be Clay Gillmor Lantos Duncan McCotter Wamp Cleaver Gonzalez Larsen (WA) Everett McHenry Weldon (FL) used to construct, acquire, refinance, or re- Clyburn Gordon Larson (CT) Fallin McKeon Westmoreland habilitate 1- to 4-family dwellings that are Cohen Green, Al Latham Feeney Mica Wilson (SC) standard housing and are located on Hawai- Conyers Green, Gene LaTourette Flake Miller (FL) Young (AK) ian Home Lands.’’. Forbes Miller (MI) Fossella Miller, Gary

VerDate Aug 31 2005 02:14 Mar 22, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00023 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A21MR7.013 H21MRPT1 jcorcoran on PROD1PC62 with HOUSE H2770 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE March 21, 2007 SEC. 4. ELIGIBILITY OF DEPARTMENT OF HAWAI- out there can be alleviated, because I mortgage payments. That is what this IAN HOME LANDS FOR TITLE VI don’t believe that this should be con- is about. It’s no special consideration. LOAN GUARANTEES. Title VI of the Native American Housing sidered a controversial bill in any way. It is fulfilling the law as it exists. Assistance and Self-Determination Act of There are some issues with respect to Mr. RENZI. Thank you very much. I 1996 (25 U.S.C. 4191 et seq.) is amended as fol- questions about favoritism or reverse want to thank the gentleman from Ha- lows: discrimination, et cetera. Some of waii and your colleagues for your lead- (1) HEADING.—In the heading for the title, these issues have been raised in other ership on this issue and your camara- by inserting ‘‘AND NATIVE HAWAIIAN’’ contexts. derie in helping all Native Americans after ‘‘TRIBAL’’. But in this particular instance, sim- pushing forward in homeownership. (2) AUTHORITY AND REQUIREMENTS.—In sec- ply because the word or the phrase Na- Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support tion 601 (25 U.S.C. 4191)—— (A) in subsection (a)— tive Hawaiian is attached, I hope that of H.R. 835, the Hawaiian Homeowner- (i) by inserting ‘‘or by the Department of it doesn’t confuse the issue. I have just ship Opportunity Act of 2007. This bill Hawaiian Home Lands,’’ after ‘‘tribal ap- had the opportunity to speak with Mr. is a reauthorization of title 8 of the Na- proval,’’; and BOEHNER, and I believe that we have an tive American Housing Assistance and (ii) by inserting ‘‘or 810, as applicable,’’ understanding about what is at stake Self-Determination Act commonly after ‘‘section 202’’ ; and here. known as the NAHASDA. It’s adminis- (B) in subsection (c), by inserting ‘‘or VIII, Let me make very, very clear what tered by the Department of Hawaiian as applicable’’ before the period at the end. we are talking about. It reauthorizes a Home Lands, and this provides native (3) SECURITY AND REPAYMENT.—In section Native Hawaiian housing block grant 602 (25 U.S.C. 4192)— low-income families the opportunity (A) in subsection (a)— through 2012. Now, these funds are used for homeownership on Hawaiian Home (i) in the matter preceding paragraph (1), for infrastructure development and Lands. by striking ‘‘or housing entity’’ and insert- homeownership assistance under a pro- The Native American Housing Assist- ing ‘‘, housing entity, or Department of Ha- gram that is administered by the State ance and Self-Determination Act was waiian Home Lands’’; and of Hawaii as the result of Federal legis- passed in 1996. It reauthorized a system (ii) in paragraph (3)— lation in the last century. The bill that of housing assistance provided to tribes (I) by inserting ‘‘or Department’’ after is on the floor today did not originate throughout the Department of Housing ‘‘tribe’’; with Representative HIRONO or myself, (II) by inserting ‘‘or VIII, as applicable,’’ and Urban Development by creating after ‘‘title I’’; and but is as a result of the request of the the Indian Housing Block Grant pro- (III) by inserting ‘‘or 811(b), as applicable’’ Hawaiian Homes Commission and its gram, which provides funds directly to before the semicolon; and chairman, under the leadership of Gov- tribes for housing services as deter- (B) in subsection (b)(2), by striking ‘‘or ernor Lingle, Governor Linda Lingle, mined by the tribes themselves. housing entity’’ and inserting ‘‘, housing en- who is a Republican. In 2000, the NAHASDA was amended tity, or the Department of Hawaiian Home The reason I bring that up is not to to include title 8 so that Native Hawai- Lands’’. cite that for special consideration, but ians could receive block grant funding (4) PAYMENT OF INTEREST.—In the first sen- rather that this is not a Democrat and as well through a separate grant, the tence of section 603 (25 U.S.C. 4193), by strik- Republican issue. This is an institu- ing ‘‘or housing entity’’ and inserting ‘‘, Native Hawaiian Housing Block Grant, housing entity, or the Department of Hawai- tional issue that whoever is Governor, which funds vital housing programs ian Home Lands’’. and whoever are the commissioners, in only on Hawaiian Home Lands through (5) AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS FOR this instance happen to be Republican, the Department of Hawaiian Home CREDIT SUBSIDY.—In section 605(b) (25 U.S.C. appointed by a Republican Governor. Lands, a Federal agency established by 4195(b)), by striking ‘‘1997 through 2007’’ and Those folks are obligated institution- Congress in 1921 to administer trust inserting ‘‘2008 through 2012’’. ally to bring these issues to the Con- land in Hawaii. The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- gress for final adjudication because of Title 8 funding has allowed the De- ant to the rule, the gentlewoman from the unique status, the unique legal sta- partment of Hawaiian Home Lands to California (Ms. WATERS) and the gen- tus of the Hawaiian Home Lands. target assistance at families at or tleman from Arizona (Mr. RENZI) each The Hawaiian Home Lands were cre- below 80 percent of the median income. will control 20 minutes. ated by the Congress as a result of leg- This funding is used for such assistance The Chair recognizes the gentle- islation put forward by the original as infrastructure development, as my woman from California. delegate from the Hawaiian Islands to colleague Mr. ABERCROMBIE talked GENERAL LEAVE the Congress, Prince Kuhio, Prince about, Habitat for Humanity in Ha- Ms. WATERS. Mr. Speaker, I ask Jonah Kuhio Kalaniana’ole, for whom waii, down payment assistance pro- unanimous consent that all Members the Federal building is named where I grams, self-help home repair programs may have 5 legislative days in which to have my offices in Honolulu, the PJKK. and financial literacy programs. revise and extend their remarks on this Mr. RENZI may refer to the PJKK Fed- b 1500 legislation and to insert extraneous eral Building. He was a Republican at material thereon. the time, and as a result of his presen- Title 8 of the NAHASDA was origi- The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there tation, the original Hawaiian Home nally authorized for 5 years through objection to the request of the gentle- Lands were created. 2005, and has not been formally reau- woman from California? It enables Hawaiian families on Ha- thorized since. Although appropriation There was no objection. waiian Home Lands under this unique acts have continued to provide de facto Ms. WATERS. Mr. Speaker, I yield legal status to be able to acquire pri- 1-year authorizations for this program, myself 1 minute to introduce the real vate financing they otherwise can’t get this bill will reauthorize the program author of this legislation, a gentleman because they are under this legal ad- through fiscal year 2012. who has worked very, very hard on the monition to go through the Hawaiian In addition to reauthorization, the Hawaiian Homeownership Opportunity Homes Commission. So it allows the bill makes two changes to existing law. Act of 2007, an extremely important Hawaiian Home Lands, the Depart- First, it makes the Department of Ha- bill that will provide housing for Na- ment, to be eligible for loan guarantees waiian Home Lands eligible for loan tive Hawaiians who have been without to borrow, issue bonded debt, enabling guarantees authorized under title 6 in decent, safe and secure housing for far servicing up to five times their annual the NAHASDA. Giving the Department too long. I commend the gentleman for allocation. title 6 assets would allow the Depart- all of the work that he has put into This allows the Department to serv- ment to help more low-income families this act. ice low-income families without a large become homeowners, without a large Mr. Speaker, I yield to the gentleman increase in Federal appropriations. increase in Federal appropriations, by from Hawaii (Mr. ABERCROMBIE) such That’s the whole idea of it. It allows partnering with private markets. time as he may consume. low-income Hawaiians to get their refi- Second, this legislation allows Native Mr. ABERCROMBIE. Mr. Speaker, I nancing in addition to construction. It Hawaiians the use of HUD section am hoping that some of the misconcep- reduces the cost of homeownership, and 184(a) guaranteed loans for refinancing tions or misperceptions that might be it reduced risk by lowering monthly in addition to construction. Adding the

VerDate Aug 31 2005 02:14 Mar 22, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00024 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A21MR7.012 H21MRPT1 jcorcoran on PROD1PC62 with HOUSE March 21, 2007 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H2771 refinancing authority reduces the cost Ms. WATERS. I yield 5 minutes to Ms. WATERS. Mr. Speaker, I yield to of homeownership for low-income fami- Mr. FALEOMAVAEGA. the gentleman from Hawaii (Mr. ABER- lies and can also reduce risk by low- (Mr. FALEOMAVAEGA asked and CROMBIE), the author of this legisla- ering monthly mortgage payments. was given permission to revise and ex- tion, 4 minutes. Congress must continue to embrace tend his remarks.) Mr. ABERCROMBIE. Mr. Speaker, initiatives such as the one we are cur- Mr. FALEOMAVAEGA. Mr. Speaker, what remains for me is to express my rently considering that encourages I want to thank the gentlewoman from gratitude to Mr. RENZI and also to Mr. Americans to own a home. California and my good friend the gen- KILDEE and the Native American Cau- Again, I would like to thank Mr. tleman from Arizona for their manage- cus for helping all of us to understand ABERCROMBIE and his colleagues from ment of this important legislation, es- what the issues are here. And also, I Hawaii, and I thank Chairman WATERS pecially for the needs of our Native Ha- want to reiterate my thanks to Mr. on our subcommittee. waiian people. BOEHNER for his open-mindedness and Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of This bill is simply to reauthorize this his attitude of being willing to listen my time. program to provide for the housing on issues that might otherwise have Ms. WATERS. Mr. Speaker, I yield to needs of our Native Hawaiian commu- been easily misunderstood. I am grate- the gentlewoman from Hawaii (Ms. nity in Hawaii, this bill, since its first ful also to Mr. COLE of Oklahoma for HIRONO) 5 minutes. authorization started in 1996. I do want his participation and for his leadership Ms. HIRONO. I thank the gentle- to thank my good friend, the gen- in again helping us to discern issues woman from California for yielding tleman from Hawaii (Mr. ABER- that are of distinct advantage, not just time. CROMBIE), and my colleague Ms. HIRONO to our particular constituents in Ha- Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support for their leadership in bringing this waii, but on the whole issue of how we of H.R. 835, the Hawaiian Homeowner- legislation forward. are able to help people achieve home- ship Opportunity Act, which reauthor- Unbeknownst to many of our col- ownership, achieve an opportunity not izes the Hawaiian Home Lands Home- leagues here in the House, and espe- to be dependent on government, but ownership Act of 2000. The act assists cially also in the Senate, I might say, rather to be able to participate in the the State of Hawaii’s Department of there are approximately 400,000 Native American Dream, the overall American Hawaiian Home Lands, or DHHL, to Hawaiians living in our country today. Dream in a way that has genuine provide opportunities for homeowner- They are the largest indigenous group meaning for them and their families. I am very pleased to see that this has ship for low-income Native Hawaiians. among our fellow Americans who live not become a partisan issue, and that In 1921, Congress passed the Hawaiian in this country. And I want to say that, it has not ended up dividing us when Homes Commission Act with the pur- as someone who has lived with the Na- we should, in fact, be united in our op- pose of establishing a homesteading tive Hawaiian people in the State of Hawaii in my youth, I can testify and portunity to minimize the effect of program to place eligible Native Ha- government having bad consequences waiians on lands in Hawaii designated say personally that this program defi- nitely is of tremendous need to meet for people, and maximizing the oppor- for such purpose. The law was passed at the housing needs of our Native Hawai- tunity for the ordinary individual and the urging of the Territory of Hawaii’s ian people. the ordinary individual’s family to be Delegate to Congress, Prince Jonah I can also share with my colleagues, able to advance the family’s cause. Kuhio Kalanianaole. Some 200,000 acres despite all the advertisements and the In this particular instance then, Mr. were set aside for the purpose of pro- beautiful islands that we see on tele- Speaker, I am very, very pleased that viding Native Hawaiians with land. vision and the ads that we see, and the we are able to move forward on this, With the passage of the Statehood islands are beautiful, I must say, but and I hope that the vote will be a solid Act of 1959, the control and administra- there is also another part of the State one and that we can move forward to tion of the Hawaiian Homes Commis- that I would like to share with my col- other issues not only where home- sion Act was transferred to the newly leagues that the tremendous needs of ownership is concerned, but advancing formed State of Hawaii. The Depart- the Native Hawaiians is exactly the the capacity of families to be able to ment of Hawaiian Home Lands was cre- same as the situation with the Native succeed in the American Dream. ated in 1960 to administer the Hawaiian American community. They are the I would like to express my gratitude Homes Commission Act. The mission of worst when it comes to their health to the gentlelady from California, and the Department is to ‘‘manage the Ha- needs. All the social and economic express my thanks to her for the lead- waiian Home Lands trust effectively problems that we are faced with for our ership of her and her committee in and to develop and deliver land to Na- Native American community is exactly bringing this forward. Again, Mr. tive Hawaiians.’’ the situation that we are faced with Speaker, before I close, my deep re- Despite the good intentions of the our Native Hawaiian people. spect for and gratitude to Mr. RENZI Congress, progress of meeting the goal Unbeknownst to our colleagues and for all those who helped bring this of delivering land to Native Hawaiians again, if I might add, Mr. Speaker, the forward on the Republican side of the was slow. Most of the Hawaiian Home people of Hawaii indigenous to the aisle. Lands were located in areas far from State of Hawaii, many of the people of b 1510 jobs, and infrastructure such as roads our country do not know that there Ms. WATERS. Mr. Speaker, may I in- and utilities were nonexistent. Many was a sovereign and independent na- quire as to how many minutes we have individuals were on waiting lists for tion of Hawaii that was ruled by a se- left? more than 30 years. ries of kings which started from the The SPEAKER pro tempore. The The Hawaiian Home Lands Home great King Kamehameha. From 1800, gentlelady from California has 71⁄2 min- Ownership Act of 2000 has provided the for some 19 years, he ruled his people, utes left. Department of Hawaiian Home Lands and on to the legacy of the King Kame- Ms. WATERS. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 with much-needed resources to expand hameha and his dynasty, which he minutes to the gentlelady from Texas opportunities for home ownership founded for about 100 years before U.S. (Ms. JACKSON-LEE). among low-income Native Hawaiians. Marines of our government illegally Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Let me, Especially critical has been the ability and unlawfully took over that sov- first of all, thank the gentlelady for to use these funds to develop the infra- ereign government that was ruled by being so timely in her yielding, and to structure that makes placing homes on that time by Queen Lili’uokalani. congratulate her as well for this initia- these properties possible. I want to share that bit of history tive. I urge my colleagues to support reau- with my colleagues, and especially and Mr. Speaker, I would like to be al- thorization of this important program, I sincerely hope that they will under- lowed as well, as I compliment her and I thank the Chairs, Barney Frank stand and appreciate the fact that the overall on her commitment to housing, and Maxine Waters, for their leadership Native Hawaiian community does defi- just to reflect on the last 2 days. This in bringing this bill to a vote. nitely need this program, and I urge was a challenge, but it was the leader- Mr. RENZI. Mr. Speaker, I yield back my colleagues to please support this ship of this Subcommittee on Finan- the balance of my time. legislation. cial Services that managed to get their

VerDate Aug 31 2005 02:14 Mar 22, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00025 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K21MR7.063 H21MRPT1 jcorcoran on PROD1PC62 with HOUSE H2772 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE March 21, 2007 hands around what is confronting the being here on the floor with us this as the islands with vast beautiful beaches and gulf region, and particularly cities like afternoon, and helping people to under- a remote vacation site but we fail to see the Houston that are impacted by a large stand how appreciative they are for our other side of Hawaii. With the growth in tour- number of Hurricane Katrina sur- help. ism and the rise in cost-of-living, Native Ha- vivors. And I just want to cite that, I would like to say that in addition waiians have not been able to establish reg- though I heard a good number of re- to the work that he has done, he has ular income to afford the high cost in housing sponses on the floor about how much, invited many of us on more than one within the state. how long, and too much, frankly I am occasion not only to visit, but to un- This legislation gives Native Hawaiians the going to encourage all of the Members derstand that it is not just simply a opportunities for home ownership and will like- of this body to visit the gulf region and beautiful island where people come to ly provide for more low-income families with- to recognize that no matter how much, vacation. There are people who live out making significant increases in federal ap- too much and how long, they will see there. There are people who live there. propriations. Mr. Speaker, with the support of that people are still not settled, not in There are people who work there. the Native American Caucus, the Native houses, and still are receiving eviction There are people who need our assist- American Indian Housing Council and Gov- notices. ance, people who have been without ernor Linda Lingle of Hawaii, I am hopeful that Homeownership is a viable part of housing that they can afford for a long we pass H.R. 835 today. I humbly request that our dreams. But, at the same time, we time. my fellow colleagues support and pass H.R. have to be the ‘‘fix it’’ people. And un- And so, again, the work not only of 835 and again I thank my good friend from fortunately, there was much debate on our chairman and the members of my Hawaii for introducing this important legisla- this floor that didn’t understand that subcommittee, but the cooperation tion. hurricane recovery for Hurricanes that we have had on the opposite side Ms. WATERS. Mr. Speaker, I yield Katrina and Wilma and Rita had not of the aisle, led by Mr. RENZI, is what back the balance of my time. yet occurred. Therefore, I hope that as gets us to this point today. The SPEAKER pro tempore. The we go forward and more bills may come And I would urge all of my colleagues question is on the motion offered by to the floor on dealing with Hurricane to please support this legislation. It is the gentlewoman from California (Ms. Katrina, we will be sensitive that this so important. WATERS) that the House suspend the is one of the largest evacuations in the Mr. FALEOMAVAEGA. Mr. Speaker, I rise rules and pass the bill, H.R. 835. history of America, and that we must today in strong support of H.R. 835, the Ha- The question was taken. continue our work. And so for that rea- waiian Homeownership Opportunity Act of The SPEAKER pro tempore. In the son, I support the underlying bill. 2007. I want to commend my good friend, Mr. opinion of the Chair, two-thirds being But, likewise, I hope that we will ABERCROMBIE, for introducing this bill in the in the affirmative, the ayes have it. have a heart and recognize that we are, House of Representatives to reauthorize the Mr. WESTMORELAND. Mr. Speaker, in fact, our brothers’ and sisters’ keep- Native Hawaiian Housing Block Grant through on that I demand the yeas and nays. er, and that we will take some time to 2012. I commend the gentleman for his hard The yeas and nays were ordered. understand that we are still healing, work and his leadership in helping our Hawai- The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- we are still repairing, and we are still ian community in both his district and in all the ant to clause 8 of rule XX and the helping. U.S. I also want to commend Ms. HIRONO of Chair’s prior announcement, further Ms. WATERS. Mr. Speaker and Mem- Hawaii as one of the original cosponsors of proceedings on this question will be bers, I thank the gentlelady from this bill and particularly Chairman FRANK of postponed. Texas (Ms. JACKSON-LEE). She had been Massachusetts of the esteemed Committee on f very passionate about what we were Financial Services for his diligence in moving doing on the last legislation, and she this legislation. I would also be remiss if I did JOSHUA OMVIG VETERANS took this opportunity, not only in sup- not recognize Chairwoman WATERS of Cali- SUICIDE PREVENTION ACT port of this legislation, but to add fornia of the Subcommittee on Housing and Mr. FILNER. Mr. Speaker, I move to some remarks for the record on behalf Community Opportunity of the Financial Serv- suspend the rules and pass the bill of the people of Houston, and I appre- ices Committee for her contributions to this im- (H.R. 327) to direct the Secretary of ciate that. portant bill and as a stalwart on national hous- Veterans Affairs to develop and imple- Let me just say that I want to thank ing issues. ment a comprehensive program de- the chairman, Mr. FRANK, for helping Mr. Speaker, this important piece of legisla- signed to reduce the incidence of sui- to focus our agenda in my sub- tion will reauthorize important funding for the cide among veterans, as amended. committee and in our overall com- Native Hawaiian Housing Block Grant until The Clerk read the title of the bill. mittee, dealing with these very impor- 2012. In 1996, Congress passed the Native The text of the bill is as follows: tant housing issues, many of them that American Housing Assistance and Self-Deter- H.R. 327 have been left unattended for far too mination Act without any specific provisions Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Rep- long. addressing Native Hawaiian communities. resentatives of the United States of America in I want to thank Mr. RENZI for his at- However, in 2000, Congress in a bipartisan ef- Congress assembled, tention to housing not only for Hawai- fort amended the Native American Housing SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. ian Native Americans, but for Native Assistance and Self-Determination Act by in- This Act may be cited as the ‘‘Joshua Americans in Arizona where I had the cluding Title VIII, creating the Native Hawaiian Omvig Veterans Suicide Prevention Act’’. opportunity to visit with him, where Housing Block Grant. SEC. 2. SENSE OF CONGRESS. he is doing an awful lot for housing. This program is vital for the Native Hawaiian It is the sense of Congress that— And so I am very pleased and proud families with low-incomes by providing grants (1) suicide among veterans suffering from about our Subcommittee on Housing to assist with affordable housing and it would post-traumatic stress disorder (in this sec- and Community Opportunity, about also guarantee loans for those residing on Ha- tion referred to as ‘‘PTSD’’) is a serious problem; and the overall committee, and the way waiian Home Lands that were set aside by (2) the Secretary of Veterans Affairs that we have been able to move so Congress in 1921 with the Hawaiian Homes should take into consideration the special quickly and to have an agenda that we Commission Act. These Native Hawaiians are needs of veterans suffering from PTSD and could bring to this floor on behalf of disqualified because of their unique status liv- the special needs of elderly veterans who are people who need us desperately, hous- ing on these Home Lands. Today, there are at high risk for depression and experience ing crises that exist not only in Hawaii more than 495,000 Native Hawaiians in all of high rates of suicide in developing and im- but in other parts of the United States. the U.S. making them the largest indigenous plementing the comprehensive program And this is a representation of the group in America. It is only fitting that we con- under this Act. work that we will be doing on this tinue to support such programs to address SEC. 3. COMPREHENSIVE PROGRAM FOR SUICIDE PREVENTION AMONG VETERANS. issue. such essential needs. (a) IN GENERAL.— BERCROMBIE I know, again, that Mr. A As a former resident of the state of Hawaii, (1) COMPREHENSIVE PROGRAM FOR SUICIDE has been working very hard. Ms. I can bare witness of the benefits and the im- PREVENTION AMONG VETERANS.—Chapter 17 of HIRONO came here with this on her pact this program has achieved throughout the title 38, United States Code, is amended by agenda, and I just thank them all for state. There is a national stereotype of Hawaii adding at the end the following new section:

VerDate Aug 31 2005 02:14 Mar 22, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00026 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K21MR7.065 H21MRPT1 jcorcoran on PROD1PC62 with HOUSE March 21, 2007 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H2773 ‘‘§ 1720F. Comprehensive program for suicide veterans and the families of veterans, with There was no objection. prevention among veterans special emphasis on providing information to Mr. FILNER. Mr. Speaker, I yield ‘‘(a) ESTABLISHMENT.—The Secretary shall veterans of Operation Iraqi Freedom and Op- myself 5 minutes. develop and carry out a comprehensive pro- eration Enduring Freedom and the families Mr. Speaker and my colleagues, gram designed to reduce the incidence of sui- of such veterans. Education to promote men- tal health shall include information designed today we have the first bills that are cide among veterans incorporating the com- coming out of the Veterans Committee ponents described in this section. to— ‘‘(1) remove the stigma associated with this year. We are going to have an am- ‘‘(b) STAFF EDUCATION.—In carrying out the comprehensive program under this sec- mental illness; bitious agenda for our committee, an tion, the Secretary shall provide for manda- ‘‘(2) encourage veterans to seek treatment agenda that in fact is demanded by the and assistance for mental illness; tory training for appropriate staff and con- American people. ‘‘(3) promote skills for coping with mental tractors (including all medical personnel) of We have seen in the last few weeks illness; and the Department who interact with veterans. ‘‘(4) help families of veterans with— enormous attention paid to the treat- This training shall cover information appro- ‘‘(A) understanding issues arising from the ment, or lack thereof, that is given to priate to the duties being performed by such readjustment of veterans to civilian life; our Nation’s veterans, whether they staff and contractors. The training shall in- ‘‘(B) identifying signs and symptoms of clude information on— are from World War II, Korea, Viet- mental illness; and ‘‘(1) recognizing risk factors for suicide; nam, the first Persian Gulf War or now ‘‘(C) encouraging veterans to seek assist- ‘‘(2) proper protocols for responding to cri- from Iraq and Afghanistan. ance for mental illness. sis situations involving veterans who may be We have seen the Washington Post ‘‘(l) PEER SUPPORT COUNSELING PROGRAM.— at high risk for suicide; and (1) In carrying out the comprehensive pro- articles which detailed the problems at ‘‘(3) best practices for suicide prevention. gram, the Secretary shall establish and Walter Reed. We have seen news maga- ‘‘(c) SCREENING OF VETERANS RECEIVING carry out a peer support counseling program, zines have cover stories on how vet- MEDICAL CARE.—In carrying out the com- under which veterans shall be permitted to erans are falling through the cracks of prehensive program, the Secretary shall pro- volunteer as peer counselors— the system. We have seen on ABC vide for screening of veterans who receive ‘‘(A) to assist other veterans with issues medical care at a Department medical facil- News, Bob Woodruff, do a very moving related to mental health and readjustment; piece on how brain injuries are treated, ity (including a center established under sec- and tion 1712A of this title) for risk factors for ‘‘(B) to conduct outreach to veterans and or perhaps not treated. We have seen suicide. the families of veterans. stories in the press of homeless, al- ‘‘(d) TRACKING OF VETERANS.—In carrying ‘‘(2) In carrying out the peer support coun- ready, from veterans of Iraq. out the comprehensive program, the Sec- seling program under this subsection, the The American people understand retary shall provide for appropriate tracking Secretary shall provide adequate training for that we are not treating our veterans of veterans. peer counselors. the way we claim to be. The American ‘‘(e) COUNSELING AND TREATMENT OF VET- ‘‘(m) OTHER COMPONENTS.—In carrying out ERANS.—In carrying out the comprehensive the comprehensive program, the Secretary people, I think, understand that the program, the Secretary shall provide for re- may provide for other actions to reduce the treatment of our warriors is a part of ferral of veterans at risk for suicide for ap- incidence of suicide among veterans that the the cost of war, and we simply have to propriate counseling and treatment. Secretary deems appropriate.’’. provide for those brave men and women ‘‘(f) DESIGNATION OF SUICIDE PREVENTION (2) CLERICAL AMENDMENT.—The table of who have fought for our Nation’s free- COUNSELORS.—In carrying out the com- sections at the beginning of such chapter is dom. prehensive program, the Secretary shall des- amended by adding at the end the following So we have an ambitious agenda in new item: ignate a suicide prevention counselor at each front of us, Mr. Speaker. These first Department medical facility other than cen- ‘‘1720F. Comprehensive program for suicide ters established under section 1712A of this prevention among veterans.’’. items today address some specific areas that demand attention. I thank title. Each counselor shall work with local (b) REPORT TO CONGRESS.— emergency rooms, police departments, men- (1) REPORT REQUIRED.—Not later than 90 the Members from across the aisle for tal health organizations, and veterans serv- days after the date of the enactment of this their support not only of these bills, ice organizations to engage in outreach to Act, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall but I think for the agenda that we are veterans and improve the coordination of submit to Congress a report on the com- going to pursue in the future. mental health care to veterans. prehensive program under section 1720A of And it is time, Mr. Speaker, that we ‘‘(g) BEST PRACTICES RESEARCH.—In car- title 38, United States Code, as added by sub- say as a Congress and as a Nation, no rying out the comprehensive program, the section (a). matter where we are on this war in Secretary shall provide for research on best (2) CONTENTS OF REPORT.—The report shall practices for suicide prevention among vet- contain the following: Iraq, that when those brave young men erans. Research shall be conducted under (A) Information on the status of the imple- and women come back we are going to this subsection in consultation with the mentation of such program. treat them with all the love and re- heads of the following entities: (B) Information on the time line and costs spect and honor and care that Amer- ‘‘(1) The Department of Health and Human for complete implementation of the program ican veterans should have. And we Services. within two years. make that pledge on both sides of the ‘‘(2) The National Institute of Mental (C) A plan for additional programs and ac- aisle. Health. tivities designed to reduce the occurrence of As I said, one of the top priorities of ‘‘(3) The Substance Abuse and Mental suicide among veterans. Health Services Administration. (D) Recommendations for further legisla- our committee is to address the needs ‘‘(4) The Centers for Disease Control and tion or administrative action that the Sec- of returning servicemembers from Iraq Prevention. retary considers appropriate to improve sui- and Afghanistan, especially in the ‘‘(h) SEXUAL TRAUMA RESEARCH.—In car- cide prevention programs within the Depart- areas of mental health. rying out the comprehensive program, the ment of Veterans Affairs. b 1520 Secretary shall provide for research on men- The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- tal health care for veterans who have experi- ant to the rule, the gentleman from I believe that if we send our citizens enced sexual trauma while in military serv- off to war, we have to address their ice. The research design shall include consid- California (Mr. FILNER) and the gen- tleman from Florida (Mr. MILLER) each health care needs when they return. We eration of veterans of a reserve component. cannot say, support our troops, support ‘‘(i) 24-HOUR MENTAL HEALTH CARE.—In will control 20 minutes. carrying out the comprehensive program, The Chair recognizes the gentleman our troops, support our troops, and the Secretary shall provide for mental from California. then forget them when they come health care availability to veterans on a 24- GENERAL LEAVE home. hour basis. Mr. FILNER. Mr. Speaker, I ask It turns out, I think unsurprisingly, ‘‘(j) HOTLINE.—In carrying out the com- unanimous consent that all Members that veterans suffer a higher risk of prehensive program, the Secretary may pro- have 5 legislative days in which to re- suicide than the general population. vide for a toll-free hotline for veterans to be vise and extend their remarks and in- The stress of combat combined with staffed by appropriately trained mental the stigma that exists for health personnel and available at all times. clude extraneous material on H.R. 327, ‘‘(k) OUTREACH AND EDUCATION FOR VET- as amended. servicemembers and veterans seeking ERANS AND FAMILIES.—In carrying out the The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there mental health care can have disastrous comprehensive program, the Secretary shall objection to the request of the gen- consequences. It has already occurred provide for outreach to and education for tleman from California? for returning veterans, maybe a couple

VerDate Aug 31 2005 02:14 Mar 22, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00027 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A21MR7.015 H21MRPT1 jcorcoran on PROD1PC62 with HOUSE H2774 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE March 21, 2007 hundred. We must do everything pos- nonclinical staff on how to assess and but this bill can help other returning sible to improve the VA’s mental respond to patients that they may servicemembers. health services and its ability to detect come in contact with that are at risk I urge my colleagues to support H.R. and help those veterans most at risk. for suicide. And by April 1, the Depart- 327. And, in closing, I also want to This bill, H.R. 327, is an important ment plans to have in place a Suicide thank Congressman BOSWELL for his step in the right direction. It comes to Prevention Coordinator within each leadership in this area. He has been us from our colleague from Iowa (Mr. VA medical center. pushing this bill for the last couple of BOSWELL), who has taken the tragedy The VA’s Serious Mental Illness years. He is a true leader, an individual from a family in Iowa and turned it Treatment Research and Evaluation who cares for our veterans, and I want into constructive measures so that Center will be designated to guide pre- to thank Mr. BOSWELL for bringing this tragedy will not be repeated in other vention strategies and maintain data legislation forward. parts of the Nation. And we thank Mr. on suicide rates and risk factors. VA is Mr. MILLER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, BOSWELL and his colleague, Mr. BRALEY also currently working to create a sui- at this time I would like to yield 3 min- from Iowa, for bringing this to our at- cide prevention hotline by the end of utes to a valiant supporter of our vet- tention. this calendar year. erans, a retired Marine colonel and a This bill will provide important tools I urge my colleagues to join me in member of the Armed Services Com- to the Veterans Administration to as- supporting H.R. 327. This legislation mittee, Mr. KLINE. sist the Department in strengthening does put the full force of legal author- Mr. KLINE of Minnesota. Mr. Speak- suicide prevention, education, and ity behind a comprehensive program to er, I appreciate the gentleman’s yield- awareness programs within the VA by ensure that VA is taking all appro- ing. mandating a comprehensive program priate measures to prevent suicide Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong for suicide prevention among veterans. among our Nation’s veterans. support of H.R. 327, the Joshua Omvig Again, I thank Mr. BOSWELL for in- Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of Suicide Prevention Act. troducing this bill. I thank Mr. MILLER my time. I would like to thank my friend, the and his colleagues for supporting it. Mr. FILNER. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 gentleman from Iowa, for bringing this Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of minutes to the chairman of our Sub- important piece of legislation to the my time. committee on Health, the gentleman floor. This bill bears the name of a con- Mr. MILLER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, from Maine (Mr. MICHAUD). stituent of Mr. BOSWELL’s, Joshua I yield myself such time as I may con- Mr. MICHAUD. Mr. Speaker, I thank Omvig, who tragically took his life. sume. the chairman very much for yielding, I wish that I could stand here today Mr. Speaker, let me take this oppor- and I want to thank him for his leader- and say that Joshua was the last sol- tunity first to thank the chairman of ship as we deal with Veterans’ Affairs dier, sailor, airman, or marine to fall the Subcommittee on Health, Mr. issues in this upcoming session. I also through the cracks, the last young life MICHAUD; as well as the chairman of want to thank the ranking member, to end prematurely because the system the full committee, Mr. FILNER; and Mr. MILLER, for all his hard work on was unwilling or unable to assist them. Ranking Member Mr. BUYER for their this legislation. I look forward to But if that were true, the gentleman leadership in bringing this legislation working with him over the next 2 years would not have had to introduce this timely to the floor. as we move forward with an aggressive bill, and we would not be here today The heavy burden of some of our Veterans’ Affairs agenda. discussing it. servicemembers that they bear in cop- I rise today in strong support of this In January of this year, this tragedy ing with the aftermath of combat is important legislation. repeated itself when Jonathan Schulze, tragically evident in the death of Army One veteran taking their life is trag- a young marine from my district who Specialist Joshua Lee Omvig. Spe- ic. Joshua Omvig was one such veteran, had served honorably in Iraq, took his cialist Omvig was a member of the U.S. and, sadly, he is not alone. There have life after seeking assistance from two Army Reserve 339th Military Police been others such as Jonathan Schulze VA medical facilities in Minnesota. Company from Davenport, Iowa. He from Minnesota and many more, and The loss of such a promising young life took his life in 2005 after returning that is unfortunate. has sparked both sadness and outrage from a deployment to Iraq. H.R. 327 is We must do everything we can to throughout Minnesota and the Nation; aptly named to remember this brave provide our veterans and their families outrage not only at the loss of a young young man. with the support and care that they life, but because the VA system in VA must be vigilant with a proactive need to prevent more from going down which he was enrolled had apparently mental health strategy to help our vet- the same tragic path to committing and tragically failed him. erans and returning servicemembers suicide. In the months since Jonathan’s un- readjust to stateside duty after their H.R. 327, the Joshua Omvig Veterans necessary death, the VA has launched exposure to combat. H.R. 327 would re- Suicide Prevention Act, would assist two investigations to find out why this quire VA to implement a comprehen- the Department of Veterans Affairs in marine did not receive the care he so sive program to reduce the incidence of furthering its effort to identify vet- desperately needed. An initial medical suicide among our veterans. Specific erans at risk of suicide. inspector’s investigation was inconclu- steps included in this bill are: a cam- Our returning servicemembers are sive, but it is my sincere hope that the paign to reduce stigma surrounding under great strain and stress. H.R. 327 ongoing VA Inspector General’s inves- seeking help or training for VA staff in would improve early detection and tigation will fully explain the cir- suicide prevention and education; the intervention, provide access to mental cumstances that led to his death. creation of peer counselors to under- health services for veterans who are in Along with the full accounting of the stand risk factors and to assist families crisis, and help prevent the unneces- VA’s action in Jonathan Schulze’s during the readjustment process; and a sary deaths of the men and women who case, I am hopeful the passage of this 24-hour counseling line so that vet- have served our Nation so greatly. bill today will provide the profes- erans, especially those in rural areas, A recent study indicated that nearly sionals of the VA medical system with could seek help whenever they need it. one-third of OEF/OIF veterans seen at the tools necessary to prevent the trag- VA is already fulfilling many of the the VA facilities receive mental health ic deaths of young veterans like Joshua requirements of H.R. 327. The Sec- and/or psychosocial diagnoses and that and Jonathan. retary of VA developed and has started one in five have PTSD. Once again, Mr. Speaker, I commend to implement a similar suicide preven- These veterans are at risk. According the gentleman from Iowa for intro- tion strategy that is based on public to reports, one in five suicides in this ducing this vital legislation. I urge my health and clinical models with activi- country is a veteran, even though vet- colleagues, all of them, to support H.R. ties both in VA facilities and within erans make up only 10 percent of our 327. local communities. For example, VA is general population. Mr. FILNER. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 fulfilling requirements of H.R. 327 by Joshua Omvig was one such veteran. minutes to the gentleman from Illinois providing training for both clinical and Sadly, this legislation cannot help him, (Mr. HARE), who has picked up the

VerDate Aug 31 2005 02:14 Mar 22, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00028 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K21MR7.074 H21MRPT1 jcorcoran on PROD1PC62 with HOUSE March 21, 2007 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H2775 torch from the legendary defender of Committee, Mr. FILNER, for his leader- Mr. Speaker, as I said, it is too late veterans’ rights, Mr. Lane Evans, and ship, as well as the author of this im- for Lance Corporal Schulze of Min- is carrying that torch with distinction. portant legislation, Mr. BOSWELL of nesota. It is too late for Staff Sergeant b 1530 Iowa, and all of those who have worked Omvig of Iowa. But it is not too late to bring this legislation to the floor. for our other veterans. Mr. HARE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today I have talked, Mr. Speaker, to the Let’s do the right thing. Let’s pass in strong support of H.R. 327, the Josh- mother and the stepmother of Marine this legislation. ua Omvig Veterans Suicide Prevention Lance Corporal Jonathan Schulze of I thank the gentleman for his leader- Act. I want to thank Congressman BOS- Minnesota. I have talked to the step- ship. WELL for introducing this important mother, who, along with Jonathan’s fa- Mr. FILNER. Mr. Speaker, I yield piece of legislation and Chairman FIL- ther, took this young marine to the VA myself such time as I may consume. NER for moving it through the Vet- hospital seeking admission. Lance Cor- Mr. Speaker, I say to Mr. RAMSTAD, erans’ Affairs Committee. I would also poral Schulze, back from the war in we thank you for your passion. On the like to extend my sincere gratitude to Iraq, was suffering from depression, Veterans Committee, we intend to use the family of Joshua, both for their post-traumatic stress disorder, alco- the concern of America now for PTSD tireless efforts to pass this legislation holism, and was suicidal. of returning veterans to argue that we and for their son’s service to our coun- I have talked to this mother and need parity for all mental health issues try. stepmother who, along with Jonathan’s in America. So we thank you for your leadership Mr. Speaker, too many father, are absolutely heartbroken at on this. Thank you for reminding us of servicemembers return from war with the loss of their beloved son and this Corporal Schulze. We will use this as a invisible wounds. It is estimated that true American hero, Lance Corporal reminder of what we have to do for our almost 1,000 veterans receiving care Schulze. He was told by the VA that he veterans. from the Department of Veterans Af- was number 26 on the waiting list and fairs commit suicide each year. This is Thank you again for your passion. would have to wait several months to Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the a symptom of a larger problem. be admitted for treatment. Five days gentleman from California (Mr. A July 2004 Army study reported that later, Lance Corporal Schulze hanged MCNERNEY), whose son now serves us in one in six combat troops will suffer himself with an electrical cord. our Nation as a member of the Air from post-traumatic stress disorder This brave marine’s tragic death Force Reserve. shortly after combat. Sadly, this is demonstrates to all of us, to the Na- Mr. MCNERNEY. Mr. Speaker, I ap- only a measure of the number of vet- tion, the urgent need to provide great- plaud the chairman and the ranking erans who receive the help that they er access to mental health treatment member of the Veterans Committee need. Many veterans suffering from for our returning troops and our vet- and all members of the Veterans Com- post-traumatic stress and other mental erans. mittee for working together to provide problems don’t seek assistance. None of our brave troops, none of our our veterans with the services that This bill strengthens cooperation be- brave troops, suffering from PTSD they need. tween the U.S. Department of Defense should ever be placed on a waiting list The Veterans Administration health and the U.S. Department of Veterans for treatment. It is absolutely, Mr. care system does, in most cases, pro- Affairs to provide better and more ac- Speaker, outrageous, that mental vide outstanding health care to our Na- cessible mental health care for all of health treatment is not readily avail- tion’s veterans. Yet, as the brave men our veterans. This bill also creates a able for our brave troops returning and women from our Armed Forces re- program to regularly screen and mon- from war. turn home from Iraq and Afghanistan, itor all veterans for risk factors of sui- That is why I am proud and grateful we are seeing additional demands al- cide, and establishes a 24-hour coun- to rise as a cosponsor of the Joshua ready being placed on the VA. Those seling line so that veterans in rural Omvig Veterans Suicide Prevention demands include addressing the hall- and remote areas can receive the help Act. This legislation will provide nec- mark injuries of these conflicts, post- whenever they need it. essary screening to our returning vet- traumatic stress disorder and trau- Additionally, this legislation offers erans for risk factors of suicide. It will matic brain injury. training in suicide prevention to med- make sure that those found to be at These conditions are often the root ical personnel and support staff at our risk will receive the care that they causes behind the large numbers of sol- VA hospitals so they can identify vet- need and deserve. diers who have attempted or con- erans at risk. This bill also provides It is too late, Mr. Speaker, for Lance templated suicide. The Defense Depart- training and services to the families, Corporal Jonathan Schulze of Min- ment estimates that 114 Iraqi and Af- helping them understand risk factors nesota, but it is not too late for thou- ghanistan veterans have already com- and working with them on the read- sands and thousands of other returning mitted suicide, and that one out of justment process. troops and veterans. It is time to pass every 100 veterans has considered sui- Although our men and women come this critical bill. cide. We must quickly address this home safely, the war isn’t over for But we must do more. We must pass problem by equipping the caregivers at many of them. Often the physical mental health and chemical addiction our VA facilities nationwide with the wounds of combat are repaired but the parity. There are 56 million Americans ability to recognize and prevent these psychological scars can haunt a person suffering the ravages of mental illness, needless tragedies. for a lifetime. most of whom are going untreated. I strongly support H.R. 327, the Josh- I am proud to have had the oppor- There are 24 million Americans suf- ua Omvig Suicide Prevention Act. It tunity to work on this legislation in fering the ravages of alcoholism and directs the Secretary of Veterans Af- the Veterans’ Affairs Committee, and I drug addiction, many, many veterans fairs to develop and implement a com- will continue to do what I can to as- who are going untreated. prehensive program to reduce the inci- sure that we honor the sacrifices of our We must also, in addition to this im- dence of suicides among veterans. It Nation’s veterans. portant legislation, pass the Mental trains VA staff to recognize the symp- I urge all my colleagues to join me in Health Equity Act to provide equitable toms of PTSD and suicidal thoughts. It voting for the Joshua Omvig Veterans treatment for people suffering from monitors veterans who receive medical Suicide Prevention Act. mental illness and chemical addiction; care in the VA system for suicide risk Mr. MILLER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, that is, to put them on the same foot- factors. It provides for suicide preven- I yield 4 minutes to the gentleman ing as people suffering from physical tion counselors at each medical facil- from Minnesota (Mr. RAMSTAD), a diseases. ity, so that when the veterans need strong supporter of veterans issues. We also, Mr. Speaker, must pass the help they can get it immediately. And Mr. RAMSTAD. Mr. Speaker, I thank Lane Evans VA Reform Act, which is it establishes a suicide hot line for vet- the ranking member, my friend from more comprehensive, provides more re- erans to call. Florida, for yielding, and also thank sources to the VA and more access to Our brave men and women in uniform the chairman of the Veterans’ Affairs treatment for our veterans. have served this Nation with honor. We

VerDate Aug 31 2005 02:14 Mar 22, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00029 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K21MR7.069 H21MRPT1 jcorcoran on PROD1PC62 with HOUSE H2776 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE March 21, 2007 owe them more than a debt of grati- who helped on it, and I look forward to The SPEAKER pro tempore. The gen- tude. We must also provide them with its passage. tleman from Florida has 10 minutes re- the support and care they need to re- Mr. FILNER. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 maining. The gentleman from Cali- turn to a healthy and productive civil- minutes to the gentleman from Min- fornia has 61⁄2 minutes remaining. ian life. nesota (Mr. WALZ), another new Mem- Mr. MILLER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, Mr. MILLER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, ber, who happens to be the highest I reserve the balance of my time. I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman ranking enlisted man, as a command Mr. FILNER. Mr. Speaker, I am hon- from Pennsylvania (Mr. TIM MURPHY). sergeant major, ever to serve in the ored to yield 3 minutes to the author of Mr. TIM MURPHY of Pennsylvania. Congress. We thank you for your serv- the legislation, the gentleman from Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman ice. Iowa (Mr. BOSWELL), who, as I said, from Florida for yielding, and Mr. BOS- Mr. WALZ of Minnesota. Thank you, worked with the family of Mr. Omvig, WELL for working on this important Mr. Chairman, and a special thank you who took their tragic situation and bill. to my colleague, the gentleman from turned it into something that could As a psychologist, I have treated Iowa (Mr. BOSWELL) for introducing help our whole Nation. We thank you, more than my share of those who have this important piece of legislation in Mr. BOSWELL. suffered from significant depression honor of Joshua Omvig and his family (Mr. BOSWELL asked and was given and have had risk of suicide, many of and the heroics and sacrifice they made permission to revise and extend his re- those veterans of various conflicts. for our country, and for bringing it to marks.) This bill is extremely important in the attention of this body and this Na- Mr. BOSWELL. Thank you, Chair- what it does in providing access to tion, this painful problem of suicide man FILNER, and all of you on the Vet- care, but there are so many things that amongst our veterans. erans Committee that worked together Mr. Speaker, you have heard a lot of we must utilize here as part of this bill. on this, both sides of the aisle. We are statistics today already. Ten percent of One is to make sure that it is used to doing the right thing, and we know the population in America are vet- provide proper screening for soldiers that. erans, yet one in five people who com- during basic training and also prior to I would associate myself with all the mit suicide is a veteran. Since May of comments that have been made from deployment. Also to make sure that 2003, 93 of our brave soldiers and war- Chairman FILNER and Mr. MILLER and there is ongoing support and avail- riors from the wars in Iraq and Afghan- all the rest, so I will not try to repeat ability of that support in combat thea- istan have taken their own lives. Be- them. But I might just share a little ters. There must also be training for yond that, 35 percent of returning Iraqi bit to whoever might be watching officers and leaders in the military to veterans are seeking counseling within about why this bill came to pass. be aware of signs of problems and to be 1 year. Over 73,000 have been diagnosed As we all know, a number of veterans aware of treatment options. That as a risk factor, and 39,000 have been returning from Afghanistan and Iraq, training is vital. diagnosed with post-traumatic stress particularly Iraq, this phenomena is There also must be access to trained disorder. Despite all of this, 100 local taking place, perhaps more so than personnel both while the person is in a VA clinics offered no mental health ever before in our history. It is a con- combat theater and when they return care as recently as last year. cerning thing. All wounds are not visi- home and after discharge and in the But these are far more than numbers. ble. I think it has been a little hard for years to follow, because many times These affect individuals. These are our us to realize that we have to recognize the signs of these problems may not ac- children. These are our soldiers. These this, and we are doing it. tually show up for years. are our marines. These are the patriots I just want to share with you some It is important that all of us are that answered the call of duty for this many, many months ago, when I had aware, for our friends, our spouses, our Nation. And when they return home, the occasion to respond to the Omvig loved ones who come back from com- we need to provide them with every- family in Grundy Center, Iowa, not too bat, to recognize signs of post-trau- thing this Nation can provide. far from Waterloo, and you will be matic stress disorder, depression, Suicide amongst veterans, and men- hearing from Mr. BRALEY shortly, I anger, and drug and alcohol abuse as tal health issues as a whole, require went and talked to them and realized all signs that there may be a deeper our urgent and immediate attention. the suffering they were feeling. This mental illness behind that. H.R. 327 will direct the Department of family, this father and this mother, But it is important, above all of this, Veterans Affairs to start screening and Randy and Ellen, their son came home that we eliminate the stigma of mental monitoring for the exact problems, pro- after 11 months, someone they loved illness. It is indeed a problem which is vide education to all staff, contractors, very much, of course as all parents do, associated with biological causes with and medical personnel, and make avail- and they realized something was very real symptoms and very real able 24-hour mental health care for vet- wrong, wasn’t right. They wanted to do available treatments. But many times erans found to be at risk. anything they could to help, but the Just last week, I saw a unique tele- soldiers do not seek treatment because frustration of not knowing what to do, conferencing technology at the Roch- they have a fear of being looked down trying to help, not knowing what to do, ester, Minnesota, VA clinic. It allowed upon by their peers, they fear a loss of not having professional help, others veterans in remote rural locations to rank, they fear discharge or loss of a reaching out in the community and so speak with mental health professionals chance for promotion. They feel there on, keeping Joshua as close as they any time of the day. This technology is is limited access for trained profes- possibly could, and knowing that innovative and unique. H.R. 327 is a sionals, and many also think the cost things were not going well. is overwhelming. crucial step to ensure that this type of And then one tragic morning, as he We have to give hope to those with technology is not unique but it is left to go to work, and his mother was mental illness. For those who have available at any time for our veterans. right there with him, and walked out I urge my colleagues to support this seen significant problems in their life, to his pick-up truck, rolled up the win- important piece of legislation. Amer- some remain mired in those problems dow, with his mother standing just ica’s servicemembers make a profound and remain victims and do not move outside the window, and took his life. sacrifice when they go to war. We owe forward. We can help them. There are It should never have happened. them nothing less. In this day of technology, we can test some who are able to survive despite But, Mr. Speaker, we must not stop their problems and move forward and here. In Minnesota, 2,600 National our young men and women going in flourish and work. And there are others Guard soldiers have had their deploy- and coming out of the services, and the who thrive with their problems and ment extended, probably until late technicians and the experts tell us that turn these into a source of inner 2007. They will come back facing these they can identify with a test they give strength. same issues. We must prepare for them. that a person is suspect to this situa- There is a great deal of hope and tion, the possibility of wanting to com- compassion that we can bring to our b 1545 mit suicide. They say over 1 out of 100 soldiers. This bill is a wonderful mech- Mr. MILLER of Florida. May I in- give it consideration coming back from anism to bring that. I applaud all those quire as to the time left on both sides. Iraq.

VerDate Aug 31 2005 02:14 Mar 22, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00030 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K21MR7.071 H21MRPT1 jcorcoran on PROD1PC62 with HOUSE March 21, 2007 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H2777 Now, if we have that ability to test, combat are visible, now is the time to treat women of this country. We owe them and we do, then it is appropriate that them. more. That is why I was so proud that we take these steps that we are taking Mr. MILLER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, my colleague from Iowa took the ini- today to cause and affect our Veterans I continue to reserve the balance of my tiative to push this measure onto the Administration to follow up and follow time. House floor into committee so that it through and save every life we possibly Mr. FILNER. I would yield 1 minute can finally receive the proper attention can. We can’t bring Joshua back, but to the gentlelady from California (Mrs. it deserved. we can do all we can possibly do to pre- NAPOLITANO), who has been a fighter to I came here with some prepared re- vent it from happening to others. elevate mental health to the conscious- marks, but I chose instead to speak So I am very appreciative today. I of ness not only to California, but our from the heart today. Because when I course rise in strong support of this. whole Nation for her whole career. was out at Walter Reed for the over- And I do this in the name of Joshua, by Thank you, Mrs. NAPOLITANO. sight hearings on the problems and the the name of Randy and Ellen. I know Mrs. NAPOLITANO. Thank you, Mr. backlog of disability claims and the the day I sat with them in a little res- FILNER and Mr. BOSWELL. Surgeon General of the Army, Lieuten- taurant in Grundy Center, we talked Mr. Speaker, I associate myself with ant General Kiley, tried to justify that about what we were trying to shape the previous remarks of all my col- backlog by saying that the science of into this bill. I wasn’t sure I should, leagues in regard to H.R. 327, of which post-traumatic stress disorder was still but then I asked them, I said would you I am in complete support. It is a bill evolving in 2003 and that was pre- mind if we named this after your son? designed to decrease suicide amongst venting them from processing these They kind of looked at each other and our veterans. As you have heard, we claims, I had enough. Because I knew talked about it, and they said they have had the highest rate of suicide of what people like Randy and Ellen would be honored. any other war. Omvig have been going through, and I Now, they are continuing in their This is about soldiers like Michael, knew that this ability to prevent these grieving, but they are reaching out to who returned from Iraq, went months tragedies from happening has been others. The calls they are getting to on a waiting list from doctor to doctor around for many years. And so I told help others to get through this situa- without proper treatment, and when fi- General Kiley, with all due respect, tion is a good thing. They are stepping nally diagnosed, a week later he shot that’s hogwash. forward and doing that, and I am very himself. This is about the two marines It is important for this body to stand proud of them. So I hope we can get gathered at a muster in Long Beach up and say that post-traumatic stress this message to them that we are re- just recently who were diagnosed on disorder is real, which is exactly what sponding, and the time is now. the spot with suicidal tendencies and General Schoomaker said that day. Please support this bill. Thank you were hospitalized immediately. This is That is why I urge you all to support so very much. about our local VFW seeing more and this important bill and honor the mem- With more and more veterans returning from more young people seeking to get serv- ory of Joshua Omvig. tours of duty in Iraq and Afghanistan, many ices for their mental well-being. This is Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. new issues have arisen regarding veterans’ also about our families becoming 327, the Joshua Omvig Veterans Suicide Pre- mental health care that has not received atten- aware of signs to look for and where to vention Act. This bill is named in honor of 22- tion in the past. find treatment. This is about providing year-old Joshua Omvig, a member of the U.S. Some estimates have found that almost the funding to help heal the mental Army Reserves 3398th MP Co. from Grundy 1,000 veterans receiving care from the Depart- wounds so that our warriors believe it Center, IA, who tragically took his own life in ment of Veterans Affairs commit suicide each is better to remain alive and not dead. December of 2005 after serving an 11-month year and one out of five suicides in the United What is more critical and more impor- tour of duty in Iraq. States is a veteran. We must do better for our tant? This legislation is an important step in en- veterans and I believe this legislation is a step I urge my colleagues to vote in sup- suring adequate mental health care for our in the right direction. port of 327. troops who return home from serving in com- This legislation grew out of a great tragedy. Mr. MILLER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, bat zones and who, like Joshua, may be suf- Almost a year ago I learned of a young man I continue to reserve the balance of my fering from combat-related anxiety, depres- from Grundy Center, IA, Joshua Omvig, who time. sion, or Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder experienced undiagnosed PTDS after return- Mr. FILNER. I would yield 2 minutes (PTSD). This bill is a necessary and overdue ing from an 11-month tour in Iraq. His friends to the gentleman from Iowa, the neigh- step in reaching out to veterans of all ages, and family, mother and father Ellen and boring district to the Omvigs, and a and their families, in order to prevent the trag- Randy, knew he was having a hard time ad- new Member, Mr. BRALEY. ic deaths of heroes like Joshua Omvig. justing to civilian life but did not know how to Thank you for being here today. Nearly 1,000 veterans receiving care from help him. Help was not available. Then, in De- (Mr. BRALEY of Iowa asked and was the Department of Veterans Affairs, VA, com- cember of 2005, Joshua tragically took his life. given permission to revise and extend mit suicide each year, a number which is star- He was only 22 years old. Over the past year his remarks.) tling and unacceptable. Army studies show I have learned that Joshua was sadly not a Mr. BRALEY of Iowa. I thought it that around 25 percent of the soldiers who unique case. After I heard Joshua’s story I was important to come today and put a have served in Iraq display symptoms of seri- was shocked to find that one in 100 Operation human face on the tragic story of Josh- ous mental health problems, including depres- Iraqi Freedom veterans have reported thinking ua Omvig. This handsome young man sion, substance abuse, and PTSD. These fig- about suicide. you see in this photograph is Joshua ures are expected to rise, as PTSD an other We treat their physical wounds; now it is Omvig, and standing next to his head- mental health problems often do not surface time to also treat their mental ones. All stone are his parents, Randy and Ellen. for months after soldiers have returned home. wounds are not visible. It was Christmas in 2005 when I These mental health problems put our service I’d like to say a few words about Joshua’s opened up the Waterloo Courier, my personnel at higher risk for suicide. parents, Randy and Ellen Omvig. Out of their hometown newspaper, and saw the When Joshua returned home from Iraq with personal loss they have championed a cause name Omvig, which jumped out at me PTSD, his family knew that he was suffering, to help all veterans and their family members. right away because I have known but they didn’t realize how completely his ill- I have met with the Omvigs on numerous oc- Randy and Ellen for a long time. ness would devastate him. They didn’t realize casions; most recently I saw them this past Even though Grundy Center is just he had PTSD, or that he was at risk for sui- Sunday, and I’m so impressed by their com- south of my district, I immediately cide. And they did not know how to help him, mitment to help others—the young men and was drawn to this tragic story. Joshua because they did not have the appropriate re- women who have served our country. They Omvig is not going to be reflected in sources available to them. are true heroes. any of the casualty totals from Iraq, The Joshua Omvig Veterans Suicide Pre- I am proud to stand here in support of this but he and the other tragic stories you vention Act will help prevent suicides like bill and I encourage the House to pass H.R. have heard today deserve to be in- Joshua’s by requiring the VA to develop and 327 today and ensure all veterans receive the cluded no less in the toll that has been implement a comprehensive program to re- care they need. Not all wounds inflicted in taken on the lives of young men and duce the incidence of suicide among veterans.

VerDate Aug 31 2005 03:29 Mar 22, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00031 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 9920 E:\CR\FM\K21MR7.075 H21MRPT1 jcorcoran on PROD1PC62 with HOUSE H2778 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE March 21, 2007 This program includes educating VA staff man, a great sponsor of this piece of can help prevent suicide among our Nation’s about how to identify risk factors for suicide, legislation, and I urge all of my col- veterans. and training staffers in the appropriate ways to leagues to vote in favor of it. I urge my colleagues to join me in sup- respond to crisis situations and prevent sui- Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance porting H.R. 327. cide among veterans. The bill also requires of my time. Mr. FILNER. Mr. Speaker, I yield the VA to provide mental health care to vet- Mr. FILNER. Mr. Speaker, I just back the balance of my time. erans 24 hours per day, and requires that a want to thank Mr. MILLER, the ranking The SPEAKER pro tempore. The suicide prevention counselor be available at member of the House subcommittee, question is on the motion offered by every VA facility. These counselors will pro- for your courtesy today, for your lead- the gentleman from California (Mr. vide direct assistance to veterans, and will ership on these issues, and for bringing FILNER) that the House suspend the also work with local emergency rooms, police members of your caucus to the floor. I rules and pass the bill, H.R. 327, as departments, mental health organizations, and think it is very important that all of amended. veterans’ service organizations to provide out- us have an understanding of these The question was taken; and the reach to veterans who may be at risk for sui- issues. And the more that we all under- Speaker pro tempore announced that cide. stand it and communicate that to the the ayes appeared to have it. Additionally, the bill requires the VA to pro- American people, we are, I think, bet- Mr. FILNER. Mr. Speaker, on that I vide outreach and education for veterans and ter as a Nation. So thank you for the demand the yeas and nays. their families to give them the necessary skills cooperation and the support. The yeas and nays were ordered. to cope with mental illness, to reduce the stig- I think we all were moved by Mr. The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- ma associated with seeking treatment for BOSWELL and Mr. BRALEY’s presen- ant to clause 8 of rule XX and the mental illness, and to know when and how to tations. In the name of Joshua Omvig, Chair’s prior announcement, further seek suicide prevention assistance. we ask for support from our colleagues. proceedings on this question will be It is my fervent hope that the passage of Mr. LEVIN. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong postponed. this bill in the House of Representatives today support of H.R. 327, the Joshua Omvig Vet- f means that the tragic death of young Joshua erans Suicide Prevention Act. I am proud to IMPROVING COMPENSATION BENE- Omvig will not be in vain. I would like to com- be a cosponsor of this important bill. FITS FOR VETERANS IN CER- mend Joshua’s parents for their advocacy on Estimates indicate that nearly 1,000 vet- TAIN CASES OF IMPAIRMENT OF the behalf of their son and all veterans, and erans receiving care from the Department of VISION INVOLVING BOTH EYES thank Congressman LEONARD BOSWELL for his Veterans Affairs (VA) take their own lives each leadership on this issue. I strongly urge my year. This should be a clear sign that more Mr. FILNER. Mr. Speaker, I move to colleagues to join me in voting for the Joshua must be done to address the very serious and suspend the rules and pass the bill Omvig Veterans Suicide Prevention Act, and I troubling issue of veterans’ suicide. Many vet- (H.R. 797) to amend title 38, United look forward to the passage of this critical leg- erans continue to return from Iraq and Afghan- States Code, to improve compensation islation today. istan with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder benefits for veterans in certain cases of Mr. MILLER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, (PTSD) and other mental health concerns, and impairment of vision involving both I would inquire of the chairman if he we must equip the VA with the information eyes, and for other purposes, as amend- needs additional time. and resources they need in order to ensure ed. Mr. FILNER. I would ask for the that our veterans receive adequate care. The Clerk read the title of the bill. courtesy of yielding 2 minutes to the When this legislation was first brought to my The text of the bill is as follows: gentleman from Colorado (Mr. attention earlier this year, I happened to come H.R. 797 SALAZAR). across an Associated Press news story about Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Rep- Mr. MILLER of Florida. I yield 2 a young man from Minnesota who served as resentatives of the United States of America in minutes to the gentleman from Colo- a U.S. Marine in Iraq. Upon returning home Congress assembled, rado (Mr. SALAZAR). from Iraq, he experienced nightmares and par- SECTION 1. ENHANCED COMPENSATION BENE- Mr. SALAZAR. I thank the gen- anoia, often re-living his combat experiences FITS FOR VETERANS IN CERTAIN in his sleep. On January 11, 2007, he told CASES OF IMPAIRMENT OF VISION tleman for yielding. And I thank the INVOLVING BOTH EYES. chairman of the Veterans’ Affairs Com- staff at a VA hospital that he felt suicidal. He (a) SHORT TITLE.—This section may be mittee for bringing this important mentioned this again over the phone the next cited as the ‘‘Dr. James Allen Veteran Vision issue up to our attention. day to VA staff. Despite these direct pleas for Equity Act’’. I have been a proud cosponsor of this help, no action was taken, and 4 days later, (b) ENHANCED COMPENSATION.—Section legislation for 2 years, and I want to he killed himself in his Minnesota home. He 1160(a)(1) of title 38, United States Code, is thank Mr. BOSWELL for his leadership. was 25 years old. amended— This brings up an important point. It H.R. 327 takes a number of important steps (1) by striking ‘‘blindness’’ both places it brings up an important point because towards reducing the incidence of suicide appears and inserting ‘‘impairment of vi- sion’’; and we are now seeing some underfunding among veterans. This legislation directs the (2) by inserting before the semicolon at the of the VA committee and of VA health Department of Veterans Affairs to develop a end the following: ‘‘, where the impairment care initiatives. We have heard today comprehensive program to regularly screen in each eye is to a visual acuity of 20/200 or statistics of how now, today, Vietnam and monitor all veterans for risk factors of sui- less or of a peripheral field of 20 degrees or veterans are still being affected by cide, set up a tracking and counseling referral less’’. post-traumatic stress disorder. We system to ensure all veterans found to be a SEC. 2. USE OF NATIONAL DIRECTORY OF NEW haven’t even been able to touch the be- suicide risk will receive the appropriate help, HIRES FOR INCOME VERIFICATION PURPOSES FOR CERTAIN VETERANS ginning of the iceberg. and provide education and training for all VA BENEFITS. So today, Mr. Speaker, it is impor- staff, contractors, and medical personnel who (a) USE OF INFORMATION IN NATIONAL DIREC- tant to make it clear what the leader- have interaction with veterans. The legislation TORY OF NEW HIRES.—Chapter 53 of title 38, ship of this House, the people’s House, would also provide 24-hour mental health care United States Code, is amended by adding at has said. The leadership of this House for veterans who are believed to be at risk for the end the following new section: today has said that the most important suicide, so that veterans could seek assist- ‘‘§ 5320. Use of National Directory of New issue for the veterans to be addressed ance whenever they need it. Hires for income verification purposes are the issues of health care, both Our Nation’s veterans fight for us overseas, ‘‘(a) INFORMATION FROM NATIONAL DIREC- shortfall and VA funding, and it is also and deserve proper care when they return TORY OF NEW HIRES.—(1) The Secretary shall an important issue that today we push home. This includes educating VA staff, vet- furnish to the Secretary of Health and forward for full funding of VA health erans and their families about PTSD and sui- Human Services, on a quarterly basis or at care. cide prevention in order to encourage service such intervals as may be determined by the Mr. MILLER of Florida. I would urge Secretary, information in the custody of the members to seek mental health assistance Secretary for comparison with information all of my colleagues to support H.R. when necessary. Now more than ever, as in the National Directory of New Hires main- 327. service members return home with PTSD and tained by the Secretary of Health and I thank Mr. BOSWELL for bringing other mental health issues, it is essential that Human Services pursuant to section 453 of this legislation to the floor. He is a fine we provide adequate mental health care that the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 653), in

VerDate Aug 31 2005 03:29 Mar 22, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00032 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A21MR7.018 H21MRPT1 jcorcoran on PROD1PC62 with HOUSE March 21, 2007 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H2779 order to obtain the information in such di- (d)(4), the Secretary may independently As noted, this bill is ‘‘as amended.’’ rectory with respect to individuals under the verify or otherwise act upon wage or self-em- And I want to thank the members on age of 65 who are applicants for or recipients ployment information referred to in sub- my committee on both sides of the of benefits or services specified in subsection section (c) of this section only if the Sec- aisle, particularly Mr. BOOZMAN of Ar- (d). retary finds that the amount and duration of ‘‘(2) The Secretary shall seek information the earnings reported in that information kansas and Mr. LAMBORN of Colorado, pursuant to this subsection only to the ex- clearly indicate that the individual is not for their very constructive amend- tent essential to determining eligibility for qualified for a rating of total disability. ments. Mr. BOOZMAN will talk later on benefits and services specified in subsection ‘‘(f) OPPORTUNITY TO CONTEST FINDINGS.— what he did, but we have extended the (d) and the amount of benefits specified in The Secretary shall inform the individual of authorization for the work/study pro- the findings made by the Secretary on the paragraphs (1) and (2) of that subsection for gram at his request for 5 years, so individuals under the age of 65. basis of verified information under sub- ‘‘(3)(A) The Secretary of Health and section (c), and shall give the individual an thank you for your amendments to Human Services, in cooperation with the opportunity to contest such findings, in the that. And we thank Ms. BALDWIN, who Secretary, shall compare information in the same manner as applies to other information has brought this to our attention and National Directory of New Hires with infor- and findings relating to eligibility for the is very committed to the health care of mation in the custody of the Secretary fur- benefit or service involved. our veterans of this Nation. ‘‘(g) SOURCE OF FUNDS FOR ADMINISTRATION nished pursuant to paragraph (1), and dis- So we are glad all to work together close information in that Directory to the OF SECTION.—The Secretary shall pay the ex- penses of carrying out this section from to get this to the House floor today. Secretary, in accordance with this sub- amounts available to the Department for the This has been introduced in previous section, for the purposes specified in this payment of compensation and pension. Congresses, but we are glad it is on the subsection. ‘‘(h) TERMINATION OF AUTHORITY.—The au- ‘‘(B) The Secretary of Health and Human floor now. It would allow veterans who thority of the Secretary to obtain informa- Services may make a disclosure in accord- receive veterans disability compensa- tion from the Secretary of Health and ance with subparagraph (A) only to the ex- Human Services under subsection (a) expires tion for impairment of vision in one tent that the Secretary determines that such on September 30, 2012.’’. eye to be eligible to receive additional disclosure does not interfere with the effec- (b) CLERICAL AMENDMENT.—The table of disability compensation for impair- tive operation of the program under part D sections at the beginning of such chapter is ment of vision in the eye that is not of title IV of the Social Security Act. amended by adding at the end the following service connected, where that impair- ‘‘(4) The Secretary may use information re- new item: sulting from a data match pursuant to this ment in each eye is to a visual acuity ‘‘5320. Use of National Directory of New subsection only for the purpose of deter- of 20/200 or less, or of a peripheral field Hires for income verification mining eligibility for benefits and services of 20 degrees or less. purposes.’’. specified in subsection (d) and the amount of Suffice it to say that there was a benefits specified in paragraphs (1) and (2) of (c) EFFECTIVE DATE.—Section 5320 of title great blind spot in the law that did not that subsection. 38, United States Code, as added by sub- section (a), shall take effect 270 days after cover our veterans who would need the ‘‘(5) The Secretary shall reimburse the Sec- help. retary of Health and Human Services for the the date of the enactment of this Act. additional costs incurred by that Secretary SEC. 3. EXTENSION OF AUTHORITY OF SEC- It would direct the Secretary of Vet- in furnishing information under this sub- RETARY OF VETERANS AFFAIRS TO erans Affairs and the Secretary of section. Such reimbursement shall be at PROVIDE AN EDUCATIONAL ASSIST- Health and Human Services to match ANCE ALLOWANCE TO PERSONS rates that the Secretary of Health and PERFORMING QUALIFYING WORK- and compare VA needs-based pension Human Services determines to be reasonable STUDY ACTIVITIES. benefits data, parents’ dependency and (which rates shall include payment for the Section 3485(a)(4) of title 38, United States indemnity compensation data, health costs of obtaining, verifying, maintaining, Code, is amended by striking ‘‘June 30, 2007’’ care services data, and and comparing the information). each place it appears and inserting ‘‘June 30, unemployability compensation data ‘‘(b) NOTIFICATION TO BENEFICIARIES.—The 2012’’. with the National Directory of New Secretary shall notify each applicant for, or SEC. 4. PROVISION OF BRONZE REPRESENTA- recipient of, a benefit or service specified in TIONS OF THE LETTER ‘‘V’’ FOR Hires, maintained by the Department subsection (d) that income information fur- GRAVE OF ELIGIBLE INDIVIDUAL of Health and Human Services, for the nished by the applicant to the Secretary BURIED IN PRIVATE CEMETERY IN purpose of determining eligibility for may be compared with information obtained LIEU OF GOVERNMENT-PROVIDED such benefits and services. by the Secretary from the Secretary of HEADSTONE OR MARKER. Health and Human Services under subsection Section 2306(d) of title 38, United States b 1600 Code, is amended by adding at the end the (a). The Secretary shall periodically trans- It would extend authorization of the mit to recipients of such benefits additional following new paragraph: ‘‘(5) In lieu of furnishing a headstone or veterans work/study program until 2012 notifications of such matters. marker under this subsection, the Secretary at the suggestion of Mr. BOOZMAN, and ‘‘(c) INDEPENDENT VERIFICATION RE- may furnish, if requested, a bronze represen- QUIRED.—The Secretary may not, by reason allows for a bronze ‘‘V’’ marker in lieu tation of the letter ‘V’ to be attached to a of information obtained from the Secretary of a government-provided headstone or headstone or marker furnished at private ex- of Health and Human Services under sub- marker for burials in a private ceme- pense. The Secretary shall make available section (a) , terminate, deny, suspend, or re- two sizes of such representations for such tery, at the suggestion of Mr. duce any benefit or service described in sub- purpose.’’. LAMBORN. section (d) until the Secretary takes appro- It would affect an estimated 5 per- priate steps to verify independently informa- The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- ant to the rule, the gentleman from cent of the 13,000 veterans who have tion relating to employment and employ- service-connected blindness or loss of ment income. California (Mr. FILNER) and the gen- vision in one eye. As of April 2006, the ‘‘(d) COVERED BENEFITS AND SERVICES.— tleman from Florida (Mr. MILLER) each The benefits and services specified in this will control 20 minutes. Walter Reed Medical Center alone has subsection are the following: The Chair recognizes the gentleman treated 140 returning OEF/OIF service- ‘‘(1) Needs-based pension benefits provided from California. members for visual injuries. under chapter 15 of this title or under any I urge Members to support the bill. It other law administered by the Secretary. GENERAL LEAVE Mr. FILNER. Mr. Speaker, I ask is the least we can do for our veterans. ‘‘(2) Parents’ dependency and indemnity Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of compensation provided under section 1315 of unanimous consent that all Members this title. may have 5 legislative days in which to my time. ‘‘(3) Health-care services furnished under revise and extend their remarks and to Mr. MILLER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, subsections (a)(2)(G), (a)(3), and (b) of section include extraneous material on H.R. I yield myself such time as I may con- 1710 of this title. 797, as amended. sume. ‘‘(4) Compensation paid under chapter 11 of The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. I rise in strong support of H.R. 797, as this title at the 100 percent rate based solely SALAZAR). Is there objection to the re- amended, the Dr. James Allen Veteran on unemployability and without regard to quest of the gentleman from Cali- Vision Equity Act. I thank my col- the fact that the disability or disabilities are leagues, Mr. HALL of New York, the not rated as 100 percent disabling under the fornia? rating schedule. There was no objection. chairman of the Disability Assistance ‘‘(e) LIMITATION WITH RESPECT TO INDI- Mr. FILNER. Mr. Speaker, I would and Memorial Affairs Subcommittee, VIDUAL UNEMPLOYABILITY CASES.—In the case yield myself such time as I may con- and Mr. LAMBORN of Colorado, the of compensation described in subsection sume. ranking member of that subcommittee.

VerDate Aug 31 2005 02:14 Mar 22, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00033 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A21MR7.016 H21MRPT1 jcorcoran on PROD1PC62 with HOUSE H2780 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE March 21, 2007 I also thank the chairman, Mr. FILNER, As Mr. FILNER is well aware, having has been instrumental in highlighting and the ranking member, Mr. BUYER, been to my congressional district, this problem. I have very much enjoyed for bringing this important legislation southern Nevada has one of the fastest working with her to improve the law to to the floor; and the prime sponsor, Ms. growing veterans populations in the better serve veterans with visual im- BALDWIN. country, with nearly 218,000 veterans pairments. This bill would, in fact, allow vet- living in Clark County. And when I I am also pleased that the bill con- erans who receive a disability com- first started serving in Congress, I only tains an amendment which was offered pensation for impairment in the vision had 160,000 veterans, so our veterans during the full committee markup to of one eye to be eligible to receive ad- population has increased quite dra- extend the VA work/study allowance ditional disability compensation for matically. It is even more important benefits for 5 years. This is a follow-on impairment of vision in the eye that is that former service men and women to a short-term, 6-month extension we not service connected. have the health care and benefits that passed late last year, and will enable This eligibility includes situations they have earned. student veterans the ability to con- where the impairment in each eye is to I am a cosponsor of this legislation tinue in a wide variety of work/study a visual acuity of 20/200 or less, or a pe- which would allow veterans who have positions that directly benefit veterans ripheral field loss of 20 degrees or less. complete loss of sight in one eye due to while easing the workload on the Fed- This is the same definition of ‘‘legal a service-connected injury to receive eral staff at VA and DOD. blindness’’ adopted by all 50 States and increased disability compensation if Current law allows work/study par- the Social Security Administration. they lose sight in the other eye, re- ticipants to work up to 20 hours per The New Hires Act would save the gardless of whether that loss of sight is week. Participants perform a variety of government money by allowing the service connected. duties such as veteran-related paper- Secretary of the VA to consult with For some reason, and I don’t under- work at schools or VA offices. Some the Secretary of Health and Human stand why, the VA has a higher thresh- participants perform outreach services Services regarding unemployment old for determining blindness than any under the supervision of a VA em- compensation data in order to deter- of the States and for the Social Secu- ployee. Others perform services at VA mine the eligibility for VA needs-based rity Administration. Because of this, medical facilities or the offices of the pension benefits. veterans like my constituent, retired National Cemetery Administration. Also, CBO estimates that this section Army Major General Roy Kekahuna, The VA work/study allowance is of H.R. 797, as amended, would save the are not covered for deteriorating vision available to Americans training under taxpayers $15 million over 10 years. in both eyes, even though they are con- many programs, such as the Mont- Also included in H.R. 797, as amended, sidered legally blind. gomery GI bill, as well as the program is a provision that extends the types of Let us through this legislation dem- for Vocational Training and Rehabili- work study jobs found in section onstrate our true appreciation to our tation for Veterans with Service Con- 3485(a)(4) for 5 years through June 30 of veterans for their sacrifice on behalf of 2012. nected Disabilities, and several other Current law allows work study re- this Nation by meeting our promise to programs. cipients to perform a variety of duties provide them with proper health care The work/study portion of H.R. 797 throughout VA, as well as veteran-re- and by passing this important piece of allows us to extend the work/study pro- lated paperwork at their schools. legislation. gram without violating the PAYGO We also extend the provision for 6 Mr. MILLER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, rules by using the offsets found else- months in Public Law 109–461 to pre- I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman where in the bill. vent canceling benefits in the middle of from Arkansas (Mr. BOOZMAN), the I really want to thank Chairman FIL- a school year. I am pleased we are able ranking member of the Economic Op- NER and Chairman BUYER for working to extend this provision even further in portunity Subcommittee. together. This was a difficult thing to this bill. Mr. BOOZMAN. First of all, I would get all of the needs crafted together so The last provision of this bill pro- like to associate myself with the re- we could kill two birds with one stone vides families with the option of choos- marks that were said in the previous and rectify the visual impairment part. ing a bronze ‘‘V’’ denoting veteran sta- bill regarding the Suicide Prevention Mr. Speaker, this is an excellent bill. tus, in lieu of a VA headstone by Act. Again, I just appreciate, being a I urge my colleagues to support H.R. graves already marked by a private member of the Veterans’ Affairs Com- 797. marker. Many private cemeteries do mittee, I appreciate the hard work on Mr. FILNER. Mr. BOOZMAN, thank not allow a second marker on a grave that. It really does make us all proud. you again for having the initiative to because it complicates routine mainte- Mr. Speaker, for years the VA has extend the work/study program. You nance. Therefore, that bronze ‘‘V’’ awarded service-connected disability took the creativity of Ms. BALDWIN would identify a veteran’s grave in a ratings, including increased ratings for who was able to save money in this manner that is universally acceptable, the loss of use for paired organs, such bill, not only meeting the needs of vet- and meet the family’s desire to honor as hearing, when only one organ was erans, but by introducing a section to the deceased veteran. affected by military service. The excep- compare data which I hope you will ex- The bronze ‘‘V’’ would also be readily tion is the body’s visual sensory organs plain, saved us money which can now identifiable to anybody visiting the and it is time to remove that inequity. be used to extend the work/study pro- cemetery, and a standard way to iden- This brings the VA in line with eye dis- gram for 5 years. Thank you for your tify veterans who choose not to use a ability as done by everyone else in fig- amendment. VA-provided headstone. uring eye disability. Mr. Speaker, I am honored to yield Once again, I express my strong sup- As an optometrist and as an eye doc- such time as she may consume to the port for H.R. 797, as amended. tor I am very, very familiar with this gentlewoman from Wisconsin (Ms. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of and used to help figure these things all BALDWIN), the author of this bill, who my time. of the time, the loss of visual acuity in not only solved a problem but found Mr. FILNER. Mr. Speaker, I yield 5 one eye on the other eye and the long- some money. minutes to the gentlewoman from Ne- term effects of that stress. To me, ig- Ms. BALDWIN. Mr. Speaker, I thank vada (Ms. BERKLEY) who is an aggres- noring any loss of visual acuity due to the chairman. sive advocate for the veterans not only nonservice-connected causes just isn’t Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong in Las Vegas but across the Nation. rational. support of H.R. 797, the Dr. James Ms. BERKLEY. Mr. Speaker, I want I would like to thank Congress- Allen Veteran Vision Equity Act. to thank Mr. FILNER and Mr. MILLER woman BALDWIN for her excellent work This bill fixes an inequity that has for their steadfast support for this leg- in bringing this forward to the full resulted in the denial of appropriate islation, and Ms. BALDWIN for bringing House, and for her advocacy. She has disability compensation to blinded vet- this to our attention for quite awhile been a real bulldog, and I mean that in erans. now, waiting for us to act, and act we a very nice way, in just really staying I wanted to share, first of all, the should. after this. And due to her efforts, she story of Dr. James Allen after whom

VerDate Aug 31 2005 02:14 Mar 22, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00034 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K21MR7.083 H21MRPT1 jcorcoran on PROD1PC62 with HOUSE March 21, 2007 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H2781 this legislation is named. Dr. Allen is a As a result, few if any blinded vet- 200 soldiers returning from Operation distinguished, caring professor of oph- erans are able to qualify for additional Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan and thalmology at the University of Wis- compensation under the paired organ Operation Iraqi Freedom who are blind- consin School of Medicine. He has statute. ed in one eye due to service-related in- worked at our veterans hospital for juries and could perhaps in the future b 1615 nearly 33 years and treated countless benefit from this legislation. eye patients, including many veterans H.R. 797, the Dr. James Allen Veteran I strongly urge my colleagues to sup- who are blind. Vision Equity Act, fixes this problem. port H.R. 797. One such patient is a Mr. Donald It defines blindness as impairment of Mr. MILLER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, May. Don is a World War II veteran vision where the impairment is to a I would like to thank the prime spon- who lost his right eye in a hand gre- visual acuity of 20/200 or less or a pe- sor again of the piece of legislation she nade explosion. A few years ago, Mr. ripheral field loss of 20 degrees or less. has. As my colleague Mr. BOOZMAN said May began losing vision and ultimately This change in the law would only af- earlier, she worked many long hours to became legally blind in his other non- fect a small percentage, estimated to bring this piece of legislation to the service-connected eye. He applied to be roughly 5 percent, of the 13,000-plus floor. I wish we could have done it the Department of Veterans Affairs for veterans who are service-connected for sooner. I am glad to see it is moving help, but was denied further benefits. loss of vision in one eye. forward at this time. He was told that the current law in re- Yet, such a change would send a pow- With that, I would like to recognize a gard to paired organs did not apply to erful signal to our Nation’s blinded vet- new member to our committee. I yield him even though he was legally blind erans that their hardships are not for- 2 minutes to the gentleman from Colo- in both his service-connected right eye gotten. Indeed, our Nation’s blinded rado (Mr. LAMBORN). and his nonservice-connected left eye. veterans face significant challenges in (Mr. LAMBORN asked and was given After Dr. Allen brought the plight of the labor market. permission to revise and extend his re- Don May and many other patients to The National Institute on Disability marks.) my attention, I began to research why and Rehabilitation Research found Mr. LAMBORN. Mr. Speaker, I thank these veterans were being denied the that for individuals with visual impair- the gentleman for yielding. benefits that I felt they deserved, bene- ments, to the extent they are unable to I rise today in support of H.R. 797, fits that I believed Congress intended read letters, that the employment rate the Dr. James Allen Veteran Vision to grant them. Through my work with is only 30.8 percent compared to 82.1 Equity Act. I would like to thank the Blinded Veterans Association, we percent for people without disabilities. Chairman FILNER, Ranking Member discovered that while the current Given this employment trend, and the BUYER and my colleague Mr. HALL for paired organ statute covers blindness unique socioeconomic experiences of their help in bringing this important in theory, in practice few if any vet- our veterans, it is even more urgent legislation to the floor. Mr. Speaker, I offered an amendment erans have been able to qualify for the that Congress correct this one last in- to this bill which would provide fami- additional disability compensation equity in the current paired organ stat- lies the option of choosing a bronze V under its terms. ute and address the life-altering im- in lieu of a VA headstone for graves al- Congress has rightly recognized that pact of blindness on our veterans. ready marked by a private marker. I some human organs and limbs are de- I want to mention also that in com- am happy to say that this amendment signed to work in pairs: our legs, our pliance with our pay-as-you-go rules, was accepted with bipartisan support kidneys, our lungs, our ears, and of section 2 of H.R. 797 fully offsets the during committee markup. course our eyes. In the instance of cost of additional vision benefits. It di- Many private cemeteries do not allow eyes, blindness in one eye profoundly rects the Veterans Secretary and the a second marker on a grave, but a affects depth perception, even if sight Secretary of Health and Human Serv- is fully retained in the other eye. bronze V would be accepted by all ices to match and compare VA needs- The paired organ statute was written cemeteries and would identify a vet- based pension benefits data, parents’ to assist those veterans who experience eran’s grave in the same manner as a dependency and indemnity compensa- a service-connected loss of a paired VA headstone. organ or limb. This statute recognizes tion data, health care services data and While not the intent of the amend- the interdependency of paired organs, unemployment data with the National ment, it may also lead to a decrease in and endeavors to treat the combined Directory of New Hires maintained by costs for the Veterans Affairs Depart- disability created by a nonservice-con- HHS for the purpose of determining eli- ment. The average cost of a VA head- nected loss and injury or degeneration gibility for such benefits and services. stone is about $100. Last year, the VA of the remaining paired organ or limb According to the GAO, the General Ac- provided 6,534 second markers for a as though it, too, were the result of a countability Office, such data-match- total cost of about $650,000 plus ship- service-connected disability. In gen- ing project would help reduce fraud and ping. The cost for the same number of eral, the paired organ statute accom- waste within the VA system as it de- bronze V markers would have only plishes this task except its treatment termines eligibility and benefits to been between $148,000 and $184,000. of loss of sight. those veterans thought to be unem- Mounting of these second markers is With regard to eyesight, the statute ployable, but who are indeed working. at the family’s expense, usually several does not adequately define the term I would like to thank Chairman FIL- times the cost of the stone. The bronze blindness, nor is any provision made NER, Subcommittee Chairman JOHN V, however, will avoid the need for pro- for the impairment of vision in the HALL, as well as Congressman fessional mounting, thus reducing sig- nonservice-connected eye short of BOOZMAN, Congressman SNYDER and nificant expenses for the veterans’ fam- blindness. Congressman MILLER for their unwav- ilies. Rather than using a visual acuity of ering support of this bill. I also want to This amendment not only distin- 20/200 or a loss of field of vision 20 de- thank the staff of the Veterans’ Affairs guishes our Nation’s veterans on their grees, as is the definition of legal Committee for helping advance this headstones, but it also allows families blindness that has been adopted by all legislation. to demonstrate their loved one’s self- 50 States and the Social Security Ad- H.R. 797 is a modest but very impor- less service to our Nation in an effi- ministration, the Department of Vet- tant step in restoring fair treatment to cient and cost-effective manner. erans Affairs uses a much more restric- those blinded due to their service to It provides a great solution to an un- tive 5/200 rating for legal blindness. I our country and to further our com- fortunate problem with the added was asked to describe exactly what mitment to them. Their sacrifices and bonus of saving money for veterans’ that 5/200 means. Really, in layman’s service to this Nation should be families and the VA. terms, it is the equivalent to having matched by our desire to improve the Mr. Speaker, this bill will help our light perception only, but the specific quality of life for them and for their veterans, and I urge my colleagues to definition is somebody with the ability families. vote in favor of H.R. 797. to see at 5 feet what most of the rest of I want to note that the Blinded Vet- Mr. FILNER. Mr. Speaker, again, I us could see at 200 feet. erans Association has identified over would like to thank Mr. LAMBORN for

VerDate Aug 31 2005 02:14 Mar 22, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00035 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K21MR7.086 H21MRPT1 jcorcoran on PROD1PC62 with HOUSE H2782 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE March 21, 2007 this very important addition. It will amounts under sections 1313(a) and 1314 of The cost of serving these veterans, give families added consolation, of such title. which includes this annual COLA, is a course, on the burial of a loved one. So (c) DETERMINATION OF INCREASE.— continuing cost of war. We will have we thank you. (1) PERCENTAGE.—Except as provided in from Iraq and Afghanistan an increase paragraph (2), each dollar amount described I have no further requests for time. in subsection (b) shall be increased by the in injuries and disabilities that will Mr. MILLER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, same percentage as the percentage by which yield an increase in claims for com- we have no further requests for time, benefit amounts payable under title II of the pensation. Over 1.5 million and we yield back the balance of our Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 401 et seq.) are servicemembers have been deployed to time. increased effective December 1, 2007, as a re- Iraq and Afghanistan without any end, Mr. FILNER. Mr. Speaker, we urge sult of a determination under section 215(i) it looks like, in sight, and the Presi- support for H.R. 797, as amended, and I of such Act (42 U.S.C. 415(i)). dent calls for more troops. Therefore, yield back our time. (2) ROUNDING.—Each dollar amount in- the Veterans Administration, as well The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. creased under paragraph (1), if not a whole dollar amount, shall be rounded to the next as the military hospitals, can expect a SALAZAR). The question is on the mo- lower whole dollar amount. significant increase in the number of tion offered by the gentleman from (d) SPECIAL RULE.—The Secretary of Vet- new claims for compensation and new California (Mr. FILNER) that the House erans Affairs may adjust administratively, demands on the health care system. I suspend the rules and pass the bill, consistent with the increases made under think that recent events have shown H.R. 797, as amended. subsection (a), the rates of disability com- that neither system is adequately pre- The question was taken. pensation payable to persons under section pared for that onslaught, and, in fact, The SPEAKER pro tempore. In the 10 of Public Law 85–857 (72 Stat. 1263) who have not received compensation under chap- the systems are stretched to the break- opinion of the Chair, two-thirds being ing point. in the affirmative, the ayes have it. ter 11 of title 38, United States Code. SEC. 3. PUBLICATION OF ADJUSTED RATES. We as a Congress, we as a Nation, Mr. FILNER. Mr. Speaker, on that I have got to give our veterans all the demand the yeas and nays. The Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall publish in the Federal Register the amounts care that they need, all the resources The yeas and nays were ordered. they need, and we as Congress have to The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- specified in section 2(b), as increased under that section, not later than the date on provide accountability for the spending ant to clause 8 of rule XX and the which the matters specified in section of those resources. Chair’s prior announcement, further 215(i)(2)(D) of the Social Security Act (42 Let me say that certainly we on the proceedings on this question will be U.S.C. 415(i)(2)(D)) are required to be pub- Democratic side, and I am sure sup- postponed. lished by reason of a determination made ported on the Republican side, have f under section 215(i) of such Act during fiscal year 2008. made major increases in the resources to our veterans care that is now de- VETERANS’ COMPENSATION COST- The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- manded from our Nation. I am told OF-LIVING ADJUSTMENT ACT OF ant to the rule, the gentleman from 2007 that the budget resolution will have an California (Mr. FILNER) and the gen- additional $6.6 billion over what we ap- Mr. FILNER. Mr. Speaker, I move to tleman from Florida (Mr. MILLER) each propriated last year for the Veterans suspend the rules and pass the bill will control 20 minutes. (H.R. 1284) to increase, effective as of Administration. The Chair recognizes the gentleman You know that we appropriated an December 1, 2007, the rates of com- from California. additional $3.6 billion for fiscal year pensation for veterans with service- GENERAL LEAVE 2007, the year that we are in now, in connected disabilities and the rates of Mr. FILNER. Mr. Speaker, I ask the so-called continuing resolution, the dependency and indemnity compensa- unanimous consent that all Members biggest increase of any department in tion for the survivors of certain dis- have 5 legislative days to revise and ex- that continuing resolution. abled veterans. tend their remarks and include extra- The supplemental that we will be The Clerk read the title of the bill. neous material on H.R. 1284. The text of the bill is as follows: considering at the end of this week has The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there $3.5 billion for military and veterans H.R. 1284 objection to the request of the gen- health care: we say if you are going to Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Rep- tleman from California? deal with the cost of war, deal with the resentatives of the United States of America in There was no objection. Congress assembled, costs of the warrior. Mr. FILNER. Mr. Speaker, I yield So just in 60 days, Mr. Speaker, the SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. myself as much time as I may con- This Act may be cited as the ‘‘Veterans’ new majority in the Congress has pro- Compensation Cost-of-Living Adjustment sume. vided an additional $13.5 billion for the Act of 2007’’. Mr. Speaker, we all urge passage of care of our Nation’s veterans, and that SEC. 2. INCREASE IN RATES OF DISABILITY COM- H.R. 1284, the so-called Veterans’ Com- is a bigger increase than was totaled in PENSATION AND DEPENDENCY AND pensation, COLA, Cost-of-Living Ad- the last 5 years combined. INDEMNITY COMPENSATION. justment Act. It would direct the Sec- So I think we are responding to the (a) RATE ADJUSTMENT.—Effective on De- retary of Veterans Affairs to increase, Walter Reed scandal. We are respond- cember 1, 2007, the Secretary of Veterans Af- effective December 1 of this year, the fairs shall increase, in accordance with sub- ing to the tragic suicides that came section (c), the dollar amounts in effect on rates of veterans’ compensation to from indifference from the bureauc- November 30, 2007, for the payment of dis- keep pace with the rising cost of living racy. We are responding to the needs of ability compensation and dependency and in- in our Nation. The rate adjustment is traumatic brain injury that have so in- demnity compensation under the provisions equal to that provided on an annual creased in this war. We are responding specified in subsection (b). basis to Social Security recipients and to the needs of those who have post- (b) AMOUNTS TO BE INCREASED.—The dollar is based on the Bureau of Labor Statis- traumatic stress disorder. We are re- amounts to be increased pursuant to sub- tics’ Consumer Price Index. sponding to the needs of a Veterans Ad- section (a) are the following: Regardless, Mr. Speaker, of where (1) WARTIME DISABILITY COMPENSATION.— ministration that is backlogged 600,000 Each of the dollar amounts under section any of us are on the current war in disability claims. 1114 of title 38, United States Code. Iraq, we all believe that our returning So we are going to respond with the (2) ADDITIONAL COMPENSATION FOR DEPEND- young men and women who have served dollars. We also need to make sure we ENTS.—Each of the dollar amounts under sec- this Nation so courageously get all the have accountability, and we will have tions 1115(1) of such title. attention, care, respect and love that more to say on that in the future. (3) CLOTHING ALLOWANCE.—The dollar we can give as a Nation. Nothing both- Congress regularly enacts an annual amount under section 1162 of such title. ers any of us more than to see return- cost-of-living adjustment for veterans (4) DEPENDENCY AND INDEMNITY COMPENSA- ing troops, whether it be at Walter compensation to make sure that infla- TION TO SURVIVING SPOUSE.—Each of the dol- lar amounts under subsections (a) through Reed or any of our VA hospitals, have tion does not erode the purchasing (d) of section 1311 of such title. to face the bureaucracy that seems in- power of veterans and their families (5) DEPENDENCY AND INDEMNITY COMPENSA- different, and does not provide the who depend upon this income to meet TION TO CHILDREN.—Each of the dollar services they need. their daily needs. This bill before us, in

VerDate Aug 31 2005 02:14 Mar 22, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00036 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K21MR7.087 H21MRPT1 jcorcoran on PROD1PC62 with HOUSE March 21, 2007 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H2783 fact, will benefit all veterans from the Mr. FILNER. Mr. Speaker, I yield as tion, and all 50 States in defining a vis- World War I era through the current much time as he may consume to the ual impairment. conflicts. new chairman of the Disability Assist- Furthermore, this bill allows certain So I hope that we will have support ance and Memorial Affairs Sub- veterans to receive a ‘‘V’’ on their for this. I would like to add my thanks committee of the Veterans Affairs gravestone and reauthorizes the VA’s for the increases that I talked about Committee, Mr. HALL of New York. popular work/study program. just a second ago in this budget for 2008 Mr. HALL of New York. Thank you, Mr. Speaker, this Congress faces a and the continuing resolution for 2007 Congressman, for yielding to me. substantial task in dealing with the and the supplemental that we will be Mr. Speaker, I introduced H.R. 1284 difficulties our veterans face. Cur- considering to our Speaker, NANCY earlier this month with the Chairman rently there are more than 570,000 vet- PELOSI, who insisted that we care for of the Committee on Veterans’ Affairs, erans claims pending before the VA, our Nation’s veterans; also, the chair- Congressman FILNER. literally hundreds of thousands of vet- man of the Appropriations Committee, Chairman FILNER has been instru- erans waiting on decisions that can Mr. OBEY of Wisconsin; to his chairman mental in moving this bill forward. I substantially affect their financial sit- of the subcommittee that looks at vet- thank him for that. I also want to uation. On top of this, we have a new genera- erans affairs, Mr. EDWARDS from Texas; thank the ranking member of the Com- and the chairman of our Budget Com- mittee on Veterans’ Affairs, STEVE tion of veterans returning from Iraq and Afghanistan. The subcommittee I mittee, Mr. SPRATT, all of whom said BUYER, and our ranking member of the we are not going to fail this test that Subcommittee on Disability Assistance chair, the Disability Assistance and America is faced with today, the test of and Memorial Affairs, DOUG LAMBORN, Memorial Affairs Subcommittee, re- whether we are going to make sure who were both helpful in getting this cently held a hearing where we heard from experts and Iraq war veterans. that our veterans get the care they bill moved expeditiously. The fact that They all agree that the VA is critically need. we got this bill to the floor within the unprepared to deal with these new Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of month shows the House leadership’s commitments and will be over- my time. commitment to our Nation’s veterans. whelmed. Mr. MILLER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, As chairman of the Subcommittee on One witness privately compared the I yield myself such time as I may con- Disability Assistance and Memorial Af- fairs, I believe that America must up- VA’s current position to that of a per- sume. son standing on a beach while a tsu- I would like to yield just a minute hold its promise to care for our vet- erans and their families, and I strongly nami comes rushing towards the shore. for a question to the chairman, if he These men and women deserve our sup- might. By your comments, am I to support efforts to alleviate unjust fi- nancial burdens imposed upon our Na- port, and it is incumbent upon this take it that the majority does now Congress to act. tion’s veterans and their survivors. have the votes necessary to pass the In the coming month, I plan to hold This is why I am so pleased that H.R. supplemental later this week? hearings on several pieces of legisla- Mr. FILNER. Mr. Speaker, will the 1284 is on the floor today. tion that will address this backlog. I H.R. 1284 would provide a cost-of-liv- gentleman yield? have introduced one bill which would ing adjustment to the rates of dis- Mr. MILLER of Florida. I yield to the provide interim benefits to veterans ability compensation provided to our gentleman from California. who have waited over 6 months for a Mr. FILNER. You are asking that of Nation’s disabled veterans and to the decision on their appeal. me? The lowest level of person in the compensation provided to the survivors While this will not fix the entire House? No, I hope we will take up that of veterans and servicemembers who problem, it will help veterans pay their supplemental at the end of the week. died or who will die as a result of mili- bills and buy their medicine while they Mr. MILLER of Florida. I thank the tary service. wait for a decision from the VA. I look chairman. Every year since 1976, Congress has forward to working with colleagues on enacted an annual COLA adjustment b 1630 both sides of the aisle on these impor- for veterans with disabilities and their tant issues, and I trust they share my I do rise in strong support also of this survivors. The regularity of Congress’ sense of urgency on these matters. piece of legislation, thanking my col- action on COLA legislation underscores It is my hope that H.R. 797 and H.R. leagues, the new chairman of the sub- its importance. Without it, inflation 1284 are the first of many steps this committee which I chaired last year, would diminish and erode the pur- Congress takes to ensure that those Mr. HALL, and also Mr. LAMBORN, the chasing power of millions of bene- who have sacrificed so much for this new ranking member; also, again, ficiaries. According to VA, as set forth country receive the benefits they have thanking Chairman FILNER and Rank- in its fiscal year 2008 budget, the De- earned. ing Member BUYER for helping move partment estimates that it will provide Mr. MILLER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, this important legislation to the floor disability compensation to 3,220,031 it is my pleasure now to yield 4 min- as quickly as it has. veterans with service-related disabil- utes to the gentleman from Wash- In this piece of legislation we in- ities in fiscal year 2008. ington, who although not on the VA creased, effective as of December 1 of In summary, this legislation is crit- Committee, is an active participant in this year, the rates of compensation for ical to the lives of over 3 million bene- much of the legislation that comes to veterans with service-connected dis- ficiaries who have served our country that committee, and an Air Force vet- abilities, the rates of dependency and well and faithfully. I ask for your con- eran, Mr. REICHERT. indemnity compensation for the sur- tinued support for our Nation’s vet- Mr. REICHERT. I thank the gen- vivors of certain disabled veterans. erans, and I ask for your support of the tleman for yielding. Also, the COLA adjustment includes bipartisan Veterans’ Compensation Mr. Speaker, we are here to, and I am wartime disability compensation, addi- Cost-of-Living-Adjustment Act of 2007. honored to be here to support H.R. 1284, tional compensation for dependents, I would just like to say a few words the Veterans’ Compensation Cost-of- clothing allowance, dependency and in- also about another bill that is on the Living Adjustment Act of 2007. It demnity compensation to a surviving floor today and falls under the jurisdic- sounds awful cold and mechanical when spouse, dependency and indemnity tion of my subcommittee, H.R. 797, the you rattle it off in that way, but it compensation for children. Dr. James Allen Veteran Vision Equity means a lot to the people who serve Mr. Speaker, this is an important an- Act. As with H.R. 1284, I am proud of this country. nual authorization bill which provides the speed and fashion in which this bill I was, as my good friend Mr. MILLER much-needed assistance to our Nation’s has come to the floor. said, I was in the Air Force. I served 33 veterans. I encourage and expect all of H.R. 797, which has the backing of years in the King County Sheriff’s Of- my colleagues to support this piece of the Blind Veterans Association, would fice in Seattle, Washington, and I had legislation. put the Veterans Administration on a friends who were wounded in the line of Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of par with the Social Security Adminis- duty, partners who were wounded, part- my time. tration, the World Health Organiza- ners who were killed and sacrificed

VerDate Aug 31 2005 03:29 Mar 22, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00037 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K21MR7.090 H21MRPT1 jcorcoran on PROD1PC62 with HOUSE H2784 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE March 21, 2007 their lives to protect their commu- Ms. BERKLEY. Mr. Speaker, I also in the rates of dependency and indem- nities. I, myself, was nearly mortally would like to thank Chairman FILNER, nity compensation for their families ef- wounded in serving our community as Ranking Member BUYER, and sub- fective December 1. a sheriff’s deputy. committee chairman, JOHN HALL, and The percentage increase in these I know what it means to have a com- ranking subcommittee chairman, Mr. rates would be equal to the increase for munity come behind you. I know what MILLER, for their continued efforts to Social Security benefits, which would it means to have a family stand with ensure the value of veterans benefits be calculated later this year. Veterans you. I know what it means to have does not erode as the cost living in- benefits must keep up with inflation. your friends, your relatives, and your creases. Veterans should not have to worry local government to be there with you. H.R. 1284, the Veterans’ Compensa- about losing their standard of living Our veterans deserve to know what tion Cost-of-Living Adjustment Act, just because they may be living on a that feeling is. They need to know the will help our service-disabled veterans fixed income. United States Government and Mem- and their survivors maintain the pur- This bill will help to accomplish that bers of Congress are standing with chasing power of their benefits in 2008. particular objective. I strongly urge them. We are soldiers here fighting Now, everyone that has spoken be- the Members of this House to show with them, providing them with the fore me has been quite eloquent, and their support for America’s veterans by benefits they need, the tools they need, you don’t need for me to reinforce all voting in favor of the Veterans’ Com- the things they need to do their job, of the statements that they have al- pensation Cost-of-Living and Adjust- the things they need to do to protect ready made. But I would like to let you ment Act of 2007. their families, the things they need to know how this affects the people that I Mr. FILNER. Mr. Speaker, I have no have to provide for their families. represent. further speakers, but I would like to Two weeks ago I stopped and visited Last year, over 31,000 veterans and thank Mr. MILLER for his commitment a marine in a Seattle VA hospital. This survivors received disability compensa- to our Nation’s veterans, for leading marine was wounded in the neck with a tion or pension payments from the VA his side with civility, cooperation and .22 caliber bullet. I stood in awe at his in the State of Nevada. The action we friendship. courage as he lay paralyzed from the are taking here today will help the Ne- Mr. RODRIGUEZ. Mr. Speaker, veterans waist down, and I asked him what his vada veterans and families who depend with service-related disabilities deserve not plans were for the future, and that I on these VA benefits. No amount of only our admiration, but also our support. This was honored to meet him, and sorry money can adequately compensate our is why today I rise in strong support of H.R. that he was wounded in battle. veterans for the loss of their health, or 327, H.R. 797 and H.R. 1284, a series of bills He looked at me and smiled and said, families for the loss of a loved one. It assisting our service men and women. Why feel sorry for me? Don’t. I volun- is important, though, that these bene- H.R. 327, The Joshua Omvig Veterans Sui- teered for this work. I want to protect fits do not lose their value over time, cide Prevention Act will require the Veterans’ America. You know what he said his Affairs Department to develop and implement plans for the future was? To go back to and that we demonstrate our genuine appreciation for the sacrifices they a comprehensive program to reduce the inci- Iraq. He said, I will walk again and dence of suicide among veterans. Last year a fight next to my brothers and sisters have made on behalf of our Nation. Mr. Speaker, I ask that everybody survey study conducted among Army and Ma- on the front lines. rine combat units returning from Iraq and Af- I met another soldier at Madigan vote in favor this measure. ghanistan found that one in eight troops re- Hospital, the Army hospital in Ta- Mr. MILLER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, ported symptoms of post-traumatic stress dis- coma, Washington, a soldier who was I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman standing near someone who blew them- from Pennsylvania (Mr. DENT). order (PTSD). Moreover, less than half of selves up, a suicide bomber. He is now Mr. DENT. Thank you, Congressman these soldiers experiencing symptoms sought suffering from a blood viral infection. MILLER, for your leadership, as well as professional help, primarily out of fear of being He has been treated for over a year at Congresswoman BERKLEY. I appreciate stigmatized by peers or hurting their military Madigan Hospital. I said the same all of your leadership on this very im- careers. With PTSD comes feelings of es- thing to him. I am honored to meet portant issue. trangement from others, loss of satisfaction in you. What are your plans for the fu- Mr. Speaker, I too rise today to previously satisfying activities, and the feeling ture? speak in favor of H.R. 1284, the Vet- of hopelessness about the future. It is no won- He said, I will heal. Don’t feel sorry erans’ Compensation Cost-of-Living der then, that veterans suffer a higher risk of for me. I am going back to fight with Adjustment Act of 2007. suicide. This bill, H.R. 327, is an important my fellow soldiers. I think we all are indeed grateful for step in the right direction to ending the sol- This cost-of-living increase seems the services of our Nation’s veterans. diers’ stigma for seeking help, and gives hope mechanical to us as we sit here in this They have answered this country’s call to thousands of veterans and their families House floor. It means a lot to the sol- time and time again. As a matter of coping with the costs of war. diers that are fighting and dying for fact, just last week I visited a VA out- Like H.R. 327, The Veterans Vision Equity this freedom of our citizens, of all of us patient clinic in my own district of Al- Act (H.R. 797), is intended to providing our here today. lentown, Pennsylvania. I continue to patriots with the care they deserve. H.R. 797 I am so proud to be here to stand be- be amazed by the spirit of our veterans. would change current law to provide veterans fore you and support this legislation. Many of whom I met with there were in who receive disability compensation because One of the other things that we must the Vietnam War, and some of whom of blindness in one eye, additional benefits if do, not only pass legislation that helps were still struggling with the issues they are visually impaired in the second eye. them provide for their families and for that affected them since their return. This bill provides only a small change to the themselves and their future, you must But I am nevertheless amazed by their current code, yet it would aid an estimated reach out and make sure that those spirit. 13,200 veterans in getting proper compensa- veterans who are out in our commu- I also recently visited the Walter tion for their disability. We blessed with vision nity, 624,000 veterans in the State of Reed Army Hospital in the wake of often take our sight for granted, but the loss Washington, know what benefits are events. But as a Nation, we are in- of one’s sight no doubt requires an altering of available to them. debted to these veterans. We are in- lifestyle. Indeed, the sights that once filled On March 31, we would hold a vet- debted to them for their contributions eyes with beauty are regulated to memories erans fair just across the water from to our freedom. We need to take every and perceived only in the imagination. Many of Seattle, Washington, and invite every opportunity to let those veterans know our veterans are coping with such a change, veteran in the State to be there so they that they are appreciated and that and this bill is important in supporting their can learn how we can help them and we their needs will be met by a grateful transition. can honor them. government and a grateful Nation. Finally there is H.R. 1284, The Veterans’ Mr. FILNER. Mr. Speaker, I yield as H.R. 1284 is an opportunity for us to Compensation Cost-of-Living Adjustment Act much time as she may consume to the help meet those needs. This bill pro- of 2007. This bill would provide an increase in gentlewoman from Nevada (Ms. BERK- vides for an increase in the rate of the rate of compensation for disabled vet- LEY). compensation for disabled veterans and erans, as well as provide an increase in rates

VerDate Aug 31 2005 02:14 Mar 22, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00038 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 9920 E:\CR\FM\K21MR7.093 H21MRPT1 jcorcoran on PROD1PC62 with HOUSE March 21, 2007 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H2785 of dependency and indemnity compensation The vote was taken by electronic de- NAYS—162 for these veterans’ families. The baby-boom vice, and there were—yeas 262, nays Aderholt Foxx Moran (KS) generation understands why this bill is nec- 162, not voting 9, as follows: Akin Franks (AZ) Murphy, Tim essary: costs are going up. When I was young Bachmann Frelinghuysen Musgrave [Roll No. 173] Bachus Gallegly Myrick five dollars could buy you dinner and take you Baker Garrett (NJ) Neugebauer to the movies—now it can buy you a can of YEAS—262 Barrett (SC) Gerlach Nunes soda and chips. Indeed, inflation is slowly but Bartlett (MD) Gohmert Paul Abercrombie Grijalva Oberstar Barton (TX) Goode Petri surely driving up costs for basic goods and Ackerman Gutierrez Obey Biggert Goodlatte Pitts services. It is important that we meet our obli- Alexander Hall (NY) Olver Bilbray Granger Platts gations to our veterans by providing them with Allen Hare Ortiz Bilirakis Graves Poe Altmire Harman Pallone Bishop (UT) Hall (TX) Price (GA) benefits commensurate to their service. H.R. Andrews Hastert Pascrell Blackburn Hastings (WA) Putnam 1284 would achieve just that. Arcuri Hastings (FL) Pastor Blunt Hayes Radanovich We are a nation at war. As such, now more Baca Herseth Payne Boehner Heller Ramstad than ever, maintaining the well-being of our Baird Higgins Pearce Bonner Hensarling Regula Baldwin Hill Perlmutter Boozman Herger Rehberg veterans is paramount. Already, we have Barrow Hinchey Peterson (MN) Boustany Hobson Reynolds asked for so much from our service men and Bean Hinojosa Peterson (PA) Brady (TX) Hoekstra Rogers (AL) women, and now it is time that we return the Becerra Hirono Pickering Brown (SC) Hulshof Rogers (KY) favor. I hope my colleagues will join me in Berkley Hodes Pomeroy Brown-Waite, Inglis (SC) Rogers (MI) Berman Holden Ginny Issa Rohrabacher supporting our troops and vote ‘‘yes’’ on H.R. Porter Berry Holt Price (NC) Buchanan Jindal Ros-Lehtinen Burgess Johnson, Sam Roskam 327, H.R. 797 and H.R. 1284. Bishop (GA) Honda Pryce (OH) Burton (IN) Jordan Royce Mr. FILNER. Mr. Speaker, I yield Bishop (NY) Hooley Rahall Buyer Keller Ryan (WI) back the balance of my time. Blumenauer Hoyer Rangel Bono Hunter Calvert King (IA) Sali Mr. MILLER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, Reichert Camp (MI) King (NY) Saxton Boren Inslee Renzi we yield back the balance of our time. Boswell Israel Campbell (CA) Kirk Schmidt Reyes Cantor Kline (MN) Sensenbrenner The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Boucher Jackson (IL) Rodriguez Boyd (FL) Jackson-Lee Carter Knollenberg Sessions question is on the motion offered by Ross Castle Kuhl (NY) Shuster Boyda (KS) (TX) Rothman Chabot Lamborn Smith (NE) the gentleman from California (Mr. Brady (PA) Jefferson Roybal-Allard Coble Latham Smith (TX) FILNER) that the House suspend the Braley (IA) Johnson (GA) Ruppersberger Conaway Lewis (CA) Souder Brown, Corrine Johnson (IL) rules and pass the bill, H.R. 1284. Rush Crenshaw Lewis (KY) Stearns Butterfield Jones (NC) The question was taken. Ryan (OH) Cubin Linder Sullivan Jones (OH) Cannon Salazar Culberson Lungren, Daniel Tancredo The SPEAKER pro tempore. In the Capito Kagen Sa´ nchez, Linda Davis, David E. Terry opinion of the Chair, two-thirds being Kaptur Capps T. Dent Mack Thornberry Kennedy in the affirmative, the ayes have it. Capuano Sanchez, Loretta Diaz-Balart, L. Manzullo Tiahrt Cardoza Kildee Mr. FILNER. Mr. Speaker, on that I Sarbanes Diaz-Balart, M. Marchant Tiberi Carnahan Kilpatrick Schakowsky Doolittle McCarthy (CA) Turner demand the yeas and nays. Carney Kind Schiff Drake McCaul (TX) Upton The yeas and nays were ordered. Carson Kingston Schwartz Dreier McCotter Walberg Castor Klein (FL) The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- Scott (GA) Duncan McCrery Walden (OR) Chandler Kucinich ant to clause 8 of rule XX and the Scott (VA) Ehlers McHenry Walsh (NY) Clarke LaHood Serrano English (PA) McHugh Wamp Chair’s prior announcement, further Clay Lampson Everett McKeon Weldon (FL) Sestak proceedings on this question will be Cleaver Langevin Fallin McMorris Weller Shadegg Clyburn Lantos Feeney Rodgers Westmoreland postponed. Shays Cohen Larsen (WA) Ferguson Mica Whitfield Shea-Porter f Cole (OK) Larson (CT) Flake Miller (FL) Wicker Sherman Conyers LaTourette Forbes Miller (MI) Wilson (SC) b 1645 Cooper Lee Shimkus Fossella Miller, Gary Wolf Shuler ANNOUNCEMENT BY THE SPEAKER Costa Levin NOT VOTING—9 Costello Lewis (GA) Simpson PRO TEMPORE Courtney Lipinski Sires Cummings Deal (GA) Pence Skelton The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- Cramer LoBiondo Davis, Jo Ann Johnson, E. B. Snyder Crowley Loebsack Slaughter Davis, Tom Kanjorski Young (FL) ant to clause 8 of rule XX, proceedings Smith (NJ) Cuellar Lofgren, Zoe 1711 will resume on motions to suspend the Davis (AL) Lowey Smith (WA) b rules previously postponed. Davis (CA) Lucas Solis Mrs. CUBIN, Mrs. BLACKBURN, Davis (IL) Lynch Space Votes will be taken in the following Spratt Messrs. RAMSTAD, EHLERS, Davis (KY) Mahoney (FL) CULBERSON and DENT changed their order: Davis, Lincoln Maloney (NY) Stark H.R. 835 by the yeas and nays; DeFazio Markey Stupak vote from ‘‘yea’’ to ‘‘nay.’’ H.R. 327 by the yeas and nays; DeGette Marshall Sutton Messrs. NEAL of Massachusetts, H.R. 797 by the yeas and nays. Delahunt Matheson Tanner PICKERING, KINGSTON, ALEX- DeLauro Matsui Tauscher ANDER, GINGREY, CANNON and The postponed vote on H.R. 1284 will Dicks McCarthy (NY) Taylor be taken later. Dingell McCollum (MN) Thompson (CA) GILMOR changed their vote from The first electronic vote will be con- Doggett McDermott Thompson (MS) ‘‘nay’’ to ‘‘yea.’’ ducted as a 15-minute vote. Remaining Donnelly McGovern Tierney So (two-thirds being in the negative) Doyle McIntyre Towns the bill was not passed. electronic votes will be conducted as 5- Edwards McNerney Udall (CO) minute votes. The result of the vote was announced Ellison McNulty Udall (NM) as above recorded. f Ellsworth Meehan Van Hollen Emanuel Meek (FL) Vela´ zquez f Emerson Meeks (NY) Visclosky HAWAIIAN HOMEOWNERSHIP JOSHUA OMVIG VETERANS OPPORTUNITY ACT OF 2007 Engel Melancon Walz (MN) Eshoo Michaud Wasserman SUICIDE PREVENTION ACT The SPEAKER pro tempore. The un- Etheridge Millender- Schultz The SPEAKER pro tempore. The un- finished business is the vote on the mo- Farr McDonald Waters Fattah Miller (NC) Watson finished business is the vote on the mo- tion of the gentlewoman from Cali- Filner Miller, George Watt tion to suspend the rules and pass the fornia (Ms. WATERS) to suspend the Fortenberry Mitchell Waxman bill, H.R. 327, as amended, on which the rules and pass the bill, H.R. 835, on Frank (MA) Mollohan Weiner yeas and nays were ordered. which the yeas and nays were ordered. Giffords Moore (KS) Welch (VT) Gilchrest Moore (WI) Wexler The Clerk read the title of the bill. The Clerk read the title of the bill. Gillibrand Moran (VA) Wilson (NM) The SPEAKER pro tempore. The The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Gillmor Murphy (CT) Wilson (OH) question is on the motion offered by question is on the motion offered by Gingrey Murphy, Patrick Woolsey the gentleman from California (Mr. Gonzalez Murtha Wu the gentlewoman from California (Ms. FILNER) that the House suspend the Gordon Nadler Wynn WATERS) that the House suspend the Green, Al Napolitano Yarmuth rules and pass the bill, H.R. 327, as rules and pass the bill, H.R. 835. Green, Gene Neal (MA) Young (AK) amended.

VerDate Aug 31 2005 02:14 Mar 22, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00039 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A21MR7.038 H21MRPT1 jcorcoran on PROD1PC62 with HOUSE H2786 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE March 21, 2007 This will be a 5-minute vote. Miller (NC) Reynolds Stearns The Clerk read the title of the bill. Miller, Gary Rodriguez Stupak The vote was taken by electronic de- Miller, George Rogers (AL) Sullivan The SPEAKER pro tempore. The vice, and there were—yeas 423, nays 0, Mitchell Rogers (KY) Sutton question is on the motion offered by not voting 10, as follows: Mollohan Rogers (MI) Tancredo the gentleman from California (Mr. Moore (KS) Rohrabacher Tanner FILNER) that the House suspend the [Roll No. 174] Moore (WI) Ros-Lehtinen Tauscher rules and pass the bill, H.R. 797, as YEAS—423 Moran (KS) Roskam Taylor Moran (VA) Ross amended. Abercrombie Davis (AL) Hunter Terry Murphy (CT) Rothman Thompson (CA) This will be a 5-minute vote. Ackerman Davis (CA) Inglis (SC) Murphy, Patrick Roybal-Allard Thompson (MS) Aderholt Davis (IL) Inslee Murphy, Tim Royce The vote was taken by electronic de- Thornberry Akin Davis (KY) Israel Murtha Ruppersberger vice, and there were—yeas 424, nays 0, Tiahrt Alexander Davis, David Issa Musgrave Rush Tiberi not voting 9, as follows: Allen Davis, Lincoln Jackson (IL) Myrick Ryan (OH) Altmire DeFazio Jackson-Lee Nadler Ryan (WI) Tierney [Roll No. 175] Andrews DeGette (TX) Towns Napolitano Salazar YEAS—424 Arcuri Delahunt Jefferson Neal (MA) Sali Turner Baca DeLauro Jindal Neugebauer Sa´ nchez, Linda Udall (CO) Abercrombie Costello Heller Bachmann Dent Johnson (GA) Nunes T. Udall (NM) Ackerman Courtney Hensarling Bachus Diaz-Balart, L. Johnson (IL) Oberstar Sanchez, Loretta Upton Aderholt Cramer Herger Baird Diaz-Balart, M. Johnson, Sam Obey Sarbanes Van Hollen Akin Crenshaw Herseth Baker Dicks Jones (NC) Olver Saxton Vela´ zquez Alexander Crowley Higgins Baldwin Dingell Jones (OH) Ortiz Schakowsky Visclosky Allen Cubin Hill Barrett (SC) Doggett Jordan Pallone Schiff Walberg Altmire Cuellar Hinchey Barrow Donnelly Kagen Pascrell Schmidt Walden (OR) Andrews Culberson Hinojosa Bartlett (MD) Doolittle Kaptur Pastor Schwartz Walsh (NY) Arcuri Cummings Hirono Bean Doyle Keller Paul Scott (GA) Walz (MN) Baca Davis (AL) Hobson Becerra Drake Kennedy Bachmann Davis (CA) Hodes Payne Scott (VA) Wamp Berkley Dreier Kildee Bachus Davis (IL) Hoekstra Pearce Sensenbrenner Wasserman Berman Duncan Kilpatrick Baird Davis (KY) Holden Perlmutter Serrano Schultz Berry Edwards Kind Baker Davis, David Holt Peterson (MN) Sessions Waters Biggert Ehlers King (IA) Peterson (PA) Sestak Baldwin Davis, Lincoln Honda Bilbray Ellison King (NY) Watson Barrett (SC) DeFazio Hooley Petri Shadegg Watt Bilirakis Ellsworth Kingston Pickering Shays Barrow DeGette Hoyer Bishop (GA) Emanuel Kirk Waxman Bartlett (MD) Delahunt Hulshof Pitts Shea-Porter Weiner Bishop (NY) Emerson Klein (FL) Platts Sherman Barton (TX) DeLauro Hunter Welch (VT) Bishop (UT) Engel Kline (MN) Poe Shimkus Bean Dent Inglis (SC) Weldon (FL) Blackburn English (PA) Knollenberg Pomeroy Shuler Becerra Diaz-Balart, L. Inslee Weller Blumenauer Eshoo Kucinich Porter Shuster Berkley Diaz-Balart, M. Israel Blunt Etheridge Kuhl (NY) Price (GA) Simpson Westmoreland Berman Dicks Issa Boehner Everett LaHood Price (NC) Sires Wexler Berry Dingell Jackson (IL) Bonner Fallin Lamborn Pryce (OH) Skelton Whitfield Biggert Doggett Jackson-Lee Bono Farr Lampson Putnam Slaughter Wicker Bilbray Donnelly (TX) Boozman Fattah Langevin Radanovich Smith (NE) Wilson (NM) Bilirakis Doolittle Jefferson Boren Feeney Lantos Rahall Smith (NJ) Wilson (OH) Bishop (GA) Doyle Jindal Boswell Ferguson Larsen (WA) Ramstad Smith (TX) Wilson (SC) Bishop (NY) Drake Johnson (GA) Boucher Filner Larson (CT) Rangel Smith (WA) Wolf Bishop (UT) Dreier Johnson (IL) Boustany Flake Latham Regula Solis Woolsey Blackburn Duncan Johnson, Sam Boyd (FL) Forbes LaTourette Rehberg Souder Wu Blumenauer Edwards Jones (NC) Boyda (KS) Fortenberry Lee Reichert Space Wynn Blunt Ehlers Jones (OH) Brady (PA) Fossella Levin Renzi Spratt Yarmuth Boehner Ellison Jordan Brady (TX) Foxx Lewis (CA) Reyes Stark Young (AK) Bonner Ellsworth Kagen Braley (IA) Frank (MA) Lewis (GA) Bono Emanuel Kaptur Brown (SC) Frelinghuysen Lewis (KY) NOT VOTING—10 Boozman Emerson Keller Brown, Corrine Gallegly Linder Barton (TX) Franks (AZ) Snyder Boren Engel Kennedy Brown-Waite, Garrett (NJ) Lipinski Boswell English (PA) Kildee Davis, Jo Ann Johnson, E. B. Young (FL) Ginny Gerlach LoBiondo Davis, Tom Kanjorski Boucher Eshoo Kilpatrick Buchanan Giffords Loebsack Deal (GA) Pence Boustany Etheridge Kind Burgess Gilchrest Lofgren, Zoe Boyd (FL) Everett King (IA) Burton (IN) Gillibrand Lowey ANNOUNCEMENT BY THE SPEAKER PRO TEMPORE Boyda (KS) Fallin King (NY) Butterfield Gillmor Lucas Brady (PA) Farr Kingston Buyer Gingrey Lungren, Daniel The SPEAKER pro tempore (during Brady (TX) Fattah Kirk Calvert Gohmert E. the vote). Members are advised there Braley (IA) Feeney Klein (FL) Camp (MI) Gonzalez Lynch are 2 minutes remaining in this vote. Brown (SC) Ferguson Kline (MN) Campbell (CA) Goode Mack Brown, Corrine Filner Knollenberg Cannon Goodlatte Mahoney (FL) b 1721 Brown-Waite, Flake Kucinich Cantor Gordon Maloney (NY) Ginny Forbes Kuhl (NY) Capito Granger Manzullo So (two-thirds being in the affirma- Buchanan Fortenberry LaHood Capps Graves Marchant tive) the rules were suspended and the Burgess Fossella Lamborn Capuano Green, Al Markey bill, as amended, was passed. Burton (IN) Foxx Lampson Cardoza Green, Gene Marshall Butterfield Frank (MA) Langevin Carnahan Grijalva Matheson The result of the vote was announced Buyer Franks (AZ) Lantos Carney Gutierrez Matsui as above recorded. Calvert Frelinghuysen Larsen (WA) Carson Hall (NY) McCarthy (CA) The title of the bill was amended so Camp (MI) Gallegly Larson (CT) Carter Hall (TX) McCarthy (NY) Campbell (CA) Garrett (NJ) Latham Castle Hare McCaul (TX) as to read: ‘‘A bill to amend title 38, Cannon Gerlach LaTourette Castor Harman McCollum (MN) United States Code, to direct the Sec- Capito Giffords Lee Chabot Hastert McCotter retary of Veterans Affairs to develop Capps Gilchrest Levin Chandler Hastings (FL) McCrery and implement a comprehensive pro- Capuano Gillibrand Lewis (CA) Clarke Hastings (WA) McDermott Cardoza Gillmor Lewis (GA) Clay Hayes McGovern gram designed to reduce the incidence Carnahan Gingrey Lewis (KY) Cleaver Heller McHenry of suicide among veterans.’’. Carney Gohmert Linder Clyburn Hensarling McHugh A motion to reconsider was laid on Carson Gonzalez Lipinski Coble Herger McIntyre Carter Goode LoBiondo Cohen Herseth McKeon the table. Castle Goodlatte Loebsack Cole (OK) Higgins McMorris f Castor Gordon Lofgren, Zoe Conaway Hill Rodgers Chabot Granger Lowey Conyers Hinchey McNerney IMPROVING COMPENSATION BENE- Chandler Graves Lucas Cooper Hinojosa McNulty Clarke Green, Al Lungren, Daniel Costa Hirono Meehan FITS FOR VETERANS IN CER- Clay Grijalva E. Costello Hobson Meek (FL) TAIN CASES OF IMPAIRMENT OF Cleaver Gutierrez Lynch Courtney Hodes Meeks (NY) VISION INVOLVING BOTH EYES Clyburn Hall (NY) Mack Cramer Hoekstra Melancon Coble Hall (TX) Mahoney (FL) Crenshaw Holden Mica The SPEAKER pro tempore. The un- Cohen Hare Maloney (NY) Crowley Holt Michaud finished business is the vote on the mo- Cole (OK) Harman Manzullo Cubin Honda Millender- tion to suspend the rules and pass the Conaway Hastert Marchant Cuellar Hooley McDonald Conyers Hastings (FL) Markey Culberson Hoyer Miller (FL) bill, H.R. 797, as amended, on which the Cooper Hastings (WA) Marshall Cummings Hulshof Miller (MI) yeas and nays were ordered. Costa Hayes Matheson

VerDate Aug 31 2005 02:42 Mar 22, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00040 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K21MR7.098 H21MRPT1 jcorcoran on PROD1PC62 with HOUSE March 21, 2007 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H2787 Matsui Pitts Smith (NE) graves of eligible individuals buried in the gentleman from Texas (Mr. SMITH) McCarthy (CA) Platts Smith (NJ) private cemeteries in lieu of Govern- each will control 20 minutes. McCarthy (NY) Poe Smith (TX) McCaul (TX) Pomeroy Smith (WA) ment-provided headstones or mark- The Chair recognizes the gentle- McCollum (MN) Porter Snyder ers.’’. woman from California. McCotter Price (GA) Solis A motion to reconsider was laid on GENERAL LEAVE McCrery Price (NC) Souder the table. Ms. LINDA T. SA´ NCHEZ of Cali- McDermott Pryce (OH) Space McGovern Putnam Spratt f fornia. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous McHenry Radanovich Stark consent that all Members have 5 legis- McHugh Rahall Stearns ANNOUNCEMENT BY THE SPEAKER lative days to revise and extend their McIntyre Ramstad Stupak PRO TEMPORE remarks and include extraneous mate- McKeon Rangel Sullivan McMorris Regula Sutton The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- rial on the bill under consideration. Rodgers Rehberg Tancredo ant to clause 8 of rule XX, the Chair The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there McNerney Reichert Tanner will postpone further proceedings objection to the request of the gentle- McNulty Renzi Tauscher Meehan Reyes today on motions to suspend the rules woman from California? Taylor There was no objection. Meek (FL) Reynolds Terry on which a recorded vote or the yeas Meeks (NY) Rodriguez ´ Thompson (CA) and nays are ordered, or on which the Ms. LINDA T. SANCHEZ of Cali- Melancon Rogers (AL) Thompson (MS) fornia. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such Mica Rogers (KY) vote is objected to under clause 6 of Thornberry Michaud Rogers (MI) rule XX. time as I may consume. Tiahrt Millender- Rohrabacher Mr. Speaker, today I rise in strong Tiberi Record votes on postponed questions McDonald Ros-Lehtinen support of H.R. 1130, the Judicial Dis- Tierney will be taken later today. Miller (FL) Roskam Towns closure Responsibility Act. This legis- Miller (MI) Ross f Turner Miller (NC) Rothman lation would amend the Ethics in Gov- Udall (CO) Miller, Gary Roybal-Allard JUDICIAL DISCLOSURE ernment Act by extending for an addi- Udall (NM) Miller, George Royce RESPONSIBILITY ACT Upton tional 4 years the Judicial Conference’s Mitchell Ruppersberger ´ authority to redact information, as Mollohan Rush Van Hollen Ms. LINDA T. SANCHEZ of Cali- ´ Moore (KS) Ryan (OH) Velazquez fornia. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend necessary, to protect judicial employ- Visclosky Moore (WI) Ryan (WI) the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 1130) to ees and their families. Moran (KS) Salazar Walberg In 1998, Congress recognized the po- Walden (OR) amend the Ethics in Government Act Moran (VA) Sali tential threats against individual Murphy (CT) Sa´ nchez, Linda Walsh (NY) of 1978 to extend the authority to with- Murphy, Patrick T. Walz (MN) hold from public availability a finan- judges and authorized the judicial Wamp Murphy, Tim Sanchez, Loretta cial disclosure report filed by an indi- branch to redact, as circumstances Murtha Sarbanes Wasserman may require, information from finan- Schultz vidual who is a judicial officer or judi- Musgrave Saxton cial disclosure reports before they are Myrick Schakowsky Waters cial employee, to the extent necessary Watson released to the public. This bill will Nadler Schiff to protect the safety of that individual Napolitano Schmidt Watt allow the courts to continue taking or a family member of that individual, Neal (MA) Schwartz Waxman necessary steps to protect judges, their Neugebauer Scott (GA) Weiner and for other purposes. Nunes Scott (VA) Welch (VT) staffs and their families. The Clerk read the title of the bill. Past incidences of violence against Oberstar Sensenbrenner Weldon (FL) The text of the bill is as follows: Obey Serrano Weller judges and their families demonstrate Olver Sessions Westmoreland H.R. 1130 the need for this legislation. Most no- Ortiz Sestak Wexler Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Rep- Whitfield table was the matter involving Judge Pallone Shadegg resentatives of the United States of America in Pascrell Shays Wicker Joan Lefkow. On April 6, 2003, a defend- Congress assembled, Pastor Shea-Porter Wilson (NM) ant was sentenced to 4 years imprison- Paul Sherman Wilson (OH) SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. ment for soliciting the murder of Judge Wilson (SC) Payne Shimkus This Act may be cited as the ‘‘Judicial Dis- Lefkow. Two years later, that same Pearce Shuler Wolf closure Responsibility Act’’. Perlmutter Shuster Woolsey judge returned to her home one day Peterson (MN) Simpson Wu SEC. 2. PROTECTION OF FAMILY MEMBERS. and found her husband and mother Peterson (PA) Sires Wynn Section 105(b)(3) of the Ethics in Govern- murdered by a former litigant whose Petri Skelton Yarmuth ment Act of 1978 (5 U.S.C. App.) is amended— Pickering Slaughter Young (AK) (1) in subparagraph (A), by inserting ‘‘or a case Judge Lefkow had dismissed. We need to restore the judiciary’s au- NOT VOTING—9 family member of that individual’’ after ‘‘that individual’’; and thority in appropriate circumstances Cantor Deal (GA) Kanjorski (2) in subparagraph (B)(i), by inserting ‘‘or to protect their personal information Davis, Jo Ann Green, Gene Pence Davis, Tom Johnson, E. B. Young (FL) a family member of that individual’’ after about residences and other frequented ‘‘the report’’. locations so as to better ensure their ANNOUNCEMENT BY THE SPEAKER PRO SEC. 3. FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE REPORTS. security and peace of mind. TEMPORE. (a) EXTENSION OF AUTHORITY.—Section The redaction authority has been The SPEAKER pro tempore (during 105(b)(3) of the Ethics in Government Act of used sparingly. In a report to the Com- the vote). Members are advised there 1978 (5 U.S.C. App.) is amended by striking mittee on Homeland Security and Gov- are 2 minutes remaining in this vote. ‘‘2005’’ each place that term appears and in- ernmental Affairs, the Judicial Con- b 1730 serting ‘‘2009’’. ference reported that of the 3,942 Fed- (b) REPORT CONTENTS.—Section 105(b)(3)(C) So (two-thirds being in the affirma- of the Ethics in Government Act of 1978 (5 eral judiciary employees required to tive) the rules were suspended and the U.S.C. App.) is amended— file financial disclosure reports in 2004, bill, as amended, was passed. (1) in clause (ii), by striking ‘‘and’’ at the only 177 reports were redacted before The result of the vote was announced end; release, and those only partially. It is as above recorded. (2) in clause (iii), by striking the period at with the greatest care that these docu- The title of the bill was amended so the end and inserting a semicolon; and ments are redacted to maintain an ap- as to read: ‘‘A bill to amend title 38, (3) by adding at the end the following: propriate balance between protection United States Code, to improve com- ‘‘(iv) the nature or type of information re- of judiciary employees and the public’s pensation benefits for veterans in cer- dacted; ‘‘(v) what steps or procedures are in place right to know about potential conflicts tain cases of impairment of vision in- to ensure that sufficient information is of interest. volving both eyes, to provide for the available to litigants to determine if there is This legislation was favorably re- use of the National Directory of New a conflict of interest; ported out of the House Committee on Hires for income verification purposes, ‘‘(vi) principles used to guide implementa- the Judiciary. It would ensure the pro- to extend the authority of the Sec- tion of redaction authority; and tection of personal information of the retary of Veterans Affairs to provide ‘‘(vii) any public complaints received relat- judicial branch while ensuring that the an educational assistance allowance for ing to redaction.’’. public retains its right to access an- qualifying work study activities, and The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- nual disclosure reports. to authorize the provision of bronze ant to the rule, the gentlewoman from We cannot expect judges to effec- representations of the letter ‘V’ for the California (Ms. LINDA T. SANCHEZ) and tively carry out their duties if they are

VerDate Aug 31 2005 02:42 Mar 22, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00041 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A21MR7.023 H21MRPT1 jcorcoran on PROD1PC62 with HOUSE H2788 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE March 21, 2007 forced to expose themselves and their but expired on December 31, 2005. This Ms. LINDA T. SA´ NCHEZ of Cali- loved ones to danger. The effectiveness legislation extends the authority until fornia. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the of our court system depends on ensur- 2009. balance of my time. ing they can take reasonable steps to Under H.R. 1130, Mr. Speaker, Fed- The SPEAKER pro tempore. The protect their safety. eral judges and judicial officers are question is on the motion offered by I strongly support this important still required to submit information re- the gentlewoman from California (Ms. legislation, and urge its adoption by quired by the Ethics in Government LINDA T. SA´ NCHEZ) that the House sus- the House. Act. The Judicial Conference would be pend the rules and pass the bill, H.R. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of permitted to redact personal and sen- 1130. my time. sitive information from public disclo- The question was taken. Mr. SMITH of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I sure to protect the safety of our judges, The SPEAKER pro tempore. In the yield myself such time as I may con- judicial officers and their families. Ex- opinion of the Chair, two-thirds being sume. amples of the information that may be in the affirmative, the ayes have it. Mr. Speaker, I am an original cospon- redacted include where they reside, Ms. LINDA T. SA´ NCHEZ of Cali- sor of this legislation and believe it is where their spouses work or where fornia. Mr. Speaker, on that I demand necessary to protect judges, their fam- their children attend school. the yeas and nays. ily members and the other courthouse The Judicial Conference reported in The yeas and nays were ordered. personnel by preventing disclosure of 2005 that 3,942 Federal judiciary em- The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- personal information that can be used ployees filed financial disclosure re- ant to clause 8 of rule XX and the to target and retaliate against them. ports. Only 177 reports were partially Chair’s prior announcement, further This legislation extends the author- redacted prior to release. Four re- proceedings on this question will be ity of Federal judges and court per- dacted reports were based on specific postponed. sonnel to redact sensitive and personal threats, and another 137 reports were f redacted based on general threats. We information from financial disclosure NATIVE AMERICAN METHAMPHET- reports for security reasons. The cur- know these threats are real, and it only makes common sense to ensure AMINE ENFORCEMENT AND rent authority to redact personal and TREATMENT ACT OF 2007 sensitive information from financial that we do not needlessly expose per- ´ disclosure reports expired at the end of sonal and sensitive information of the Ms. LINDA T. SANCHEZ of Cali- 2005. judiciary’s top officers. fornia. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend Recent assaults and threats against Mr. Speaker, I urge the House to sup- the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 545) to Federal judges and their family mem- port H.R. 1130, and hope that the other amend the Omnibus Crime Control and bers demonstrate the need for this re- body will provide for its expeditious Safe Streets Act of 1968 to clarify that daction authority to continue. I believe consideration. territories and Indian Tribes are eligi- Mr. SMITH of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I this is an important safeguard to pre- ble to receive grants for confronting yield back the balance of my time. vent vindictive offenders and litigants ´ the use of methamphetamine, as Ms. LINDA T. SANCHEZ of Cali- amended. from seeking their revenge by harming fornia. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such or intimidating judges, probation offi- The Clerk read the title of the bill. time as I may consume. The text of the bill is as follows: cers and others. Mr. Speaker, I think this bill strikes H.R. 545 H.R. 1130 extends the authority for 4 the proper balance between protecting years, expands the coverage to include Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Rep- judges, their staffs and their families, resentatives of the United States of America in immediate family members, and im- and balancing that with the public’s proves the annual reporting require- Congress assembled, right to know. With that, I urge its SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. ments on the use of this authority. Al- adoption by this House. though I favor a permanent extension This Act may be cited as the ‘‘Native Amer- Mr. GOODLATTE. Mr. Speaker, I rise in ican Methamphetamine Enforcement and Treat- of redaction authority, I support a 4- support of this legislation, which will help pro- ment Act of 2007’’. year extension to ensure the bill’s tect our Nation’s judges against those who SEC. 2. NATIVE AMERICAN PARTICIPATION IN timely passage by the Senate. may want to harm them, or who may threaten METHAMPHETAMINE GRANTS. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to to harm them in efforts to influence outcomes (a) IN GENERAL.—Section 2996(a) of the Omni- support the bill. of cases. bus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 Ms. LINDA T. SA´ NCHEZ of Cali- Until recently, when a judge or court official (42 U.S.C. 3797cc(a)) is amended— (1) in paragraph (1)— fornia. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the bal- needed to submit a financial disclosure report, ance of my time. (A) in the matter preceding subparagraph (A), personal information about that individual by inserting ‘‘, territories, and Indian tribes (as Mr. SMITH of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I could be redacted to prevent those who may defined in section 2704)’’ after ‘‘to assist yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from intend harm from obtaining such information States’’; and North Carolina (Mr. COBLE), the rank- as the individual’s home address. (B) in subparagraph (B), by striking ‘‘and ing member of the Courts, Internet and Unfortunately, this redaction authority ex- local’’ and inserting ‘‘, territorial, Tribal, and Intellectual Property Subcommittee. pired at the end of 2005. A recent incident in local’’; Mr. COBLE. Mr. Speaker, I thank my which a convicted felon requested the financial (2) in paragraph (2), by inserting ‘‘, terri- friend from Texas for yielding. tories, and Indian tribes’’ after ‘‘make grants to disclosure records of a judicial officer and States’’; and Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. those records contained such items as the (3) in paragraph (3)(C), by inserting ‘‘, Trib- 1130, the Judicial Disclosure Act. The work address of the officer’s wife—highlights al,’’ after ‘‘support State’’. distinguished gentleman from Michi- the need to reauthorize the authority to redact (b) GRANT PROGRAMS FOR DRUG ENDANGERED gan and the distinguished gentleman this type of personal information. CHILDREN.—Section 755(a) of the USA PA- from Texas, Chairman CONYERS and H.R. 1130, the judicial disclosure responsi- TRIOT Improvement and Reauthorization Act Ranking Member SMITH, should be rec- bility act, would amend the Ethics in Govern- of 2005 (42 U.S.C. 3797cc–2(a)) is amended by in- ognized for their leadership and efforts ment Act of 1978 to extend through 2009 the serting ‘‘, territories, and Indian tribes (as de- to shepherd this bipartisan legislation. fined in section 2704 of the Omnibus Crime Con- authority of the judicial conference to redact trol and Safe Streets Act of 1968 (42 U.S.C. Mr. Speaker, this is commonsense certain personal information from financial dis- 3797d))’’ after ‘‘make grants to States’’. legislation that was unanimously ap- closure reports filed by judges. In addition, the (c) GRANT PROGRAMS TO ADDRESS METH- proved by the House Judiciary Com- bill would restrict disclosure of personal infor- AMPHETAMINE USE BY PREGNANT AND PARENTING mittee. It reauthorizes the Judicial mation about family members of judges when WOMEN OFFENDERS.—Section 756 of the USA Conference to redact certain personal that disclosure might endanger them, in order PATRIOT Improvement and Reauthorization and financial information that judges to protect such information as the school loca- Act of 2005 (42 U.S.C. 3797cc–3) is amended— and judicial officers are required by the tion of a judge’s children, the address of the (1) in subsection (a)(2), by inserting ‘‘, terri- torial, or Tribal’’ after ‘‘State’’; Ethics in Government Act to publicly workplace of a judge’s spouse, and the like. (2) in subsection (b)— disclose each year. This narrowly tailored legislation will protect (A) in paragraph (1)— The authority was originally granted those that protect us—and I urge my col- (i) by inserting ‘‘, territorial, or Tribal’’ after in 1998 and was subsequently renewed, leagues to support this important legislation. ‘‘State’’; and

VerDate Aug 31 2005 02:42 Mar 22, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00042 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 6333 E:\CR\FM\K21MR7.103 H21MRPT1 jcorcoran on PROD1PC62 with HOUSE March 21, 2007 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H2789 (ii) by striking ‘‘and/or’’ and inserting ‘‘or’’; and Reauthorization Act of 2005, inad- Mr. UDALL of New Mexico, the spon- (B) in paragraph (2)— vertently left out tribal organizations, sor of H.R. 545, testified at the hearing (i) by inserting ‘‘, territory, Indian tribe,’’ after ‘‘agency of the State’’; and as well as territories, as eligible appli- that 74 percent of Native Americans (ii) by inserting ‘‘, territory, Indian tribe,’’ cants for certain grants. surveyed in a recent study say that after ‘‘criminal laws of that State’’; and b 1745 meth is the single biggest threat to Na- (C) by adding at the end the following: H.R. 545, the Native American Meth- tive American communities today. The ‘‘(3) INDIAN TRIBE.—The term ‘Indian tribe’ Native American Meth Enforcement has the meaning given the term in section 2704 amphetamine Enforcement and Treat- of the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets ment Act of 2007, corrects that over- and Treatment Act corrects this over- Act of 1968 (42 U.S.C. 3797d).’’; and sight. sight and gives Native Americans full (3) in subsection (c)— Included in the Combat Meth Act access to all three meth grants. This (A) in paragraph (3), by striking ‘‘Indian were provisions that authorized fund- legislation is critical to our continuing Tribes’’ and inserting ‘‘Indian tribes’’; and fight to eliminate the meth epidemic (B) in paragraph (4)— ing for three important grant programs (i) in the matter preceding subparagraph within the Department of Justice: in America. (A)— first, the COPS Hot Spots program; Mr. Speaker, I support this bipar- (I) by striking ‘‘State’s’’; and second, the Drug-Endangered Children tisan legislation and urge my col- (II) by striking ‘‘and/or’’ and inserting ‘‘or’’; program; and third, the Pregnant and (ii) in subparagraph (A), by striking ‘‘State’’; leagues to do so as well. (iii) in subparagraph (C), by inserting ‘‘, In- Parenting Women Offenders program. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of dian tribes,’’ after ‘‘involved counties’’; and Although Native American tribes and my time. territories were included as eligible (iv) in subparagraph (D), by inserting ‘‘, Trib- Ms. LINDA T. SA´ NCHEZ of Cali- al’’ after ‘‘Federal, State’’. grant recipients under the Pregnant and Parenting Women Offenders pro- fornia. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- to the gentleman from New Mexico ant to the rule, the gentlewoman from gram, they were unintentionally left (Mr. UDALL). California (Ms. LINDA T. SA´ NCHEZ) and out as possible grant recipients under Mr. UDALL of New Mexico. I thank the gentleman from Texas (Mr. SMITH) the COPS Hot Spots program and the each will control 20 minutes. Drug-Endangered Children program. the gentlelady from California for her The Chair recognizes the gentle- To correct this oversight, H.R. 545 en- leadership and hard work on this im- woman from California. sures that territories and Indian tribes portant issue, and also the ranking GENERAL LEAVE are included as eligible grant recipi- member. Ms. LINDA T. SA´ NCHEZ of Cali- ents under programs to, one, address Mr. Speaker, first of all, I would like fornia. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous the manufacture, sale and use of meth- to take a minute to thank the gen- consent that all Members have 5 legis- amphetamine; two, aid children in tleman from Michigan (Mr. KILDEE) lative days to revise and extend their homes in which methamphetamine or who is the lead cosponsor of this legis- remarks and include extraneous mate- other drugs are unlawfully manufac- lation, not only for his support, but for rial on the bill under consideration. tured, distributed, dispensed or used; his work on this issue during the last The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there and three, address methamphetamine Congress. This is only one of many objection to the request of the gentle- use by pregnant and parenting women critically important issues he has woman from California? offenders. championed as cochair of the Congres- There was no objection. I strongly support this important sional Native American Caucus. I am Ms. LINDA T. SA´ NCHEZ of Cali- legislation and urge its adoption by the also honored to be a co-vice chair on fornia. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such House. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of the caucus, and I am honored to work time as I may consume. my time. with him on this legislation. Mr. Speaker, today I rise in strong Mr. SMITH of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I I would also like to thank my col- support of H.R. 545, the Native Amer- yield myself such time as I may con- leagues who supported this bill by join- ican Methamphetamine Enforcement sume. ing me as cosponsors. and Treatment Act of 2007. This legis- Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. The important legislation before us lation establishes the clear intent of 545, the Native American Methamphet- today, H.R. 545, allows tribal govern- Members of Congress to assist Native amine Enforcement and Treatment Act ments to apply for three programs Americans in combating the threat of of 2007, which provides urgently needed vital to the fight against methamphet- methamphetamine. funds to Native American communities amine: the COPS Meth Hot Spots pro- This threat looms great in our coun- for the enforcement and treatment of try, and nowhere greater than in Na- gram, the Drug-Endangered Children methamphetamine addiction. program, and the Pregnant and Par- tive American communities. Studies The Combat Methamphetamine Epi- have shown that Native American com- enting Women Offenders program. demic Act of 2005 was enacted last year These programs were authorized last munities have more than double the as part of the U.S. PATRIOT Act Im- methamphetamine use rates of other year as part of the Combat Meth- provement and Reauthorization Act. It amphetamine Epidemic Act, which was communities. According to surveys included three critical grant programs performed by the Bureau of Indian Af- included in the U.S. PATRIOT Act re- to assist States with America’s esca- authorization. Unfortunately, tribal fairs, over 70 percent of Indian tribes lating methamphetamine problem: the identified methamphetamine as the governments were unintentionally left COPS Meth Hot Spots program, the out as possible applicants for the Hot drug that poses the greatest threat to Drug-Endangered Children program their reservation, and also estimated Spots and Drug-Endangered Children and the Pregnant and Parenting programs. And while tribes are in- that at least 40 percent of violent Women Offenders program. However, crime cases investigated in Indian cluded as eligible applicants for the the act inadvertently omitted Native Pregnant and Parenting Women Of- country involved methamphetamine in American communities from participa- some capacity. fenders grant program, clarifying lan- tion in two of these grant programs. guage was needed to ensure there is From hearings in the House and from At a hearing before the Crime, Ter- ample coordination with tribal service other reports, we learn that current rorism, and Homeland Security Sub- providers. Federal laws and programs designed to committee in February, Mr. Ben prevent the spread of methamphet- Shelly, vice president of the Navajo This legislation simply insures that amine use have proven to be reason- Nation, stated that methamphetamine consistent with tribal sovereignty, ably effective, but we identified serious is the drug of choice in Indian country. tribes can apply for the Hot Spots and gaps with respect to protecting our Na- In 2005, 40 percent of all calls seeking Drug-Endangered Children grant pro- tive American communities from this police assistance on the Navajo Nation grams. It also ensures greater coordi- dangerous drug. Unfortunately, the at- were meth-related. Even more trou- nation with tribal service providers in tempt to fix these gaps in the Combat bling is that 40 percent of all violent the Pregnant and Parenting Women Of- Methamphetamine Epidemic Act of crimes committed on the Navajo Na- fenders grant program. 2005, passed in the last Congress as part tion are directly related to meth- The manufacture and use of meth- of the USA PATRIOT Improvement amphetamine use trafficking. amphetamine is one of the fastest

VerDate Aug 31 2005 05:30 Mar 22, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00043 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A21MR7.028 H21MRPT1 jcorcoran on PROD1PC62 with HOUSE H2790 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE March 21, 2007 growing drug problems in the Nation. of 2007. I am pleased to join my colleague, ‘‘(2) be fined under this title or imprisoned Thousands of labs continue to be found Congressman TOM UDALL, in championing this not more than one year, or both, in any across the country. And while the num- bill through the House. This bill allows Indian other case. ber is slowing and slowly decreasing, tribes to apply for three new grant programs— ‘‘(c) LAW ENFORCEMENT EXCEPTION.—It is a defense to a prosecution for an offense under drug traffickers have supplanted this the cops hot spots program, the drug endan- this section that the conduct involved was decline with meth produced in other gered children program, and the pregnant and lawfully authorized investigative, protec- countries. parenting women offenders program. tive, or intelligence activity of a law en- Unfortunately, the meth situation Methamphetamine use in Indian country has forcement agency of the United States, a has been disproportionately much reached epidemic proportions, which has led State, or a political subdivision of a State, worse in Native American commu- to an increase in crime in Indian communities. or of an intelligence agency of the United nities. The 2005 National Drug Survey This bill will give Indian tribes the opportunity States, or any activity authorized under on Drug Use and Health reported a to apply for Federal funds to assist them in the chapter 224 of this title. past-year methamphetamine use rate fight against meth use. ‘‘(d) FORFEITURE.— ‘‘(1) IN GENERAL.—The court, in imposing of 1.7 percent for American Indians, I urge my colleagues to support this bill. Ms. LINDA T. SA´ NCHEZ of Cali- sentence on a person who is convicted of an and 2.2 percent for Native Hawaiians. offense under this section, shall order that These rates are dramatically higher fornia. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the the defendant forfeit to the United States— than Anglos and other ethnic groups. balance of my time. ‘‘(A) any property, real or personal, consti- Mr. Speaker, this situation is abso- Mr. SMITH of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I tuting or traceable to gross proceeds ob- lutely unacceptable. The persistent use yield back the balance of my time. tained from such offense; and of methamphetamine on tribal lands The SPEAKER pro tempore. The ‘‘(B) any equipment, software or other and across America may come to an question is on the motion offered by technology used or intended to be used to end. And I believe that passing H.R. 545 the gentlewoman from California (Ms. commit or to facilitate the commission of LINDA T. SA´ NCHEZ) that the House sus- such offense. is an important step towards achieving ‘‘(2) PROCEDURES.—The procedures set this goal. pend the rules and pass the bill, H.R. 545, as amended. forth in section 413 of the Controlled Sub- I urge my colleagues to support pas- stances Act (21 U.S.C. 853), other than sub- sage of this legislation. The question was taken. section (d) of that section, and in Rule 32.2 of Ms. LINDA T. SA´ NCHEZ of Cali- The SPEAKER pro tempore. In the the Federal Rules of Criminal Procedure, fornia. Mr. Speaker, I want to just opinion of the Chair, two-thirds being shall apply to all stages of a criminal for- in the affirmative, the ayes have it. thank Mr. UDALL on his excellent work feiture proceeding under this section. Ms. LINDA T. SA´ NCHEZ of Cali- in helping to correct this oversight. I ‘‘(e) DEFINITIONS.—In this section— fornia. Mr. Speaker, on that I demand urge this bill’s adoption. ‘‘(1) the term ‘caller ID information’ means the yeas and nays. information regarding the origination of the Mr. CALVERT. Mr. Speaker, I rise today as The yeas and nays were ordered. telephone call, such as the name or the tele- a cosponsor and strong supporter of H.R. The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- phone number of the caller; 545—the Native American Methamphetamine ant to clause 8 of rule XX and the ‘‘(2) the term ‘telephone call’ means a call Enforcement and Treatment Act of 2007. Chair’s prior announcement, further made using or received on a telecommuni- As a cofounder and co-chair of the bipar- proceedings on this question will be cations service or VOIP service; ‘‘(3) the term ‘VOIP service’ means a serv- tisan Congressional Caucus to Fight and Con- postponed. trol Methamphetamine, I am keenly aware of ice that— the threat that is our Nation’s meth epidemic. f ‘‘(A) provides real-time 2-way voice com- PREVENTING HARASSMENT munications transmitted using Internet Pro- Methamphetamine has devastating societal tocol, or a successor protocol; costs. It is the source of violent crimes against THROUGH OUTBOUND NUMBER ‘‘(B) is offered to the public, or such classes people and property; increased suicide rates; ENFORCEMENT (PHONE) ACT of of users as to be effectively available to the heightened risks of hepatitis C and HIV/AIDS; 2007 public (whether part of a bundle of services increased need for more foster care place- Ms. LINDA T. SA´ NCHEZ of Cali- or separately); and ments for children of users; and environmental fornia. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend ‘‘(C) has the capability to originate traffic impacts from manufacturing facilities. to, or terminate traffic from, the public the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 740) to switched telephone network or a successor This highly addictive drug is a killer that amend title 18, United States Code, to shows no deference to region, race or eth- network; prevent caller ID spoofing, and for ‘‘(4) the term ‘State’ includes a State of nicity—it preys on all mankind. other purposes. the United States, the District of Columbia, Unfortunately, meth use thrives in some The Clerk read the title of the bill. and any commonwealth, territory, or posses- communities more than others. Native Ameri- The text of the bill is as follows: sion of the United States; and cans suffer from higher than average rates of H.R. 740 ‘‘(5) a term used in a definition in this sub- drug use as found in a recent NIH study. The Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Rep- section has the meaning given that term in Department of Health and Human Services resentatives of the United States of America in section 3 of the Communications Act of 1934 estimates that 1.7 percent of Native Ameri- Congress assembled, (47 U.S.C. 153).’’. (b) CLERICAL AMENDMENT.—The table of cans used meth in 2004—a per capita rate SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. more than double that of Whites—the largest This Act may be cited as the ‘‘Preventing sections at the beginning of chapter 47 of Harassment through Outbound Number En- title 18, United States Code, is amended by user population. adding at the end the following new item: It is imperative that we assist our Native forcement (PHONE) Act of 2007’’. American communities and that is exactly SEC. 2. CALLER ID SPOOFING. ‘‘1040. Caller ID spoofing.’’. what this bill does. (a) IN GENERAL.—Chapter 47 of title 18, SEC. 3. OTHER SPECIFIED UNLAWFUL ACTIVI- United States Code, is amended by adding at TIES FOR MONEY LAUNDERING. A year ago the President signed into law the the end the following: (a) FRAUD AND RELATED ACTIVITY IN CON- Combat Methamphetamine Epidemic Act of ‘‘§ 1040. Caller ID spoofing NECTION WITH ELECTRONIC MAIL.—Section 2005 as part of the PATRIOT Act Reauthor- ‘‘(a) OFFENSE.—Whoever, in or affecting 1956(c)(7)(D) of title 18, United States Code, is ization bill. The bill was a true bipartisan, bi- interstate or foreign commerce, knowingly amended by inserting ‘‘section 1037 (Fraud cameral effort that has provided comprehen- uses or provides to another— and related activity in connection with elec- sive measures to address our Nation’s meth- ‘‘(1) false caller ID information with intent tronic mail),’’ after ‘‘1032’’. amphetamine problem. However, the bill did to defraud; or (b) CALLER ID SPOOFING.—Section not specify that Native Americans would be el- ‘‘(2) caller ID information pertaining to an 1956(c)(7)(D) of title 18, United States Code, is igible for funding within the three grant pro- actual person without that person’s consent amended by inserting ‘‘section 1040 (Caller grams authorized and mentioned by my col- and with intent to deceive the recipient of a ID spoofing),’’ before ‘‘section 1111’’. leagues. H.R. 545 ensures that Native Ameri- call about the identity of the caller; The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- cans will have access to the grant funds. or attempts or conspires to do so, shall be ant to the rule, the gentlewoman from I urge unanimous support for this common- punished as provided in subsection (b). California (Ms. LINDA T. SA´ NCHEZ) and ‘‘(b) PUNISHMENT.—Whoever violates sub- sense legislation. section (a) shall— the gentleman from Texas (Mr. SMITH) Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong ‘‘(1) if the offense is committed for com- each will control 20 minutes. support of H.R. 545, the Native American mercial gain, be fined under this title or im- The Chair recognizes the gentle- Methamphetamine Enforcement Treatment Act prisoned not more than 5 years, or both; and woman from California.

VerDate Aug 31 2005 05:30 Mar 22, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00044 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K21MR7.108 H21MRPT1 jcorcoran on PROD1PC62 with HOUSE March 21, 2007 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H2791 GENERAL LEAVE the technology can block any back They also made other technical Ms. LINDA T. SA´ NCHEZ of Cali- technology, such as Star 69. In addi- changes to the bill for its introduction fornia. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous tion, the bill contains a forfeiture pro- on the floor. consent that all Members have 5 legis- vision allowing for the forfeiture of H.R. 740 is important and helpful leg- lative days to revise and extend their equipment used and proceeds gained by islation for preventing identity theft remarks and include extraneous mate- criminals in call spoofing. and other abuses of phone technologies. rial on the bill under consideration. Finally, section 3 of the bill has a Accordingly, I urge my colleagues to The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there provision which adds call spoofing to support the bill. objection to the request of the gentle- the list of unlawful activities associ- Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of woman from California? ated with money laundering. Existing my time. There was no objection. law provides that comparable crimes, b 1800 Ms. LINDA T. SA´ NCHEZ of Cali- such as violations of the Computer Mr. SMITH of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I fornia. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such Fraud and Abuse Act, constitutes spec- yield myself such time as I may con- time as I may consume. ified unlawful activities for the pur- I rise in strong support of H.R. 740, sume. pose of the money laundering statute. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. the Preventing Harassment Through Not all use of fake caller ID informa- 740, the Preventing Harassment Outbound Number Enforcement tion is considered spoofing. When you Through Outbound Number Enforce- (PHONE) Act of 2007. receive a call from a U.S. House of Rep- ment Act, or PHONE Act, and I thank I would like to thank Chairman CON- resentatives number on an outside line, Chairman CONYERS and my colleagues YERS for his leadership in moving this for example, the number that appears on the other side of the aisle for their bill through the committee process and on your caller ID is a fictitious number support of this bill which unanimously to the floor on a bipartisan basis, and to protect the security of House Mem- passed the House at the end of the also commend Mr. SCOTT and the lead- bers and staff. False caller ID informa- ership and assistance of the full com- 109th Congress. tion is also used legitimately for cer- Mr. Speaker, a new type of fraud mittee Ranking Member SMITH and tain law enforcement purposes and by known as ‘‘spoofing’’ is becoming more subcommittee Ranking Member some businesses as well, and these non- prevalent. Spoofing involves masking FORBES, along with that of the chief malicious users are not prohibited by one’s caller ID information to facili- sponsor of spoofing legislation in the the bill. tate a fraudulent telephone call to the last Congress, TIM MURPHY, in devel- The bill we were considering last recipient. Those who engage in spoof- oping and moving this bill to the floor. Congress would have made even this ing use incorrect, fake or fraudulent H.R. 740 is aimed at the practice that nonabusive fake caller ID use illegal. caller identification to hide their iden- has come to be known as spoofing. To That bill also failed to make a distinc- tity, and then obtain personal informa- some, that name might conjure up tion in penalties for spoofing that does harmless pranks, but spoofing is very tion from the victim. not involve fraud or gain, such as the Call recipients unwittingly divulge serious. Spoofing occurs when a caller Phil Kiko case. their names, addresses, or Social Secu- uses caller ID information to hide the Further, comments from the Depart- rity numbers under the mistaken belief caller’s true identity in order to com- ment of Justice were not available that the caller represents a bank, a mit fraud or some other abusive act. when last year’s bill was being devel- credit card company, or even a court of One of the witnesses at the hearing oped. This is why I opposed the bill last law. on the predecessor bill last Congress year, though I was in support of the Spoofing is not simply annoying; it is was Phil Kiko, the Judiciary Commit- concept of the bill. the latest tactic for committing iden- tee’s chief counsel at the time. He had We have constructed a bill that tity theft and other types of fraud that been a victim of caller ID spoofing makes fraudulent commercial use of costs victims thousands and sometimes when his home phone number was left caller ID information a felony, with hundreds of thousands of dollars. falsely as the caller ID on numerous fines and imprisonment of up to 5 Spoofing not only victimizes the calls. Phil and his family were under- years. This commercial motive would phone call recipient, but also invades standably irritated at the numerous require the use of false caller ID infor- the privacy of those individuals whose calls from people mistakenly calling mation; that is, caller ID information caller ID is used to mask the fraudu- him back, and it could have been much that is not your own. The bill also lent calls. To address this, H.R. 740 spe- worse. makes abusive use of caller ID infor- cifically prohibits the use of an actual Spoofing is also often used to commit mation without fraudulent commercial person’s caller ID information for identity theft. Call recipients some- motives a misdemeanor, such as the spoofing. times are tricked into divulging per- Phil Kiko situation. Finally, the bill Although the technology needed to sonal and private information under exempts use of nonabusive fake ID in- spoof has been available for some time, the mistaken belief that the call is le- formation. it previously required special equip- gitimate. For example, the AARP has The Subcommittee on Crime, Ter- ment and knowledge to use the mask- reported cases in which people received rorism and Homeland Security held a ing technology. calls claiming falsely that they had hearing and markup on the bill in Feb- Recently, this technology has be- missed jury duty. They were told that ruary and reported it favorably to the come more accessible either through to avoid prosecution they needed to full committee. At the subcommittee the purchase of Internet telephone provide their Social Security number hearing, the DOJ provided testimony equipment or through Web sites spe- and other personal information. The and recommendations which we did not cifically set up for spoofing. caller ID information that appeared on have a chance to fully consider by the These Web sites claim to protect their phones was from the local court- time of full committee markup. Rank- one’s privacy. However, the use of this house, so they assumed that the caller ing Member FORBES and Mr. SCOTT technology has been linked to fraud, was telling the truth. agreed to work together on considering prank phone calls, political attacks, H.R. 740 is intended to help protect those recommendations in a continu- and telemarketers’ attempts to avoid consumers from harassment, identity ation of the fully bipartisan effort ‘‘do not call’’ restrictions. theft and other privacy intrusions. under which this bill had been devel- Additionally, calling cards can be Recently, the technology needed to oped. purchased or accounts set up to facili- spoof has become readily available ei- After meeting with representatives of tate multiple telephone calls. One of ther through the purchase of Internet DOJ, they have revised the bill as re- the greatest concerns related to spoof- telephone equipment or through Web ported out of committee to clarify the ing is the use of the technology by sites specifically set up to spoof. For offense and punishment language in criminals to mislead law enforcement example, Voice over Internet Protocol the bill. The change makes clear that officials and evade prosecution. equipment can easily be configured to felony penalties are reserved for egre- H.R. 740 addresses these concerns by populate the caller ID field with infor- gious violations committed with intent creating a new Federal crime to pro- mation of the user’s choosing. Some of to wrongfully obtain anything of value. hibit the modification of caller ID with

VerDate Aug 31 2005 05:30 Mar 22, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00045 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K21MR7.110 H21MRPT1 jcorcoran on PROD1PC62 with HOUSE H2792 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE March 21, 2007 the intent to deceive the recipient of a Finally, the bill is narrowly tailored are using this tactic to extract per- telephone call as to the identity of the to permit caller ID blocking in which sonal information from unsuspecting caller. one prevents one’s number from being consumers. For example, by faking the The bill imposes a fine and/or a pris- known at all. Caller ID blocking is not caller ID of a consumer’s bank, a thief on term of up to 5 years for violations. used to mislead because a person can lure a consumer into divulging However, the legislation does not affect knows he is not getting any number bank account numbers, Social Security legally available blocking of caller ID and it has been a standard telephone numbers, and other types of sensitive technology, or lawfully authorized ac- device for many years. personal information which can then tivities of law enforcement or intel- In sum, the PHONE Act will deter be used to commit identity theft and ligence agencies. telephone fraud, protect consumers other criminal acts. This legislation will help deter tele- from harassment, and will enhance pro- The PHONE Act will help stop this phone fraud, protect consumers from tection of sensitive personal informa- abusive practice. Specifically, this bill harassment, and protect consumers tion. imposes criminal penalties on those and their personally identifiable infor- Mr. Speaker, let me conclude by say- that provide false caller ID informa- mation from identity thieves. I urge ing this started as bipartisan legisla- tion with the intent to defraud, as well my colleagues to support this bipar- tion and has continued. The informa- as those that provide the caller ID in- tisan legislation. tion was brought to us when the chief formation of an actual person without Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of Republican counsel on the committee, that person’s consent, with the intent my time. Phil Kiko, received such harassment to defraud the recipient of the call. Ms. LINDA T. SA´ NCHEZ of Cali- because his number had been used by The PHONE Act is an important tool fornia. Mr. Speaker, I yield such time somebody else making annoying calls. in the fight against identity theft, and as he may consume to the author of He got called back because his number I urge my colleagues to support this the bill, the gentleman from Virginia legislation. was appearing as the caller ID. ´ (Mr. SCOTT). Mr. MURPHY introduced the bill last Ms. LINDA T. SANCHEZ of Cali- Mr. SCOTT of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, year and we have worked to improve fornia. Mr. Speaker, I yield such time the PHONE Act is a strong bill that the bill and have made significant im- as he may consume to the gentleman has gained bipartisan support. Mem- provements since last year. Chairman from New York (Mr. ENGEL). Mr. ENGEL. Mr. Speaker, I thank bers on both sides of the aisle have CONYERS, Ranking Member SMITH, and the gentlewoman from California and I agreed that we need urgent reforms to Ranking Member FORBES, we all rise to support this bill as I support all protect privacy rights and to crack worked very closely together to make legislation dealing with the problem of down on identity theft. With over 10 sure that we could have the best prod- million Americans affected by some spoofing. uct possible. I urge my colleagues to I too have an anti-spoofing bill which form of identity theft each year, we join together and pass the legislation. passed the House last Congress. It was need to tackle this issue at every pos- Mr. SMITH of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I the first bill passed this year in the sible level. yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Telecommunications Subcommittee of Spoofing is one form of identity theft Virginia (Mr. GOODLATTE) who is a the House Energy and Commerce Com- in which criminals coax victims into member of the Intellectual Property mittee, and passed the House Energy giving up their most sensitive personal Subcommittee of the Judiciary Com- and Commerce Committee as well. information by making it appear that a mittee and who is chairman of the It is very important that we deal call is coming from a legitimate insti- House Republican High-Tech Working with this problem. My colleagues have tution such as a bank. Misleading call- Group, and who is also the ranking highlighted so many incidents where er ID information also allows a spoofer member of the House Agriculture Com- people have looked down at caller ID, to cause a victim to accept a call they mittee. and fraud has been committed on them. otherwise might have avoided, leading Mr. GOODLATTE. Mr. Speaker, I People should have confidence that to harassment and further privacy in- thank the gentleman for his leadership when they look at the caller ID, that trusions. Advances in technology such on the Judiciary Committee and on that caller ID is accurate. And crooks as Voice-Over-Internet-Protocol have this legislation, and I also thank Chair- and other people that want to steal made caller ID spoofing easy and read- man CONYERS and Subcommittee people’s identity should not have carte ily available. Chairman SCOTT, my colleague from blanche. H.R. 740 includes a number of impor- Virginia, for their work on this legisla- The problem with this is we are al- tant provisions to fight spoofing. The tion, as well as Congressman MURPHY ways catching up with the crooks. As legislation creates a new Federal crime and Congressman FORBES, and I rise in technology develops, crooks can think to prohibit using or providing false strong support of H.R. 740, the Pre- of ways to subvert it. When we realize caller ID information with the intent venting Harassment Through Outbound there is a problem, Congress catches up to wrongfully obtain something of Number Enforcement, or PHONE, Act. and works to close the loophole. This is value. The section also prohibits using Consumer fraud and identity theft a loophole that must be closed. or providing the caller ID for informa- are serious problems facing our citizens Again, my colleagues have high- tion of an actual person without his or today. While technology has provided lighted many of different instances her consent and with the intent to de- access to vast amounts of information where elderly people have been de- ceive the recipient. It correctly targets about products and services that were frauded, where people think that they spoofing done to perpetuate financial not even imaginable a few years ago, have the confidence of their bank or fraud, and reserves harsh punishment technology is also being used by crimi- Social Security, they look at the num- for such crimes, including felony pen- nals to commit new types of fraud and ber of the Social Security office, and alties of up to 5 years in prison. to steal personal information from un- they have confidence and they give out In addition, the bill significantly im- knowing consumers. their Social Security numbers or other proves the tools available to law en- Like other technologies, caller ID de- kinds of personal information which forcement to fight noncommercial vices have empowered consumers. can be used to steal their identity. spoofing while preserving the legiti- These devices allow them to screen out I want to commend my colleagues on mate uses of the technology. For exam- calls they would prefer not to take. the Judiciary Committee and assure ple, women’s shelters may use mis- However, they also perform the impor- them that we on the Energy and Com- leading caller ID numbers, and many tant function of acting as an additional merce Committee will work with them. businesses do if they are calling from check to ensure that the individuals This whole Congress needs to be work- one of many lines. They may want the placing incoming calls are who they ing together on this. This is obviously caller ID information to just reflect say they are. a bipartisan working together. This is the main line. The bill does not in- Unfortunately, criminals have found not an issue where it is a partisan fringe on these instances because the a way to fake caller ID information in issue. All Americans need to have this caller would not possess the requisite order to trick consumers about who is loophole closed. The sooner we do it, intent to defraud or deceive. actually calling. Increasingly, thieves the better.

VerDate Aug 31 2005 02:42 Mar 22, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00046 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K21MR7.111 H21MRPT1 jcorcoran on PROD1PC62 with HOUSE March 21, 2007 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H2793 Mr. SMITH of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I number of a friend of the child. A sex- This bill, H.R. 740, adds the important yield such time as he may consume to ual predator could use a doctor’s office criminal and financial penalties to my colleague from Pennsylvania (Mr. phone number to gather records about those who prey on the identity of oth- TIM MURPHY) who, as Mr. SCOTT said someone. A terrorist could make ers. awhile ago, is the original author of threats from a government phone num- This legislation will not stop crime, similar legislation. Were it not for Mr. ber, and the list goes on. it will not prevent identity theft, but it MURPHY’s efforts in the last Congress The criminal use of caller identity will protect lives and protect others to pass his bill unanimously, we would theft, however, is not just a possibility. and close this loophole for identity not be here tonight. We thank him for Here are some real-world examples of theft once and for all. I urge my col- his leadership and for his initiative last how caller ID fraud is occurring. leagues to vote for this important bill. year. In 2005, a SWAT team surrounded an Ms. LINDA T. SA´ NCHEZ of Cali- Mr. TIM MURPHY of Pennsylvania. empty building in New Brunswick, New fornia. Mr. Speaker, may I inquire of Mr. Speaker, I thank the chairman and Jersey, after police received a call from the gentleman from Texas if he is pre- my good friend, the gentleman from a woman who said she was being held pared to yield back the balance of his Virginia (Mr. SCOTT), for his work on hostage in an apartment. time? Mr. SMITH of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I this important bill. We worked to- b 1815 gether on it. On behalf of H.R. 740, I am prepared to yield back as soon as would like to urge all of my colleagues She was not in an apartment. The the gentlewoman from California is to vote for this. woman had intentionally used a false ready to close. The previous version, which I intro- caller ID. Imagine what might have Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance duced last session and was passed happened if that was a site where peo- of my time. ´ unanimously in the 109th Congress as ple might have been coming out of the Ms. LINDA T. SANCHEZ of Cali- H.R. 5304, was the Preventing Harass- building and police might have thought fornia. Mr. Speaker, it is clear that ment Through Outbound Number En- that that person was a potential this anti-phone-spoofing bill is a forcement Act, or the PHONE Act, or threat. thoughtful, well-crafted, bipartisan the PHONE bill at that time. I might add that one of the things piece of legislation. I urge its adoption, Chairman SCOTT and Ranking Mem- that these caller ID fraud sites use is and I yield back the balance of my ber FORBES and others from the Judici- they also will allow you to disguise time. ary Committee have taken a good bill your voice and switch it from a male The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. and made it better. voice or female voice or vice versa to KIND). The question is on the motion Identity theft has become an increas- further fool the person on the other offered by the gentlewoman from Cali- ingly critical problem for consumers. end. fornia (Ms. LINDA T. SA´ NCHEZ) that the The Federal Trade Commission re- There also have been incidents where House suspend the rules and pass the vealed that last year about 10 million people have used stolen credit card bill, H.R. 740. individuals were victims of identity numbers and posed as a person who The question was taken. theft in all 50 States. The disastrous owned the credit card to illegally wire The SPEAKER pro tempore. In the implications for identity theft includes money to someone else. Another case opinion of the Chair, two-thirds being occurred where people claim they were in the affirmative, the ayes have it. damaged credit, financial ruin, and the ´ effects can tear apart families and ruin the county courthouse, calling people, Ms. LINDA T. SANCHEZ of Cali- businesses. claiming that they had missed jury fornia. Mr. Speaker, on that I demand Congress has repeatedly acted to try duty, and tried to use that situation the yeas and nays. and prevent identity theft. But, unfor- then to have the people give them cred- The yeas and nays were ordered. The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- tunately, with new technologies, as it card numbers to pay a fine for some- ant to clause 8 of rule XX and the soon as we outlaw one version, some- thing that had not even occurred. Chair’s prior announcement, further body comes up with a way around that, For these reasons, I introduced this proceedings on this question will be and once again harasses and harms bill in the 109th Congress as the postponed. citizens of this Nation. PHONE Act, to punish those who en- One of these technologies used by gage in the intentional practice of mis- f thieves is the practice of call spoofing leading others through caller ID fraud. PERMITTING USE OF ROTUNDA or caller ID fraud presented on Web Violators of this bill will be subject to FOR A CEREMONY COMMEMO- sites as just an innocent game one can penalties up to 5 years in prison and RATING THE DAYS OF REMEM- use, or perhaps use it to make sales fines of $250,000 for these crimes. How- BRANCE OF VICTIMS OF THE calls, but they mask their identity and ever, it also allows up to 1 year in pris- HOLOCAUST on for those who use this as a mecha- alter their outbound caller ID in order Mrs. DAVIS of California. Mr. Speak- nism of harassing. to mislead the call recipient. Some er, I move to suspend the rules and All those folks who are still using may call it a way to maintain caller agree to the concurrent resolution (H. this system, be aware that this will be privacy, but it is nothing less than Con. Res. 66) permitting the use of the made illegal. We expect the Senate to fraud. rotunda of the Capitol for a ceremony I believe Congress must enact a law pass this, and all the elderly and small as part of the commemoration of the to penalize caller ID fraud perpetra- businesses and families across the Na- days of remembrance of victims of the tors. This bill is particularly necessary tion who find themselves as victims of Holocaust. to protect American families, the el- this, be aware that when the call you The Clerk read the title of the con- derly, and businesses because illegally have today shows up on your caller ID, current resolution. using another person’s phone number it may not be who they say they are. The text of the concurrent resolution could have limitless, unlawful applica- Please, we need to make sure that is as follows: tions. It doesn’t take much in the until this bill is passed, people are still H. CON. RES. 66 imagination to understand how dan- vigilant of that, protect their identity Resolved by the House of Representatives (the gerous this practice is and how it is and never release a credit card number Senate concurring), being used now. or other personal information, no mat- SECTION 1. USE OF ROTUNDA FOR HOLOCAUST For example, a criminal could try to ter what that caller ID number says, DAYS OF REMEMBRANCE CERE- obtain personal financial information unless you are absolutely sure the per- MONY. from individuals by using a bank’s son who you are talking to is who they The rotunda of the Capitol is authorized to phone number. A person could harass a are. be used on April 19, 2007, for a ceremony as former wife or husband who has other- Again, I am pleased to work with the part of the commemoration of the days of re- membrance of victims of the Holocaust. wise tried to block the calls from the Judiciary Committee Subcommittee Physical preparations for the ceremony shall ex-spouse’s phone line. A pedophile chairman on Crime, Terrorism and be carried out in accordance with such condi- could stalk children by stealing his Homeland Security, Chairman Bobby tions as the Architect of the Capitol may school’s phone number or the phone Scott, who has reintroduced this bill. prescribe.

VerDate Aug 31 2005 02:42 Mar 22, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00047 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K21MR7.113 H21MRPT1 jcorcoran on PROD1PC62 with HOUSE H2794 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE March 21, 2007 The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- parents and coerced into hiding. Chil- Children in Crisis: Voices from the Hol- ant to the rule, the gentlewoman from dren who found themselves hiding in ocaust. California (Mrs. DAVIS) and the gen- the shadows were faced with unyielding Mr. Speaker, an estimated 1 million tleman from California (Mr. MCCAR- hardships, and some were subjected to Jewish children died at the hands of THY) each will control 20 minutes. dark, cramped conditions for weeks, for the Nazi regime during the Holocaust. The Chair recognizes the gentle- months and even years, while others Being the most vulnerable, children woman from California. wandered from place to place seeking were often the first of the victims to be GENERAL LEAVE refuge, never knowing who to trust. targeted for death. Many times they Mrs. DAVIS of California. Mr. Speak- For those who survived, the end of were sent to the gas chambers imme- er, I ask that all Members have 5 legis- the war was rarely the end of the strug- diately following their arrivals in the lative days in which to revise and ex- gle. Many children found themselves concentration camps because most tend their remarks in the RECORD on alone, with no family to be reunited were not old or strong enough to work this concurrent resolution. with. The devastating and heart- under the forced labor conditions. But The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there wrenching reality was that there were at the same time, this year’s theme objection to the request of the gentle- no surviving family members, and they also recognizes the importance of re- woman from California? would now face the future without par- membering those children who were There was no objection. ents, grandparents or siblings. able to survive through their own cour- Mrs. DAVIS of California. Mr. Speak- So, as we stop to reflect on this hei- age and determination and the aid of er, I yield myself such time as I may nous event, let it serve as a reminder dedicated individuals risking their own consume. that there is no room for prejudice, op- lives to help thwart the horrible inten- Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support pression and hatred. As American and tions of the Nazi Party. of House Concurrent Resolution 66, world citizens, it is important that suc- I think it is imperative that we never which authorizes the use of the Capitol ceeding generations are called upon to forget either the horrors of the Holo- rotunda for a ceremony on April 19, remember the atrocities of the Holo- caust or the incredible courage and hu- 2007, commemorating the victims of caust and the similarities in the hate manity that enabled some children to the Holocaust. crimes we see today. survive such awful conditions. The United States Holocaust Memo- The will of the human spirit indeed is So, Mr. Speaker, I urge the support rial Council is entrusted with observ- unwavering in the face of adversity, of this resolution. ing the Days of Remembrance. These and history has shown us that in times Mr. WAXMAN. Mr. Speaker, it is an honor Days of Remembrance and the solemn of despair, humanity prevails and al- to be the sponsor of this resolution to author- ceremony at the Capitol set the man- ways looks towards a brighter future. ize the use of the Capitol rotunda on April 19, ner in which similar events across our There is no better place than the 2007 for the annual congressional ceremony country pay homage to the 6 million United States Capitol rotunda to em- to commemorate the Holocaust. people who lost their lives during one body the reverence and dignity so de- The United States was one of the first coun- of mankind’s darkest periods in his- serving and honoring the victims of the tries to adopt a national day for Holocaust tory. Holocaust, especially the children. The commemoration. It is one of the only nations When World War II ended in 1945, 6 United States Capitol has stood as a in the world to observe Yom Hashoah, Holo- million European Jews were dead, in- symbol of freedom and liberty and a caust Heroes and Remembrance Day, on the cluding more than 1 million Jewish symbol of hopes and dreams. same day chosen by the State of Israel—the children. While all Jews were marked It is important, Mr. Speaker, that we Hebrew anniversary of the Warsaw Ghetto up- for death, children were among the use the rotunda, the scene of so many rising. most defenseless. historic events, to draw attention Each year, on Yom Hashoah communities This year, the Holocaust Memorial again to one of the immense tragedies around the United States come together to Council, which oversees the U.S. Holo- in human history and to take this time memorialize the millions who perished. We re- caust Memorial Museum and organizes also to honor our colleagues who were member the heroism of those who fought back the annual Days of Remembrance, has personally victimized by the Holocaust and pay tribute to the survivors and the tre- selected ‘‘Children in Crisis: Voices or whose families suffered and died, mendous courage and strength it took for from the Holocaust’’ as its theme. and to pledge anew that such a atroc- them to rebuild their lives. We stand against In any day and age, among the most ities must not be permitted to occur. the anti-Semitism and intolerance that fed the vulnerable targets are children, and We recall the words, ‘‘never again, Nazi machine and sadly continues to resur- most often they are the first victims of never again.’’ face today. senseless deeds. The children of the Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of While this resolution may be routine by na- Holocaust endured lives filled with fear my time. ture, it is a testament to the commitment of and suffering. The emotional and phys- Mr. MCCARTHY of California. Mr. Congress to make sure that the history of the ical cruelty forced upon them is un- Speaker, I yield myself such time as I Holocaust is never forgotten or repeated. imaginable. It is estimated that over 1 may consume. I would like to thank the House administra- million, and as many as 1.5 million, I rise today in strong support of H. tion for its work on this legislation. I encourage Jewish boys and girls were murdered Con. Res. 66. The purpose of this resolu- all of my colleagues to participate in the cere- under Nazi rule in Germany and occu- tion is to authorize the use of the Cap- mony in the rotunda. Mr. MCCARTHY of California. Mr. pied Europe. These children were mur- itol rotunda on April 19 for this year’s Speaker, I yield back the balance of dered because they were Jewish, not national ceremony to commemorate my time. because of any action they had taken; Holocaust Remembrance Day. I am Mrs. DAVIS of California. Mr. Speak- not because of any crime they had pleased that with the passage of this er, I yield back the balance of my time. committed, but simply because of their resolution, the Congress will be able to, The SPEAKER pro tempore. The religion and their ethnicity. once again, provide a venue for those question is on the motion offered by Mr. Speaker, I believe that a number who wish to mark this solemn occasion the gentlewoman from California (Mrs. of the Members have been to Yad in the peaceful setting that the ro- DAVIS) that the House suspend the Vashem, the Holocaust memorial in Je- tunda provides. rules and agree to the concurrent reso- rusalem, and I have an enduring image The annual Days of Remembrance lution, H. Con. Res. 66. there of the children, the stars which provide all Americans with an oppor- The question was taken. represent them, the luminaries which tunity to reflect together upon the The SPEAKER pro tempore. In the hang from the ceiling, those tens of Holocaust, to remember its victims and opinion of the Chair, two-thirds being thousands of luminaries which remind to renew our commitment to democ- in the affirmative, the ayes have it. us all of this overwhelming reason for racy and human rights. Mrs. DAVIS of California. Mr. Speak- us to remember these children. In order to help focus our reflections er, on that I demand the yeas and nays. Many children of the Holocaust were on the Holocaust, the United States The yeas and nays were ordered. confronted by overpowering and de- Holocaust Memorial Museum selects a The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- structive forces, separated from their yearly theme. This year we reflect on ant to clause 8 of rule XX and the

VerDate Aug 31 2005 05:30 Mar 22, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00048 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K21MR7.116 H21MRPT1 jcorcoran on PROD1PC62 with HOUSE March 21, 2007 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H2795 Chair’s prior announcement, further Flake LoBiondo Rohrabacher NOT VOTING—15 Forbes Loebsack Ros-Lehtinen proceedings on this question will be Brady (PA) Gordon Myrick Fortenberry Lofgren, Zoe Roskam Castor Hinojosa Pence postponed. Fossella Lowey Ross Davis, Jo Ann Johnson, E. B. Simpson Foxx Lucas Rothman Davis, Tom Kanjorski Stark f Frank (MA) Lungren, Daniel Roybal-Allard Deal (GA) Moran (VA) Young (FL) ANNOUNCEMENT BY THE SPEAKER Franks (AZ) E. Royce Frelinghuysen Lynch Ruppersberger ANNOUNCEMENT BY THE SPEAKER PRO TEMPORE PRO TEMPORE Gallegly Mack Rush The SPEAKER pro tempore (during The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- Garrett (NJ) Mahoney (FL) Ryan (OH) Gerlach Maloney (NY) Ryan (WI) the vote). Members are advised that 2 ant to clause 8 of rule XX, proceedings Giffords Manzullo Salazar minutes remain in this vote. will resume on motions to suspend the Gilchrest Marchant Sali rules previously postponed. Gillibrand Markey Sa´ nchez, Linda b 1854 Votes will be taken in the following Gillmor Marshall T. Gingrey Matheson Sanchez, Loretta Mr. MURTHA changed his vote from order: Gohmert Matsui Sarbanes ‘‘nay’’ to ‘‘yea.’’ H.R. 1284, by the yeas and nays; Gonzalez McCarthy (CA) Saxton So (two-thirds being in the affirma- H.R. 1130, by the yeas and nays; Goode McCarthy (NY) Schakowsky McCaul (TX) tive) the rules were suspended and the H.R. 740, by the yeas and nays. Goodlatte Schiff Granger McCollum (MN) Schmidt bill was passed. Votes on H.R. 545 and H. Con. Res. 66 Graves McCotter Schwartz The result of the vote was announced will be taken tomorrow. Green, Al McCrery Scott (GA) as above recorded. The first electronic vote will be con- Green, Gene McDermott Scott (VA) Grijalva McGovern A motion to reconsider was laid on ducted as a 15-minute vote. Remaining Sensenbrenner Gutierrez McHenry Serrano the table. electronic votes will be conducted as 5- Hall (NY) McHugh Sessions f minute votes. Hall (TX) McIntyre Sestak Hare McKeon Shadegg JUDICIAL DISCLOSURE f Harman McMorris Shays Hastert Rodgers Shea-Porter RESPONSIBILITY ACT VETERANS COMPENSATION COST- Hastings (FL) McNerney Sherman The SPEAKER pro tempore. The un- OF-LIVING ADJUSTMENT ACT OF Hastings (WA) McNulty Shimkus Meehan finished business is the vote on the mo- 2007 Hayes Shuler Heller Meek (FL) Shuster tion to suspend the rules and pass the The SPEAKER pro tempore. The un- Hensarling Meeks (NY) Sires bill, H.R. 1130, on which the yeas and finished business is the vote on the mo- Herger Melancon Skelton Herseth Mica nays were ordered. tion to suspend the rules and pass the Slaughter Higgins Michaud Smith (NE) The Clerk read the title of the bill. bill, H.R. 1284, on which the yeas and Hill Millender- Smith (NJ) The SPEAKER pro tempore. The nays were ordered. Hinchey McDonald Smith (TX) question is on the motion offered by Hirono Miller (FL) Smith (WA) The Clerk read the title of the bill. Hobson Miller (MI) the gentlewoman from California (Ms. The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Snyder Hodes Miller (NC) Solis LINDA T. SA´ NCHEZ) that the House sus- question is on the motion offered by Hoekstra Miller, Gary Souder pend the rules and pass the bill, H.R. the gentleman from California (Mr. Holden Miller, George Space Holt Mitchell 1130. FILNER) that the House suspend the Spratt Honda Mollohan Stearns This will be a 5-minute vote. rules and pass the bill, H.R. 1284. Hooley Moore (KS) Stupak The vote was taken by electronic de- The vote was taken by electronic de- Hoyer Moore (WI) Sullivan vice, and there were—yeas 415, nays 0, vice, and there were—yeas 418, nays 0, Hulshof Moran (KS) Sutton Hunter Murphy (CT) not voting 18, as follows: not voting 15, as follows: Tancredo Inglis (SC) Murphy, Patrick Tanner [Roll No. 177] [Roll No. 176] Inslee Murphy, Tim Tauscher Israel Murtha YEAS—415 YEAS—418 Taylor Issa Musgrave Terry Abercrombie Braley (IA) Culberson Abercrombie Brady (TX) Cubin Jackson (IL) Nadler Ackerman Brown (SC) Cummings Thompson (CA) Ackerman Braley (IA) Cuellar Jackson-Lee Napolitano Aderholt Brown, Corrine Davis (AL) Thompson (MS) Aderholt Brown (SC) Culberson (TX) Neal (MA) Akin Brown-Waite, Davis (CA) Thornberry Akin Brown, Corrine Cummings Jefferson Neugebauer Alexander Ginny Davis (IL) Tiahrt Alexander Brown-Waite, Davis (AL) Jindal Nunes Allen Burgess Davis (KY) Tiberi Allen Ginny Davis (CA) Johnson (GA) Oberstar Altmire Burton (IN) Davis, David Tierney Altmire Buchanan Davis (IL) Johnson (IL) Obey Andrews Butterfield Davis, Lincoln Towns Andrews Burgess Davis (KY) Johnson, Sam Olver Arcuri Buyer DeFazio Turner Arcuri Burton (IN) Davis, David Jones (NC) Ortiz Baca Calvert DeGette Udall (CO) Baca Butterfield Davis, Lincoln Jones (OH) Pallone Bachmann Camp (MI) Delahunt Udall (NM) Bachmann Buyer DeFazio Jordan Pascrell Bachus Campbell (CA) DeLauro Upton Bachus Calvert DeGette Kagen Pastor Baird Cannon Dent Baird Camp (MI) Delahunt Kaptur Paul Van Hollen Baker Cantor Diaz-Balart, L. ´ Baker Campbell (CA) DeLauro Keller Payne Velazquez Baldwin Capito Diaz-Balart, M. Baldwin Cannon Dent Kennedy Pearce Visclosky Barrett (SC) Capps Dicks Barrett (SC) Cantor Diaz-Balart, L. Kildee Perlmutter Walberg Barrow Capuano Dingell Barrow Capito Diaz-Balart, M. Kilpatrick Peterson (MN) Walden (OR) Bartlett (MD) Cardoza Doggett Bartlett (MD) Capps Dicks Kind Peterson (PA) Walsh (NY) Barton (TX) Carnahan Donnelly Barton (TX) Capuano Dingell King (IA) Petri Walz (MN) Bean Carney Doolittle Bean Cardoza Doggett King (NY) Pickering Wamp Becerra Carson Doyle Becerra Carnahan Donnelly Kingston Pitts Wasserman Berkley Carter Drake Berkley Carney Doolittle Kirk Platts Schultz Berman Castle Dreier Berman Carson Doyle Klein (FL) Poe Waters Berry Castor Duncan Berry Carter Drake Kline (MN) Pomeroy Watson Biggert Chabot Edwards Biggert Castle Dreier Knollenberg Porter Watt Bilbray Chandler Ehlers Bilbray Chabot Duncan Kucinich Price (GA) Waxman Bilirakis Clarke Ellison Bilirakis Chandler Edwards Kuhl (NY) Price (NC) Weiner Bishop (GA) Clay Ellsworth Bishop (GA) Clarke Ehlers LaHood Pryce (OH) Welch (VT) Bishop (NY) Cleaver Emanuel Bishop (NY) Clay Ellison Lamborn Putnam Weldon (FL) Bishop (UT) Clyburn Emerson Bishop (UT) Cleaver Ellsworth Lampson Radanovich Weller Blackburn Coble Engel Blackburn Clyburn Emanuel Langevin Rahall Westmoreland Blumenauer Cohen English (PA) Blumenauer Coble Emerson Lantos Ramstad Wexler Blunt Cole (OK) Eshoo Blunt Cohen Engel Larsen (WA) Rangel Whitfield Boehner Conaway Etheridge Boehner Cole (OK) English (PA) Larson (CT) Regula Wicker Bonner Conyers Everett Bonner Conaway Eshoo Latham Rehberg Wilson (NM) Bono Cooper Fallin Bono Conyers Etheridge LaTourette Reichert Wilson (OH) Boozman Costa Farr Boozman Cooper Everett Lee Renzi Wilson (SC) Boren Costello Fattah Boren Costa Fallin Levin Reyes Wolf Boswell Courtney Feeney Boswell Costello Farr Lewis (CA) Reynolds Woolsey Boucher Cramer Ferguson Boucher Courtney Fattah Lewis (GA) Rodriguez Wu Boustany Crenshaw Filner Boustany Cramer Feeney Lewis (KY) Rogers (AL) Wynn Boyd (FL) Crowley Flake Boyd (FL) Crenshaw Ferguson Linder Rogers (KY) Yarmuth Boyda (KS) Cubin Forbes Boyda (KS) Crowley Filner Lipinski Rogers (MI) Young (AK) Brady (TX) Cuellar Fortenberry

VerDate Aug 31 2005 02:42 Mar 22, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00049 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K21MR7.118 H21MRPT1 jcorcoran on PROD1PC62 with HOUSE H2796 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE March 21, 2007 Fossella Lofgren, Zoe Ros-Lehtinen NOT VOTING—18 Gingrey Mahoney (FL) Roybal-Allard Foxx Lowey Roskam Gohmert Maloney (NY) Royce Brady (PA) Hinojosa Myrick Frank (MA) Lucas Ross Gonzalez Manzullo Ruppersberger Buchanan Johnson, E. B. Pence Franks (AZ) Lungren, Daniel Rothman Goode Marchant Davis, Jo Ann Kanjorski Simpson Rush Frelinghuysen E. Roybal-Allard Davis, Tom Klein (FL) Stark Goodlatte Markey Ryan (OH) Gallegly Lynch Royce Deal (GA) McCrery Waters Granger Marshall Ryan (WI) Garrett (NJ) Mack Ruppersberger Gordon Moran (VA) Young (FL) Graves Matheson Salazar Gerlach Mahoney (FL) Rush Green, Al Matsui Sali Giffords Maloney (NY) Ryan (OH) b 1903 Green, Gene McCarthy (CA) Sa´ nchez, Linda Gilchrest Manzullo Ryan (WI) Grijalva McCarthy (NY) T. Gillibrand Marchant Salazar So (two-thirds being in the affirma- Gutierrez McCaul (TX) Sanchez, Loretta Gillmor Markey Sali tive) the rules were suspended and the Hall (NY) McCollum (MN) Sarbanes Gingrey Marshall ´ Sanchez, Linda bill was passed. Hall (TX) McCotter Saxton Gohmert Matheson T. Hare McDermott Schakowsky Gonzalez Matsui Sanchez, Loretta The result of the vote was announced Harman McGovern Schiff Goode McCarthy (CA) Sarbanes as above recorded. Hastert McHenry Schmidt Goodlatte McCarthy (NY) Saxton A motion to reconsider was laid on Hastings (FL) McHugh Schwartz Granger McCaul (TX) Schakowsky Hastings (WA) McIntyre Scott (GA) Graves McCollum (MN) the table. Schiff Hayes McKeon Scott (VA) Green, Al McCotter Schmidt Heller McMorris Sensenbrenner Green, Gene McDermott f Schwartz Hensarling Rodgers Serrano Grijalva McGovern Scott (GA) Herger McNerney Sessions Gutierrez McHenry PREVENTING HARASSMENT Scott (VA) Herseth McNulty Sestak Hall (NY) McHugh Sensenbrenner THROUGH OUTBOUND NUMBER Higgins Meehan Shadegg Hall (TX) McIntyre Serrano ENFORCEMENT (PHONE) ACT OF Hill Meek (FL) Shays Hare McKeon Sessions Hinchey Meeks (NY) Harman McMorris 2007 Shea-Porter Sestak Hirono Melancon Sherman Hastert Rodgers Shadegg The SPEAKER pro tempore. The un- Hobson Mica Hastings (FL) McNerney Shimkus Shays finished business is the vote on the mo- Hodes Michaud Shuler Hastings (WA) McNulty Shea-Porter Hoekstra Millender- Hayes Meehan tion to suspend the rules and pass the Shuster Sherman Holden McDonald Heller Meek (FL) Sires Shimkus bill, H.R. 740, on which the yeas and Holt Miller (FL) Hensarling Meeks (NY) Skelton Shuler nays were ordered. Honda Miller (MI) Herger Melancon Slaughter Shuster Hooley Miller (NC) Herseth Mica The Clerk read the title of the bill. Smith (NE) Sires Hoyer Miller, Gary Higgins Michaud The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Smith (NJ) Skelton Hulshof Miller, George Hill Millender- Smith (TX) Slaughter question is on the motion offered by Hunter Mitchell Hinchey McDonald Smith (WA) Smith (NE) the gentlewoman from California (Ms. Inglis (SC) Mollohan Hirono Miller (FL) Snyder Smith (NJ) ´ Inslee Moore (KS) Hobson Miller (MI) LINDA T. SANCHEZ) that the House sus- Solis Smith (TX) Israel Moore (WI) Hodes Miller (NC) pend the rules and pass the bill, H.R. Souder Smith (WA) Issa Moran (KS) Hoekstra Miller, Gary Space Snyder 740. Jackson (IL) Murphy (CT) Holden Miller, George Spratt Solis This will be a 5-minute vote. Jackson-Lee Murphy, Patrick Holt Mitchell Stearns Souder (TX) Murphy, Tim Honda Mollohan The vote was taken by electronic de- Space Jefferson Murtha Stupak Hooley Moore (KS) vice, and there were—yeas 413, nays 1, Jindal Musgrave Sullivan Hoyer Moore (WI) Spratt not voting 19, as follows: Johnson (GA) Nadler Sutton Hulshof Moran (KS) Stearns [Roll No. 178] Johnson (IL) Napolitano Tancredo Hunter Murphy (CT) Stupak Johnson, Sam Neal (MA) Tanner Inglis (SC) Murphy, Patrick Sullivan YEAS—413 Jones (NC) Neugebauer Tauscher Inslee Murphy, Tim Sutton Abercrombie Brown-Waite, Davis, Lincoln Jones (OH) Nunes Taylor Israel Murtha Tancredo Ackerman Ginny DeFazio Jordan Oberstar Terry Issa Musgrave Tanner Aderholt Buchanan DeGette Kagen Obey Thompson (CA) Jackson (IL) Nadler Tauscher Akin Burgess Delahunt Kaptur Olver Thompson (MS) Jackson-Lee Napolitano Taylor Alexander Burton (IN) DeLauro Keller Ortiz Thornberry (TX) Neal (MA) Terry Allen Butterfield Dent Kennedy Pallone Tiahrt Jefferson Neugebauer Thompson (CA) Altmire Buyer Diaz-Balart, L. Kildee Pascrell Tiberi Jindal Nunes Thompson (MS) Calvert Diaz-Balart, M. Andrews Kilpatrick Pastor Tierney Johnson (GA) Oberstar Thornberry Camp (MI) Dicks Arcuri Kind Payne Towns Johnson (IL) Obey Tiahrt Campbell (CA) Dingell Baca King (IA) Pearce Turner Johnson, Sam Olver Tiberi Cannon Doggett Bachmann King (NY) Perlmutter Jones (NC) Ortiz Tierney Cantor Donnelly Udall (CO) Bachus Kingston Peterson (MN) Jones (OH) Pallone Towns Capito Doolittle Udall (NM) Baird Kirk Peterson (PA) Jordan Pascrell Turner Capps Doyle Upton Baker Klein (FL) Petri Kagen Pastor Udall (CO) Capuano Drake Van Hollen Baldwin Kline (MN) Pickering Kaptur Paul Udall (NM) Cardoza Dreier Vela´ zquez Barrett (SC) Knollenberg Pitts Keller Payne Upton Carnahan Duncan Visclosky Barrow Kucinich Platts Kennedy Pearce Van Hollen Carney Edwards Walberg Bartlett (MD) Kuhl (NY) Poe Kildee Perlmutter Vela´ zquez Carson Ehlers Walden (OR) Barton (TX) LaHood Pomeroy Kilpatrick Peterson (MN) Visclosky Carter Ellison Walsh (NY) Bean Lamborn Porter Kind Peterson (PA) Walberg Castle Ellsworth Walz (MN) Becerra Lampson Price (GA) King (IA) Petri Walden (OR) Castor Emanuel Wamp Berkley Langevin Price (NC) King (NY) Pickering Walsh (NY) Chabot Emerson Wasserman Berman Lantos Pryce (OH) Kingston Pitts Walz (MN) Chandler Engel Schultz Berry Larsen (WA) Putnam Kirk Platts Wamp Clarke English (PA) Waters Biggert Larson (CT) Radanovich Kline (MN) Poe Wasserman Clay Eshoo Watson Bilbray Cleaver Etheridge Latham Rahall Knollenberg Pomeroy Schultz Watt Bilirakis Coble Everett LaTourette Ramstad Kucinich Porter Watson Waxman Bishop (GA) Cohen Fallin Lee Rangel Kuhl (NY) Price (GA) Watt Weiner Bishop (NY) Cole (OK) Farr Levin Regula LaHood Price (NC) Waxman Bishop (UT) Conaway Fattah Lewis (CA) Rehberg Welch (VT) Lamborn Pryce (OH) Weiner Blackburn Conyers Feeney Lewis (GA) Reichert Weldon (FL) Lampson Putnam Welch (VT) Blumenauer Cooper Ferguson Lewis (KY) Renzi Weller Langevin Radanovich Weldon (FL) Blunt Costa Flake Linder Reyes Wexler Lantos Rahall Weller Boehner Costello Forbes Lipinski Reynolds Whitfield Larsen (WA) Ramstad Westmoreland Bonner Courtney Fortenberry LoBiondo Rodriguez Wicker Larson (CT) Rangel Wexler Bono Cramer Fossella Loebsack Rogers (AL) Wilson (OH) Latham Regula Whitfield Boozman Crenshaw Foxx Lofgren, Zoe Rogers (KY) Wilson (SC) LaTourette Rehberg Wicker Boren Crowley Frank (MA) Lowey Rogers (MI) Wolf Lee Reichert Wilson (NM) Boswell Cubin Franks (AZ) Lucas Rohrabacher Woolsey Levin Renzi Wilson (OH) Boucher Cuellar Frelinghuysen Lungren, Daniel Ros-Lehtinen Wu Lewis (CA) Reyes Wilson (SC) Boustany Culberson Gallegly E. Roskam Wynn Lewis (GA) Reynolds Wolf Boyd (FL) Cummings Garrett (NJ) Lynch Ross Yarmuth Lewis (KY) Rodriguez Woolsey Boyda (KS) Davis (AL) Gerlach Mack Rothman Young (AK) Linder Rogers (AL) Wu Brady (TX) Davis (CA) Giffords Lipinski Rogers (KY) Wynn Braley (IA) Davis (IL) Gilchrest NAYS—1 LoBiondo Rogers (MI) Yarmuth Brown (SC) Davis (KY) Gillibrand Loebsack Rohrabacher Young (AK) Brown, Corrine Davis, David Gillmor Paul

VerDate Aug 31 2005 02:42 Mar 22, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00050 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A21MR7.032 H21MRPT1 jcorcoran on PROD1PC62 with HOUSE March 21, 2007 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H2797 NOT VOTING—19 ance with the subpoena is consistent with I am extremely proud of the hard Brady (PA) Hinojosa Simpson the precedents and privileges of the House. work and dedication of these young Clyburn Johnson, E. B. Stark Sincerely, men from my hometown of Concord. Davis, Jo Ann Kanjorski Westmoreland TED TRAN, Congratulations to Coach E.Z. Smith, Davis, Tom McCrery Wilson (NM) District Representative. Deal (GA) Moran (VA) Young (FL) Coach Andy Poplin and the Concord Filner Myrick f High men’s football and basketball Gordon Pence COMMUNICATION FROM STATE DI- teams on your successful seasons, great ANNOUNCEMENT BY THE SPEAKER PRO RECTOR OF HON. DENNY teamwork and dual State champion- TEMPORE. REHBERG, MEMBER OF CON- ship victory. The SPEAKER pro tempore (during GRESS f the vote). Members are advised that The SPEAKER pro tempore laid be- OFFICER ANGEL CRUZ, NYPD there are 2 minutes left in this vote. fore the House the following commu- b 1910 nication from Randy Vogel, State Di- (Mr. POE asked and was given per- rector of the Honorable DENNY mission to address the House for 1 So (two-thirds being in the affirma- minute.) tive) the rules were suspended and the REHBERG, Member of Congress: CONGRESS OF THE UNITED STATES, Mr. POE. Mr. Speaker, peace officers bill was passed. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, are the first line of defense between the The result of the vote was announced Washington, DC, March 19, 2007. law and the lawless. Those who wear as above recorded. Hon. NANCY PELOSI, the badge sometimes go to unbeliev- A motion to reconsider was laid on Speaker, House of Representatives, able efforts to capture the bad guys. the table. Washington, DC. New York City peace officer Angel Stated for: DEAR MADAM SPEAKER: This is to notify you formally, pursuant to Rule VIII of the Cruz is one of those remarkable peace Mrs. WILSON of New Mexico. Mr. Speaker, officers. Officer Cruz was trying to ar- on rollcall No. 178, I was inadvertently de- Rules of the House of Representatives, that I have received a grand jury subpoena for doc- rest Hugo Hernandez for a minor of- tained. Had I been present, I would have uments issued by the U.S. District Court for fense on a subway platform in Queens, voted ‘‘yes.’’ the District of Montana, Billings Division. New York when, without warning, Her- f After consultation with the Office of Gen- nandez slashed the officer across the eral Counsel, I have determined that compli- COMMUNICATION FROM DEPUTY ance with the subpoena is consistent with face with a knife, then stabbed him in DISTRICT DIRECTOR OF HON. the precedents and privileges of the House. the head, cracking his skull. LEONARD L. BOSWELL, MEMBER Sincerely, Even after being stabbed, Cruz, a 15- OF CONGRESS RANDY VOGEL, month rookie with NYPD, was able to The SPEAKER pro tempore laid be- State Director. shoot and wound the outlaw. fore the House the following commu- f When backup arrived, Cruz, with blood spouting from his head, had nication from Marc Beltrame, Deputy COMMENDING CONCORD HIGH IN chased Hernandez down the subway District Director of the Honorable CONCORD, NORTH CAROLINA FOR stairs, and was trying to handcuff him. LEONARD L. BOSWELL, Member of Con- A DUAL CHAMPIONSHIP SEASON The criminal, Hernandez, was an ille- gress: IN MEN’S 3A FOOTBALL AND gal from Guatemala who had already CONGRESS OF THE UNITED STATES, BASKETBALL HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, been deported for assaulting six New Washington, DC, March 15, 2007. (Mr. HAYES asked and was given Jersey police officers. Hon. NANCY PELOSI, permission to address the House for 1 Our Nation appreciates the relentless Speaker, House of Representatives minute.) work of Officer Cruz and NYPD. Washington, DC. Mr. HAYES. Mr. Speaker, I rise And as for the illegal, he should go to DEAR MADAM SPEAKER: This is to notify today to acknowledge and pay tribute jail, be deported back to Guatemala, you formally, pursuant to Rule VIII of the to the Concord High School Spiders Rules of the House of Representatives, that I and Guatemala should pay restitution men’s athletic team for making history to Officer Cruz. have been served with a subpoena, issued by by being the first 3A school in North the District Court for Polk County, Iowa, for And that’s just the way it is. Carolina to win State titles in both testimony in a criminal case. f After consultation with the Office of Gen- men’s basketball and football in the eral Counsel, I have determined that compli- same year. b 1915 ance with the subpoena is consistent with The Spiders basketball team, who DEMOCRAT IRAQ SUPPLEMENTAL the precedents and privileges of the House. finished as the runners-up in 2006, de- Sincerely, feated Kinston High School 85–79 for (Mr. GINGREY asked and was given MARC BELTRAME, the 2007 championship title on March permission to address the House for 1 Deputy District Director. 10. The Spiders football team defeated minute.) f Western Alamance last December, tak- Mr. GINGREY. Mr. Speaker, I rise COMMUNICATION FROM DISTRICT ing the State championship for the sec- today in outrage over reports that REPRESENTATIVE OF HON. ond time in 3 years. Speaker PELOSI is threatening to re- LEONARD L. BOSWELL, MEMBER Star players on both of Concord’s voke committee assignments and ear- OF CONGRESS teams include senior guard, Dee Bost, marks for Democrats who don’t sup- who scored 27 points in the champion- port the Iraq supplemental bill on the The SPEAKER pro tempore laid be- ship game and earned the honor of floor this week. fore the House the following commu- Most Valuable Player for both basket- Talk about a culture of corruption. nication from Ted Tran, District Rep- ball and football. Lance Lewis, a start- This is the lowest form of politics. But, resentative of the Honorable LEONARD er on the 2004 and 2006 football cham- sadly, while their strong-arming is au- L. BOSWELL, Member of Congress: pionship teams, scored 16 points and dacious and unethical, it is not sur- CONGRESS OF THE UNITED STATES, prising. We know the Democratic lead- HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, four rebounds, and was named Con- Washington, DC, March 15, 2007. cord’s Most Outstanding Player in the ership will go to extreme measures to Hon. NANCY PELOSI, final. garner votes for this bill, not only by Speaker, House of Representatives, The athletic program at Concord tying troop funding to arbitrary dead- Washington, DC. High is one of great tradition that lines for withdrawal, but by peppering DEAR MADAM SPEAKER: This is to notify dates back even further than my years it with so much pork, you would think you formally, pursuant to Rule VIII of the of playing there. The nickname Spiders our troops needed shrimp and avocados Rules of the House of Representatives, that I came from the athletic field at the old to beat the terrorists. have been served with a subpoena, issued by the District Court for Polk County, Iowa, for Concord High School, which was named Mr. Speaker, it is little wonder testimony in a criminal case. after Principal and School Super- Democratic leaders are scared to let After consultation with the Office of Gen- intendent A.S. Webb. Concord’s first Members vote their conscience on this eral Counsel, I have determined that compli- State title was one in 1929. bill. After all, even the Los Angeles

VerDate Aug 31 2005 05:30 Mar 22, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00051 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A21MR7.033 H21MRPT1 jcorcoran on PROD1PC62 with HOUSE H2798 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE March 21, 2007 Times calls this ‘‘the worst kind of ents well, and he was somebody, I And throughout his career in Olympia, congressional meddling in military think, that was really very, very true he continued to teach in the Everett strategy.’’ to his beliefs. And I think that is an area at the high school, as he cam- But arm-twisting and threats have asset that a lot of people probably paigned twice for the United States no place in this people’s House, and don’t have, but certainly Jack did. And Senate against a very popular Warren Americans have every right to be out- I am very, very proud to have called Magnuson and as he built a cabin re- raged with the current leadership. him a friend for all these years. treat that became a bed-and-breakfast f And I can say that our thoughts and business that he and his family oper- prayers are with Norma and his family, ated, which was a special place for SPECIAL ORDERS and he will be greatly missed. Norma and him. The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. With that I would like to yield to the He campaigned in 1994 for an open PERLMUTTER). Under the Speaker’s an- individual that succeeded him in the seat in Congress and promised to be an nounced policy of January 18, 2007, and Second District, my friend from Wash- independent voice for constituents in under a previous order of the House, ington (Mr. LARSEN). the Second District. Having served the following Members will be recog- Mr. LARSEN of Washington. Mr. with Jack during his 6 years in the nized for 5 minutes each. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from House, I am able to confirm that he f eastern Washington for yielding. was every bit as independent as he said I rise today to pay tribute to the he would be. He came here as a well-es- TRIBUTE TO THE HON. JACK Honorable Jack Metcalf, who was my tablished politician with well-estab- METCALF predecessor in Washington State’s Sec- lished views, and he freely expressed The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under a ond Congressional District. those views with vigor and conviction. previous order of the House, the gen- Before Jack was a Congressman, and But along the way he also did two tleman from Washington (Mr. we have heard about his running for of- things that distinguished him, at least HASTINGS) is recognized for 5 minutes. fice, but he was a teacher for 30 years. from my viewpoint as a colleague of his Mr. HASTINGS of Washington. Mr. Public service was more than a profes- in the Washington delegation. First he Speaker, I rise tonight, along with my sion for Jack. It was very much a pas- established a high priority for con- colleagues from Washington State, to sion. He placed a premium on honesty stituent service, which I believe was pay homage to our friend and colleague and hard work, and he was admired for critical to his job as Representative. who passed away last Thursday, Jack being a person of his word. He built re- He fought hard to help individuals who Metcalf. lationships not only with traditional couldn’t get responses from a Federal Jack Metcalf represented the Second allies, but with anyone concerned with agency. District of Washington from 1995 to improving the quality of life for his b 1930 2001, and I have known Jack personally constituents. since 1968. I first met Jack when he He supported veterans’ causes. And Jack forged a bipartisan alliance even when it came to voting against first ran for the U.S. Senate. I was con- with Senator PATTY MURRAY to protect tacted by some people, and they said party positions in his own caucus, he our marine habitat in Washington was for the veterans. Jack also cared that he was coming into town and State. The work done by the Murray- asked if I would meet with him, which deeply about natural resource issues, Metcalf Commission continues today particularly salmon issues. He worked I did, he ended up spending the night at to benefit the people of Washington with Senator MURRAY on the North- my house and slept on the couch. State. Jack’s dedication to protecting I only say that from background be- west Straits Commission. our marine resources stands as a chal- Second, he valued friendship, and he cause that was typical of Jack. He was lenge to his successors and as a legacy always sought to keep the often-heated totally unpretentious. In fact, his his- to our State. debate from becoming personal. When tory, electoral history, as a representa- I personally had the pleasure of he spoke against a position another tive of northwest Washington goes working with Jack on flood issues Member espoused, he would often cross back for many years. He first ran for when I was a local elected official. the aisle and speak with that person office in 1958, unsuccessfully, I might Flooding had created terrible problems personally, so you never took any of add. Two years later he ran and was for Snohomish County, and Jack his comments directly as a personal af- elected to the State legislature and brought people together and harnessed front. served there for two terms and left. Federal, State, and local resources to Consequently, he was well regarded Then he got elected as State senator find solutions. within our delegation, and I appre- and served for 8 more years as a State We will miss ‘‘Gentleman Jack’’ ciated his friendship and his willing- senator, and left to run for the U.S. Metcalf. He had no need for partnership ness to help on major State issues Senate again, and got beat and then or grandstanding, and he stood out for whenever he was asked. He will surely came back and served as a State sen- his commitment to the people that he be remembered for the independence he ator for 12 more years. He left that represented. And certainly tonight our demonstrated as a Member of Congress, time to run again unsuccessfully for hearts go out to Jack’s wife Norma and but I can assure my colleagues in the the U.S. House. But he was successful to their children. House today that I will remember him when he ran in 1994. f as a real gentleman and a good friend. I point that out because that was He will be missed, and our hearts go four times that he ran for office in an ON THE PASSING OF FORMER CONGRESSMAN JACK METCALF out to Norma and his family. endeavor to serve his constituents of I would like to yield to my colleague northwest Washington. And it never The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under a Mr. MCDERMOTT, who served with Jack bothered him, at least he never said it previous order of the House, the gen- in the Washington State Legislature to me, that he was unsuccessful in the tleman from Washington (Mr. DICKS) is before he came to Congress. past. In fact, after he had lost in 1992 recognized for 5 minutes. f and was contemplating running in 1994, Mr. DICKS. Mr. Speaker, I want to he was approached by the then Repub- join the other members of the Wash- REMEMBERING JACK METCALF lican Central Committee chairman and ington congressional delegation today The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under a suggested that maybe Jack ought not in expressing my sadness at the passing previous order of the House, the gen- run because he was 68. And Jack re- of our former colleague Jack Metcalf, tleman from Washington (Mr. plied to him, ‘‘Well, I think I can win.’’ who represented the Second Congres- MCDERMOTT) is recognized for 5 min- And I can just hear Jack say that be- sional District of Washington from 1995 utes. cause that was so typical of him. He to 2001. Mr. MCDERMOTT. Mr. Speaker, was totally unpretentious. Jack came to Congress later in his probably I knew Jack better than most So I am here simply to say that he career, having served for 4 years in the in our delegation, because I did serve was a friend for many, many years. He State house of representatives and 20 with him for a long time in the Wash- was somebody that served his constitu- years in the Washington State Senate. ington State Legislature. And although

VerDate Aug 31 2005 02:42 Mar 22, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00052 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K21MR7.128 H21MRPT1 jcorcoran on PROD1PC62 with HOUSE March 21, 2007 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H2799 most Members would know me as he served 6 years, and he left. No fuss, car, but the driver pulled forward to somewhat liberal and Jack as being no muss. He didn’t ask anybody. He flee and turned the car toward the dep- somewhat conservative, we were really had made a commitment to his people uty. The deputy fired shots at the car’s good friends, because Jack was the in 1994 that he would leave, and he did tires to protect himself. kind of person you could sit down and surely as soon as the time came. Hernandez was charged for violating talk to, and no matter what your polit- So we will miss Jack. He is the kind the civil rights of one of the pas- ical views were, he would sit and talk of person that makes this place a real- sengers, an illegal Mexican national about whatever it was on your mind. ly humane place. Jack I don’t think who was struck in the lip by fragments He told me a lot about his decisions had an enemy in this place, because, as of a bullet or other metal. None of the to run for both the legislature and for Norm says, even if he was going to say vehicle’s occupants were charged. the U.S. Senate, and he told me about something against you, he would either Mr. Speaker, there are many ques- how his first campaign worked. before or after come and talk to you tions and concerns about the prosecu- Jack went out and planted a whole about it and say, ‘‘I didn’t mean that tor’s office that need to be answered. I field full of pumpkins, and he took an personally, but I just think you are want to thank Chairman JOHN CONYERS instrument that was like a cookie cut- wrong on that matter.’’ He had that for considering my request and those of ter and had it made in his name, Jack way, and we would do well to have that other Members of Congress for a hear- Metcalf. He took all these pumpkins spirit come back to this House. ing on the overzealous prosecution of when they were small and scored them We will miss you, Jack. these law enforcement officers. on the outside, and as the pumpkins f f grew, the name ‘‘Metcalf’’ appeared on the pumpkins. So by the time of the 64TH DAY OF INCARCERATION FOR The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under a election, Jack went around and gave a BORDER PATROL AGENTS previous order of the House, the gen- pumpkin to every house in his district. RAMOS AND COMPEAN tleman from Texas (Mr. PAUL) is recog- That is Jack Metcalf. That is the guy The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under a nized for 5 minutes. that was here, very unassuming, no previous order of the House, the gen- (Mr. PAUL addressed the House. His airs about him whatsoever. He was a tleman from North Carolina (Mr. remarks will appear hereafter in the solid conservative, don’t have any JONES) is recognized for 5 minutes. Extensions of Remarks.) doubt about that, and he stuck to his Mr. JONES of North Carolina. Mr. f principles. He was the kind of conserv- Speaker, today is the 64th day of incar- The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under a ative you could talk to and find out ceration for two U.S. Border Patrol previous order of the House, the gen- what he thought. He would tell you ex- agents. Agents Ramos and Compean tleman from California (Mr. DREIER) is actly where he was, and that is where were convicted last spring for shooting recognized for 5 minutes. he was. You could try to convince him, a Mexican drug smuggler who brought (Mr. DREIER addressed the House. and maybe it would work. 743 pounds of marijuana across our bor- His remarks will appear hereafter in I had one experience with Jack which der into Texas. the Extensions of Remarks.) I have to tell about. I was the ways and These agents never should have been f means chairman of the State senate sent to prison. There are legitimate The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under a when Jack was there in the minority, legal questions about how this prosecu- previous order of the House, the gen- and I had a bill that I needed an extra tion was initiated and how the prosecu- tleman from Washington (Mr. INSLEE vote on. I needed somebody in the Re- tor’s office proceeded in this case. To ) publican Party. So I went over and I prosecute the agents, the U.S. Attor- is recognized for 5 minutes. talked to Jack about it. ney’s Office granted immunity to a (Mr. INSLEE addressed the House. He listened to me and acknowledged known drug smuggler. While the Mexi- His remarks will appear hereafter in that maybe that wasn’t such a bad can drug smuggler waited to testify the Extensions of Remarks.) idea. But he was really concerned against our agents, DEA reports con- f about the economic situation of the firmed that he brought a second load of REASONS FOR SUPPORT OF United States, and he really thought marijuana, 752 pounds, into the United EMERGENCY SUPPLEMENTAL BILL that we ought to be on the gold stand- States. But this information was kept ard. So Jack and I had this long discus- from the jury and the public. The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under a sion about the gold standard, and I Over the past 8 months, dozens of previous order of the House, the gen- said, ‘‘You know, Jack, we ought to Members of Congress and thousands of tleman from New Jersey (Mr. PALLONE) have a hearing in the State senate on American citizens have asked Presi- is recognized for 5 minutes. the gold standard.’’ dent Bush to pardon these agents. In Mr. PALLONE. Mr. Speaker, I come Well, as you might guess, this would December of 2006, the President grant- to the floor this evening to voice my have been about 1983, the gold standard ed pardons to 16 criminals, including 6 support for an emergency supplemental wasn’t exactly very high on most peo- who were convicted of drug crimes, but bill that will produce a significant ple’s agenda, but we had a hearing, and he would not pardon Agents Ramos and change in the way the war in Iraq is we listened and we talked and we asked Compean. being waged. This is not an easy deci- the questions and had a great long dis- The difference, Mr. President, is that sion on my part. Back in 2002, I op- cussion about this issue, and a few days these people you pardoned were crimi- posed giving President Bush the au- later, when I needed a vote, Jack was nals, and these two Border Patrol thority to wage the Iraq war, and ever there. agents are Hispanic Americans who are since, I have opposed every supple- That is the kind of person he was. He heroes, heroes who were doing their job mental bill that has come to this floor was somebody who would listen to you, to protect our borders. Mr. President, to pay for the war in Iraq. he would tell you what he was con- it is not too late for you to use your During each supplemental debate, I cerned about; and if you listened to authority to pardon these two men. voiced concern that Congress was es- him, you made a friend, and you were Not only are there concerns about sentially giving President Bush a blank able to work with him. the U.S. attorney’s prosecution of check to wage the war as he saw fit. I His wife and kids, I know, perhaps to- these two border agents, but the same voiced frustration that the Bush ad- night are watching. You should have prosecutor’s office in western Texas ministration was unwilling to face the nothing but pride for your father and has just persecuted another law en- realities on the ground in Iraq and that your husband. forcement officer. Republican Congresses refused to pro- They list all the bills that he got in- Deputy Sheriff Gilmer Hernandez was vide proper oversight of billions of dol- volved in. Jack was a very, very dedi- sentenced this week to a year in jail lars that were handed out to contrac- cated environmentalist and did many for shooting at a vehicle that was tors like Halliburton. things here. But what will always re- transporting illegal aliens. Hernandez Last November, the American people main will be he was a guy who came stopped the car for running a red light sent a clear message that the status here and said, I believe in term limits; and asked the driver to step out of the quo in Iraq was no longer acceptable.

VerDate Aug 31 2005 02:42 Mar 22, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00053 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K21MR7.131 H21MRPT1 jcorcoran on PROD1PC62 with HOUSE H2800 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE March 21, 2007 They entrusted Congress to Democrats health care in the hope that we can tion and determine that Deputy Her- in the hopes that we would help take eliminate the horrific conditions and nandez acted lawfully and within the our Iraq policy in a new direction so the treatment our wounded soldiers re- law when he fired his weapon. But then that we could bring our troops home ceive at Walter Reed. The brave men the Mexican government gets involved, soon. and women who fought on behalf of and in their arrogance, demand in writ- Mr. Speaker, the emergency supple- this country should not now have to ing from their consulate general to our mental addresses the concerns of the endure bureaucratic delays in order to Federal Government that Deputy Her- American people. It is a serious piece receive the health care services that nandez be prosecuted. And our Federal of legislation that brings together into they were promised. Government, like the cavalry, shows one bill the recommendations of the Mr. Speaker, this week we entered up later and reinvestigates the case; nonpartisan Iraq Study Group, mili- the fifth year of this unfortunate war. basically uses the same facts, talks to tary generals, the Pentagon, and even Tomorrow we must step forward and all of the illegals, and prosecutes Dep- the President himself. It provides us support a bill that brings our troops uty Hernandez for shooting his weapon the first real opportunity to change home within the next 18 months, exerts in self-defense. course, and therefore it deserves the pressure on the Iraqi Government, It is ironic that the consulate general support of anyone who believes the sta- prioritizes the forgotten war in Af- wouldn’t even allow our government to tus quo is no longer acceptable. ghanistan and provides additional talk to the illegals until the consulate The supplemental takes into consid- funds for veterans and military health general got them all together in a eration the views of military generals care. room and apparently got their story and military experts who have said for Tomorrow we have the opportunity straight. And once that happened, they months now that there is no longer a to change the direction of the war in talked to Federal prosecutors, and the military solution possible in Iraq. In- Iraq, and we should certainly take it. Federal prosecutors prosecuted Deputy stead, they say the only way to end the Hernandez, where they were saying he f civil war that is raging in Iraq is should have stopped firing his weapon The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under a through political and diplomatic after the van went on by. How ridicu- previous order of the House, the gen- means. lous a statement that is. Tomorrow this House will have the tleman from Indiana (Mr. BURTON) is Deputy Hernandez was convicted, and opportunity to send the President a recognized for 5 minutes. this week he was sentenced to 1 year strong message that the war in Iraq (Mr. BURTON of Indiana addressed and 1 month in the Federal peniten- will not continue indefinitely. The leg- the House. His remarks will appear tiary. The Federal judge apparently did islation states that American troops hereafter in the Extensions of Re- everything he could to get the lowest will be out of Iraq no later than August marks.) possible sentence under the Federal 31, 2008, and if the Iraqi Government f guidelines, even though Deputy Her- does not meet certain benchmarks in nandez should not have been pros- MEXICAN GOVERNMENT NEEDS TO the coming months, our troops will be ecuted. The illegals in the van should STAY OUT OF AMERICA’S BUSI- home by the end of this year. have been prosecuted. The human NESS With this legislation, the fate of Iraq smuggler driving the van, he should now truly belongs to the Iraqis them- The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under a have been prosecuted. But no, they got selves. It is time the Iraqi Government previous order of the House, the gen- a deal; they got green cards to stay in stepped forward and takes some re- tleman from Texas (Mr. POE) is recog- the United States. It seems like our sponsibility. The Maliki government nized for 5 minutes. government is prosecuting the wrong must realize that it has to meet polit- Mr. POE. Mr. Speaker, the Mexican people. ical, economic and diplomatic bench- Government needs to stay out of Amer- It is interesting that Deputy Her- marks that the President himself set, ica’s business. Let me explain. nandez was also ordered to pay $5,000 to and that if serious improvements are Deputy Sheriff Gilmer Hernandez of the illegal who was slightly injured. not seen in the coming months, then the town of Rocksprings, Texas, Ed- That is nonsense. It is like someone we will begin the process of rede- wards County, the size of Delaware, who breaks into your home, you try to ploying our troops out of Iraq. one of three deputy sheriffs on patrol stop that person, they are injured in This only makes sense, Mr. Speaker. at any given time in this massive area the scuffle, and the next thing you If the Iraqi Government continues to of west Texas, is on patrol in the mid- know you have to pay for their injuries believe that U.S. involvement there is dle of the night, and he sees a van with when they illegally broke into your indefinite, what kind of pressure are the lights off running a red light. He home. That is the same thing that Dep- they going to have to make the nec- does what he is supposed to. He at- uty Hernandez is supposed to do under essary political reforms? They are not, tempts to pull the van over. He notices this court order. and that is why both this pressure and as he approaches the van that numer- It sounds to me like the Mexican gov- a date certain for responsible redeploy- ous people are laying down on the ernment ought to be paying restitu- ment are so important. floorboards. tion. They ought to pay restitution to This legislation also begins the proc- As he gets closer, the driver speeds the American taxpayers for the cost of ess of redirecting the Bush administra- off, turns around and tries to run over the illegals that come into the United tion’s attention to the forgotten war in Deputy Gilmer Hernandez. Deputy Her- States and get all the social programs Afghanistan by adding $1 billion to the nandez pulls out his pistol, blows out that the rest of us pay for. The Mexi- Defense Department’s request for mili- two of those tires, and the vehicle fi- can government ought to pay restitu- tary activities there. This increase sup- nally stops. One passenger in the van tion for their drug smugglers that ports our efforts to suppress a likely was slightly injured, but the people in come into the United States, bringing spring offensive by the Taliban. In ad- the van jump out and take off running that cancer that has spread across our dition, it will reinforce our humani- because they are all illegally in the land. tarian efforts in that war-torn country. United States, seven or eight of them. Our Federal Government obviously We must work to give poor farmers an needs to get on the right side of the alternative to the illicit opium trade b 1945 border war, and that is the American that is rampant throughout Afghani- Deputy Hernandez immediately calls side of the border war. It is interesting stan. the sheriff of the county to show up. how our Federal Government is so re- Finally, the legislation provides The sheriff shows up; he calls the Texas lentless in prosecuting border protec- more money than the Pentagon re- Rangers to make an independent inves- tors who are protecting the dignity of quested for critical health care needs tigation of this shooting. The Texas this country, doing everything they for veterans and wounded soldiers. Spe- Rangers—there is probably no finer law can to keep people from illegally com- cifically, the legislation provides $1.7 enforcement group in the United ing into this country, while our Fed- billion more for defense health care States, or in the world for that mat- eral Government gives lip service to and $1.7 billion more for veterans’ ter—make an independent investiga- border control. Of course that is the

VerDate Aug 31 2005 02:42 Mar 22, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00054 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K21MR7.136 H21MRPT1 jcorcoran on PROD1PC62 with HOUSE March 21, 2007 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H2801 news that the drug smugglers and the (Mr. DUNCAN addressed the House. crat talking points, but they are illegals like, that our Federal Govern- His remarks will appear hereafter in squarely against this bill. The editorial ment prosecutes the border protectors the Extensions of Remarks.) pages have gone out of their way to say rather than prosecute them. f what a bad bill this is, to say do we And why does our Federal Govern- The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under a really need a General PELOSI, which is ment jump when the Mexican govern- previous order of the House, the gentle- what the Los Angeles Times said. And ment arrogantly demands that our bor- woman from New York (Mrs. MCCAR- to quote the Los Angeles Times, ‘‘After der protectors be prosecuted? Hopefully THY) is recognized for 5 minutes. weeks of internal strife, House Demo- we are going to find out the answer to (Mrs. MCCARTHY of New York ad- crats have brought forth their proposal that. Who is driving the process, the dressed the House. Her remarks will forcing President Bush to withdraw the Mexican government or our own gov- appear hereafter in the Extensions of troops from Iraq, 2008. This plan is un- ernment? And anyway, who cares what Remarks.) ruly, bad public policy, bad precedent the Mexican government thinks, they and bad politics. If the legislation f are irrelevant to border security and passes, Bush says he will veto it, as what our border protectors do. The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under a well he should.’’ That is the Los Ange- Mr. Speaker, the border war con- previous order of the House, the gentle- les Times. tinues, and the Federal Government woman from Florida (Ms. CORRINE BROWN) is recognized for 5 minutes. Here is the Washington Post. The needs to get on the right side of the Pelosi plan for Iraq. ‘‘The only con- border war because right now they are (Ms. CORRINE BROWN of Florida ad- dressed the House. Her remarks will stituency House Speaker NANCY PELOSI missing in action. ignored in her plan for amending And that’s just the way it is. appear hereafter in the Extensions of Remarks.) Bush’s supplemental war funding bill f are the people of the country that the f The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. U.S. troops are fighting to stabilize.’’ PERLMUTTER). Under a previous order WAR SUPPLEMENTAL IS BAD That is real important. of the House, the gentleman from Iowa POLITICS, BAD POLICY ‘‘The Democratic proposal doesn’t at- (Mr. KING) is recognized for 5 minutes. The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under tempt to answer the question of why (Mr. KING of Iowa addressed the the Speaker’s announced policy of Jan- August 2008 is the right moment for the House. His remarks will appear here- uary 18, 2007, the gentleman from Geor- Iraqi Government to lose all support after in the Extensions of Remarks.) gia (Mr. KINGSTON) is recognized for 60 from U.S. combat units. It doesn’t hint f minutes as the designee of the minor- as to what might happen if American The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under a ity leader. forces were to leave at the end of this previous order of the House, the gen- Mr. KINGSTON. Mr. Speaker, I ap- year, a development that would be trig- tleman from Washington (Mr. SMITH) is preciate the opportunity to be here to- gered by the Iraqi Government’s weak- recognized for 5 minutes. night. ness. It doesn’t explain how continued (Mr. SMITH of Washington addressed I wanted to talk on the eve of what U.S. interest in Iraq, which holds the the House. His remarks will appear may be the most controversial bill that world’s second largest oil reserve and a hereafter in the Extensions of Re- we have voted on since I have been a substantial cadre of al Qaeda militants, marks.) Member of Congress, and I have been a would be protected after 2008. In fact, it f Member of Congress now for 16 years. may prohibit U.S. forces from return- The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under a In fact, sometimes I don’t like to admit ing once they leave.’’ That is the Wash- previous order of the House, the gen- that in public because everybody gets ington Post. tleman from Utah (Mr. BISHOP) is rec- so concerned about term limits, I don’t These are not what I would call ognized for 5 minutes. want to be the poster child for my en- mainstream moderate newspapers. The (Mr. BISHOP of Utah addressed the emies on that subject. But I have been Los Angeles Times and the Washington House. His remarks will appear here- in Congress for the NAFTA vote, for Post are out there drumming the after in the Extensions of Remarks.) the renewal of GATT, the General drums for the liberal causes, time and f Agreement on Trade and Tariffs. I have time again, and they are both squarely The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under a been here for the impeachment vote. I against this plan. was here for welfare reform, some very previous order of the House, the gentle- You know, I think one thing Ameri- woman from California (Ms. WOOLSEY) significant pieces of legislation, the Contract With America, and recently cans have to ask themselves is, is there is recognized for 5 minutes. U.S. interest in Iraq? Rhetorical ques- (Ms. WOOLSEY addressed the House. with the Democrats’ 6 for 06 plan. Yet in all my years of Congress, I can say tion. Is there U.S. interest in Iraq? Her remarks will appear hereafter in Now, if there isn’t, and the war is in the Extensions of Remarks.) that this week, perhaps tomorrow, per- haps Friday, we will have what is the fact in the tank as Speaker PELOSI and f most controversial bill that I ever many of her followers believe, get out The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under a voted on and the largest supplemental tomorrow. Get out. Get out yesterday. previous order of the House, the gentle- appropriation bill in the history of the Now, this bill doesn’t say that. It is woman from Tennessee (Mrs. United States Congress, a bill which more of a slow-bleed, sure-formula-for- BLACKBURN) is recognized for 5 min- the President requested for our troops defeat plan. But if you really think the utes. in Afghanistan and Iraq and the war on war is in the tank, why spend another (Mrs. BLACKBURN addressed the terrorism in general. His request level nickel there? House. Her remarks will appear here- was $101 billion, but it is actually going Now I understand, I haven’t spoken after in the Extensions of Remarks.) to be about a $124 billion bill, because to him, that my colleague from Geor- f there are many things that aren’t even gia, JOHN LEWIS, has made that philo- The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under a related to the war that have now got sophical and principled position. JOHN previous order of the House, the gen- stuck in the bill. is a liberal senior Member from At- tleman from Oregon (Mr. DEFAZIO) is There are a lot of different views on lanta. And he says, I am against the recognized for 5 minutes. this that I wanted to talk about. I have war. Why should I vote to spend $100 (Mr. DEFAZIO addressed the House. my friend, Mr. CARTER from Texas, who billion more there? I respect that posi- His remarks will appear hereafter in is a fellow appropriator on this Special tion. But if you are going to spend the the Extensions of Remarks.) Order. The thing that is interesting, money and give the troops some assist- f though, is that a lot of the traditional ance, why are you tying their hands at The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under a allies of the Democrat Party, the Los the same time? Again, if there is a U.S. previous order of the House, the gen- Angeles Times, the Washington Post, interest, then is there not a U.S. inter- tleman from Tennessee (Mr. DUNCAN) is and sometimes in fact those two news- est in victory? Is there a U.S. interest recognized for 5 minutes. papers are inseparable from the Demo- in defeat? And so often the critics of

VerDate Aug 31 2005 05:30 Mar 22, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00055 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K21MR7.139 H21MRPT1 jcorcoran on PROD1PC62 with HOUSE H2802 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE March 21, 2007 the war always dodge those important Now, I have the honor of representing Petraeus is trying to do with what questions. the 3rd Infantry Division, Fort Stew- some are calling a surge, but more fa- And you can go back to 2003 and cite art, Fort Hunter, Georgia. I also have a miliar to our soldiers is a call for more many things that have gone wrong. I couple other military bases. But Fort boots on the ground; or as Jack said, am a Republican and I will tell you Stewart leaves this week on its third for somebody to take your back. what, there have been many things deployment there. And I don’t see how But the real issue here is what is the that we have misjudged and done I could be expected to represent those plan for victory that General Petraeus wrong, and it is regrettable. And I soldiers and tell them, you know, has painted for us. Well, the plan is to would also say that even prior to 2003, ma’am, your son is patroling the involve Iraq in their own defense. The maybe some things should have gone in streets of Baghdad and I had the oppor- plan is for one battalion of American a different direction. I will say, as a tunity to send him 20,000 troops to soldiers to back up a brigade of Iraqi Member of the House at the time, we cover his back and I voted no. Because soldiers as they go in and execute a were driven by the 17 United Nations it is a fundamental question. If you are new policy in the neighborhoods of ter- resolutions, which the Iraqi Govern- in Iraq, do you want 20,000 more troops ror in Baghdad. The Army will be back- ment ignored. We were driven by the helping you or not? How can you say ing up a brigade with a battalion. best intelligence estimates at the time, you support somebody if you are not There are five battalions in a brigade. which said that there were weapons of going to give them additional troops to So that means it is a 5 to 1 ratio is the mass destruction and Saddam Hussein back them up? plan for the Iraqis to be in the fight would use them. That was a view that Now, I don’t believe this is a status versus the Americans. The Americans was shared by HILLARY CLINTON, JOHN quo vote at all, because General will provide all of the great resources, KERRY, TED KENNEDY, and all the other Petraeus, who is now our commander all of the know-how, all of the skill, all leading Democratic critics of this war. over there, has designed this plan as a of the training, all the can-do that our But they all had the same conclusion way to ramp up our forces and clamp American forces provide to the fight. in 2001, 2002 and 2003, leading to our res- down on the violence and the attacks, But the Iraqis will go in and they will olution to give the President the use of train the Iraqi troops, and then sta- take care of cleaning out the neighbor- force to go into Iraq. But I understand bilize the country and come home. I be- hoods in Baghdad. They speak the lan- politics. Backseat driving and revi- lieve that that is an exit and a victory guage. They know the culture and the sionist history just comes with the plan, and it is changing the status quo. religion. They know the various turf. So why would you put the general in groups. They can do this in a much So we can politically revise history. I charge, who I think was approved by more effective way, with the support of understand there is a short-term mem- the Senate by a vote of 80 or 90 to zero, General Petraeus’ troops. And he has ory and a convenience factor, and if I don’t think there was a dissenting told us that he needs the additional you are running for the Democratic vote, and then say to him, good luck, boots on the ground to make this plan Presidential nomination, you have got but we are going to micromanage the work. war because we have 435 Members of Now, I think the American people are to be dodging and weaving, as JOHN Congress who, General Petraeus, are a people that believe in winning. You KERRY did last time, voting for it and know, I sit around this House in our off then against it and having positions all mighty good military folks in own time, and what are we talking about, over the court. right. Maybe we should in fact move who is going to win the next basketball But we are here now. Whether you Congress to Baghdad, since all the gen- game competition that is going on in are Democrat or Republican, the last erals seem to be in this room who have this country? And we are talking about election, November 2006, put the Demo- all the answers. Mr. CARTER. Would the gentleman who is going to win, not who is going crats in charge. They are no longer in yield? I thank the gentleman for yield- to lose. the back seat of the car. The President ing. When it is football season, we are may have driven the car to where it is, Very good description of what we are looking for a winning season. When we but the Democrat Party now has its looking at this week. And you are have a baseball team, we want them to hand on the steering wheel. And you right; this may be one of the most crit- have a winning year and to win the can steer good policy. And this, as the ical votes that the people that hold pennant. We are a Nation that likes Los Angeles Times says, is bad policy, these valuable seats that our people winners. We have the most effective very bad policy. back home gave us are going to cast in fighting force in the history of man on If you believe there is a U.S. interest their lifetime, because they are going the ground today, and they can win. and you think, what would happen with to cast a life-and-death vote here. And they are telling us we have a plan. the U.S. out of Iraq suddenly? There You know, as you mentioned, the One of the problems that we have run would be chaos, there would be civil troops and the 1st Infantry Division into in Baghdad, and I have learned war, and it is quite likely that the sec- that you represent over there in Geor- this by visiting with these generals. I ond largest oil-producing nation in the gia, I am very blessed to represent the visited just recently with the general world would fall into the hands of anti- folks at Fort Hood, Texas. We are the who brought the 4th Infantry Division American, anti-Western terrorists and only two division posts in the entire back, and they are ready and training become a nation state of terrorists, a world, as I understand it, and I am very to deploy again next fall for their third haven for more terrorists. proud to represent the 4th Infantry Di- or fourth deployment. I don’t know of anybody in the Con- vision and the 1st Cavalry Division and What was said was we have dem- gress that thinks it is a good idea to ig- III Corps. onstrated we can clear out an area like nore terrorism the way we did prior to As we meet here tonight, the 1st Cav- Sadr City, for instance. The 1st Cav- 9/11, when the two embassies were at- alry Division is in Baghdad, and Gen- alry Division went in 2 years ago and tacked in Africa, when the USS Cole eral Odierno and III Corps are in com- cleaned out Sadr City, redesigned the was attacked in Yemen, and when the mand. sewer system, got the electricity sys- 1993 bombing of the World Trade Center tem working slightly, got the garbage happened. We are not going to let that b 2000 that had been in the streets for years happen again. We understand that you Now, I have my soldiers from the 1st under Saddam Hussein cleaned out, and just can’t ignore terrorism, that you Cavalry Division, and I call them mine they did this under fire. And they also have to be engaged with it. because I care about every single soli- killed or captured the bad guys that So if you believe there is an interest tary one of those soldiers as they serve they found, and ran the rest of them and there is a huge downside in sudden our country. I have them in harm’s out of Sadr City. But they didn’t have withdrawal, why would you vote for a way tonight as we stand here, with the resources to hold Sadr City. bill that says we are going to withdraw great generals who know what they are This plan is to clear, hold, and reha- but we are going to withdraw slowly? doing, know their mission, and are bilitate. That’s the plan that General We are going to let our troops stay ready to accomplish it. Petraeus talked to the Senate about. over there, but we are not going to give I don’t think the American people That’s the plan he has, as I understand them the backup that they need. have really understood what General it.

VerDate Aug 31 2005 05:30 Mar 22, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00056 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K21MR7.149 H21MRPT1 jcorcoran on PROD1PC62 with HOUSE March 21, 2007 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H2803 And the Iraqis will set up like sta- Mr. CARTER. You go ahead. I have Army, saying not only do we want to tions in the various neighborhoods to been there three times, and let me tell tell you where they are, but we want to do the clear with our help; they will do you, I like the professional soldier and help you take these people out of our the hold with our help; and then teams the job he is doing. neighborhoods. will come in from the Army and the Another interesting thing that is not I believe one of the turning points Marine Corps and like from the State being said that you need to know, and that is going on in Iraq today is the Department to do the rehabilitation of I think it is important and if you talk fact that the Iraqi people are tired of the area and give them services they to the soldiers you will learn this, in what these terrorists are doing to their practically haven’t had under Saddam the Anbar Province where the marines own country. They are tired of the kill- Hussein, and some have never had in are operating with some of the air- ing. And I notice the gentleman has a their lifetime. borne folks, and that is where the ma- picture of a street scene. I know what This is a plan that I think we owe to rines asked for 4,000 more troops to that father and mother are thinking: our soldiers and their sacrifice, to give help them, for the first time we have Will my children ever be safe to walk them a chance to get done. I am heart- had a change of support from the popu- the streets of the neighborhood they sick that we have a plan that is sup- lace in Anbar Province. Al Qaeda is were raised in? posed to be funding these troops to get there. That is where our enemy that The good news is the answer to that this job done that is coming to the blew up our country, that is where they is going to be yes. floor of the House, and it has provi- are. The marines are hunting them Now, is it still dangerous over there? sions in that plan which it looks like down, capturing or killing them. They Absolutely. But we are at war. I think to me are saying we don’t think you are saying give us 4,000 more, and we some people are under the misconcep- can succeed. Therefore, we are setting will get this job done. Why is that? Be- tion that one day we are going to wake up kind of a track to get you out be- cause the sheiks are now cooperating. up and we are going to have some cause by a vote for the bill in its They are now saying to the marines, utopic situation in Iraq. The Israeli present state, we are saying to our sol- we will tell you where these guys are. people have been waiting for that diers overseas, we don’t think you can Mr. KINGSTON. Something curious utopic situation for many, many years. get the job done and so here is how we is that the Speaker of the House said There is still going to be violence. are going to get you out, and here is we need to get out of Iraq and go to Af- We have violence in our own country. the drop-dead date, August of next ghanistan where the real war on ter- We have violence in our own cities. But year, when you are getting out, like it rorism is. one of the things I felt was most com- or not. It is kind of scary to think that pelling when I was over there, and I You mentioned General PELOSI someone who is third in line to the was visiting with all of the way from micromanaging. I have real problems President would have that kind of a General Petraeus down to privates to with this bill, and I hope every Member naive misunderstanding of the world boots on the ground, and each one of of Congress will look at this bill and we live in. our stops in Fallujah, in Ramadi, in look at it in terms of human beings, We have been joined by the gen- i.e. our soldiers. It has a provision, and Baghdad, we had lunch or dinner with tleman from Texas (Mr. NEUGEBAUER), it has a provision which says no unit the troops. Those are the people that and I want to hear what he has to say. can go to the fight unless they are cer- really will tell you how things are Mr. NEUGEBAUER. I was listening going. tified by someone, that they are fully to my friend from Texas’s analogy trained, fully equipped before they are What they said is what the gentle- about the sporting events, since that is men both have been saying: Things are allowed to go. And if they cannot meet on everybody’s mind right now. I was that certification on their demarcation getting better. We are able to go into thinking about two things. One, the date they will be by this bill defunded these neighborhoods, and we have a dif- proposal that is being put before this because they are not certified to go to ferent tactic. We used to have a post Congress, possibly this week, is to say, the fight. and we would go in with a convoy and Meanwhile, there are troops in Iraq you know what, let’s let the fans do the we would tour that area, and at the end who are expecting to have a replace- coaching. We hired us a head coach, of the day we would go back out. Now ment coming in. They have been there but you know what, we have decided we are putting security posts inside the for a year. But what does this bill say the fans know more about how to win communities. I call it kind of like com- about those troops in Iraq? In this case, this basketball championship, and so munity policing. Now we have a pres- the 1st Cavalry Division from Fort we are going to let the fans do that. ence there. Hood, Texas, next fall under this bill, But the most compelling thing that I And one of the things that people once they reach 365 days in theater, heard, and I want to talk a little bit don’t realize, for example, in Baghdad, this bill defunds those soldiers. about this trip, and the gentlemen both that presence looks like this. There are Now, if we fail to certify their re- know, I just returned 10 days ago from three Iraqi security force officers, placements and we have defunded the being in Iraq for the third time. I was whether they be police or army, to soldiers and now you have a 1st Cav- in Fallujah, was in Ramadi, and talked every one American. So what is hap- alry Division soldier who is short on to General Petraeus, a four-star gen- pening, those people are coming up to gasoline and ammunition in the war, is eral who we have tasked to finish and those people that are in their neighbor- that where we want that soldier to be? win the war in Iraq, all of the way hood and saying, Down the block two Is that caring for the American troops? down to the privates. And one of the ways is a bad person. And you know And all of this is being managed from privates said to me, Congressman, it is what? On a number of occasions we here, not from the generals that are in like this. In sporting events, we have have gone down to where the people the fight? home games and we have away games. say they were, and not only did we find I think it is a tragedy that we would We lost one of our home games; let’s some high-value targets, we also found even consider doing something like win this away game. huge caches of weapons and IED-mak- this, thinking we as a body have the He was referring to the attack on ing things. military knowledge, superior to the 9/11. That wasn’t the first attack on b 2015 people we just, by the example you home soil. So we have lost a couple of gave, by a unanimous vote of the Sen- home games, we want to win the away So now I think the hearts of the Iraqi ate hired a man to do the job. games. people are in this. I know that the Mr. KINGSTON. I think the genius of Also, the gentleman from Texas is hearts of our troops were because, as I the U.S. Congress is not only can we exactly right. What we saw in Fallujah shared with the conference, I believe, 2 solve health care and education and ag- and Ramadi is that the sheiks are not weeks ago, those soldiers looked me riculture and transportation, but on only telling us where the bad guys are, right in the eye, and they said, Con- the side, we can run a war. I am just but in one case, one of the sheiks from gressman, nobody has more invested in saying, hey, with this kind of brain his particular tribe sent 400 or 500 of this war than we do. power, we all ought to go to Baghdad his young people from his tribe to en- One young man, this is his third tour. and put on a uniform. list in the police force in the Iraqi He said, sir, I have been in harm’s way

VerDate Aug 31 2005 05:30 Mar 22, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00057 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K21MR7.151 H21MRPT1 jcorcoran on PROD1PC62 with HOUSE H2804 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE March 21, 2007 three times for this country and for my The other thing is we keep hearing things that concerns me most is that country, and he said, nobody has more that we are caught up in a civil war. this global war on terrorism is a real invested than I do. He said, Congress- Well, the flip side is this: It is 70 per- war. So when we talk about bleeding man, please go back and tell your col- cent of the people do not believe that out or getting out or whatever you leagues, let us finish this job. This is a they are in a civil war. want to call it of Iraq, the thing that fight we can win. Now, is it not strange that the Iraqis the other side has not brought to us is And anybody that voted to send do not believe they are in a civil war, what they are going to do next, what is those troops over there just to go over but if you poll the Democrat Members next on the agenda, what are they there and play Army for a while and of Congress, I bet you 90 percent would going to do if they pull out of Iraq, then come home with defeat made the say they are in a civil war, and yet then how are we going to continue to wrong vote. When we send our young somehow the folks who live there do keep these bad people from following men and women in harm’s way, we not believe they are in it. I find that a us back to the U.S.? need to be sending them to win, not to strange, just a very big difference, but, I think that is a real concern, and I place. We need to win those away you know, who knows? I mean, we are think that the fact that the gentleman, games so that we do not have to fight politicians. We know everything. So I did the see the copy of the press con- any more home games. certainly we know what the Iraqis are ference, and it is disconcerting that I also shared with the conference, I up to, and maybe they do not. those folks that are the folks that have believe, this week the story about a The other thing that that poll, and it the next plan. gentleman that joined me in the State is not on my chart, but the other thing Mr. KINGSTON. The gentleman also of the Union for this year. His name is that the poll showed is that 66 percent knows, both you guys being from Roy Vallez, and Roy was sitting right of the people say they are better off Texas, that last year the Border Pa- back over here in this corner in a seat now than they were under Saddam Hus- trol, I believe, caught 115,000 people that my wife gave her ticket to Roy, sein, conveniently unreported in Amer- coming through the Mexican borders and why Roy is so special is Roy has ican news, but I would recommend to who were OTM, other than Mexican, the distinction, unfortunately, of being you all to check out Sunday’s London and the concern of terrorists coming the only father in America that has Times. over here is real because we do have lost two sons in Iraq. One other statistic that was not in terrorists right now inside the United While Roy was here, he was going the poll, but this is just a fact. But the States border. We do not know how around telling everybody about how month before we started the surge, and many cells or what they meet or what important it is for us to finish this war the surge officially started the 14th of their intentions are, but we do know so that his sacrifice, his extreme sac- February, the month before, there were that they are here. rifice, that he made and his sons made 1,440 civilian casualties. Since that Mr. CARTER. I think that is a very was not all for naught. He had an op- time there have been 265. You cannot good point. I also think it is a very portunity to talk to the President of ignore that statistic. good point to note that we are talking Now, I also want to give everybody a the United States who called him on about, we need to get back to what we homework assignment. This is just for his cell phone, and he and the Presi- set out to do here in Congress with this the folks back home. I would love you dent had a wonderful conversation. supplemental bill. I mean, what did the guys to see what the Democrat leader- That is the message he said to the President and the generals who are in ship says about the bill they are intro- President. Now, if there is anybody charge of this fight ask us to do as a ducing tomorrow. Remember, this is a that has a right to question whether we Congress? Did they ask us to load up a ought to pull out right now or quit or bill that is their official war plan. bill with pork so that folks back home come home, I believe Roy Vallez prob- Go to www.gop.gov/news/ would have all kinds of pork projects? ably gets a place at the top of the list. documentsingle, and what do we have? Mr. KINGSTON. I do not think you Aspx? This, if we can get this on cam- No. They asked us to give them what it will find Hollywood or the media clam- era, if anybody would come call me, I takes for them to do their job. They oring around Roy Vallez the way they would love you to see the Democrat did not ask us to run the war. They have Cindy Sheehan. I wonder what the leadership explaining their plan. I am asked us to help them do their job. People love to quote generals around difference is. telling you, it is absolutely, it is al- Mr. NEUGEBAUER. I think it is a most right out of Comedy Central. Are here, and, in fact, today I have heard very good point. Unfortunately, the they really saying this? Because every- twice quoted generals. Of course, these rest of the world does not get to hear thing is, well, what date y’all call get- were all generals that are no longer in the good stories. ting out? Well, I do not know, let me the fight, but they quote them, and Mr. KINGSTON. I have found the ask my colleague here. Well, I do not they are certainly valid sources, and I same way. I have been to Iraq twice, know, let me ask my colleagues. It was do not criticize the opinions of those and when I go there to talk to the kind of like, okay, can anybody tell us generals. They love to quote them. But troops, their biggest enemy is the the capital of Iraq? This is, yes, it is on I do not hear anybody quoting the American media. They will tell you it a GOP Web site. That is the only thing opinions of the generals that are in the is so frustrating, and they never would partisan about it. It is absolutely not fight today, and yet they are giving us have believed the media was so bad. touched up one bit. their opinions. I want to show you some statistics I want to be sure everybody has an One of the things that some folks that I think are important because you opportunity to look this up, but go to back home ask me, and I think this is have just been there, but this was a www.gop.gov/news/ a valid thing to pass on to everyone poll that, again, good old American documentsingle.aspx? And ask for the here in the House and to whoever may media covered up that was actually in document ID is 60396, and if you cannot be listening, General Petraeus was Sunday’s London Times, a British com- find it, just call my office and we will asked about an exit strategy from Iraq. pany, the largest poll in the history of give it to you, but it is scary. It is on He said, let us get this deal to work be- Iraq, over 5,000 people were surveyed. one hand hilarious. On the other hand, cause we think we have the right for- Now, I think so often when we hear it is scary that here is a leadership of mula to make it work, and as we stand polls that CNN reports, they poll their a party saying here is our plan, and up the Iraqi troops and they show what newsroom, 25 people, all whose minds they cannot even explain it on prime- they are showing us in preliminaries have made up against the war and time television. right now that they are now ready to against George Bush. But this was the I wanted to say the scary part is participate, as we have these successes, largest poll in the history of the coun- these are high-stakes stuff, but please, we can start drawing down the troops. try, largest poll during the war, of over look this up and watch this news con- So he told an exit strategy. How 5,000 people. ference. If you still think that this is many of us have heard that in the They found this: That al-Maliki’s, as the right thing to do, well, you are see- media? All we hear is we are going to a Prime Minister, approval rating is 49 ing something I am not seeing. war, it is never ending, and there is no percent. In September, it was 29 per- Mr. NEUGEBAUER. I want to make exit strategy, and the man that we just cent. That is a significant statistic. the point, but I think that is one of the elected or voted for in the Senate

VerDate Aug 31 2005 02:42 Mar 22, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00058 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K21MR7.153 H21MRPT1 jcorcoran on PROD1PC62 with HOUSE March 21, 2007 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H2805 unanimously to be in charge has told And then there is the emergency of Mr. CARTER. That’s the key. us, this is not a never-ending situation. Secure Rural Schools Act, $400 million Mr. NEUGEBAUER. Doesn’t the gen- It is all about standing up the Iraqis for rural schools to offset revenues lost tleman find it ironic, both of you, that and standing down the Americans, and by the Bureau of Land Management in order to get support for this flawed we can get there if we do this thing owning timber. plan where we are basically saying to well. And then low-income energy assist- our troops, we don’t think you can get This man is considered by everyone ance program, a little confused about the job done, we are going to cut and in the military as the counterinsur- this one because, you know, with glob- run, we are going to slow-bleed this, gency expert of the Army. That is why al warming, and it already being that they have got to go out and start we have got him over there. March, well, who knows? I digress. buying votes from their Members by of- So let us get back to what we are Vaccine compensation, $50 million to fering up these projects, some of these doing here. American soldiers, one of compensate individuals for injuries pet projects from some of these Mem- the things that just amazes me what caused by the H5N1 vaccine. Now, as bers in order to get support. Something the soldiers and marines do, they strap you know, that is avian flu. And so of as important as our national security on between 80 and 100 pounds of stuff, the $5.6 billion we have already spent, is being bartered in the halls of the sometimes more than that, and they go and of the $900 million we are about to United States Congress. out in 140-degree temperature in metal spend, we still have to give $50 million I don’t believe the American people vehicles and fight for the freedom of extra on that. think that’s the way we ought to be those people in Iraq. But this Congress doing business here. I don’t think they b 2030 and this bill wants to load on their think when we are making policy shoulders an additional $24 billion Then, $50 million for the Capitol about keeping America safe, keeping worth of pork, and it is a shame. Power Plant. I mean, we have got to America secure, making sure that And why does this bill have this pork get that building renovated. when we send our troops somewhere, in it? What I mean by pork is things Mr. NEUGEBAUER. That and the we support them 100 percent so that we that have nothing to do with what we Visitor Center are somehow tied to- can bring home the victory we send were asked to do, which is help our sol- gether. I think they are having a race them to. diers do their duty. as to who can finish that project last. Now we are bartering for that Mr. KINGSTON. Let me talk to you, Mr. KINGSTON. Yes, I think so. Then progress with these projects. As the for the $23 billion extra that are not re- the children’s health care program, the gentleman said, many of these things lated to the war but are on this bill, de- SCHIP program, the State Children’s are worthwhile initiatives, but this is signed to bring in more people to sup- Health Insurance Program, there is a not the time nor the place nor the port it, this is what it includes: avian shortfall. But we have to ask ourselves, forum for those to be talked about. flu, $969 million. We have already what is the shortfall? The gentleman Mr. KINGSTON. I want to read you spent, I believe, $5.6 billion on avian Mr. CARTER knows, one of the big rea- this statement by the Speaker of the flu. We have already spent $5.6 billion, sons is because the children’s health House, third in line for the President, but it is an emergency, we have got to system has been abused in many States March 19. This is NANCY PELOSI talk- spend nearly another billion. because they have insured adults. ing, ‘‘When we do this, when we transi- Spinach, spinach recall, not spinach Mr. CARTER. We did discuss this last disaster, but recalling to the private tion, when we change the mission, week, and this plan was good hearted. when we redeploy the troops, build po- sector, $25 million. It was designed to help children. But Minimum wage, well, we know that litical consensus, engage in diplomatic some of our States said, wait a minute, is an emergency. Hurricane citrus pro- efforts and reform and reinvigorate the here is our chance, this is free health gram because of Katrina and Rita, I reconstruction effort, then we can turn care from the Federal Government for guess like avian flu, Katrina’s the gift our attention to the real war on terror our State. Let’s just include children that keeps on giving in terms of any in Afghanistan. I hear the voice of the and their parents, and maybe their time you need to pass something. future in the Chamber. What a beau- NASA, $35 million for exploration ca- brothers and sisters. tiful sound. What a beautiful sound.’’ pabilities. Well, that is certainly emer- Mr. KINGSTON. And the grand- Now, I guess that qualifies you to gency. We better deal with that on the parents. micromanage the war in Iraq because backs of the soldiers. Mr. CARTER. And the grandparents. you have acknowledged there is no ter- Corps of Engineers, more repair to In fact, let’s just make it health care rorism in Iraq, that it’s all in Afghani- the levee system in New Orleans. I do for everybody in our State that falls in stan. I guess if the real war is in Af- not know how many times we are going this category. This is like the Federal ghanistan, then the fake war is in Iraq. to repair that levee system, but maybe Government, and now they have got a Therefore, it’s okay, at the hands of the Corps of Engineers cannot get it shortfall, which that is not kind of the troop. right, and who knows, maybe we need hard to figure out if you calculate it, Mr. CARTER. We are sitting here to bring in the private sector. what it costs to take care of the kids, with a concern that goes back 1,000 And, of course, FEMA is going to get and then you added all their extended years between the Sunnis and the Shi- more money. I mean, what would an family to the program, yes, they will ites. That is why people talk about emergency bill be without the FEMA have a shortfall. This isn’t rocket civil war. bureaucrats getting more money? science here. Now, has anybody read what has been And then there is rental assistance Mr. KINGSTON. The gentleman will put in the Middle Eastern newspapers for Indian housing, another emergency; remember in committee last week, about if the Americans pull out, and it crop disaster assistance, shrimp, $120 when we debated this funding, Dr. blows up in Iraq, the countries that million; frozen farm land, $20 million; WELDON and I had an amendment. I will come to the aid of these two aquaculture operations, $5 million for pulled out a chart that showed the groups? The Iranians have said, we are aquaculture for shellfish, oysters and number of States that had put the ma- not going to let Shiites be put down, clams. It does not have to do with jority of their money into adult health we will come to their aid. The Saudis Katrina, to my knowledge. care rather than children’s health care. have said, we are not going to have Of course, the emergency at the FDA, You know, if there is a problem out genocide for the Sunnis who are the $4 million for the Office of Women’s there, that should be addressed. I want minority party, we will come to the Health. Big emergency. I guess you to say for the record, these things Sunnis’ aid. guys have been getting a lot of letters aren’t programs that don’t have merit. I think Americans know that if you about that one. All of these things that I have listed take Iraq, Iran and Saudi Arabia, that National Oceanic and Atmospheric are, I think there are some valid argu- is the basic oil production region of the Administration, $60 million for fishing ments for them. Some reforms are cer- entire Middle East who could become communities, Indian tribes, individual, tainly needed in many of them, but involved in a region-wide conflict be- small businesses, fishermen and fish they don’t belong in a war bill, a fund- cause of America’s early pullout, as processors, $60.4 million. ing war bill. recommended by Speaker PELOSI. Then

VerDate Aug 31 2005 02:42 Mar 22, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00059 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K21MR7.154 H21MRPT1 jcorcoran on PROD1PC62 with HOUSE H2806 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE March 21, 2007 you know how upset folks got about $4- Mr. KINGSTON. I want to say also on dealt with in the regular appropria- a-gallon gasoline? So what happens a bipartisan basis, you have a lot of tions process which is still to come, when over two-thirds of the world’s support for the good that is in the sup- and the regular budget process which is supply is involved in a civil war or re- plemental. I will hand it to the Demo- still to come. gion-wide war in the Middle East if you crat leadership, the Democrats on the You know what? If passing legisla- don’t care about doing the right thing? Appropriations, for putting in things tion, if there were a drop-dead date we We certainly know people care about that we know the troops need such as were told, we would be voting on this having $10-a-gallon gasoline. It’s kind the MRAPs, the Mine Resistant Am- bill today. So if we were going to be of a sad, tragic thing to argue. bush Protected Humvees the troops having a drop-dead event in world poli- But let’s get realistic about this. If want; more money for the joint IED de- tics today, it would drop dead today, we get stability in Iraq where there is feat fund. We had some really good tes- because we didn’t pass what we were not going to be this threat of genocide, timony on that. Increases for the de- promised we were going to pass today. if we can get there by them turning to fense health care program, that is im- To put a time limit, to do it by the their government for assistance rather portant; more money for equipment 1st of July or everybody comes home, than to militia and terrorists, that is and training, more money for Afghani- when we are talking to them, that’s our goal. If we get there, we keep a sta- stan to counterterrorist-laden regions, the voice of a legislative body talking ble region, and America is affected by money for a shortfall in the theater. to another legislative body. And they having stability in that region. There is some very good things in this know they can’t meet deadlines in Mr. NEUGEBAUER. We are talking bill that we believe, on a bipartisan their Congress. We can’t meet absolute about this civil war. One of the inter- basis, that the troops need. deadlines in our Congress. Things hap- esting things in Fallujah is we sat But the part which requires the Iraqi pen. This is what’s wrong with micro- down, and at the table, across the Government to do certain things, managing from 6,000 miles away. table, was the police chief of Fallujah. which they may or may not be able to Mr. NEUGEBAUER. The gentleman Sitting next to him was a colonel in do by a deadline of July 1, really does is exactly right. I think the point was the Iraqi Army. The interesting thing tie up the Commander in Chief. I will made, this is a young government. This about that meeting, one is Sunni, the say we are an equal branch of govern- is a young government that is basically other is Shiite. Yet they are working ment, but the Commander in Chief is in about 8 months old. Basically they are side by side to make sure that charge of wars, not Members of Con- learning how to govern because they Fallujah, the streets of Fallujah, are gress. have been an oppressed people for so again a place where families can walk Just to give you an example, to re- long. and commerce can take place. write the Iraqi hydrocarbon law, which I think about our Nation, we are One of the interesting things that I has to do with revenue sharing of the going to celebrate over 230 years of his- saw on this trip, each trip I have seen oil, I think it’s a good thing to do. But tory of this country, this Republic. We progress. On this particular trip, I saw I think if you say it has to be done a are still learning how to govern in a lot more people out in the farmlands. date certain, July 1, they might not be many ways. I think talking about drop- What a lot of people don’t know about able to do that. dead dates, wouldn’t it be nice if we Iraq is that at one time they were an Here we are in the United States had a drop-dead date to go to a bal- exporter of agricultural products. This Government, last year we could not anced budget in this Congress? is a region of the world that is rich in pass a budget. Right now, we are hav- The gentleman talked about the a lot of natural resources. One of those ing trouble passing a budget. Some- splitting of oil reserves, and I think is water. times these things take longer than some of the positive things are there But more people were engaged in the they do shorter. has been a tentative agreement streets. We flew at night. We flew from We got to give a new government the reached within some of the Iraqi lead- Ramadi into Baghdad, flying over the opportunity to get things done and not ership, and they are going to hopefully city, a lot more lights, a lot more elec- micromanage their government. But I bring that to a vote here fairly quick- tricity on, not just in the city but out think the biggest concern is, among ly. Prime Minister Maliki is making it in the countryside. These are the kinds other things, that there is still a pull- very clear that there is no one that is of things that are going to build that out. There is still a date certain for a a sacred cow in this war. If there are Nation. pullout, August 2008, and it’s possible bad people out there, no matter what To pull the plug after we have in- Iraqis won’t be ready. It’s possible we their affiliation is, that they have per- vested all of the lives and the resources could do it before then. mission to go and do that. into this initiative at this particular What General Petraeus has outlined 2045 point in time is really unconscionable for us is to go full-fledged with this b for our country even to consider that. I troop surge, bring stabilization while And the list goes on and on of the am concerned that a lot of people don’t ramping up the training of our Iraqis, positives. Yes, we still have fatalities; realize, as you said, what is really at so that we can hand them the baton in yes, we still have people being killed in stake here. a way that we have continued sta- that country. But we have never, I Mr. CARTER. I think that Americans bilization, and then we can go home. I don’t know of a war we have fought clearly have a stake in a stable Middle think letting General Petraeus call that there weren’t those costs. East. If they don’t realize they have a that shot in Baghdad is far more im- Mr. KINGSTON. I wanted to point stake, they will know it when they go portant than 435 wannabe generals here out one more time: Civilian casualties to the pump, if that region goes into in the United States Congress and in a month before the surge, 1,440; casual- turmoil. They will know it. You know, Washington. ties after the surge beginning February it’s sad to have to talk in those terms, Mr. CARTER. I agree with you 15, 265. Bombings have dropped 40 per- but it’s the truth. wholeheartedly. That is our issue here cent, from 163 to 102. And that would Let’s get back to why we are here. tonight. I agree with you. They worked just be general bombings, IEDs. And We are here to give our troops the tools hard to put a lot of the needs in here. then car bombings are down 35 percent, they need, the weapons they need, and Let’s not say that these other things from 56 to 36. That is progress we are the fuel they need to continue this that have been, in my opinion, wrongly already seeing because of the surge. fight and to see if this new direction added to this bill in the way of pork, And I want to get the guys home, but will bring victory for a bunch of folks those things are still very important to you need to complete the job, you need that deserve a victory. this country. Many of those things are to have victory and make sure that we Mr. KINGSTON. Let’s also say that important to my district, but I would do not have to go back, and an arbi- the supplemental is needed for a lot of tell my folks back home, as important trary pullout date would cause that. needed equipment for these troops, and as some of those things are, our kids I also want to say this: I really do be- there is a lot of good in this supple- have enough to carry on their shoul- lieve the Democrats are right in having mental. ders in Iraq without carrying the bur- more oversight. Frankly, I think that, Mr. NEUGEBAUER. There is. den of these projects which can be as Republicans, we did not get the

VerDate Aug 31 2005 02:42 Mar 22, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00060 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K21MR7.155 H21MRPT1 jcorcoran on PROD1PC62 with HOUSE March 21, 2007 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H2807 oversight that we should have. We troops, America, and international se- their training ground, and as their should have been tougher on some of curity. breeding ground. the testimonies that we received. And I It is in our interests to get the poli- So what we are debating here today think that their suggestions of what tics out of legislation like this and is, I think, exactly the question that is the Iraqi Government should do aren’t come back with something better, posed by the other side of the aisle: far off. But I think giving them dead- something more noble. And I believe Let’s start talking about finishing that lines when we have trouble passing leg- we can do it, because we are Ameri- job. That job is ridding this world of islation ourselves, I think that is a lit- cans. Thank you. fundamentalism and terrorism and ex- tle unreasonable. f tremism that poses a threat to us no But then the biggest part is the arbi- matter where it is. It is not confined by trary pullout date of March 2008. And I ANNOUNCEMENT BY THE SPEAKER the borders of some country in the think you are setting up failure when PRO TEMPORE Middle East that we occupy today. It you are doing that. That decision has The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. doesn’t know the borders of nation got to be made by our generals in KLEIN of Florida). All Members of the states. It poses a threat to us in all Baghdad. House are reminded to address their re- forms and from all places. Mr. CARTER. I thank the gentleman marks to the Chair and not to the tele- And so this debate this week, the for letting us have this discussion to- vision audience. supplemental bill which this House will vote on shortly, is about refocusing our night and allowing us to participate in f this discussion. It has been a good one. mission, starting to deal with the real- 30-SOMETHING WORKING GROUP I hope that the folks that are looking ization and the reality of a conflict at this bill very hard and trying to de- The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under against terrorism that goes far beyond cide how they will vote, I hope that the Speaker’s announced policy of Jan- the borders of Iraq. Part of what this bill is going to do is they will vote to give our American uary 18, 2007, the gentleman from Con- not only redeploy our forces, but also soldiers all the resources they need, necticut (Mr. MURPHY) is recognized for bring our troops out of harm’s way in and give the trained professionals the 60 minutes as the designee of the ma- that country. You can’t ask them to be opportunity to direct the fight, not jority leader. a referee in what has become a reli- certain Members of the United States Mr. MURPHY of Connecticut. Mr. gious conflict in that country, one that Congress. And if that happens, I believe Speaker, it is an honor to be here again military leader after military leader, that we are on the road to success. to spend a small amount of time on be- our own commanding general on the But we will have to have oversight, half of the Speaker’s 30-something field there, General Petraeus, has said and we will have to watch it closely, Working Group. I thank the Speaker of himself just earlier this month that and I for one am in favor of that, be- the House for allowing us this oppor- there is no military solution to what cause what I care most about is the tunity to come and share with our col- has become a civil and religious con- lives of those soldiers that I get to say leagues and share with the American flict on the ground. good-bye to and welcome back home on people some, I think, very important thoughts on what is happening today. Job number one is to recognize the the planes in Texas. And they matter limits of our brave men and women in to us in Texas, they matter to us in the It was interesting, I got to hear the end of our colleagues’ remarks from Iraq. They do an unbelievably admi- United States. And we are proud of rable job every day. We are so grateful, across this side of the aisle; and one of them, and we owe them everything we especially those of us in the 30-some- the things they have asked of this Con- can to keep them alive, healthy, and thing Working Group who consider gress, and you hear it over and over successful. And I thank you for allow- those men and women our contem- again as we talk about this war in Iraq, ing me to participate. poraries, that they have chosen to de- is that we have to finish the job. And I Mr. NEUGEBAUER. And I appreciate fend this Nation so that others of us think there is a question that has to the gentleman’s comments. And I also are able to serve this country in a dif- come before that subject. We have got want to thank the gentleman from ferent way. In order to honor them, in to start asking a little bit more in this Georgia for allowing us this time to- order to support those troops, we need place what that job is. I think that is night. to bring them out of a fight that our I think I would leave you and leave what this debate is about, in part, this military forces cannot win alone. the American people not with my week, and the debate that we have re- But this is also about refocusing that words and not with Members of Con- newed here since we have brought the effort, and I think that is what we have gress or even General Petraeus or some House under new leadership. What is to keep on coming back to here, is of the other military leaders, but I will the job that we need to be doing in there are fights still worth fighting in leave you with the words I started off order to keep this country safe? other parts of the world, such as Af- the evening with in my time here is the The answers to that have come in ghanistan, where we are on the verge of words of the young men and women piecemeal fashion, in dribs and drabs losing control of that country back to that are boots on the ground, that have over the past year. But maybe the the very forces that gave cover and served not one tour, but two tours, and most substantial piece of information, umbrage to the people who attacked many of them three tours, when they new information that helped us decide this Nation on September 11. Remem- looked me in my eye and they said, what that job is, was when we got last ber, it was not Saddam Hussein that ‘‘Congressman, we want to go home. summer evidence through the National flew planes into tall buildings in New We want to spend time with our fami- Intelligence Estimate that started to York, it was Osama bin Laden’s organi- lies. We want to go back to our com- tell us that if our job is what we think zation called al Qaeda that used Af- munities. But, Congressman, we have a it is, which is to do everything we can ghanistan and the Taliban as its place lot invested in this war, probably more to keep this country safe, then our own and center of operation. And that coun- than anyone else, and let us finish this Intelligence Community, the dozens of try, as we have shifted more forces job.’’ intelligence officers and organizations away from Afghanistan into Iraq, is And so I urge my colleagues to listen that contributed to that report came now falling back into chaos, and part to these young brave men and women up with one unfortunately startling of our mission here has to be a realiza- that are doing phenomenal things for conclusion, and that was that our ef- tion that there are places worth fight- our country and for the people in Iraq. forts in Iraq are on more days making ing, and there are places in which mili- Listen to the soldiers: Let’s finish this us less safe as a Nation than making us tary forces cannot quell ongoing vio- job. more safe. lence. Afghanistan is still a fight worth Mr. KINGSTON. And, finally, let me Why? Because we have not only de- fighting. say this: Let’s defeat this bill. Let’s stabilized the region, but we have cre- But it is also about focusing our ef- come back on a bipartisan basis and ated what that report called a cause ce- forts back here at home. And one of the come up with something better, some- lebre in that country, where extremists secrets starting to come out, and thing that gets Democrats and Repub- and terrorists around the world now thanks in part to the work of Rep- licans together in the name of the see Iraq as their proving ground, as resentative WASSERMAN SCHULTZ and

VerDate Aug 31 2005 04:24 Mar 22, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00061 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K21MR7.157 H21MRPT1 jcorcoran on PROD1PC62 with HOUSE H2808 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE March 21, 2007 Representative MEEK and Representa- Republicans to the oil industry so that voted on the escalation resolution and tive RYAN, the work they did here on we can use that money more appro- rejected the President’s policy, when the late nights on the floor of the priately to fund alternative energy re- we voted to adopt that resolution, re- House, we were able to hear a little bit search. We passed legislation that jecting the President’s policy on esca- about this in the past year, was that would implement fully the 9/11 Com- lating this war, I went to Walter Reed this Congress over the last several mission recommendations. before we voted on that. And one of the years wasn’t doing justice to the issues And, on top of that, the other piece soldiers I met was with his wife and of homeland security, wasn’t doing ev- of the new direction pie was clearly the with his young child, who was 6 years erything that we should be doing in message sent by the American people, old, this beautiful 6-year-old little boy. order to protect our own people and Mr. MURPHY, that they want a new di- And that 6-year-old little boy was so our own borders here at home. rection in terms of the war in Iraq. excited that his dad’s tour was going to So this supplemental bill that every- They are sick and tired of the rubber- be done in August, and he said, my body hears about that the Congress is stamp Republican Congress that we daddy is coming home forever in Au- going to vote on is not only going to fi- used to have giving the President a gust. nally do exactly what the will of the blank check, allowing the administra- His dad was sick in Walter Reed. He people have asked for in the election of tion to go unchecked in terms of its had contracted a mysterious illness. last November, which is set a new utter lack of accountability, allowing But he had been through three tours of course in Iraq, but it is also to start re- contracts to be let with no questions duty. Each were a year. And his only focusing and redoubling our efforts asked; no hearings during the course of son, his only child was 6 years old. And back here at home. the years. We have now completed 4 that meant that he missed half of his The $2.6 billion in this bill will be re- years of this war, and up until the time son’s life already. dedicated to the efforts to make sure when Democrats took over this Con- So when we refer, you know, without that terrorism does not find harbor on gress no questions, no hearings about thinking to the troops, the troops, if it the shores of this Nation. Over $1 bil- the direction that the administration is a brigade or any one of a number of lion for aviation security, $90 million was taking this country and this war. military terms that we use for indi- for advanced checkpoint explosive de- A total shift from the war of necessity, vidual troops or a collection of troops, tection equipment, $160 million to in- which was the war in Afghanistan, we are talking about people. crease air cargo screening, $1.25 billion which really was in direct response and And if we do not make sure that this for new port transit and border secu- had the widespread support of the supplemental passes, the choice is a rity, $150 million for nuclear security. American people, that really and truly plan to get our troops home and pro- We can go on and on and on. We are was a response to the 9/11 attack; in- vide them with the equipment that going to finally step up to the plate as stead, a shift to a war of choice in the they need and an exit strategy and a Congress and make sure that we are war in Iraq. And that was utterly unac- benchmarks to ensure that the we and spending money to win the fight that ceptable when Congress was misled and the administration hold the Iraqi gov- matters to finish the job. ernment accountable to meet those That job, Mr. Speaker, Ms. was given a set of facts on intelligence benchmarks. The alternative is a con- WASSERMAN SCHULTZ, has to be done 4 years ago, when they misled Congress tinued blank check and a directionless with the recognition that Iraq has be- into voting for this war. war that has no end in sight. come now a place that, on more days Now, we are still mired in chaos there. The administration has allowed It is a pretty stark contrast. We can than not, presents a greater danger to eventually see our way clear and had this country by creating a hotbed, a Afghanistan to descend back into chaos there been a light at the end of the training ground, a proving ground for when we had brought them democracy, tunnel and adopt the supplemental terrorists. We need to start refocusing and we had beaten the Taliban, and and, in addition to that, provide the our efforts on fights that matter. women had been given an opportunity This is going to be one of the more to have freedom. Girls could go to support that our troops need, the important pieces of legislation that school again. It was a new day in Af- equipment that they need, the plan to will come before this Congress, and I ghanistan. And that has essentially get them home, and support for our think it will honor that job that we are been squandered. In favor of what? In veterans, which is incredibly impor- entrusted with, which is to protect this favor of civil war in Iraq? In favor of us tant; $1.7 billion in this bill for health Nation from those that would do harm intervening and trying to resolve a care for our veterans. to it. civil war between the Sunnis and the We have this glaring, horrific prob- Ms. WASSERMAN SCHULTZ. Thank Shiites that has gone on for hundreds if lem at Walter Reed that went ignored you so much to my friend from Con- not 1,000 years? by this administration. And thank God necticut. It is a pleasure to join you in When is this administration going to we had those, the heads that have the 30-something Working Group once recognize that when we say the word, rolled. But would they have rolled if again. when we refer to the troops, Mr. Speak- Democrats weren’t in charge of Con- And we need to remind our col- er, it is very easy to think, let’s exam- gress? No. We know they wouldn’t leagues on the other side of the aisle, ine the term ‘‘troops.’’ I think it is have, because, yet again another scan- Mr. Speaker, that, on November 7, the very easy to look at that word and not dal would have been swept under the American people sent us a very loud see it in a personal way. I think that rug. The administration would have message. They sent us a loud message we throw the word ‘‘troops’’ around so tried to ride it out, keep their fingers that they wanted us to move this coun- much that we forget that troops, a crossed, squeeze their eyes shut tight try in a new direction. We began to do troop is a person. and hoped that they could endure until that. We heard them, and we began to the next media news cycle went b 2100 do that in implementing our 100 hours through. agenda, our Six in ’06 agenda, by adopt- We are talking about individuals who No more, not now that we have bal- ing a bill that would establish an in- are fighting for this country and who anced government, that we have the crease in the minimum wage, by hav- are doing their duty. And most of them ability of this Congress to assert our ing the student loan interest rate, by that are over there are on their third oversight role and to reassert what the making sure that we hold pharma- tour of duty, Mr. MURPHY. founding fathers envisioned, which was ceutical companies’ feet to the fire and I know I have told this the last few our system of checks and balances. ensure that, for Medicare part D pre- times that I have been here with my 30- And I think we are all about third scription drug beneficiaries, that we something colleagues, but I went to party validators here in the 30-Some- negotiate for lower drug prices. We Walter Reed. I cannot get it out of my thing Working Group. And I noted wanted to make sure that we expand mind, because I have two 7-year-old what this Washington Post article the research into uses of alternative kids and a 3-year-old, and I can’t imag- from Wednesday of last week, it was energy. ine what this family has gone through. appropriately titled ‘‘White House So what do we do? We repealed the But one of the soldiers that I visited Finds Trouble Harder to Shrug Off.’’ subsidies that were given away by the when I went to Walter Reed before we And it goes on to talk about how, in

VerDate Aug 31 2005 05:30 Mar 22, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00062 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K21MR7.160 H21MRPT1 jcorcoran on PROD1PC62 with HOUSE March 21, 2007 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H2809 the past, questions about its, meaning bills, two emergency spending funds in addition to the oversight and account- the White House’s, actions might have the Department of Defense authoriza- ability and new direction that the sup- died down without the internal admin- tion bills, six times this Congress, plemental on Iraq seeks to provide for istration e-mails being made public, re- under Republican leadership, had an the direction that the actual conduct ferring to the U.S. attorney scandal. opportunity to stand up and say, you of the war is taking, it is really imper- There are many issues that would know what? We are going to give you ative that we focus on the portion of have just been swept aside by this ad- some more money to conduct this war, the bill that relates to what it does for ministration in the past, allowed to but we are going to put some strings on our veterans because, clearly, this ad- occur and ignored by the then Repub- it. We are going to try to check your ministration, and the former Repub- lican leadership here. But not now that authority in some even elementary lican leadership of this Congress, did a we have a democratic Congress that is way. Not once. All six times this Con- disservice to them. They spent, in the going to make sure that we hold this gress stood down. Despite a lot of 2 years that I was here prior to your ar- administration’s feet to the fire, and yelling and screaming from one-half of rival, the careless disregard that I no- make sure that they are responsible for this chamber, this Congress stood down ticed for veterans coming from the civil liberties for all Americans, and and gave President Bush virtually former Republican leadership was just fiscal responsibility. every single thing he wanted. really unbelievable because so often, I would be happy to yield to the gen- Now, listen. I understand you might Mr. Speaker, I heard our colleagues tleman. have been lulled into a sense of com- and friends on the other side of the Mr. MURPHY of Connecticut. Ms. placency here. This Congress heard aisle stand on the floor and profess un- WASSERMAN SCHULTZ, you are exactly from this president over and over again dying devotion to our Nation’s vet- right. There is a new day here. And I that things were going well, things erans and how it was imperative that don’t have the comparative experience were going fine, everything was going we support them. that you do. I watched this place as an to be better. We find out now that all Well, words are nice. But that is all observer for the last several years. One along this administration knew that they were because every opportunity of the reasons that I ran was you sit things weren’t going well. In fact, they that our colleagues had, in the time around in coffee shops and local com- knew things were pretty terrible on the that I was here, when I first got here as munity halls, and people generally ground and they were plotting this new a freshman, to help our Nation’s vet- don’t pay much attention to the divi- strategy, a very different one than I erans, the Republicans said no. No. sion of labor down here. I mean, people think the American people intended on In January of 2003, which is actually aren’t necessarily talking about in Election Day. They wanted a new prior to my getting here, the Bush ad- their daily lives the co-equal branches course of direction in Iraq. They didn’t ministration actually cut off veterans of government. They are not thinking necessarily think that that policy was health care for 164,000 veterans. Don’t too much about the separation of pow- going to be escalation. I think they believe me? You have only to look at ers. But you know what? They were were counting on de-escalation. It was the Federal Register to see the docu- forced to talk about it in the past sev- a slightly new direction, Ms. mentation of that. March 2003, the Republican budget eral years, because people didn’t under- WASSERMAN SCHULTZ. stand how, in record numbers they But here is the thing, is that people cut $14 billion from veterans health were turning out, not only in elections, in this country became constitutional care that was passed by Congress, with but in community meetings, to tell scholars over the last couple of years 199 Democrats voting no. That was H. their Members of Congress that they because they started scratching their Con. Res. 95, vote Number 82 on March needed a change in Iraq, because, not heads when they picked up the paper 21, 2003. Then we moved to a year later, only did they have moral and intellec- every morning as this war was going March 2004. One would think that the tual objections to what we were doing nowhere but downhill, and there was Republicans had a year to think about over there, but they were talking to deafening silence coming from Con- it and would have finally realized that the families of those troops who were gress. And so there is a lot of commo- it was time to stand up for our Nation’s being sent over there without body tion in here about this emergency sup- veterans. They certainly said it a lot. armor. 18 months it took until our plemental bill because it has got some When it came to doing it, they fell forces over in Iraq had the body armor policy in it. We are actually, instead of short. that they needed. They were looking at rubber stamping the President’s re- The Republican budget shortchanged statistics like the one we just found quests, we are actually saying, if we veterans health care then by $1.5 bil- out earlier this month which said that are going to give you another dime for lion. That was passed by Congress with 88 percent of the National Guard and this war, then we are going to make 201 Democrats voting against it. Reserve troops are so poorly equipped sure that you honor the will of the In March of 2005, another year later, that they are rated not ready by the American people, that you step up to President Bush’s budget shortchanged military; that we have not one active the plate and listen to the foreign pol- veterans health care by more than $2 duty reserve brigade in the United icy community that this Nation has billion for 2005, and cut veterans health States that is considered combat expressed through the Iraq Study care by $14 billion over 5 years, and ready. And so people out there were Group; that you listen to your own passed with 201 Democrats again voting hearing over and over again from the generals, many of which who will tell against it. families of the troops, the troops them- you over and over again, that though Now, let’s go to the summer of 2005. selves, which was backing up their own there might be a political or diplo- And I was here by then. I could not be- instincts about the backwards nature matic solution to what happens on the lieve that this happened, because for of our policy in Iraq. And they won- ground in Iraq, that it cannot be a months and months the Bush adminis- dered where Congress was. And they purely military solution; that you tration denied that there was a short- watched this place sort of shut down start listening to the families of those fall, said that there was no problem, for a number of years. And they troops who have cried out for years to stalled and pushed back. And finally, in couldn’t understand why their elected equip them when they go over, to make summer of 2005, Mr. MURPHY, after Members of Congress weren’t standing sure that they are protected when they democratic pressure, the Bush adminis- up and asking some questions. I mean, serve overseas, and to make sure that tration finally had to acknowledge in at the very least, asking some ques- their health care is taken care of when Fiscal Year 2006 that there was a short tions about what this president was they come back; that we actually con- fall in veterans health care that was doing over there. duct this war, redeploy our forces in a their error of $2.7 billion. And we had Mr. Speaker, there were six opportu- responsible manner. For the first time, to fight all summer to get it fixed and nities since this war began for this Ms. WASSERMAN SCHULTZ, this Congress have an emergency supplemental bill Congress, on supplemental appropria- is stepping up to the plate and actually just to address the shortfall. It took tions bills, to stand up and try to per- conducting that type of oversight. pressure and cajoling and shame to fi- form some perfunctory oversight over Ms. WASSERMAN SCHULTZ. You nally bring them to the table and get this war; four emergency supplemental know, you are absolutely right. And in them to do that.

VerDate Aug 31 2005 05:30 Mar 22, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00063 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K21MR7.161 H21MRPT1 jcorcoran on PROD1PC62 with HOUSE H2810 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE March 21, 2007 And then in March of 2006, President through it because we shouldn’t be our agenda is a reflection of the inter- Bush’s budget cut veterans funding by talking about a system that is of infe- ests of the people. $6 billion, Mr. Speaker, over 5 years. rior care or equal care to that of what And as much as they might like to That was passed by the then Repub- you or I get or people in this commu- say that that wasn’t the case, privately lican controlled Congress. nity get. Our veterans’ health care sys- in their heart of hearts when they went Fast forward to January 31st of 2007. tem should be the gold standard of care to sleep at night, our Republican col- The new direction Democrats increased in this country. We should accept noth- leagues had to lay down in the dark by the VA health care budget by $3.6 bil- ing less than the best that our health themselves when they went to bed and lion in the joint funding resolution. care system can offer. And we know know that they weren’t addressing the And now, I can tell you that in our not only through the recent revela- needs of the American people. supplemental that passed out of the tions at Walter Reed, but also simply I mean, I am not someone who lives House Appropriations Committee last in the conversations that we have door and dies by polling, but look at the Thursday, on which I sit, with none of to door. polling. Look at the numbers towards the Republicans, zero voting for it, $1.7 It was amazing to me in this last the end of last year and how the Amer- ican people generally felt about the job billion to the request for veterans election, Ms. WASSERMAN SCHULTZ, as I health care, including $550 million, Mr. went door to door over the summer and that this Congress was doing. That is a Speaker, to address the backlog at the fall. I did it almost every night, and al- reflection on all of us. It is just appall- ing that the American people would VA health care facilities so we can pre- most without exception if you knocked have confidence in the twenties in the vent similar situations like what hap- on the door of a veteran, someone that likelihood that Congress was going to pened at Walter Reed because cer- had served in World War II through the be responsive to them. They would ex- tainly, if we didn’t know what was more recent conflicts, almost without press support for their individual Mem- going on in Walter Reed, we have to exception health care came up, wheth- ber of Congress, but collectively as an make sure we address the needs of our er it was a personal problem they had institution they have lost confidence in veterans in health care facilities across had with the system or a problem that us. this country that are run by this ad- a family member or one of their broth- Mr. MURPHY of Connecticut. Re- ministration’s VA agency. ers and sisters in arms had encountered claiming my time just for one point. $250 million for medical administra- when they came back. Almost every Before coming over here, I was reading tion so that we can insure we have suf- single veteran brought that up because a really interesting front-page article, ficient personnel to address the rising they have a notion, and it is exactly and I think it was a recent Newsweek number of veterans that are coming right, that when they come back here, or Time, and it was entitled, sort of, back from Iraq, and that we have to their community should be able to The Downfall of the Right, and it was make sure we maintain a high level of stand up for them and make sure that talking about how the sort of conserv- services. they continue to be healthy, certainly ative ideology has really fallen by the $229 million for treating the growing make sure that the injuries they re- wayside in the past several years. And number of veterans. $100 million to ceived in defending this country are one of the things it had talked about allow the VA to contract with private treated expeditiously, efficiently, and was that when the class of 1994 was mental health care providers to provide with the best care possible. ushered into office, there was a sort of veterans, including Guard and Reserve And so it was remarkable to me how purity to their ideology. You disagreed members who so often are neglected, often this issue came up, Ms. with a lot of the things they stood for, Mr. MURPHY, with quality and timely WASSERMAN SCHULTZ, just as you but they did come in here as reformers. care; and $62 million so that we can talked to people door to door. It was so I mean, they did come in here and set speed claims processing for returning real and so palpable because to the peo- a whole new bunch of rules for this veterans. ple who have served this country, there House, how this place was governed. When I went to Walter Reed, and is no greater dishonor, and I am speak- They changed the franking rules. They when I have gone home and talked to ing as someone who has not served, but put in term limits. And you could have my veterans, and I know that you have who has had the honor to know many disagreements with some of the results experienced this too, the bureaucracy that have, no greater dishonor to them of that ideology, but they did come in and the red tape that our veterans have than to come back to a country that here with some real ideas rooted in to go through to get care. It is like doesn’t express a deep and daily sense some intellectual discussion about how they put roadblocks, it is like the VA of gratitude for that service. you change Congress. and this administration puts road- Ms. WASSERMAN SCHULTZ, for all the And what this article was sort of blocks in front of our veterans on pur- bad news that I heard on the campaign pointing out was that over time, over pose. trail, the good news is this bill that we the last 12 years, the ruling party of will vote on will honor that service, b 2115 this Congress became one that was one of the biggest infusions of funding guided by a set of ideas to one that was It is like they delight in stalling support for the veterans’ health care guided by a collection of special inter- them. I mean, it is not their money. I system that this country has ever seen. ests; that it was simply kind of an don’t get it. And I can just hope that when I go amalgamation of different lobbyists Mr. MURPHY of Connecticut. Re- back out there this summer, when I am and different industries that would sort claiming my time for a moment, in going out just to knock on doors to of pull and push for control over this Connecticut we have the same problem check on people in a noncampaign en- place, and it stopped being one that that you talk about. It takes hundreds vironment, that you will hear a very was guided by any real ideas about how of days for veterans simply to get different story, that they will feel fi- to move this country forward. qualified for the benefits once they re- nally their stories are being heard. And it was an incredibly interesting turn. I mean, of all the benefit pro- I yield to Ms. WASSERMAN SCHULTZ. survey on how the Republican Party grams that this government runs, it Ms. WASSERMAN SCHULTZ. Thank has changed over the years. And if you would seem that the veterans program you. Because now they finally have re- want to know why their reign ended would be the easiest to qualify people sponsive government, Mr. MURPHY. after 12 years, in part I think it is a for, right? Because what is the quali- They finally know that the Members recognition from the American people fication? You served in the military. who represent them collectively in this that this place stopped being about You fought for this country. There is a Chamber, the Members that are leading ideas and in the end started being record of it. It is not hard to find. And this Chamber are hearing them, that it about those special interests. yet we have constructed so much bu- is not falling on deaf ears; that this in- Ms. WASSERMAN SCHULTZ. I want reaucracy and so much red tape. stitution is not of the special interests, to segue to the U.S. attorney matter And I understand that a lot of the for the special interests, and by the because what you just said brought folks in the Department are trying to special interests any longer. Now we something to mind. But before I do do a lot with not enough funding to do have restored this to actually be the that, I do want to throw out yet an- the job, but it is time that we cut people’s House, and our leadership and other example of the neglect, of the

VerDate Aug 31 2005 04:24 Mar 22, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00064 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K21MR7.162 H21MRPT1 jcorcoran on PROD1PC62 with HOUSE March 21, 2007 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H2811 just stark neglect, that this adminis- sion, introduced by Senators MIKULSKI war. While we were fighting a war. It tration has and has had for our vet- and SARBANES, was defeated by a close never happened in this country. We erans. I mean, take Walter Reed. I have 50–48 vote during the bill’s consider- have never asked this country to go a timeline in front of me, a neglect ation in the previous week. into war without asking the entire timeline for the treatment of the sol- Then in September 2006, Walter Reed country to sacrifice in order to pay for diers that are housed at Walter Reed awards a 5-year, $120 million contract it, because here is the thing: The cost and that seek services at Walter Reed, to IAP Worldwide Services, which is of the war isn’t just the guns and the going back to July of 2004. run by Al Neffgen, a former senior Hal- troops and the tanks and the armor. It First I want to just put up this News- liburton official, to replace a staff of is the health care for the people that week Magazine cover, Mr. Speaker. 300 Federal employees. Halliburton come back here afterwards. The cost of This is a young woman who clearly has again. Who headed up Halliburton, Mr. the war is the whole thing. lost her legs, and I think the picture MURPHY? Do you recall who headed up And so we ended up short-changing speaks all that it needs to without Halliburton? our troops and short-changing the peo- words. But the caption on the picture Mr. MURPHY of Connecticut. For a ple that came back here because we de- on the cover of Newsweek, which was period of time, it might have been the cided that what was more important the week of March 5 of this year, says: gentleman that currently serves as our was to hand out another round of tax ‘‘Shattered in body and mind. Too Vice President. breaks, this last one to the persons in many veterans are facing poor care and Ms. WASSERMAN SCHULTZ. Yes, I our districts, the rare folks who are red tape. Why we’re failing our wound- believe you are right. The gentleman lucky enough to make $1 million a ed.’’ And Walter Reed, there is no bet- that is currently our Vice President. year. They got $40,000 back from that ter example of what this article spoke In February of 2007, just about a tax cut. to, Mr. Speaker, than the neglect month ago, the number of Federal em- I know if I showed up at their door timeline at Walter Reed. ployees providing facilities manage- and asked them, if you had to choose, If you go back to July of 2004, again, ment services at Walter Reed, Mr. if you had to choose as someone who is Mr. MURPHY, in the summer before I Speaker, had dropped from 300. There taking in income of $1 million or more was elected, you had Major General were 300 Federal employees that were a year, would you take the full value of Kevin Kiley appointed Walter Reed replaced with a $120 million private that tax cut if you knew that that was Army Medical Center’s Commander. contract run by a former senior Halli- going to leave the decrepit conditions In mid to late 2004, you actually had burton official, and the 300 dropped to that we have found at Walter Reed, our colleague from Florida (Mr. YOUNG) fewer than 60. The remaining 60 em- that that was going to result in wait- and his wife stop visiting the wounded ployees went to only 50 private work- ing times of up to a year for services at Walter Reed out of frustration; Mr. ers; 300 to 50 private workers. for the men and women that fight to YOUNG, who has been a champion for February 19, we know it was revealed protect us overseas? I know what their veterans. Believe me when I tell you by the Washington Post that there was answer would be, and it should have that our colleague from Florida Mr. an expose detailing mistreatment of been the answer of this Congress. veterans at housing on the grounds of YOUNG is a legend, an absolute legend, It now does get to be the answer. The Walter Reed Medical Center. And what that is revered in a bipartisan way in answer now gets to be that our priority has unfolded since then is resignations this institution. But Mr. YOUNG said he is going to be making sure that those of top generals, resignations of the Sec- voiced concerns to commanders, in- folks are taken care of when they come retary of the Army. Heads are rolling, cluding Major General Kiley, over trou- home. bling incidents he witnessed, but was Mr. MURPHY, as they should be, be- And do you know what? We have al- rebuffed or ignored. He said, ‘‘When cause of the profound neglect of our ready voted for tax cuts in this Con- Bev or I would bring problems to the wounded veterans and our veterans gress. You can do both. You can still attention of authorities at Walter that need assistance from that very find a way to provide targeted tax re- Reed, we were made to feel very un- fine institution. lief to people who need it, as the small comfortable.’’ And the source of that Not only did the heads roll, but it led business tax cut bill here in the House was the Washington Post. the Appropriations Committee last November of 2005, House Veterans’ week to adopt an amendment offered a couple of weeks ago, and honor those commitments. Affairs Committee Chairman STEVE by my colleague who sits on my sub- BUYER announced that for the first committee, Mr. LAHOOD, to ensure that Ms. WASSERMAN SCHULTZ. Mr. time in at least 55 years, ‘‘Veterans Walter Reed Army Medical Center is Speaker, it is essential that we honor service organizations will no longer not closed down because not only do we those commitments. And I was strick- have the opportunity to present testi- need to get to the bottom of what is en by what our colleague from Georgia mony before a joint hearing of the going on there, but we need to make said at the end of the last hour when he House and Senate Veterans’ Affairs sure that that institution not only con- referenced the need to be bipartisan, to Committees.’’ tinues to serve our Nation’s veterans, come together and work on bipartisan Now, talking about closing off access but serves them well. solutions and move forward together. I to the people that we are here to serve, Mr. MURPHY of Connecticut. Ms. was really glad to hear him say that. can you imagine that they wouldn’t let WASSERMAN SCHULTZ, you talk to But the room was shockingly silent veterans service organizations testify Members on the other side of the aisle, for the last 2 years that I served here, in front of the Veterans’ Affairs Com- and I think they share that same con- that there really weren’t calls for bi- mittee? I mean, it is just mind-bog- cern for veterans. I mean, they do. We partisanship or locking elbows to- gling. are not suggesting that anybody in this gether and finding the way to the best August of 2006, Army Major General Chamber was sitting here intentionally public policy on issues of mutual con- George Weightman assumes command deciding that they were going to create cern. of Walter Reed, replacing Major Gen- the situations that happened on the But be that as it may, we agree that eral Kiley. ground at Walter Reed. It is just a mat- we should move forward in a bipartisan September 2006, 13 Senators, 11 ter of choices. It is a matter of the way. And, in fact, the open government Democrats and 2 Republicans, sent a choices that were made here. And and ethics package that we adopted as letter to urge then-Senate Appropria- whether they were made consciously or part of our New Direction agenda on tions Committee Chairman THAD COCH- unconsciously, it resulted in an abys- the first day that we were here was a RAN, Republican from Mississippi, and mal situation for veterans. commitment on the part of our leader- Ranking Member ROBERT BYRD, Demo- The choices that ended up getting ship and on the part of our Speaker crat from West Virginia, to preserve made here when it came to the fiscal NANCY PELOSI that we would have the language in the House defense appro- situation in this country was to hand most inclusive, open, and honest Con- priations bill that prohibits the U.S. out massive, unprecedented tax breaks gress in American history. And we Army from outsourcing 350 Federal to the top 1 percent of income earners have steadily been doing that every jobs at Walter Reed. A similar provi- in this Nation while we were fighting a single day.

VerDate Aug 31 2005 04:24 Mar 22, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00065 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K21MR7.164 H21MRPT1 jcorcoran on PROD1PC62 with HOUSE H2812 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE March 21, 2007 b 2130 less than truthful to this Congress, Ms. WASSERMAN SCHULTZ. Now, Unfortunately, the administration with covering up what actually hap- my understanding when this scandal doesn’t seem to be buying into that pened, maybe a subpoena may be nec- occurred, we are talking about a situa- same concept of bipartisanship. Again, essary. tion where the President, I believe, was very nice words are said. I have seen I think that is sad and unfortunate, considering asking for the resignation the President stand in the Rose Garden but we cannot have less than truth of 93 of his own U.S. attorneys. Subse- and stand on the South Lawn and stand when we ask administration officials quently, they decided maybe that was in lots of different really attractive questions when they come before this going a little too far, so I think the camera shots talking about the need institution. number is eight, they only fired eight. for bipartisanship. And yet, again, I am glad about the potential for bi- Mr. MURPHY of Connecticut. That is when it has come to light that there partisanship. During the hearing we correct. was a proposal out of the White House had in Judiciary yesterday, a number Ms. WASSERMAN SCHULTZ. My to fire 93 U.S. attorneys and subse- of our Republican colleagues indicated recollection also is that there was quently we have gone back and forth they were also unhappy with what was some interference and some questions with the White House about what the going on with this administration. In about specific cases for each individual actual truth behind those suggested fact, specifically on the issue of the at- U.S. attorney that were raised by some and then eventual firing of eight of torney firings, one of their top leaders, of our colleagues on the other side of them was, we have not been able to get another good friend from Florida, Con- the aisle during this process before a straight answer. gressman PUTNAM, actually said that those firings. In fact, we have had a concern that he questioned the Attorney General’s Mr. MURPHY of Connecticut. And administration officials, including the ability to continue to serve. I will there is the rub, Ms. WASSERMAN Attorney General, have come before quote what he said in the Washington SCHULTZ, is that it is one thing to de- Congress and been less than forth- Post. cide to clean house and say okay, ev- coming. I want to be careful about the He said, ‘‘His ability to effectively erybody goes. I am not going to exam- words I choose, but it has gotten to the serve the President and lead the Jus- ine all of your pasts and your political point where we have been told so many tice Department is greatly com- connections and whether you have different things about what was behind promised.’’ During a lunchtime inter- done what you have asked, because I those firings that we are at the-boy- view with reporters, he said, ‘‘I think haven’t served one day. I am just going who-cried-wolf point now. he himself should evaluate his ability to come in as a new president, which is Again, speaking as a mom, I know I to serve as an effective Attorney Gen- their prerogative, and just clean house. have talked to my kids, and sometimes eral.’’ That not what happened here. In children will be less than truthful when We are talking about the number fact, there is a reason why somebody they are concerned that they might get four ranking Republican in their lead- within the White House actually rec- in trouble. I know that my kids some- ership on that side. Believe me, I know ommended that they fire everybody, times are worried they are going to get ADAM PUTNAM. He has served with in- because they knew that if you are in trouble and that the potential pun- tegrity in our legislature in Florida, going to start firing prosecutors, peo- ishment is worse if they tell me the and does so here. If he is at that point, ple that are given by the public and by truth than if they kind of soft-pedal then you know there is something seri- this government the very grave respon- the actual facts, and maybe what hap- ously wrong. There is seriously some- sibilities of carrying out our system of pens to them will be not the worst thing wrong. justice, then you better not inject any thing. But I always find out. I always Mr. MURPHY of Connecticut. Ms. politics into it, because the worst thing eventually know what really happened. WASSERMAN SCHULTZ, I think it serves that can happen to the American jus- And that is exactly what is going on us well to sort of try to outline for peo- tice system, and for all of the ineffi- here. ple why this is such a big deal. Why do ciencies of government, one thing we Any parent will tell you that they you have a senior member of the Re- can stand very proudly by, is our sys- have sat their children down and coun- publican leadership coming as close as tem of blind justice. seled them, ‘‘You know, it is always you can come to calling for the res- We do have a system of justice that better to just tell me the truth, be- ignation of the Republican sitting U.S. by and large makes decisions without cause I am going to find out anyway, Attorney General? Why do you have political influence. If you are my and the consequences are going to be the papers filled with this day after neighbor and you did something wrong, far worse for you when I do find out day? Why do you have the Judiciary no matter who you know, now matter than if you were just up front with me Committee going to the unfortunate how powerful you are, now matter how in the beginning.’’ but necessary step of actually having much money you have, you are going Maybe we have to talk to the Presi- to subpoena members of the adminis- to pay for it. You are going to be held dent and the White House and the ad- tration to come before us? accountable for it. ministration like moms talk to their It is pretty simple. If you are an av- But if prosecutors throughout this kids. erage Joe out there, you want to know country start having to look over their Mr. MURPHY of Connecticut. I feel that if the guy next door to you com- shoulder every time that they decide to like I should admit something to you mits a really bad crime, that he is try that rich guy or that influential now. going to go to jail, no matter who his guy or politically powerful guy, and Ms. WASSERMAN SCHULTZ. Not to political friends are, no matter what they have to wonder whether the con- be your mother or anything now, but, political connections he has; that jus- sequence of that decision is going to be seriously, maybe an elementary back- tice should be blind. Justice should cer- the political boss somewhere decides to-basics conversation is what is nec- tainly be blind to politics. their job shouldn’t be their’s anymore, essary, because clearly the process that Now, we can freely admit that when then that has immense, immense con- they have been taking us through has Bill Clinton came into office, he sent sequences for our system of govern- been less than honest. We have had a out notices that he was intending to ment and our system of justice. lot of misleading excuses. get rid of all of the prosecutors and ev- I know it is just eight. I know it is We have reached a point, and I sit on erybody was going to have to reapply. just eight. But if that message that the House Judiciary Committee, Mr. Ms. WASSERMAN SCHULTZ. If the those eight guys, men and women, MURPHY, where now our subcommittee gentleman will yield for a second, when those eight men and women, who for has taken the step of feeling like in then-President Clinton did that, cor- some reason displayed some act of po- order to get to the bottom of it, we had rect me if I am wrong, he was asking litical disloyalty to the President, to authorize the committee to issue for the resignations of the Bush ap- don’t get to hold their job anymore, subpoenas to bring the Attorney Gen- pointees, of the Republican appointees then that has an unbelievable chilling eral and to bring Karl Rove and the ad- of his predecessor. effect on the rest of our prosecutors, ministration officials associated with Mr. MURPHY of Connecticut. Cor- and I think it has dire consequences for this scandal, with potentially being rect. our system of justice.

VerDate Aug 31 2005 04:24 Mar 22, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00066 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K21MR7.165 H21MRPT1 jcorcoran on PROD1PC62 with HOUSE March 21, 2007 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H2813 So it is a big deal, and it should be a goal. Because it was badly shaken by Speaker of the House, who has been so big deal. I hope that the President sees the Republican leadership, we need to generous to allow us time on the floor the light of day and decides to put the get to the bottom of scandals like this. to talk about issues that affect folks people that were responsible for this I know we are getting closer to our not only in their thirties, but issues decision before Congress so that every- end time and we want to make sure we that affect people throughout this thing can be aired out. have an opportunity to encourage peo- country. His offer now is obviously certainly ple, if they have any questions or want You can e-mail the group at not acceptable. As the chairman of the to see the charts more closely we have [email protected], and Judiciary Committee today said, Rep- seen tonight, we will give out the Web you can always visit us on the web at resentative CONYERS, said we might as site. www.speaker.gov/30something. well go down to the bar down the street Mr. MURPHY of Connecticut. I Ms. WASSERMAN SCHULTZ, it was a and have this conversation, because think, Ms. WASSERMAN SCHULTZ, it is pleasure to share this hour with you. that is about as much meaningful in- part of a pattern. Political influence in f formation as you are going to get out the judiciary, we are finding that pros- of that conversation. ecutors are being fired for not being b 2145 Ms. WASSERMAN SCHULTZ. If the loyal to the President. We find it in IMMIGRATION gentleman will yield, we should point some of our scientific agencies, where out the President believes he magnani- basic scientific accepted data is being The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. mously offered was to offer that the of- suppressed by the administration be- KLEIN of Florida). Under the Speaker’s ficials associated with this scandal to cause it doesn’t meet their political announced policy of January 18, 2007, speak with, essentially, the Judiciary goals within some of our medical ap- the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Committee, not under oath, that there proval agencies and boards. Decisions GINGREY) is recognized for 60 minutes. be no transcript, and that Congress are being made based on ideology, rath- Mr. GINGREY. Mr. Speaker, I come would not subsequently subpoena er than on science. to the floor this evening on behalf of them. We have had hearings on a lot of the Immigration Reform Caucus of this That is when Mr. CONYERS said, yes, these subjects in the committee that I House of Representatives. Hopefully, as we could just go have a drink and have sit on, the Government Reform Com- we go forward with the Immigration that kind of private conversation mittee, and you actually get some in- Reform Caucus in a bipartisan fashion, which reveals nothing, which has no dignation expressed, as you said, from and our new chairman hopefully will be accountability whatsoever. both sides of the aisle, from Repub- joining me during this hour, and that Mr. MURPHY, the other thing that I licans and Democrats on this issue. I is Congressman Brian Bilbray from the think is important to note is that the think there is a bipartisan frustration great State of California who is deter- first answer that we were given about at the administration’s willingness to mined to make the Immigration Re- why, and these people do serve at the inject politics into a lot of places form Caucus of this House a bipartisan pleasure of President. Again, that is where politics have no business. organization, and I really look forward why I drew my kid analogy. Because I But at the same time that I accept to that change. never understand when I ask my kids, there is criticism coming from both As we reach out to our colleagues on and, fortunately, I have very honest sides, I also note that there were a lot the other side of the aisle, both Repub- children, so this doesn’t happen often, of things we probably would never have licans and Democrats, I think we can but little kids, when they are learning found out about unless we were asking solve this problem of immigration, and as they are growing up, they do dumb the questions, and the questions in particular, illegal immigration. We things. weren’t getting asked for a very long have to do that, Mr. Speaker. What brought this to mind was the time. They are getting asked now. This is a hugely important issue. It is first answer that the administration Maybe the answers are terribly palat- an issue to our security, it is an issue gave was that, well, you know, we were able. to our economy, and it is an issue to concerned. We lost confidence in their Ms. WASSERMAN SCHULTZ. Or this great country, this sovereign Na- ability. They weren’t up to snuff, they forthcoming. tion, the United States. weren’t very good attorneys and they Mr. MURPHY of Connecticut. Or Tonight I come to my colleagues to weren’t doing a very good job. forthcoming. When we get them, they talk about a problem not regarding il- As you might imagine, these are are not the ones we want necessarily, legal immigration, we may have an op- eight pretty capable people who but at least we are starting to get portunity tonight to discuss some of thought they were doing a good job. them, because we are asking them. And those issues which are so important When they had their ability ques- if you want to talk about restoring and which we have worked so hard on tioned, a bunch of them got mad. We people’s faith in government, we have in the 109th Congress and hopefully we are talking about very loyal Repub- to open it back up again. I hope that is will continue to do so in the 110th Con- licans here, some who had been long- something we can engage in on both gress; but my concerns tonight will be standing supporters and contributors sides. addressed toward a legal immigration to the Republican Party. They went I yield before we give the contact in- problem, Mr. Speaker. Let me repeat out there and defended themselves and formation. that, legal. That is a situation that we said, wait a second. I am pretty darn Ms. WASSERMAN SCHULTZ. It has refer to as chain migration. Let me try qualified individual. How dare you. been a pleasure to join you, Mr. MUR- to explain that to my colleagues. Then we dug a little deeper. It turns PHY. I have to tell you how thrilled I I have here to my left a first slide, if out, well, it is not that they were not was that we expanded the 30-Some- you will, in this presentation. As we qualified. It is more that they weren’t thing Working Group and we have now look at it, Mr. Speaker, at first glance aggressively pursuing Democrats who given ourselves a new chapter to talk those in the audience tonight might were being investigated in their juris- about the issues that are important to think, gee, GINGREY is up here with a diction. the American people, and we have now chart of his high school or college The bottom line is we really don’t the ability to hold the administration’s chemistry periodic table; or somebody know. And then they started pointing feet to the fire and exercise Congress’ else may say, no, that is his grand- fingers at each other inside the admin- oversight role which the Founding Fa- children’s Pac-Man game. It is a con- istration. First, it was really Karl thers envisioned. fusing chart to look at, but I am going Rove. No, it wasn’t Karl Rove, it was I would be happy to yield back to the to hopefully be able to, in a short pe- Harriet Miers that called for the gentleman to close us out. riod of time, to simplify this rather ar- firings. Mr. MURPHY of Connecticut. I am cane, complex looking first slide. But The bottom line is to restore the con- happy my application was accepted, this really is what this whole problem, fidential of the American people in Ms. WASSERMAN SCHULTZ. this legal immigration problem is their government, which is what we ab- The 30-Something Working Group, we about, this chain migration issue, Mr. solutely need to do, and that is our were given this opportunity by the Speaker.

VerDate Aug 31 2005 04:24 Mar 22, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00067 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K21MR7.166 H21MRPT1 jcorcoran on PROD1PC62 with HOUSE H2814 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE March 21, 2007 If my colleagues will focus their at- point, then all of his siblings and all of So you can’t say, well, it just doesn’t tention at the bottom of this first his wife’s siblings can come into this matter; that means maybe you are slide, I point to this very prominent country. And that is where the chain going to push these skilled workers a kiosk, this icon that would be a legal really takes off, because you repeat little bit further behind in the queue, permanent resident in this country. this over and over again. And at the but they will get there eventually. That individual, man or woman, could end of 17 years, a short of 17 years and Well, they may get there eventually, be here through any one of several two generations, what you end up with but instead of 2 or 3 years, Mr. Speak- ways of entering this country legally. under this insanity of legal chain mi- er, it may be 15 years, it may be far be- It could be a skilled worker. And that gration is that one legal permanent yond the time that it would be any ad- is indeed why we have an immigration resident who was brought into this vantage to them or us for them to re- policy, to make our country better, to country as a skilled worker, as an indi- main in the queue. So this is the prob- bring in skilled individuals from coun- vidual seeking asylum from a country lem. We have a solution. I have a solu- tries throughout the world, as we have in which they are suffering the devas- tion for it, and I want to talk about always done since we started this coun- tation of oppression, or it happens to that as we go forward. try. That is the whole purpose of being be a spouse of a legal permanent resi- Mr. Speaker, this next slide that I able to bring individuals in based on dent, that one person in a short span of have again just points out, and I hope what they can contribute. Certainly we 17 years can bring in 273 people, Mr. my colleagues, I hope this writing is want to make their lives better as well, Speaker; 273 people. And that counts big enough. In case it is not for those but we want them to be able to con- against the quota for that country. in the back of the Chamber, I would be tribute to our great Nation and enjoy So this is the problem, Mr. Speaker, happy to go through it bullet by bullet. the privileges of citizenship eventually. that I think a lot of people just don’t But this says ‘‘Chain Migration Equals So this individual comes, maybe as realize. We worry about a porous bor- Inter-Generational Relocation Pro- one of those legal immigrants, as a der. We worry about the fact that there gram.’’ It gives visa priority to the skilled worker; or possibly this first are anywhere from 12 to 20 million ille- cousins, to the adult children and dis- person that I am going to refer to at gal residents, immigrants in this coun- tant relatives of legal immigrants. It the bottom of the slide is a part of try, many of them, of course, most of creates a backlog of visa applicants. somebody’s nuclear family, maybe it is them probably are hardworking, God- And it allows, and this is the final the wife of a legal permanent resident fearing, good people, moms, dads, good point on this slide, Mr. Speaker, and of who has already come; or maybe it is a families, and they are trying to do the course I have already alluded to these minor child who has grown up and be- right thing. And the only thing that points in my opening remarks, but it come of age to marry and have a they have committed, of course, is allows genealogy, not job skills, not spouse; or possibly this is an indi- coming into this country illegally. But education, not English proficiency to vidual, a third category, who has it is a huge, huge problem for us, as I determine who immigrates to our sought asylum in this great country. said at the outset, in regard to the country. We just can’t afford that. We And certainly that is what the Statue stress and strain on our economy, on absolutely must use common sense and of Liberty is all about, that is what the our infrastructure, on our safety net go back to the Jordan Commission rec- inscription of the bottom of Lady Lib- programs, on our public school sys- ommendation in regard to limiting erty says in regard to opening our arms tems. But here we have something that genealogy entry into this country to the oppressed and the people that is part of our legal permission to let based not on skills at all, but on just need safety in this great country. So people come into this country, and who you happen to be related to. And I any one of these three categories, Mr. then bring in 273 additional extended will get to that in just a few minutes. Speaker, of legal permanent residence family members. Not, Mr. Speaker, My colleague from Iowa is with us to- night. We call on him a lot, but he is in this country can start this chain mi- what we originally intended. I want to go back and talk about the always forthcoming with very, very gration. Which clearly, clearly our Jordan Commission. In the early nine- good, useful information on many sub- country never intended that effect. ties, Congresswoman Barbara Jordan What happens is this legal permanent jects, not the least of which is the issue from Texas, a very, very distinguished resident is able to bring in his spouse of immigration. I am talking about Member of this body, chaired that com- or her spouse. And they can legally Representative STEVE KING, my class- mission to study immigration reform mate. I thank him for joining me dur- bring in their minor children. And let’s and clearly said as part of the rec- say, based on the current fertility rate ing this hour, and I look forward to his ommendations, there were a number of comments. south of our border, our southern bor- those recommendations, only some of I would like to go ahead and yield the der, it is three children, three minor which, Mr. Speaker, were implemented, floor to him now for however much children. Now, that is one individual but one of them was to say very spe- time as he would like to take. We can that, by virtue of bringing in an addi- cifically that it should only be a nu- colloquy back and forth. And I cer- tional skilled worker under the quota clear family, not this situation where tainly appreciate him being with us for that particular country, has because of this chain effect, that in a this evening. brought in four additional people by very short period of time of a couple of Mr. KING of Iowa. I thank my friend, virtue of genealogy. And this is, of generations, or really a short period of the gentleman from Georgia, for step- course, a nuclear family so far. We are 17 years, we end up with 273 people. ping up here tonight and organizing talking then about a nuclear family, a And they may be good, hardworking, this Special Order and bringing this husband, a wife and their three chil- skilled men and women that can con- subject matter before you, Mr. Speak- dren. tribute to our society, can make their er, and before the American people. Now, once the husband and wife be- lives better, can make our lives better. come citizens, then the real problem But it is really not based on that, it is b 2200 begins, because at that point then each based totally on genealogy, by virtue This immigration issue that is before of the husband and wife can bring in of being related in some extended way, America is I believe the most com- their parents. This is perfectly legal to first, second, third cousins, aunts, un- plicated and least understood piece of do this. So there are an additional, as- cles, grandfather or grandmother and policy that I have seen debated in this suming that both parents of both the on and on and on. country in my lifetime. husband and wife are still living, which And what that does, other than just I have been involved in the immigra- is very likely, maybe it is a man and a overwhelming the number of legal per- tion issue since well before I came to woman on each side who are in their manent residents who come into this Congress 5 years ago. Today as ranking late forties or early fifties. country from a specific country on a member of the Immigration Sub- In addition to that, Mr. Speaker, in yearly basis, indeed, Mr. Speaker, from committee, I sit through immigration addition to that, again, this one indi- Mexico to our southern border we are hearings two times a week, sometimes vidual that is in this country legally, talking about maybe 30,000 a year, and three times a week, sometimes more as a legal permanent resident, hope- that quota is surpassed in day one of than that. Witnesses bring a lot of in- fully has become a citizen. At that the calendar year. formation before the committee, and

VerDate Aug 31 2005 04:24 Mar 22, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00068 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K21MR7.167 H21MRPT1 jcorcoran on PROD1PC62 with HOUSE March 21, 2007 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H2815 we are required to read a lot of infor- Therefore, it is a practice, not a con- clearly the American people under- mation. And then one has to read the stitutional right. But we have 350,000 stand, and that is amnesty. That is the press clippings to try to understand new citizens that would not be citizens bill which has been dropped in the what the American people are trying to if we enforced our law on that. That is House within the last day. divine out of the things that we are NATHAN DEAL’s bill, another leader on But the thing we must insist upon, wrestling with here in this Congress. immigration from Georgia. I certainly however the issue of amnesty is re- As I state how complicated this issue support that bill. solved, however the issue of the na- is, and I look at the chart that Mr. But the family reunification, the tional ID card is resolved, we must in- GINGREY had up, the one that I believe chain migration, 273, and this usurps sist on an overall national cap. The ag- demonstrates the 273 people that could the kind of policy that the United gregate of all of immigration compo- be brought into the United States States of America ought to have. Every nents that are there, and I think there under the chain migration program, nation, and we are the most generous are 30-some different categories that the family reunification plan, the plan Nation in the world when it comes to people can come into the United States that presumes that all family reunions, immigration, by raw numbers, by per- legally under, that needs to be capped. however minor or major, are reunions centage of the population, by having a So if a family reunification plan that all must take place in the United standard there that isn’t a very strict takes up to a million a year, fine, we States as long as there is any one per- standard at all, but we need an immi- hit the cap, we stop. No H–1Bs, no work son of one of those families that is gration policy designed to enhance the permits. It is simply we hit the cap. here. That is quite a presumption, that economic, the social and the cultural Mr. BILBRAY. If the gentleman you can’t have a happy family reunion well-being of the United States of would yield on that, I think the Amer- except in America. America. ican people don’t realize that we take And the 273 that can generate from As the gentleman from Georgia al- more legal immigration than all the one individual that is lawfully present luded, we are not measuring in this world combined. We are taking now in the United States and starts this chain migration plan the relative mer- more than we ever have. process, this is a calculation that isn’t its of the individual immigrants that But first, I want to stop a second and something that we happen to know in would come in. We are simply letting thank the gentleman from Georgia for this Congress, because Mr. GINGREY has that be set by genetics of the family, hosting. presented that here tonight; this is a maybe that and marriage and whatever Mr. GINGREY. Mr. Speaker, I would calculation that is done by illegal im- kind of familial relationship they want also like to thank him, and I would migrants and legal immigrants across to have. I would submit that we need like to do it formally. I would like to the world, not just across our southern to establish in this Congress, first we thank the gentleman from California border into Mexico and points down need to get control of the illegal flow (Mr. BILBRAY), who is chairman of the south towards the Panama Canal, but over our borders. That is about 11,000 Immigration Reform Caucus in the China as an example. So the going rate, at night. 110th Congress. I look forward to his if you are a pregnant Chinese lady, is I have sat on the border and I have leadership on this caucus of the Con- $30,000 for a roundtrip ticket to come heard the fence squeak at night, and I gress, this bipartisan effort on his part. illegally into the United States, have have watched the shadows go by me. It The gentleman from California cer- the baby, get his little footprints put is twice the size of Santa Ana’s army tainly knows of what he speaks. on a U.S. birth certificate and go on pouring across the border. And then we Mr. BILBRAY. I would thank the back to China. Then after the 18th have the 350,000 automatic citizenship gentleman from Georgia for hosting birthday, that child can start the fam- anchor babies that are born, and the our report on immigration to the ily reunification plan, and you start family reunification plan. All of those American people tonight from the Con- down the path of this chart that shows things are out of the control of the gressional Caucus. 273. Federal Government right now. People have to understand how real- Mr. GINGREY. And the same thing, Because we have those elements and ly, really we have bent over backwards as I said at the outset, anywhere from we have the overstayers of the visa to accommodate people to immigrate 12 to 20 million illegal immigrants we that are not being enforced, because of to this country. We have about 800,000 estimate, and we hear talk about the that, the immigration issue has be- people become citizens. We have a mil- need for a comprehensive bill that come so chaotic that we cannot engage lion that are allowed to be permanent would include letting them pay a little in a rational immigration debate that resident aliens every year, and then we fine and fess up and get a clear ID card, can be designed to do the things I say have another million-plus that are al- identify themselves, and all of a sudden and enhance the social, economic, and lowed to come here to work in the become a permanent legal resident on cultural well-being of America. United States. That is almost 3 million a track to citizenship. Each one of If we can get enforcement back under people a year that we are accommo- those 20 million then could start this the control of the American people, dating from overseas in one way or the chain migration. then I believe we need to put together other. And when people say we are a Mr. KING of Iowa. Mr. Speaker, that a matrix, a score system, a score sheet Nation of immigrants, we are a Nation 273, that is the calculated number that that rewards potential immigrants for of legal immigrants; but there is a rea- one individual can bring in, and they their education level, for the capital sonable level of immigration. When the might come in illegally and find the that they bring into the country with American people realize that we just path to a legal lawful presence and them, for the business acumen that absolutely have our doors open, there then start the 273. When that chart was they might have, for the likelihood is no excuse for illegal immigration, done, it was not really limited to 273 that they can assimilate into this and we have to make sure that our except space on the spreadsheet con- broader, overall American culture that legal immigration policies are reason- fined it to 273. The number could be 100 we have, so we can have some cultural able. or more above that. And the size of the continuity in the United States of I don’t think it is much to ask, those sibling unit, it might be 6 or 12. And if America and assimilate and tie to- of us who are sworn to represent the I remember right, the size of the unit gether and maintain this vision of one people of the United States, to make for the chart was 3.1 siblings per fam- people, one people under God. As we sit sure that the American immigration ily. A very conservative estimate. today, it is out of our control. policy is for America first and for the So we have the automatic citizenship Another thing that we are going to immigrant second. We not only have a plan, the anchor baby plan, and that see, a White House initiative, a Senate right, we have a responsibility to make will yield 350,000 babies born a year to initiative, and I believe a House initia- sure that our immigration policy illegal mothers but on U.S. soil. Some tive coming together trying to get a serves the American people. Like every argue their constitutional right to citi- critical mass of voters between the other policy that the Federal Govern- zenship. I will argue that they also Democrats and Republicans in the ment is initiating, the American peo- have to be subject to the jurisdiction of House and Senate to work with the ple should come first before anyone the United States when they are born. White House on this bill that I believe else.

VerDate Aug 31 2005 04:24 Mar 22, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00069 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K21MR7.169 H21MRPT1 jcorcoran on PROD1PC62 with HOUSE H2816 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE March 21, 2007 This issue of the cost of just the legal country and hemisphere to hemisphere, equal to the sum total of all legal im- immigration, let me give you one cost the overall quota. And then that mil- migrants that have come into America that most people don’t think about. lion additional that come in under all in all of its history and still leave these The cost just in one State of giving of the visa programs, the H–1B, et kind of programs here. That is the es- birth to the children of illegal aliens in cetera, temporary agricultural workers sence of the point I wanted to make. California is $400 million a year. That and various skill levels, you are talk- Mr. BILBRAY. I just remember I was is $400 million just for giving free birth ing about an additional million. involved with running the County of to the children of illegal aliens. In San But from 1776 to 1976, 200 years of our San Diego in 1986, and I remember that Diego County, it is $22 million a year country’s existence, the average num- before the bill was passed the number just for birthing babies of people that ber of immigrants was about 250,000. So estimate was 300,000. It was after the aren’t supposed to be in the country. that just shows you where we are bill was passed that they said, oh, it You add that up, the impact on the today; and of course we are not talking might be as high as 1 million, and then taxpayers, there is no way in the world about the 3 or 4 million illegals if we they kept continuing the deadline and I can believe that any man or woman don’t close down our border and secure increasing those who qualified to can stand up in this Chamber and say I our border. Not close it down, secure apply, and it ended up being 3 million. am for a balanced budget, I am for fis- our border. Then you are going to have So I just think people have got to re- cal responsibility, but I am for giving 3 or 4 million illegals in addition to member, when the bill was passed, amnesty that has been estimated to be that. what was being told was 300,000, and $50 billion if Mr. KENNEDY and some The gentleman from Iowa has been what ended up being the final number people in the House get their way of re- mighty quiet for the last few minutes, was 3 million. warding people for being here illegally. and I yield back to him. Mr. KING of Iowa. I thank the gen- tleman from California. I think there is a basic issue that we 2215 b So, picking up on this point, I want ought to call down and say, since when Mr. KING of Iowa. Mr. Speaker, I does this country believe that those to broaden this discussion, if I could, a thank the gentleman from Georgia. little bit, too, and that is, the labor who follow the law should be punished The thought that goes through my and told to stay at home, but those supply in the United States of Amer- mind as I listen to that discussion ica. We hear continually from the who break the law get rewarded and about the cumulative total of legal im- other side the specious argument that get into this country? migrants in the United States, it oc- And since when is it not the right we do not have a labor supply in the curs to me that the Senate bill that United States, and so since there is a thing to do to make sure that our im- passed last year that they said was not migration policy serves the people we demand for more cheap labor, there- amnesty, that the American people re- fore, you ought to bring in more cheap are sworn to represent in this Chamber jected because clearly it was amnesty, labor, as if the United States of Amer- and in the Senate? It is a major issue according to Robert Rector of the Her- ica was just a giant ATM and there was that the American people need to be itage Foundation, would have legalized nothing more to our Nationhood than a asking those that they have sent to over the next 20 years, and that is the giant ATM. Washington. calculation period of time that we have We are more than a giant ATM. In I, as the new chairman of the Immi- for immigration, 66.1 million people. fact, we are a sovereign Nation based gration Caucus, look forward to work- It also occurs to me that back in 1986 upon a constitutional foundation, and ing with Democrats and Republicans when President Reagan signed the am- we have a whole series of foundations because I think in all fairness, immi- nesty bill, that was supposed to legal- that have created and established gration is not a Democrat or Repub- ize 1 million people, and that went over American exceptionalism, and without lican issue, it is an American issue. 3 million people. going down into the components of And Americans across this country on Mr. BILBRAY. Actually, it was—— American exceptionalism, I would both sides of the political divide be- Mr. KING of Iowa. Reclaiming my point out that we do have a labor sup- lieve it is time we address this issue time, I am happy to yield to the gen- ply, Mr. Speaker. That labor supply is reasonably and not make the terrible tleman to make any clarification he not something where you just go look- mistake we made in 1986 of rewarding likes, but I have a flow in my thought ing at an unemployment rate and say, people with amnesty and not doing process here that I want to make sure well, traditionally, it is kind of low, it something about enforcement. I can stay with here. is 4.6 percent. How many does that I appreciate the chance to be able to The published numbers, though, was make? A few million out there you address the issue. That chart scares me supposed to be amnesty for 1 million could hire. You could add up a few that to death. And I just say this as a prac- and ended up being 3.1 million the are on the welfare rolls. ticing Catholic with five children. Your numbers I have. Then if you go up to It is more than that. Look at the numbers are a lot lower than for those 1996 in California, when President Clin- whole United States of America as if of us that are in my Mass every day. I ton accelerated the naturalization of a we were one huge company. If you were think we have to recognize this number group of citizens in the number of 1 going to establish a company in a lo- as a huge threat of really overturning million in 1996. cale, you would not just go into that the entire concept we have of reason- So I am pointing this out that 1 mil- locale to measure how many were on able immigration levels, and those rea- lion people was an outrageously high the unemployment rolls and count sonable immigration levels are not number in 1986, was an outrageously them and say that is the only available only our right to set here in Wash- high number in 1996, and last year, the labor supply. You would hire a con- ington, it is our responsibility to do Senate passed a bill that legalized 66.1 sulting company to go in and survey that. million people, and we swallowed that that region and find out how many peo- I yield back. and talked about it not in terms of the ple were underemployed, how many Mr. GINGREY. I thank the gen- magnitude of it but just simply is it people were not in the workforce, and tleman, and I hope the gentleman will amnesty or is it not amnesty. how many people were unemployed so be able to stay and continue as we have But put this into the scope, that the that you could look at the universe a colloquy on this issue. point I want to make here is that my that could be hired from. Just by coincidence, we have the numbers show, my census numbers, I did that for the United States of Catholic caucus here, as we have the from 1820 until the year 2000, and those America. It was not hard to do. I am gentleman from California and the gen- would be the years when our census kind of astonished those big business tleman from Iowa and myself, so we was keeping track of the naturaliza- interests did not do that. So I went to know about these large families. tion, that period of time, 1820 to 2000, the U.S. Department of Labor’s Web But to put it in perspective, in regard the sum total, the cumulative total of site, and I started to add up what about to numbers, Mr. BILBRAY mentioned all naturalized citizens come into the the people that are not in the work- the fact that a million come into this United States was 66 million. force. country as permanent legal residents So the Senate would have legalized a Well, between the ages of 16 and 19, every year. It varies from country to number in one of the stroke of the pen there are 9.3 million that are not even

VerDate Aug 31 2005 05:30 Mar 22, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00070 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K21MR7.170 H21MRPT1 jcorcoran on PROD1PC62 with HOUSE March 21, 2007 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H2817 doing part-time work, and then you go guess, based on the luck of your birth- to my colleagues tonight, the bill that into the ages of 20 to 24, and there is a right, geneology, and how inappro- I have introduced, H.R. 938, remember number there that I believe is 5.1 mil- priate that is and how we cannot afford that number, many of you on both lion. 9.3 million for the teenagers, 5.1 to continue to do this. We have a solu- sides are considering signing on to this million for the 20- to 24-year-old, and tion. bill. Many of you already have. I think you go on up the line. So I began add- But Mr. Speaker, first of all, I want we are up over 60 at this point, and ing up these available workforce, and I to call my colleagues’ attention to this hopefully, there will be many more went on up to 65, and then I thought next slide, and again, it depicts on this when they understand the magnitude but you know Wal-Mart is hiring up to scale of justice, as we have here in the of this problem that we are presenting 74. They get greeters there to hand you middle of this slide, on the one side you tonight. your cart at 74. So they are available have an imbalance, too much emphasis, So H.R. 938, the Nuclear Family Pri- workforce, too, not a lot of them, but too much weight in regard to the sec- ority Act, taken almost verbatim from they are there. You add this up, there ond cousin of an immigrant, i.e., chain Congresswoman Barbara Jordan’s rec- are 6.9 million working illegals in migration. ommendations back in 1990, again, a America, and there are 69 million non- On the other side, however, not distinguished Democratic Member of working Americans of working age. weighing so heavily in this scale of this this body, these two, husband and wife, So any company that is worth their balance of justice is the skilled laborer when they become citizens, they can salt would look at that and say all we waiting to emigrate into this country. bring their parents. Assuming both have to do is go hire 1 in 10 of those This is what this hour is mainly parents are living, then that is four ad- that are not in the workforce. One in 10 about, Mr. Speaker, that we need to ditional people, and then they in turn is all it takes to replace the illegal correct this. We need to get back to having become citizens can bring their labor that is in America. what Congresswoman Barbara Jordan parents in. There is a possibility that if If you want to look at it from an- recommended to this House back in the the parents were divorced and remar- other perspective, Mr. Speaker, I would early 1990s as she chaired the Commis- ried, that instead of two on each side, submit this, that 4.7 percent of the sion on Immigration Reform. there would be four. workforce is illegal labor, and they rep- Basically, this is what she said, Mr. I do not want to confuse my col- resent 6.9 million workers but they are Speaker, in this next slide: Proposed leagues with another arcane slide, but not as productive as more educated, tripartite immigration system, legal basically, this is the bottom line to more efficient and more effective work- immigration. That basically, as I said take home. On this slide, if all of these ers that are the American workers. So at the outset of the hour, people come people came in under the Nuclear Fam- they are really only doing 2.2 percent to this country first and foremost ily Priority Act, you are talking about of the work. Well, if you wanted to re- maybe as a skill-based worker, skill- 35 people. Chain migration, which cur- place 2.2 percent of the work, if this based admission; or possibly on the far rently is the policy, you are talking great huge megafactory of the United side of the slide, come in as a refugee about 273 people. States of America got up in the morn- for humanitarian reasons, a humani- So, Mr. Speaker, we are talking ing and realized that 2.2 percent of tarian admission; and then, finally, the about cutting that down by 87 percent, your labor force was not going to show nuclear family admissions that Con- and that is not small change. That is a up for work, it could happen all at once gresswoman Jordan, the distinguished significant solution to this problem, but it will not, then you could make an lady from the great State of Texas moving in that direction to enact the adjustment on your production line talked about, nuclear family admis- Nuclear Family Priority Act. and you would just say to the people, sions, Mr. Speaker. So, again, it is straightforward. I well, you know that 15-minute coffee That is the solution to this problem, leave this slide up and let my col- break that you have in the morning and how we got away, how we did not leagues continue to look at it. I want and the afternoon, for the sake of this follow her recommendation, there were to yield back now to the gentleman emergency that we are in, we are going a number of things that were rec- from California (Mr. BILBRAY). to shorten that down to 9.5 minutes in ommended that were enacted by this Mr. BILBRAY. Well, I would just like the morning and 9.5 minutes in the body, but we missed the most impor- to congratulate you on explaining ex- afternoon, and you have picked up 2.2 tant, and that is in regard to nuclear actly what your legislation is focused percent of your productivity. Eleven family admissions. on. You articulated the problem, the minutes a day will more than recover This print is far too small for my col- challenge, and it seems to me not only all the illegal labor in America in the leagues to see, even in the front of the a very common-sense approach but a size of the economy that we have. room, so I want to point out, under nu- very, very compassionate approach to We are not in a labor crisis. We just clear family, the first priority would be the issue. simply always will have more demand spouses and minor children of United I think any American that thinks for cheap labor as long as we have more States citizens, under the nuclear fam- about hundreds of people coming to labor that makes it cheaper. ily. The second priority would be par- this country because one person was al- Mr. GINGREY. I thank the gen- ents of the United States citizens, and lowed in sort of boggles your mind say- tleman from Iowa. I want to move back the third priority, as we talked about, ing why has not anybody brought this now for just a moment and focus again would be spouses and minor children of up before. on the solution to this problem of legal immigrants. Of course, hopefully chain immigration, and we will get they will become and we want them to b 2230 into further discussion of some of the assimilate into our society. We want I think that look at your diagram many things this Congress, and the them to be part of this great country, there, and the level of legal immigra- 109th Congress when we were in the the United States of America, and at tion you are proposing per person, majority and led this great House of that point of course they could bring based on family relations, is quite rea- Representatives, some of the many their parents, both husband and wife, sonable. I don’t think any of us, espe- good things that have been done in re- as part of this nuclear family. cially those of us that are a family gard to controlling illegal immigra- Mr. Speaker, in my final slide, here is from immigrants, my mother came tion. the result of that. Again, this is the from Australia, could say that is an But let me just for the moment, be- initial skilled worker that comes in le- unreasonable and an unfair proposal fore my colleagues some possibly have gally. This is her husband or his wife and unrational proposal at this time. to leave, refocus on this issue of chain and their three minor children. That is I really want to compliment you at migration, Mr. Speaker, because we a total of five people, one permanent actually addressing this issue, because have presented the problem. We have legal resident and an additional four. we are talking about a lot of other dif- spent maybe 20, 25, 30 minutes talking Now, when husband and wife become ference issues. But this is one that is about the problem of chain migration, citizens of the United States, then each sort of below the radar, people aren’t the one person bringing in 273 others, of them under this new Nuclear Family talking about, and I am glad you are not based on skill, strictly being, I Act, and that is what I want to present able to bring it up. I think that is why

VerDate Aug 31 2005 05:30 Mar 22, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00071 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K21MR7.171 H21MRPT1 jcorcoran on PROD1PC62 with HOUSE H2818 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE March 21, 2007 our Wednesday evening reports to the things go back and forth. But we can’t gress and has championed in regard to American people on the status of immi- let that tie our hands and keep us from an identification system that is fool- gration is so important. I want to going forward and getting things done proof, and we can do that, we can have thank you sincerely for bringing up for the American people. a tamper-proof, biometric identifica- this issue and for introducing this bill. I know that my colleagues that are tion card. And I think our employers, Mr. GINGREY. I thank my col- here with me tonight, and I think all and I have talked to many of them, and leagues, the gentleman from Cali- the colleagues of this 435–Member body I commend them, but there may be a fornia, the gentleman from Iowa, for would hopefully say, right on, Gingrey, few that are paying low wages and being with me tonight. The hour is get- we agree with you on that. gaming the system. You always have ting late. I appreciate their sharing Mr. BILBRAY. Let me say this as a that problem. But we will ferret them their knowledge. It is so important Republican. I think the American peo- out. that our colleagues do that, because we ple will be so pleased if the Democratic At the same time, kudos to those have very bright Members of this body majority would bring a bill forward who are playing by the rules and doing on both sides of the aisle. We are not that addresses the major source of ille- the right thing. all experts on every issue, but we help gal immigration, and that is illegal Mr. BILBRAY. I think the key is the one another. We share our knowledge. employment. If the Democrats were fact that every legitimate employer We rely on each other. brave enough to just come forward, not wants to have a simple system that I am very grateful to Mr. BILBRAY with an amnesty that rewards illegals lets them know who is qualified to and Mr. KING of Iowa for being with me for being here, not pandering to the work and who is not. The employer today, to help me talk about not just illegals and the whole industry that doesn’t want to be the person having to this issue of chain immigration, that’s has been built up around that, but went make that determination. the main focus of the hour, but to dis- and actually did a project that ad- We require every employer in this cuss the overall problem of Georgia. dressed the real source of illegal immi- country now to get a Social Security It is a huge problem. We can’t really gration; and that is, have a simple em- number for their employee. All we are afford to turn our backs and shut our ployer verification system and a crack- saying now, with the Silvestre Reyes- eyes and bury our head in the sand down on the people that are profit- David Dreier bill, H.R. 98, is we will with regard to 3 or 4 million additional eering from illegal immigration, and now give the employee a card to prove people coming in every year illegally that’s the employers. IF the Demo- that it’s their number, so that the em- on top of those 2 million that are com- cratic Party did that, I think the ployer, when they get this number, ing, as the gentleman from California American people would embrace that. gets it from a card, doesn’t just take pointed out in his earlier remarks. I think it’s a real chance for them to somebody’s word. It gives us, as legiti- There is no way, this country cannot show that they can get the job done mate citizens or legal residents, the sustain that. and get this issue done that the Repub- ability to prove this really is our num- He talked about the cost in Cali- licans didn’t get done. You know, as an ber, not 20 other people that are using fornia and their problem, indeed, as a American, I think that is more impor- that number somewhere else down the border State, is a lot bigger than it is tant than Republicans having to take road. This issue of upgrading the Social Se- in the State of Georgia. Of course, advantage of this issue. I just wouldn’t curity card seems so simple. We their population approaches 55 million, be happy as an American to see the haven’t done this since the 1930s, and the population of Georgia is 9.3 Democrats sit there and actually get though every driver’s license from million. But on a percentage basis, we the job done so I could join them, could every State has been upgraded since have a huge problem in Georgia as vote with them at doing, actually get- then. Now that we have done the real well, maybe fourth or fifth number per- ting the legislation through that the ID bill, where we are requiring finally centage-wise of illegal immigrations of American people have been waiting for that driver’s licenses be upgraded, isn’t any State in this country. I think the too long. I would sure love to be sur- it appropriate that the Federal Govern- last count in Georgia was about 750,000. prised, and I am sure the American ment do the same thing with our card, We have got a problem. Certainly, we people would love to see us working as our Social Security, to upgrade it to be are a great country. I think that we Democrats and Republicans for Amer- as tamper-resistant as the new driver’s have done some great things in the his- ica first, not our party first and our license would be? tory of this Nation. Indeed in 1969, we Nation second. Mr. GINGREY. There is no question put a man on the Moon. If we can do I just tell you, I think that our about that. that, we can solve this problem. We grandchildren would be well served, be- Mr. KING of Iowa. I wanted to make just need to have the will. I think my cause all of us, I know the three of us the point that we tried mightily in this colleagues are helping bring that to the here, if it meant somebody on the House last year to bring immigration attention of the Members of this House Democratic side getting credit for it, reform, we passed H.R. 4437. It had a lot and this Congress, both House and Sen- then God bless them. What’s important of the things in it that would clean up ate, to the administration, to the is that we leave an America for our the problems that we have with an en- American people. I like it when we talk grandchildren that is worth our grand- forcement here, internally, domesti- during these times to our colleagues in children living in, and taking care of cally, with employment enforcement, a bipartisan way and say that, look, we this problem is going to be part of the as well as border enforcement. That can do this together. We all worry important part of doing that. bill, of course, didn’t make it through about who has got the power and who Mr. GINGREY. You know who else the Senate. The Senate passed their is in control, and who is in the major- would be pleased, and that is the em- amnesty bill, and we passed our en- ity, and who is the Speaker, and who ployers in this country, and a lot of the forcement bill. are the committee chairs, and who is industries. In Georgia, I mean we have We came back and we did the one the next President. Of course, that will got agriculture, we have the poultry thing that we could agree to, and that be upon us pretty soon. industry, we have the carpet industry. was provide the online border security But in the meantime, there are so We all have the homebuilding industry at the fence. That was something the many things that we can do in a bipar- in every State, and I know that most of American people wanted and de- tisan way and really pat ourselves on my friends that are in those businesses manded, and it was right, and it was the back, because I don’t think our pay good wages, they pay good bene- appropriate, and it was just. constituents care whether the Demo- fits, they are treating their employees But the reason that that was the one crats solve this problem or the Repub- in a compassionate way. thing we could agree on, because there licans solve this problem. They want us In return, they are getting a heck of is a tug of war going on in this coun- to do it in a unified way. a day’s work for their wages that they try, a tug of war would be going on be- We have got such a few more on the pay, and I think they would welcome, I tween big business that wants to have Democrats side of the aisle in this think that the employers would wel- a supply of cheap labor, and people 110th, a few more on our side of the come. I know Representative KING, in a that want to have a supply, a long sup- aisle in the 109th back to 1994, these bill that he introduced in the last Con- ply of voters, or at least people in the

VerDate Aug 31 2005 04:24 Mar 22, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00072 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K21MR7.173 H21MRPT1 jcorcoran on PROD1PC62 with HOUSE March 21, 2007 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H2819 United States they can count for the testified before the 9/11 Commission which was referred to the House Cal- census purpose. There is a lot of polit- and made those recommendations, 41 endar and ordered to be printed. ical power, most of that is on the left, or so specific recommendations, one of f and there is a lot of business power, the most important ones was to say most of that is on the right. you have got States that issue driver’s REPORT ON RESOLUTION PRO- We have this, it’s an unusual, odd and licenses without requiring any proof of VIDING FOR CONSIDERATION OF some would say an unholy alliance. I legal residency. The 9/11 hijackers, 19 of H.R. 1591, U.S. TROOP READINESS, think of it as a set of barbells where them I think, had something like 53, a VETERANS’ HEALTH, AND IRAQ you have the weight on the right of the total in the aggregate of 53 legal issued ACCOUNTABILITY ACT, 2007 business interests, where you have the driver’s licenses from some 10 or 12 Mr. CARDOZA, from the Committee weight on the left is the political States. on Rules, submitted a privileged report power, and the barbell in the middle, So basically what we said is, look, we (Rept. No. 110–64) on the resolution (H. that handle that you pick it up with, can’t tell you, we the Federal Govern- Res. 261) providing for consideration of the bar, that’s the middle class. The ment can’t tell the States how to run the bill (H.R. 1591) making emergency middle class is being squeezed ever their motor vehicle department and supplemental appropriations for the more narrow because of the overload how they issue driver’s licenses and to fiscal year ending September 30, 2007, on the upside and the overload on the whom and how long and how much you and for other purposes, which was re- downside our economy. pay for driver’s licenses, what age you ferred to the House Calendar and or- We got to this point last year, and we have to be, whether you have to take dered to be printed. did all we could do. But the American driver’s ed or not. That is a State pre- f people became cynical because they rogative, certainly. But if they do not weren’t seeing legislation get to the have proof of legal residence, not citi- LEAVE OF ABSENCE President’s desk that fixed the prob- zenship, because a permanent legal By unanimous consent, leave of ab- lem. Now we are faced again this year resident certainly can be granted a sence was granted to: with trying to arrive at a consensus, driver’s license, then they can’t use Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON (at the trying to arrive at something that pre- that license from that State for Fed- request of Mr. HOYER) for today on ac- serves the rule of law, does not provide eral purposes, like getting on an air- count of medical reasons. amnesty, satisfies the interests on both plane and blowing it to smithereens or Mr. KUCINICH (at the request of Mr. ends of that barbell that I described, using it as a guided missile. HOYER) for March 19 and 20. and doing it quickly. Because once we I see Mr. Speaker is tapping me Mr. MITCHELL (at the request of Mr. get past the summer, once we get past down. I didn’t realize, I was having so HOYER) for March 19. the August break, we are into the fast much fun with my colleague from Cali- Mr. DEAL of Georgia (at the request slide into the next Presidential race, as fornia, the chairman of the Immigra- of Mr. BOEHNER) for today after 1:30 well as the elections here and a third of tion Reform Caucus, that all of a sud- p.m. on account of attending a memo- the Senate. den our time has expired. rial service. But the Presidential race, if it’s done I appreciate his patience and indul- and if it’s done right, we will take this gence. I continue to promote the Nu- f issue up in Congress, and if we don’t clear Family Protection Act. Let’s all SPECIAL ORDERS GRANTED solve it first, it will be become the get behind it and thank you. issue du jour of the Presidential de- By unanimous consent, permission to Mr. BILBRAY. Mr. Speaker, I appre- address the House, following the legis- bates. And I am looking forward to a ciate our hour. I hope the people in Presidential candidate that will step lative program and any special orders Colorado enjoyed prime time back heretofore entered, was granted to: forward with clarity on this issue and there. start that inertia towards the White (The following Members (at the re- House. That is the one thing that can f quest of Mr. PALLONE) to revise and ex- solve this issue. That is my best hope. RECESS tend their remarks and include extra- neous material:) Mr. GINGREY. The point the gen- The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- tleman from Iowa is making is that we Mr. LARSEN of Washington, for 5 min- ant to clause 12(a) of rule I, the Chair utes, today. have really tried hard in this body to declares the House in recess subject to Mr. DICKS, for 5 minutes, today. address this problem. We on this side of the call of the Chair. Mr. INSLEE, for 5 minutes, today. the aisle, when we were in control and Accordingly (at 10 o’clock and 45 had the majority in the 109th, felt very Mr. MCDERMOTT, for 5 minutes, minutes p.m.), the House stood in re- today. strongly that first and foremost to cess subject to the call of the Chair. solve the problem and ultimately de- Mr. SMITH of Washington, for 5 min- cide what to do with the 20 million f utes, today. that are estimated to be here illegally, b 0103 Mr. PALLONE, for 5 minutes, today. is to stop the hemorrhaging. As a phy- Ms. WOOLSEY, for 5 minutes, today. AFTER RECESS sician member, I use that expression a Mr. DEFAZIO, for 5 minutes, today. lot, having been a surgeon in my pre- The recess having expired, the House Mrs. MCCARTHY of New York, for 5 vious life, OB/GYN physician, but you was called to order by the Speaker pro minutes, today. have to stop the bleeding. If you sit tempore (Mr. WELCH of Vermont) at 1 Ms. CORRINE BROWN of Florida, for 5 there and let the patient continue to o’clock and 3 minutes a.m. minutes, today. bleed, and that is analogous to the po- f (The following Members (at the re- rous borders, the 3 or 4 million that quest of Mr. JONES of North Carolina) continue to come in every year, in ad- REPORT ON RESOLUTION PRO- to revise and extend their remarks and dition to the 2 million that the gen- VIDING FOR CONSIDERATION OF include extraneous material:) tleman from California was talking H.R. 1433, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA Mr. JONES of North Carolina, for 5 about earlier, then the patient is going HOUSE VOTING RIGHTS ACT OF minutes, March 26, 27, and 28. to die. That patient, as the lifeblood 2007 Mrs. BLACKBURN, for 5 minutes, seeps out of us, is the United States of Mr. CARDOZA, from the Committee today. America. on Rules, submitted a privileged report Mr. DUNCAN, for 5 minutes, today. So it is so important to do the things (Rept. No. 110–63) on the resolution (H. Mr. HASTINGS of Washington, for 5 that we have done, tried to do in regard Res. 260) providing for consideration of minutes, today. to Mr. SENSENBRENNER’s legislation. He the bill (H.R. 1433) to provide for the f was a champion in regard to the REAL treatment of the District of Columbia ID Act. Basically the REAL ID Act was as a Congressional district for purposes ADJOURNMENT just in response to the request of the of representation in the House of Rep- Mr. CARDOZA. Mr. Speaker, I move survivors of the 9/11 victims. As they resentatives, and for other purposes, that the House do now adjourn.

VerDate Aug 31 2005 04:24 Mar 22, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00073 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K21MR7.174 H21MRPT1 jcorcoran on PROD1PC62 with HOUSE H2820 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE March 21, 2007 The motion was agreed to; accord- for printing and reference to the proper of Vermont, Mrs. CAPPS, Mr. OLVER, ingly (at 1 o’clock and 5 minutes a.m.), calendar, as follows: Ms. SOLIS, Mr. CUMMINGS, and Ms. BALDWIN): the House adjourned until today, Mr. DINGELL: Committee on Energy and Thursday, March 22, 2007, at 10 a.m. H.R. 1616. A bill to amend the Farm Secu- Commerce. H.R. 545. A bill to amend the Om- rity and Rural Investment Act of 2002 to re- f nibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of authorize the McGovern-Dole International 1968 to clarify that territories and Indian Food for Education and Child Nutrition Pro- EXECUTIVE COMMUNICATIONS, tribes are eligible to receive grants for con- ETC. gram, and for other purposes; to the Com- fronting the use of methamphetamine, with mittee on Agriculture, and in addition to the Under clause 8 of rule XII, executive an amendment (Rept. 110–35 Pt. 2). Referred Committee on Foreign Affairs, for a period communications were taken from the to the Committee of the Whole House on the to be subsequently determined by the Speak- Speaker’s table and referred as follows: State of the Union. er, in each case for consideration of such pro- Mr. WAXMAN: Committee on Oversight visions as fall within the jurisdiction of the 911. A letter from the Secretary of the and Government Reform. Supplemental re- committee concerned. Army, Department of Defense, transmitting port on H.R. 1433. A bill to provide for the By Mr. CARNAHAN: notification that the Warfighter Information treatment of the District of Columbia as a Network-Tactical (WIN-T) Program exceeds H.R. 1617. A bill to designate the facility of Congressional district for purposes of rep- the United States Postal Service located at the Nunn-McCurdy Program APUC and resentation in the House of Representatives, PAUC thresholds, pursuant to 10 U.S.C. 561 Kingsland Avenue in University City, and for other purposes (Rept. 110–52 Pt. 3). 2433(e)(1); to the Committee on Armed Serv- Missouri, as the ‘‘Harriett F. Woods Post Of- Ordered to be printed. ices. fice Building’’; to the Committee on Over- 912. A letter from the Deputy Secretary, Mr. OBERSTAR: Committee on Transpor- sight and Government Reform. Department of Defense, transmitting the An- tation and Infrastructure. H.R. 1195. A bill to By Mr. CAMP of Michigan: nual Report of the Reserve Forces Policy amend the Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Effi- H.R. 1618. A bill to amend the Internal Rev- Board for Fiscal Year 2006, pursuant to 10 cient Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy enue Code of 1986 to provide a credit for the U.S.C. 113 (c)(2); to the Committee on Armed for Users to make technical corrections, and purchase of plug-in hybrid vehicles; to the Services. for other purposes; with an amendment Committee on Ways and Means. 913. A letter from the Principal Deputy (Rept. 110–62). Referred to the Committee of By Mr. CONYERS (for himself, Mr. KIL- Under Secretary for Personnel and Readi- the Whole House on the State of the Union. DEE, Mr. ROGERS of Michigan, Ms. ness, Department of Defense, transmitting Mr. ARCURI: Committee on Rules. House KILPATRICK, Mr. MCCOTTER, and Mr. authorization of Captain Thomas J. Eccles Resolution 260. Resolution providing for con- DINGELL): to wear the insignia of the grade of rear ad- sideration of the bill (H.R. 1433) to provide H.R. 1619. A bill to require the Secretary of miral (lower half) in accordance with title for the treatment of the District of Columbia the Treasury to mint coins in commemora- 10, United States Code, section 777; to the as a Congressional district for purposes of tion of the Model T Ford Automobile and the Committee on Armed Services. representation in the House of Representa- 100th anniversary of the Highland Park 914. A letter from the U.S. Global AIDS Co- tives, and for other purposes (Rept. 110–63). Plant, Michigan, the birthplace of the assem- ordinator, Department of State, transmit- Referred to the House Calendar. bly line, and for other purposes; to the Com- ting a report on the President’s Emergency Ms. SLAUGHTER: Committee on Rules. mittee on Financial Services. Plan for AIDS Relief: Annual Report on the House Resolution 261. Resolution providing By Mrs. CUBIN (for herself, Mr. UDALL Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis, for consideration of the bill (H.R. 1591) mak- of Colorado, Mr. REHBERG, Mr. and Malaria, as requested in Pub. L. 108-25; ing emergency supplemental appropriations BISHOP of Utah, Mr. HERGER, Mr. to the Committee on Foreign Affairs. for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2007, CALVERT, Mrs. MUSGRAVE, Mr. CAN- 915. A letter from the Assistant Secretary and for other purposes (Rept. 110–64). Re- NON, Mr. HELLER, Mr. SIMPSON, Mrs. for Legislative Affairs, Department of State, ferred to the House Calendar. MCMORRIS RODGERS, and Mr. RENZI): transmitting the Department’s report enti- H.R. 1620. A bill to provide permanent tled ‘‘Country Reports on Human Rights f funding for the payment in lieu of taxes pro- Practices for 2006,’’ pursuant to 22 U.S.C. PUBLIC BILLS AND RESOLUTIONS gram, and for other purposes; to the Com- 2304(b) Public Law 87-195, section 502B(b); to mittee on Natural Resources. the Committee on Foreign Affairs. Under clause 2 of rule XII, public 916. A letter from the Assistant Secretary bills and resolutions were introduced By Mr. DAVIS of Illinois (for himself for Legislative Affairs, Department of State, and Mr. SHIMKUS): and severally referred, as follows: H.R. 1621. A bill to amend title XIX of the transmitting the Department’s report on By Mr. KELLER (for himself and Mr. ‘‘Overseas Surplus Property,’’ pursuant to Social Security Act to provide individuals FORBES): Public Law 105-277, section 2215; to the Com- with disabilities and older Americans with H.R. 1615. A bill to amend title 18, United mittee on Foreign Affairs. equal access to community-based attendant 917. A letter from the Assistant Secretary States Code, to provide penalties for aiming services and supports, and for other pur- for Legislative Affairs, Department of State, laser pointers at airplanes, and for other pur- poses; to the Committee on Energy and Com- transmitting a copy of Presidential Deter- poses; to the Committee on the Judiciary. merce. mination No. 2007-14, Relating to the Largest By Mr. MCGOVERN (for himself, Mrs. By Mr. TOM DAVIS of Virginia (for Exporting and Importing Countries of Cer- EMERSON, Ms. KAPTUR, Ms. MCCOL- himself, Mr. MORAN of Virginia, Mr. tain Precursor Chemicals under Section LUM of Minnesota, Mr. SNYDER, Mr. GOODLATTE, Mr. BOUCHER, Mrs. JO 490(b)(1)(A); to the Committee on Foreign Af- MCCOTTER, Mr. BOUSTANY, Mrs. ANN DAVIS of Virginia, Mr. GOODE, fairs. TAUSCHER, Mr. MOORE of Kansas, Mr. and Mr. WOLF): 918. A letter from the Acting Executive HINCHEY, Mr. BISHOP of Georgia, Mr. H.R. 1622. A bill to provide a waiver from Secretary, U.S. Agency for International De- HASTINGS of Florida, Mr. SCHIFF, Mrs. sanctions under the Elementary and Sec- velopment, transmitting a report pursuant CHRISTENSEN, Ms. JACKSON-LEE of ondary Education Act of 1965 for certain to the Federal Vacancies Reform Act of 1998; Texas, Ms. MATSUI, Mr. MCDERMOTT, States, local educational agencies, and to the Committee on Oversight and Govern- Mr. RUSH, Mr. HOLT, Mr. MORAN of schools; to the Committee on Education and ment Reform. Kansas, Mr. SKELTON, Mr. GRIJALVA, Labor. 919. A letter from the Secretary, Depart- Ms. NORTON, Ms. LEE, Mr. PAYNE, Mr. By Mr. HINOJOSA (for himself, Mrs. ment of Transportation, transmitting the FATTAH, Mr. OBERSTAR, Ms. HERSETH, DAVIS of California, Mr. EMANUEL, Department’s five-year National Intelligent Mr. LAHOOD, Ms. MOORE of Wis- Mr. EDWARDS, Ms. BERKLEY, Mr. Transportation Systems (ITS) Program consin, Mr. SMITH of New Jersey, Mr. CLEAVER, Mr. BERMAN, Mr. HONDA, Plan, pursuant to Public Law 109-59, section WALSH of New York, Mr. KIND, Mr. Mr. ETHERIDGE, Mr. RUSH, Ms. JACK- 5301; to the Committee on Transportation STARK, Ms. WATSON, Mr. MCNULTY, SON-LEE of Texas, Mr. GUTIERREZ, and Infrastructure. Mrs. NAPOLITANO, Mr. MCHUGH, Mr. Mr. ABERCROMBIE, Mr. FILNER, Mr. 920. A letter from the Board of Trustees, CROWLEY, Mr. BOUCHER, Ms. WOOL- TOWNS, Mr. SALAZAR, Ms. HIRONO, National Railroad Retirement Investment SEY, Mr. GEORGE MILLER of Cali- Mr. CONYERS, Mr. RANGEL, Mr. GENE Trust, transmitting the National Railroad fornia, Mr. POMEROY, Ms. DELAURO, GREEN of Texas, Ms. NORTON, Mr. Retirement Investment Trust’s annual man- Mr. ENGLISH of Pennsylvania, Mr. JEFFERSON, Mr. RODRIGUEZ, Mr. agement report covering FY 2006, pursuant LANTOS, Ms. CARSON, Mr. ETHERIDGE, FATTAH, Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia, and to 45 U.S.C. 231n Public Law 107-90, section Mr. SHIMKUS, Mr. LEWIS of Georgia, Mr. NEAL of Massachusetts): 105; to the Committee on Transportation and Ms. CORRINE BROWN of Florida, Mr. H.R. 1623. A bill to improve graduation Infrastructure. KILDEE, Mrs. BOYDA of Kansas, Mr. rates by authorizing the Secretary of Edu- f JEFFERSON, Mr. WEXLER, Mr. COHEN, cation to make grants to improve adolescent REPORTS OF COMMITTEES ON Mr. SERRANO, Mr. BUTTERFIELD, Mr. literacy, and for other purposes; to the Com- PUBLIC BILLS AND RESOLUTIONS COURTNEY, Mr. DELAHUNT, Mr. FARR, mittee on Education and Labor. Mr. PALLONE, Ms. SCHAKOWSKY, Mr. By Mr. KENNEDY (for himself, Mr. Under clause 2 of rule XIII, reports of HARE, Mrs. MALONEY of New York, MCNULTY, Mr. GRIJALVA, Mr. BOREN, committees were delivered to the Clerk Mr. MEEKS of New York, Mr. WELCH and Ms. SCHAKOWSKY):

VerDate Aug 31 2005 05:30 Mar 22, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00074 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K21MR7.178 H21MRPT1 jcorcoran on PROD1PC62 with HOUSE March 21, 2007 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H2821

H.R. 1624. A bill to amend the Public By Mr. SALI: Mr. CONYERS, Mr. DREIER, Mr. THORNBERRY, Health Service Act to establish a program of H.R. 1635. A bill to reauthorize the Secure Mr. ROHRABACHER, Mr. GINGREY, Mr. GAR- grants for the detection and control of Rural Schools and Community Self-Deter- RETT of New Jersey, Mr. WICKER, Mrs. colorectal cancer; to the Committee on En- mination Act of 2000; to the Committee on TAUSCHER, Mr. LEWIS of California, and Mr. ergy and Commerce. Agriculture, and in addition to the Commit- MICHAUD. By Mr. LAHOOD (for himself, Mr. tees on Natural Resources, and Appropria- H.R 422: Mr. CUMMINGS. RUSH, Mr. JACKSON of Illinois, Mr. LI- tions, for a period to be subsequently deter- H.R 471: Mr. WALBERG, Mr. LAMBORN, Mr. PINSKI, Mr. GUTIERREZ, Mr. EMANUEL, mined by the Speaker, in each case for con- MOORE of Kansas, and Mr. BLUNT. Mr. ROSKAM, Mr. DAVIS of Illinois, sideration of such provisions as fall within H.R 473: Mr. LAHOOD. Ms. BEAN, Ms. SCHAKOWSKY, Mr. the jurisdiction of the committee concerned. H.R 503: Mr. WELCH of Vermont and Mr. KIRK, Mr. WELLER, Mr. COSTELLO, By Mr. VISCLOSKY (for himself, Mr. COURTNEY. Mrs. BIGGERT, Mr. HASTERT, Mr. MCCOTTER, Mr. COHEN, Mr. DINGELL, H.R 507: Mr. CLEAVER. JOHNSON of Illinois, Mr. MANZULLO, Mr. EMANUEL, Mr. HASTINGS of Flor- H.R 510: Mr. THORNBERRY. Mr. HARE, and Mr. SHIMKUS): ida, Mr. HIGGINS, and Mr. LIPINSKI): H.R 511: Mr. CASTLE, Mr. BUCHANAN, Mr. H.R. 1625. A bill to establish the Abraham H.R. 1636. A bill to establish a United JOHNSON of Illinois, Mr. WALSH of New York, Lincoln National Heritage Area, and for States-Poland parliamentary youth ex- and Mr. WELDON of Florida. other purposes; to the Committee on Natural change program, and for other purposes; to H.R 524: Mr. CUMMINGS, Mr. PATRICK MUR- Resources. the Committee on Foreign Affairs. PHY of Pennsylvania, and Mr. HALL of Texas. By Mr. TIM MURPHY of Pennsylvania By Mr. DICKS (for himself, Mr. INSLEE, H.R 552: Mr. UPTON, Mr. LATHAM, Mr. (for himself, Mrs. DAVIS of California, Mr. MCDERMOTT, Mr. HIGGINS, Mrs. BOREN, Mr. EHLERS, Mr. SPACE, Mr. and Mr. ALTMIRE): MALONEY of New York, Mr. CLEAVER, DOGGETT, Mr. UDALL of Colorado, Mr. H.R. 1626. A bill to amend the Public Mr. FARR, Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas, BRALEY of Iowa, Mr. ROSS, Mr. HINCHEY, Mr. Health Service Act to provide liability pro- Mr. MORAN of Virginia, Mr. CHAN- ROTHMAN, and Mr. PASTOR. tections for volunteer practitioners at health DLER, Mr. ENGEL, Mr. PATRICK MUR- H.R 563: Mr. ADERHOLT. centers under section 330 of such Act; to the PHY of Pennsylvania, Mr. UDALL of H.R 566: Mr. CARNEY. Committee on Energy and Commerce. Colorado, Mr. MCGOVERN, Mr. THOMP- H.R 583: Mr. WICKER, Mr. TERRY, Mr. By Mrs. MYRICK: SON of California, Mr. HONDA, Mr. MITCHELL, Mr. GUTIERREZ, Mr. CASTLE, Mr. H.R. 1627. A bill to amend title II of the So- OLVER, Mr. HOLT, Mr. STARK, Mr. FOSSELLA, Mr. STUPAK, Mr. PASTOR, Mr. AL- cial Security Act to require that the Com- GILCHREST, Mr. WEXLER, and Mr. FIL- EXANDER, Mr. OBERSTAR, Mr. ROGERS of Ken- missioner of Social Security notify individ- NER): tucky, and Mr. MORAN of Virginia. uals of improper use of their social security H. Con. Res. 96. Concurrent resolution ex- H.R 620: Mrs. CAPPS and Mr. HONDA. account numbers; to the Committee on Ways pressing the sense of the Congress that there H.R 621: Mr. PASTOR and Mr. HILL. and Means. should be enacted a mandatory national pro- H.R 625: Mr. BILBRAY, Mr. GARY G. MILLER By Mr. PALLONE: gram to slow, stop and reverse emissions of of California, Mr. NUNES, Ms. WATERS, Mr. H.R. 1628. A bill to amend the Immigration greenhouse gases; to the Committee on En- DOOLITTLE, Mr. ROYCE, Mr. GALLEGLY, Mr. and Nationality Act to permit the admission ergy and Commerce. DREIER, Mr. HERGER, Mr. RADANOVICH, and to the United States of nonimmigrant stu- By Mr. ISRAEL: Ms. PELOSI. dents and visitors who are the spouses and H. Res. 258. A resolution expressing the H.R. 676: Ms. NORTON and Mr. DOYLE. children of United States permanent resident sense of the House of Representatives that H.R. 688: Mr. EMANUEL. aliens, and for other purposes; to the Com- there should be established a National Auto- H.R. 694: Mr. BUTTERFIELD and Mr. mittee on the Judiciary. immune Diseases Awareness Month, and for RODRIGUEZ. ´ By Mr. POMEROY (for himself and Mr. other purposes; to the Committee on Energy H.R. 695: Ms. LINDA T. SANCHEZ of Cali- WILSON of Ohio): and Commerce. fornia. H.R. 698: Ms. MOORE of Wisconsin. H.R. 1629. A bill to amend title XVI of the By Mr. LOBIONDO (for himself and Mr. H.R. 704: Mr. TERRY. Social Security Act to clarify that the value KENNEDY): of certain funeral and burial arrangements H. Res. 259. A resolution honoring and rec- H.R. 734: Mrs. NAPOLITANO. H.R. 752: Mr. TOWNS, Mr. AL GREEN of are not to be considered available resources ognizing the work of the Meals On Wheels Texas, Ms. MOORE of Wisconsin, Ms. LINDA T. under the supplemental security income pro- Association of America, its member senior SA´ NCHEZ of California, and Mr. LAMPSON. gram; to the Committee on Ways and Means. nutrition programs throughout the country, H.R. 768: Mr. GARY G. MILLER of California. By Mr. PUTNAM: and their annual March For Meals cam- H.R. 801: Ms. SLAUGHTER, Mr. KUHL of New H.R. 1630. A bill to amend the Head Start paigns; to the Committee on Education and York, and Mr. CONYERS. Act to provide greater accountability for Labor. Head Start agencies; to the Committee on H.R. 822: Ms. NORTON. Education and Labor. f H.R. 840: Mr. DELAHUNT, Mr. BLUMENAUER, By Mr. RANGEL: PRIVATE BILLS AND and Mr. ABERCROMBIE. H.R. 1631. A bill to amend section 245(i) of RESOLUTIONS H.R. 882: Mr. ABERCROMBIE, Ms. ESHOO, Mr. the Immigration and Nationality Act to KELLER, and Mr. MARCHANT. eliminate the deadline for classification peti- Under clause 3 of rule XII, H.R. 916: Mr. BACHUS, Mr. FILNER, and Mr. tion and labor certification filings; to the Mr. ROTHMAN introduced a bill (H.R. 1637) RANGEL. Committee on the Judiciary. for the relief of Malachy McAllister, Nicola H.R. 923: Mr. SKELTON. By Mr. REICHERT (for himself and Mr. McAllister, and Sean Ryan McAllister; which H.R. 971: Mr. BOUCHER, Ms. LINDA T. WALZ of Minnesota): was referred to the Committee on the Judici- SA´ NCHEZ of California, Mr. GOHMERT, Mr. H.R. 1632. A bill to amend title 38, United ary. DAVID DAVIS of Tennessee, Mr. TAYLOR, Mr. States Code, to improve the annual report SHULER, and Mr. PAUL. f required on veterans’ reemployment rights; H.R. 980: Mr. ALLEN, Ms. MCCOLLUM of Min- to the Committee on Veterans’ Affairs. ADDITIONAL SPONSORS nesota, Mr. KIND, Mr. FARR, Mrs. By Mr. ROTHMAN (for himself, Mr. NAPOLITANO, Mr. CHANDLER, Ms. LINDA T. Under clause 7 of rule XII, sponsors PAYNE, Mr. HINCHEY, Mr. SIRES, Mrs. SA´ NCHEZ of California, and Mr. SCOTT of LOWEY, Mr. BISHOP of New York, and were added to public bills and resolu- Georgia. Mrs. MALONEY of New York): tions as follows: H.R. 988: Mr. FILNER, Mr. BECERRA, Mr. H.R. 1633. A bill to amend the Homeland H.R. 39: Mr. KIRK. MCNERNEY, and Ms. ESHOO. Security Act of 2002 to prohibit the Sec- H.R. 63: Mr. EVERETT, Mr. LAHOOD, and H.R. 991: Mr. SOUDER. retary of Homeland Security from pre- Mrs. SCHMIDT. H.R. 1014: Mr. GONZALEZ, Mr. ISSA, Mr. scribing regulations that preempt more H.R. 177: Mr. GORDON. WAXMAN, and Mr. HINCHEY. stringent State regulations governing chem- H.R. 178: Mr. JEFFERSON and Ms. JACKSON- H.R. 1017: Mr. MCNULTY. ical facility security; to the Committee on LEE of Texas. H.R. 1030: Ms. HIRONO, Mr. BISHOP of Geor- Energy and Commerce. H.R. 180: Mr. HIGGINS. gia, and Mr. SCOTT of Virginia. By Ms. ROYBAL-ALLARD (for herself H.R. 192: Mr. BURTON of Indiana. H.R. 1031: Ms. HIRONO and Mr. STARK. and Mr. SIMPSON): H.R. 260: Mr. PORTER. H.R. 1032: Ms. LORETTA SANCHEZ of Cali- H.R. 1634. A bill to amend the Public H.R. 303: Mr. BACHUS, Mr. KIND, Mr. PAUL, fornia and Mr. ROSS. Health Service Act to establish grant pro- and Mr. SOUDER. H.R. 1059: Mr. POE. grams to provide for education and outreach H.R. 319: Ms. SCHWARTZ. H.R. 1076: Mr. TERRY. on newborn screening and coordinated fol- H.R. 333: Mrs. EMERSON, Mrs. GILLIBRAND, H.R. 1078: Mrs. JO ANN DAVIS of Virginia, lowup care once newborn screening has been Mr. PAUL, Mr. UDALL of New Mexico, Mr. Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas, Mr. CLEAVER, Mr. conducted, to reauthorize programs under SOUDER, and Mr. ENGLISH of Pennsylvania. HIGGINS, Mr. REYES, Mr. BERMAN, Mr. part A of title XI of such Act, and for other H.R. 343: Mr. FILNER. GRIJALVA, Mr. GORDON, Ms. BORDALLO, Ms. purposes; to the Committee on Energy and H.R. 346: Mr. SHIMKUS, Mr. COBLE, Mr. KILPATRICK, Mr. BOUSTANY, Mr. COHEN, Mr. Commerce. BUTTERFIELD, Mr. ANDREWS, Mr. BURGESS, MCNULTY, Mr. CLAY, Mr. BOUCHER, Ms.

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SCHAKOWSKY, Mr. JEFFERSON, Ms. WOOLSEY, MAN, Mr. SHAYS, Mr. TERRY, Ms. LINDA T. H.R. 1566: Mr. MCGOVERN. and Mr. HINCHEY. SA´ NCHEZ of California, and Mrs. MALONEY of H.R. 1567: Mr. MCDERMOTT and Mr. HOLT. H.R. 1084: Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of New York. H.R. 1576: Mr. UDALL of Colorado, Mr. GOR- Texas. H.R. 1346: Mr. COHEN, Ms. SLAUGHTER, Mr. DON, and Mr. BECERRA. H.R. 1104: Mr. CARDOZA. MEEHAN, Mr. OBERSTAR, and Mr. SIRES. H.R. 1581: Mr. ACKERMAN. H.R. 1108: Mr. RAHALL. H.R. 1350: Mr. HIGGINS. H.R. 1594: Mr. CARNEY. H.R. 1125: Mr. SESSIONS, Mr. PETERSON of H.R. 1363: Mr. GRIJALVA, Mr. MOORE of H.R. 1595: Mr. SENSENBRENNER and Mr. Pennsylvania, Mrs. MUSGRAVE, and Mr. Kansas, and Mr. ALLEN. ABERCROMBIE. SMITH of Texas. H.R. 1384: Mr. BERMAN, Mrs. BONO, Mr. H.R. 1604: Ms. WOOLSEY. H.R. 1153: Mrs. DRAKE. CAMPBELL of California, Mrs. CAPPS, Mr. H.J. Res. 1: Mr. THORNBERRY and Ms. H.R. 1157: Mr. MCGOVERN, Mr. GRIJALVA, ISSA, Mr. DANIEL E. LUNGREN of California, HERSETH. Mr. SCHIFF, Ms. SOLIS, Mr. RENZI, Mr. Mr. SHERMAN, Ms. WATERS, and Mr. ENGLISH H.J. Res. 12: Mr. CARNEY. CAPUANO, and Mr. NADLER. of Pennsylvania. H. Con. Res. 33: Ms. WATSON and Mr. INS- H.R. 1176: Mr. CROWLEY. H.R. 1386: Mr. KIND, Ms. BERKLEY, Mr. LEE. H.R. 1188: Mr. CLEAVER and Mr. SIRES. C ULTY OORE M N , and Ms. M of Wisconsin. H. Con. Res. 71: Ms. NORTON. H.R. 1193: Mr. HINCHEY, Mrs. TAUSCHER, Mr. H.R. 1395: Mrs. MYRICK. H. Con. Res. 75: Mr. ELLISON. MCCOTTER, Mr. LATOURETTE, Mr. GORDON, H.R. 1424: Mr. DINGELL and Mr. ALTMIRE. H. Con. Res. 83: Mrs. MUSGRAVE. Mr. BURTON of Indiana, and Mr. WELLER. H.R. 1428: Mr. TERRY and Mr. ENGLISH of H. Con. Res. 92: Mr. COHEN. H.R. 1214: Mr. ENGLISH of Pennsylvania, Pennsylvania. H. Res. 25: Mr. NADLER and Mr. CROWLEY. and Mr. PETERSON of Minnesota. H.R. 1430: Mr. BOOZMAN, Mr. WOLF, and H. Res. 55: Mr. WU and Mr. ABERCROMBIE. H.R. 1222: Mrs. CAPPS, Ms. LORETTA Mrs. MUSGRAVE. H. Res. 76: Mr. UDALL of New Mexico. SANCHEZ of California, Ms. MCCOLLUM of H.R. 1439: Mr. KILDEE, Mr. CARNEY, Mr. H. Res. 111: Mr. ENGLISH of Pennsylvania. Minnesota, and Mr. CARNEY. KIND, Mr. BOUSTANY, Mr. FILNER, Ms. WOOL- H. Res. 146: Ms. SCHAKOWSKY. H.R. 1223: Mrs. CAPPS and Ms. MCCOLLUM of SEY, Mr. LAHOOD, Mr. GORDON, Mr. GOODE, Minnesota. Mr. ENGLISH of Pennsylvania, and Mr. H. Res. 179: Mr. SIRES, Mr. BISHOP of New H.R. 1228: Mr. GRIJALVA. CULBERSON. York, Mr. COLE of Oklahoma, Mr. PATRICK H.R. 1237: Mr. ROGERS of Michigan, Mr. H.R. 1441: Mr. HASTINGS of Florida, Mr. MURPHY of Pennsylvania, Mrs. DAVIS of Cali- BURGESS, Mr. COHEN, Mr. ENGLISH of Penn- WEINER, Ms. WATSON, and Mr. ENGEL. fornia, Mr. ELLSWORTH, Mr. BERRY, Ms. MAT- sylvania, Mr. JEFFERSON, and Mr. BOUCHER. H.R. 1457: Mr. FORBES. SUI, Mr. CAPUANO, Ms. DEGETTE, Mr. H.R. 1261: Mrs. MUSGRAVE, Mr. FLAKE, and H.R. 1481: Mrs. BOYDA of Kansas. ETHERIDGE, Mrs. CAPPS, Mr. PAUL, and Mr. Mr. ROGERS of Michigan. H.R. 1497: Mr. HASTINGS of Florida and Mr. BUCHANAN. H.R. 1266: Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. GRIJALVA. H. Res. 186: Mr. ORTIZ, Mr. GILCHREST, Mr. H.R. 1270: Mr. GOODE. H.R. 1498: Mr. WU, Ms. MATSUI, Mr. KING of New York, Mr. LANGEVIN, Mr. CAMP- H.R. 1279: Mr. FILNER and Mr. BRADY of GRIJALVA, and Mr. INSLEE. BELL of California, Ms. SCHAKOWSKY, Ms. Pennsylvania. H.R. 1499: Mr. COSTA. HIRONO, Mr. HONDA, and Ms. CASTOR. H.R. 1282: Mr. GENE GREEN of Texas, Mr. H.R. 1506: Mr. WAXMAN, Mrs. DAVIS of Cali- H. Res. 189: Mr. HONDA, Mr. HILL, Mr. MCCOTTER, Mr. MCNULTY, and Mr. BOUSTANY. fornia, Mr. LYNCH, Ms. ZOE LOFGREN of Cali- MCDERMOTT, and Ms. BERKLEY. H.R. 1289: Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. fornia, Mr. STARK, Ms. LEE, Mr. BERMAN, Mr. H. Res. 221: Mr. GONZALEZ. H.R. 1303: Ms. SHEA-PORTER. HONDA, Mr. MCDERMOTT, Mr. BLUMENAUER, H. Res. 226: Mr. HASTINGS of Florida and H.R. 1314: Mr. FORBES and Mr. KINGSTON. and Mr. LANGEVIN. Mr. GRIJALVA. H.R. 1324: Mr. KIRK. H.R. 1532: Mr. MORAN of Virginia. H. Res. 231: Mr. BURTON of Indiana and Mr. H.R. 1330: Mr. BISHOP of New York, Mr. H.R. 1535: Mr. RANGEL, Ms. CARSON, Ms. PAUL. KAGEN, and Ms. SHEA-PORTER. NORTON, and Ms. BORDALLO. H. Res. 233: Mr. BLUMENAUER. H.R. 1333: Mr. TANCREDO, Mr. WOLF, and H.R. 1539: Mr. BONNER and Mrs. MILLER of H. Res. 234: Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas, Mr. PASTOR. Michigan. Mrs. CHRISTENSEN, Mr. MEEKs of New York, H.R. 1343: Mrs. CAPPS, Mr. ENGEL, Mr. H.R. 1543: Mr. MANZULLO. Mr. RANGEL, Mr. MEEK of Florida, and Ms. ELLISON, Mr. HIGGINS, Mr. UDALL of New H.R. 1560: Mr. ROSS, Ms. SCHAKOWSKY, Mr. SCHAKOWSKY. Mexico, Mr. CLEAVER, Mr. CAPUANO, Mr. BER- CONYERS, and Mr. RAMSTAD. H. Res. 241: Mr. RUSH.

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Vol. 153 WASHINGTON, WEDNESDAY, MARCH 21, 2007 No. 49 Senate The Senate met at 9:15 a.m. and was appoint the Honorable SHELDON WHITEHOUSE, are under great pressure if we are going called to order by the Honorable SHEL- a Senator from the State of Rhode Island, to to finish this on Friday. We simply DON WHITEHOUSE, a Senator from the perform the duties of the Chair. must conclude by Friday. State of Rhode Island. ROBERT C. BYRD, So we alert colleagues we are going President pro tempore. to try to move a series of amendments PRAYER Mr. WHITEHOUSE thereupon as- so our friends on the other side of the The Chaplain, Dr. Barry C. Black, of- sumed the chair as Acting President aisle have a full opportunity to get fered the following prayer: pro tempore. their amendments up, offered, and con- Let us pray. f sidered, and colleagues on this side of Eternal Spirit, today, give Your guid- the aisle also get a chance for their ance to our lawmakers. Help them to RECOGNITION OF THE ACTING MAJORITY LEADER amendments. seek first Your kingdom so that every- With that, I thank my colleagues and thing in time will fall into its proper The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tem- ask for their cooperation with the place and their lives will honor You. As pore. The Senator from North Dakota managers as we move forward on the they seek greater intimacy with You, is recognized. budget resolution. empower them to relate honestly with f Now we will turn to Senator ENSIGN, themselves and with one another. Lead who is a valuable member of the Budg- THANKING THE CHAPLAIN them together to find solutions to the et Committee. Sometimes we disagree problems that beset this great land. Mr. CONRAD. Mr. President, first, we on specifics, but we always welcome his Calm their fears and strengthen their thank the Chaplain for another out- good nature. faith. Use them to serve You and coun- standing prayer. The Chaplain serves f try with faithfulness. Let Your peace this institution very well. We thank guard their hearts. him and commend him for that. RESERVATION OF LEADER TIME Lord, make us all ever grateful to The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tem- You for burdens lifted, suffering as- f pore. Under the previous order, leader- suaged, sins forgiven, life renewed, dif- SCHEDULE ship time is reserved. ferences reconciled, and hopes restored. We pray in Your sovereign Name. Mr. CONRAD. This morning, the Sen- f Amen. ate will immediately resume consider- ation of the budget resolution. Under CONGRESSIONAL BUDGET FOR f the order entered last night, Mr. EN- THE UNITED STATES GOVERN- PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE SIGN, the Senator from Nevada, will MENT FOR FISCAL YEAR 2008 The Honorable SHELDON WHITEHOUSE offer an amendment. Following debate The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tem- led the Pledge of Allegiance, as follows: on that amendment, the majority will pore. Under the previous order, the I pledge allegiance to the Flag of the offer an amendment. Unless we arrive Senate will resume consideration of S. United States of America, and to the Repub- at a different understanding between Con. Res. 21, which the clerk will re- lic for which it stands, one nation under God, the managers of the bill, I want to port. indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. alert all colleagues that no votes will The legislative clerk read as follows: f occur before 5 p.m. this evening. A concurrent resolution (S. Con. Res. 21) APPOINTMENT OF ACTING We start today with 42 hours left of setting forth the congressional budget for the United States Government for fiscal year PRESIDENT PRO TEMPORE the 50 hours on the budget resolution. We want to alert colleagues that unless 2008 and including the appropriate budgetary The PRESIDING OFFICER. The we are able to find a way to give back levels for fiscal years 2007 and 2009 through clerk will please read a communication time, that means we will have to be in 2012. to the Senate from the President pro until at least midnight tonight and, Pending: tempore (Mr. BYRD). perhaps, through the night on Thurs- Sessions amendment No. 466, to exclude The legislative clerk read the fol- day. I don’t anticipate that occurring the extension of tax relief provided in 2001 lowing letter: because I anticipate Senator GREGG and 2003 from points of order provided in the U.S. SENATE, and I will work out a means to avoid resolution and other budget points of order. Cornyn amendment No. 477, to provide for PRESIDENT PRO TEMPORE, that. But colleagues need to know that Washington, DC, March 21, 2007. a budget point of order against legislation To the Senate: because we started the budget resolu- that increases income taxes on taxpayers, in- Under the provisions of rule I, paragraph 3, tion later this year than in previous cluding hard-working middle-income fami- of the Standing Rules of the Senate, I hereby years, because of other legislation, we lies, entrepreneurs, and college students.

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

S3453

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VerDate Aug 31 2005 02:39 Apr 26, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00001 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\RECORD07\S21MR7.REC S21MR7 pwalker on PROD1PC69 with CONG-REC-ONLINE S3454 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE March 21, 2007 The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tem- the last several years, we used a kind estly. What our defense firewall says is pore. The Senator from Nevada is rec- of sleight of hand and budget gim- that if you want to adjust defense ognized. micks, and then restored defense spending, it cannot be done during the Mr. ENSIGN. First, I compliment spending later on in emergency appropriations process; it has to be Senator CONRAD on his relationship supplementals. In effect, this raises done during the budget process so that with Senator GREGG. The cooperation overall spending for the Government. we are being honest with the American they have displayed over the past sev- Instead of honest budgeting and try- people. Since we assume a defense eral years should serve as an example ing to increase certain non-defense pro- number in this budget, this amendment to everyone in this body how the Sen- grams in the open, we hid our spending puts a wall around that amount so that ate can, and should, work. They battle habits from the American people. I it cannot be taken during the appro- fiercely, battle for their own ideas, but have always said, that if you want to priations process. That wall says we the collegiality they demonstrate and increase non-defense spending, have an will not take any more money out of the respect they show one another is a honest vote to do so rather than using defense to put into the other appropria- good example for the rest of us in the a gimmick. Fund defense honestly tions bills. This is transparency. This Senate. One we should follow. It is rather than what we have been doing, is honesty in budgeting. really the way we should legislate which is dishonest budgeting. We have When Republicans were in the major- around here. I offer them my com- not had the transparency under which I ity, the Democrats claimed that we pliments. believe this institution should operate. were fiscally irresponsible. They prom- AMENDMENT NO. 476 When the Democrats were cam- ised that they were going to come to Mr. ENSIGN. Mr. President, I ask paigning last year, they criticized us in power and be fiscally responsible. This unanimous consent that the pending a lot of ways for using budget gim- is an amendment that will give them amendment be laid aside so that I may micks, and I think rightly so. It is the opportunity to do just that. It call up amendment No. 476. their time to keep what they have gives them the opportunity to reject The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tem- campaigned on—honest budgeting and one of the budget gimmicks that has pore. Without objection, it is so or- true transparency. That is what we been used to add new spending. dered. need in this place. I call on my colleagues in the major- The clerk will report. I want to take a minute to dem- ity to join with me in putting trans- The legislative clerk read as follows: onstrate what I have talked about for parency into the budget process so we The Senator from Nevada [Mr. ENSIGN] the last several years. Unfortunately, can help restrain Federal spending. proposes an amendment numbered 476. given how the new Democrat majority Why do I say that? It is because when Mr. ENSIGN. Mr. President, I ask has chosen to fund BRAC, this Con- the Defense bill comes up as part of the unanimous consent that reading of the gress is continuing the bad habits of process, no one, especially during a amendment be dispensed with. Congresses past. time of war, is going to vote to cut de- The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tem- What this chart shows is, in 2002, we fense. So knowing that the Defense bill pore. Without objection, it is so or- added $1.9 billion in new spending. We has to pass, the other bills get funded dered. took away from defense, about $1.9 bil- first. Defense comes up and it is slight- The amendment is as follows: lion, and then added that amount back ly underfunded, so they know they (Purpose: To ensure that our troops serving in a supplemental. And this happens have to make that up during an emer- in harm’s way remain America’s top budg- because everybody knows that Con- gency bill. The emergency bill comes et priority by: ensuring full funding for the gress is going to fund defense to add to the floor, and everybody knows it is Department of Defense within the regular that spending back later. We don’t going to pass. That is how this whole appropriations process, reducing reliance want to vote to actually cut defense, so budget gimmick ends up increasing on supplemental appropriations bills, and we shift the money in the regular ap- overall spending. by improving the integrity of the Congres- propriations process and put it back in If you support fiscal responsibility, if sional budget process) during an emergency supplemental. you don’t want to add a burden of debt On page 41, strike lines 9 through 11 and in- But what happens is that the $1.9 bil- and higher taxes onto young people and sert the following: lion in 2002 gets added into the baseline (2) for fiscal year 2008, future generations, vote for this (A) for the national defense (050) function, for the next year. Then the next year, amendment. This is a fiscally respon- $498,844,000,000 in new budget authority and we underfunded defense by $11.5 billion, sible way to budget and to bring trans- $507,394,000,000 in outlays; and we shifted the money to other pro- parency into the Senate. This is the (B) for all other functions, $443,468,000,000 grams, and then added back the defense kind of amendment we need going for- in new budget authority and $514,013,000,000 spending during the supplemental. The ward. Both parties should operate in outlays. effect of this is to add on to the pre- under this kind of honesty when it Mr. ENSIGN. Mr. President, to brief- vious year—all of that in fiscal year comes to budgeting. I encourage all of ly describe the amendment, it is a de- 2004. my colleagues on both sides of the aisle fense firewall amendment. This is not a You can see the green bar at the bot- to support this amendment. new idea. We have had defense firewalls tom is the combination of the previous I yield the floor. in the past. They have worked with 2 years; that is added into the baseline. The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tem- some success. There have been a few Then you do this again. Robbing from pore. The Senator from North Dakota problems with them, but overall they defense to once again add to the non- is recognized. worked with some success. defense part of the baseline. This con- Mr. CONRAD. Mr. President, I thank We drafted the defense firewall in tinues each year all the way up, and my colleague for this amendment. I this amendment in a little different then you see what happens until we get don’t favor this amendment, but it is a way than previous firewalls. These to 2006. The cumulative effect of this is thoughtful, serious amendment, and it changes, I believe, will actually result shown on the next chart. deserves thoughtful, serious consider- in the firewall having its intended ef- I know the chairman of the Budget ation. fect. That is, to make sure that the de- Committee likes charts, so we wanted Let me just indicate that the budget fense money in the budget is actually to make sure we would have some of resolution, as it stands with respect to spent on defense. our own today. The cumulative effect funding for defense and funding for the In past years, a defense firewall has, of doing this each year for 5 years is a war, is not affected by this amend- frankly, been necessary. The chairman total of $84 billion. We don’t have the ment. The budget resolution has the of the Budget Committee can attest to new numbers for 2007 yet, but it is President’s full request for the war. So the fact that, under Republican con- about an extra $40 billion. So we are I wish to be clear that the Ensign trol, this budget enforcement tool probably well over $125 billion for a 6- amendment doesn’t affect that. What should have been in place. I have been year total in new spending. That really the Ensign amendment does provide is very critical of Republicans when we is the problem. a 60-vote point of order against any chose to underfund defense purposely People are not being honest. If they legislation that exceeds the budget au- to shift money to other programs. Over want to increase spending, do it hon- thority, which he sets for defense and

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If the Appropriations Committee halfway through the year, the Defense My own analysis of it is that fire- were to move to eliminate $50 million Department starts to run out of money walls have not worked particularly in wasteful spending at the Depart- and everybody is going to vote to re- well. We had them under the 1990 budg- ment of Defense—let’s presume for a plenish the Defense Department with a et agreement. I think what we learned moment that we found $50 million of supplemental. That is the way it works from that experience was they just waste at the Department of Defense—I around here. didn’t work as intended. Why not? Be- think those of us close to this know Regrettably, it happened last year cause instead of preventing games, I that is not a theoretical possibility— that way. Regrettably, it happened the am afraid it encouraged games. that if $50 million of wasteful spending year before last that way. Regrettably, Let me say why I believe that is the was found at the Department of De- it happened the year before the year case. No sooner were firewalls created fense, it couldn’t be easily reallocated before last that way. That is exactly for defense and international spending to Homeland Security because it would what happens around here. Money is and domestic spending in the 1990s face this defense firewall block. I think taken out of the Defense Department, than our colleagues started to become that is a mistake. put into the social spending accounts, very creative about how to jump over Finally, I note for my colleagues on it grows the base of the social spending the firewalls. the other side that a vote for the En- accounts, and then the Defense Depart- For example, Congress started to dra- sign amendment is a vote to endorse ment is replenished through a supple- matically expand the amount of med- and enforce not just defense, but also mental because everybody knows we ical research done by the Department the nondefense discretionary spending have to fund the Defense Department, of Defense. Instead of doing it at the levels in the Democratic budget resolu- especially during a time of war. National Institutes of Health, they tion. My colleagues will be voting to What the Senator from Nevada is tried to, in effect, evade the firewall— endorse $443.5 billion in nondefense dis- trying to do is make sure that where which, again, is absolutely well in- cretionary spending because this fire- we have this massive amount of money tended. But by doing the medical re- wall works both ways. sitting there, these warfighting funds, search not at NIH over in the domestic If my colleagues think money ought and where we have increased the de- discretionary spending, they shifted to be transferred from domestic non- fense base by so much money, we es- the cost over into defense spending. defense spending to defense spending, it sentially protect that money from I am very strongly in favor of med- would face this same firewall. It would being raided for the purposes of being ical research, as I know my colleague have the same 60-vote hurdle. used for everyday accounts around the from Nevada is. But does anyone in On that basis, while I absolutely re- operation of Government and for build- this Chamber really believe that we spect the constructive intention of the ing the base of the operation of Gov- would have increased breast cancer re- Senator from Nevada, I believe it ernment. search more effectively by not having would have precisely the opposite ef- When we look at the history of the it done at NIH rather than by the fect that he intends. Congress, that type of action is needed. United States Army? And since fire- I thank the Chair and yield the floor. We need that type of protection. So a walls were put in place, successive ad- The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tem- defense firewall is absolutely critical ministrations have now started putting pore. Who yields time? to fiscal discipline, and, I would FBI budget authority over in the De- Mr. GREGG. Mr. President, I yield argue—and I think history stands with fense Department. This is the kind of myself such time as I will take. me on this argument—if we don’t have game that I think, in many ways, the The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tem- a defense firewall, it is very clear that Senator is seeking to prevent but I am pore. The Senator from New Hamp- the social nondefense, nondiscretionary afraid may just be encouraged. shire. spending number isn’t going to in- Why has that been done? It has been Mr. GREGG. Mr. President, I wish to crease by $144 billion, which is the done to evade the firewalls. It is not speak in support of the amendment of number which is in this bill, which is a clear to me what problem this amend- the Senator from Nevada. I think it is pretty significant increase over the ment would actually solve. We haven’t a critical amendment as we look at the President’s number, by the way—the had firewalls in the last several years. budget with which we are dealing. President jumped it up by a significant Yet defense spending has grown rap- We know the budget we received from amount—it is going to increase by a lot idly. the other side of the aisle is a classic more because we know defense money Since 2001, defense, as a share of tax-and-spend budget. It raises taxes is going to flow into those accounts gross domestic product, has grown very by $900 billion. It raises spending $144 throughout the appropriations process significantly. Here is a chart that billion in nondefense discretionary. in order to take care of this issue or shows what has occurred. The practical effect of that is very that issue that somebody believes is Defense, as a share of gross domestic clear. The size of Government is going important to their agenda. product—which all the economists say to grow dramatically, and the Amer- We heard yesterday the Senator from is the best way to measure—has gone ican workers are going to have to pay Massachusetts talk about how No Child from 3 percent in 1999 to 4.2 percent of a heck of a lot more in taxes. Left Behind had to receive more GDP now. But there is something else we need money, how IDEA had to receive more Seen another way, defense spending— to be sensitive to, and that is—and I money, how Pell grants had to receive this is not a share of GDP, but this credit the Senator from North Dakota more money. The Senator from North chart is expressed in constant 2008 dol- for doing this—the Senator from North Dakota has put more money into those lars so that we have a fair apples-to-ap- Dakota has put in place the numbers accounts, significantly more money, ples comparison. the President asked for to fight the and the President has put more money We can see that defense spending has war—$145 billion I believe is the num- into those accounts, significantly more gone up very dramatically. In fact, we ber; something like that—for the 2008 money. But I can assure my colleagues are now past, in real terms, the spend- budget. The problem is that unless that that when that appropriations bill hits ing at the President Reagan defense money is secured in a way that it can- the floor with those dollars in it, it is buildup peak, and we are now set to go not be gamed or used or reallocated, it going to go up even further because beyond the Vietnam war spending can be used to grow the Government in there is going to be money taken out of peak. nondefense discretionary activity. We the Defense Department and put into The Ensign amendment will actually have seen that happen. We have seen the Labor-HHS bill for the purpose of take away flexibility from appropri- that happen, regrettably, all too often expanding those programs because that

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They said they were op- The Senator from Nevada has the The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tem- erating within the budget caps that right approach to set up this firewall pore. The Senator from New Hamp- were set out, but because then the De- and make it clear that we are going to shire. fense spending was declared as emer- have fiscal discipline. That is what we Mr. GREGG. Mr. President, my point gency, that allowed people to get need, fiscal discipline. This budget was that this will increase the piggy around the Defense caps. doesn’t have much fiscal discipline in bank available to nondefense discre- What we are trying to do is to install it. In fact, it doesn’t have any to speak tionary to be used for earmarking be- some fiscal discipline. That is why we of. But as a practical matter, it cause it will take defense dollars and put a 60-vote, supermajority, point of shouldn’t get worse. We should put in move them over to nondefense discre- order against this kind of activity. place some limits that allow us to tionary accounts. I don’t argue with There is still flexibility. If people make sure even with this massive in- the argument that there is a signifi- wanted to argue: let’s take the money crease in nondefense discretionary cant number of earmarks in the de- out, let’s increase these accounts the money, that is where it stops, and we fense budget. I hope that as part of way it has been done in the past, at don’t end up with the Defense Depart- reading his Defense Department ear- least there is a supermajority required ment being used as the piggy bank to marks—which I will be happy to agree to do so. fund even more nondefense discre- exists—he will at the same time list I keep going back to last fall’s elec- tionary spending. the earmarks that were added into the tion and before that, when the Demo- The Senator is on the right track. It Labor-HHS bill over the last 4, 5, 6 crats accused Republicans in the ma- has been done before. It was actually years as a result of literally billions of jority of being fiscally irresponsible. quite effective before. I disagree with dollars being taken out of the Defense This is a chance to fulfill their cam- the characterization of it by the Sen- Department to pump up the Labor-HHS paign promise of being fiscally respon- ator from North Dakota. It made life a bill. That is where the earmarks oc- sible. It is time to step up, put mecha- little more difficult with the appropri- curred. nisms in place that will put the dis- ators and others who wanted to take Mr. ENSIGN. Will the Senator yield? cipline into this body to help hold down the spending that goes on in this advantage of defense dollars in order to Mr. CONRAD. I will be happy to yield in a minute, if I may just respond to place. use them on the nondefense discre- I will not argue that games won’t be the Senator. I think we all know the tionary side of the ledger, for social played. What we are going to do, truth of this institution is that as soon spending or whatever projects were though, is to make it more difficult to as we create something such as a fire- floating around they wanted to do. play the games. There will always be wall, very creative minds go to work in It will also have a direct impact, people who will try to get around what- this institution to find a way around it. quite honestly, on earmarks. It will ever budget discipline we put in. The That is the hard reality. I am happy to make it more difficult to earmark be- appropriators are famous for that. yield. cause there won’t be money available What we are trying to do here is to put The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tem- with which to earmark. If you are op- in budget discipline, to put in a steeper pore. The Senator from Nevada. posed to earmarks, for fiscal discipline, wall to climb over to get around these Mr. ENSIGN. Mr. President, first of if you think the Defense Department sleight-of-hand budget tricks. should get the money we promised all, the Senator from North Dakota That is what this amendment is them to fight the war, you have to vote made the point that defense funding is about, to say let’s for once be fiscally for the Ensign amendment. secure. We do not in any way think we responsible around this place. Let’s The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tem- are going to underfund defense or the think about the children and future pore. The Senator from North Dakota. war funding. The point we were making generations as far as spending is con- Mr. CONRAD. Mr. President, as the about defense spending is that because cerned. I ask my colleagues to support Senator from New Hampshire well everybody is going to make sure de- this amendment when it comes up to knows, the war funding is secure. It is fense spending is secure, once the the full Senate for a vote. absolutely secure. At his urging, we money for defense is put in there, Mr. BYRD. Mr. President, at Andrews put the war funding in a sidecar. Our money is taken out and put into other Air Force Base in 1990, I helped to craft cap adjustment for war costs is avail- spending programs, then later in the the first statutory firewalls as part of able only for war costs. That is a red year it is filled back in for defense. the budget summit that resulted in herring of an issue, and he knows it. Everybody knows we are going to the Budget Enforcement Act of 1990. Let’s go back to this question of how fund the war. Everybody knows we are That act created three categories of things really work. I must say, I am going to do the critical needs of the De- discretionary spending—defense, inter- sympathetic to the basic notion of try- partment of Defense. What we are ar- national, and domestic discretionary. ing to exert discipline and not having guing is that other spending is going to At the time, the device of the three money that is appropriated for defense be increased because of the budget gim- separate caps to protect each category used for something else. I am abso- micks because there is no trans- from being raided by another category lutely sympathetic to that. The prob- parency. made sense. There was a definable mili- lem is, I don’t think this works, and I What my amendment does is put tary threat, and nondefense funds did am asking to have the list of earmarks transparency back into the process. not contribute significantly to the de- that is in the Defense appropriations That is why the Senator from New fense of the Nation. That is not the bill brought to me because I will then Hampshire and myself are arguing how case anymore. The September 11 at- read that list. It will take me a good critical this amendment is if we want tacks blurred the line between defense part of the day because we all know to actually have some fiscal restraint, and nondefense spending. Military what is really happening around here. if we want to not just continue to blow threats can no longer be viewed as The Senator talked about somehow up the deficits and pass this huge debt matters that are fought solely through suppressing earmarks. Please, do I on to future generations. the Defense Department. The enemy really have to read the list of earmarks Without transparency, without all may attack our troops overseas or ci- that has been put in the Defense appro- the budget gimmicks, the numbers vilians here at home. Within a matter priations bill that have nothing—— that my colleagues saw that I put up of weeks, the focus of our war against Mr. GREGG. Will the Senator yield and the charts I put up for the last 5 terrorism can shift from military ef- at that point? years—let’s put those charts back up. forts abroad, to our homeland security Mr. CONRAD. Let me complete the For the last 5 years, $84 billion total efforts here at home, and then back thought. I will be happy to yield. Don’t has been added in nondefense, other again.

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No amount of U.S. soldiers not With so much uncertainty regarding there is no decision more profound 10,000 more, not 20,000 more, not the al- the threat of terrorism and the war in than the one we make to send our most 30,000 more that we now know we Iraq, it makes no sense to limit how brave men and women into harm’s way. are sending—can solve the grievances those funds can be spent. I have thought about these words that lay at the heart of someone else’s Senators should know that firewalls from time to time since that speech, civil war. Our troops cannot serve as in the past have forced the Congress to but never so much as the day I saw their diplomats, and we can no longer resort to all sorts of machinations to that young man and his wife. referee their civil war. We must begin a pass its annual spending bills. Fire- The sacrifices of war are immeas- phased withdrawal of our forces start- walls were used in past years, as part urable. Too many have returned from ing May 1, with the goal of removing of a partisan budget process, to hold Iraq with that soldier’s story—with all combat forces by March 30, 2008. nondefense discretionary spending at broken bodies and shattered nerves and We also must make sure that we are unrealistically low levels. These spend- wounds that even the best care may not as careless getting out of this war ing levels were set early in the year not heal. Too many of our best have as we were getting in, and that is why under different fiscal circumstances come home shrouded in the flag they this withdrawal should be gradual, and and at levels that neither the adminis- loved. Too many moms and dads and keep some U.S. troops in the region to tration nor the Congress expected to husbands and wives have answered that prevent a wider war and go after al stay within. The result was always un- knock on the door that is the hardest Qaida and other terrorists. necessary delays in the appropriations for any loved one to hear. But it must begin soon. Letting the process and even more spending as And the rest of us have seen too Iraqis know that we will not be there nearly all budgetary discipline evapo- many promises of swift victories, and forever is our last, best hope to pres- dying insurgencies, and budding de- rates in the push to pass an end-of-the- sure the Iraqis to take ownership of mocracy give way to the reality of a year omnibus bill. their country and bring an end to their brutal civil war that goes on and on These kinds of budget gimmicks un- conflict. It is time for our troops to dermine the people’s confidence in the and on to this day. The sacrifices of war are immeas- start coming home. Congress to manage the Nation’s History will not judge the architects urable. It was not impossible to see spending priorities. of this war kindly. But the books have back then that we might arrive at the Mr. President, I yield the floor, and I yet to be written on our efforts to right place we are at today. suggest the absence of a quorum. the wrongs we see in Iraq. The story The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tem- I said then that a war based not on has yet to be told about how we turned pore. The clerk will call the roll. reason but on passion, not on principle The legislative clerk proceeded to but on politics would lead to a U.S. oc- from this moment, found our way out call the roll. cupation of undetermined length, at of the desert, and took to heart the les- Mr. OBAMA. Mr. President, I ask undetermined cost, with undetermined sons of war that too many refused to unanimous consent that the order for consequences. I believed that an inva- heed back then. the quorum call be rescinded. sion of Iraq without a clear rationale For it is of little use or comfort to The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tem- or strong international support would recall past advice and warnings if we pore. Without objection, it is so or- only strengthen the recruitment arm do not allow them to guide us in the dered. of al-Qaida and erode the good standing challenges that lie ahead. Threats loom Who yields time? and moral authority that took our large in an age where terrorist net- Mr. CONRAD. Mr. President, how country generations to build. There works thrive, and there will certainly much time would the Senator like? were other experts, and leaders, and ev- be times when we have to call on our Mr. OBAMA. Mr. President, I was eryday Americans who believed this brave servicemen and women to risk hoping for 10 minutes. too. their lives again. Mr. CONRAD. I will be happy to yield I wish we had been wrong. I wish we But before we make that most pro- 10 minutes to the Senator off the bill. weren’t here talking about this at the found of all decisions—before we send The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tem- beginning of the war’s fifth year. Be- our best off to battle, we must remem- pore. The Senator from Illinois is rec- cause the consequences of this war ber what led us to this day and learn ognized for 10 minutes. have been profound. And the sacrifices from the principles that follow. THE IRAQ WAR have been immeasurable. We must remember that ideology is Mr. OBAMA. Mr. President, on Those who would have us continue not a foreign policy. We must not em- Thursdays, Senator DURBIN and I hold this war in perpetuity like to say that bark on war based on untested theo- a constituent coffee so we can hear this is a matter of resolve on behalf of ries, political agendas or wishful think- from the folks back home. A young the American people. But the Amer- ing that has little basis in fact or re- man came a few months ago who was ican people have been extraordinarily ality. We must focus our efforts on the about 25, 26 years old. He had been back resolved. They have seen their sons and threats we know exist, and we must from Iraq for a year. The first 6 months daughters killed or wounded on the evaluate those threats with sound in- of that year he spent in a coma. An ex- streets of Fallujah. They have spent telligence that is never manipulated plosion had shattered his face, blinded hundreds of billions of dollars on this for political reasons again. him in both eyes, and has left him effort—money that could have been de- We must remember that the cost of without the use of one arm. voted to strengthening our homeland going it alone is immense. It is a He told us about how he was going security and our competitive standing choice we sometimes have to make, but through rehab, and he introduced us to as a nation. one that must be made rarely and al- his family. He has a wife and two No, it has not been a failure of re- ways reluctantly. That is because young daughters like I do, and his wife solve that has led us to this chaos, but America’s standing in the world is a talked for a bit about the adjustments a failure of strategy—a strategy that precious resource not easily rebuilt. We they were making at home since dad has only strengthened Iran’s strategic value the cooperation and goodwill of got hurt. I found myself looking at not position; increased threats posed by other nations not because it makes us just him, but at his wife, who loves him terrorist organizations; reduced U.S. feel good, but because it makes all the so much, and I thought about how their credibility and influence around the world safer—because the only way to lives were forever changed because of world; and placed Israel and other na- battle 21st century threats that race the decision that was carried out 4 tions friendly to the United States in across borders—threats like terror, and years ago. the region in greater peril. disease, and nuclear proliferation—is

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To win our wider struggle, many ways it reflected many of the sional Budget Act of 1974 projects an on- we must let people across this planet same feelings and analysis I had given budget deficit (excluding Social Security) for know that there is another, more hope- in my speech on the floor of the Sen- the budget year or any subsequent fiscal year covered by those projections, then the ful alternative to the hateful ideologies ate. concurrent resolution on the budget for the the terrorists espouse—and a renewed I gave the last speech before that budget year shall reduce on-budget deficits America will reflect and champion that fateful vote to authorize going to war relative to the projections of Congressional vision in Iraq. I believed at the time it was a Budget Office and put the budget on a path We must remember that planning for mistake to go to Iraq before finishing to achieve on-budget balance within 5 years, peace is just as critical as planning for business with Osama bin Laden. After and shall include such provisions as are nec- war. Iraq was not just a failure of con- all, it was Saddam Hussein in Iraq essary to protect Social Security and facili- ception, but a failure of execution, and whom this administration decided to tate deficit reduction, except it shall not go after. But it was not Saddam Hus- contain any reduction in Social Security so when a conflict does arise that re- benefits. quires our involvement, we must do sein or Iraq that attacked this country our best to understand that country’s on 9/11, it was Osama bin Laden and the (b) POINT OF ORDER.—If in any year the Congressional Budget Office, in its report history, its politics, its ethnic and reli- al-Qaida network that had attacked this country. We have still never held pursuant to section 202(e)(1) of the Congres- gious divisions before our troops ever sional Budget Act of 1974 projects an on- set foot on its soil. Osama bin Laden to account. I have al- budget deficit for the budget year or any We must understand that setting up ways felt that was an extremely seri- subsequent fiscal year covered by those pro- ballot boxes does not a democracy ous mistake, a military mistake for jections, it shall not be in order in the Sen- make—that real freedom and real sta- this country. I was so impressed that ate to consider a concurrent resolution on bility come from doing the hard work the Senator from Illinois, who was a the budget for the budget year or any con- of helping to build a strong police State senator at the time, had the wis- ference report thereon that fails to reduce force, and a legitimate government, dom and the judgment to see that. I on-budget deficits relative to the projections of Congressional Budget Office and put the and ensuring that people have food, wish more had seen it. I, again, thank the Senator from Illi- budget on a path to achieve on-budget bal- and water, and electricity, and basic ance within 5 years. services. And we must be honest about nois. The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tem- (c) AMENDMENTS TO BUDGET RESOLUTION.— how much of that we can do ourselves If in any year the Congressional Budget Of- and how much must come from the pore. The Senator from New Hampshire is recognized. fice, in its report pursuant to section people themselves. Mr. GREGG. Mr. President, so we can 202(e)(1) of the Congressional Budget Act of Finally, we must remember that get the order, I understand we are 1974 projects an on-budget deficit for the when we send our servicemen and budget year or any subsequent fiscal year going to go to Senator BUNNING next; is women to war, we make sure we have covered by those projections, it shall not be that the game plan? He is on his way to given them the training they need, and in order in the Senate to consider an amend- the floor. the equipment that will keep them ment to a concurrent resolution on the budg- Mr. CONRAD. Yes. I thank the Sen- et that would increase on-budget deficits rel- safe, and a mission they can accom- ator very much for his continuing ative to the concurrent resolution on the plish. courtesy as we try to move through budget in any fiscal year covered by that We must respect our commanders’ this. Senator BUNNING, we are told, is concurrent resolution on the budget or cause advice not just when its politically on his way to the floor to offer an the budget to fail to achieve on-budget bal- convenient but even when it is not amendment. We are also asking Sen- ance within 5 years. what we want to hear. And when our ator BINGAMAN to come. (d) SUSPENSION OF REQUIREMENT DURING troops come home, it is our most sol- I see Senator BUNNING is here now. WAR OR LOW ECONOMIC GROWTH.— emn responsibility to make sure they We can go to his amendment. (1) LOW GROWTH.—If the most recent of the come home to the services, and the Mr. BUNNING. Mr. President, what is Department of Commerce’s advance, prelimi- benefits, and the care they deserve. the pending business? nary, or final reports of actual real economic As we stand at the beginning of the The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tem- growth indicate that the rate of real eco- fifth year of this war, let us remember nomic growth (as measured by real GDP) for pore. The Ensign amendment is the each of the most recently reported quarter that young man from Illinois, and his pending question. and the immediately preceding quarter is wife, and his daughters, and the thou- Mr. BUNNING. I ask unanimous con- less than 1 percent, this section is suspended. sands upon thousands of families who sent the pending amendment be set (2) WAR.—If a declaration of war is in ef- are living the very real consequences aside. fect, this section is suspended. and immeasurable sacrifices that have The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tem- (e) SUPERMAJORITY WAIVER AND APPEALS.— come from our decision to invade Iraq. pore. Without objection, it is so or- (1) WAIVER.—Subsections (b) and (c) may We are so blessed in this country to dered. be waived or suspended in the Senate only by have so many men and women like AMENDMENT NO. 483 an affirmative vote of three-fifths of the this—Americans willing to put on that Mr. BUNNING. I send an amendment Members, duly chosen and sworn. uniform, and say the hard goodbyes, to the desk and ask for its immediate (2) APPEALS.—Appeals in the Senate from and risk their lives in a far off land be- consideration. the decisions of the Chair relating to any The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tem- provision of this subsection shall be limited cause they know that such con- to 1 hour, to be equally divided between, and sequences and sacrifices are sometimes pore. The clerk will report. controlled by, the appellant and the manager necessary to defend our country and The legislative clerk read as follows. of the bill or joint resolution, as the case achieve a lasting peace. The Senator from Kentucky [Mr. BUNNING], may be. An affirmative vote of three-fifths of That is why we have no greater re- for himself and Mr. ENZI, proposes an amend- the Members of the Senate, duly chosen and sponsibility than to ensure that the de- ment numbered 483. sworn, shall be required to sustain an appeal cision to place them in harm’s way is Mr. BUNNING. I ask unanimous con- of the ruling of the Chair on a point of order the right one. And that is why we must sent the reading of the amendment be raised under this subsection. learn the lessons of Iraq. It is what we dispensed with. (f) BUDGET YEAR.—In this section, the term owe our soldiers. It is what we owe The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tem- ‘‘budget year’’ shall have the same meaning their families. And it is what we owe pore. Without objection, it is so or- as in section 250(c)(12) of the Balanced Budg- dered. et and Emergency Deficit Control Act of our country—now, and in all the days 1985. and months to come. The amendment is as follows: Mr. President, I yield the floor. (Purpose: To provide a point of order against Mr. BUNNING. Mr. President, this Mr. CONRAD. Mr. President, I com- any budget resolution that fails to achieve amendment is almost identical to the an on-budget balance within 5 years) mend the Senator from Illinois, Sen- language that was included in the fis- At the end of title II, add the following: ator OBAMA, for the wisdom he has dis- cal year 2003 budget resolution that SEC. ll. CIRCUIT BREAKER TO PROTECT SO- played with respect to the conflict in CIAL SECURITY. Chairman CONRAD authored. This Iraq. I read a speech he gave when he (a) CIRCUIT BREAKER.—If in any year the amendment provides that, starting was a State Senator warning about the Congressional Budget Office, in its report with the fiscal year 2009 budget, if

VerDate Aug 31 2005 02:39 Apr 26, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00006 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\RECORD07\S21MR7.REC S21MR7 pwalker on PROD1PC69 with CONG-REC-ONLINE March 21, 2007 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S3459 CBO’s budget and economic outlook re- 2017 we are not going to have enough rity solvency is restored, unless it is ports projections that the Social Secu- money in the trust funds to pay off paid for or gets a supermajority vote. rity surplus will be spent for non-So- your Social Security benefits—in 2017, That is in the underlying budget reso- cial Security programs during any year when we start spending this money out lution to protect Social Security. covered by its projections, then the of the trust funds—with the interest we I say to my colleague, he has offered budget resolution must present a plan are supposed to be getting from it. By an amendment I previously offered. to protect Social Security by reducing 2040, we will have spent down all the When I offered it, it was before we de- those deficits. trust funds and all the interest. What scended into this deficit and debt ditch. As you can see by this chart, in 2009, does that mean? That means in 2041 It was designed to prevent us from 2010, 2011, and 2012, these are the Social those benefits in Social Security will going that road, from going down the Security dollars that are being used in be 74 percent of what we promised our path of using Social Security money to this current budget that has been pro- recipients. That is the money that will fund other things. Unfortunately, our posed for other purposes. From $423 bil- be coming in, in Social Security taxes colleagues on the other side opposed it lion up to $1.027 trillion. If the budget at that time. We will only be able to and defeated it. They prevented it from resolution fails to put the budget on a pay out 74 percent of the benefits be- being put in force, which would have glidepath to protecting the Social Se- cause we have prespent the trust funds hopefully prevented all this from hap- curity surplus within 5 years, it will be for other purposes. pening. But that was not the case. Now subject to a point of order in the Sen- My amendment says: Stop. Think it is akin to closing the barn door after ate. There is an exception for times of about what you are doing, Members of the cattle are gone. Now the Senator war and low economic growth, and it the Senate, Members of the Congress. from Kentucky offers this amendment. can be waived by a vote of three-fifths Stop digging the hole. We are going to The upshot of this amendment, if it of the Senators. bury our future generations in a mas- were to pass, would be to create a 60- The purpose of this circuit breaker is sive debt situation where their benefits vote hurdle against having a budget to put the budget on a path to balance will not be able to be paid. resolution next year. That is what the without spending the Social Security I ask support for this amendment effect of the Bunning amendment money that is needed for the baby when it comes up for the vote. would be. If people want to vote for it boomers’ retirements. It ensures that I yield the floor. as a symbolic measure, that is fine Social Security trust funds will be used The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tem- with me. Members should know they for their intended purpose and that is pore. Who yields time? The Senator are free to vote however they think is for retirement of the baby boomers and from North Dakota. the right way when we vote on the all after. Mr. CONRAD. Mr. President, the Bunning amendment later this We all know the challenges the So- Senator talks about Social Security evening. cial Security system faces as the first money being spent in the Democratic Ms. STABENOW. Will my colleague of the baby boomers start to retire budget resolution—and he is right. yield for a question? very shortly. The effects of this demo- There is money spent, Social Security Mr. CONRAD. I am happy to yield. graphic tidal wave will begin to grow money, in the Democratic budget reso- Ms. STABENOW. I thank you, as rapidly as the years progress. Chair- lution. Why? Because our friends on chairman of the Budget Committee, for man CONRAD will point to a provision the other side, in the 6 years they have bringing forward the ‘‘save Social Se- in this budget that he calls the ‘‘save controlled everything, have dug such a curity first’’ amendment in committee. Social Security first’’ point of order. deep hole it is going to take us a while It makes it very clear in the budget However, this point of order does not— to climb out. Look at the President’s resolution that we intend to come out I say emphatically does—not protect budget. That is the only budget from of this hole and are committed to mak- the Social Security surplus the way my the other side. The other side has not ing sure Social Security moneys are re- amendment will do it. In fact, the presented a budget other than the stored. budget resolution before us spends, as I President’s budget. Last night we heard from other col- showed you, over $1 trillion additional Here is what the President’s budget leagues on the other side of the aisle. of the Social Security surplus. My does in terms of spending Social Secu- Senator SESSIONS offered an amend- amendment says that just because we rity money. The President’s budget ment that basically would fly in the have been spending the Social Security spends $1.16 trillion of Social Security face of Senator BUNNING’s amendment, surplus for decades doesn’t mean we money over the next 5 years—every wouldn’t you say, because it essen- should continue. We have dug ourselves dime that is available. We use $1.03 tially would take away the ability to into a big ditch. The budget before us trillion. So let’s be clear. The only have a 60-vote point of order as it re- keeps digging. budget from the other side uses more lates to extending the tax cuts that My amendment says stop digging. It Social Security money than does our created the hole in the first place. Be- forces Congress to make a plan to pro- budget. Both budgets use Social Secu- cause isn’t it true that essentially the tect the Social Security surplus. I urge rity money because we are now in such tax cuts were paid for by using Social my colleagues to think about the fu- a deep hole it is going to take time to Security surplus funds? ture of Social Security retirees and dig out. Mr. CONRAD. The Senator is cer- support this amendment. We have this Here is the record from the other tainly right. Senator SESSIONS’ amend- amendment before us. It is almost ex- side. The record from the other side is ment would allow all of the tax cuts to actly like the amendment the now they have so far spent $1.1 trillion of be extended without having to be paid chairman of the Budget Committee put Social Security money and, if the for, without having to be offset. So it in the 2003 budget resolution, and his President’s budget is followed, they does directly contradict at least the rationale for knocking out the point of will have spent $2.5 trillion by 2017. spirit of the Bunning amendment. order in the budget markup was: ‘‘Well, Every dime of Social Security money I must say, I am very much in sym- we have been doing it for years.’’ that is available to spend will have pathy with the spirit of the Bunning Yes, we have been doing it for years, been spent by our friends on the other amendment because, after all, it was and it is time to stop. Stop spending side. That is their record. my amendment back in 2002 when it the Social Security surplus for other Look, we inherited this mess. We really would have done some good be- purposes—other purposes being any have to climb out and we are making cause that was before we went down other functions for which the Federal progress. Our budget balances by 2012, this path of using Social Security Government might need money. What and over time we will end this practice funds to pay all kinds of other bills. does that do to my grandchildren and of using Social Security money. Let I have said many times that what is the grandchildren of everybody else in me indicate that in this budget resolu- being done here in Washington is a this body and those listening? It says tion, we have passed a ‘‘save Social Se- basic violation of any kind of the sense to your grandchildren: You have to curity first’’ amendment. It says there of the trust fund because trust fund fend for yourself. We are going to leave can be no new mandatory spending or moneys that are in temporary surplus you with this pile of debt, such that in tax cuts until the 75-year Social Secu- before the baby boomers retire are

VerDate Aug 31 2005 02:39 Apr 26, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00007 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\RECORD07\S21MR7.REC S21MR7 pwalker on PROD1PC69 with CONG-REC-ONLINE S3460 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE March 21, 2007 being used to pay other bills. You could that the President’s budget includes it, have not; the numbers have changed. not do that in any other institution. every President’s budget has included Instead of $2 trillion, we are now talk- You could not do that in any private it since Ronald Reagan. That includes ing $1 trillion of Social Security money business. You could not do that in any Bush 1, Bill Clinton’s budget for 8 that is going to be used in this budget. other private sector institution. You years, and now George W. Bush’s budg- You know, the cattle are not out of could not take the retirement funds of et. They have included spending the the barn; they truly are in the barn. your employees and use them to pay Social Security trust funds that are in And we figure each cow is worth a dol- your operating expenses. If you did surplus in every budget for over 15 lar. We should be protecting them, and that, you would be in violation of Fed- years that I know of. we should be at least addressing them. eral law. You would be on your way to Now that my good friends from the What I think the amendment does is it a Federal institution, but it would not Democratic Party are in the majority, highlights the essence of one of the be the Congress of the United States, it they are doing the same thing. They most significant problems with this would not be the White House; you are spending our trust funds that the budget; that is, although it spends a lot would be headed for the big house be- Social Security system must buy bonds of money and it raises a lot of taxes, it cause that is a violation of Federal with. That is the law. We do not have does nothing on the issue of the long- law. But that is the practice that has another law that says you can take the term solvency of this Government, grown up. It has been, unfortunately, Social Security trust funds and you which is the most significant threat we the case here for 30 years, with only 2 can put it in this little box and you face. years of exception: The last 2 years of must keep it. No. The law says—and I The chairman of the Budget Com- the Clinton administration, we were was on the Ways and Means Committee mittee has held numerous hearings on able to stop using Social Security with the current chairman of the Sen- this issue. I have congratulated him on funds to pay other bills. That was one ate when we tried to wall off Social Se- being focused on this issue. But, unfor- of the greatest achievements of the curity trust funds. It did not pass over tunately, he brought forward a budget Congress and the administration. Un- in the House at that time. So we have which does not address this. We have fortunately, under this new adminis- been spending them ever since. That created a government which is not tration, they went right back the other does not make it right. It is still wrong going to be affordable to our children way, using every dime of Social Secu- to spend it. because the costs of Social Security The other side said they are going to rity money to pay other bills. Now we and the costs of Medicare when the fix the surplus problem. Well, they are are in such a deep hole that it is going baby boomer generation retires is sim- not. I hope they do. This amendment to continue for some period of time ply going to overwhelm their fiscal gives some teeth to that promise be- until we are able to dig out. ability to support that generation. Ms. STABENOW. If I might ask a sec- cause it holds the majority—whoever is We should be getting on right now ond question of my friend. Again, I will the majority—accountable. and doing things that correct this. Now that they are in the majority, start by congratulating the Senator. I There were ideas put forward which they do not want to hold themselves remember, as a new member of the would accomplish this that the Presi- responsible for the Social Security Budget Committee, coming in in 2001 dent put forward in the area of Medi- trust funds. They say: Oh, because we care. There are things you can do in when there were record surpluses, that have been doing this all this time, it is the area of Social Security. For exam- the Senator was warning us about what too late to stop. We can save $1.027 tril- ple, you can get the reimbursements could happen. Actually, is it not true lion if we stop now and do not include that at that time, the Senator was sug- correct on the COLA. this in our 5-year projections. But what this budget does is nothing. gesting a third of the surpluses go to I hate to tell you, if we moved this It does nothing to protect or address prefunding the liability of Social Secu- out to 10 years, what it would look this outyear problem. What it does do rity so we would not find ourselves in like. I am not going to do that because is aggravate the problem by digging this mess? Would not that have had a the budget is a 5-year budget. But $1 the hole deeper by using $1 trillion of very different outcome on where we are trillion, to my grandkids and their re- Social Security funds to operate the today? tirement or Senator CONRAD’s Mr. CONRAD. Yes. I thank the Sen- grandkids or anybody’s kids, is a lot of Federal Government over the 5 years of ator for remembering that. I did have a money, and the more we can save for this budget. So when the chairman of the com- plan. Instead of giving the outsized tax their retirement, the less we are going mittee drafted the amendment, he was cuts the President proposed, I proposed to have to borrow down the road. giving a $900 billion tax cut, very large So, please, when you are considering thinking correctly. And when he said tax cuts, but to use the rest of the this amendment, consider the con- that—he was speaking here relevant to money to strengthen Social Security, sequences of what we are doing here. the use of Social Security funds by the to either prefund the liability or pay We are doing more of the same. It is administration in prior budgets—they down the debt. time we stopped doing it. included as the definition of a balanced Instead, a different judgment was I ask for your support. This is a very budget one that raided the Social Secu- made. Social Security money that real- important amendment. It is not a feel- rity trust fund of every dime. Then he ly never was in what I would consider good amendment; it is a substantive claimed that it was a balanced budget. surplus—because it is all needed when amendment that we actually are doing That was no balanced budget; that was the baby boomers retire—has been things to stop spending the Social Se- a budget built on massive borrowing taken and has been used, every dime curity trust funds. disguised as balancing the budget. under the President’s fiscal plan, to I yield the floor. Well, that is essentially a statement pay other bills and to finance tax cuts. The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- which could be applied exactly to this I think that was a profound mistake. ator from New Hampshire. budget. So the chairman was right That is why I offered the amendment Mr. GREGG. I thank the Senator with that statement. Then he went on the Senator from Kentucky has now of- from Kentucky, who may be one of the further and said: It threatens Social fered, an amendment I offered back in most effective spokespersons in the Security to take $180- to $190 billion of 2002, to prevent us from ever going Senate on the issue of protecting the Social Security money, to use it, in- down this path. Now we have gone Social Security accounts and making stead of paying down the debt or pre- down it. Both budgets, if we are to be sure that as we move forward, we are paying the liability, to use to it pay honest, use Social Security funds. We responsible in that area. operating expenses of the Government, use somewhat less than the President’s This amendment accomplishes ex- it threatens Social Security. That budget. It is going to take time to dig actly that. It is a brilliantly drafted again is being done within this budget out. amendment because it was, of course, to the tune of $1 trillion. The PRESIDING OFFICER (Mr. drafted by the chairman of the Budget So the Senator from Kentucky in his CARDIN). The Senator from Kentucky. Committee and offered by him. own way is once again highlighting the Mr. BUNNING. Mr. President, two Mr. Chairman, it reflects that the issue effectively and has put forward wrongs do not make a right. The fact is times have changed. Well, they really language which will accomplish the

VerDate Aug 31 2005 02:39 Apr 26, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00008 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\RECORD07\S21MR7.REC S21MR7 pwalker on PROD1PC69 with CONG-REC-ONLINE March 21, 2007 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S3461 goal. It was good language when it was negative view of what this amendment AMENDMENT NO. 486 offered by the Senator from North Da- will do. I hope it does not come to fru- Mr. BINGAMAN. I send an amend- kota, and it is good language offered by ition. ment to the desk. the Senator from Kentucky. I certainly I hope what the amendment does is The PRESIDING OFFICER. The hope we support it. force the people who bring the budget clerk will report. The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- next year to look at Social Security The assistant legislative clerk read ator from North Dakota. and figure out how we are going to deal as follows: Mr. CONRAD. Mr. President, first of with it and thus put in place some enti- The Senator from New Mexico [Mr. BINGA- all, I want to say I have been put at a tlement reform which addresses this MAN], for himself, Mr. ALEXANDER, Mr. disadvantage here because the Senator issue and gets us into a position where LIEBERMAN, Mr. DOMENICI, Mr. ENSIGN, and from Kentucky, whom I like very we are able to protect it. Mr. REID, proposes amendment numbered much, whom I respect very much, has The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- 486. offered an amendment I drafted. ator from North Dakota. Mr. BINGAMAN. I ask unanimous Unfortunately, they did not support Mr. CONRAD. Mr. President, it is for consent that reading of the amendment it when I offered it back in 2003. It real- that reason that I will support the be dispensed with. ly would have helped us avoid this dis- amendment, because it may, even at The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without aster of using Social Security money. this late hour, help build pressure for objection, it is so ordered. So maybe we have here a coming what the Senator from New Hampshire The amendment is as follows: around to support an issue at least at a and I both want to do, which is some- (Purpose: To provide additional funding re- later point. I am going to recommend how find a path to addressing these sources in FY2008 for investments in inno- to my colleagues that we vote for this long-term entitlement challenges. It vation and education in order to improve amendment on the floor, as a symbolic may help do that. the competitiveness of the United States) measure if for no other reason. In that spirit, I will support the On page 10, line 9, increase the amount by When I drafted this amendment and amendment tonight. $1,008,000,000. On page 10, line 10, increase the amount by offered it back in 2002, what a dif- Now we have Senator BINGAMAN $428,000,000. ference it would have made if it had ready. On page 10, line 14, increase the amount by been adopted. But, unfortunately, our The PRESIDING OFFICER. The time $345,000,000. colleagues who have just spoken so elo- yielded to the Senator from New Mex- On page 10, line 18, increase the amount by quently in favor of it now opposed it ico? $179,000,000. then. They opposed it when it actually Mr. CONRAD. How much time does On page 10, line 22, increase the amount by would have done something. Well, I the Senator from New Mexico seek? $35,000,000. still appreciate the fact that they now, Mr. BINGAMAN. I need at most 15 On page 11, line 1, increase the amount by 5 years later, appreciate the wisdom of minutes. I know my colleague from $18,000,000. On page 14, line 9, increase the amount by my words then. I certainly will not Tennessee needs a comparable amount $11,000,000. stand in the way of adopting this of time. I know there are others who On page 14, line 10, increase the amount by amendment tonight. In fact, my vote wish to speak, but I don’t know if they $9,000,000. will be cast in favor of this amend- will be able to come to the floor at this On page 14, line 14, increase the amount by ment. point. $3,000,000. The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- Mr. CONRAD. I yield 15 minutes to On page 26, line 12, decrease the amount by ator from New Hampshire. the Senator from New Mexico. And $1,019,000,000. Mr. GREGG. Mr. President, I don’t then the Senator from Tennessee, how On page 26, line 13, decrease the amount by $437,000,000. want to prolong the debate because the much would the Senator seek? On page 26, line 17, decrease the amount by Senators from New Mexico and Ten- Mr. ALEXANDER. Up to 15 minutes, $348,000,000. nessee have an amendment ready to go. please. On page 26, line 21, decrease the amount by But I would note that the most recent Mr. CONRAD. Would the Senator $179,000,000. inconsistency on this is not our side, it from New Hampshire provide the Sen- On page 26, line 25, decrease the amount by would be on the Democratic side, in ator from Tennessee with time off his $35,000,000. that the Senator from North Dakota side on this amendment? On page 27, line 4, decrease the amount by voted against this amendment in com- Mr. GREGG. I would. I understand $18,000,000. mittee, which he now is going to vote the Senator from South Carolina wants Mr. BINGAMAN. Mr. President, I am for on the floor. I wanted to make that to speak on the Bunning amendment. offering this amendment on behalf of point. So the inconsistency is in the Should we complete that debate? myself and Senators ALEXANDER, eye of the beholder. Mr. CONRAD. I think in fairness to LIEBERMAN, DOMENICI, ENSIGN, and The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- the other two Senators, we should let REID. This is an amendment that I be- ator from North Dakota. them go forward with their amend- lieve will go a long way toward ensur- Mr. CONRAD. Let me say that I cast ment. Then we could come back to the ing that the United States maintains that vote in committee because the Senator from South Carolina for his its preeminent status in our global practical effect of this amendment now comments on the Bunning amendment. economy. is not going to protect Social Security. Mr. GREGG. Sounds good. On March 6, Senator REID and Sen- The practical effect of this amendment The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is the ator MCCONNELL and many of the rest is to create a 60-vote hurdle to pass a Senator from North Dakota seeking of us held a press conference on the in- budget resolution next year. consent to set aside the Bunning troduction of a bill we called the Amer- But, look, I am proud of the amend- amendment so we may proceed to this ica COMPETES Act. The bill rep- ment I crafted 5 years ago. I think we amendment? resents recommendations from two re- have to send every message we can Mr. CONRAD. Yes, I think we should ports on the status of our Nation’s abil- that it is wrong to be using Social Se- set aside the Bunning amendment so ity to compete in the global economy. curity trust funds to pay other bills. I that the Bingaman amendment may be Those reports are the National Acad- believe that with every fiber of my offered. The Senator from Tennessee emy of Sciences report on ‘‘Rising being. Senator BUNNING has offered this could speak on that. We did ask them Above the Gathering Storm,’’ and the amendment unfortunately 5 years too to come at this time to do so. I apolo- Council on Competitiveness report en- late. I am going to support it even gize to Senator DEMINT. We were not titled ‘‘Innovate America.’’ though it is 5 years too late. aware that he was on his way to the Obviously, this is not the right time The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- floor. In fairness, that is what we to try to enact that legislation. Let me ator from New Hampshire. should do. make it clear to my colleagues that we Mr. GREGG. Mr. President, I will The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without are not proposing that legislation as an conclude my comments by saying that objection, it is so ordered. amendment to the budget resolution. I hope the Senator from North Dakota The Senator from New Mexico is rec- What we are proposing, though, is an is not cynical, because of his rather ognized. amendment that tries to make sure

VerDate Aug 31 2005 02:39 Apr 26, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00009 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\RECORD07\S21MR7.REC S21MR7 pwalker on PROD1PC69 with CONG-REC-ONLINE S3462 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE March 21, 2007 that the budget ceilings, the overall that 48 of 235 recent or planned re- I should point out that the offset amounts that are permitted for the search and development facilities that this legislation calls for is essen- various agencies and functions of the would actually be located in this coun- tially whatever change in funding the Government, are as high as possible so try; 55 were to be located in China, 18 Appropriations Committee chooses to that there is room in this budget to ac- in India. Indeed, on a trip I took to make in so-called function 920. It gives tually go forward and appropriate the India a couple years ago, we learned them discretion to either do a very funds called for in that authorizing leg- that the Intel Design Center for Intel modest across-the-board cut in other islation. We hope we will bring up that Corporation in Bangalore is now de- funds or find some other way to locate authorizing legislation some time in signing chips that are fabricated by a the funds needed. the next couple of months and get it manufacturing plant in New Mexico. It This legislation would add $1.9 billion passed and sent to the President. used to be the other way around. It that is currently not permitted in the Let me describe briefly what this used to be that we would do the design budget for these essential items. It is amendment would do. It would provide work, the high-end, value-added work important that we pass the amend- for the National Science Foundation to here, and the manufacturing would ment. I urge all my colleagues to do so. meet the President’s requested funding occur elsewhere. I yield the floor. level of $6.4 billion for the Department The achievement and interest level The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- of Energy. It would allow the budget to of U.S. students in math and science is ator from Tennessee. meet the President’s request for the Of- a serious problem for all of us. In fact, Mr. ALEXANDER. Mr. President, I fice of Science at $4.4 billion, as well as the most recent NAEP assessments of congratulate the Senator from New provide funding that would allow for a educational progress in math reveal Mexico. He has been working at this a program similar to that administered that only 23 percent of 12th graders in long time. He helped originate the re- by the Hertz Foundation for training a this country performed at or above pro- port by the National Academy of new generation of Ph.D. students in the ficient. That is in the year 2005. Unfor- Sciences to which he referred, ‘‘Rising physical sciences. For the National In- tunately, this assessment in science re- Above the Gathering Storm.’’ He has stitutes of Science and Technology, it veals that the scores for 12th graders also performed a service to the Senate will provide necessary funding to meet have declined since 1996 in each of the and the country by doing some of the the $704 million authorization level in science areas—in the earth sciences, hard, less glamourous work, because he the bill, thereby strengthening pro- physical sciences, and life sciences. has worked his way through the budget grams such as the Hollings Manufac- Only 18 percent of 12th graders scored process and, in his words, we are mak- at or above proficient in science. turing Extension Partnership to help ing sure with this amendment that we So the issues are serious. They are small and medium-sized businesses have room in the budget to appropriate ones about which more and more of the compete in the global economy. funds to support what I believe is the opinion leaders and thoughtful stu- The reports I referred to were impor- single most important legislation be- dents of this subject have come to be tant in that they tapped into and iden- fore the Congress this year; that is the concerned. These reports have been a tified a growing uneasiness that is America COMPETES Act which has major contribution to the dialog. being experienced throughout the been introduced by the Democratic Those of us in Congress are now called country about our ability to remain leader, Senator REID, and by the Re- upon to actually put in place some so- competitive in world markets. It is publican leader, Senator MCCONNELL. clear that we are slipping in our world lutions to these problems. I believe passing this amendment to At one stage in its development over leadership role in science and engineer- the last 2 years it had 70 Senators, an ing. We are losing site of the impor- the budget resolution to ensure that there will be room in the budget for equal number of both parties, sup- tance of long-term investments in cre- porting it and has been vetted and ating the conditions for prosperity. funding to meet these very important needs is extremely important. worked on by at least a half dozen of In 1995, Alan Greenspan was quoted our committees. I thank Senator as saying: Let me also acknowledge—and this is something for which I commend the BINGAMAN for his long-time leadership Had the innovations of recent decades, es- on this effort, especially for making pecially in information technologies, not chairman of the Budget Committee— come to fruition, productivity growth would the budget resolution before us in- sure there is room in the budget for it. have continued to languish at the rate of the creases funding for education by more On this side of the aisle, we talk a lot preceding 20 years. than $6 billion over what the President about progrowth policies and Recent work that has been done by proposed. Much of that increased fund- progrowth investments. We usually the Federal Reserve bears out that a ing is to allow for full funding in the mean tax cuts when we talk about broader category of such intangible in- appropriations process of some of these that. I learned a long time ago that vestments now accounts for a full 11 math and science education initiatives while low taxes and balanced budgets percent of our gross domestic product and also strengthening math and are one important part of a progrowth and that much of our economic growth science teaching skills for our Nation’s strategy, they are not the only impor- is attributable to these activities: re- teaching workforce. That is clearly in- tant part. search and development and informa- tended by the budget resolution. The When I was Governor of my State, tion technologies. The statistics that amendment we are offering today does the Senator from New Hampshire was we have bear out that while we are not not propose increases in funding in Governor of his State. That is a low- yet at a point of crisis, we are ap- that area because, in fact, the budget tax State. It was nearly as low a tax proaching one. At the macro level, the resolution itself does make room for State as Tennessee when we were both fastest growing economies continue to the funding increases that America Governors. That was important. But we increase their research and develop- COMPETES calls for. also found out in Tennessee that if we ment investments at nearly five times Let me acknowledge the extremely wanted an auto industry, we had to the rate of the United States. Collec- impressive leadership of my colleague have good four-lane highways. If we tively, we have China and Ireland, from Tennessee, Senator ALEXANDER, wanted to grow new jobs, we wanted to Israel, Singapore, South Korea, and in focusing the attention of the Con- have a good banking. That was part of Taiwan increasing their research and gress on this issue. He has been the sin- a progrowth strategy. development investment rates by 214 gle most aggressive Member of the But more than anything else, the percent between 1995, when Alan Senate in making sure we continue to most important part of a progrowth Greenspan made his statement, and address this issue at every stage. As I strategy in my State was schools, col- 2004. During that same period when see it, our amendment is one step in leges, and universities. We learned that they were increasing their investment that process. I know it has the support better schools, colleges, and univer- by over 200 percent, the United States of Senator REID. I believe it also will sities meant better jobs. was increasing its investment by 43 have the support of the managers of So this legislation we are talking percent. the legislation. I hope it has the sup- about is about America’s brainpower A recent survey of several industries port of all Senators, Democratic and advantage. It is the reason why we in the United States and Europe found Republican. produce a third of all the money for

VerDate Aug 31 2005 02:39 Apr 26, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00010 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\RECORD07\S21MR7.REC S21MR7 pwalker on PROD1PC69 with CONG-REC-ONLINE March 21, 2007 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S3463 about 5 percent of all the people in the HUTCHISON, and many others have been by increasing the number of teachers world. It is because of the big ideas a part of. Senator Frist and Senator prepared to teach these math, science, that have come out of our country. REID put the bill in, in the first place, and foreign language courses in high From the automobile, to the electric toward the end of last year. schools. This would allow thousands of light bulb, to Google—they have been It began because Senator BINGAMAN new students to take these outstanding created here. The jobs are here and the and I and others walked down the college preparatory classes. standard of living is higher here. street to the National Academy of Another provision is to provide But the rest of the world has figured Sciences and said: Please tell us ex- grants to universities to establish pro- that out. They have the same brains we actly what we ought to do, in priority grams modeled on the successful do, and suddenly China is recruiting order, to keep our brainpower advan- UTeach program at the University of the most distinguished Chinese profes- tage. Give us 10 specific things to do. Texas—where students getting a bach- sors from great American universities They gave us 20, in priority order. That elor’s degree in math or science can to come back to China to build up was put together with other important concurrently earn teaching credentials China. You heard what Senator BINGA- work done by the Council on Competi- and become the new generation of MAN said about what is happening in tiveness. Then here we are today with math and science teachers. India. the ‘‘Rising Above the Gathering Another provision is to create part- We are talking about a little money Storm’’ report and with the Council on nerships between National Labora- for progrowth investments here. We Competitiveness’ report. tories and local high-need high schools would make room for $1 billion the The bill, the America COMPETES to establish centers of excellence in President requested—that the Presi- Act, to which this amendment relates, math and science education. dent requested—to restore funding for authorizes $16 billion in new spending The challenge America faces today is basic scientific research in math and over 4 years. But this is a significant really about brainpower and jobs. science education so we can keep our savings over the original legislation, We Americans—who constitute just 5 brainpower advantage. This is the real the one that was sponsored by 70 Sen- percent of the world’s population—pro- way to keep our good jobs from going ators and reported by the committees. duced about 30 percent of the world’s to China and India and other countries We took out $3 billion from the bills wealth last year. Yet we worry that in the world. passed by Energy and Commerce. We America may be losing its brainpower It is important to keep that $1 billion avoided a number of duplicative under- advantage. We see what is happening in over the next year in perspective. That graduate scholarship programs. We China and India and other countries, is half what we spend in the war in Iraq wanted progrowth investment, but we too, such as Finland, Singapore, and in a week. We spent $237 billion on debt wanted to do it wisely and prudently. Ireland. We face a new ‘‘flat’’ world last year, $378 billion on Medicare, $545 I wish to conclude my remarks with where more and more countries can billion on Social Security, at least $70 some of the provisions of the America compete with us, and we must rise to billion on hurricanes. We are going to COMPETES Act. I know the Senator the challenge. That is why we must be asked to pass a $100 billion supple- from South Carolina is waiting to fund this progrowth investment in our mental request for the war in Iraq. speak, and others will be speaking, too, economy and create the best new jobs We will not have enough money to so I will conclude my remarks quickly. here instead of shipping them overseas. pay all these important bills unless we But it includes such matters as dou- That is why I hope all my colleagues keep enough money in the budget for bling funding for the National Science will join in supporting this amend- the investments that keep our brain- Foundation. It will set the Department ment. power advantage so we can keep our of Energy’s Office of Science on track One more point. We asked our Na- jobs. That is where we get all that to double in funding over 10 years. It tional Academies what to do to keep money. will strengthen the skills of thousands our brainpower advantage. We worked The Bingaman-Alexander amend- of math and science teachers, and oth- 2 years through various committees ment would help make room for the $1 ers. and many changes to bring our legisla- billion requested by the President to As I said, provisions of the America tion to this point. We still have some fund basic research in math and COMPETES Act include double funding way to go, although a parallel path is science education. for the National Science Foundation, being pursued in a bipartisan way in Specifically, one, it would restore or NSF, from $5.6 billion in fiscal year the House. $398 million for the National Science 2006 to $11.2 billion in fiscal year 2011; I believe we will get there, and get Foundation, bringing the total to $6.429 setting the Department of Energy’s Of- there soon, with this kind of leader- billion, as requested by the President. fice of Science on track to double in ship. But we should realize President Two, it restores $610 million for the funding over 10 years, increasing from Hu of China walked over to the Na- Department of Energy’s Office of $3.6 billion in fiscal year 2006 to over tional Academy of Sciences in China Science, bringing the total to $4.481 bil- $5.2 billion in fiscal year 2011. last July, and they do things in a little lion, which meets the President’s re- Another provision is to strengthen different way. He announced to his quest, and then adds $70 million extra the skills of thousands of math and joint academy meeting in the Great for three programs that are part of the science teachers by establishing train- Hall of the People exactly what China’s Reid-McConnell America COMPETES ing and education programs at summer innovation effort would be over the Act: Discovery institutes, PACE Grad- institutes hosted at the National Lab- next 10 years, how they are going to in- uate Fellows, and Distinguished Sci- oratories and by increasing support for crease their percentage investment in entists. the Teacher Institutes for the 21st Cen- the gross domestic product, how they It adds $11 million for the National tury program at NSF. are going to improve their universities Institute of Standards and Technology, Another provision is to expand the and elementary and secondary schools, as authorized for next year by the Robert Noyce Teacher Scholarship Pro- and exactly what they would do to re- Reid-McConnell legislation. gram at NSF to recruit and train indi- cruit distinguished Chinese leaders to The majority leader and the minority viduals to become math and science come back, because they know their leader, in the midst of some conten- teachers in high-need schools. brainpower advantage, to the extent tious discussions in the Senate—which Another provision is to assist States they can develop and improve on it, is we have regularly—are rising above in establishing or expanding statewide the most important aspect of creating that and putting this piece of legisla- specialty schools in math and science good jobs and a higher standard of liv- tion into play. I know of no other piece that students from across the State ing here. of legislation that has that kind of bi- would be eligible to attend—as they do So this legislation is a step in that partisan support that is that important now in North Carolina and other direction for us. We have much more to to the future of our country. It is based States. do. We have the research and develop- on work Senator BINGAMAN, Senator Another provision is to expand Ad- ment tax credit to make permanent. DOMENICI, Senator MIKULSKI, Senator vanced Placement, AP, and Inter- We have provisions in the immigration ENSIGN, Senator LIEBERMAN, Senator national Baccalaureate, IB, programs legislation which have passed once,

VerDate Aug 31 2005 02:39 Apr 26, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00011 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\RECORD07\S21MR7.REC S21MR7 pwalker on PROD1PC69 with CONG-REC-ONLINE S3464 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE March 21, 2007 which I hope pass again, to in-source and science education and strengthen The PRESIDING OFFICER. The brainpower, to give a preference to peo- the math and science teaching skills of clerk will report the amendment. ple with high skills in science, tech- the teaching workforce? The assistant legislative clerk read nology, engineering, and math. Let Mr. CONRAD. That is correct. as follows: them stay here, create jobs here in- Mr. BINGAMAN. I thank the chair- The Senator from South Carolina [Mr. stead of in other countries. We are man and look forward to working with DEMINT] proposes an amendment numbered going to continue to work on that. him to ensure these critical programs 489. But Senator BINGAMAN has, by his receive funding. Mr. DEMINT. Mr. President, I ask leadership and persistence, come up Mr. DOMENICI. Mr. President, today unanimous consent that reading of the with an amendment, which I join him I join Senator BINGAMAN and other col- amendment be dispensed with. in cosponsoring, which will make room leagues to offer an amendment to in- The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without for funding. We need to properly sup- crease our investment in our Nation’s objection, it is so ordered. port the America COMPETES Act that economic competivenes. The amendment is as follows: Our amendment will provide just Senator REID and Senator MCCONNELL (Purpose: To establish a reserve fund for over $1 billion for the coming fiscal have cosponsored, along with 40 of us Social Security reform) year to support world-class research in At the end of title III, insert the following: right now. Hopefully, we will be keep- the physical sciences and for educating SEC. ll. RESERVE FUND FOR SOCIAL SECURITY ing that brainpower advantage and, our next generation of scientists. therefore, keeping our good jobs. REFORM. Just over a year ago, the National If the Senate Committee on Finance re- Mr. President, I yield the floor. Academy of Science report, ‘‘Rising The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- ports a bill or joint resolution, or an amend- Above the Gathering Storm,’’ focused ment is offered thereto, or a conference re- ator from South Carolina. national attention on a challenge of port is submitted thereon, that provides Mr. CONRAD. Mr. President, I ask enormous significance. We are not changes to the Federal Old Age, Survivors, the Senator to withhold for 1 minute. doing enough to harness, and develop, and Disability Insurance Benefits Program The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- our national brainpower. established under title II of the Social Secu- ator from North Dakota. Earlier this month, I joined a bipar- rity Act (42 U.S.C. 401 et seq.) by— Mr. CONRAD. Mr. President, I wish tisan group of Senators to introduce (1) requiring that the Federal Old Age and Survivors Trust Fund and the Federal Dis- to comment very briefly on the amend- the America COMPETES Act, S. 761. ment that was offered. ability Insurance Trust Fund are to be used This act is the result of a remarkable only to finance expenditures to provide re- I commend Senator BINGAMAN and cooperative effort, involving three Sen- tirement income of future beneficiaries of Senator ALEXANDER for one of the most ate committees and valuable contribu- such program; thoughtful amendments I have seen tions from a number of Senators. We (2) ensuring that there is no change to cur- being offered on the budget resolution. have the support of the majority leader rent law scheduled benefits for individuals It is bipartisan. It is something that and the minority leader, and we are born before January 1, 1951; has been very well thought through. It going to make this happen. (3) providing participants with the benefits is almost a model for how things ought All of us that worked to write this of savings and investment while permitting to be done in this Chamber. So I espe- legislation are deeply concerned about the pre-funding of at least some portion of future benefits; and cially commend Senator BINGAMAN and maintaining our Nation’s ability to (4) ensuring that the funds made available Senator ALEXANDER for this effort, and compete in the high-tech, global mar- to finance such legislation do not exceed the many other colleagues who have been ketplace. amounts of the Chief Actuary of the Social involved in it. I hope it serves as an ex- Our bill increases our investments in Security Administration’s intermediate ac- ample for everybody about how we do science and mathematics education at tuarial estimates of the Federal Old Age and business around here. I thank the two all levels—kindergarten through high Survivors Trust Fund and the Federal Dis- Senators very much. school, college, and graduate school. ability Insurance Trust Fund, as published in Mr. President, we now have Senator The America COMPETES Act will also the most recent report of the Board of Trust- DEMINT who wants to comment briefly build on educational programs at De- ees of such Trust Funds; the chairman of the Committee on the Budg- on the Bunning amendment and also partment of Energy laboratories. These programs will strengthen the teaching et of the Senate may make the appropriate lay down an amendment. We have an adjustments in allocations and aggregates to understanding we have the potential of skills of math and science teachers the extent that such legislation would not a side-by-side amendment with the throughout the country. increase the deficit for fiscal year 2008 and DeMint amendment, if that becomes The America COMPETES Act au- for the period of fiscal years 2008 through necessary. Senator GREGG and I have thorizes a doubling of research dollars 2012. talked about that. to key research agencies, including the Mr. DEMINT. Mr. President, as we all Department of Energy Office of IMPORTANCE OF EDUCATION came into this debate on the first Dem- Science, the National Science Founda- Mr. BINGAMAN. As the chairman ocrat budget, a lot of us had high tion, and the National Institute of hopes. If you think back to the Novem- knows, strong math and science edu- Standards and Technology. ber elections, it seemed, at least for a cation is critical if we, as a nation, are The amendment we offer today will going to continue to have a skilled and allow us to follow through on the few months, that Republicans and educated workforce that can compete promise of the America COMPETES Democrats, in many ways, were saying in the global economy. Act. We need to devote the resources a lot of the same things. We all decided Mr. CONRAD. Yes, I agree. necessary to meet the goals of this im- it was very important we stop wasteful Mr. BINGAMAN. Does the chairman portant legislation. spending. We talked about reducing the agree that we need to improve K–12 We need to take action now to sup- debt. We even talked about keeping math and science education for all stu- port our standard of living and ensure some of the tax relief that had gotten dents in this country and do all we can we continue to grow and prosper. If we our economy going and created more to strengthen the math and science do not, we can expect other nations to jobs, although there is certainly some teaching skills of the teaching work- rival our global competitiveness—and disagreement as to which tax cuts force? one day to surpass us. should be kept in place. Mr. CONRAD. Yes, these are both The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- As we see the Democratic budget at very important elements to maintain- ator from South Carolina. this point, there are certainly a num- ing our economic edge. Mr. DEMINT. Mr. President, I ask ber of us who are disappointed, particu- Mr. BINGAMAN. I am very pleased unanimous consent that we set the larly as we see this budget allows that the chairman’s mark increases pending amendment aside. crushing tax increases to hit Ameri- funding for education by more than $6 The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without cans at every income level, as well as billion over the President’s proposed objection, it is so ordered. tax increases on the businesses that budget, and I ask, was it the chair- AMENDMENT NO. 489 provide us all our jobs. Even more, man’s assumption that this increase Mr. DEMINT. Mr. President, I send there is nothing in this budget that should be used, in part, to fund provi- an amendment to the desk and ask for does anything to cut spending. We all sions that will strengthen K–12 math its immediate consideration. know there is wasteful spending

VerDate Aug 31 2005 02:39 Apr 26, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00012 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\RECORD07\S21MR7.REC S21MR7 pwalker on PROD1PC69 with CONG-REC-ONLINE March 21, 2007 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S3465 throughout this Federal Government. ing. I think it is very important that The goal of the amendment is to take We need to get about the task of find- we take this a step further. Not only money that is surplused for Social Se- ing it and cutting it. should we not spend the Social Secu- curity and say it will only be spent for Perhaps the worst example of waste- rity surplus, but we should take that Social Security. This amendment ful spending is when we take the taxes money and put it in a reserve account doesn’t take it any further than that. people pay for Social Security and, in- so we actually save it for the future in- It doesn’t tell Congress how the money stead of saving them, we spend them on stead of giving it to the general fund to should be saved or invested; it doesn’t other things. For a number of years spend on anything we in Congress can get into the more controversial aspects now, the amount of taxes all Ameri- come up with. Take the Social Secu- of will it go into personal accounts. It cans pay in every paycheck for their rity surplus—the cash itself will be does not establish individual ownership future Social Security income—they about $80 billion this year; if you count at all. These are the things that have have actually been more than we need the interest, it gets well more than divided us in the past. to pay the benefits of current retirees. that—put it in a reserve account and But I think we agree with the basic It is what we refer to as the Social Se- not spend it. concept: Let’s take Social Security off curity surplus. But instead of saving The amendment I have offered would the table and somehow save it in a way this surplus over the years, we take allow us, within the budgeting process, that we can’t spend it so we can be that money and put it in the general to set this money aside and not spend more honest in our accounting. fund and spend it on all kinds of it. Unless we support this amendment Mr. CONRAD. That raises a whole se- things. as part of the budgeting process, when ries of questions, and that is another Even worse than spending Social Se- we bring this up to actually get it done thing I wanted to ask the Senator curity on other things is we do not some time this year, there will be a about. If it is set aside, if it is not used count it as debt when we talk about point of order against it and it will not to pay down the debt, how would those the deficit every year. So using the So- be allowed to pass. So it has to be done funds be invested under the amend- cial Security money is actually a way now. That is the purpose of this amend- ment from the Senator? Mr. DEMINT. My amendment doesn’t to hide even more wasteful spending ment. without counting it as debt. Now, what will happen if we pass this specify. Congress would have to deter- Now, for everything we borrow from amendment and we take this money off mine that. As the Senator knows, as Social Security, we put an IOU in this the table and no longer allow Congress part of the budget process, this does so-called trust fund, with this idea to spend it? Then we are going to have not affect it happening. We would still have to perform the act of taking the someday we are going to pay it back. to be honest about our debt, and we are money off the table. I think, again, as But we need to try to remind the probably going to have to cut some a majority Senator, you would have a American people there are no plans in wasteful spending because this money greater determination of how that this Congress—and there never have is not going to be available for us to money is saved. There is no intent in been any plans—to pay that money spend. It will put a lot of pressure on my amendment to direct how it is back. Unfortunately, the Democratic both parties, Republicans and Demo- saved. It could be T bills or something budget that has been proposed over the crats, to figure out how to cut wasteful within the Federal Government. But next 5 years will spend over $1 trillion spending and how to save the Social the hope is we will put it in some type additionally in Social Security taxes, Security money we promised to future of holding or savings that is not part of as well as the interest that is supposed generations. If we put it in a reserve the general fund anymore. It is not to be paid on that money that has al- account, we will also start the process ready been borrowed. So the money spent. to create a funded Social Security sys- Mr. CONRAD. Mr. President, is there that should be saved for the future of tem, a Social Security system that has anything in this amendment that Americans in their retired days is real money so we can keep our prom- would prevent it from being invested in being spent every year, and it is being ises to future generations. some other securities other than Gov- used to conceal more and more waste- So I support Senator BUNNING’s ernment bonds? ful spending. amendment. I offer another that will Mr. DEMINT. There is nothing that A lot of us have heard the news re- take it a step further, so that the allows for it or prevents it. So I as- ports over the last year or two about money we take off the table cannot be sume, again, with my colleagues in the number of corporate pension plans spent on anything else; it has to be in control of what comes to the floor, that are going broke. The reason for a reserve account and can only be there is no danger of it drifting into that is, over the years not enough spent on Social Security in the future. any controversial area. I think we can money has been put in those pensions I wish to thank the Senator for allow- certainly agree on some safe savings to allow the companies to actually pay ing me to offer that amendment. that would be risk free for the Amer- the benefits that have been promised. I yield the floor. ican people. We call that an underfunded pension Mr. CONRAD. Mr. President, would Mr. CONRAD. Is there anything that plan. It is creating huge problems for the Senator be open to some questions would prevent the funds from going to us throughout our country and for a with respect to his amendment so we private accounts? number of workers who are counting might clarify it so we might have a Mr. DEMINT. It does not allow for on those pensions in their retirement. floor understanding of the intention of that in any way. That would have to be But as we consider Social Security, it the Senator? a separate piece of legislation, so that is a pension plan. It is a pension plan Mr. DEMINT. Yes, I will. would be determined by—this legisla- Americans pay into with the reason- Mr. CONRAD. Let me first say that tion does not open the door for private able expectation that one day they will in large measure, I am in agreement accounts. be able to get their promised benefits. with what I hear the Senator saying. I Mr. CONRAD. I thank the Senator But Social Security is not only an un- have always thought we are engaged in for his answers to those questions. Has derfunded pension plan, it is a com- ‘‘funny money’’ accounting around the Senator sent the amendment to the pletely unfunded pension plan. Not one here, taking Social Security money desk? dime of all the trillions of dollars that and using it to pay other bills. That is Mr. DEMINT. Yes. have been put into Social Security over the object of the Senator’s amendment; Mr. CONRAD. I appreciate that. We our lifetime is saved. As I said before, is that correct? have an understanding that if there is it is actually being used to obscure a Mr. DEMINT. Well, that is part of the a desire to have a side-by-side amend- bigger debt and to obscure more and goal. The goal is not to spend it on ment, that will be open to our side. I more wasteful spending at the Federal other things but to actually set it aside thank the Senator for answering those level. so we don’t spend it. In the past, as the questions and for offering the amend- I commend Senator BUNNING for his Senator knows, we talked about ment. amendment that would require our lockboxes, where we don’t spend it, but Mr. DEMINT. I thank the Senator. budgeting needs not budget these So- in effect we do spend it, even if it is Mr. CONRAD. Mr. President, I note cial Security dollars for other spend- paying down the debt. the absence of a quorum.

VerDate Aug 31 2005 02:39 Apr 26, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00013 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\RECORD07\S21MR7.REC S21MR7 pwalker on PROD1PC69 with CONG-REC-ONLINE S3466 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE March 21, 2007 The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Mr. CONRAD. Reserving the right to On page 4, line 9, decrease the amount by clerk will call the roll. object, we have only been noticed on $4,972,500,000. The bill clerk proceeded to call the this side about one amendment. On page 4, line 10, decrease the amount by roll. Mr. ALLARD. Yes. I plan on calling $5,284,000,000. Mr. CONRAD. Mr. President, I ask On page 4, line 15, decrease the amount by it up—I wish to call up both amend- $870,000,000. unanimous consent that the order for ments so I have votes on them. The On page 4, line 16, decrease the amount by the quorum call be rescinded. first amendment, and then the second $2,752,500,000. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without amendment I plan on putting in the On page 4, line 17, decrease the amount by objection, it is so ordered. group of amendments we will vote on $4,580,500,000. Mr. CONRAD. Mr. President, in the at the end, which we only allow a few On page 4, line 18, decrease the amount by interest of trying to move things along minutes for debate. The first amend- $4,877,500,000. On page 4, line 19, decrease the amount by with some dispatch, we have now had a ment I was going to call up—this will number of amendments offered, includ- $5,189,000,000. be the one we will debate and take up On page 4, line 24, decrease the amount by ing the Bunning amendment, the floor time. $870,000,000. DeMint amendment, the amendment Mr. CONRAD. All right. Fair enough. On page 4, line 25, decrease the amount by by Senators BINGAMAN and ALEXANDER. Mr. ALLARD. Mr. President, I wish $2,752,500,000. We now want to make certain we are to send up—— On page 5, line 1, decrease the amount by ready to go to the Allard amendment. Mr. CONRAD. Could we get the sec- $4,580,500,000. We are told Senator ALLARD will be ond amendment? On page 5, line 2, decrease the amount by here momentarily. That would be the $4,877,500,000. Mr. ALLARD. I will be glad to get On page 5, line 3, decrease the amount by next amendment in order. We are try- those to my colleagues. Here is the one $5,189,000,000. ing then to go to the Baucus amend- on discretionary spending, the one we On page 5, line 7, decrease the amount by ment. We are trying to reach his staff will be debating during this time pe- $870,000,000. to see if that would be accommodated riod. Would the Senator like the second On page 5, line 8, decrease the amount by within his schedule. We also have Sen- amendment before I send it up? $3,622,500,000. ator COLLINS. When would she be avail- Mr. CONRAD. We have a procedure On page 5, line 9, decrease the amount by $8,203,000,000. able? we try to follow so that we see amend- Mr. GREGG. Mr. President, as I un- On page 5, line 10, decrease the amount by ments before they are sent to the desk. $13,081,000,000. derstand it, Senator COLLINS expects to That would be very helpful to us. We On page 5, line 11, decrease the amount by be here by 11:45 to present her amend- were noticed on the Senator’s first $18,269,500,000. ment. Then, as I also understand it, at amendment. That is the amendment On page 5, line 15, decrease the amount by 12:30, we go to an hour which is agreed the Senator offered in the committee; $870,000,000. to and under the rule they have an am I correct? On page 5, line 16, decrease the amount by hour certainly available to them on the Mr. ALLARD. That is the one that $3,662,500,000. Humphrey-Hawkins, and that would be On page 5, line 17, decrease the amount by was offered in committee dealing with $8,203,000,000. Senator BROWNBACK and Senator SCHU- discretionary spending. The second On page 5, line 18, decrease the amount by MER, I believe, who have that hour. amendment deals with mandatory $13,081,000,000. Mr. CONRAD. Let us check with Sen- spending. On page 5, line 19, decrease the amount by ator BAUCUS and see. Mr. CONRAD. I appreciate that. If $18,269,500,000. Mr. GREGG. We certainly want to the Senator could send up the one we On page 25, line 12, decrease the amount by accommodate Senator BAUCUS on our have seen and withhold on the other $20,000,000. On page 25, line 13, decrease the amount by side. until we have had a chance to look at Mr. CONRAD. All right. Let’s see if $20,000,000. that. we can’t work that out in the next few On page 25, line 16, decrease the amount by Mr. ALLARD. That would be fine. moments. Until then, I note the ab- $102,500,000. Mr. CONRAD. I appreciate it very On page 25, line 17, decrease the amount by sence of a quorum. much. $102,500,000. The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Mr. ALLARD. I wish to make sure we On page 25, line 20, decrease the amount by clerk will call the roll. $270,500,000. The bill clerk proceeded to call the get an opportunity to vote on the sec- ond amendment. On page 25, line 21, decrease the amount by roll. $270,500,000. Mr. CONRAD. Mr. President, I ask Mr. CONRAD. Yes, the Senator’s On page 25, line 24, decrease the amount by unanimous consent that the order for right will be protected to have both of $487,500,000. the quorum call be rescinded. these amendments voted on. On page 25, line 25, decrease the amount by The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without Mr. ALLARD. I thank the Senator $487,500,000. objection, it is so ordered. very much. On page 26, line 3, decrease the amount by $719,000,000. Mr. CONRAD. I see Senator ALLARD AMENDMENT NO. 491 On page 26, line 4, decrease the amount by has now come to the floor. We want to The PRESIDING OFFICER. The $719,000,000. thank him for helping expedite the clerk will report the single amend- On page 26, line 12, decrease the amount by consideration of the budget resolution. ment. $4,250,000,000. We very much appreciate his coming The bill clerk read as follows: On page 26, line 13, decrease the amount by on short notice to the floor to offer his The Senator from Colorado [Mr. ALLARD] $850,000,000. amendment. proposes an amendment numbered 491. On page 26, line 16, decrease the amount by Senator ALLARD’s amendment is now $4,325,000,000. Mr. ALLARD. Mr. President, I ask On page 26, line 17, decrease the amount by in order. unanimous consent that the reading of The PRESIDING OFFICER. Does the $2,650,000,000. the amendment be dispensed with. On page 26, line 20, decrease the amount by Senator seek unanimous consent to set The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without $4,405,000,000. aside the pending amendment? objection, it is so ordered. On page 26, line 21, decrease the amount by Mr. CONRAD. Precisely so. The amendment is as follows: $4,310,000,000. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without On page 26, line 24, decrease the amount by AMENDMENT NO. 491 objection, it is so ordered. $4,485,000,000. The Senator from Colorado is recog- (Purpose: To pay down the Federal debt and On page 26, line 25, decrease the amount by nized. eliminate government waste by reducing $4,439,000,000. Mr. ALLARD. Mr. President, while I spending on programs rated ineffective by On page 27, line 3, decrease the amount by the Program Assessment Rating Tool) am getting set up, I ask unanimous $4,565,000,000. consent to set aside the pending busi- On page 4, line 6, decrease the amount by On page 27, line 4, decrease the amount by $4,270,000,000. $4,470,000,000. ness. I have two amendments at the On page 4, line 7, decrease the amount by On page 41, line 9, decrease the amount by desk, and I ask unanimous consent to $4,427,500,000. $4,250,000,000. call them up en bloc and send them to On page 4, line 8, decrease the amount by On page 41, line 10, decrease the amount by the desk. $4,675,500,000. $850,000,000.

VerDate Aug 31 2005 02:39 Apr 26, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00014 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\RECORD07\S21MR7.REC S21MR7 pwalker on PROD1PC69 with CONG-REC-ONLINE March 21, 2007 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S3467 Mr. ALLARD. Mr. President, I wish If not, Congress may want to recon- Block Grants Program. It was found in- to make a few comments about the sider whether to fund the program. effective because it has no measurable PART program in general, which is a If evaluations have not been con- impact on either juvenile crime or the program that has been put in place by ducted, Congress may want to consider juvenile justice system to date. the Congress through a piece of legisla- investing some money in an evaluation These are only a few of the programs tion that was passed more than a dec- to determine if the program is having that have been looked at by the PART ade ago. This program directs the agen- its intended impact. Program. I think they provide the in- cies to set up measurable goals and ob- Is the program working to improve formation Members of Congress need to jectives, and then we go in later on and its performance is another question we evaluate whether programs are ineffec- those goals and objectives are evalu- ask. A program that does not have an tive. ated to see if the agency is actually improvement plan in place or is not The amendment before us just ad- meeting those goals and objectives. working aggressively to improve may dresses a portion of discretionary The piece of legislation, which was not be the best investment of re- spending. The full PART Program eval- passed more than a decade ago, was sources. uates mandatory programs and discre- called the Government Results and The other question: If an increase in tionary programs. Procedures Act. So these agencies have funding is requested for a program, has I put forward two amendments. The had time to work with this program for the program explained how the addi- amendment before us is the discre- some time under the Clinton adminis- tional funding will impact its perform- tionary program where we will get a tration as well as the Bush administra- ance? Programs that cannot articulate considerable amount of debate. The tion. how they will use their resources sim- mandatory amendment is one the When making funding decisions, ply aren’t the best candidates for in- chairman asked be reviewed, and he as- Members of Congress should consider vestment. sured me I will have an opportunity to what they are buying for the taxpayer. So that is what the PART Program is offer that amendment at a later time. So I rise today asking Members to Funded programs should be effective all about. It is a good program, and it support this amendment where we deal and efficient. The Federal Government is being implemented more and more with the discretionary spending as the has completed comprehensive assess- throughout the agencies. PART Program is being applied. The ments of the performance of almost Some of the PART findings are pro- overall purpose of the amendment is to 1,000 programs, representing 96 percent grams that have been ineffective. Let’s pay down the Federal debt and elimi- of the total program funding using this look at a few of those. nate Government waste by reducing Program Assessment Rating Tool, PART found that actual additional spending on programs rated ‘‘ineffec- which is referred to as PART. These de- natural gas reserves attributable to tive’’ by the Office of Management and tailed program assessments and the technology developed by the Natural Gas Technology Program have been Budget’s PART program. This is evidence on which they are based are through the career professionals in the available for the public to view at relatively small. Moreover, as noted by the National Academy of Sciences: agency. This is not driven by any kind www.expectmore.gov. It is a very good of political agenda. PART is a Govern- It is difficult to separate the contributions reference for the public to use—for, in ment-wide assessment of the perform- fact, Members of Congress or any agen- made by the Department of Energy and con- tributions made by industry and others. ance of almost 1,000 programs, again, cies to know exactly where they stand representing 96 percent of total pro- Another program rated ineffective by as far as where their performance gram funding. standards are concerned. PART is the Migrant and Seasonal If we look at programs in the discre- These assessments represent the Farmworkers Program, which may not tionary spending area which are rated combined wisdom of career officials. concentrate enough on providing train- ineffective, it amounts, over the time This is not a political process, these ing and employment. Each year, more period of this budget, which is 5 years, are objective evaluations done by ca- than 60 percent of the program’s ap- to $88 billion of program spending. My reer officials at agencies and OMB—the proximately 30,000 participants receive amendment says we will reduce 25 per- Office of Management and Budget—and only supportive services, such as emer- cent of the spending in this area, which are based on evidence of that program’s gency cash assistance. They don’t is about $17 billion over the period of 5 performance. carry on with the goal and objective, years. We will say that those programs Programs assessed with the PART re- which is training and employment. Al- are ineffective and we need to reduce ceive an overall rating. The best rating though these services are important, spending for those so that we motivate they can get is ‘‘effective.’’ Then it they are not contributing significantly the agencies to redo their programs, so goes to ‘‘moderately effective,’’ ‘‘ade- to helping participants gain stable, they truly are accomplishing what was quate,’’ ‘‘results not demonstrated’’ or year-round employment. If we want to laid out for the original purpose of the ‘‘ineffective.’’ While a program’s over- train them, we need to look at that program. all rating should not be the sole deter- program. What happens in our budget that is minant of its funding, Congress should PART found the same thing with the before us is we have $900 billion in in- prioritize funding programs that per- Health Professions Program. One study creasing taxes by default because we form well. Ineffective programs, in par- found that only 1.5 percent of the phy- don’t do anything to extend those tax ticular, should be scrutinized to deter- sicians trained by institutions receiv- provisions which are expiring in 2010 mine if the resources they use could be ing the program’s family medicine and before. So my point is this: We are better spent elsewhere and if their training grant provided health care in forcing the taxpayers to pay more into goals could be achieved through an- areas with a physician shortage, com- the Federal budget, and at the same other means. pared to 1.1 percent of physicians time we are spending $88 billion on in- When determining where to invest re- trained by other institutions. There is effective programs. sources, Members of Congress can look only a four-tenths of a percent per- My amendment says we are going to to the PART for important informa- formance difference. What is that pro- take a portion of the $88 billion—about tion. No. 1: Does the program address gram accomplishing? $18 billion—out of here for a strong sig- an existing problem, interest or need, PART found no evidence that the Ra- nal from the Congress that we want to and those that do not should not be diation and Exposure Screening and support effective programs and we funded. Education Program reaches the max- want the taxpayer dollars spent in a re- The other question to be asked is: imum number of beneficiaries or the sponsible way. My amendment doesn’t Does the program have performance beneficiaries who are at the greatest take all of the $88 billion, realizing goals that relate to the outcomes the risk. There is not even an estimate of there may be points in time when an- American people want? Those that do the number of people potentially af- other program is not meeting its goals not may not be worthwhile invest- fected by uranium and nuclear testing and needs more money. So that flexi- ments of taxpayer dollars. Do inde- activities and where they might live. bility is allowed in this particular pendent, rigorous evaluations dem- Another program rated ineffective by amendment. It doesn’t target any spe- onstrate that the program is effective? PART is the Juvenile Accountability cific program. Those programs which I

VerDate Aug 31 2005 02:39 Apr 26, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00015 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\RECORD07\S21MR7.REC S21MR7 pwalker on PROD1PC69 with CONG-REC-ONLINE S3468 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE March 21, 2007 recounted to you are just representa- either in conference committee or in Through a miscommunication, we tive of some of the efforts that happen future years and we can put in some wound up going to another Senator. I under the PART Program. It is a won- kind of instructions and say: Look at very much thank the Senator for his derful way for the Members of Congress those programs under your jurisdiction acceptance of the apology. to begin to evaluate whether a program and look at the ones classified as inef- The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without is effective, and then not just leave it fective and begin to demand more ac- objection, the Allard amendment is set there but say, through the budget, to countability on those particular pro- aside. those agencies: You have to get your grams. The Senator from Montana is recog- act together; we don’t tolerate using I hope we can get a ‘‘yea’’ vote on nized. taxpayer dollars—particularly when we both of these amendments to send a Mr. BAUCUS. Mr. President, I thank are increasing your taxes—to allow message, if nothing else, to the con- my good friend from North Dakota, those programs to go on in an ineffec- ference committee to get it passed. If Senator CONRAD. He has done a super tive manner. it doesn’t work out this year, maybe job, almost impossible job putting this Almost worse than being rated inef- we can work it out in future years. budget together. It is tough enough to fective, we have programs out there I ask unanimous consent that a let- get agreements in this body, and it is that have made absolutely no effort at ter from Citizens Against Government more difficult when it is a budget reso- all to measure their results. I believe Waste in support of both of my amend- lution. I compliment my colleagues on these are the worst offenders. In the ments be printed in the RECORD. both sides of the aisle for their excel- following years, I hope Congress will There being no objection, the mate- lent and diligent work. I also say to look at those programs. They have ab- rial was ordered to be printed in the him I appreciate his offer of an apology solutely refused to do anything to cre- RECORD, as follows: with respect to the misunderstanding ate accountability so that the Members COUNCIL FOR CITIZENS AGAINST and miscommunication. This Senator of Congress can evaluate what is going GOVERNMENT WASTE, is probably as much a part of the on in those programs. Washington, DC, March 20, 2007. miscommunication as anybody. So that is what my amendment is all U.S. SENATE, AMENDMENT NO. 492 about. It is about saving taxpayer dol- Washington, DC. Mr. BAUCUS. Mr. President, I send lars in a responsible way; it is about DEAR SENATOR: Soon you will be voting on an amendment to the desk and. forcing managers of these programs to S. Con. Res. 21, the Concurrent Resolution on the Budget for Fiscal Year 2008. The Council The PRESIDING OFFICER. The put in effective goals and objectives so for Citizens Against Government Waste clerk will report. that they accomplish what the legisla- (CCAGW) believes there are serious fiscal The bill clerk read as follows: tion intended. The budget authority is problems with this budget proposal. It The Senator from Montana (Mr. BAUCUS], about $4.3 billion in each year, from spends more money than the president re- for himself, Ms. LANDRIEU, Mr. PRYOR, Mr. 2008 to 2012. That comes close to about quested; it raises taxes by allowing the tax BAYH, Mr. NELSON of Nebraska, and Mr. NEL- $18 billion or so, which is used to pay cuts that have led to our robust economy to SON of Florida, proposes an amendment num- down the Federal debt. expire; and it doesn’t address the looming fi- bered 492. I ask my colleagues in the Senate to nancial crisis our Nation faces—the explod- Mr. BAUCUS. Mr. President, I ask ing costs of Medicare, Medicaid, and Social unanimous consent that reading of the join me in trying to bring forward Security. Furthermore, it does not cut a sin- more accountability in the programs gle program, even those with questionable amendment be dispensed with. we have passed. I think this is a won- results, or go after waste, fraud and abuse. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without derful tool we have for whatever ad- The budget proposal needs substantial im- objection, it is so ordered. ministration is in control. This is a di- provements. Two amendments, which will be The amendment is as follows: rect message to the agencies to get offered by Sen. WAYNE ALLARD (R–Colo.), are (Purpose: To provide tax relief to middle their act in order, because we are con- a good place to start. class families and small businesses and to cerned about how taxpayer dollars are One amendment will help eliminate gov- expand health insurance coverage for chil- ernment waste by reducing spending on pro- dren) being spent. This is not an onerous grams that have been rated ineffective by amendment. It is trying to bring ac- On page 3, line 13, decrease the amount by the Program Assessment Rating Tool or $200,000,000. countability to Government programs PART. The amendment cuts discretionary On page 3, line 14, decrease the amount by that we pass. spending by $4.3 billion in the years 2008–2012 $52,700,000,000. I reserve the remainder of my time, by simply reducing these ineffective pro- On page 3, line 15, decrease the amount by Mr. President. grams’ annual funding by 25 percent. $126,916,000,000. The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- The other amendment will reduce manda- On page 3, line 22, decrease the amount by ator from North Dakota is recognized. tory spending by eliminating waste, fraud, $200,000,000. Mr. CONRAD. Mr. President, I say to and abuse by 1 percent. In a May 2004 Gov- On page 3, line 23, decrease the amount by ernment Accountability Report (GAO), ‘‘Op- $52,700,000,000. Senator ALLARD, as I expressed in the portunities for Congressional Oversight and On page 4, line 1, further decrease the committee, the only problem I have Improved Use of Taxpayer Funds,’’ several amount by $126,916,000,000. with this amendment is that, unfortu- suggestions to find savings in mandatory On page 4, line 8, increase the amount by nately, a budget resolution cannot as- spending programs were provided to Con- $5,000,000,000. sure the right things would be cut. As gress. The amendment saves $13 billion in On page 4, line 9, increase the amount by you know, we don’t really have that the first year and $71 billion over 5 years. $5,000,000,000. power. We just give a block of money In both instances, any savings from these On page 4, line 10, increase the amount by amendments will reduce the debt and cannot $5,000,000,000. to the Appropriations Committee and On page 4, line 17, increase the amount by they decide how to spend it. be used for new spending. On behalf of the more than 1.2 million $5,000,000,000. Mr. President, does the Senator need members and supporters of CCAGW, I urge On page 4, line 18, increase the amount by more time or could we go to Senator you to support these amendments. All votes $5,000,000,000. BAUCUS? on S. Con. Res. 21 will be among those con- On page 4, line 19, increase the amount by Mr. ALLARD. Mr. President, let me sidered in CCAGW’s Congressional Ratings. $5,000,000,000. summarize my comments and respond. Sincerely, On page 5, line 1, increase the amount by $5,200,000,000. I think if we look at our budget proc- THOMAS SCHATZ, President. On page 5, line 2, increase the amount by ess, we hopefully—maybe not this year $57,700,000,000. but next year—will be able to put in Mr. ALLARD. I yield back my time. On page 5, line 3, increase the amount by some instructions to the committees. I Mr. CONRAD. Mr. President, I think $131,916,000,000. understand we cannot specifically tell now would be a good time to go to Sen- On page 5, line 9, increase the amount by them but, as budgeteers, we have an ator BAUCUS. I apologize to the Senator $5,200,000,000. opportunity to put in instructions to from Montana for the miscommuni- On page 5, line 10, increase the amount by $62,900,000,000. the various committees to participate. cation that occurred this morning. I On page 5, line 11, increase the amount by I hope this passes, and maybe we can apologize to him for that. As a result, $194,816,000,000. deal with this in conference. If not, he came at 10 o’clock seeking time, On page 5, line 17, increase the amount by maybe the chairman would look at it which we all agreed was to be his time. $5,200,000,000.

VerDate Aug 31 2005 02:39 Apr 26, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00016 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\RECORD07\S21MR7.REC S21MR7 pwalker on PROD1PC69 with CONG-REC-ONLINE March 21, 2007 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S3469 On page 5, line 18, increase the amount by creases. Unless we act, the child tax portant to small business and, of $62,900,000,000. credit will fall to $500 per child. Cur- course, to prevent the estate tax from On page 5, line 19, increase the amount by rently, it is at $1,000. The child tax having this bizarre outcome, which is $194,816,000,000. On page 18, line 20, increase the amount by credit should be made permanent. We now in the law, where the exemption $5,000,000,000. need to recognize the financial respon- would go down to $1 million from $3.5 On page 18, line 21, increase the amount by sibilities of childbearing. million just two years before. That $5,000,000,000. We are also talking about continuing makes no sense. So the Senator pro- On page 18, line 24, increase the amount by the marriage penalty relief, which is a vides for room in this amendment to $5,000,000,000. tax cut on which the American family deal with estate tax reform. On page 18, line 25, increase the amount by has come to rely. It is going to con- $5,000,000,000. The precise contours of that will be On page 19, line 3, increase the amount by tinue. We know that. We should recog- up to, obviously, the Finance Com- $5,000,000,000. nize that fact. Marriage penalty relief mittee. The Senator is providing the On page 19, line 4, increase the amount by makes sure a married couple filing a resources to provide for the middle- $5,000,000,000. joint return has the same combined tax class tax cuts, to have estate tax re- On page 49, line 6, decrease the amount by liability as they would have if they form, to have SCHIP funded so those $15,000,000,000. were not married. kids will be funded, and to have critical Mr. BAUCUS. Mr. President, I again We are also talking about enhancing elements of small business covered as commend the chairman for his able the dependent care credit. Clearly, this well. work in bringing this budget to the credit is very important to working I appreciate very much the leader- floor. He has done a superb job. families. It recognizes the additional ship the Senator has provided in put- The budget resolution before us cost for raising children in this fast- ting this amendment together. All of leaves a surplus of $132 billion in the paced society. us know if those provisions came to the year 2012. The amendment I now offer We are talking about improving the floor, they would enjoy broad bipar- on behalf of Senators LANDRIEU, adoption credit. The majority of adop- tisan support. In fact, they would prob- PRYOR, BAYH, and BILL NELSON would tions cost over $20,000. This provision ably get supermajorities. They might state the Senate’s will on what we offers a credit of $10,000 for those will- get 70 votes on the Senate floor. So it should do if that surplus materializes. ing to give a home to a needy child. makes sense to have them in the reso- In sum, our amendment says that the We are talking about providing com- lution. Senate’s highest priority for any sur- bat pay under the earned-income tax I thank Senator BAUCUS. He has plus should be American families. Our credit, otherwise known as the EITC. spent a lot of time energy, and effort amendment would put children first. It Under current law, income earned by a bringing colleagues together around would take $15 billion out of that $132 soldier in a combat zone is exempt this amendment. I, for one, appreciate billion and devote it to improving chil- from income tax. That is good. This ac- it. I hope my colleagues will support dren’s health care coverage under tually, however, hurts low-income the Baucus amendment. I know there CHIP, the Children’s Health Insurance military personnel under the EITC. If have been dozens of colleagues—I think Program. The budget resolution al- not for the EITC combat pay exception, virtually every member of our caucus— ready recognizes this priority in a def- combat zone pay would not count as who have been involved in the discus- icit-neutral reserve fund. earned income for purposes of deter- sions about the elements of the amend- Our amendment would also reduce mining the credit. This amendment ment that the chairman of the Finance the amount in that reserve fund. So we makes that exception permanent so Committee has offered. are not increasing the net amount of that military families can get the full Madam President, would the Senator spending on CHIP. It will be the same. benefit of the EITC. like more time? We are just making that work on CHIP We are talking about reforming the The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- more likely. estate tax. We want to try to give ator from Montana is recognized. We are saying if we have a surplus in American families certainty. We want 2012, then we ought to spend some part to support America’s small farmers and Mr. BAUCUS. Madam President, I be- of that surplus on children’s health, ranchers, and in this amendment, we lieve this amendment should be adopt- and we are saying if we have a surplus have allowed room for estate tax re- ed by every Senator because essen- in 2012, we should not raise taxes to form that will do that. tially it is saying if we have a surplus pay for all of the Children’s Health In- And we talk about returning surplus in 2012, as contemplated by the budget surance Program. If we have a surplus revenues to hard-working American resolution, these are priorities all of us in 2012, we should not cut Medicare to families. support. If these were before the Sen- pay for all of CHIP. Rather, we should That is what our amendment does. It ate today as actual tax provisions—and use some of that surplus to fund chil- is very simple, very straightforward. It they will be, I am sure, at some future dren’s health; that is, put children says we should put America’s kids and date because the current tax cuts don’t first. families first. It says if we have a sur- expire until 2010—that we will vote for Then our amendment takes the rest plus, these are the priorities it should them anyway because it is the right of the surplus and returns it to the be used for. I urge my colleagues to thing to do. hard-working American families who join me in supporting this amendment. Marriage penalty relief, child tax created it. Our amendment devotes the The PRESIDING OFFICER (Ms. credit, the combat pay exception for rest of the surplus to the extension and KLOBUCHAR). The Senator from North soldiers, adoption credit, the 10-percent enhancement of tax relief for hard- Dakota is recognized. bracket—these are all provisions that working American families. Mr. CONRAD. Madam President, are very important. The American pub- Here are the types of tax relief about they have changed presiding officers on lic deserves them. I hope very much which we are talking. We are talking me. It is good to have you in the chair. this amendment will be adopted by all about making the 10-percent tax brack- Madam President, I thank very much Members because I think it is some- et permanent. That is a tax cut for all Senator BAUCUS for his leadership on thing all Members and all the citizens taxpayers. Obviously, if the 10-percent this very important amendment. This of our country support. tax bracket is made permanent—that amendment is to reassure all those who I see the ranking member is on the is, for all years—all taxpayers who pay have benefited from the middle-class floor. I would be interested in knowing income taxes, irrespective of their in- tax cuts that those tax cuts will go for- the degree to which he enthusiastically come, irrespective of their bracket, get ward, that those children who are not supports the amendment. a tax break. now currently covered under the The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- We are talking about extending the SCHIP legislation will have the oppor- ator from New Hampshire is recog- child tax credit. That provides a $1,000 tunity to be covered. nized. tax credit per child. This tax credit The Senator has also provided for Mr. GREGG. Madam President, I sus- recognizes a family’s ability to pay small business because we have a num- pect I will support it, although I don’t taxes decreases as family size in- ber of provisions that are critically im- know, but I wish to ask the chairman

VerDate Aug 31 2005 02:39 Apr 26, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00017 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\RECORD07\S21MR7.REC S21MR7 pwalker on PROD1PC69 with CONG-REC-ONLINE S3470 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE March 21, 2007 of the Finance Committee a few ques- The PRESIDING OFFICER. The is to extend the tax credit rates. That tions so I get more specifics on the question by the Senator from New is tax deductions—tax rates. I also amendment. Hampshire is pending. think the ones we are going to suggest What is the total cost of this amend- Mr. ALLARD. I have a question. we extend—and we will get to this in ment? Mr. GREGG. I yield to the Senator to our debate—are ones which are more Mr. BAUCUS. It is approximately ask whatever questions he has. I have oriented toward economic activity, $195 billion. It allocates the projected additional questions. generating or creating economic activ- surplus that is in the budget resolu- Mr. ALLARD. In effect, this adds to ity, than the extensions which are in- tion. the debt? cluded in the chairman’s proposal, Mr. GREGG. If I might ask, Madam Mr. BAUCUS. Sorry? which are all good and appropriate but President, further, of the chairman, Mr. ALLARD. In effect, this amend- which don’t translate other than the surplus, however, is in the year ment adds to the total debt? through maybe greater consumption 2012. So what happens to these rates in Mr. BAUCUS. No, we are back in bal- directly into economic activity, such 2011 that will expire? Are those picked ance by 2012 at the end of the 5-year pe- as the capital gains and the dividend up? riod contemplated by this amendment. rate does, and the expensing, obvi- Mr. BAUCUS. That is a good ques- In the meantime, we are in deficit for ously. tion. The answer to that is essentially the years 2010 and 2011. We will have that discussion when we this is a 5-year budget resolution, so we Mr. GREGG. I think the answer to offer ours, and I appreciate the chair- want to balance the budget in 5 years, your question, if I might interject, is it man’s courtesy in allowing me to ask in 2012. But because the tax cuts that increases the debt by $195 billion. him these questions. are mentioned in the amendment cur- Mr. ALLARD. I had $194 billion, but Mr. BAUCUS. If the Senator will rently expire in 2010, the Senator raises $195 billion. That seemed to me it did yield. the question about 2011, 2012. If I under- increase the debt. Maybe we can check Mr. GREGG. Madam President, I stand the import of the question of the that out. yield the floor. ranking member of the Budget Com- Mr. GREGG. That would have to be Mr. BAUCUS. Madam President, I mittee, it is what happens in 2011. what it does. will say to the body, the world, and Mr. GREGG. Or 2010. May I ask a further question of the also primarily to the Senate and the Mr. BAUCUS. In the earlier years, Senator. It costs $195 billion over the 3 ranking member of the Budget Com- 2010, there would be a deficit, but by years to extend these tax cuts. Is the mittee, of course, these are all issues— the time we finish the 5 years, there education tuition tax credit presumed that is, those issues raised basically by would be a surplus. We have written in that number? the ranking member of the Budget this amendment in a way to prevent a Mr. BAUCUS. There is an underlying Committee—that the Finance Com- yo-yo, on-off effect of the tax provi- answer to all these questions; namely, mittee is going to work on over the sions. To make it perfectly perfect, so these are questions the Finance Com- next several years. It is up to us, up to there is not a deficit in any year, 2010, mittee is going to address and find the the committee, and up to this body to 2011, or 2012, we can have the tax cuts appropriate offsets and deal with the find the offsets to pay for them. We go up or down, and so forth, but I think pay-go when it comes up at that time. will do the very best we can. I think we it is best for the American people not But essentially, education tuition tax don’t want to get into a deficit situa- to have a yo-yo effect, not go up and credits are not provided for in this tion. down, but to extend across the board amendment, but are in the budget reso- Mr. GREGG. Madam President, if the those provisions which are contained in lution. Senator will yield for one further ques- the amendment at the end of the day Mr. GREGG. If I may ask further, tion, what is the chairman, within his would not be a deficit. Madam President, would the expensing Mr. GREGG. Would it be appro- score, what is he anticipating as to section 179 accounts be included in that priate—if I can ask the chairman of the how the death tax treatment would be number? Finance Committee or the chairman of dealt with? Mr. BAUCUS. Section 179 expensing Mr. BAUCUS. The estate tax provi- the Budget Committee—I want to get is not contemplated. sion. to what the tax cuts are specifically, Mr. GREGG. In this number. Is cap- Mr. GREGG. The death tax. but they would be extended if they ex- ital gains contemplated in this num- Mr. BAUCUS. Some people call it the pired in 2010, 2011, or 2012, they would ber? death tax. We all know what we are be extended through that period. If Mr. BAUCUS. It is not. talking about. This amendment con- that is the case, then the Senator must Mr. GREGG. Is continuing the divi- templates extending the estate tax pro- be using more than the surplus in 2012. dend rate contemplated in this num- visions that are in effect in 2009 perma- He must be using some number in 2010 ber? nently. by which you increase the deficit and Mr. BAUCUS. It is not. Mr. GREGG. If the chairman will 2011 by which you increase the deficit. Mr. GREGG. I thank the Senator. I yield further, and through the Presi- My question is, what is the number think that answers my questions. I am dent, I would ask, in 2009, what is the the Senator is using for 2010 and 2011 to presuming what is contemplated in exempted amount? account for those extensions in those this number then will be the marriage Mr. BAUCUS. Again, under current years? tax penalty and the child credits; is Mr. BAUCUS. It is true, in those law I think the exempted amount is that correct? years there is deficit spending, but it $3.5 million. Mr. BAUCUS. Those two and some Mr. GREGG. That would be the min- comes in balance in 2012. Mr. GREGG. But how do they score others, correct, including the 10-per- imum in 2009 also? in those 2 years? cent bracket. Mr. BAUCUS. The 2009 extension. The Mr. BAUCUS. I think it is $194 billion Mr. GREGG. And the 10-percent point is that the resolution also con- for those 3 years 2010, 2011, 2012. bracket. I am presuming I certainly templates—well, it has an additional $4 Mr. GREGG. So there is another $60 will be supportive of this amendment billion that can be used for other tax billion on top of the surplus that is in its present form. However, I do sus- purposes, including changing the provi- used; is that correct? pect we are going to have an amend- sions of the Federal estate tax. Mr. BAUCUS. Approximately. ment which picks up the other exten- Mr. GREGG. Madam President, I Mr. ALLARD. I have a question, if sions. thank the chairman for his courtesy. the Senator will recognize me for a Mr. BAUCUS. I expect we will. Mr. CONRAD. Madam President, I question, if the Senator will allow me Mr. GREGG. It is the arbitrariness of again want to thank very much Sen- to ask a question of Senator BAUCUS. I the process around here that the Sen- ator BAUCUS for offering this amend- think the Senator from New Hampshire ator from Montana is first to the sur- ment, which is to protect the middle- has the time. plus that was left, but the practical ef- class tax cuts and to make certain we Mr. GREGG. I think I have the time fect of our amendment will be essen- don’t have this anomaly of the estate for the purpose of asking questions. tially the same as the Senator’s, which tax being at $3.5 million in 2009 and

VerDate Aug 31 2005 02:39 Apr 26, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00018 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\RECORD07\S21MR7.REC S21MR7 pwalker on PROD1PC69 with CONG-REC-ONLINE March 21, 2007 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S3471 then going down to $1 million. That coverage for more Americans, we the current $250 deduction to $400, and makes no sense. The Senator has said should certainly begin with kids. When it would make it permanent. This tax very well that the amendment he has we begin with kids, let’s help those deduction is available to educators who provided would prevent that from oc- kids who don’t have the same financial incur out-of-pocket expenses in order curring, and there are some additional means that other kids have. to improve the educational experience funds that would be used to make those A lot of other kids, fortunate for of their students. provisions even more attractive, or them, their families, father and moth- The amendment would also allow they could be used for other tax provi- er, have a good job and health insur- this above-the-line tax deduction to be sions. ance is part of the job. But we are talk- claimed for expenses related to profes- The truth is, the budget resolution ing about kids who don’t have that. sional development. doesn’t cite that. We give certain in- These are kids whose income levels, or This amendment builds upon a $250 struction to the Finance Committee their parents’ income level, is just tax deduction in the current law that and, ultimately, the Finance Com- above the qualifying rate for Medicaid. Senator WARNER and I authored in 2001. mittee is going to make these judg- Medicaid does provide health insurance It became law as part of the tax relief ments. What the chairman of the Fi- for kids, but there are a lot of kids who package that passed that year. This nance Committee has said is that it is don’t get health insurance because tax relief was later extended through his intention to have estate tax reform their family’s income is just above the the end of this year, and I would sug- to protect the middle-class tax cuts Medicaid cutoff. That needs to be cov- gest that there is no reason for us to and also to have the resources to ex- ered under the Children’s Health Insur- have the uncertainty about the con- tend children’s health care coverage to ance Program, on which this amend- tinuation of this valuable tax deduc- every child in America. Every single ment is designed to expand. tion. We should move to make it per- witness before our committee, and I So I would summarize by saying that manent. think it is fair to say virtually every I think it is a proper set of priorities, Teachers who buy classroom supplies witness before the Finance Committee, given the resources we have, and I hope in order to improve the educational ex- has said that covering children, as the every Senator supports this amend- perience for their students deserve Senator from Montana has so aggres- ment. more than just our gratitude. They de- sively pursued—coverage for every Madam President, I yield the floor. serve this modest tax incentive to child in America is the right thing to AMENDMENT NO. 480 thank them for their commitment and do substantively for this country. Cov- Ms. COLLINS. Madam President, I their hard work. So often teachers ering children is the least expensive call up amendment No. 480, and I ask across this country, and certainly in thing to do and has the greatest payoff for its immediate consideration. the State of Maine, earn modest sala- as an investment because a child’s en- The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without ries. Yet they dig deep into their own tire life is then improved if they catch objection, the pending amendment is pockets to spend money to improve the a health care problem when they are set aside, and the clerk will report the classroom experience of their students. young. amendment. A survey by the National Education I think the Senator from Montana The bill clerk read as follows: Association found that teachers spend, has put together an amendment that The Senator from Maine [Ms. COLLINS], for on average, $443 a year on classroom deserves the support of every Member herself, Mr. WARNER, and Mr. SMITH, pro- materials. Other surveys show that of the body. poses an amendment numbered 480. they are spending even more than that. Mr. BAUCUS. I thank the Senator. I Ms. COLLINS. Madam President, I In fact, a survey conducted by the Na- might ask the question, Madam Presi- ask unanimous consent that the read- tional School Supply and Equipment dent: Basically, what are budgets? ing of the amendment be dispensed Association has found that educators Budgets are an expression of priorities. with. spend, on average, $826 to supplement This budget is designed to express what The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without classroom supplies, plus an additional this body thinks, what so many of us objection, it is so ordered. $926 for instructional materials on top think are the proper priorities for this The amendment is as follows: of that; in other words, a total of $1,700 country. Since the resolution has (Purpose: To provide for a deficit-neutral re- out of their own pockets. about a $132 billion surplus, we think serve fund for permanently extending and I have spoken with literally dozens of the strong priority should be to use increasing the above-the-line deduction for teachers in Maine who tell me that that to help middle-income Americans. teacher classroom supplies and expanding they routinely spend far in excess of The provisions in this amendment such deduction to include qualified profes- the $250 deduction limit that is in cur- provide for that and clearly help kids sional development expenses) rent law. I have made a practice of vis- get health insurance. A major problem At the end of title III, add the following: iting schools all over Maine. In fact, I in this country, clearly, is health care. SEC. lll. DEFICIT-NEUTRAL RESERVE FUND visited approximately 160 schools dur- FOR EXPANSION OF ABOVE-THE- ing the past 10 years, and I have seen We spend so much on health care. Yet LINE DEDUCTION FOR TEACHER there is some question what we get out CLASSROOM SUPPLIES. firsthand the dedication of our school- of it. This country spends $6,300 per The Chairman of the Senate Committee on teachers to their students. At virtually person—that is per capita—on health the Budget may revise the allocations, ag- every school that I have visited, teach- care, which is almost twice as much as gregates, and other levels in this resolution ers are spending their own money to the next most expensive country. Yet by the amounts provided by a bill, joint reso- benefit their students. we are not twice as healthy. The prob- lution, amendment, motion, or conference Year after year, teachers spend hun- report that would permanently extend and dreds of dollars on books, bulletin lem, clearly, is coverage; that is, not increase to $400 the above-the-line deduction everybody has health insurance. Every- for teacher classroom supplies and expand boards, computer software, construc- body in America should have health in- such deduction to include qualified profes- tion paper, stamps, ink pads, just surance. sional development expenses, provided that about anything you can think of. Let The other question is cost, but this such legislation would not increase the def- me give a couple of examples. There amendment addresses the coverage side icit over the total of the period of fiscal are two elementary school teachers in of it; that is, trying to help more peo- years 2007 through 2012. Augusta, ME, Anita Hopkins and ple get health insurance, people who do Ms. COLLINS. Madam President, the Kathy Toothacher, who purchased not now have health insurance. Where amendment that I have proposed, with books for their students so they could do we begin? We think we begin with my colleagues, Senator WARNER and have a classroom library, as well as kids. Currently, there are about 6 mil- Senator SMITH, would establish a def- workbooks and sight cards. They have lion children who are covered under the icit-neutral reserve fund to allow for also purchased special prizes to give to Children’s Health Insurance Program. the expansion of an existing tax credit their students as positive reinforce- There are about 6 million others who for schoolteachers and other educators ment. Mrs. Hopkins estimates that she are eligible but not covered. We be- who buy supplies for their classroom. spends between $800 and $1,000 of her lieve, and this amendment states, that The reserve fund that our amendment own money on extra materials to make if we begin providing health insurance creates would allow for an increase in learning more enjoyable and to create

VerDate Aug 31 2005 02:39 Apr 26, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00019 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\RECORD07\S21MR7.REC S21MR7 pwalker on PROD1PC69 with CONG-REC-ONLINE S3472 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE March 21, 2007 a more stimulating classroom environ- The educator tax deduction helps recognize impact on the budget. I do not have a ment. the financial sacrifices made by teachers and cost estimate from CBO yet on the pro- In addition to increasing the amount paraprofessionals, who often reach into their posal. It is not an expensive tax incen- of this deduction, I think we should own pockets to purchase classroom supplies. tive, but we have followed the wisdom also expand it so that it can be used by Studies show that teachers are spending more of their own funds each year to supply and advice of the leaders of the Budget educators who are paying for their own their classrooms, including purchasing es- Committee by drafting it in such a way professional development. We hear a sential items such as pencils, glue, scissors, that it would not have a budget im- lot of discussion about the provisions and facial tissues. For example, the National pact. of the No Child Left Behind Act and School Supply and Equipment Association Mr. CONRAD. I thank the Senator. about the need for highly qualified found that in 2005–2006, educators spent out Does the Senator have a rough, even teachers. One of the best ways for of their own pockets an average of $826.00 for back-of-the-envelope estimate of the teachers to improve their qualifica- supplies and an additional $926 for instruc- cost? tions is through professional develop- tional materials, for a total of $1,752. The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- The amendment would add a deficit neu- ment. Yet in towns in my State, and I ator from Maine is recognized. tral reserve fund to the Budget bill, directing Ms. COLLINS. Madam President, I expect throughout the country, school funding sufficient to increase the deduction budgets are often very tight and money to $400, make it permanent, and expand it to would say to the chairman of the Budg- for professional development is often cover professional development expenses. et Committee that we have requested very small or even nonexistent. This expansion is critical as teacher quality an estimate, but we have not yet re- That is why I think we should allow is the single most critical factor in maxi- ceived one. Because of that uncer- this tax deduction to also be claimed mizing student achievement. Ongoing profes- tainty, we did go the route of the def- when a teacher takes a course or at- sional development is essential to ensure icit-neutral reserve fund so that, re- tends a workshop and has to pay for it that educators stay up-to-date on the skills gardless of the cost, it would be offset out of his or her own pocket. In my and knowledge necessary to prepare students by the decisions made by the Finance for the challenges of the 21st century. view, it is the students who are the ul- The current deduction was extended at the Committee. timate beneficiaries when teachers re- end of 2006, but will expire again at the end Mr. CONRAD. I thank the Senator ceive professional development to of this year absent additional congressional for the thoughtfulness of her amend- sharpen their skills, or perhaps teach action. Increasing, expanding, and making ment. I thank her for doing it as a def- them a more innovative way to teach the deduction permanent will acknowledge icit-neutral reserve fund so it does not the material and present it to their the sacrifices made by those who have dedi- impact the budget and says to the com- students. cated their lives to educating our children mittee of jurisdiction that, if they Studies have consistently shown that and will alleviate the uncertainty they face come forward with the proposal, they other than involved parents, the single as they wait each year to see if the deduc- tion will be extended. will find a way to offset the costs. I greatest determinant of classroom suc- We urge your support for this important certainly appreciate what the Senator cess is the presence of a well-qualified amendment. has done so as to not have an adverse teacher. I know from talking to edu- Sincerely, impact on the budget. We do appreciate cators across Maine that they are DIANE SHUST, that. eager to take advantage of professional Director of Govern- Madam President, does the Senator development opportunities in order to ment Relations. require a rollcall vote? make an even more positive impact on RANDALL MOODY, Ms. COLLINS. Madam President, I do Manager of Federal not. their students. Policy and Politics. The teacher tax relief that we have Mr. CONRAD. Madam President, we made available since 2001 is certainly a Ms. COLLINS. Madam President, I have to check with the Finance Com- positive step, and I am very proud, hope the managers of the bill might be mittee before we can take this on a willing to act on this amendment along with my colleague, Senator WAR- voice vote, but it is my intention, if we shortly. NER, to have authored that law. Today, get clearance, to try to do that at the we can set the stage for making that Madam President, I yield the floor, appropriate time. I thank the Senator deduction permanent, for expanding it and I suggest the absence of a quorum. from Maine. The PRESIDING OFFICER. The to include professional development, The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- clerk will call the roll. and to increase it to $400 to more accu- ator from Maine. The journal clerk proceeded to call rately reflect what educators really Ms. COLLINS. Madam President, I the roll. thank the chairman and ranking mem- spend in the classroom. Mr. GREGG. Madam President, I ask This amendment is a small but ap- ber for working with me on this issue. unanimous consent the order for the propriate means of recognizing the I think it is a modest approach that quorum call be rescinded. many sacrifices that teachers make can make a real difference to the thou- The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without sands of teachers across this country each and every day to benefit children objection, it is so ordered. across America. I am very pleased that who dig deep into their own pockets in Mr. CONRAD. Madam President, we order to enrich the classroom experi- the National Education Association have a unanimous consent request we has endorsed this amendment, and I ence for their students. It is a modest are working on. I do not yet have that but appropriate way for us to recognize ask unanimous consent that a letter printed version before us so that Sen- from the NEA supporting the amend- their financial sacrifice. I hope the two ator GREGG and I might be able to managers of the bill will be able to ment be printed in the RECORD. enter into that. There being no objection, the mate- clear the amendment. I would like to talk for a moment to Mr. CONRAD. Madam President, I rial was ordered to be printed in the the Senator from Maine about her RECORD, as follows: suggest the absence of a quorum. amendment. If the Senator from Maine The PRESIDING OFFICER. The NATIONAL EDUCATION ASSOCIATION, could tell me, what is the cost of her clerk will call the roll. Washington, DC, March 21, 2007. amendment and what is the proposed U.S. SENATE, The assistant legislative clerk pro- Washington, DC. way of paying for it? ceeded to call the roll. DEAR SENATOR: On behalf of the National The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- Mr. GREGG. Madam President, I ask Education Association’s (NEA) 3.2 million ator from Maine is recognized. unanimous consent the order for the members, we urge your support for an Ms. COLLINS. Madam President, the quorum call be rescinded. amendment (S. Amdt. 480) to be offered by way I have drafted the amendment is The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without Senators COLLINS (R–ME), WARNER (R–VA), to use a technique that has been com- objection, it is so ordered. and SMITH (R–OR) to the Senate Budget Res- monly used in the budget resolution of Mr. GREGG. Madam President, I olution that would increase, expand, and creating a deficit-neutral reserve fund. have given an amendment, which I make permanent the tax deduction for edu- cators’ out-of-pocket classroom supply ex- That means the committee of jurisdic- hope to bring up at this time, to the penses. Votes associated with this issue may tion, the Finance Committee in this majority as a courtesy. I am waiting be included in the NEA Legislative Report case, would be required to come up for them to take a look at it before I Card for the 110th Congress. with an offset for the cost to avoid an offer it.

VerDate Aug 31 2005 02:39 Apr 26, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00020 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\RECORD07\S21MR7.REC S21MR7 pwalker on PROD1PC69 with CONG-REC-ONLINE March 21, 2007 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S3473 Essentially, this amendment deals ation. It is relevant because the House nomic issues, I would be in a situation with reconciliation. Reconciliation is a has put reconciliation instructions in, where I would think 10 people would fairly arcane exercise, but it has sig- a very small amount. It appears to me come to a small cafe and 100 people nificant impact around here. Reconcili- the intention of the House honestly is would show up. ation is the tool the Budget Committee to use reconciliation as a cover for When the price of gas goes up over $3 has, to put some teeth into our efforts spending, not as a cover for controlling a gallon, such as it did last summer, to try to control spending. There are spending—which would be, in my opin- people who have a longer way to drive no reconciliation instructions in the ion, an inappropriate action. That is will feel it first. When they have two majority proposal. I wish there were. I why I brought forward this language. I kids they are trying to send to college, wish there were reconciliation instruc- hope others would agree with me that and tuition at the University of Min- tions on entitlements, and I wish those that would be inappropriate and cer- nesota goes up 110 percent, they feel it reconciliation instructions had fol- tainly inconsistent with reconciliation first. When their health care premiums lowed the suggestions of the President, as a concept. go up 60 percent in 7 years, such as as I said in my opening statement, I am handed a note to point out that they have been in our State, middle- where he made recommendations that when we did the reconciliation instruc- class people feel it first. When it is were very reasonable and would not tion in 2005, we had net savings in that their kids who are going to war and have affected beneficiaries but would of approximately $40 billion, which was their neighbors and their cousins and have saved $8 trillion over the 75-year the most recent large reconciliation in- their grandkids, they feel it first in life of Medicare and would have helped struction we pursued in this Congress their hearts. move them toward balance by getting and which was constructive and which That is what this is about, at the na- the providers paid correctly and by actually, in the outyears, turns into tional level, the economic policies that having very high-income individuals very significant savings. produce record deficits and ever- contributing to the cost of their insur- This is basically to put in place a dis- mounting debt. What was a $128 billion ance, especially drug insurance. cipline which will allow us to be sure Federal budget surplus in 2001 turned But there is also another side to rec- the Budget Act’s purposes are not into a $258 billion deficit in 2006. A $5.6 onciliation, and that is, as committees abused and it is not used to run inter- trillion 10-year projected surplus in are given reconciliation instructions ference and allow an easier path to 2002 has turned into a $2 trillion pro- which save money, sometimes they greater spending on the entitlement jected deficit. Federal deficits have gone up by $1.5 take that money and they spend it, side of the account. trillion, with most of it being held by which is not the purpose of reconcili- It is a very reasonable approach. It Government and companies in China ation. Reconciliation should not be doesn’t totally bind the hands of the and India and many of our economic used for a cover event for the purposes authorizing committees but makes it competitors. This resolution will begin of spending money. clear that a budget should be for the the effort to restore fiscal sanity and The majority has put in place a point purposes of a budget, which is to dis- responsibility to our Government. It of order that would make it very dif- cipline the spending of the Federal includes a strong pay-as-you-go rule ficult to use reconciliation for the pur- Government, and having this discipline that requires that we pay for any new poses of reducing taxes. It is perfectly in place is appropriate. mandatory spending or offsets or else reasonable that we should also make it I would like to offer that amend- get 60 votes to approve it. There will be very difficult for doing that for pur- ment, hopefully in the near term, so we no more spend-as-you-like bills. poses of spending money. I didn’t want can get it in the queue here. This does not mean there will be no to eliminate the ability to spend At this point, I yield the floor. new mandatory spending or tax cuts to money. Some money is going to be Mr. CONRAD. Madam President, I help working families. In fact, the res- needed, at least that these programs as suggest the absence of a quorum. olution includes a reserve fund for new they get adjusted in reconciliation The PRESIDING OFFICER. The tax relief measures but only if we find should have, maybe, some adjustment. clerk will call the roll. appropriate offsets. It means we have The assistant legislative clerk pro- For example, 2 years ago, when the to work to implement them in a fis- HELP Committee received reconcili- ceeded to call the roll. cally responsible way. ation instructions on education ac- Ms. KLOBUCHAR. Mr. President, I The resolution also makes it much counts, they basically reduced the sub- ask unanimous consent that the order harder to push through budget rec- sidy that went to lenders by approxi- for the quorum call be rescinded. onciliation measures that are now used mately $20-some-odd billion, I think $21 The PRESIDING OFFICER (Mr. in the opposite way than they were in- billion or $22 billion. At the same time, CONRAD). Without objection, it is so or- tended, to increase the budget deficit they took some of that reduction in dered. or decrease the budget surplus. This subsidy and put it toward expanding Ms. KLOBUCHAR. Mr. President, I resolution signals an end to the spend- the Pell Grant Program, especially for rise today in support of the budget res- as-you-like policies that have created people who were going into the math olution currently before the Senate. I our current fiscal problems at the na- and science disciplines. particularly wanted to speak in sup- tional level. That was a good policy decision, and port of the additional funding that the My colleagues and I have, in the I don’t want to tie the hands of our au- resolution provides for the Veterans’ Budget Committee, started reversing thorizing committees excessively, but I Administration, funding that will help this trend and putting the interests of think there has to be an understanding one of the most important challenges middle-class families front and center. that reconciliation is primarily an ef- facing the Nation today. This budget resolution is a good start. fort to control spending and to dis- That challenge is how do we repay I would like to address the veterans cipline spending on the entitlement our men and women in uniform who provisions in the resolution, which I side of the accounts. It doesn’t deal have sacrificed for us on the frontlines, think are also very important to the with discretionary spending. on the battlefield, when they return middle-class families in our country. This amendment will essentially say home, and how do we ensure they have In the past 4 years, American mili- that for every $10 you save under rec- all the support and services they need tary service personnel and their fami- onciliation expense, no more than $2 to resume their lives. lies have endured conditions that are could be actually spent. So it says you But before I turn to the VA funding, unprecedented, including repeated de- can’t spend more than 20 percent of the I want to first speak about the current ployments. I cannot tell you how many savings that are generated in a rec- economic situation in America and families I speak to where their kids onciliation exercise. It is an attempt how this resolution will help to even have been asked to serve not once in once again to put some discipline in the economic playing field for the peo- the National Guard but to be repeat- here. ple of this country. When I would go edly called back, and every time they Why is it relevant to a budget that around, especially in rural America, say ‘‘yes.’’ doesn’t have any reconciliation at all? which I think you understand, Mr. One and a half million American As I said, I wish this did have reconcili- President, and start talking about eco- service men and women have served in

VerDate Aug 31 2005 02:39 Apr 26, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00021 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\RECORD07\S21MR7.REC S21MR7 pwalker on PROD1PC69 with CONG-REC-ONLINE S3474 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE March 21, 2007 Iraq and Afghanistan. These wars are the 30,000 wounded Iraq and Afghani- the debt we owe these soldiers on the creating a new generation of veterans stan veterans. We can provide in- frontlines who have sacrificed for us. I who need their country to stand with creased counseling and create greater have always believed when we ask our them. These are men and women who awareness of the tens of thousands of young men and women to fight and to have served our country on the front- veterans suffering from post-traumatic make the ultimate sacrifice for our Na- line, and when they come back to the stress disorder and other mental ill- tion, we make a promise we are going country, they are too often shunted to nesses. According to a Veterans Health to give them the resources they need. the end of the line waiting for health Administration report, roughly one- This has always been a country that care, waiting for education benefits, third of Iraq and Afghanistan veterans believed in patriotism, and patriotism and now as the shocking revelations who sought care through the VA have means wrapping our arms around those from Walter Reed have shown us, some been diagnosed with potential symp- who have served us. have been left waiting in the most toms of post-traumatic stress, drug In his second inaugural address, squalid of conditions. abuse or other mental disorders. President Lincoln reminded the Amer- I wish to commend you, Mr. Presi- On an issue that is particularly im- ican people that in war, we must strive dent, and members of the Budget Com- portant to Minnesotans, we can in- to finish the work we are in, to bind up mittee for recognizing that the Presi- crease benefits for National Guard the Nation’s wounds, to care for him dent’s request for fiscal year 2008 se- members and Reservists who are being who shall have borne the battle and for verely shortchanged the needs of vet- asked to play the role of Active-Duty his widow and his orphan. erans in this country. Passage of this soldiers on the battlefield but then are Today, Americans are again called to resolution, with $3.5 billion added to treated as second-class veterans when bind up our Nation’s wounds and to the President’s request for a total of they return home. care for those who have borne the bat- $48.1 billion in discretionary veterans This past weekend, I traveled to Iraq tle, as well as their families who have spending should be our highest pri- with three of my colleagues to visit our shouldered their own sacrifice. ority. troops in the field and assess the situa- Let us live up to this solemn obliga- At a time when we are spending bil- tion on the ground. I was fortunate to tion to bring our troops home safely lions on awards of reconstruction have the opportunity to thank the and to honor our returning soldiers and projects overseas, we can certainly af- brave men and women from my State their families by giving them the care ford this increase in veterans funding for their sacrifice. The sacrifices our and the benefits they have earned. at home. troops are making and the risks they That is why I support the veterans In addition to providing billions more are taking was driven home in a poign- funding included in this budget resolu- for veterans health care and other sup- ant and powerful moment at the Bagh- tion. port programs, this resolution rejects dad airport, when I stood with nine Du- I yield the floor and suggest the ab- the President’s apparent belief that luth firefighters who are members of sence of a quorum. now is the time to increase mandatory Minnesota’s National Guard. The PRESIDING OFFICER (Mr. fees that veterans must pay under They were there to show their re- MENENDEZ). The clerk will call the roll. TRICARE. The President’s budget spect for fallen soldiers. They stood The assistant legislative clerk pro- called for an increase in TRICARE there and saluted as six caskets were ceeded to call the roll. pharmacy copayments from $8 to $15. It loaded onto an airplane, all of them Mr. CONRAD. Mr. President, I ask calls for an annual enrollment fee draped in the American flag. I watched unanimous consent that the order for based on a veteran’s family income. It these men stand stoically but sadly, the quorum call be rescinded. proposed to require veterans to cover and then I saw them return to their The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without their entire copayment for nonservice- task at hand. objection, it is so ordered. connected disabilities. This budget res- With all the political noise in Wash- Mr. CONRAD. I ask unanimous con- olution blocks those outrageous pro- ington about the war in Iraq, we often sent that the time from 12:30 to 1:30 posals. lose touch with what the perspective is This administration has shockingly of the men and women on the frontline. today be for debate only, equally di- underestimated the number of veterans I went to Iraq to find that perspective. vided and controlled between Senators who would require medical care. To I met marines in Fallujah from Rose- SCHUMER and BROWNBACK—this is the give you an example, in fiscal year ville and Rochester. I met a Navy Sea- Humphrey-Hawkins report that is part 2005, the Department of Defense esti- bee from Appleton, MN. I met Army of any consideration of a budget resolu- mated it would have to provide care for soldiers assigned to help train Iraqi tion; that at 1:30, Senator GRASSLEY be 23,500 veterans when they came home troops from Minneapolis and St. Paul. recognized to call up two amendments, from Iraq and Afghanistan. In reality, I met Army Reservists based out of one relating to payment limits and one Mr. President, more than four times Fort Snelling. I met National Guards- relating to the Smithsonian institu- that number required help. men attached to the fighter wing in tion; that there be a total of 60 minutes Last year, the Pentagon underesti- Duluth. These soldiers and National for debate with respect to the two mated the number of veterans who Guard members I met in Kuwait, Bagh- Grassley amendments, with the time would require care by 87,000. That this dad, and Fallujah, they did not ask controlled 30 minutes for Senator administration underestimated and un- about the resolution the Senate was GRASSLEY and 30 minutes for the chair- derfunded veterans programs should debating, they did not ask me about man of the Budget Committee; that no not come as a surprise. Ever since the what my plan was to bring them home amendments be in order to either war in Afghanistan and Iraq began, the to their families; they did not ask amendment during this debate time. administration has seemed oblivious to about the shortages in equipment and The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without the fact that when you send hundreds body armor; they did not ask about re- objection, it is so ordered. of thousands of solders into battle, you peated tour extensions. They only Mr. CONRAD. I thank my colleagues must have a plan to provide for the asked about two things: First, they for their continuing cooperation. hundreds of thousands of veterans wanted to know what the results were On the Collins amendment, we could whom you are creating and Active- of the Minnesota High School Hockey accept that amendment at this point. Duty soldiers who will require substan- Tournament. The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- tial support when they return home. But they asked one more thing. They ator from New Hampshire. With this additional discretionary asked that we take care of them when Mr. GREGG. I can’t speak for Sen- spending, we can begin to seriously ad- they return home. I pledged to them, ator COLLINS. I don’t know if she needs dress the repair of traumatic brain in- and I bring that point to the Senate a vote or not. jury and polytraumatic injuries suf- floor today, that their sacrifice will Mr. CONRAD. I asked her the direct fered by the soldiers in Iraq and Af- not be overlooked, that their service question if she would require a rollcall ghanistan that have so tragically be- will not be forgotten, and their debt vote. She said she did not. come the signature injuries of this war. will be repaid. Mr. GREGG. Then let’s proceed. We can enhance and expand the re- The VA funding in this resolution is Mr. CONRAD. Mr. President, I ask covery and rehabilitation centers for the first in a series of payments toward unanimous consent, on the Collins

VerDate Aug 31 2005 02:39 Apr 26, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00022 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\RECORD07\S21MR7.REC S21MR7 pwalker on PROD1PC69 with CONG-REC-ONLINE March 21, 2007 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S3475 amendment creating a deficit-neutral middle class feel confident about their ard of living. The record current ac- reserve fund for a teacher classroom economic future, we produce a strong count deficit last year—the amount we expense deduction, that that amend- economy, capable of meeting just had to borrow from the rest of the ment be considered on a voice vote. about any challenge. world to finance our trade deficit—was The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without We have not had those kinds of poli- equal to a stunning 6.5 percent of the objection, it is so ordered. cies or that kind of economy over the entire GDP; 6.5 percent of the GDP The question is on agreeing to past 6 years. The economy went goes to financing our trade deficit. We amendment No. 480. through the most prolonged jobs slump are borrowing more than ever from the The amendment (No. 480) was agreed since the 1930s, as it struggled to re- rest of the world. Those debts will be to. cover from the 2001 recession. Then, paid back with interest from the in- Mr. GREGG. I move to reconsider the while the economy was growing, it was come of our children. The Federal Gov- vote and to lay that motion on the not producing enough jobs. In the sum- ernment is increasingly reliant on the table. mer of 2003, job creation began to turn rest of the world to buy our public The motion to lay on the table was upward again but not as rapidly as we debt, and who knows what kind of fi- agreed to. were used to in past economic recov- nancial crisis would ensue if the rest of Mr. CONRAD. The 12:30 hour having eries. Something was still missing— the world decided they no longer want- arrived, this is time controlled by Sen- growth in real wages. ed to hold such vast quantities of U.S. ators SCHUMER and BROWNBACK. In the past, increased productivity debt. Even if they don’t, the idea that Mr. GREGG. Mr. President, we hope meant real wages increased. In recent we are saddling our children to repay to also, later this afternoon, after Sen- years, American workers have contin- this debt is not fair to them and not ator GRASSLEY has proceeded with his ued to be remarkably productive. How- good for the future of America. two amendments, proceed potentially ever, while our output per hour grew 18 To conclude, it is no wonder that to amendments from the other side of percent from 2001 through 2006, after middle-class families do not give Presi- the aisle relative to SCHIP and from adjusting for inflation, workers’ pay dent Bush much credit for the econ- our side of the aisle relative to SCHIP and benefits grew only by half as omy. They are paying more for gas and and then an amendment in response to much—8.7 percent. That is serious utility bills. Their health insurance the amendment of the Senator from stuff. When output goes up and workers and prescription drug costs are rising Montana, the chairman of the Finance only retain less than half of it, some- much faster than their pay, and college Committee. That would be the se- thing is the matter. tuition costs are through the roof. quence I hope we can get to later Even that modest growth in com- They see good manufacturing jobs dis- today. Those are all important amend- pensation came much more from bene- appearing and a wave of new competi- ments. We would like to get them done. fits than from wages. It is not that em- tion from economies such as China and It would be constructive. ployers were becoming more generous India. They are also less likely to sup- Mr. CONRAD. The Senator is correct. in providing benefits. To the contrary, port expanded trade because they sense That is the intention. After the amend- benefit costs have been increasing be- that the Government is not on their ments of Senator GRASSLEY are dis- cause health care insurance costs are side when it negotiates trade agree- cussed and debated, we would then be rising, and employers have had to ments, and they see that some of our able to turn to a discussion of SCHIP make contributions to restore the sol- largest trading partners regularly flout with both sides participating, Senator vency of their pension plans. Those the rules of free trade. They see a Fed- KYL thereafter to be recognized to offer higher benefit costs squeezed take- eral Government that doesn’t pay its an alternative to the amendment of- home pay, but workers have not been bills and is building up foreign debt fered by the Senator from Montana. getting more generous benefits in re- that will be a burden on our children We await the Senators whose time turn. They are shouldering more of the and our grandchildren. has been reserved. I suggest the ab- burden for their health insurance, and I commend Senator CONRAD for crafting a budget resolution that gets sence of a quorum. their pensions remain in jeopardy. The PRESIDING OFFICER. The So where have the benefits from eco- us started on the road to recovery from clerk will call the roll. nomic growth been going? They have these misguided policies. There is The assistant legislative clerk pro- been going to profits and salaries and much work to do, but we are off to a ceeded to call the roll. bonuses of top executives. Profits as a good start with this budget resolution. I yield the floor. Mr. SCHUMER. Mr. President, I ask share of national income are at an all- The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- unanimous consent that the order for time high, and incomes at the very top ator from Kansas. the quorum call be rescinded. of the economic scale have been soar- Mr. BROWNBACK. Mr. President, I The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without ing. At the same time, middle-class thank my colleagues for having this objection, it is so ordered. families and families striving to get discussion on the budget. Mr. SCHUMER. Mr. President, I rise into the middle class have been strug- I am ranking member on the Joint to speak as chairman of the Joint Eco- gling to get ahead. Economic Committee. I wish to discuss nomic Committee in terms of our Hum- I wish I could say businesses have some of the things Senator SCHUMER phrey-Hawkins budget debate time. been investing their profits to make was talking about on economic per- Today, we are going to begin putting the economy grow, but another re- formance. What I would like to do in the Nation’s fiscal house back in order markable feature of the current eco- making this presentation—I will speak and to get our economic policy prior- nomic recovery is how slowly business for 10 minutes now and 20 minutes ities straight. I salute the chairman of investment is growing relative to prof- later—is to talk first about what has the Budget Committee, the indefati- its. Business profits have been flush, taken place in the economy recently gable KENT CONRAD, for the great job yes, but business investment spending and then to talk about human capital he has done over the years in trying to has been weak. There hasn’t been any development that is important for us get our country back on the right fis- real trickle down from the President’s to develop more and into the future. cal track. huge tax cuts to the rest of the econ- I think we have a bit of a different For the last 6 years, we have been omy. We had a small growth spurt for presentation on the factual setting of governed by a shallow economic strat- a couple of years, but the most recent what has happened as a result of the egy, guided by deep and indiscriminate news paints a picture of an economy tax cuts. I believe there would be tax cuts. The strategy has produced that is growing at a pace below its agreement that if the economy has not burgeoning deficits, mediocre economic long-term sustainable potential. substantially performed as well as performance, and a serious global trade The main results of the President’s some may suggest, as the Senator from imbalance. My colleagues and I on this tax cuts have been, A, larger budget New York suggested, then the answer side of the aisle have a different policy deficits, and B, reduced national sav- is certainly not a big tax increase. vision. We believe the middle class is ings. With less of our own savings, we That would clearly not be the case if the backbone of the country and that are borrowing more from the rest of what we want to do is stimulate eco- when we pursue policies to help the the world to support our current stand- nomic growth. I believe there would be

VerDate Aug 31 2005 02:39 Apr 26, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00023 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\RECORD07\S21MR7.REC S21MR7 pwalker on PROD1PC69 with CONG-REC-ONLINE S3476 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE March 21, 2007 a broad basis of support and a realiza- and Growth Tax Relief Reconciliation months of consecutive gains in payroll tion of that from economists and peo- Act of 2003 that was passed in May of employment. Close to 7.6 million new ple around the world. If your economy 2003. payroll jobs have been created during is not performing well, the answer is Consider these charts and the data the period since September 2003—again, certainly not to put on a trillion-dollar behind them, and then draw your own that period when we did the tax relief. tax increase to try to stimulate that conclusion. From June of 2003 through February economy to perform better. That would Let’s look at this chart on economic 2007, payroll employment gains have be clearly the wrong answer. Yet we growth since 2000: inflation-adjusted averaged a healthy 169,000 per month. are finding that in this budget. annualized GDP growth. You can see In contrast, 91,000 jobs were lost on av- I am here to discuss what has taken where we were prior to and then in 2000 erage in the period between January of place in the economy. One of the key and 2001 with negative economic 2001 and May of 2003. questions the Senate will address dur- growth rates taking place. You can see Again, you get this mirror situation ing this debate is what procedural rules anemic growth rates taking place where you were losing jobs prior to this to put in place to help instill budgetary afterwards. You can see what took time period, and you are growing them discipline on this institution. Unfortu- place: tax relief enacted in May of 2003 at a nice, strong, clip and engagement nately, those proposed fiscal discipline and the strong spike, continuous spike rate which is taking place after the en- measures which appear in this budget in growth that took place. actment of tax relief. Good, positive amount to a little more than a guaran- Since the enactment of tax relief in rates have taken place. teed tax increase for the American pub- 2003, annualized growth in the infla- With that, Mr. President, I believe in lic on the magnitude of $900 billion to tion-adjusted GDP, our gross domestic our time agreement I had until 12:50, $1 trillion. product—that is, the size of the pie, the and then I have 20 minutes at a later As my colleague from New Hamp- size of the economy in the country— point. I will go through a series of addi- shire has noted, it is the largest tax has averaged a robust 3.5 percent tional charts later, but my colleague hike ever on American workers and growth rate. That compares with the from Pennsylvania, I believe, was going their families—the largest ever. That relatively tepid average of 1.3 percent to speak. I do not know if the manager certainly would not be the prescription from the first quarter of 2001 to the would like to take the time of Senator I would hear from most economists as second quarter of 2003. CASEY at this point in time. to how to get the economy performing So you look at this period before tax Mr. President, I ask the manager of better, to put on a $1 trillion tax hike. relief: 1.3 percent; you look at the pe- the bill if her side desires to have the As part of the majority’s rhetoric, we riod since the tax cut enactment: a 3.5- floor at this point in time. will hear much talk about how the fis- percent average growth rate. I would Ms. KLOBUCHAR. Yes, we would like cal policies—most notably the pro- much rather have a 3.5-percent growth to do that. We are awaiting the arrival growth tax policies—of the past 6 years rate than a 1.3-percent growth rate. of Senator CASEY. I thank the Senator. have not benefitted everybody in this What about investment? That is a Mr. BROWNBACK. Mr. President, if I society. To substantiate that assertion, key part of our growth, to make pro- could, I will yield to Senator CASEY as one can only rely on bits and pieces of ductivity grow, to make wages grow. soon as he arrives on the Senate floor, data and not the full view and the big Business investment is a key compo- if that would be acceptable to the man- picture of what has happened in the nent of economic growth. ager? economy, which is what I would like to Since the enactment of tax relief in Ms. KLOBUCHAR. That would be ac- cover, and cover now, and cover with 2003, growth in real business fixed in- ceptable. He is on his way. charts, to let people see what the facts vestment has averaged 5.7 percent. Mr. BROWNBACK. I thank the Sen- are and draw their own conclusions. With tax relief enacted. You can see ator. It is undeniable our Nation was head- where we were beforehand, negative in- Mr. President, let’s look at these ing into recession during the year 2000, vestment; afterwards, positive invest- numbers, the Institute for Supply Man- the last year of President Clinton’s ad- ment at a nice rate, 5.7 percent. agement activity indexes. This indi- ministration. I was in the Senate, and Prior to the enactment of tax relief, cates whether expansion or contraction one could certainly see that in the eco- from the first quarter of 2001 through is taking place. The Institute for Sup- nomic data. The dot-com bubble was the second quarter of 2003, business in- ply Management indexes of manufac- bursting; economic growth turned neg- vestment declined at an average rate of turing and non-manufacturing activi- ative in the third quarter of 2000. The 5.6 percent; but it increased 5.7 percent ties signals expansion or contraction unemployment rate bottomed out in on average afterwards—a direct mirror taking place in the economy. When it April of 2000 and began its rise. In the opposite with the investment and tax is above 50, there is expansion. When it period from January 2001 to August cuts that took place. is below 50, there is contraction. This, 2001—the first year of the Bush admin- Let’s talk about unemployment again, displays robust expansion fol- istration—only 1 month registered rates. That is certainly a key. We want lowing tax relief. In contrast, it dis- positive job growth. In that period, to have people employed in this econ- plays contraction or tepid growth prior 700,000 jobs—nearly three-quarters of a omy, and employed at an aggressive to tax relief. million—were lost. growth rate. The unemployment rate So you can see, again, the tax relief Then came the horrors of 9/11, and has declined from a peak of 6.3 percent point that took place, as shown on this the Nation’s economy tumbled further. in June of 2003, when tax relief was im- chart. You had some growth. You had It was like hitting a brick wall and plemented, to 4.5 percent in February some decline taking place at this 50- falling. From September to December of 2007. percent point. Where it is below that more than a million jobs were lost. We So you can see again, with tax relief 50-percent point, you have contraction. all remember the trauma to us as a enacted, a decline in the unemploy- Where it is above that 50-percent point, country, and the trauma to the econ- ment rate takes place. At 4.5 percent, you have expansion. After tax relief, omy at that time. the unemployment rate stands below you have a strong expansion rate, I have a number of charts I will the average rate of the 1960s, the 1970s, which is taking place in these numbers. present today, and I hope they will put the 1980s, and the 1990s. Where we sit While correlations do not imply cau- some perspective on our debate. We can today stands below those average un- sality, there has been a clear and strik- argue about the degree to which pro- employment rates. ing turnaround in a wide array of eco- growth and pro-job tax relief enacted Again, tax relief was enacted. We can nomic indicators from signals of con- in 2003 caused the economic turn- argue about, did that cause it or not, traction or tepid growth prior to enact- around. I think that is a legitimate de- but I think you have to clearly say we ment of the pro-growth tax relief in bate. I would note, however, that re- have had a nice improvement that has 2003 to signals of strong expansion and cent economic conditions display a taken place in the time period fol- robust growth following tax relief tak- striking contrast to the conditions lowing enactment of tax relief. ing place. that prevailed prior to enactment of What about payroll employment One final point. A key to increases in pro-growth tax relief under the Jobs changes since 2000? There have been 42 incomes, wages, and living standards is

VerDate Aug 31 2005 02:39 Apr 26, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00024 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\RECORD07\S21MR7.REC S21MR7 pwalker on PROD1PC69 with CONG-REC-ONLINE March 21, 2007 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S3477 growth in productivity, as this chart pendence on foreign oil. There is tre- the world. But the only way we are clearly shows. mendous agreement about that goal. I going to maintain that, to maintain Again, we have a period where there think in the economic context we can our competitive edge, to be able to in- is productivity growth and real hourly use the same language. It is about time vest in strategies that will work, is to compensation going up. Pro-growth tax the U.S. Government, especially this actually focus our attention on the relief, such as that enacted in 2003, lays administration, began to get on the skills and the education and the ad- a solid foundation for continued strong road of reducing our dependence on for- vancement of the American people. In growth in the productivity of American eign debt. We need to have policies order to do that, we have to give the workers. That growth is ultimately that will do that. American people the tools they need to what boosts the wages, salaries, bene- For the last 10 years, prior to coming compete in a global economy. fits, and living standards of American to Washington as a Senator, I was a We all know if we do that and we workers and their families—built on a public official in Pennsylvania—8 as meet our obligations and keep our solid economic basis. Raising taxes— auditor general and 2 as treasurer. One promises, we will ensure the global raising taxes—as some on the other of the jobs I had, especially as auditor marketplace and trade are conducted side are suggesting—is not a productive general, was to be one of the so-called on a fair basis and that we don’t put way to proceed in us increasing real issuing officials. We issued debt in our workers at an unfair disadvantage. wages, real incomes for individuals to State government. As part of that, one But in order to do that, we have to in- stimulate the economy. In fact, the of my responsibilities, one of my basic vest. That is why, as the Presiding Of- other route is the way to go: get the requirements, by statute, was to cer- ficer knows from listening to our col- economy growing built on fundamen- tify that Pennsylvania was not only leagues in the Democratic caucus, and tals and built on cutting taxes. staying within its constitutional debt certainly by analyzing the budget that With that, Mr. President, I know my limit but was assuring it was not was put together by the Budget Com- colleague from Pennsylvania is in the straining its borrowing capacity from mittee, especially under the leadership Chamber. an economic or fiscal standpoint be- of Chairman Kent Conrad from North I yield the floor and reserve the re- cause doing so would undermine Penn- Dakota, what that budget has done, mainder of my time. sylvania’s debt rating and drive up the what the proposal does is puts together The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- cost of future borrowing. a budget that makes sense, that makes ator from Pennsylvania. I do not think there is anyone in this fiscal sense, that begins to reduce our Mr. CASEY. Mr. President, I thank deficit and brings us into balance by the Senator for yielding. administration, or in this Congress for Mr. President, I would like to speak that matter, who could certify or 2012. In fact, it brings us beyond bal- today about the budget we are going to would certify the Federal Government ance. It gives us a $132 billion surplus. be debating and about our economic is not straining its borrowing capacity Also, it realizes that right now we prospects as we go forward. I also want today, and certainly for the last sev- are in a hole because of how we have to thank those who have been working eral years. The fact is, our debt is not been conducting fiscal business in this so diligently to put this budget pack- just a piece of paper filed away in some town for the last several years. It real- izes that when you are in a hole, as the age together. Senator SCHUMER has cabinet. It is real. It represents a lot of worked, especially as the chairman of things. It represents, first of all, a de- old expression goes, you should stop the Joint Economic Committee, to pendence upon other governments in digging. It realizes people are our most focus our attention on some of the eco- terms of our foreign debt. It often rep- valuable resource. This budget invests nomic realities we face in the weeks resents a taking away from invest- in them in so many ways. One good ex- ahead. ments in very important programs for ample of that, or two actually, is the The fact is, when we look at the eco- people. State Children’s Health Insurance Pro- nomic data, Wall Street has done pret- I say to the Presiding Officer, you gram, the so-called SCHIP program, ty well over the last 6 years, but the understood that in your work in the and the Presiding Officer knows in the average American, however, has not Congress and now in the Senate. You State of New Jersey the benefit that shared in that prosperity. understand those critical investments. program has had in his State and in Since 2001, median household income If you drive up the cost of borrowing, the State of Pennsylvania and in so is down after inflation. More than 5 you make it more difficult for us to not many others. We have to make sure we million more people—a total of 37 mil- only borrow money but to invest. All of get that right, not only to maintain lion Americans—live in poverty today, our families will be the losers in that the coverage for the millions of chil- including 1.3 million more children. So scenario. dren already enrolled and their fami- now we have some 12.9 million children So I think in addition to gaining con- lies and their communities and the in poverty. trol of our fiscal house and putting our economy as a whole benefit when they Long-term unemployment is up 80 fiscal house in order and beginning to are enrolled, so we have to keep them percent. Three million manufacturing reduce our dependence on foreign debt, covered, but we also have to meet the jobs have been lost in that time period, we must also, at the same time—and I larger challenge of insuring the 9 mil- many from my home State of Pennsyl- think it is obviously related—increase lion other children who have no health vania, like in manufacturing States our investment in American families. insurance at all and won’t even begin across the country. We need to start to do that by keeping to be covered under the President’s We also have to look beyond the data our promises to those of our families budget. That is an important invest- from where we are now and have been who rely upon good investments by the ment this budget proposal makes. in the past. We have to look to the fu- Federal Government. It also increases education funding at ture. We all know we face a tremen- We all know in a global economy— the same time by funding No Child Left dous challenge when the retirement of and certainly the newer global econ- Behind, making sure our families get the baby boom generation begins in omy—it is very clear that goods can be help with higher education and all the earnest. The coming retirement of moved all over the world. We are happy rest. This budget makes sure we are those Americans means the Social Se- about that. It is amazing what tech- making the right decisions on Medi- curity and Medicare obligations we owe nology and transportation have done to care and Medicaid. The Presiding Offi- them, because of their decades of work, bring that about. Money can move in a cer knows Medicaid increasingly and are coming due. At the same time, this matter of minutes now. We know that. overwhelmingly is about making sure administration has been issuing debt, But people, by and large, tend to be that older citizens have the oppor- in my judgment, at an irresponsible much more stationary in the sense tunity to get quality care in nursing and reckless pace—most of it being that they do not move nearly as fast as homes, and it is also ensuring we are purchased by governments across the money or goods. covering poor children and poor fami- world and by individual countries we America, in particular, has been able, lies. are competing against. over a long period of time, to develop This budget does all of this while also We hear a lot in the context of our our own talent—the talents of our peo- being fiscally responsible by reducing energy policy about reducing our de- ple—and to attract talent from all over the size of the deficit and by beginning

VerDate Aug 31 2005 02:39 Apr 26, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00025 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\RECORD07\S21MR7.REC S21MR7 pwalker on PROD1PC69 with CONG-REC-ONLINE S3478 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE March 21, 2007 to lower our debt to foreign govern- human capital there. Clearly, one of a peak of 15.5 percent at the end of the ments, and making sure we are doing the best ways we can break the poverty Clinton years. Again, we are talking this in the context of both reducing cycle is forming more family units. about the Clinton years, the share of debt and deficit, but also making im- That shows up in all of the data. It is after-tax income, the top 1 percent of portant investments. This budget fo- broadly supported in a bipartisan fash- all households, up 42 percent during the cuses on the right priorities in an eco- ion and it is something where we need Clinton era and the Clinton years. That nomic sense, but it also bears in mind to change the welfare policies. is what took place. that we have obligations. We have I wish to also look at this idea that What happened from 2000 to 2004 is promises to keep. This budget goes a tax policies since 2003 have been more after-tax income received in the top 1 long way toward making sure we are beneficial to upper income households percent of households actually de- being fiscally responsible and keeping and less beneficial to lower income clined. This declined at the end of the our promises. households in the United States. Here first Bush term. They do not support Mr. President, I yield the floor. again, I have a series of charts. I will the assertion that there has been a The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- first start with conditions under the massive shift of income to the highest ator from Kansas is recognized. Clinton administration and look at im- income households since 2000. The data Mr. BROWNBACK. Mr. President, I pacts of Federal policies as far as a don’t support it. The critics of the pro- appreciate the chance to talk about share of the overall economy. This is growth tax policies enacted after 2000 some of these economic issues, and I an instructive chart when you look at assert that the highest income house- join my colleagues from Minnesota and income, after-tax income, distribution holds have disproportionately bene- Pennsylvania in a discussion of these data during the Clinton years. Let’s fitted. That simply is not supported by items. consider the distribution. The data for the data. I note from the discussion of my col- all of these charts comes from CBO’s Let’s look at the top 10 percent of league from Pennsylvania that he fo- December 2006 historical effective Fed- households paying their share of in- cuses on human capital, which I abso- eral tax rates. The data are from 1979 come taxes. Since 1984, the top 10 per- lutely agree with. I have a few charts I to 2004. First, it is interesting to look cent of households have paid an in- will cover in a few minutes about an at what happened to after-tax income creasing majority of all Federal in- investment in human capital I hope we between 1992 and 2000. These would be come taxes. In 2004, the final year of can all agree on, and that is trying to the Clinton administration years. The data available in CBO’s report, the encourage and rebuild the family struc- only group of households that saw a share of Federal income taxes paid by ture in the country. This is something share of the Nation’s after-tax income the top 10 percent of households I have worked on across the aisle with increase was the top 20 percent. Their reached a high of 70.8 percent—70.8 per- my colleagues, particularly in the Dis- share during the 1992 to the 2000 time cent. So you can see it was continuing trict of Columbia when last year I was period—you see these arrows all going to grow. chairman of the DC Appropriations down: the lowest 20 percent, the second It is worth noting that in 2004, the Subcommittee. We were deeply con- lowest 20 percent, middle, second high- bottom 40 percent of households paid a cerned about the lack of family forma- est, everyone is down, down, down; up negative share of Federal income tion in the District of Columbia, so it is the top 20 percent. Their share of taxes. I want to show that chart. That became the key area and the initial after-tax income went up during the is, they received resources from the in- place to begin to develop human cap- Clinton administration years and their come tax system. In other words, they ital being within the family structure. tax policy. were paid by the income tax system— We are finding in the District of Co- Now let’s postulate the same ques- not paid into. They received from the lumbia and in many urban areas in par- tion—because the charge is often made income tax system. Since 2000, the ticular, and all across the country, but that the tax cuts have only bene- ‘‘relative Federal income tax burden,’’ in the District of Columbia in total we fitted—the wealthy in this country. I or the share of all Federal income had 63 percent of our children born out have seen the charts repeatedly, and it taxes paid compared to the group’s of wedlock. This puts a child in a situa- is important to discuss what the data share of all income, has declined for all tion where it is more difficult to de- have shown. What happened for 2000 income groups except the top 20 per- velop human capital. You can develop a through 2004 is the opposite of what cent—except the top 20 percent. So child and a child can be raised well in happened during the Clinton years as again we have these tax lines going in that setting, but it becomes much far as who grew what share of after-tax a different direction. more difficult. I worked with the income that happened during 1992 to Striking is the fact that the relative Mayor at that time, Mayor Williams, 2004. It went the opposite. The only Federal income tax burden of the top 1 and I worked with Delegate ELEANOR group that didn’t see a share of after- percent of households declined for 1992 HOLMES NORTON, and we put together a tax income increase was the top 20 per- to 2000 during the Clinton administra- program called the Marriage Develop- cent. Everybody else saw their share of tion. So again we have this comparison ment Account. If you were at 85 per- the after-tax income grow: the lowest of Clinton policies to Bush policies. cent of poverty or below and got mar- 20 percent, the second lowest 20 per- This is the relative Federal income tax ried, we would put in a Federal dollar, cent, middle, the second highest. The burden of the top 1 percent of family raise two private sector dollars, and only people who went down were the households income. That declined, the you as a couple would put in a dollar. top 20 percent. percentage, their share that they paid We would match this 3 to 1 to encour- It is important to point out, when we of the overall tax burden, and it went age the formation of married units—a have talked about these things in ge- up in 2000 and 2004 in the Bush years. In family—around which to build a fam- neric numbers and phrases—about only 2004 it not only increased but it was ily. the upper income households having higher than in 1992 when President This has broad bipartisan support, benefitted—but we ought to look at the Clinton took office. left and right support this, and I am actual data we have available to us. The CBO’s report also reveals that hopeful we can look at ways in reform- Again, I will go back to what hap- for the time period from 2000 to 2004, ing welfare programs in particular to pened in 1992 and remind people these the effective total Federal tax rate re- encourage the formation of families as are the Clinton years. The lower in- duction has been the highest on a per- one of the key and vital steps for come all saw their share of after-tax centage basis for the lowest income human capital development and income decrease; the upper income groups. In other words, you have the growth. This is something we ought to group saw theirs go up. In 2000 to 2004, most decline as far as the Federal tax be able to agree on across the aisle. We we saw a reversal of those arrows under rates for the lowest income groups. I have agreed previously, and I hope we these tax policies that are being so cas- think that is as it should be. We can do that now, because we have to tigated as being against lower income. shouldn’t be critical of the tax policy develop human capital. We particularly The share of after-tax income received saying it is harming low income and have to do it now, and the best place to by the top 1 percent of households grew benefitting disproportionately high in- start is the family and developing the 42 percent, from 10.9 percent in 1992 to come when the data don’t support that.

VerDate Aug 31 2005 02:39 Apr 26, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00026 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\RECORD07\S21MR7.REC S21MR7 pwalker on PROD1PC69 with CONG-REC-ONLINE March 21, 2007 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S3479 The same is true if you look at the This budget will only increase the rooms and had meetings with people, income tax rate reductions. Again, the burden on families. We need to step they could not really understand why lowest 40 percent of households have a back and be willing to get control of their kids who just graduated from col- negative effective income tax rate and entitlement spending and across-the- lege could not buy a house, and they a negative income tax share. In other board spending. We need policies that could not understand why they were words, they were paid back by the Fed- encourage the formation of families, struggling to send their kids to college eral income tax system. and support the preservation of tradi- and why they were struggling to go on Clearly the tax policies enacted since tional families, as a way of developing vacations because of the high gas 2000 have benefitted all income groups human capital. prices. and have not resulted in a shift in in- We need to help those who need a While having meetings with these come shares in favor of high-income hand, but we are quickly reaching a people, lightbulbs would go on in their households or in tax burdens toward point where we are asking too few peo- heads about these things. That is what lower income households. Indeed, the ple to carry too much of a burden on is going on with a lot of people in this data say the opposite. The top 10 per- the tax rates. We are on the verge of country. That is what the statistics cent of households are paying a bigger killing incentive and initiative. show. That is why it is so important to share of total Federal taxes and total We need to get serious about reform- have a budget that gets these families Federal income taxes than in any prior ing a tax system that even the most and kids on a strong fiscal track. At time covered by the report. educated Americans cannot com- least this budget brings us back to the I appreciate my colleagues’ indul- prehend. We need to put in place an al- pay-as-you-go rule. At a time when the gence, but the falsehoods about tax ternative flat tax and let people choose wealthiest have been getting wealthier cuts and a bigger share of the pie for a tax system. This current tax system and wealthier, at least this budget says the wealthy need to be addressed. I is unintelligible, burdensome, manipu- how can we help the middle class going think it is important that we do ad- lative, and it needs to be changed. We forward. dress these. are in desperate need of a tax system Let’s look at the statistics. I also note in yesterday morning’s that is simple, efficient, and globally First, look at the productivity. Typi- Wall Street Journal in discussing this competitive. We need to just have a cally, real compensation for workers— budget, it says the Senate Budget Com- fair system. Our tax system needs to the wages and benefits—tends to track mittee chairman is pulling off a neat treat everyone the same, not heap diz- productivity growth. That is what it magic trick—and here I am quoting the zying layers of regulation on top of did in the late 1990s. This hasn’t really Wall Street Journal: regulation or carve out loopholes for happened since the 2001 recession. Our . . . of claiming his budget includes ‘‘no tax the privileged who have the ability to productivity growth, as you can see, increase,’’ even as it anticipates repeal of the has been strong, as the blue line on Bush tax cuts after 2010. hire lobbyists. Despite the chairman’s call for sim- this chart represents, but compensa- These are the same tax cuts I have plifying the Tax Code, there is nothing tion growth has been relatively weak. been discussing, the tax cuts that have in his budget that promotes greater That is the red line there. helped stimulate growth, that have simplicity. Despite the chairman and Recent gains in real compensation helped stimulate employment, that his colleagues in the majority being have not significantly narrowed the have helped reduce the tax burden on fully aware of the need for entitlement gap that has been opened. Workers the lower income people in the United reform, they choose to totally ignore have a long way to go to catch up with States. the gaps they have missed out on so far The Wall Street Journal goes on to our looming fiscal problem. They in this recovery. So it is because of say: choose, in this budget, to completely their work that we are seeing this pro- How does he pull that rabbit out of his hat? ignore the urgent need to address enti- By positing what amounts to a giant aster- tlement reform, especially as the first ductivity gain, but they are not get- isk where the tax increase is supposed to go baby boomers begin retiring next year. ting their piece of the pie. That is what and hoping no one will notice. This budget does not contain any pro- we see in the increasing gap every In other words, the taxes go up after posals that, on net, would reduce man- year. 2010, since the tax reductions put into datory spending or the debt. The ma- We have to look at the next chart re- place in the Bush tax cuts are not con- jority, evidently, wishes to simply wait flecting real earnings growth. This tinued. for a fiscal train wreck to happen. looks complicated at first, but it The article continues that the chair- If we sit on our hands and let this makes sense when you look at what man has: budget and its ‘‘magic act’’ budget en- the lines represent. The bluish-purplish . . . no intention of extending the Bush tax forcement provisions take effect, all we bars are for the kinds of real earnings cuts, which he voted against and whose re- will do is impose the largest tax in- growth we saw in the late 1990s. If we peal would slap the economy in 2011 with the crease in American history at the focus on usual weekly earnings of full- largest tax increase in U.S. history. But Sen- worst possible time—when the fiscal time workers, we see only modest ate Democrats don’t want anyone to know train wreck begins as the baby boomers gains—and that is the red here—in the this, at least not before the 2008 election. distribution from 2000 to 2006. This con- . . . All of this is really sleight-of-hand to enter their golden years of retirement. disguise that Democrats are intent on re- That is not a budget; that is recipe for trasts sharply with the gains you see in pealing the Bush tax cuts. disaster. the late 1990s, which is the blue part of What would the impact of that be? I look forward to further debate on the graph, when productivity first ac- People talk about it in generic terms, this budget, and I really hope we can celerated. I note this marked difference be- but let’s unpack it a little bit. The start working together on it in a bipar- Wall Street Journal reports that: tisan fashion to address the clear prob- tween what you saw from 1996 to 2000 and from 2000 to 2006. This doesn’t even This would raise the tax on capital gains lems we have. We can do that, and we to 20 percent from 15 percent, more than dou- need to do it. Now is the time. The include bonuses of highly paid execu- ble the tax rate on dividends to 39.6 percent sooner we act, the more options we tives or capital gains and other from 15 percent, and sharply increase mar- have. nonwage income earned at the very top ginal tax rates at all levels of income. I yield the floor. of the income distribution. This chart This will hurt growth, this will hurt The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- shows how real earnings growth has investment, this will hurt job creation, ator from Minnesota is recognized. been weaker and more unequal than in and this will hurt wages. This backdoor Ms. KLOBUCHAR. Mr. President, I the late 1990s. For me, when I think tax increase sends a bad signal to the am here to speak on behalf of the budg- about those people in the living rooms economy. That bad news, if allowed to et resolution and to share some statis- in Brooklyn Park, MN, as they talk stand, will be bad news for the econ- tics about what has been going on in about how they could not afford health omy throughout for the working men this country for middle-class families. care, this is what it is about, because and women of this country. This isn’t I have to tell you this before I show the their real earnings growth has been fiscal responsibility; it is bad tax pol- statistics. Having met with people all much weaker and it has been harder for icy that hurts people. over our State and having sat in living them to afford these important parts of

VerDate Aug 31 2005 02:39 Apr 26, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00027 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\RECORD07\S21MR7.REC S21MR7 pwalker on PROD1PC69 with CONG-REC-ONLINE S3480 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE March 21, 2007 their expenditures, such as health care, erybody else in this country. It also and modify the farm programs before gas, and those things. Those prices says we are going to start helping the those programs cause further con- have gone up. people who have helped us; that is, the centration and consolidation in agri- Now, at the same time we have this middle class. culture and lose the support of urban going on, we have this: CEO compensa- Mr. President, I yield the floor, and I taxpayers because without their sup- tion, right now, is 350 times average suggest the absence of a quorum. port, we could not have a farm safety work pay. I think the average person The PRESIDING OFFICER. The net. has to work an entire year to make up clerk will call the roll. Today, most commodities are valued for what so many of our top CEOs The bill clerk proceeded to call the off demand. Markets dictate profit- make in the first day of the year. In roll. ability. When farmers overproduce by 1980, the average CEO made about 50 Mr. GRASSLEY. Mr. President, I ask planning for, according to the farm times as much as the average worker. unanimous consent that the order for program, whether its a loan or the LDP In 2004, that ratio was nearly 350. The the quorum call be rescinded. Program or whatever it might be, then average CEO made 350 times the pay of The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without markets are not functioning. the average worker. objection, it is so ordered. So you can see what has been going Mr. GRASSLEY. Mr. President, I rise I mentioned earlier that the Federal on with the share of wealth in this to offer an amendment on the agricul- farm programs are influencing land country and why we have these people tural portion of the bill to provide pay- prices across the country. Iowa land is all over the country who are working ment limitations on payment to farm- now selling for between $4,000 and $6,000 hard and who are the engine of the ers. The American people recognize the an acre in counties near my home of economy—the middle class—and it is importance of family farmers in our New Hartford, IA. harder and harder for them to keep up Nation and the need to provide an ade- When I was chairman of the Senate and to get by. That is what we are try- quate safety net for family farmers. Finance Committee, before the last ing to do in this budget resolution— That is what a farm program is all election, I was also a member of the start the process of getting the country about. Budget Committee and the Agriculture back on track so that we respect the In recent years, however, assistance Committee. I have used those com- people doing the work, the middle to farmers has come under increased mittee positions as opportunities to class, the hard-working men and scrutiny, and it should. Take a look at file amendments that I believe will women of this country. some of the headlines that ran last help revitalize the farm economy for The last thing I wish to share with year on the front page of the Wash- young people across this country. you is about the distribution of wealth ington Post. The first headline reads: My amendment today will put a hard in this country. This is a similar way Farm program pays $1.3 billion to people cap on farm payments at $250,000. The of looking at the CEO distribution who don’t farm. average taxpayer listening to me might issue. In 2004, the wealthiest 1 percent That is going to make any taxpayer, say: What planet did you come from— of households had more net worth than rural or urban, mad because the gen- $250,000 is an awful lot of support. But the bottom 90 percent of households. eral assumption is that farm programs I am saying in comparison to limits So here you have the top 1 percent. support family farmers and do not go that are now in the bill of $360,000 and This is their portion of the pie, 33 per- to people who don’t farm. legal subterfuge to get around the law cent. Here is the bottom 90 percent, the A second headline reads: to allow some farmers to get millions middle class people; 9 out of 10 people Federal subsidies turn farms into big busi- of dollars. So this is a $250,000 hard are here, and their wealth is actually ness. cap—still too high for some family less than this top 1 percent of the peo- In other words, the Federal taxpayers farmers but a compromise that has ple in this country. Even when you go are paying to help big farmers get yet gotten through this body in the past to the next 9 percent, which is about 36 bigger. and I am counting on getting through percent of the wealth, when you in- The article goes on to say: this time. clude them until you have the top 10 The shift in subsidies to wealthier farmers No less important, this will close percent, the wealthiest 10 percent of is helping to fuel this consolidation of farm- those legal subterfuges or loopholes— people in this country, they have more land. The largest farm’s share of agriculture whatever you want to call them—that than two-thirds of the total wealth. production has climbed from 32 percent to 45 have allowed large operations to evade So statistics are important, but what percent, while the number of small- and me- even the $360,000 limit and, as a result, really matters is the people in this dium-size farms has tumbled from 42 percent receive benefits many times larger. country. When you look at the statis- to 27 percent. tics, you understand why, for a student These were just a couple of headlines To remind everybody, I voted against from the University of Minnesota, Jay from a series of articles from the Wash- the conference report of the present Boler, it was hard to get by day after ington Post on waste and abuse in farm farm bill in the year 2002, and this was day and to afford college tuition when program spending. one of my many reasons, because it did it had gone up 110 percent at 4-year col- Critics of farm payments have argued not have this hard cap in there, even leges in the last 2 years. He is not in that the largest corporate farms reap though it passed the Senate. I have that top 1 percent. That is not where most of the benefits of these payments. been fighting to reduce large-scale sub- he is. You can understand why Jeanne What is more, farm payments that sidies for over 30 years. If one looks at O’Hearn, who owns a drycleaner in were originally designed to benefit the CONGRESSIONAL RECORD in the Robbinsdale, MN, is trying to get by small- and medium-size family farms 1970s, it will show I was leading in that with few employees. It is hard to afford have contributed to their own demise. area. More recently, I worked with the health care for her employees. You can Unlimited farm payments have placed good Senator from North Dakota, Mr. understand because she is not in that upward pressure on land prices and DORGAN, on a similar measure in the top 1 percent. You can understand why have contributed to overproduction 2002 farm bill, and it passed with bipar- a mom in Mahnomen, MN, whose child and lower commodity prices driving tisan support of 66 to 31. That amend- had been called back to Iraq for the many family farmers off the farm. ment, as I said, was taken out in con- third time, cannot sleep at night and The law creates a system that is out ference. So I urge my colleagues to why she is upset because he is probably of balance. This is pointed out in the check their past votes on this issue not going to get the benefits he needs chart I have, which shows that we have during the last farm bill debate. when he gets back. She is not in that a system where 10 percent of the farm- One section that was added in the top 1 percent. ers—10 percent of the farmers—maybe I farm bill was section 1605, which set up What this budget resolution does is should say just 10 percent of the farm- a Commission on the Application of at least acknowledge the fiscal issues ers get 72 percent of the benefits, and Payment Limitations for Agriculture. of this country by putting back pay-as- the top 1 percent of the biggest farmers The purpose of the Commission, after you-go, because this interest doesn’t get almost 30 percent of the benefits. I the failure of our legislation in 2002 in hurt the top 1 percent, but it hurts ev- believe we need to correct our course the farm bill because it didn’t come out

VerDate Aug 31 2005 02:39 Apr 26, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00028 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\RECORD07\S21MR7.REC S21MR7 pwalker on PROD1PC69 with CONG-REC-ONLINE March 21, 2007 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S3481 of conference, was to set up this Com- ward limitations, closing another very On March 20, 2005, the Atlanta Jour- mission. The purpose of the Commis- abusive loophole, particularly those nal-Constitution printed this: sion was to study this issue. The Com- farming in cotton and rice. As time has gone by, smaller farmers most mission also said that the 2007 farm bill By adopting this amendment, it in need have received less and less of the is the time for these reforms to be could save the taxpayers over $500 mil- government’s support and corporate-like made as part of the change to perma- lion in savings over a 5-year period of farms more and more. nent law. So that is why it is legiti- time and more than $1 billion over 10 By voting in favor of this amend- mate to have it as part of this budget years. With these savings, the amend- ment, we can restore the cuts that debate. ment that is being presented by Sen- were made to conservation, rural and Congress enacted the Agricultural ator GRASSLEY and Senator DORGAN renewable energy programs during the Reconciliation Act of 1987, called the would put money toward conservation, markup of the Ag section of reconcili- Farm Program Integrity Act, to estab- nutrition, research, value-added agri- ation. We can allow young people to lish eligibility conditions for recipients culture, and renewable energy pro- get into farming and lessen the depend- and to ensure that only entities en- grams. ence on Federal subsidies. This will gaged actively in agriculture receive The budget resolution before us pro- help restore public respectability for vides a very much needed reserve fund farm payments. To be considered ac- Federal farm assistance by targeting for the farm bill of $15 billion. Every tively engaged in farming, that act re- this assistance to those who need it, penny of this fund will be needed if we quired an individual or entity to pro- where it has traditionally been over are to adequately respond to the major vide a significant contribution of in- the 70 years of the farm program. needs and opportunities to increase en- Before I close, I wish to remind ev- puts—capital, land, equipment—as well ergy independence, restore cuts in con- as significant contributions of services eryone who voted against a similar servation, improve farm income amendment during the 2005 reconcili- of personal labor or active manage- through value-added grants, reduce ation vote, the argument that we need ment to the farming operation. But hunger, and invest in the future of food to wait until the farm bill debate is not people have been able to find loopholes and agriculture through cutting-edge going to work anymore—that was the around this act, facilitating huge pay- research. argument some people who changed ments that our hard cap is meant to However, the reserve fund is condi- their vote used at that particular overcome. tioned on offsets. The amendment I am time—because this is the year of farm I held a hearing through the Finance offering is part of the solution to this bill debate. This is the budget that con- Committee on a Government Account- reserve fund dilemma. A vote for this tains the baseline for the farm bill that ability Office report that was released amendment, then, will help us get a we are going to pass this year. about 3 years ago, April 24, 2004. The better farm bill done, not just to help Let’s stop kicking the can down the GAO report recommended that measur- farmers but to help the entire society road and say we have to wait until the able standards and clarified regulations as it includes so much that benefits farm bill debate. The here and now is would better assure that people who re- people just beyond agriculture. the here and now. How can you say you ceive payments are, in fact, engaged in Not only has the Senate previously are for conservation or you are for re- farming. agreed to payment limit reform, but newable energy or you are for child nu- Of the $17 billion in payments the the President, in his past budgets—I trition—that you are for all those USDA distributed to recipients in 2001, think at least the last 3 years—has sup- things and then come to the floor and $5.9 billion went to just 149,000 entities. ported a broad set of savings proposals vote the opposite way? This is an op- Corporations and general partnerships recommending reduction in subsidies portunity to show to the people of this represented 39 and 26 percent of these for larger, more financially secure country we are not going to subsidize entities respectively. farmers and promoting more efficient the biggest farmers getting bigger, Here is an example from the March production decisions, although this wasting taxpayers’ money, keeping 2005 Washington Post article of some- year the administration proposed that young people off the farms and out of one who qualified for payments. I quote no one should get farm payments if the farming profession and bringing ill- from the newspaper: they have an adjusted gross income of repute to a farm program that it takes If the purpose of farm subsidies is to make over $200,000 a year. That is just an- city folk, represented in the Congress, family farms viable, it’s hard to see why pay- other way, and not a bad way, but an- to vote for in order to sustain the safe- ments of more than $400,000 a piece should other way of getting what I am trying ty net for farmers. have gone to 54 deceased farmers between to get through this hard cap. So I don’t The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- 1995 and 2003, or why residents in Chicago find fault in what the administration is ator from North Dakota. should have collected $24 million in farm proposing in that area. I think the ad- support over that period. Mr. DORGAN. Mr. President, my un- ministration is proposing a very good derstanding is the Senator from Iowa This type of arrangement, and others bite and another bite at the apple. has this half hour. I ask the Senator such as that, raises questions about the I have been hearing directly from from Iowa if he will yield me 10 min- interpretation and enforcement of the producers for years exactly what the utes? 1987 act’s requirements that each part- Secretary of Agriculture heard at his Mr. GRASSLEY. I will yield 10 min- ner be actively engaged in farming. farm bill forums. We are hearing that utes, yes. This is why I wrote the Government young producers are unable to carry on Mr. DORGAN. I am pleased to be a Accountability Office to conduct that the tradition of farming because they cosponsor, as I have been in the past. study I referred to on which we held a are financially unable to do so because The Senator from Iowa is offering a hearing in the Finance Committee. I of high land values and cash rents. budget amendment. It is a good amend- encourage Members of this body to Neil Harl, a distinguished agricul- ment. The Senator from Iowa will join take a look at that report as well. tural economist at Iowa State Univer- me in introducing some legislation on During past markups of the Senate sity and one of the contributors to the this subject following this discussion. Budget Committee, I was able, with the Payment Limitation Commission, Some will say: Let’s have this during help of the current chairman, Mr. wrote this: the farm bill. We will have this debate CONRAD, to include a sense-of-the-Sen- The evidence is convincing that a signifi- then, too, I assume. ate amendment expressing support for cant portion of the subsidies is being bid into Let me say, I don’t think there is a stronger farm payment limits. The pro- cash rents— bigger supporter or stronger supporter posed amendment would cap Farm Making the cash rents higher— in this Chamber for family farmers Commodity Program payments at and capitalized into land values. than I am. I know my colleague from $250,000 a year per person during any All making it very difficult for new, Iowa is a family farmer. It goes with- one year. This would encompass direct young farmers to get started in farm- out saying he has been supportive. But payments, countercyclical payments, ing. If investors were to expect less I am not interested in supporting the loan deficiency payments, and mar- Federal funding or none at all, land corporate agrifactories that have keting loan gains. Gains from com- values would likely decline, perhaps by grown up this country. That is not the modity certificates will be counted to- 25 percent. purpose of a farm program.

VerDate Aug 31 2005 02:39 Apr 26, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00029 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\RECORD07\S21MR7.REC S21MR7 pwalker on PROD1PC69 with CONG-REC-ONLINE S3482 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE March 21, 2007 I come from a rural State. I am proud year for 9 years—$400,000 each for dead small towns, and rose to our big cities to stand here and support farmers who people. That is unbelievable. as a set of family values that this have names, in my State: Olsen, I support a farm program, one I can country has always appreciated. Larson, Christianson, Johnson, be proud of, one that says to families That is the cultural value of having Schmidt, Schmaltz, Cooper. I am proud living out there: We want to help you. family farms. It is the economic value to support them. They are out there We know you take unbelievable risks, of having family farms. The way we living under a yard light, struggling, and when you run into trouble, into will keep family farms is to have a de- trying to make a living. They plant a tough times, we want to reach out our cent farm program that says, when you seed and hope it will grow. If it grows, hand to say we are with you, we want are in trouble, when you have prices they hope it doesn’t hail. They hope it to help you. That is what the farm pro- collapse, you have a safety net. That is rains enough and it doesn’t rain too gram is supposed to be about. But it is what we are trying to do. We will try much. Finally, when they get in and becoming a perverse program when to save it. What will happen is we will get the seed off and the crop off and millions of dollars are taken from tax- lose the farm program one day with after that seed has grown into a plant, payers in the form of taxes and then stories that say this program gives they put it through a combine, take it transferred to big corporate millions of dollars to people with mil- to the elevator, and then they hope and agrifactories who get millions of dol- lions of acres who do not need this pray there is a decent price, so in the lars. help. end, if everything went right, maybe From the Government Account- I am pleased be a cosponsor with my they made a living for themselves and ability Office: Eleven partners ran an colleague, and I look forward to work- their families. It is a big struggle for 11,900-acre farm and collected a million ing with him on these issues. them. dollars, and every single one of the I yield the floor. What is the value of having these farmers lived outside the State where The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- families living out there? A friend of the farm was located. The only engage- ator from Iowa. mine from North Dakota wrote a piece ment they had in the farm was a tele- Mr. GRASSLEY. I thank the Senator about that. He said: What is it worth? phone conversation. from North Dakota for his support, not What is it worth for a kid to know how Six partners received $700,000 in farm only this year but over the long period to fix a tractor, to plow a field, to hang payments for a 6,400-acre farm. They of time we have been fighting this bat- a door, to butcher a hog, to pour ce- said they provided daily management, tle. ment, to weld a seam? What is it worth living several hundred miles away. I send this amendment to the desk, for a kid to know all those things? I don’t think we need to say more. It and I would then like to make a unani- That university is on a family farm; does not take much more to illustrate mous consent request and also a re- that is where kids learn it. What is the absurdity of what is happening. My quest of some abeyance by my col- that worth to our country? colleague and I are offering—get this— leagues—if I could have permission in We have on the floor of the Senate a proposal that limits program pay- the 5 minutes I have left—to, first of this issue of a farm program. A farm ments to $250,000. Let me say again, I all, set the amendment I sent up to the program is a safety net, a bridge over come from farm country. No one here side and then to call up another. troubled times when prices collapse, cares more about family farmers than I AMENDMENT NO. 464 when the crops are destroyed. This is a do. I believe in the farm program. I The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- bridge over price valleys, a bridge over fought for a good farm program. But I ator will suspend for a moment. The difficult times. Regrettably, it has have not fought for a program that clerk will report. grown to become a set of golden arches hands over millions of dollars to people The bill clerk read as follows: for some of the biggest enterprises in who reorganize into farm factories in The Senator from Iowa [Mr. GRASSLEY], for order to farm the farm program and the country, and we propose that we himself and Mr. DORGAN, proposes an amend- put some payment limits on here that suck money out of what we put aside to ment numbered 464. help people during tough times. are reasonable payment limits. I am The amendment is as follows: pleased to be a cosponsor along with It is beyond me why we would not (Purpose: To limit farm payments to $250,000 my colleague, Senator GRASSLEY. I take this step quickly and easily, to say payment limitations that would be per person per year and apply the savings think this is common sense. to renewable energy/rural development, Let me give some examples of what effective are the right thing for us to conservation, and nutrition) do. This should not be controversial at persuades us to come to the floor of the On page 13, line 9, decrease the amount by Senate. Ten years ago, the top 10 per- all. This ought to be accepted by unan- $22,000,000. cent of recipients of farm program pay- imous consent. That is what ought to On page 13, line 10, decrease the amount by ments received just over half of all happen. We ought to have a unanimous $22,000,000. farm payments. Now, 10 to 11 years consent request. On page 13, line 13, decrease the amount by later, the top 10 percent get 72 percent. I will say this. If there are those who $117,000,000. It has grown from about half to about argue that multimillion dollar oper- On page 13, line 12, decrease the amount by $117,000,000. three-quarters for the top 10 percent. ations need millions of dollars from the American taxpayer to continue their On page 13, line 17, decrease the amount by The top 1 percent receive nearly a $116,000,000. quarter of all farm payments. operations, then there is something On page 13, line 18, decrease the amount by Mr. President, a 61,000-acre operation horribly wrong with the farm program $116,000,000. in a southern State got $38 million in that accedes to that request. That is On page 13, line 21, decrease the amount by farm payment programs over 5 years. I not why we created a farm program in $115,000,000. didn’t come to fight for that. I don’t this country. We said we want Amer- On page 13, line 22, decrease the amount by support that. The farm was organized ica’s landscape to be dotted by yard $115,000,000. into 66 separate corporations so its 39 lights that represent a farm. I under- On page 13, line 25, decrease the amount by $116,000,000. owners could avoid payment limits. stand that big corporate agrifactories On page 14, line 1, decrease the amount by That is not farming the land. That is could farm from California to Maine. I $116,000,000. farming the farm program. I don’t sup- understand we have operations that On page 12, line 9, increase the amount by port that. milk 3,000 to 4,000 cows a day, three $8,000,000. A 12,000-acre cotton farm took in $2.1 times a day. That has nothing to do On page 12, line 10, increase the amount by million, a cotton factory in California, with family farming. I understand you $8,000,000. $16 million over 8 years. This is not the could farm from the west coast to the On page 12, line 13, increase the amount by farm program we ought to be sup- east coast and you would not have to $39,000,000. On page 12, line 14, increase the amount by porting. have people living out there. $39,000,000. The U.S. Department of Agriculture But I also understand that there is On page 12, line 17, increase the amount by pointed out that they paid $400,000 each value to this country, cultural value to $39,000,000. to 55 farmers who were dead; 27 of the this country, where the seedbed of fam- On page 12, line 18, increase the amount by dead farmers received payments every ily values began, on the farm and in $39,000,000.

VerDate Aug 31 2005 02:39 Apr 26, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00030 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\RECORD07\S21MR7.REC S21MR7 pwalker on PROD1PC69 with CONG-REC-ONLINE March 21, 2007 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S3483 On page 12, line 21, increase the amount by (1) the Smithsonian Institution does not Arts External Review Committee made $39,000,000. provide total annual compensation for any clear, there are very significant prob- On page 12, line 22, increase the amount by officer or employee of the Smithsonian Insti- lems at the Smithsonian in terms of $39,000,000. tution greater than the total annual com- maintaining and protecting the Smith- On page 12, line 25, increase the amount by pensation of the President of the United $39,000,000. States; sonian infrastructure and exhibits. The On page 13, line 1, increase the amount by (2) the Smithsonian Institution does not Smithsonian is the keeper of America’s $39,000,000. provide deferred compensation for any such treasures, and we want a museum we On page 16, line 10, increase the amount by officer or employee greater than the deferred can all be proud of. So I support the ad- $7,000,000. compensation of the President of the United ditional $17 million. On page 16, line 11, increase the amount by States; But similar to many Americans, my $7,000,000. (3) all Smithsonian Institution travel ex- reaction to the Secretary’s spending is On page 16, line 14, increase the amount by penditures conform with Federal Govern- I want to make sure we are not having $39,000,000. ment guidelines and limitations applicable new money used to order another On page 16, line 15, increase the amount by to the Smithsonian Institution; and, round of champagne. My amendment $39,000,000. (4) all Smithsonian Institution officers and On page 16, line 18, increase the amount by employees are subject to ethics rules similar basically fences the $17 million in- $39,000,000. to the ethics rules widely applicable to Fed- crease but allows the chairman of the On page 16, line 19, increase the amount by eral Government employees. Senate Budget Committee to revise the $39,000,000. (b) CRITERIA FOR CERTIFICATION.—In mak- allocations—effectively to release the On page 16, line 22, increase the amount by ing the certification described in subsection $17 million in new spending—once and $38,000,000. (a), the Comptroller General of the United only after the General Accounting Of- On page 16, line 23, increase the amount by States should take into account the fol- fice has certified the following: $38,000,000. lowing: No. 1, that no one at the Smithsonian On page 17, line 2, increase the amount by (1) The Smithsonian Institution is a pre- $39,000,000. is getting paid more than the President mier educational, historical, artistic, re- of the United States, as was proposed On page 17, line 3, increase the amount by search, and cultural organization for the $39,000,000. American people. by the House Appropriations Com- On page 20, line 12, increase the amount by (2) The Inspector General for the Smithso- mittee last year; no more paying for $7,000,000. nian Institution recently issued a report re- French doors at the Secretary’s home, On page 20, line 13, increase the amount by garding an investigation of unauthorized and in other words. There are many fine $7,000,000. excessive authorized compensation, benefits, museums and charities that receive the On page 20, line 16, increase the amount by and expenditures by the Secretary of the same amount of charitable donations $39,000,000. Smithsonian Institution. as the Smithsonian that are able to On page 20, line 17, increase the amount by (3) The Inspector General’s findings indi- hire very able directors for what we $39,000,000. cate that the actions of the Secretary of the On page 20, line 20, increase the amount by Smithsonian Institution are not in keeping pay the President of the United States. $38,000,000. with the public trust of the office of the Sec- No. 2, the Smithsonian must follow On page 20, line 21, increase the amount by retary of the Smithsonian Institution. the travel expenditure guidelines of the $38,000,000. (4) Priority should be given to funding for Federal Government. No more first- On page 20, line 24, increase the amount by necessary repairs to maintain and repair class flights with wife and Secretary to $38,000,000. Smithsonian Institution buildings and infra- Hawaii to enjoy Thanksgiving. On page 20, line 25, increase the amount by structure and protect America’s treasures. No. 3, the Smithsonian must have $38,000,000. (5) Priority should be given to full funding ethics rules similar to the ethics rules On page 21, line 3, increase the amount by for the Office of the Inspector General for of Federal Government employees. No $38,000,000. the Smithsonian Institution so that the On page 21, line 4, increase the amount by more sitting on corporate boards, mak- American people and Congress have renewed ing big, big money—corporations that $38,000,000. confidence that tax-preferred donations and AMENDMENT NO. 502 Federal funds are being spent appropriately have contractual relations with the Smithsonian and possible conflicts of Mr. GRASSLEY. I ask unanimous and in keeping with the best practices of the charitable sector. interest. consent to set that amendment aside The amendment also makes clear Mr. GRASSLEY. Mr. President, this for the consideration of an amendment that the actions of the Secretary are amendment, as I said, focuses on the dealing with the Smithsonian. not in keeping with the public trust of Federal Government’s support for the The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without the office. Smithsonian Institution. The Amer- objection, it is so ordered. Finally, the amendment states that a ican people, I believe, have been The clerk will report the amendment. priority should be given to funding for shocked and outraged to read in news- The bill clerk read as follows: repairing and maintaining the Smith- papers and see on their TVs a story The Senator from Iowa [Mr. GRASSLEY] sonian and to fully fund the Office of about the out-of-control spending at proposes an amendment numbered 502. Inspector General at the Smithsonian the Smithsonian by the Secretary of The amendment is as follows: so the American people and the Con- the Institution: First-class air travel (Purpose: To ensure the appropriate use of gress can have renewed confidence that for the Secretary and his wife, a palace funds provided for the Smithsonian Insti- the $700 million-plus in Federal funds for an office, and hundreds of thou- tution, and for other purposes) the Smithsonian has is used properly sands of dollars spent on the Sec- On page 41, line 9, decrease the amount by and appropriately. $17,000,000. retary’s own home for things such as I am still working with the chairman On page 41, line 10, decrease the amount by chandelier cleaning and pool heaters and with Senator GREGG to make cer- $15,000,000. are impossible to justify. As my col- tain this amendment is drafted in a At the appropriate place insert the fol- leagues know, the Federal Government manner that meets their concerns. I lowing: provides over 70 percent of the am confident we can do that. SEC. ll. ADJUSTMENT FOR SMITHSONIAN IN- Smithsonian’s approximately $1 billion I yield the floor. STITUTION SALARIES AND EX- budget. Most of the rest of the budget PENSES. The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- (a) IN GENERAL.—The Chairman of the Sen- comes from tax-preferred charitable ator from North Dakota. ate Committee on the Budget may revise the donations. Directly or indirectly, the Mr. CONRAD. Mr. President, very allocations, aggregates, and discretionary Federal taxpayers pay for almost ev- briefly—because I know Senator LIN- spending limits for one or more bills, joint erything in the Smithsonian. COLN is waiting and we will be giving resolutions, motions, amendments, or con- My amendment is very straight- her 15 minutes and giving Senator ference reports that make discretionary ap- forward. The budget resolution pro- CHAMBLISS 10 minutes to respond to propriations for fiscal year 2008 for an vides for a $17 million increase for the this—on the most recent amendment, I amount appropriated, but not to exceed Smithsonian. I commend the chairman $17,000,000 in budgetary authority and out- would say to Senator GRASSLEY, do you lays flowing therefrom, once the Comptroller of the Budget Committee for increas- need a rollcall vote or is this some- General of the United States has submitted a ing the spending for the Institution, thing we can take on a voice vote? certification to Congress that since April 1, and I support that action. As a report Mr. GRASSLEY. We do not need a 2007— issued today from the Smithsonian rollcall vote.

VerDate Aug 31 2005 02:39 Apr 26, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00031 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\RECORD07\S21MR7.REC S21MR7 pwalker on PROD1PC69 with CONG-REC-ONLINE S3484 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE March 21, 2007 Mr. GRASSLEY. We do not need a Just as Senator DORGAN talked about mentioned. We came to the table and rollcall vote. the solidness of the names of his farm- we agreed each other had points to be Mr. CONRAD. That would be enor- ers, guess what. The names of my farm- made, and we came up with something mously helpful. If we could spend a lit- ers are not any less American or any that was in the middle of the road, and tle time working together so we make less solid. I have got to say, I am as would at least be acceptable by both. sure we get this drafted so this works proud of those farmers in my State The amendment now before us would with the larger resolution, I think it is who plant seed in the ground and help seek to further limit that very support something we can take on a voice vote. to provide food and fiber for this world at a time the producers need help the But let’s make sure we have it drafted and for our country as he is. It does not most, creating a gaping hole in the in a way all of us intend. necessarily mean how wholesome your safety net for farmers. Furthermore, Mr. GRASSLEY. I am sure we will be name might be whether you are a good during hearings and listening sessions able to work that out. American farmer. on the proposals for a new farm bill, Mr. CONRAD. I thank the Senator They talk about 10 percent of our most farm organizations support the from Iowa very much. farmers get roughly 72 percent in terms compromises agreed to in the 2002 bill, Now we are back to the question of of these payments. Well, I will also let and they recognize that future arbi- payment limits. I yield 15 minutes to you know the other side of that coin, trary limits on farm payments only the Senator from Arkansas. and that is 10 percent of our producers serve to diminish our producers’ ability The PRESIDING OFFICER (Mr. out there represent 90 percent of what to compete globally. CARDIN). The Senator from Arkansas. is produced in this country. Mrs. LINCOLN. I thank the chairman Yes, we have some large farmers. We Proponents of tighter limits continue for his tireless work. He and his staff have farmers who are hardcore and to sensationalize this issue by citing are remarkable in the way they go at diligent and as red-blooded and as misleading articles about large farm this budget. They do a tremendous job American as some of the smaller farm- operations receiving very large pay- of trying to balance so many different ers are. Yes, they do produce a tremen- ments as a reason to target support to items of interest to this diverse body, dous amount, 90 percent of the food and smaller farmers. Because my farmers and certainly to the priorities of the fiber we have in this country. It is are larger does not mean they are not American people. I compliment him on critically important to remember that. family farmers or they are not young the hard work he has put into this ef- It is not size that is important. The farmers; it means they are doing what fort. dollars, these dollars we talk about, do they have to do to compete. I know the Senator from Iowa knows not go into their pockets, these dollars Unfortunately, sensationalized sto- the great respect I have for him. He go to the banker, the local seed dealers ries only serve to cloud this misunder- and I have worked together on the Fi- and the implement dealers to pay off stood issue further. Senators need to nance Committee on multiple things. the notes it takes to farm, particularly understand this amendment has very Unfortunately we come today with a in southern parts of this country be- serious implications. Let me attempt large disagreement. I rise today in cause of the capital-intensive crops we to provide a bit of clarity on this issue strong opposition to the amendment grow. of farm size. offered by the Senator from Iowa re- Senator DORGAN brings up dead indi- First, payment limitations have dis- garding further payment restrictions, viduals who get payments. I would pro- proportionate effects on different re- because we did deal with this issue in pose that that is illegal. That is not a gions of this country; there is no doubt the 2002 farm bill. problem this issue takes care of. That about it. Simply put, the size of farm We came to a compromise, and a is a problem for USDA, and it is one operations is relative to your region. compromise is just that: It is where that should be taken care of. But it Put even more simply, a small farm in two sides come together and figure out misrepresents what the debate here Arkansas may be a huge farm in an- something that is reasonable for every- today is all about. That is what I want other area of the country, which leads body. But this amendment goes farther to bring people back to. me to my next point. This amendment on payment restrictions on the farm Above all else, our farm policy seeks continues to unfairly discriminate on a safety net offered by Senator GRASSLEY to do one thing for all of our farmers, regional basis because it does not dif- and Senator DORGAN. This issue of pay- whether you are in one region of the ferentiate between crops that are ex- ment limitations is not a new topic of country or another. It seeks to provide tremely cost intensive and those that debate. Yet, unfortunately, it will no for those producers of commodities a are not cost intensive. In Arkansas, we doubt be a topic of much debate as we strong level of support, a safety net, raise rice and cotton, two of our larg- work to craft a new farm bill this year. not a hammock but a safety net, to est commodities, and we do so because I have been here in the Congress during protect these producers against low that is what we are suited to grow; two debates, two farm bills. We have prices brought on by factors that are that is what any farmer would grow. produced two farm bills, and I have completely beyond their control, in- These crops happen to be the most ex- been a part of that. cluding but not limited to foreign tar- pensive crops to produce in the entire I realize that is an important avenue iffs and subsidies some five or six times country. and the place where this debate should greater than the help that is provided be taken. In my view, it is within the to farmers across this globe and what This amendment would lump cotton context of our farm bill, not the con- we provide our growers. Yet they still and rice into the same category with text of this budget debate, that this provide us with the safest, most abun- crops that require half as much of an issue should be debated. We do not need dant, and affordable food supply in the input in terms of cost. to be here talking within the context world. Finally, on the issue of size, farmers of the budget about policy decisions One of the fatal flaws of the 1996 bill, of commodities are not getting larger that should be debated and decided in which was called Freedom to Farm, to receive more payments. They do not the farm bill through the Agriculture was its lack of an adequate safety net want to have to become larger farmers; Committee. in the face of foreign subsidies and tar- it creates more of a challenge and cer- This issue remains largely misunder- iffs that dwarf our support of U.S. pro- tainly more obstacles for them. They stood for many both inside and outside ducers. get larger in an attempt to create an the beltway. While I wish this were not I know Senator GRASSLEY and Sen- economy of scale, to remain competi- the case, I gladly take this opportunity ator DORGAN and many of my col- tive internationally. You can see it in to provide some clarity to this issue, leagues on both sides of the aisle recog- business. How do they offer lower hopefully some passion as well, because nize the challenges our U.S. producers prices to their consumers? They create as a farmer’s daughter I take a tremen- and industries face in an uncertain and an economy of scale that allows them dous amount of pride in telling others often, quite frankly, unfair global mar- to be able to do that. That is exactly about the farmers whom I represent ketplace. I am proud to say the 2002 what our farmers are doing in the and what American farmers provide farm bill corrected that mistake. It southern growing areas of the country. this Nation and this world. was a hard-fought compromise, as I At a time when we were telling our

VerDate Aug 31 2005 02:39 Apr 26, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00032 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\RECORD07\S21MR7.REC S21MR7 pwalker on PROD1PC69 with CONG-REC-ONLINE March 21, 2007 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S3485 farmers to compete on the global mar- crops in regard to all of the regula- The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- ket, we now hear of in this budget de- tions, whether it is the regulation of ator from Georgia is recognized for 10 bate an amendment that would dis- their chemical application and the minutes. courage farmers from acquiring the tests they have to take, whether it is Mr. CHAMBLISS. Mr. President, I very economies of scale they will need making sure they are meeting the commend my colleague from Arkansas to compete in that global marketplace. guidelines of keeping wetlands con- for a forceful, correct, and direct argu- If you limit the amount of support servation areas, making sure they are ment on this issue. Here we go again. farmers may receive, you are placing not stripping the land or not using the This is the annual debate we have over on them a substantial domestic dis- land properly, but they are doing it in whether the farm bill should be rewrit- advantage before sending them out to the best sense of what it means to ev- ten during budget resolution, which is compete in an international market- erybody involved to be good conserva- what was tried last time, when the ap- place that is already unfair for our pro- tionists. propriate place to write the farm bill is ducers. This is not the case in Europe We do that, and we do that at a small during debate on the farm bill. That is and other foreign markets where agri- cost, a small cost, which is a safety net going to take place later this year. cultural subsidies and tariffs are at a program that is less than one-half of 1 Once this budget is completed, we will level far higher than we see in the percent of the overall budget, the agri- have the numbers to move ahead in de- United States. culture budget. What an investment for ciding what the new 5-year farm bill Finally, I say to those who feel farm- our children to know they will be able will be like. We are in the sixth year of ers are getting rich at the expense of to maintain not a trade deficit in agri- the current farm bill that was written the taxpayer, there is a reason why our culture but maintain domestic produc- in 2002. Yet here we are, in the last sons and daughters are not rushing tion of crops, food, and fiber that they year of the farm bill, debating a major back to the farm and their family’s know are going to be healthy and that provision of that legislation. heritage. It is because farming is a are going to be grown with the kind of Frankly, if one goes to farmers all very tough business with a lot of chal- regulations that produce a crop that is across America—and I say this because lenges. Senator DORGAN mentioned the safe, not an imported crop that is being I have done it. Senator GRASSLEY, who challenges his farmers face. My farm- grown with chemical applications that is my dear friend, has not. I held eight ers face similar challenges, if not we banned 10 years ago, or practices field hearings all across America last greater challenges, in terms of demo- that are less than phytosanitary condi- summer as chairman of the Senate Ag graphics and climate, in terms of pests tions. We want to make sure—and this Committee in which we asked farmers: and all of the many problems they face, is the way we do it—to provide the What do you think about the 2002 farm as well as the international market- safety net for all farmers in a way that bill? We even got specific and talked place, trade barriers, and a multitude they can maintain the economy of about payment limits: What do you of other things. scale. They have to in order to be able think about the payment limit provi- Farms that have been in families for to be competitive. sion? generations are being sold because I have to say, if we do not stand be- There is a general, overwhelming farm income is insufficient to meet the hind the farmers of this country, the consensus all across America that the rising input cost associated with rais- producers—all of them—and assure 2002 farm bill is working exactly the ing a crop, particularly in our area. I them their Government will support way farmers and ranchers wanted it to have to tell you, I have a wonderful the production of food and fiber in this work; that is, it has been a very mar- farm family farming 5,000 to 6,000 country, recognizing the regional dif- ket-oriented farm bill. In years when acres, which in some places would seem ferences and the challenges our pro- prices have been low, there have been to be a very large farm. It is a farmer ducers face in the global marketplace, Government payments to farmers. In with two sons who farm the land of making sure that for them we will ap- years when prices have been high, three widow women who live down the preciate the safe and abundant food there have been a minimal number of lane from him, and several, yes, and fiber supply they provide, we will payments going to farmers. inheritants of farm land who want to have made a sorry mistake. As a result of that farm bill being We have to make sure that we assure keep their farm in their family, per- very market oriented, we have saved them that we are not going to haps for their children who do not live $17 billion over the projected amount of outsource our food production but, there any longer. the expenditure in the farm bill from rather, that we are committed to en- Do they not have the right to main- 2002. Nobody is talking about that. No- suring that production stays here tain their farms to ensure that if there body is talking about the fact that our where it belongs. I urge my colleagues is a farmer there who can increase his farmers have been very efficient. They to think sensibly about this amend- amount of land enough through rental have done whatever is necessary to go ment, to vote against this amendment, property and others, to be able to keep back and rework their operations to and not to unfairly disadvantage farm- that land in production, to keep his make sure they maximize efficiency. ers in one region of the country, in my family farm alive and theirs as well? As a result, they have saved that $17 State and elsewhere. Furthermore, the He reaches to that economy of scale be- budget resolution is not the appro- billion. What Senator GRASSLEY has done cause it is the only way he can survive, priate venue for this debate. he and his two children. I ask my colleagues to oppose the today is to stand up and say: If you I urge my colleagues to take this op- Grassley-Dorgan amendment. Let’s make this change, and we limit these portunity to send a strong message to deal with this in the farm bill, the ap- big payments to farmers, we are going all of our farmers, not one region of the propriate place. Let’s come together. If to save $486 million. The fact is, he is country or another, one that tells them there needs to be a compromise, we not going to save one dime because their Government will stand behind will come to a compromise as we did what he does is, he takes that $486 mil- them and their rural communities they last time. We worked hard. We got a lion and spends it elsewhere. So we are support. good one. I do not think this amend- saving not one dime with the passage I have to say, we are coming dan- ment is necessary. of this amendment. gerously close to a trade deficit in ag- I thank my colleagues for their time What does this amendment do? It riculture. Do we want to see that hap- and attention. I hope they will takes the 2002 farm bill and interrupts pen? You know, it is unfortunate the thoughtfully review what we have pre- it during the last year of the farm bill American people have become very ac- sented today and not support the so that farmers and ranchers across customed to almost taking for granted Grassley-Dorgan amendment. America, and the bankers who have fi- the fact we not only produce an abun- I yield the floor. nanced those farmers and ranchers, dant food supply but that we produce a The PRESIDING OFFICER. Who now are going to be in a state of flux as safe and affordable one, the lowest per yields time? to whether what we decided in 2002 was capita of any other developed nation in The Senator from Georgia. going to be proposed for our farmers what we pay for food for our families, Mr. CHAMBLISS. I think I have 10 and ranchers for a 6-year period of time not to mention our growers grow our minutes. will, in fact, be lived up to by the U.S.

VerDate Aug 31 2005 02:39 Apr 26, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00033 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\RECORD07\S21MR7.REC S21MR7 pwalker on PROD1PC69 with CONG-REC-ONLINE S3486 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE March 21, 2007 Congress. The appropriate time and of farm program payments. That is true subsidies in the amount of four place to debate any payment limit pro- simply wrong. According to Kansas times greater than the payments that posal is during reauthorization. That is State University Economics Professor are made under the farm bill. going to be coming up shortly. Dr. Barry Flinchbaugh, those numbers I urge a ‘‘no’’ vote on the Grassley The Farm Security and Rural Invest- are far from the truth. It should be amendment at the appropriate time. ment Act of 2002 authorized a commis- noted that Dr. Flinchbaugh was chair- I yield the floor. sion on payment limitations for agri- man of the USDA Commission on the The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- culture. That commission has already Application of Payment Limits. Dr. ator from North Dakota. been referred to by Senator GRASSLEY. Flinchbaugh makes the point that Mr. CONRAD. I suggest the absence The purpose of this commission was to small farms, those defined with gross of a quorum. conduct a study on the potential im- sales of less than $100,000, make up 84 The PRESIDING OFFICER. The pact of further payment limitations on percent of the farms in the United clerk will call the roll. direct payments, countercyclical pay- States. They receive 30.5 percent of the The assistant legislative clerk pro- ments, as well as the marketing assist- payments while producing 21 percent of ceeded to call the roll. ance loan benefits on farm income, the food supply. Medium-sized farms, Mr. CONRAD. Mr. President, I ask land values, rural communities, agri- which are defined as farms with sales unanimous consent that the order for business infrastructure, planting deci- between $100,000 and $500,000, comprise the quorum call be rescinded. sions of producers affected, and supply 12.2 percent of total farms while pro- The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without and prices of covered and other agricul- ducing 28 percent of the food supply objection, it is so ordered. tural commodities. In other words, this and receive 42.7 percent of farm pro- Mr. CONRAD. How much time re- commission was to look at all aspects gram payments. Large farms that have mains?. of farming and decide what would be sales in excess of $500,000 and consist of The PRESIDING OFFICER. There is the effect of changing payment limits 3.8 percent of the farms, receive 27 per- 2 minutes. on agriculture in general. cent of farm program payments and Mr. CONRAD. I yield 2 minutes to The first recommendation of the provide over 50 percent of the food sup- the Senator from Georgia, Mr. ISAKSON. commission stated: ply. Mr. ISAKSON. Mr. President, I rise Any substantial changes should take place In the words of Dr. Flinchbaugh: in full support of Senator CHAMBLISS, with reauthorization of the next farm bill. These programs are designed for the me- the farmers of Georgia, and farmers No other aspect of Federal farm pol- dium-sized farmers. They’ve done what they around the United States of America. icy has been studied as extensively as were supposed to do. So what’s the issue? It’s This amendment, while I am sure it is payment limitations. The top rec- a farce. well-intended, has the effect of de- ommendation of those who studied this My point is that Senator GRASSLEY’s stroying agriculture in the South and issue was not to make any change. I amendment is not simply a budget-sav- in particular in Georgia. The cost of admit I come from a State where we ing measure; it is a complex issue that operations in Georgia is tremendous. would be negatively impacted by tight- deserves thorough discussion when all To have an arbitrary cap such as this er payment limits. farm policies are reviewed later this will be absolutely destructive to our I want to take note of the commis- year, not during the budget debate. part of the State and to the No. 1 in- sion members. This was a balanced The Grassley amendment substantially dustry in the State of Georgia. panel from all across the Nation. The alters farm policy rules that farmers Why are we trying to hurt farmers commission consisted of 10 members. and their bankers expect to be in place who only wish to provide a decent liv- They were from Kansas, Texas, Mis- through the life of this farm bill. His ing for their families? This is a diverse sissippi, Illinois, North Dakota, Iowa, amendment fails to recognize dif- and distinguished Senate with Mem- Georgia, Arizona, and USDA. They ferences in commodities, regions, as bers who have all kinds of experience. agreed to recommend that no substan- well as agribusiness infrastructure. But I doubt anyone here has ever tial changes in payment limits should Senator GRASSLEY blatantly ignores bought a cotton picker—not one, not take place outside of the reauthoriza- the recommendations of the commis- two. Many Georgians have to have two. tion of the farm bill. sion that studied this issue exten- When they buy them, they buy them at Another recommendation of the com- sively, an issue that has been studied a quarter of a million apiece. That in- mission stated as follows: more than any other aspect of Federal vestment in infrastructure alone, Changes in payment limits should be sen- farm policy. added to the trucks, the pickers, the sitive to differences in commodities, regions, Let me close by saying the Senator bins, and all the other facilities one and existing agribusiness infrastructure. from North Dakota, who is also a great needs, shows that this limitation would We talk about where the major por- friend of agriculture and a good friend be absolutely punitive to the farmers tion of the payment limits issue comes of mine and I have great respect for of the South. from. It actually comes from all over him, brought up the fact that dead While I respect greatly the Senator the country. But farmers in the South- farmers are receiving payments. I from Iowa and those who bring this east will be negatively impacted, prob- agree with my colleague from Arkan- amendment forward, I strenuously ob- ably more so than most others. Guess sas. If that is the case, then that is the ject to it on behalf of the farmers of where the largest number of payments individual who ought to be gone after, Georgia. I concur with the other Sen- goes to farmers. It doesn’t go to my not the payment limits in the farm ator from Georgia, Mr. CHAMBLISS, that home State of Georgia. It goes to Sen- bill. But if somebody is getting a pay- we should join other Members of the ator GRASSLEY’s State of Iowa. Do I ment that ought not to receive a pay- Senate in ensuring defeat of the Grass- have a problem with that? Absolutely ment, there ought to be a fraud charge ley amendment. not because I know he has farmers who filed and pursued against that par- Passage of this amendment would re- get dirt under their fingernails. They ticular individual. That is easy enough sult in many traditional family farms know how to change oil in their trac- to do. If anybody has the names, if going out of business in many, many tors. They know how to farm their they get them to me, I will get them in States. farms the way they can most effec- the right hands, and they are going to The Farm Service Agency is already tively derive an income from them, and be pursued from a fraud standpoint. going to be overwhelmed by many of they deserve to have support when That is the issue involved there, not the new programs included in this bill. times are tough. I have no problem whether payment limits are a problem This amendment would result in in- with that. They are doing exactly what with those particular individuals. creased costs to the government and to the farm bill allows them to do and The other issue, we talk about farm farmers. that is absolutely fine. payments in general. I think all of my Supporters of this amendment say One common misconception in regard farmers in the southern part of the that these payments go to the few and to farm program payments is that 10 United States would just as soon not the big. I could not disagree more. percent of farmers—and this has been get farm payments. The fact is, This amendment punishes the farmer stated today—receive 80 to 90 percent though, the Europeans pay subsidies, whose livelihood depends solely on the

VerDate Aug 31 2005 02:39 Apr 26, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00034 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\RECORD07\S21MR7.REC S21MR7 pwalker on PROD1PC69 with CONG-REC-ONLINE March 21, 2007 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S3487 farm. In my part of the country, a majority; then from 4:15 to 4:45 the (b) RESERVE FUND.— farmer must have a substantial oper- time to be under the control of Senator Mr. BAUCUS. Mr. President, I am of- ation to make ends meet. CORNYN on SCHIP, with 10 minutes fering an amendment that I hope will In the name of common sense, why after that reserved for a response by garner unanimous support. The amend- should anyone want to punish family our side on the Cornyn amendment; ment simply puts children first in farmers who have made large invest- and then—— America’s budget. ments in order to become competitive Mr. GREGG. The last 5 minutes. The amendment I am offering today, in an international marketplace? Mr. CONRAD. The last 5 minutes along with Senator ROCKEFELLER, says Why are we trying to hurt farmers under the control of Senator DORGAN. reauthorization of the State Children’s who only wish to provide a decent liv- The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there Health Insurance Plan, otherwise ing for their families even though they objection? known as SCHIP, is the top health pri- are facing soaring cost of production? Mr. CONRAD. Mr. President, we ority of this Congress. As I have stated, this is a diverse and should also make clear we have not I applaud the work of Chairman distinguished Senate with Members done second degrees. We are not doing CONRAD and other members of the that have all kinds of experience. But I second degrees. That is an under- Budget Committee for reporting out a doubt anyone here has ever bought a standing we have on both sides. budget that provides up to $50 billion The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there cotton picker. You know what a cotton over 5 years for reauthorization of objection to the unanimous consent re- picker costs today? The average price CHIP. quest? I am hopeful that the Senate will for a new one off the John Deere lot in Without objection, it is so ordered. adopt the other amendment that I of- Albany, GA, is about a quarter million The Senator from Montana is recog- fered earlier today. That amendment dollars. nized. will move $15 billion of that CHIP fund- If you’re an average farmer in south Mr. BAUCUS. Mr. President, I ask ing from the reserve fund into the Georgia, you’re going to need two of unanimous consent that all the pend- numbers of the resolution. It would them. That’s just the beginning of the ing amendments be temporarily laid make the funding even more likely to equipment needs. There’s tractors, aside. happen. grain carts, trucks—are all needed to The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without The $50 billion level of funding in the put a crop in. objection, it is so ordered. budget will ensure that CHIP can meet By the way, you know where those AMENDMENT NO. 504 the demand for services. This funding cotton pickers are made? In a great Mr. BAUCUS. Mr. President, I send will ensure that CHIP fulfills its prom- State: Iowa. I wonder if those employ- an amendment to the desk and ask for ise of providing health coverage for ees at that manufacturing plant sup- its immediate consideration. children who are eligible for CHIP and port this amendment? The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Medicaid but not enrolled. The cost of producing crops today clerk will report the amendment. Congress has a historic opportunity costs several hundred dollars per acre. The assistant legislative clerk read to help millions of children and fami- Reduced payment limits and increased as follows: lies this year. We must get this right. benefit targeting flies in the face of The Senator from Montana [Mr. BAUCUS], As we look at CHIP’s track record, skyrocketing production costs and for himself, and Mr. ROCKEFELLER, proposes we can be very proud of its accomplish- record-low commodity prices. an amendment numbered 504. ments over the past decade. In fact, this amendment would give Mr. BAUCUS. Mr. President, I ask Since 1997, the share of children with- less support to Southern farmers than unanimous consent that reading of the out health insurance has dropped by the current farm bill does. amendment be dispensed with. one-fifth. Among the poorest children— My colleagues, I will not stand wit- The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without those with family incomes less than ness to the demise of farming the objection, it is so ordered. twice the poverty level—one-third South. Therefore, I oppose this amend- The amendment is as follows: fewer children are uninsured today ment and ask my colleagues to do the (Purpose: To affirm the Senate’s commit- than in 1997. Just as Congress intended, same. ment to the reauthorization of the State the Children’s Health Insurance Pro- I yield the floor. Children’s Health Insurance Program) gram is making inroads to help more The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- On page 48, line 19, before ‘‘The’’ insert the children get health coverage. ator from North Dakota. following: The Children’s Health Insurance Pro- (a) PRIORITY.—The Senate establishes the gram has also helped to decrease racial Mr. CONRAD. Mr. President, I ask following priorities and makes the following unanimous consent that the time until and ethnic disparities in children’s cov- findings: erage. Today, the poorest African- 3:15 be on the subject of SCHIP and (1) The Senate shall make the enactment controlled by our side; from 3:15 to 4:15 of legislation to reauthorize the State Chil- American children are one-third more likely to have health coverage, and be controlled by Senator KYL, and that dren’s Health Insurance Program (SCHIP) its is equally divided. top health priority for the remainder of fis- Hispanic children are one-quarter more Mr. GREGG. Do we equally divide the cal year 2007, during the first session of the likely to have health coverage than 110th Congress. they were in 1997. time? Why don’t we give Senator KYL (2) Extending health care coverage to the The Children’s Health Insurance Pro- 40 minutes and your side 20 minutes. Nation’s uninsured children is an urgent pri- gram has also helped to improve the Mr. CONRAD. All right, 40 minutes ority for the Senate. quality of care children receive by in- to Senator KYL, 20 minutes to our side. (3) SCHIP has proven itself a successful creasing the likelihood children have a Then we have Senator CORNYN from program for covering previously uninsured ‘‘medical home’’—that is, a doctor, children. 4:15 to 4:45. clinic, or HMO they routinely visit for Mr. GREGG. On SCHIP. (4) More than 6 million children are en- rolled in this landmark program, which has care. Research demonstrates that 97 Mr. CONRAD. We may need 10 min- percent of children enrolled in CHIP utes in response to him. Then from enjoyed broad bipartisan support in Con- gress, among our Nation’s governors, and and Medicaid have a ‘‘medial home.’’ 4:50, 5 minutes, to respond to Senator within state and local governments. That is much better than the 72 per- CORNYN, 4:50, Senator DORGAN, and (5) SCHIP reduces the percentage of chil- cent of uninsured children. then we are going to go to votes. dren with unmet health care needs. We can all agree—CHIP is a great The PRESIDING OFFICER. Let’s (6) Since SCHIP was created, enormous program that has had tremendous ben- make sure we have that correct. Would progress has been made in reducing dispari- efit for millions of children. But we the Senator repeat the unanimous con- ties in children’s coverage rates. also know that we can do much better. sent request. (7) Uninsured children who gain coverage Today, three-fourths of the 9 million Mr. CONRAD. Mr. President, I would through SCHIP receive more preventive care uninsured children in our Nation are be happy to: that the time until 3:15 be and their parents report better access to pro- viders and improved communications with eligible for—either Medicaid or CHIP; controlled by our side on the subject of their children’s doctors. but they are not enrolled. CHIP reau- SCHIP; from 3:15 to 4:15 on the subject (8) Congress has a responsibility to reau- thorization holds the promise of help- of the Kyl amendment, with 40 minutes thorize SCHIP before the expiration of its ing us make a difference in these chil- for the minority, 20 minutes for the current authorization. dren’s lives.

VerDate Aug 31 2005 02:39 Apr 26, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00035 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\RECORD07\S21MR7.REC S21MR7 pwalker on PROD1PC69 with CONG-REC-ONLINE S3488 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE March 21, 2007 CHIP provides a funding stream to speak. I also thank the good Senator lives did they have health care or most help States provide health coverage to from North Dakota. anything else that really counted in children in need. But that funding AMENDMENT NO. 464 terms of giving them hope. So that has stream is often unpredictable and does Mr. President, I rise to speak on been kind of my moral compass ever not always track the demands for cov- amendment No. 464, the Grassley-Dor- since. It is the way I vote, it is the way erage in the State. We can do better. gan amendment on farm payment limi- I feel, and it is who I am. But we will not be able to address tations, making those limitations max I know this budget was not easy for these problems unless we move forward out at $250,000. That is a quarter of a the chairman of the Budget Com- with reauthorization this year. And we million dollars. That is how much mittee. But I am so proud the chair- must do so quickly. money that is going to be maxed out man and the Democrats are standing If Congress does not enact a reau- for individual family farmers to get. up for children and making CHIP reau- thorization bill before CHIP funding That is a reasonable request. I think it thorization the top health priority of expires on September 30, we will lose makes the farm bill more defendable to this year. This is not a Democratic pro- the $25 billion in CHIP funds that are the American people. gram. This is not a Republican pro- now in the Congressional Budget Office I am a family farmer. I understand gram. If there is anything at all that baseline. family farmers are the backbone of was ever an American program—Gov- We simply cannot afford to miss this this country. They keep our food secu- ernors, everybody—nobody can dis- deadline. We cannot tell States that we rity there so we do not have people agree on the power of this program, just could not get it done. We cannot going hungry. What the farm program with the exception that it is now in tell millions of children that they will has meant to do, and has always been deep stress. It has been cut by two- have to lose coverage. Failure is not an meant to be, is a safety net for farmers thirds from its present inadequate option. so when market prices drop they have funding. CHIP is certainly not the only solu- that safety net to depend upon. There This amendment would not only re- tion to the health care problems facing is not one farmer I know of who does store the full 6 million children who our Nation. I share the concerns voiced not want to get their income from the are not covered—and, again, I want you by so many of my colleagues about the marketplace. So we need to keep it to contemplate a child not covered, a need for broader health reforms. But that way. child who develops a toothache, a child CHIP can be a first step toward this We need to encourage fair trade who develops a stomachache, a child broader goal of health reform. deals. We need to encourage more com- who is miles from a hospital and whose This amendment commits the Senate petition in the marketplace. We need family may not have a car to get that to move forward to reauthorize CHIP to make sure our freight rates are, child there. before the deadline, this year. It is a what I would call, not abusive, if we Children’s health insurance means simple statement about the program’s are going to keep family farmers on everything. Immunization, preventive importance and of our will to put chil- the land. care—CHIP is the only program that dren first in our work this year. Some 30 years ago, the student body has ever done this. We did this with Let me be clear. CHIP is not a Demo- in the high school I went to in a farm- Medicare in 1965. We did it 30 years cratic priority or a Republican pri- ing community had 160 kids in it. later with the Children’s Health Insur- ority. This program was created in a Today, that same student body is less ance Program. I think it is the single bipartisan spirit fostered by the late than half that size because we have not most accepted Federal program in my Senator John Chafee and Senator had a farm bill that has worked for the State of West Virginia, with the excep- HATCH, working together with Senators farmers. tion, obviously, of Medicare, Social Se- KENNEDY and ROCKEFELLER. This amendment makes sense be- curity, and Medicaid. Reauthorization must also be a bi- cause it puts a cap of $250,000 on the The problem is the budget was cut. partisan priority. I intend to continue benefits from farm program subsidies So of the 6 million who originally were in this spirit and work with my col- and eliminates those big agribusinesses covered, many are now not covered. We league, Senator GRASSLY, and other that have been taking money they do have many problems facing us. The members of the Finance Committee to not need, quite frankly. They do not budget chairman, Senator CONRAD, has get this done the way it should be this need that safety net that the farm pro- corrected these problems. He has in- year. gram subsidies provide in our farm pro- cluded not only the 6 million who were I urge my colleagues to join me in gram. on it but many of whom were cut or supporting this amendment to rein- So with that, Mr. President, I ask would be cut, and then he has included force our bipartisan commitment to re- that all the Members of the Senate the 6 million more who are eligible be- authorize CHIP this year. Our children support amendment No. 464, the Grass- cause they qualify in every way except are depending on us. We must not let ley-Dorgan amendment, because it is there is not the money to cover them. them down. I strongly urge adoption of this the right thing to do. There would now be the money to The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- amendment at the appropriate time. cover them. In conclusion, we can all agree this is ator from West Virginia. I have never faced the problem, to be a great program with tremendous ben- AMENDMENT NO. 504 honest, could I make it in life in some efit for millions of children. We also Mr. ROCKEFELLER. Mr. President, I way or another, where was my next know we can do much better. speak today in support of the budget meal coming from, what would happen Mr. President, we have a list of co- resolution. I have many highly com- if I had some kind of an illness. That is sponsors on this amendment which I do plimentary things I could say about not the typical experience in lots of not have with me at the moment. We Senator CONRAD, who has probably the rural America and urban America. will get that later for the RECORD. But toughest job in the Senate. He has pro- That is where my heart lies, with those I strongly urge the adoption, at the ap- ceeded brilliantly, fairly, calmly, and people. I think we have a sacred re- propriate time, of this amendment be- within the public interest. The public sponsibility as a Senate, on the most cause we then would be putting chil- interest is, to me, the most important. bipartisan issue I can possibly think of, dren first. He has shown that commitment by in- to remedy this problem and to take Mr. President, I ask unanimous con- cluding $50 billion for the reauthoriza- care of it quickly by adopting this sent that my colleague from Montana tion of the Children’s Health Insurance piece of legislation. be given 3 minutes at this time. He has Program. We remember, in 1977, there were 10 been waiting very patiently. I reserve a note of personal privilege. million uninsured children. The failure The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without I first became aware of what happens of health care reform in the early 1990s objection, it is so ordered. to children—in this case, in rural took away our will, took the wind out The Senator from Montana is recog- America—when I was a Vista volunteer of our sails. It turned us into nized. in West Virginia in 1964 and 1965. I saw incrementalists. So we did not start Mr. TESTER. Mr. President, I thank children and their families who had no thinking about the big picture, how to Senator BAUCUS for allowing me to concept of health care. Never in their cover Americans broadly.

VerDate Aug 31 2005 02:39 Apr 26, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00036 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\RECORD07\S21MR7.REC S21MR7 pwalker on PROD1PC69 with CONG-REC-ONLINE March 21, 2007 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S3489 I can remember standing on the floor mitment of $50 billion, to help those the last 5 years. The principal reason of the Senate with the senior Senator working families get health insurance for that is because this administration from Massachusetts. People were say- for their children. So if their child has has relaxed environmental protections ing: Well, this is nationalized health an earache, if that child is suffering and increased numbers of toxins that insurance. We were waving our Blue from asthma, if that child has intes- are in the air. We have double the num- Cross-Blue Shield cards. It did not tinal flu, the parent will not have to ber of children who are dying from make any difference, once it was la- stay awake all night and wonder asthma now, this year, than we had 9 beled that was it: dead on arrival. That whether that child is $225 sick, because years ago. was a tragedy and now is a particular that is what it is going to cost that But look at what this does for those tragedy with respect to children. working family to take that child down children who have asthma, before en- So today we have almost 9 million to the emergency room. They won’t rollment and after enrollment—the children under the age of 18, and they have to worry about sending that child dramatic reduction. Here are the num- still have absolutely no health insur- to school sick while they go out to ber of asthma attacks, the number of ance. How does one walk into this work. That day, the child will be able medical visits, and we see the dramatic body, with the health insurance we to get good, quality health care. That reduction of attacks in terms of the have, with the people we represent, and is what we stand for on this side. children of this country. allow a situation like that to continue? We see the success of this program. So it really comes down to this: This It is a profound moral issue. It takes We have seen over the period of these chart demonstrates the alternatives, the form of legislation, it takes the last years the growth of millions of en- what is included in the Baucus-Rocke- form of goodwill and determination, rolled children, up to 6 million chil- feller amendment and what we have but it is a profound moral obligation of dren, and we know this program can with the Republican proposal. Their the richest country in the world. work for an additional 6 million chil- proposal is less than half than what is So I am strongly for this Baucus leg- dren. needed to maintain the current serv- islation. I think we have an obligation But we are faced with a budget on ices—the current services; not increas- to adopt it. I hope we have the courage the opposite side by the Republicans, ing and providing the health care cov- and the skill to do so. and what would that do? It would effec- erage for children but just for current I thank the Presiding Officer and tively drop almost half of the children services—and the Senate budget resolu- yield the floor. who are currently covered. tion is the $50 billion to cover all eligi- The PRESIDING OFFICER. Who Here is a map which says 14 States ble children. That is the issue. This yields time? will run out of SCHIP funds in fiscal budget puts the children first, and the Mr. CONRAD. Mr. President, I ask year 2007 under what the administra- most dramatic example of that is the the Senator from Massachusetts, how tion has proposed. Big alternative. You strong commitment to ensure that all much time does he desire? asked about alternatives. Our budget the 6 million children who are eligible Mr. KENNEDY. Mr. President, 7, 8 would provide the full coverage. This is for CHIP and Medicaid are covered. minutes. what happened in the red States on the Those who are basically the sons and Mr. CONRAD. Mr. President, I yield chart. If you live in those red States daughters of working families in this 1 7 ⁄2 minutes to the Senator from Massa- and have children, you are in big trou- country will know that under this chusetts. ble. Here it is in 2008, an increasing budget, help is on the way. This will be The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- number of States that are going to be true in every State across this country. ator from Massachusetts is recognized. excluded. This has been a success, and it has Mr. KENNEDY. Mr. President, will Finally, by 2012, under the Repub- been bipartisan. I take my hat off to the Chair let me know when there is a lican budget—look at this—virtually 80 my colleagues and friends, Senator minute and a half remaining? percent of the States will see a drop in HATCH, Senator SNOWE, and Senator Mr. President, first of all, I think all the coverage for their children. With SMITH—all Republicans. Republicans of America ought to understand a basic the program that has been put forward and Democrats have worked together. and fundamental principle: this budget by Senator CONRAD and others, it will But on this issue in terms of priorities, debate is really about national prior- mean all of this will be white because which is a key element in this budget ities. It is about a national priority. we will make sure all of those children debate and a key difference between That is why we rise here. are covered. the two views about the budget, this Senator BAUCUS, Senator ROCKE- Now, what is the impact in terms of amendment is an essential aspect of FELLER, myself—it is not just the health disparities? Let’s talk now the budget proposal, and I commend Democrats on this issue of the Chil- about the impact on children. We Senator CONRAD and those on the dren’s Health Insurance Program, but talked about the numbers. We talked Budget Committee for supporting it. Republicans as well—but we have been about the budget. Let’s talk about I yield back the floor. around here for many years, and what what the health impact is on the chil- The PRESIDING OFFICER. Who a difference a year makes because in dren. yields time? this particular budget we are putting The SCHIP program reduces health Mr. CONRAD. Mr. President, let me children first. We are putting children disparities. This chart shows the dis- thank the Senator from Massachusetts first. We are putting children’s health parities between the various groups be- and thank those who have spoken on care first, and we are putting children’s fore the enrollment—between White, SCHIP. education first. What a difference it is African American, and Hispanic—and from the recent years where all we had after enrollment. Look at this dra- I note the absence of a quorum. is tax breaks, after tax breaks, after matic reduction in terms of the dis- The PRESIDING OFFICER. The tax breaks. This budget is different. parities. clerk will call the roll. This budget is very different. It says Health disparities are one of the prin- The assistant legislative clerk pro- children are going to be first. cipal problems we are facing in our ceeded to call the roll. Secondly, it says that we know there health care system today. This is one The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- are probably 9 million children who do of the best ways to resolve the health ator from Massachusetts is recognized. not have any kind of health insurance, disparities, with the Baucus amend- Mr. KENNEDY. Mr. President, I ask but about 6 million of them are eligible ment, to try to make sure that there is unanimous consent that the order for for Medicaid and CHIP. We find that coverage for every child in America, the quorum call be rescinded. working Americans are having more because of all of the long-range impli- The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without and more difficulty affording health in- cations of reducing the costs of health objection, it is so ordered. surance. One of their great concerns is care, but most of all because we care Who yields time? not just for themselves but for their about the children. Mr. CONRAD. Mr. President, could children. This shows one particular disease: we do 5 minutes? Help is on the way with this budget asthma. We have seen the rate of asth- Mr. KENNEDY. Five minutes, yes. because with this budget makes a com- ma virtually double over the period of Mr. CONRAD. I thank the Chair.

VerDate Aug 31 2005 02:39 Apr 26, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00037 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\RECORD07\S21MR7.REC S21MR7 pwalker on PROD1PC69 with CONG-REC-ONLINE S3490 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE March 21, 2007 The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- when schools are being asked to do dents and from low- and middle-income ator from North Dakota yields 5 min- more. families. utes to the Senator from Massachu- We had the debate and the discussion But when you talk about investing in setts. yesterday, and my colleagues listened children, don’t listen to the Senator Mr. KENNEDY. Mr. President, if you to my friend and colleague from New from New Hampshire and don’t listen would let me know when there is 1 Hampshire talk about all the increases to me; listen to your superintendent of minute left. in education. Go ask any school board schools, listen to the schoolteachers, I would like to take a few minutes to in this country, go ask any super- listen to parents, and you will find out respond to the points the senior Sen- intendent in the country, go ask any what has been happening and where the ator from New Hampshire made yester- teacher in this country what has hap- cuts have been over the past years. If day regarding the track record of the pened in their school and what has hap- there is a question about what has been administration and the Republican pened in their district and what has happening in student loans, ask any Congress on education funding. happened in their community on edu- middle-income or low-income family. Senator GREGG points to the historic cation. You will hear the answer: It has Ask any students who are going to our increases in the No Child Left Behind been cut, cut, cut, cut. That has been fine public and private colleges. You Act funding under President Bush, but the answer. You can make all the will find out the tuitions have been what he doesn’t point out is that most charts in the world. But go out and ask going up through the roof, and a sub- of the increase happened after the first the schoolteachers, go out and ask the stantial part of that is by the fact that year of enactment of the No Child Left superintendents of schools, and they we have a student loan program that Behind Act when Democrats controlled know what has been happening. It has works for the banks and not for the the Senate and demanded a substantial been as we have described here. students. increase. Since then, new funding for That has certainly been true as well The PRESIDING OFFICER (Mrs. elementary and secondary education in the Republican reconciliation bill MCCASKILL). Who yields time? has plummeted. last year, which my colleague from Mr. CONRAD. Madam President, un- These are the figures. The Presi- New Hampshire claimed provided $9 fortunately, we have two Senators and dent’s budget for fiscal year 2002 con- billion in student benefits and did not we have about 12 minutes remaining. tained virtually no increase in funding cut $12 billion from the student loan Senator REED, how much time do you for No Child Left Behind. In the two programs. The facts are that $22 billion need? Mr. REED. Five minutes. Mr. CONRAD. Madam President, I years following that, he actually pro- was cut from the student loan pro- yield 5 minutes to Senator REED and posed cuts in funding for No Child Left grams. About $9 billion was spent by then the remaining time to Senator Behind. The year after that saw a mini- that bill more than half of it on mal increase and then No Child Left MURRAY. sweetners for the banks, such as in- The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- Behind was actually cut. In fact, since creased loan limits on federally sub- ator from Rhode Island is recognized. President Bush has been in office, most sidized loans and reduced origination Mr. REED. Madam President, I thank increases in funding for education have fees which translate to increased prof- the Senator for his gracious yielding of come about due to pressure from Con- its for banks. time and for his exceptional work on gressional Democrats. A small grant program was included, this budget. No Child Left Behind is only half the but as my friend from New Hampshire I wish to speak particularly to the story. Under Republican control of the acknowledged yesterday, 90 percent of issue of SCHIP. Shortly, Senator Senate, increases in funding for edu- students are not eligible for that pro- CORNYN will offer an amendment that cation programs overall have gotten gram. 4.7 million Pell eligible students was offered in the Budget Committee smaller year after year. were left out in the cold. and defeated there, and it should be de- Two years ago, funding for education The Senate bill included $6 billion in feated on the floor of the Senate. His was actually cut by over half a billion grant aid for all Pell eligible students, amendment seeks to tie the hands of dollars. Last year, the President pro- but the Republicans jettisoned that the Finance Committee and make pol- posed the largest cut to overall edu- proposal in a partisan conference. This icy determinations on a program that cation funding in the history of the De- program also wrongly limits eligibility has direct impact on millions of Amer- partment of Education—$2.2 billion— to students enrolled in school full time. ican families and children. and again this year, the President’s So forget it if you’re trying to support Millions of low-income Americans re- proposal is an overall cut of $1.3 bil- a family and have to work while you’re ceive their health care under the State lion. trying to get your degree. This limita- Children’s Health Insurance Program, So my colleague from New Hamp- tion and others related to curriculum SCHIP. This program is a safety net for shire is right. President Bush claims to also exclude virtually all community low-income families. Rhode Island has include an increase of $1 billion in No college students. provided extraordinary support to fam- Child Left Behind funding in his budget But the most important fact is one ilies working and struggling to provide for this year, but that is not a real in- conceded by the Senator from New health care for their children. By most crease. First, it does nothing more Hampshire. The vast majority of the estimates, the number of uninsured is than fill the cut that was enacted in cuts to student loan programs were not going up in this country—most re- 2006, and worse, as he has time and dedicated to student aid. Instead, $12 cently estimated at about 46 million. If again, the President robs other edu- billion was used to offset tax giveaways we undermine the SCHIP program, cation programs to pay for it. for the wealthy. those numbers will increase and par- As I mentioned, he proposes a $1.3 Our schools, children and families de- ticularly, obviously, in the ranks of un- billion cut to education programs over- serve more than accounting gimmicks. insured children. all. That is not providing new re- Our schools need new resources to SCHIP provides approximately 20,000 sources for our schools; that is a shell make progress on reform, and families Rhode Islanders with health insurance game. But even more important than need real help to afford a college edu- coverage. My State worked hard on a these points is the fact that the fund- cation for their children. Republican bipartisan basis—Republican Gov- ing which has been secured is simply budgets have provided neither. ernors, Democratic Governors, and the insufficient to fulfill the bipartisan How much greed do those lending Democratic assembly—to build a promise to leave no child behind. That companies want? Has anybody read the health care system for children that was a promise, not a political slogan. New York Times recently about what works. A few years ago, we had one of But year after year of broken promises is happening with the investigations of the lowest rates of uninsured children by the White House and the Republican the student loan program, those bil- in the Nation because of SCHIP and Congress have left 3.7 million children lions of dollars going to the student local efforts. In the last several years, behind. Their budgets have meant larg- loan program? Sallie Mae—the value of the rate of uninsured children, even in er, not smaller, class sizes. They’ve its stock was $3.17 in January 1995; it Rhode Island, has gone up. meant fewer teachers trained. This ir- has traded above $50 per share for most We have to have the resources to responsible neglect comes at a time of this year. That is coming from stu- keep this program going forward.

VerDate Aug 31 2005 02:39 Apr 26, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00038 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\RECORD07\S21MR7.REC S21MR7 pwalker on PROD1PC69 with CONG-REC-ONLINE March 21, 2007 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S3491 These dollars mean the difference be- one of which the people can be proud. I grandchildren, without a plan to bring tween children getting access to health know the people of Rhode Island will this budget back into balance. care and being denied health care. It be. On this side, we have said for a num- affects their ability to learn in school I yield the floor. ber of years there is a better way, and and their long-term ability to be pro- The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- this budget proves that. I recognize, as ductive and contributing citizens. This ator from Washington is recognized. we all do, we cannot fund everything is a vital program. Mrs. MURRAY. Madam President, I everybody wants. No budget can. But We see these shortfalls perennially in rise to support the Baucus amendment this budget, I believe, moves us in the some States that aggressively support as opposed to the Cornyn amendment. I right direction in a responsible way, the SCHIP program. We have been able am thrilled this budget before us ad- and that is a dramatic new start for to make fixes in the past, redistrib- dresses health care in a responsible this Senate. Last year, we were strug- uting funds. This time, we need a budg- way in the amendment from this side. gling to protect critical needs. This et—and Senator CONRAD has provided We provide up to $50 billion for this year, we are investing in them. it—that will give us the resources and critical Children’s Health Insurance I wish to highlight some of the na- flexibility to reauthorize SCHIP so it Program over the next 15 years that tional priorities in this budget. We will work in the future. will allow eligible children, who are know the Bush administration has not Senators BOXER, CONRAD, and ROCKE- not today enrolled, to be able to get adequately funded veterans health FELLER have put forth responsible the coverage they so necessarily need, care. Now, as we begin the fifth year of amendments to deal with the SCHIP and it is a critical step. this war this week, that becomes more policy issue. Unlike the proposed I commend the authors on this side and more evident across the country— amendment of Senator CORNYN, the and Senator CONRAD for his tremen- whether it is our veterans, who have Baucus-Rockefeller amendment puts dous work on that amendment. I rise been struggling to get mental health the needs and interests of children first also to thank Senator CONRAD for his care, or are waiting in long lines for in the context of reauthorization. tremendous leadership in finally bring- benefit claims, or a lack of focus on the I believe this budget, including up to ing us a budget that redirects the pri- signature issue of this war, traumatic $50 billion to expand SCHIP, is exactly orities of America’s working families. brain injury, that we have seen high- the right direction. When you go to Our families across the country want lighted in the press over the last sev- Rhode Island, or any State, and you us to focus on strengthening our coun- eral weeks, or seeing that veterans are talk to particularly the working people try from within. That starts by invest- shortchanged at medical facilities, as who are struggling to make ends meet, ing at home in our schools, as Senator we saw with Walter Reed. This budget we are presenting to the No. 1 issue on their minds is: How KENNEDY talked about, and in our in- America increases our support for vet- can I afford health care insurance? frastructure, and in our communities. I had a neighbor rush across the That is exactly what this budget does. erans by $3.5 billion over the Presi- dent’s proposal. In fact, the total $43.1 street last Friday morning, while I was It still provides every dollar the Presi- billion we are now investing in vet- clearing the snow off my car, who said: dent asked for for Defense spending erans’ care represents a full 98 percent I don’t know what I can do; my health over the next 5 years. of the independent budget. That is the insurance just went up 66 percent. That Americans want us to make invest- budget that has been devised by our is the crisis real Americans face every ments in our future in a responsible veterans service organizations that, as day. This is a response—a very impor- way. Every family knows the impor- we all know, clearly have proven to be tant response—but not a final answer tance of fiscal discipline and the im- fairly accurate in what they have told to health care in the United States. portance of keeping a balanced budget. us they needed over the last years. Goodness gracious, if we cannot take They expect the Federal Government Our budget also, importantly, rejects care of children and give them health to share that responsibility. With this the President’s proposal that would care, then what else should we do? budget, we are restoring an important have imposed new fees and higher drug What is more important than that? pay-as-you-go rule that means we are copayments on some of our veterans. I think we have to recognize that being responsible today, and we are not Those fees would force more than some States, such as mine, have been burdening our grandchildren with new 100,000 of our veterans to leave the VA able to expand this program to include debt tomorrow. health care system, and that was the parents of some of these children. American families, we know, also wrongheaded. That is a positive step because it pro- need relief from taxes that are too I have seen personally the detri- vides better health care for the whole much today squeezing the middle class, mental effects of underfunding vet- family. In fact, the statistics and anal- and the budget Senator CONRAD has put erans health care. As everybody knows, yses show if you can have a family forward provides relief from the alter- I have fought very hard on this floor to treated as a whole, you have a better native minimum tax for 2 years and fix the administration’s funding blun- health outcome. Also, it provides, avoids any tax increases. I commend ders and had to work hard here to in- again, another way to stop the ever in- him for his responsible approach. crease veterans funding by $3 billion in creasing number of uninsured Ameri- With this budget, we are proving we 2005 and 2006. By increasing funding for cans, be they children or adults. can invest in our people and our com- veterans, this budget finally does what I congratulate Chairman CONRAD for munities and our security without sac- the administration has failed to do, his work and commitment. I hope when rificing the future. It is important to and that is recognize the service and we leave this budget debate, we can note, as we debate the budget today, sacrifice of those men and women who proclaim loudly and proudly we have that it reflects a new direction for our have paid the price of this war. expanded coverage health care cov- country. I recall last November when We heard Senator KENNEDY a few erage for children in this country. That the American people demanded a minutes ago make a strong statement is something I think we can all take change, and this budget reflects that on education. This budget begins to in- great pride and claim satisfaction in call. It says across this country that vest here at home in our schools. We doing. I urge us to reject the Cornyn we will no longer see our veterans have seen years of painful cuts. After amendment and support this budget. I shortchanged on their medical care; we that time, we have produced a budget commend Senator CONRAD for what he will no longer see our communities fac- today that addresses the needs of has done. ing very painful cuts in housing; we American families who worry so much I will make several quick points will no longer have our ports having about finding and affording educational about the budget. It restores fiscal dis- gaping security holes they have faced opportunities for their children. This cipline. I commend the chairman for for too long; no longer will our schools budget provides the largest increase in that. It adds important assets and com- be so underfunded; no longer will com- funding for elementary and secondary mitments to affordable housing funds. munity health care be undermined con- education programs in 5 years. That is The language allows us to go forward tinuously at the Federal level; and im- going to make a real difference for on that. Education and veterans are portantly, no longer will we keep forc- families across this country. We in- important priorities. This budget is ing more debt onto our children and crease funding for the Department of

VerDate Aug 31 2005 02:39 Apr 26, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00039 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\RECORD07\S21MR7.REC S21MR7 pwalker on PROD1PC69 with CONG-REC-ONLINE S3492 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE March 21, 2007 Education by $6.1 billion above the sion, but I can begin talking about it ments because it would be too cum- President’s budget and restore all of right now. Let me begin doing that. bersome. the painful cuts he proposed—in Per- The purpose of this amendment is to While this amendment would take kins grants, Pell grants, Head Start, demonstrate, I believe, that there is the budget further into deficit—pre- No Child Left Behind, and the Individ- sufficient ability in this budget to take venting tax increases is more impor- uals with Disabilities Act. Those are care of a couple of problems that are tant than worrying about a small, not just names of programs; those are very important and which we believe manageable size deficit—it may be in- real children who are impacted by the should be included within this budget teresting to note that the Baucus lack of funding we have seen, and this before it gets passed: provisions that amendment would have this effect. budget restores that. provide for the education of American In addition to raising taxes, we are I can tell my colleagues that as a children, provide for capital gains and talking about increasing the amount of former educator and a parent, I know dividend tax relief to continue to exist deficit. the importance of having the full part- both for our families and businesses The Senator from Montana notes nership of the Federal Government in and the competitiveness of our econ- that his amendment would extend the supporting our children and our stu- omy, as well as other provisions which 10-percent bracket, the child tax brack- dents. I am so glad this budget were not included in the underlying et, the marriage penalty relief, the strengthens the partnership and elimi- budget, such as death tax reform, adoption tax credit, the earned-income nates harmful cuts. which I think most of us acknowledge tax credit for combat pay, and provide I also wish to mention the important needs to occur and which we need to modest estate tax relief. I agree with investment in this budget in securing provide for in the budget. the Senator on all these policies except our ports. Last year, I worked with This amendment Senator GRAHAM with the modesty of the death tax re- other Senators on both sides of the and I will be offering in a moment is lief. aisle to pass the Safe Ports Act. Unfor- designed to include these very impor- Senator BAUCUS and some of his co- tunately, even with the passage of that tant provisions which I think most of sponsors, especially the two Senators authorization, the President didn’t us support in the budget. Not to do so NELSON, have always supported repeal adequately fund this vital program for would clearly represent a very big hole, of the death tax, as have I. So it is dis- the security of our country. We, in this I suggest, in the budget. appointing to many family businesses budget, increased funding for the Safe There is a suggestion in the amend- and farm owners that we now have Ports Act and provided $400 million for ment that was offered by the Senator sponsors who had supported the repeal the Port Security Grant Program. from Montana and others that what of the death tax endorsing an amend- That funding means more radiation de- Republicans have been saying about ment that would set the death tax rate tectors, more partners in safe trade, this budget resolution—namely, that it at what I believe is a confiscatory 45 and more customs officials who are raises taxes on every American tax- percent and set the exemption at only needed in order to facilitate our trade. payer—is, in fact, the case because as $3.5 million, which most of us believe is I am very proud that this budget approved by the Budget Committee on too low. This leaves more than 22,000 takes real steps, concrete steps to im- a party-line vote, I might add, this families subject to the estate tax each prove port security, while also making budget raises taxes by $916 billion over and every year, according to the Joint sure we maintain and improve our the 5 years of the budget, which would Tax Committee. trade efficiency. be, of course, the biggest tax increase Another one of the cosponsors of the Finally, I give my personal thanks to in the history of the country. amendment of the Senator from Mon- Senator CONRAD and his staff for their The chairman of the Senate Finance tana, the Senator from Arkansas, says tireless work in leading the fight on Committee, the Senator from Montana, on his Senate Web site that he supports this budget. It has been a privilege to well understood this, and I suggest a $5 million exemption and a 35-percent stand at his side on the Budget Com- probably is the reason for his offering rate. I am disappointed he would then mittee and to work with him to right of the amendment to reduce the rev- be endorsing a proposal that would this fiscal ship. enue that is projected by the budget have a 45-percent rate. A 45-percent This budget, once again, invests in resolution and then, in his case, pur- rate allows the Government—think the true priorities of the American peo- ports to dedicate that revenue to mid- about this for a moment—to take al- ple while keeping the needs and aspira- dle-class tax relief. He wouldn’t be of- most half a family farm or business tions of our future generations in fering this amendment were it not for over the $3.5 million exempted amount mind. I look forward to passing this the recognition that there is a huge tax at the time of death. budget so we can move forward with increase in the budget that came from There is a reason this particular pol- the new direction the American people the Budget Committee. icy has been supported by life insur- have demanded. So I submit, to begin this conversa- ance companies. I think everybody can I thank the Chair. I yield the floor. tion, that Senator BAUCUS’s amend- understand that. It keeps the onerous The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- ment is a good start, but it leaves in death tax in place and would require ator from New Hampshire. place the tax hikes on millions and these family businesses and farms to Mr. GREGG. Madam President, it is millions of Americans, and that is not continue to pay exorbitant premiums my understanding that under the prior something most Republicans want to to insurance companies. order, Senator KYL is now recognized see. One of the reasons we would like to for an hour, with Senator KYL having If the Baucus amendment is adopted, eliminate the death tax is so we don’t 40 minutes under his control and the then Democrats will be proposing to have to pay the burden of trying to Democratic side having 20 minutes raise taxes on hard-working Americans avoid the tax, which a lot of these under their control. by $736 billion over 5 years, rather than small businesses have to do. The PRESIDING OFFICER. That is the $916 billion, still the biggest tax in- As I said, the Kyl-Graham amend- correct. crease ever. We don’t think this is ment we think substantially improves Mr. KYL. Madam President, I thank right. the Baucus amendment by modifying the Senator from New Hampshire, the Incidentally, on a technical note, ac- the year-to-year revenue numbers so ranking member of the committee, for cording to the Republican Budget Com- that certain tax provisions that have all his hard work and support for those mittee staff, the Baucus amendment been essential in helping families pay of us who have prepared amendments increases the deficit in 2010 and 2011. education expenses essential to our and would like to offer them. This is important. When the interest is economic recovery, essential to savings This is actually the Kyl-Graham factored in, the Baucus amendment for retirement, senior citizens, and amendment. The Senator from South would take the budget out of balance families facing the death tax are pro- Carolina will be offering this amend- in 2012 by some $6 billion. In the past, vided for in this budget. Let me quick- ment and, incidentally, as soon as we the Budget Committee members have ly go through them and then ask my have the exact text typed, we will had an informal agreement that inter- colleague, Senator GRAHAM, to make present that for actual formal submis- est would not be computed for amend- further comments.

VerDate Aug 31 2005 02:39 Apr 26, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00040 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\RECORD07\S21MR7.REC S21MR7 pwalker on PROD1PC69 with CONG-REC-ONLINE March 21, 2007 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S3493 On the matter of education, the Bau- quarter of 2003, before these tax rates percent of GDP, which is below the his- cus amendment fails to extend the were put into effect. torical average. many education tax provisions that are The Dow Jones industrial average If we stay on this current path, we scheduled to expire. Our amendment, has risen by 40 percent since the lower can see continued increase in revenues, on the other hand, makes higher edu- investment tax rates were enacted. continued reduction in the deficit, and cation more affordable for middle-class The average 401(k) balance has risen continued growth of our economy, not Americans by extending the tuition de- by about 65 percent since 2003, very to mention support for our families and duction, extending the modifications good news for American families and retirees. to the Coverdell education savings ac- investors. Last point. What happens if the budg- counts, extending certain provisions Why would we want to destroy this et is adopted without providing for the for the student loan interest deduction, tremendous growth in the economic continuation of these lower tax in- and for extending the exclusion for em- wealth of Americans? All of this in- creases? Last fall, Goldman Sachs con- ployer-provided educational assistance. vestment activity makes it easier for ducted a very interesting analysis. These are important provisions to entrepreneurs and businesses to raise They wanted to see how the economy American families. They need to be funds to expand and grow their busi- would react if taxes were increased in recognized in this budget. nesses, create more jobs, and improve 2011, as the Democrats advocate. Our amendment permanently extends the standard of living for all Ameri- Their analysis showed that the tax the $250 deduction for expenses of ele- cans. increase, and I am now quoting, ‘‘would mentary and secondary school teachers By the way, to answer the question of almost surely mark the onset of a re- who, on many occasions, are required who benefits by all this, some of our cession.’’ Their analysis assumed that to pay for the very school supplies they colleagues are prone to suggest it is the Federal Reserve would step in and feel are necessary and are important only the wealthy who benefit. Not so. cut interest rates to boost the econ- for educating the kids for whom they It is interesting to note that most omy, and I am quoting here, ‘‘In an ef- are responsible. Americans who are benefiting from fort to resuscitate demand, the Fed im- These are the education provisions. these lower tax rates are middle-in- mediately cuts the federal funds rate, On capital gains and dividends, who come taxpayers. Fully 43 percent of tax bringing it 250 basis points below the can argue that the capital gains and filers in 2004 reporting capital gains status quo level over the next year and dividend tax rate reductions have been had adjusted gross income of under one-half. Despite this, output growth two of the most important reasons for $50,000. These are not the wealthy; remains well below trend over that pe- the strong economic recovery that our these are not the rich. Just 9.5 percent riod, putting downward pressure on in- country has made. Yet the Baucus of filers reporting capital gains had an flation as slack in the economy in- amendment fails to prevent an increase adjusted gross income of $200,000 or creases.’’ in these two important tax rates. above. That is a projection of what would An extension of the current rates So the majority of Americans bene- occur if this were to happen. We want would allow our economic recovery to fiting from these lower tax rates, the to prevent this. We want to keep the continue. Allowing these rates to ex- rates we preserve in the budget if our economy strong and not allow any- pire and to go back up to where they amendment is adopted, are average, thing that would cause it to go into re- were would be devastating for our middle-class Americans. cession. economy and for the competitiveness For lower income Americans, the Just a final point having to do with of our capital markets and, by the way, current 5-percent rate for investments, the death tax reform. We can’t pass a for the retirement savings of many which drops to zero in 2008, is another budget that doesn’t include an assump- Americans. important but sometimes forgotten tion that we are going to reform the So the Kyl-Graham amendment per- benefit, especially, important, I might death tax. We ought to be repealing the manently extends the reduced tax rate add, to our senior citizens. death tax. But what we have done in for qualified dividends and capital According to statistics calculated by this amendment is to provide an gains for nearly 18 million families and the Joint Committee on Taxation, amount of money that would accom- individuals every year. That, too, is an more than 75 percent of all elderly tax- modate the kind of death tax reform important component that should be in payers’ returns reporting capital gains that has been supported by both Repub- this budget. income have adjusted gross incomes of licans and Democrats. Quickly on two items before I turn to less than $100,000; more than 40 percent Last year, the senior Senator from the discussion of the death tax, this have incomes of $50,000 or less. Again, Louisiana introduced a death tax re- goes to competitiveness. What our wealthy, the rich? No, we are trying to form bill, S. 3626, which would provide amendment would do is prevent tax in- preserve lower tax rates for middle-in- for a $5 million exemption per estate, creases that would clearly hurt our come Americans and for senior citizens indexed for inflation. It would provide competitive position in the world econ- who rely significantly on their invest- for a family business ‘‘carve out,’’ a 35- omy. We talk about outsourcing of jobs ment income in their retirement. percent rate to taxable estates, and it and competitiveness and the rest of it. Madam President, 79 percent of all would begin in the year 2010. The Sen- If you want to know what will save elderly taxpayers’ returns reporting ator from Arkansas, Mr. PRYOR, has American jobs and will allow us to con- dividend income have incomes of endorsed death tax reform that meets tinue to grow, it is the tax rates that $100,000 or less, and 44 percent have in- these specifics in a statement, accord- Senator GRAHAM and I preserve in this comes of $50,000 or less, adjusted gross ing to his Web site. budget. income. So clearly, continuing these Now, our amendment provides room America cannot be the home for lower tax rates is important for our in the year-by-year revenue numbers in worldwide capital markets if it is hos- senior citizens and for middle-income the budget to accommodate death tax tile to American investors. So the Americans. reforms such as those which were pro- amendment makes the existing tax Incidentally, these lower tax rates, posed by Senator LANDRIEU and en- rates for long-term capital gains and far from blowing a hole in the budget, dorsed by Senator PRYOR. There have for qualified dividends permanent tax have actually helped increase revenues been other Members on the Democratic policy. We understand that the lower far beyond the projections of CBO. side of the aisle who have supported tax rates that were implemented in I note that since 2003, Treasury has proposals I have introduced on death 2003 and extended again in 2006 have collected $133 billion more in capital tax reform. been a tremendous success for our gains revenue than was originally pro- What we are very much hoping is economy and have benefited a broad jected by CBO and exceeded the official that all of the people, both Republicans range of American citizens. CBO projections by 68 percent. and Democrats, who have supported Growth, since the 2003 tax relief, has In the meantime, all the additional these proposals in the past will remain averaged more than 3.5 percent a year, tax revenue flowing into the Treasury true to their commitments to their while it averaged 1.3 percent from the from our growing economy has caused constituents to make sure small farms first quarter of 2001 through the second our budget deficit to shrink below 2 and small business owners aren’t going

VerDate Aug 31 2005 02:39 Apr 26, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00041 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\RECORD07\S21MR7.REC S21MR7 pwalker on PROD1PC69 with CONG-REC-ONLINE S3494 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE March 21, 2007 to have to prepare for or pay the death (Purpose: To protect families, family farms On page 25, line 16, decrease the amount by tax and that we would make room for and small businesses by raising the death $14,000,000. that in this budget. If we fail to do tax exemption to $5 million and reducing On page 25, line 17, decrease the amount by $14,000,000. that, then clearly we are not going to the maximum death tax rate to no more than 35 percent, to extend college tuition On page 25, line 20, increase the amount by be able to provide the kind of relief our deduction, to extend the student loan in- $78,000,000. constituents demand and deserve. terest deduction, to extend the teacher On page 25, line 21, increase the amount by classroom deduction, to protect senior citi- $78,000,000. Our amendment provides room in the On page 25, line 24, increase the amount by zens from higher taxes on their retirement year-by-year revenue numbers to ac- $912,000,000. income, to maintain U.S. financial market On page 25, line 25, increase the amount by commodate death tax reform such as competitiveness, and to promote economic that which has been proposed by our $912,000,000. growth by extending the lower tax rates on On page 26, line 3, increase the amount by Democrat colleagues and, I would add, dividends and capital gains) $2,552,000,000. that I have proposed as well. On page 3, line 11 increase the amount by On page 26, line 4, increase the amount by Now, of course, budget resolutions $390,000,000. $2,552,000,000. don’t dictate policy to the Finance On page 3 line 12, decrease the amount by The PRESIDING OFFICER. Who $184,000,000. Committee, so it would certainly be yields time? On page 3, line 13, decrease the amount by Mr. KYL. I yield to the Senator from our intention to work with a lot of dif- $3,796,000,000. ferent Senators. I worked with Senator South Carolina, Madam President. On page 3, line 14, decrease the amount by The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- LINCOLN in the past, and certainly we $31,544,000,000. would want to work with Senators On page 3, line 15, decrease the amount by ator from South Carolina is recognized. Mr. GRAHAM. If that is acceptable LANDRIEU and PRYOR and all of the oth- $36,398,000,000. with my colleagues, I will speak now, ers who have indicated they would be On page 3, line 20 increase the amount by Madam President. willing to support a kind of death tax $390,000,000. On page 3 line 21, decrease the amount by Ms. STABENOW. If I may inquire, reform. As long as we have provided $184,000,000. Madam President, is the Senator the numbers in the budget as Senator On page 3, line 22, decrease the amount by speaking on this amendment? GRAHAM and I propose here, then we $3,796,000,000. Mr. GRAHAM. Yes, I am. can work to make those provisions law. On page 3, line 23, decrease the amount by Ms. STABENOW. I would ask to be $31,544,000,000. I would hope we could craft an estate recognized after that. On page 4, line 1, decrease the amount by The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without tax proposal that would provide an ex- $36,398,000,000. emption of at least $5 million, indexed objection, it is so ordered. On page 4, line 6, decrease the amount by Mr. GRAHAM. Madam President, I for inflation, that provides workable $9,000,000. really don’t have much to add because relief for the smallest estates, and that On page 4, line 7, decrease the amount by Senator KYL has done an outstanding provides for a top death tax rate which $14,000,000. job in explaining our amendment and is no higher than 35 percent—no higher On page 4, line 8, increase the amount by $78,000,000. the benefits to the country if we pass than 35 percent. Workable relief could On page 4, line 9, increase the amount by this amendment. mean a lower rate for the smallest es- $912,000,000. To the people in South Carolina who tates; it could also mean a family busi- On page 4, line 10, increase the amount by might, by chance, be listening, the rea- ness carve-out as long as it actually $2,552,000,000. son I am so passionate about trying to On page 4, line 15, decrease the amount by works for small businesses and farms extend the tax cuts and making sure and doesn’t drive up their administra- $9,000,000. On page 4, line 16, decrease the amount by this budget does not deal a death blow tive costs and leave them with plan- to tax cuts that have been in place in ning uncertainty. $14,000,000. On page 4, line 17, increase the amount by some form or manner since 2003 is the All of these are goals both Democrats $78,000,000. evidence is overwhelming that they and Republicans have endorsed. We On page 4, line 18, increase the amount by have helped our economy. hope our colleagues on both sides of $912,000,000. Just to kind of build on what Senator the aisle will therefore agree with us On page 4, line 19, increase the amount by KYL has said, my belief is the global $2,552,000,000. economy of the 21st century is going to that it is important for us to accommo- On page 4, line 24, decrease the amount by date in this budget room to extend the $399,000,000. require America to rethink across the important tax provisions for education, On page 4, line 25, increase the amount by board how we engage our global com- capital gains and dividends, and for the $170,000,000. petitors. Americans have to ask them- estate tax. On page 5, line 1, increase the amount by selves these questions: Is our tax struc- $3,874,000,000. ture going to be globally competitive? AMENDMENT NO. 507 On page 5, line 2, increase the amount by Are we going to have a tax structure Madam President, I understand the $32,456,000,000. that will allow capital to be welcome On page 5, line 3, increase the amount by in this country so that people who take amendment about which I have just $38,950,000,000. been speaking is actually at the desk. I On page 5, line 7, decrease the amount by risk can be rewarded here or will we would like to call it up at this time, $399,000,000. drive people somewhere else? and I ask unanimous consent that Sen- On page 5, line 8, decrease the amount by The regulatory side of government, ator GRAHAM be added as an original $230,000,000. the litigation side of our American ex- cosponsor. On page 5, line 9, increase the amount by perience here needs to be looked at $3,645,000,000. anew out of a sense of a need to fit into The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without On page 5, line 10, increase the amount by a global economy and to be fair to all objection, it is so ordered. $36,101,000,000. our citizens. In my opinion, the worst The clerk will report the amendment. On page 5, line 11, increase the amount by thing we can do is to create a tax $75,051,000,000 The legislative clerk read as follows: On page 5, line 15, decrease the amount by structure that drives jobs overseas. $399,000,000. In this economy, where anyone can The Senator from Arizona [Mr. KYL], for On page 5, line 16, decrease the amount by do business anywhere in the world, peo- himself and Mr. GRAHAM, proposes an amend- $230,000,000. ple do look at tax rates in making deci- ment numbered 507. On page 5, line 17, increase the amount by sions about whether to invest here or Mr. KYL. Madam President, I ask $3,645,000,000. somewhere else. From the Govern- On page 5, line 18, increase the amount by ment’s point of view, the evidence is unanimous consent that further read- $36,101,000,000. ing of the amendment be dispensed overwhelming that the tax reductions On page 5, line 19, increase the amount by in dividends and capital gains, particu- with. $75,051,000,000 On page 25, line 12, decrease the amount by larly capital gains, have generated rev- The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without enue to the Federal Government. As we objection, it is so ordered. $9,000,000. On page 25, line 13, decrease the amount by have lowered the rate down to 15 per- The amendment is as follows: $9,000,000. cent, in some cases to zero and other

VerDate Aug 31 2005 02:39 Apr 26, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00042 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\RECORD07\S21MR7.REC S21MR7 pwalker on PROD1PC69 with CONG-REC-ONLINE March 21, 2007 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S3495 cases 5 and 10 percent, with a max- today, creating a product for sale in private sector and you have a tax imum capital gains rate of 15 percent, the global economy, you need help structure that rewards people who de- people have generated a lot of capital when it comes to your taxes because cide to take risk and invest. gains transactions that have been good some of your competitors have tax What America needs more than any- for the economy and good for the Fed- rates a lot lower than the United thing else is some certainty as to the eral Treasury, and they are due to ex- States. death tax dilemma we created. There is pire. When it comes to lowering dividend a great debate going on in this country This budget, the way it is drafted, is tax rates, how does that help America? about the role of the death tax in the going to deal a death blow to tax re- People will invest in companies that 21st century. It is indefensible, appar- ductions that have been beneficial to pay dividends, they will buy stock, ently, to say that the current rates and the economy—and without a good rea- which helps American corporations the current exemptions are fair. I son, in my opinion. There is no good capitalize, if the tax rates are lower. It think we have won the argument that reason. The question is, Does this is not just a theory; it is a fact. When the death tax, without change, is going budget deal a death blow to tax cuts? you are trying to grow your business, to put a lot of people at risk who have The answer has to be yes, simply be- you can get investors from the private made something of their lives, the fam- cause Senator BAUCUS is trying to ex- sector or you can go to the bank and ily farm or the small business. As Sen- tend tax cuts by an amendment. And I borrow money. It seems to me we ator KYL said, there is a lot of buy-in wish to congratulate him. I am not would want to create an environment with our Democratic colleagues that here to play ‘‘gotcha’’ politics. What he so that corporate America, whatever we need to increase the exemptions is trying to do in his amendment is a the size, could get money from the pri- fairly dramatically because people can wonderful thing. He is trying to make vate sector to grow their businesses be land-rich and cash-poor. I know in sure the 10-percent tax bracket is ex- without being so debt laden, and the South Carolina there are a lot of people tended for a couple more years in this people who are receiving dividends, who have inherited tracts of land, and budget. He is trying to make sure the that would be income to help them in the death tax appraisal requires the $1,000 child tax credit is extended as far their retired years, which would be a family to break up the property and as this budget applies and we don’t re- win-win situation. sell it. About 70 percent of small busi- vert back to a $500 per child tax credit. We can’t afford to divide America nesses, they tell me, never make it to In South Carolina, a $1,000 per child tax any longer based on how much one the third generation—one of the rea- credit for the families who have been makes or this concept that some of us sons the business has to be bought back eligible has made a world of difference are more worthy of protection from the from the Government. I think we have all bought into that to people. Tax Code than others. The Tax Code is as a body, that the exemptions need to My State, like every other State, has not going to allow us as a nation, in its change. I hope we have bought into the great success stories economically and current form, to survive in a global idea that the rates need to be lower be- where you have people living paycheck economy. But if we extend the tax cuts cause they are oppressively high. But to paycheck. The marriage penalty re- in this budget, it would be a good sig- here is the dilemma we have created nal to the private sector in America lief has been good for families in my for the country. It is my under- that they are going to be able to count State. The dependent care credit has standing, given the tax packages we on—for at least a couple more years— been good for people trying to work have passed over the last several years, some tax cuts that have worked to and raise kids. Adoption credits have the death tax exemptions go up over been good, helping to create new fami- produce jobs. The real challenge of this Congress time and eventually go to zero in 2010. lies. There is nothing more exciting as In January 2011, unless we do some- lies ahead; that is, trying to find a way a lawyer than to be involved in an thing as a body, they go back to the to simplify the Tax Code. That is a de- adoption where you get a child who has old system. no home and you marry them up with bate for another day. Our friends on I have been a lawyer for a long time. a family that wants a child. It is just a the other side have been in charge of There are going to be a lot of mys- wonderful experience. There is combat the Congress now for a couple of terious deaths on New Year’s Eve 2010 pay and the EITC exemption. months, and this is a test, in my opin- because if you live the next day there None of us disagrees with those. Why ion, of how the Democratic Congress is going to be a big hit to the family not go forward into the other areas views the needs of America across the when it comes to tax rates. It is not where we have cut taxes that have ben- board in a global economy. Again, the right for us to put the American busi- efited the Treasury and benefited job evidence is overwhelming. There is ness community and the family in that creation? The only reason I can think overwhelming evidence that the divi- position. We need to help straighten of is there is a view that there are dend tax reductions and the capital this mess out. I am very openminded to some Americans who are entitled to gains tax reductions have been bene- compromises, but it is not fair for tax relief and some who are not. The ficial to the Treasury. someone, if they live 1 day longer than ones to whom we don’t want to give tax The amendment of Senator BAUCUS they should, half of what they have relief in this budget have been labeled to extend tax cuts for working fami- worked for all their life goes to some- ‘‘the rich’’ and are somehow unworthy lies, to extend marriage penalty relief, one they don’t know. We can do better of being included in this budget. and the $1,000 child tax credit, to make than that. That is the place we find Class warfare is a time-tested polit- sure it doesn’t go to $500, should be ap- ourselves in America. The Congress has ical endeavor whose time has passed. plauded. I see the need, as a Senator created the dilemma that if you die on We are in this together. There are from South Carolina, for what he is New Year’s Eve 2010—I think that is about 270,000 people in my State who doing. It is frustrating that I cannot the correct date—your family has abso- depend on capital gains income and convince my friends on the other side lutely no estate tax liability. If you die dividend income. Senator KYL has gone that the need exists in abundance in the next day, almost half of what you through, in very detailed fashion, who South Carolina and everywhere else in have worked for in your entire life is benefits from capital gains and divi- the country to keep our tax rates low gone through taxation. We can do bet- dend tax reductions, and there are a lot when it comes to the entrepreneurial ter than that. of seniors. spirit that has made us great, that the One way to start doing better is to At the end of the day, though, we capital gains rates need not go up. pass a budget that would include what have a choice to make as a Congress. They need to stay where they are, as Senator KYL has described on the list We can do what Senator BAUCUS wants, long as we can keep them that low, of Senator BAUCUS. which I wholeheartedly support, and until we find a new Tax Code. The divi- I do believe the country is dying for we can stop believing that people on dend tax rates need not go up or double us to come up with a rational system the other side of the river, when it in a few years. They need to stay low of how we tax the American people, in- comes to taxes, just make too much because America needs jobs. The way cluding low-income, middle-income, money or they do not need the help. I you create jobs is you leave as much and upper-income Americans. I am try- would argue that if you are in business money as reasonably possible in the ing the best I can to express to a lot of

VerDate Aug 31 2005 02:39 Apr 26, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00043 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\RECORD07\S21MR7.REC S21MR7 pwalker on PROD1PC69 with CONG-REC-ONLINE S3496 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE March 21, 2007 people in South Carolina, who live pay- modated by the budget that has been system so we can pay our bills and at check to paycheck, that we are all in provided to us by the committee. Let the same time be a strongly competi- this together. If I overtax the business me get the exact number. tive economy. In fact, my own conclu- owner, your job is threatened because Mr. CONRAD. Could the Senator tell sion from all of the debates on both his business may move offshore. People us how he pays for the amendment? sides is we need fundamental tax re- back home in South Carolina very Mr. KYL. Madam President, the so- form, and it is that, in part, for which much get that. called payment for this is the same as this budget resolution tries to create If you are in a manufacturing State, other things are paid for in this budget, an incentive. as I am, like Michigan, one of the rea- by the assumption that revenues will We have some time because we do not sons our jobs are leaving this country be available. As a result, there is no face any of these tax measures expiring is because you can go to places such as specific cost, if that is what the Sen- for the next 3 years. But during that China and other places and not have ator is asking. time, I think we have to engage in a the burdens you have here. I do not Mr. CONRAD. That is the problem. I discussion of fundamental tax reform. want to chase China to the bottom, am told this amendment costs in the The bottom line is, I hope very much don’t get me wrong. I want to put a range of $75 billion and has no offset. that colleagues will support the Baucus floor on what China does. I think we Here is our problem. Senator BAUCUS amendment. I hope very much they will make a mistake chasing China to has previously offered an amendment will resist the Kyl amendment at this the bottom. But I think we would that extends the middle-class tax relief point because it is not paid for, it is make an even bigger mistake if we do and also addresses the problem that not offset, and it will take us back to not address, in this budget, tax relief the Senator from South Carolina ad- the deficit in a substantial way. that has worked for Americans across dressed with the estate tax. We have How much time do I have remaining? the board. this anomaly in the estate tax where The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- We have a chance in this amendment we go to a 3.5-million-dollar-per-person ator has 14 minutes. to do something about death taxes that exemption and then we drop down the Mr. CONRAD. How much time re- is extremely rational and would get next year to $1 million, going back- mains on the other side? America out of the dilemma of dying wards. The PRESIDING OFFICER. They on the wrong day. We have something Senator BAUCUS, in the amendment have 6 minutes. in this amendment that would allow he has offered, does a series of things. Mr. CONRAD. Does the Senator from the capital gains rate reductions to The amendment addresses all the mid- Michigan request some time? stay in place a couple of years longer dle-class tax cuts—the 10-percent rate, Ms. STABENOW. Yes. and keep the dividend taxes low be- the marriage penalty, the childcare Mr. CONRAD. How much time? cause they more than paid for them- credit. It extends those. It does it with- Ms. STABENOW. I ask for 5 minutes. selves, and we have some education tax in the budget room that we have for Mr. CONRAD. I yield 5 minutes to relief. 2012, so we still are able to achieve bal- the Senator from Michigan. If we add this amendment with what ance in 2012. It also deals with the Ms. STABENOW. Madam President, Senator BAUCUS has done, I think we problem of the estate tax going back- to add to what the distinguished Sen- could say this budget does a very good wards, going from $3.5 million per per- ator from North Dakota indicated, we job of trying to extend for the life of son as an exemption back to $1 million. have tax cuts built into this budget. this budget tax relief across the board The Baucus amendment deals with We are in a global economy. We need to that has worked for all Americans. that. It actually is a little better than be competitive. There are a number of Finally, if we buy into the idea that that because the Baucus amendment ways in which we need to be competi- there is a certain group of Americans also contains $4 billion that is not ac- tive. who are not worthy of tax relief, we are counted for that would be available to My friend from South Carolina and I going to, over time, make it very dif- the Finance Committee to improve the are working together on the question ficult for the American economy to estate tax provisions. He also deals of trade enforcement. That is a critical survive globally, and we are going to with the SCHIP, the need for us to fund part of it—investing in education, a create a dynamic in the 21st century SCHIP. He does that within the budget skilled workforce, innovation. That is that I think will come back to haunt room that is available in 2012 so we do a very big part of it. That is a big part us over time. not have a deficit. of this budget, making education a top With that, I urge my colleagues to As I understand the amendment of priority. vote for the Kyl-Graham amendment the Senator from Arizona, that would Changing the way we fund health because when you marry it up with the take the budget into substantial deficit care, getting it off the back of busi- Baucus amendment, we have done a in 2012. And there is no pay-for; there is nesses, addressing health care costs is pretty good job of extending tax relief no offset. The money that did exist in a big part of being competitive and is across the board in a way that will help the budget resolution, the money that addressed in this budget. the American economy from top to was available, has been taken by the We say every child in a family where bottom. Baucus amendment. the folks are working ought to have ac- With that, I yield the floor. Mr. KYL. Madam President, I now cess to health insurance, and this budg- The PRESIDING OFFICER. Who have a number. The Senator from et finds a way to do that. We address yields time? North Dakota was very close in the es- other issues. Health information tech- Mr. CONRAD. Madam President, timate which he gave. I believe the nology, that Senator SNOWE and I and might I inquire of the Senator from Ar- number is $72.3 billion for 5 years, others are working on together, is ad- izona what the cost of his amendment which is very close to the number that dressed in this budget. So we address a is? the Senator had. Of course, since the number of items, including tax cuts. Mr. KYL. Madam President, may I budget raises taxes by $916 billion, that We address one of my biggest con- say to the Senator, the chairman of the more than accommodates what we pro- cerns, and I know my Democratic col- committee, our amendment is some vide. leagues share this concern, of what is four pages long, and it has the amounts Mr. CONRAD. The problem is, all the happening with the alternative min- increased and decreased stated. I am money is spoken for. So to add the Kyl imum tax and how it is going to be sorry I have not totaled up the exact amendment would drive us back into shifted more and more to middle-in- amount and then subtracted out the deficit, substantial deficit. I say to my come taxpayers and is becoming the al- cuts. I will be happy to try to do that colleagues, I think that would be a ternative middle-class tax. We address for the Senator. mistake. Unless the Senator provides that. Mr. CONRAD. Does the Senator have an offset—there are things that are in Through this Baucus amendment we some rough idea of what the amend- his amendment for which I might have say when we get into surplus, when we ment costs? some sympathy. I personally believe we get out of the hole that has been dug in Mr. KYL. All of the provisions that ought to have a goal of keeping rates the last 6 years and actually begin to we have in this amendment are accom- low and having a broad base to our tax have a surplus, we are going to capture

VerDate Aug 31 2005 02:39 Apr 26, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00044 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\RECORD07\S21MR7.REC S21MR7 pwalker on PROD1PC69 with CONG-REC-ONLINE March 21, 2007 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S3497 that $132 billion, both to make sure $1,300 in the last 5 years. Folks are dreds of millions or potentially billions that children’s health care is funded working harder, the gas prices are of dollars avoiding estate taxes—just and to expand on investments in tax going up, the cost of college is going the opposite. That person will still be cuts, including what has been talked up, health care costs are going up, subject to the estate tax. about in terms of extending the exemp- maybe they lose their pension and hope We are talking about setting the tions on the estate tax for a certainty. and pray that they have a job, their in- threshold high enough so that the fam- We want folks to know that once you come is going down, and to add insult ily farm, the small business is not put get to 2010, you can keep living a to injury, they have not received the out of business by the untimely death healthy life, continue, and, in fact, the tax cuts that have been offered. of an individual. You know, why should same rates, at a minimum, will con- What we are about is changing that somebody be taxed for getting hit by a tinue. So the Baucus amendment is picture. This budget resolution is car? It makes no sense at all, but we about making sure we can do that. We about a new direction, a new set of pri- try to straighten that out. all come together around the education orities, focusing on middle-class fami- The most important element of this cuts and making sure that we have the lies who are working hard every day, proposal, in my opinion—although I am child tax credit and the 10-percent tax businesses who are investing in Amer- sure others focus on education more rate and other areas that are very im- ica and want to keep the jobs here. than the death tax issue—is the fact portant to working families, middle- That is what this is about. I hope we that it continues the very positive pro- class families. But we do this within will reject the Kyl amendment. posals which were put in place relative the context of another very important Mr. CONRAD. Can the chair inform to the formation of capital in this value that Americans hold, and that is us how much time remains on each country and, as a result, the creation we pay the bills. We do it within a side? of economic activity and the creation framework of fiscal responsibility. The PRESIDING OFFICER. There is of jobs. The dividend rate and the cap- In the last 6 years we have seen this 6 minutes for the Senator from New ital gains rate, as opposed to those tax policy, we have seen a war that has Hampshire, 7 minutes for the chairman which are in place today, have had a not been paid for, we have seen other of the Budget Committee. massive impact on creating economic spending that has been rolled over onto The Senator from New Hampshire. activity in our society and as a result the national debt creating the largest Mr. GREGG. Madam President, I have created a huge number of jobs and deficit in the history of the country. think it is important to note what this as a result has caused the revenues of the Federal Government to jump dra- We are now trying—and with this budg- amendment does. First off, the chair- matically. et we will succeed—to dig our way out man has said it is not paid for. Well, actually, the Baucus amendment The capital gains rate, for example, of that. But this amendment adds over we have seen come in, and this chart $72 billion back into the hole. It keeps hasn’t passed, so you can argue it is paid for. If the Baucus amendment does shows it, at exceptionally high levels on digging. That is what this budget compared to what the estimates were not pass, this amendment would have resolution is committed to stop: fiscal going to be, dramatically high levels. the same funds available to it. responsibility, and to invest in the pri- We should have expected this because orities of American families and Amer- But that is a specious argument. It is straw dogs because the issue is the ex- this is human nature. What happens is ican businesses and invest in middle- someone has an asset they have had tension of the tax rates, which we have class tax cuts. significant appreciation in. Boom. heard from the other side of the aisle I have heard on the other side of the What happens if they have got to pay a are not going to be affected, that they aisle over and over that we should not high tax on that asset if they sell it? are in favor of extending the tax rates. pick who receives tax cuts. That is ex- They are not going to sell it, they are Well, if that is the case, then they actly what the current policy has done. going to hold onto the asset. But if the cannot make the case that the tax rate If you earned over $1 million last year, tax rate is a fair tax rate, which is can’t be extended, which is the case you received at least $118,477 worth of a what we have in place today, then the they are making. I mean it is a little tax cut. That is more than the average person sells that asset. That has two inconsistent, to say the least. So I person in Michigan makes in a year, very good effects. First, it frees up the think that is inside-the-park baseball and that was the tax cut. cash from that event, and the person but not even good baseball, by the I suggest, looking at this chart, for ends up paying taxes, which we would way—bad baseball. someone earning less than $100,000, it not have otherwise had because the But what is important to remember was $692. We can go on down. If some- person would have held onto the asset. about these proposals which we have in one was, in fact, earning less than that, Second, they will take that money and this group is that first it addresses edu- those numbers go all the way down to they reinvest it in a much more pro- cational funding, tax breaks which ben- less than $100. ductive way. That is human nature. I would suggest that the priority was efit especially teachers who help out in Also, as a result those dollars are set the previous Congress, the adminis- their classrooms—very important. being more productively used, creating tration deciding whom they wanted to It puts the death tax in a better posi- more entrepreneurial activity, so it get tax cuts—and they have been get- tion than what was proposed by the works well. ting them—adding to the deficit, tak- Senator from Montana, and it basically The capital gains rate has produced ing away from our ability to critically takes the language which I believe was dramatic increases in revenues. So we invest in those things that will allow developed by the Senator from Lou- should keep it in place because it is us to be competitive; investments in isiana, Ms. LANDRIEU, and uses that as doing what it is supposed to do. It got science and education and changing the the basis for the death tax. It does not the economy going, creating jobs. But way we fund health care and doing the go to full repeal, as occurs under the something which people do not focus other kinds of things we need to do, in- present law, in 2011, but sets the ceiling on is that the cap disproportionately cluding balancing the budget, to be much higher and makes it much more benefits senior citizens. If you raise the able to address the costs of interest, et reasonable and I believe gives a capital gains rate, you are basically cetera. stepped-up basis and capital gains raising the taxes on seniors in America So what we are saying is this picture treatment, essentially, to death taxes, because it is seniors who take advan- of who receives tax cuts is not ours. so that people do not get wiped out tage of the capital gains rate, because This is not ours. We reject that. This when somebody who owns a farm dies; that, again, is human nature and log- budget focuses on the folks who have if the primary owner dies, the family ical. not been getting the tax cuts, it fo- does not get wiped out and have to sell Seniors basically are not earning cuses on the folks who not only have the farm, or a small business does not money in the sense they are out work- not been getting the tax cuts, but they get wiped out. This mostly involves ing daily. Most seniors or many sen- have been getting the wage cuts at the that issue, quite honestly, because high iors, the majority probably, a vast ma- same time. estates are not affected by this. We are jority are retired, but they have assets. The average, the real median house- not talking about the founder of some As they take those assets and they con- hold income has declined by almost technology company who is worth hun- vert them, they pay capital gains.

VerDate Aug 31 2005 02:39 Apr 26, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00045 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\RECORD07\S21MR7.REC S21MR7 pwalker on PROD1PC69 with CONG-REC-ONLINE S3498 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE March 21, 2007 Those assets are usually at a pretty incorrectly Karl Rove’s involvement The PRESIDING OFFICER. That is low basis since they were acquired and then corrected himself. No one is correct. when they were young or during their saying there was any prevarication Mr. GREGG. I would ask Senator working years. So when you raise the there. But with so many CORNYN to yield me 1 minute. capital gains rate, you are focusing a misstatements that have been out Mr. CORNYN. I yield 1 minute. tax rate right on top of the seniors of there, so many corrections, doesn’t it Mr. GREGG. What the Senator from this country. You have launched a tor- make sense to interview witnesses with North Dakota did was make a very pedo at them. You are going to basi- a transcript, under oath? good case for the Kyl amendment or a cally say to those seniors: You are Because if we do not, we will never very bad case against the Baucus going to have less money to use in get to the bottom of this. We Demo- amendment. order to make sure that your retired crats want to resolve this issue quick- The Baucus amendment was $195 bil- years work the way you expected them. ly. We want to get the facts. We want lion, not $132 billion amendment—$60 billion-plus is deficit spending. The al- Not only does that work for captal to find out what went wrong—it is legation that the Kyl amendment, gains rate, it also works for dividends. clearer and clearer that many things under this present structure, is $70 bil- The dividend rate is also disproportion- did—and correct them and move on. But when the President gives an offer lion of deficit spending matches apples ately used by senior citizens. Well, that that does not allow the truth to be got- to apples. The two amendments are es- is again human nature; it tells you ten—no oaths, no transcript, no public sentially the same in the area of deficit that seniors do not have earned in- testimony—it does not serve the pur- spending, so you cannot argue that one come, what they have is dividend in- pose of finding out what happened, re- is not deficit and one is deficit. It is come because they have invested or solving it quickly, in a fair and non- the opposite. They both have the same their 401(k) has been cashed out or partisan way, and then moving on. practical effect on the deficit. their IRA has been cashed out or their I hope the White House would recon- What the Kyl amendment does, how- defined benefit plan is suddenly getting sider its offer, would be willing to ne- ever, is at least extend the tax cuts or them some revenue. They get dividend gotiate—they have stated they have tax rates that actually create signifi- income. not—and then we can finally get to the cant economic activity, which we have When you raise the dividend income bottom of the matter. shown through the capital gains rate tax rate, you are taxing, again, seniors. I yield the floor. have generated significant revenues to So it is totally reasonable, from a The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- the Treasury. Whereas, although I standpoint of continuing strong eco- ator from North Dakota. agree with the Baucus tax rates, most Mr. CONRAD. I wish to thank the nomic activity and from a standpoint of those taxes rates, in fact all of those Senator from New York. I wish to go of maintaining a reasonable tax burden tax rates, are socially driven. They are back, if I can, to the two amendments on Americans, and especially seniors, good social policy, but they do not gen- we will be considering soon, the Baucus that we continue these tax rates as erate economic activity. they are. That is why this is a good amendment and the Kyl amendment. AMENDMENT NO. 511 proposal. Let me, if I can, reframe this issue for The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- my colleagues. The Baucus amendment looked to ator from Texas. ator from North Dakota. Mr. CORNYN. Madam President, I Mr. CONRAD. I understand I have 7 the $132 billion surplus we had in 2012, have an amendment and I ask for its minutes remaining? I use that term ‘‘surplus’’ advisedly, immediate consideration. The PRESIDING OFFICER. That is but that is what our budget resolution The PRESIDING OFFICER. The correct. shows, $132 billion in 2012. Senator BAU- clerk will report. Mr. CONRAD. Madam President, let CUS fashioned on amendment to extend the middle-class tax cuts, addressed The assistant legislative clerk read me say briefly on this, you can extend as follows: all the tax breaks that have been de- the problem of the estate tax going from an exemption of $3.5 million per The Senator from Texas [Mr. CORNYN] pro- scribed in this amendment if you pay poses an amendment numbered 511. for them. person down to $1 million a person; in Mr. CORNYN. I ask unanimous con- The problem with the Kyl amend- other words, going backward, and pre- sent that reading of the amendment be ment is he does not pay for it. Over $70 vents that from occurring, as well as having some additional moneys, some dispensed with. billion is not paid for, goes on the def- The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without icit, which will drive this budget, $34 billion to be able to improve that package and perhaps provide for other objection, it is so ordered. which now balances in 2012, right out of The amendment is as follows: balance. We will be going right back measures, education tax credits or oth- ers, that the Finance Committee might (Purpose: To provide a deficit-neutral re- into the deficit ditch. Please, col- serve fund for the reauthorization of the leagues, let us resist this amendment. decide. It also provides funding for SCHIP, State Children’s Health Insurance Program People could support it if it was paid (SCHIP) that will cover kids first) the proposal that will allow every child for, but it is not. in America to receive health insurance. At the appropriate place insert the fol- I yield 3 minutes to Senator SCHU- lowing: That amendment deserves our support. MER. SEC. ll. DEFICIT-NEUTRAL RESERVE FUND FOR Senator KYL then comes with an THE REAUTHORIZATION OF THE WHITE HOUSE PROPOSAL ON U.S. ATTORNEYS amendment to extend all of the other STATE CHILDREN’S HEALTH INSUR- Mr. SCHUMER. Thank you for yield- tax cuts, but unfortunately he does not ANCE PROGRAM (SCHIP) THAT WILL ing. I am going to talk a lit bit about pay for it. He does not have any offset. COVER KIDS FIRST. the U.S. attorneys in response to the That would drive our budget back into In the Senate, if the Committee on Fi- comments that have been made today nance reports a bill or joint resolution, if an deficit. Please, colleagues, let’s not do amendment is offered thereto, or if a con- from the White House. that. Let’s not take the country—after The bottom line is very simple, to ference report is submitted thereon, that— all this work of getting out of the def- (1) reauthorizes and improves the State paraphrase ‘‘The Godfather’’: The icit ditch, which this budget resolution Children’s Health Insurance Program White House has made us an offer that does—right back into deficit. To me, it (SCHIP); we cannot accept. We cannot accept it makes no sense. That is going in the (2) emphasizes providing health insurance very simply because it is no way to get wrong direction. We could extend all to low-income children below 200 percent of to the truth. the tax cuts mentioned by Senator KYL the Federal poverty level; Mr. Snow said today that the White if we pay for them, if we provide offsets (3) limits the use of SCHIP funds for cov- erage of non-pregnant adults unless States House wants to get to the truth. Well, for them. if they want to get to the truth, what are covering their low-income children; I yield the floor. (4) allows parents to cover their children is wrong with testimony under oath? THE PRESIDING OFFICER. The on their own health insurance plan with Do we not have oaths to ensure that Senator from New Hampshire. SCHIP funds; truth is given? Mr. GREGG. Madam President, I un- (5) increases State flexibility so that Karl Rove was mentioned by Mr. derstand at this time we go to Senator States can use innovative strategies to cover Snow himself at one point, who stated CORNYN; is that correct? kids; and

VerDate Aug 31 2005 02:39 Apr 26, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00046 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\RECORD07\S21MR7.REC S21MR7 pwalker on PROD1PC69 with CONG-REC-ONLINE March 21, 2007 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S3499 (6) improves and strengthens oversight of much greater income and to cover would allow parents to cover their chil- Medicaid and SCHIP to prevent waste, fraud adults and other individuals who are dren on their own health insurance and abuse, not part of the SCHIP purpose is off plan with SCHIP funds. That is an im- then, provided that the Committee is within track. portant feature. Some parents have no its allocation as provided under section Twelve States will spend almost $807 alternative but to basically drop their 302(a) of the Congressional Budget Act of million of their SCHIP money on more 1974, the Chairman of the Committee on the own health insurance for their children Budget may revise allocations of new budget than 671,000 adults this year. The State in order to get them to be eligible authority and outlays, the revenue aggre- Children’s Health Insurance Program under their State SCHIP funds. This gates, and other appropriate aggregates to will cover 671,000 adults this year. would allow parents to cover their chil- reflect such legislation, to the extent that Three States have more adults as en- dren on their own health insurance if, such legislation would not increase the def- rollees than children. This is a matter in fact, they have health insurance, by icit for fiscal year 2007 and for the period of of false advertising by the Federal Gov- allowing the additional cost to cover fiscal years 2007 through 2012. ernment. We have passed legislation, their children to be paid from SCHIP Mr. CORNYN. Madam President, this which I support, designed to cover low- funds. It is important flexibility that I amendment establishes a deficit-neu- income children, and the Federal Gov- would think all Members would sup- tral reserve fund for the Finance Com- ernment has authorized a situation port. mittee if it reports a bill that reau- where now 671,000 adults are being cov- It increases State flexibility so thorizes the State Children’s Health In- ered, and people not from low-income States can use innovative strategies to surance Program, better known as families but middle-income families cover kids, and it improves and SCHIP, but the important distinction are being covered. strengthens oversight of the Medicaid is that this bill must cover children. Here again, I don’t begrudge them and SCHIP programs to prevent waste, One might ask: Why in the world the coverage, but to take a program de- fraud, and abuse. would a program known as the State signed for low-income children and use I offered this same amendment in the Children’s Health Insurance Program, it for a purpose other than advertised Budget Committee last week, and it why would it be necessary to offer an is simply not honest, and it is not what was opposed unanimously by my col- amendment directing the Finance Congress intended. leagues on the other side of the aisle. I Committee to cover children? That is Several States spend half of their think we need to make a clear state- because the current proposal does not SCHIP allotment on adults, so it is no ment that SCHIP is a program for low- limit Federal funding to pay for health surprise that more than one-third of income children. Otherwise we ought insurance for children. In fact, it cre- the 14 States experiencing shortfalls to call it something else. Let’s be hon- ates a patchwork system which allows have expanded coverage to adults. The est with the American people. Let’s not States to spend money that should go other problem with the underlying take something called the State Chil- to cover children to cover adults and SCHIP provision is, with more than 6 dren’s Health Insurance Program and other individuals. While I certainly un- million SCHIP and Medicaid-eligible make it a program for adults. That is derstand that, it leaves many children children still uninsured, shouldn’t simply dishonest. I don’t think it is ap- uncovered. States cover the intended population propriate. I am concerned that using The chairman’s mark, the base bill before they expand their program? Why SCHIP dollars to provide coverage for that is on the floor, states the SCHIP in the world wouldn’t Congress support childless adults diverts limited re- program of the budget is to expand cov- an effort to cover low-income children sources from covering children first, erage of the estimated 6 million chil- before we approve the use of that which is the original purpose of this dren eligible but not enrolled in either money to cover unintended and nontar- program, a laudable purpose which I SCHIP or Medicaid. This is a more lim- geted populations? The SCHIP match support. ited goal than covering every unin- rate is more generous than Medicaid’s The fact is, more than 10 percent of sured child, as has been stated on the match rate. The children eligible for those enrolled in SCHIP are now floor as the goal. It assumes $15 billion Medicaid and SCHIP should be covered adults, approximately 639,000, accord- in new SCHIP funding and includes an by their respective programs. ing to the Government Accountability additional $35 billion in an allegedly The other feature in the underlying Office. These 639,000 adults are from budget-neutral reserve fund for SCHIP bill this amendment would correct is nine States. The GAO agrees covering authorization, for a total of $50 billion this underlying provision supports adults is not the point of SCHIP, cer- for SCHIP reauthorization. This triples States in their efforts to move forward tainly not what Congress said it in- the size of the current program. There in covering more children, but it has tended to do. These State coverage ex- are no offsets outlined in the Demo- no income level cutoff. pansions mean funds are being diverted cratic budget, and they can either be In other words, the stated objective from the needs of low-income children from spending cuts or tax increases. of Chairman DINGELL and Senator who go uncovered because those States The Democratic reserve fund is for CLINTON to cover children up to 400 per- choose to use it for other purposes. passage of legislation that meets three cent of poverty level, which would Adults accounted for an average of 55 conditions. Let me point out the prob- translate to an income of $80,000 for a percent of enrollees in the shortfall lem. The original purpose of the SCHIP family of three, simply represents an States compared to 24 percent in the program was to provide health insur- unprecedented wealth transfer from nonshortfall States. ance coverage for children below 200 the pockets of the American taxpayers Congress needs to make a firm state- percent of the Federal poverty level. to these families who should be ex- ment that SCHIP is for children. If However, today some States have ex- pected to pay a portion of their own States focused on covering kids, it panded their programs using Federal health coverage. would have been much easier for them taxpayer dollars to include children up The SCHIP amendment which I offer to stay within their allotments. This to 350 percent of poverty, not 200 per- would instead focus the reauthoriza- amendment makes clear that in the cent and lower, but up to 350 percent, tion of the SCHIP program on its origi- SCHIP program, our priority must be which is currently about $70,000 for a nal intent—low-income kids—by cre- for low-income children. family of four. States have used this ating a budget-neutral reserve fund for In addition, as I noted a moment ago, money without covering all their chil- the passage of this legislation. It would my amendment would allow States to dren to cover adults, parents, and even reauthorize and improve the State continue to use innovative strategies childless adults. Nine States cover Children’s Health Insurance Program. to cover kids and will improve and children at 300 percent and above of It would emphasize providing health strengthen the oversight of the SCHIP poverty level. Here again, it is not an insurance to low-income children program to weed out waste, fraud, and effort any of us could necessarily criti- below 200 percent of the Federal pov- abuse. cize in the abstract, but to take money erty level. It would limit the use of I hope my colleagues will vote in that is designed for children at 200 per- SCHIP funds for coverage of nonpreg- favor of this amendment. I know the cent of the poverty level and below and nant adults unless States are covering ranking member of the Senate Finance to cover children from families with their low-income children first. It Committee, Senator GRASSLEY, wants

VerDate Aug 31 2005 02:39 Apr 26, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00047 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\RECORD07\S21MR7.REC S21MR7 pwalker on PROD1PC69 with CONG-REC-ONLINE S3500 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE March 21, 2007 to use a portion of the time we have re- vious unanimous consent request so we this amendment is eyewash. As well in- maining on the amendment. I certainly stay on this question until the votes. tended as it is, it simply will have no reserve the remainder of the allotted The Senator has approximately 15 min- force and effect on the deliberations of time for him. utes remaining and we would have 15 the Finance Committee with respect to I thank the Chair and the managers minutes on our side to discuss it. this policy. That is the fact. Some- of the bill. Mr. GREGG. I have no objection. times I wish the Budget Committee did Mr. GREGG. Will the Senator yield? The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without have that kind of authority and that Mr. CORNYN. I am happy to yield to objection, it is so ordered. kind of power, but we simply do not. the ranking member of the Budget Mr. CONRAD. Madam President, I So let’s be honest with our col- Committee. ask unanimous consent that the votes leagues. Let’s be honest with the peo- AMENDMENT NO. 466, AS MODIFIED in relation to the following amend- ple who are watching. This amendment Mr. GREGG. Madam President, I ments occur beginning at 5 p.m., with will do absolutely nothing about the send a modification of the Sessions the votes occurring in the order listed question of who gets covered under amendment to the desk. and that there be 2 minutes of debate SCHIP—nothing, zero. That is a deter- The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there equally divided before each vote; and mination that will be made by the Fi- objection to the modification? that after the first vote, each suc- nance Committee. Mr. GREGG. I ask unanimous con- ceeding vote be limited to 10 minutes; At this point, Madam President, I sent that the amendment be so modi- that no amendments be in order to any recognize the Senator from Michigan fied. of the amendments covered under this and ask her, how much time would she The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without agreement: The first amendment being like on this amendment? objection, the amendment is so modi- the Baucus amendment No. 492; the Ms. STABENOW. Madam President, 5 fied. second amendment being the Kyl minutes. The amendment, as modified, is as amendment No. 507; the third amend- Mr. CONRAD. Madam President, I follows: ment being the Cornyn amendment No. am happy to yield 5 minutes to the At the end of title II, insert the following: 477; the fourth amendment being the Senator from Michigan. SEC. ll. EXCLUSION OF TAX RELIEF FROM Sessions amendment No. 466, as modi- The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- POINTS OF ORDER. fied; the fifth amendment being the ator from Michigan is recognized. Sections 201, 202, 203, and 209 of this resolu- Ensign amendment No. 476; the sixth Ms. STABENOW. I thank the chair- tion and sections 302 and 311(a)(2)(B) of the amendment being the Bunning amend- man. Congressional Budget Act of 1974 shall not ment No. 483; and the final amendment Madam President, as a member of apply to a bill, joint resolution, amendment, both the Budget Committee and Fi- motion, or conference report that would pro- being the Bingaman amendment No. vide for the extension of the tax relief pro- 486. nance Committee, I concur with our vided in the Economic Growth and Tax Re- The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without leader’s comments in terms of the ju- lief Reconciliation Act of 2001, the Jobs and objection, it is so ordered. risdiction of the Budget Committee. I Growth Tax Relief Reconciliation Act of Mr. CONRAD. I thank the Chair. look forward, frankly, to this debate 2003, and sections 101 and 102 of the Tax In- AMENDMENT NO. 511 and working through all the specifics crease Prevention and Reconciliation Act of Back to the issue of the most recent on children’s health care in the Fi- 2005. Cornyn amendment which is on the nance Committee because there are AMENDMENT NO. 511 question of SCHIP. Frankly, I have very important issues we need to ad- Mr. GREGG. Madam President, I sup- some sympathy for the argument ad- dress. port the amendment of the Senator vanced by the Senator from Texas. The spirit of the Cornyn amendment from Texas. He is basically getting at There may be some policy reason to is what we have addressed in this budg- the essence of the SCHIP issue. SCHIP have very low-income adults covered et resolution, which is making sure we has become nomenclature. It has be- with some SCHIP money, but this is have the resources to be able to cover come a motherhood term. It is being supposed to be a program directed at every child. Right now, about 6 million used as a smokescreen to dramatically children. Whatever the merits of the children are covered. There are another expand the amount of money we spend Cornyn amendment, there is a very se- 6 to 7 million children who actually as a Federal Government on health rious problem with the Cornyn amend- qualify for the SCHIP program, for care and basically take a big bite out ment that leads me to oppose it, and I children’s health care, but the funds of what I would call the nationaliza- ask colleagues to oppose it. That is, are not there. So this budget proposal tion effort in health care because it has this isn’t the place for the Cornyn will allow that to happen. been expanded well beyond its purpose. amendment. Now, in some States—such as my Its purpose should to be take care of The simple fact is, the budget resolu- own State of Michigan, where Michigan children in need and make sure they tion does not determine the policy on decided on its own to meet its moral have proper health insurance. We all SCHIP. It has nothing to do with the obligation to cover children and began agree on that. What the Senator from policy on SCHIP—nothing, zero. This is to reach out creatively using other Texas is proposing is to do exactly a policy question that will be before funds to cover children—when they that, make sure this program is di- the Finance Committee. have received the children’s health rected at children. However, we have Let us review what a budget resolu- care funds, they have found that being seen State after State and some of our tion does and does not do. A budget creative, using what they were already biggest States use this program for resolution gives an instruction to the using, they could stretch it a little far- adults and for families up to $68,000 of Finance Committee of how much ther to maybe cover moms and dads or income. That is not about low-income money they need to raise to meet the very poor adults. kids being taken care of. That is about budget. It tells them how much money In the law we passed regarding chil- trying to nationalize the health care they have to spend in the various cat- dren’s health care, there was a waiver system. If we are going to spend all egories under their jurisdiction. It does provision put in that the administra- this new money on SCHIP—and I think not tell them one word of what the pol- tion could use—used by this adminis- we need to spend some additional icy is related to those fundings. That is tration and the former administra- money on SCHIP—let’s make sure it not the role of the budget resolution. tion—to waive the rules to allow a lit- goes where it is supposed to go, to So as well meaning as this amendment tle more flexibility, if the States were needy kids. That is why the amend- is, it has nothing whatever to do with able to work hard and be creative and ment of the Senator from Texas is such the policy determination that is to be be able to stretch their dollars. a good amendment. made by the authorizing committee. That is what has happened in Michi- The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- The Budget Committee is not the gan. I am very proud of the hard work ator from North Dakota. committee of jurisdiction. We are not that has gone on in Michigan and by Mr. CONRAD. Madam President, the the committee that makes these policy our current Governor who is very com- Senator from Texas is retaining his judgments. We are not the committee mitted to extending health care cov- time. Perhaps we could modify our pre- that makes these determinations. So erage not only for every child but for

VerDate Aug 31 2005 02:39 Apr 26, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00048 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\RECORD07\S21MR7.REC S21MR7 pwalker on PROD1PC69 with CONG-REC-ONLINE March 21, 2007 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S3501 every person in our State. I hope that ative to SCHIP which is just as spe- Health Insurance Program ought to do, is our goal, together, for our country. cific, just as policy driven as the pro- put children first—prioritizing lower We should not be talking about how we posals of Senator CORNYN. So either income children and limiting the use of limit health care but how we make you are pure or you are not pure. In State Children’s Health Insurance Pro- sure it is available for every individual. this case, both sides are directing pol- gram funds for nonpregnant adults un- I believe health care should be a right icy. So I do not think that argument less States are covering those children. and not a privilege in the greatest has a whole lot of credibility. But the We will have to make some very dif- country in the world. issue here is this: The Cornyn amend- ficult choices when it comes to the But in our case, we cover an indi- ment tries to focus SCHIP on kids. limited funds available for the SCHIP. vidual making $4,500 a year—$4,500 a That is what it should be focused on. The cost of covering children who are year—certain individuals. So when we The problem we have today is that uninsured but eligible for SCHIP con- get to the Finance Committee debate, I SCHIP is being used as a stalking-horse tinues to rise. hope we are going to keep in there the to basically ensure all sorts of people According to the Center on Budget ability and flexibility for States to re- who do not qualify in the concept of and Policy Priorities and their anal- ceive, if approved, waivers that allow kids at 200 percent of poverty. You ysis—and this was in a recent memo them to stretch their precious health have three States where they actually from the Congressional Budget Office— care dollars a little bit farther. spend more SCHIP money on adults it will take $47.5 billion to cover the es- This amendment would, in its pol- than they do on children. You have 12 timated 6 million children who are un- icy—even though it has no effect ulti- States that are spending almost $1 bil- insured but eligible for either SCHIP or mately, it states we should not allow lion annually of SCHIP money on the Medicaid Program. To quote the that flexibility for States, we should adults. You have nine States where center, even this figure is ‘‘too low’’— not allow the ability for States to be they are covering up to 300 percent of those are their words: ‘‘too low’’—be- creative. It also sets a limit of 200 per- poverty. You have other States where cause it does not include the cost of cent above poverty, which may sound— you are going up to $68,000 of personal the policies necessary to increase en- well, it may sound as though it is OK, income and still qualifying people for rollment in Medicaid and SCHIP. but you are talking about basically SCHIP. Given the priorities placed on pay-as- two individuals in a family each earn- That is not the way SCHIP is sup- you-go and the limited offsets avail- ing the minimum wage. That is about posed to be structured. SCHIP is sup- able to pay for increased SCHIP spend- hitting that number of 200 percent of posed to be structured for kids. The ing, it appears some priorities have to poverty. So if you get a minimum wage Cornyn amendment gets us back to the be set. We are faced with that every increase or maybe you get a little bit original purpose of SCHIP, thus giving day—setting priorities, that everybody more money, and you still do not have probably more coverage to more kids cannot have everything they want. health care coverage in your employ- than the present program or even the Republicans have taken the posi- ment. expanded program which has been put tion—and I emphasize that position— Again, we would be saying, through forward by the other side of the aisle. we want to prioritize putting kids first. this kind of amendment, they should Madam President, what is the time So I support Senator CORNYN’s empha- not be able to cover their children with situation relative to the Members? sis upon this key principle. health care, not be able to have access, The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- I also agree with the language in the even though they are working hard. ator from New Hampshire has 131⁄2 min- budget that would support States in The whole point of SCHIP is to say to utes. The Senator from North Dakota their efforts to move forward in cov- those who are working: If you are has 71⁄2 minutes. ering more children. However, this lan- working hard and in a low-income job, Mr. GREGG. Madam President, I guage can be improved by emphasizing you should be able to know you can re- yield such time as he may desire to the that reauthorization should make ceive health insurance for your chil- ranking member of the Finance Com- State flexibility a priority. With State dren. If you are working hard, you mittee. flexibility, we can get more bang with don’t have to go to bed at night saying: The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- the State’s money, we can get more Please God, don’t let the kids get ator from Iowa. bang for the Federal dollars going into sick—which is what happens every sin- Mr. GRASSLEY. Madam President, I the program. We found that in Med- gle night in America. So I hope we re- appreciate very much that the Senator icaid last year when a bipartisan group ject this amendment. It is not appro- from Texas has offered his amendment. of Governors came to me, when I was priate for the Budget Committee. I support it. I supported it during the chairman of the Finance Committee, I also look forward to the debate on Budget Committee’s markup of the leg- and sat down and said: If you can give the policy once we get to the Finance islation that is before us right now, us more flexibility in Medicaid, we can Committee. We want to cover every and I am happy to support it on the save State tax dollars, we can save child. The money in this budget will floor. Federal tax dollars, and we can serve allow us to cover those children who This amendment adds a new reserve more kids who have need—because are currently eligible but not covered. fund which identifies some very impor- States know what their local situation We will cover every child. That is our tant priorities that complement the re- is, they know better than we do in commitment. That is part of the moral serve fund in the legislation that has Washington to get the most bang for document we have put forward in this come out of the Budget Committee. the taxpayers’ dollars. So we can do budget resolution. But we also, I be- The reserve fund in the budget stipu- the same thing for the SCHIP program lieve, need to figure out a way to make lates the legislation reported out of the by giving the States greater flexibility. sure in the process we are not taking Finance Committee must ‘‘maintain Much of the success we have seen rel- away health care coverage from anyone coverage for those currently enrolled ative to the SCHIP program is because in the country. in [the State Children’s Health Insur- the Congress gave States the authority Thank you. ance Program].’’ to manage the SCHIP caseloads, to The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- As my colleagues in the Senate control costs, and to experiment with ator from New Hampshire. know, this current population includes innovative strategies to increase access Mr. GREGG. Madam President, in a children, pregnant women, parents, and to health care. brief response, because I see the rank- childless adults. The cost of extending This country is so geographically ing member of the Finance Committee coverage to these populations has been vast, our population is so hetero- is here, the chairman of the committee roughly estimated by the Congres- geneous that if you try to make all pol- has made the case we should not vote sional Budget Office to require a net icy by pouring policy in the same mold for the Cornyn amendment because it increase of budget authority of ap- in Washington, DC, it is not going to has policy in it. Well, actually the proximately $8 billion. fit New York City the same way it budget resolution has policy in it. In The Cornyn amendment would put might fit Des Moines, IA. But we ought its reserve fund, the budget resolution kids first—after all, wouldn’t you to give those States in the case of New has three specific policy directives rel- think that is what the State Children’s York, Albany, and in the case of Iowa,

VerDate Aug 31 2005 02:39 Apr 26, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00049 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\RECORD07\S21MR7.REC S21MR7 pwalker on PROD1PC69 with CONG-REC-ONLINE S3502 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE March 21, 2007 Des Moines, give those leaders, Gov- there be 25 hours left on the budget res- ical service. Worse still, it would pre- ernors and State legislatures, some lee- olution. vent another 75,000 children in New way so we get more bang for our buck. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there Jersey from even being eligible for the Reauthorization then should build on objection? critical health coverage they need. the State flexibility that was already Without objection, it is so ordered. That is not only bad policy, it is down- there and should be a key feature of Mr. CONRAD. We thank all col- right reckless and it is flatout wrong. the priorities set in the budget. leagues. To revisit, so everybody un- We live in the greatest country in the Finally, given my zeal for oversight, derstands what we will then face, after world, and there is no reason our need- meaning congressional oversight of the votes tonight, Senator HUTCHISON iest children should go without the what our bureaucracy does and how the will be able to offer an amendment re- medical services they need. No child in taxpayers’ money is spent, I must also lating to sales and use tax, Senator America should go to sleep at night in commend the Senator from Texas for SESSIONS on the alternative minimum pain because they don’t have the including, as a priority for the SCHIP tax; that both of those can have a side- health care coverage they need or, as reauthorization, improving and by-side Democratic amendment offered we saw recently, a young boy in Mary- strengthening the oversight of Med- tomorrow if it is deemed necessary; land who had a toothache, and it ab- icaid and SCHIP to prevent waste, that Senators DURBIN, SANDERS, scessed and it ended up getting infected fraud, and abuse. We have made im- LIEBERMAN, and WYDEN all be recog- and he died. No child in America provements to preventing waste, fraud, nized in that order, or if they seek to should face that reality. and abuse, but we can certainly do change the order among themselves We know the success of covering par- more. We can always do more. they are able to do that; that each of ents, because when we cover parents, I commend the Senator for his them be limited to 15 minutes; that we end up covering children. That is amendment. It builds on the language there be no further votes after the not because I say it, but look at what already in the bill, and I urge my col- votes that have already been approved; the CMS administrator Mark McClel- leagues to vote in favor of it. and that at the conclusion of the Sen- lan said last year before the Senate Fi- I reserve the balance of the time on ate business tonight, there will be 25 nance Committee. He said: our side. Mr. CONRAD. Madam President, I hours remaining on the budget resolu- Extending coverage to parents and care- taker relatives not only serves to cover addi- am going to be yielding to the Senator tion. We thank the excellent staff who tional insured individuals, but it may also from New Jersey in a moment on this increase the likelihood that they will take amendment, but we wish to enter into have helped us keep track of all this through the day, and we thank very the steps necessary to enroll their children. a unanimous consent request for what Extending coverage to parents and care- happens after the votes tonight. We much the occupant of the Chair as well takers may also increase the likelihood that have already entered into a unanimous for her attention and for her effort. their children remain enrolled in SCHIP, and consent request with respect to the With that, I recognize the Senator that is our experience. votes that will occur tonight. After from New Jersey. That is New Jersey’s experience. How much time do I have remaining? those votes, there will be a time for Who are we talking about, not only The PRESIDING OFFICER. There is discussion and debate. I ask unanimous in New Jersey but across the country? 3 minutes 42 seconds. consent that during that period, Sen- We are talking about some of the chil- Mr. CONRAD. I yield that time to the ator HUTCHISON be allowed to offer an dren in our Nation who come from Senator from New Jersey. amendment on sales and use tax, that communities that already have great Mr. MENENDEZ. Madam President, I health disparities. Yet when we see Senator SESSIONS be able to offer an thank the distinguished chairman of amendment relating to the alternative what SCHIP has done, we have seen the Budget Committee for yielding, those disparities narrow. Here is a minimum tax, that Senator DURBIN be and let me get right to it. Only in permitted to speak, that Senator SAND- chart that shows before enrollment in Washington, with those who have some SCHIP what many children faced— ERS be permitted to speak, that Sen- of the best health care coverage in the ator LIEBERMAN be permitted to intro- White, African American, and Latino Nation, would there be a proposal to children—and after the enrollment, the duce and withdraw an amendment on cut coverage to America’s neediest war costs, and that Senator WYDEN be percentage of children lacking a reg- children. ular source of care dramatically re- permitted to speak. An example of what would happen if Perhaps we should go a step further duces; dramatically reduces. Now, this were to be passed: In New Jersey and give an amount of time for each. Latino and African-American children alone, more than a half million chil- Would the Senator have a thought with in this country will represent over 40 dren depend upon our State’s success- respect to wanting to give them 10 to 45 percent of all of the Nation’s ful SCHIP program. Providing less minutes each? schoolchildren. Would we leave 45 per- Mr. GREGG. Why don’t we give them than what is required to keep these cent of any capital, human capital in 15 minutes. children safe and healthy isn’t only this case, unhealthy, uneducated? That Mr. CONRAD. Continuing, that each reckless, it is a dereliction of our duty is what this amendment seeks to do. of the aforementioned Senators have here in Congress. The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- up to 15 minutes, and that they be in The President is spending a lot of ator’s time has expired. the order indicated: Senator time this week talking about Mr. MENENDEZ. Madam President, HUTCHISON, Senator SESSIONS, Senator Congress’s role and responsibilities. we need to defeat the Cornyn amend- DURBIN, Senator SANDERS, Senator The President had a responsibility to ment. We need to keep the reality of LIEBERMAN, Senator WYDEN. send us a budget that took care of chil- where SCHIP is today: insuring our Mr. GREGG. And, Madam President, dren in this country, and we have had children and their families and making that the majority has the right to re- members of his administration cite the sure we are preserving that human cap- serve an amendment in response to the successes of what we have done in New ital. Sessions amendment and in response to Jersey and, therefore, in other places The PRESIDING OFFICER. Who the Hutchison amendment, and that in the country. yields time? the order of voting on any amendments Tom Scully, who is the CMS adminis- Mr. GREGG. What is the time situa- offered this evening as part of this trator, said: tion? unanimous consent would be at the dis- Even in tight economic times New Jersey The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- cretion of the chairman and the rank- is setting an example of how Federal waivers ator has 6 minutes left. ing member of the Budget Committee. can help them cut into the numbers of citi- Mr. GREGG. I yield to the Senator 6 Mr. CONRAD. That is correct. zens with no health coverage. minutes. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there That is what he said on January 31 of The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- objection? 2003. ator from Arkansas is recognized. Without objection, it is so ordered. If the Cornyn amendment is passed, Mr. PRYOR. Madam President, I Mr. CONRAD. And, when the business as many as 30,000 children in New Jer- thank the Senator. That is very gra- of the Senate is concluded today, that sey could lose coverage for needed med- cious and I appreciate it very much. I

VerDate Aug 31 2005 02:39 Apr 26, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00050 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\RECORD07\S21MR7.REC S21MR7 pwalker on PROD1PC69 with CONG-REC-ONLINE March 21, 2007 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S3503 wanted to come to the floor and say a leagues—and I will speak for myself. I the Baucus amendment. It still leaves few words. I will try to keep my re- am calling on colleagues on our side to us with a slight balance in 2012 so that marks to 90 seconds or 2 minutes, be- please be disciplined about the amend- we are not back into deficit. cause I know some other Senators wish ments you insist on getting votes on. I thank the Chair. to say a word. We have had perhaps the most difficult The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- First, let me thank my colleagues for year I can ever remember, because we ator from New Hampshire is recog- working on a package of legislation have some of our colleagues on Presi- nized. that includes the TRAC Act, making dential campaigns, and there have been Mr. GREGG. Madam President, the TRAC Act permanent, the tax re- so many other events we have had to claiming the minute on the Republican lief for our soldiers in combat. We break for. It has made it very difficult side, the Baucus amendment makes know we spotted this 3 years ago where to give colleagues the chance to get the sense, but it does so in the context of for some soldiers in combat, when they votes they desire. We are going to have also justifying the Kyl amendment. take their combat pay, they lose the to ask for continued cooperation to get Both amendments basically make the ability to get the earned income tax this done. point that we should extend these tax credit, the child tax credit. I have had Senator GREGG, do you wish to say rates, which have done so much to help soldiers all around my State and other anything further? people and create an economic boom in places tell me they appreciate the tax Mr. GREGG. I appreciate the Sen- this country. Both amendments are es- relief, and the last thing they need to ator’s comments. First, I join him in sentially the same, as far as the impact be worried about is their taxes and get- thanking the staff. We are about half- on the economy, but the Baucus ting gypped out of some tax relief. So way through the timeframe here and amendment is about 21⁄2 times the Kyl this makes it permanent. Thank you they are getting tired, but they are amendment. Both of them create issues very much. doing a great job and we very much ap- of deficit financing. Secondly, I have included in this preciate all they do; not only our staffs As a practical matter, the Kyl package one of these amendments we on the committee but obviously the amendment specifically will generate are going to vote on which is the staff that operates the Senate itself, economic activity. It creates jobs and, daycare tax credit. In 2004, there were who end up being here late into the therefore, more revenue to the Federal 6.3 million taxpayers who used the night, and we very much appreciate Treasury. If you vote for one, you child independent tax care credit to their help. should vote for the other, if you happen cover daycare, afterschool care, sum- As to amendments, we are going to to believe we have a tax policy that is mer day camp, elder care facilities, and have a lot of votes on Friday, and it is making sense in this country today this is a tax that helps working fami- going to be a very extensive day of vot- and is generating a lot of revenue, lies, middle-class families, folks who ing and people need to sort of get ready which it is. are the bread and butter of our Nation for that. and our economy. At this point I think we ought to The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Also, I thank Senator CONRAD and start the votes. question is on agreeing to amendment Senator GREGG for their great leader- Mr. CONRAD. Madam President, the No. 492 by the Senator from Montana. ship on this budget. I know it has been hour of 5 o’clock having arrived, I The yeas and nays have been ordered very hard. I know we are getting to the think it is the appropriate time to and the clerk will call the roll. time to vote. I want to thank them start the votes. The assistant journal clerk called the publicly for their leadership. Mr. GREGG. I am not sure the yeas roll. I yield the floor. and nays have been ordered on all of Mr. DURBIN. I announce that the Mr. GREGG. Madam President, if I these amendments. Senator from Connecticut (Mr. DODD) still have time, I yield it back. Mr. CONRAD. Madam President, I and the Senator from South Dakota Mr. CONRAD. Madam President, we ask for the yeas and nays. (Mr. JOHNSON) are necessarily absent. have a series of votes starting at 5 The PRESIDING OFFICER. The yeas The PRESIDING OFFICER (Mr. o’clock. We have the rest of the and nays have been requested en bloc. OBAMA). Are there any other Senators evening lined up. I apologize to the Is there a sufficient second? in the Chamber desiring to vote? desk crew who will be here late into There is a sufficient second. The result was announced—yeas 97, the evening once again. I also want to Mr. GREGG. Madam President, I ask nays 1, as follows: thank our staffs—my goodness, they unanimous consent that there be 2 have worked tirelessly—Mary Naylor minutes evenly divided between each [Rollcall Vote No. 82 Leg.] of my staff, Scott Gudes, and the staff amendment. YEAS—97 director for Senator GREGG, and all of The PRESIDING OFFICER. Under Akaka Dorgan Mikulski their assistants who have done a spec- the previous order, there is 2 minutes Alexander Durbin Murkowski tacular job of helping us to manage equally divided between the votes prior Allard Ensign Murray Baucus Enzi Nelson (FL) this difficult budget resolution. to the vote on the Baucus amendment. Bayh Feinstein Nelson (NE) Votes are to start at 5 o’clock. Why Mr. CONRAD. Madam President, no- Bennett Graham Obama don’t we start now. I think we could body has used time on either side on Biden Grassley Pryor Bingaman Gregg Reed begin the vote early. Is there a problem the first amendment; is that correct? Bond Hagel Reid with that? I don’t think that hurts The PRESIDING OFFICER. That is Boxer Harkin Roberts Brown Hatch anything, because what that would correct. Rockefeller allow us to do is we have agreed there Mr. CONRAD. Maybe I will take the Brownback Hutchison Bunning Inhofe Salazar would be 10-minute votes after that. I time because I am advised Senator Burr Inouye Sanders don’t think there is any problem with BAUCUS will not be here until the vote Byrd Isakson Schumer that. has begun. Cantwell Kennedy Sessions Cardin Kerry Shelby Does Senator GREGG have any other Let me recall for our colleagues that Carper Klobuchar Smith observations? Maybe one thing we need the Baucus amendment is to provide Casey Kohl Snowe to do is remind our colleagues—this for the middle-class tax cuts to also ad- Chambliss Kyl Specter may be a very good time to remind col- dress this anomaly in the estate tax, Clinton Landrieu Stabenow Coburn Lautenberg leagues of what it is we are going to Stevens where it goes from $3.5 million per per- Cochran Leahy Sununu face tomorrow. Tomorrow we are going son of exemption back down to $1 mil- Coleman Levin Tester to come in and we are going to have 25 lion. It also contains additional fund- Collins Lieberman Thomas Conrad Lincoln Thune hours left on this resolution. Then we ing for the Children’s Health Care Pro- Corker Lott Vitter go to vote-arama. We need to finish gram. Cornyn Lugar Voinovich Craig Martinez this by 4 o’clock on Friday. We have a There are other elements to the Bau- Warner number of our colleagues on both sides cus amendment, as well, that were enu- Crapo McCain DeMint McCaskill Webb who have other obligations, so we need merated by the Senator. I hope very Dole McConnell Whitehouse to finish this. So we are calling on col- much that our colleagues can support Domenici Menendez Wyden

VerDate Aug 31 2005 02:39 Apr 26, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00051 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\RECORD07\S21MR7.REC S21MR7 pwalker on PROD1PC69 with CONG-REC-ONLINE S3504 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE March 21, 2007 NAYS—1 Mr. GREGG. Six seconds. would support this taxpayer-friendly Feingold The PRESIDING OFFICER. Go amendment. NOT VOTING—2 ahead, quick. Mr. President, I yield back the re- Mr. GREGG. The Senator from North mainder of my time. Dodd Johnson Dakota is wrong. Vote for the Kyl Mr. CONRAD. Mr. President, I find The amendment (No. 492) was agreed amendment. myself conflicted on this amendment to. The PRESIDING OFFICER. The in the following way: On the one hand, The PRESIDING OFFICER. The ma- question is on agreeing to amendment I don’t think it is particularly good tax jority leader. No. 507. On this question, the yeas and policy to establish points of order on Mr. REID. Mr. President, we have six nays have been ordered. The clerk will this matter. So as a matter of tax pol- votes that are going to be called imme- call the roll. icy, I don’t think it is a particularly diately; 10 minutes plus 5 minutes the The assistant legislative clerk called good idea. On the other hand, I don’t roll will be called. Everybody should the roll. want to leave the impression that this understand that and not run back to Mr. DURBIN. I announce that the resolution contemplates an increase in their offices. Ten minutes, fifteen min- Senator from Connecticut (Mr. DODD) tax rates because it doesn’t. utes goes by very quickly. There will and the Senator from South Dakota So I would say to those on my side, be six votes, and we have 15 minutes on (Mr. JOHNSON) are necessarily absent. vote your conscience on this amend- each one of them. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Are there ment. It certainly will not do any dam- AMENDMENT NO. 507 any other Senators in the Chamber de- age to this resolution if this were to The PRESIDING OFFICER. There is siring to vote? pass. 2 minutes equally divided prior to the The result was announced—yeas 47, The PRESIDING OFFICER. The next vote. Who yields time? nays 51, as follows: question is on agreeing to the amend- Mr. GREGG. Mr. President, could we ment. The yeas and nays have been or- have a little bit of order? A touch, not [Rollcall Vote No. 83 Leg.] dered. too much. I don’t want to get carried YEAS—47 The clerk will call the roll. away. Alexander DeMint Martinez The assistant journal clerk called the The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- Allard Dole McCain Bennett Domenici McConnell roll. ate will be in order. Bond Ensign Murkowski Mr. DURBIN. I announce that the The Senator from New Hampshire. Brownback Enzi Roberts Senator from Connecticut (Mr. DODD) Mr. GREGG. Mr. President, if my col- Bunning Graham Sessions leagues voted for the last amendment, Burr Grassley Shelby and the Senator from South Dakota Chambliss Gregg Smith (Mr. JOHNSON) are necessarily absent. they should vote for this amendment. Coburn Hagel Specter Cochran Hatch The PRESIDING OFFICER. Are there Procedurally, they are essentially the Stevens Coleman Hutchison any other Senators in the Chamber de- same. They are treated the same, they Sununu Collins Inhofe siring to vote? have the same impact, for all intents Thomas Corker Isakson The result was announced—yeas 63, and purposes. Cornyn Kyl Thune The last amendment, arguably, Craig Lott Vitter nays 35, as follows: would increase the deficit by $60 bil- Crapo Lugar Warner [Rollcall Vote No. 84 Leg.] lion. This one would increase it by $70 NAYS—51 YEAS—63 billion. Both amendments are focused Akaka Feinstein Nelson (FL) Alexander Dole McCaskill on continuing the tax policy that we Baucus Harkin Nelson (NE) Allard Domenici McConnell have in place, which is doing such a Bayh Inouye Obama Baucus Ensign Murkowski Biden Kennedy Pryor Bayh Enzi Murray good job of generating jobs. In fact, Bingaman Kerry Reed Bennett Graham Nelson (FL) this amendment increases the death Boxer Klobuchar Reid Bond Grassley Nelson (NE) tax to 35 percent—it reduces it, doesn’t Brown Kohl Rockefeller Brownback Gregg Pryor Byrd Landrieu Salazar Bunning Hagel Roberts allow it to go over 35 percent. It allows Cantwell Lautenberg Sanders Burr Hatch Salazar the exemption to be applied to estates Cardin Leahy Schumer Cantwell Hutchison Sessions of $5 million; it permanently extends Carper Levin Snowe Casey Inhofe Shelby the tuition tax credit; it permanently Casey Lieberman Stabenow Chambliss Isakson Smith Clinton Lincoln Tester Coburn Kohl Snowe extends the $250 deduction for teachers; Conrad McCaskill Voinovich Cochran Kyl Specter it extends the tuition tax credit; it ex- Dorgan Menendez Webb Coleman Landrieu Stevens tends the capital gains and dividend Durbin Mikulski Whitehouse Collins Leahy Sununu Feingold Murray Wyden Corker Lincoln Tester tax rates which are so important to Cornyn Lott Thomas this economy and have had such a posi- NOT VOTING—2 Craig Lugar Thune tive impact on revenues to the Federal Dodd Johnson Crapo Martinez Vitter DeMint McCain Warner Treasury. The amendment (No. 507) was re- The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- jected. NAYS—35 ator from North Dakota. Mrs. MURRAY. Mr. President, I Akaka Feingold Obama Mr. CONRAD. Mr. President, however Biden Feinstein Reed move to reconsider the vote. well intended the Kyl amendment is, it Bingaman Harkin Reid Mr. REID. I move to lay that motion Boxer Inouye spends $72.5 billion with no offset. The Rockefeller on the table. Brown Kennedy Sanders surplus is gone under the amendment Byrd Kerry Schumer The motion to lay on the table was Cardin Klobuchar we just adopted. The surplus is gone. agreed to. Stabenow Carper Lautenberg Voinovich So the effect of this amendment is to Clinton Levin AMENDMENT NO. 477 Webb take us right back into deficit. Conrad Lieberman Whitehouse This amendment blows the budget. The PRESIDING OFFICER. There Dorgan Menendez Wyden This amendment takes us from a bal- are now 2 minutes equally divided on Durbin Mikulski ance in 2012 right back into deficit. the Cornyn amendment. NOT VOTING—2 The Senator from Texas. My colleagues can extend those tax Dodd Johnson cuts if they pay for them, if they offset Mr. CORNYN. Mr. President, my them. The Kyl amendment does not amendment creates a 60-vote point of The amendment (No. 477) was agreed pay for them; it does not offset them; order against legislation that would in- to. it takes us back into deficit. It ought crease the income tax rates on tax- AMENDMENT NO. 466, AS MODIFIED to be defeated. payers. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Under The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is all Yesterday, the chairman of the Sen- the previous order, there will now be 2 time yielded back? ate Budget Committee graciously indi- minutes evenly divided on the Sessions Mr. GREGG. Do I still have time? cated his support for this amendment. amendment. The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- I hope nothing has changed overnight, Mr. SESSIONS. Mr. President, just ator has 6 seconds remaining. and so I would hope my colleagues briefly on this next amendment, I

VerDate Aug 31 2005 02:39 Apr 26, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00052 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\RECORD07\S21MR7.REC S21MR7 pwalker on PROD1PC69 with CONG-REC-ONLINE March 21, 2007 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S3505 think it is a defining vote on the ques- Stevens Thomas Vitter the defense budget for medical re- tion of whether we intend to extend the Sununu Thune Warner search. Does anybody believe we are current lower tax rates. The budget NAYS—52 better off doing medical research at resolution that is before us has four Akaka Feinstein Nelson (NE) the Department of the Army rather points of order against tax cuts, but Baucus Harkin Obama than at the National Institutes of the way it is written, it even includes Bayh Inouye Pryor Health? That is what this amendment Biden Kennedy Reed continuing our current income tax Bingaman Kerry Reid is about. It will be a mistake to adopt rates beyond 2010 because that would Boxer Klobuchar Rockefeller this amendment. I urge a ‘‘no’’ vote. be defined under this budget as a reduc- Brown Kohl Salazar The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Byrd Landrieu Sanders tion in taxes. This means that this pro- Cantwell Lautenberg question is on agreeing to the amend- Schumer Cardin Leahy ment No. 476. The yeas and nays have posed budget resolution would require Snowe Carper Levin 60 votes to extend the currently exist- Stabenow been ordered. Casey Lieberman ing lower rates beyond 2010. I believe Clinton Lincoln Tester The clerk will call the roll. that is a mistake. These reduced rates Collins McCaskill Voinovich The legislative clerk called the roll. include the $1,000 per child tax credit, Conrad Menendez Webb Mr. DURBIN. I announce that the Whitehouse the 10 percent bracket, the marriage Dorgan Mikulski Senator from Connecticut (Mr. DODD) Durbin Murray Wyden penalty, the adoption tax credit, cap- Feingold Nelson (FL) and the Senator from South Dakota ital gains and estate tax repeal. (Mr. JOHNSON) are necessarily absent. NOT VOTING—2 I urge my colleagues, let’s not put a The PRESIDING OFFICER. Are there Dodd Johnson burden on our economy and on our con- any other Senators in the Chamber de- stituents by allowing these current tax The amendment (No. 466), as modi- siring to vote? rates that are low now to surge upward fied, was rejected. The result was announced—yeas 47, when they expire at the end of 2010. Do Mr. CONRAD. I move to reconsider nays 51, as follows: not put a 60-vote requirement to ex- the vote and to lay that motion on the [Rollcall Vote No. 86 Leg.] tend current rates. table. YEAS—47 The motion to lay on the table was The PRESIDING OFFICER (Ms. Alexander DeMint Martinez agreed to. CANTWELL). The Senator from North Allard Dole McCain Dakota. AMENDMENT NO. 476 Bennett Domenici McConnell The PRESIDING OFFICER. Under Bond Ensign Murkowski Mr. CONRAD. Madam President, if Brownback Enzi the previous order, there will be 2 min- Roberts you want to gut pay-go this is your op- Bunning Graham Sessions portunity. This amendment would utes of debate, equally divided, on the Burr Grassley Shelby Ensign amendment No. 476. Chambliss Gregg Smith completely overturn the pay-go dis- Coburn Hagel Snowe The Senator from Nevada. Cochran Hatch cipline. The pay-go discipline, as all Stevens Mr. ENSIGN. Madam President, this Coleman Hutchison Members know, says: If you are going Sununu amendment is very simply a Defense Collins Inhofe to have new mandatory spending, you Thomas firewall amendment. We have had Corker Isakson have got to pay for it. If you want more Cornyn Kyl Thune these in the past. The chairman of the tax cuts, you are going to have to off- Craig Lott Vitter Budget Committee will argue that they Warner set them. Crapo Lugar did not work very effectively in the NAYS—51 This amendment would completely past. I would disagree. It made it more Akaka Feinstein Nelson (FL) strip all of the points of order that difficult to take money out of Defense exist under the pay-go discipline. This Baucus Harkin Nelson (NE) and to spend it on other programs. Bayh Inouye Obama would be a return to deficits and debt Our amendment is a little different. Biden Kennedy Pryor as far as the eye can see at the worst It says if you are going to take money Bingaman Kerry Reed Boxer Klobuchar Reid possible time, just before the baby out of Defense for social spending pro- boomers retire. Brown Kohl Rockefeller grams, then you must do it during the Byrd Landrieu Salazar This is a critical and defining amend- budget process. It brings transparency Cantwell Lautenberg Sanders ment. I urge my colleagues to vote no. Cardin Leahy Schumer into the budget process. In the last sev- Carper Levin Specter The PRESIDING OFFICER. The eral years, folks have taken money out Casey Lieberman Stabenow question is on agreeing to the amend- of the Defense Department during the Clinton Lincoln Tester ment No. 466, as modified, offered by appropriations process, put it in other Conrad McCaskill Voinovich the Senator from Alabama. The yeas Dorgan Menendez Webb social spending, and then during the Durbin Mikulski Whitehouse and nays have been ordered. emergency supplemental process they Feingold Murray Wyden The clerk will call the roll. backfill the Defense Department. This NOT VOTING—2 The bill clerk called the roll. has cost our country an extra $84 bil- Dodd Johnson Mr. DURBIN. I announce that the lion over the last 5 years. The problem The amendment (No. 476) was re- Senator from Connecticut (Mr. DODD) is the money gets built into the base- and the Senator from South Dakota line, which costs more money and more jected. Mrs. MURRAY. I move to reconsider (Mr. JOHNSON) are necessarily absent. money and more money every year; the vote. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Are there last year alone it was $40 billion. Mr. NELSON of Florida. I move to any other Senators in the Chamber de- If you want to be fiscally responsible, lay that motion on the table. siring to vote? you should vote for this amendment. The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- The motion to lay on the table was The result was announced—yeas 46, agreed to. nays 52, as follows: ator from North Dakota. Mr. CONRAD. Madam President and AMENDMENT NO. 483 [Rollcall Vote No. 85 Leg.] colleagues, I think this amendment is The PRESIDING OFFICER. Under YEAS—46 well intended. the previous order, there will be 2 min- Alexander Crapo Kyl I believe it will actually make the utes evenly divided on the Bunning Allard DeMint Lott situation worse with these defense fire- amendment No. 483. Bennett Dole Lugar Bond Domenici Martinez walls. What it means is that sup- Who yields time? Brownback Ensign McCain posedly we are walling off nondefense The Senator from Kentucky. Bunning Enzi McConnell money and defense money. But here is Mr. BUNNING. Madam President, Burr Graham Murkowski what is happening. We have had these this amendment is almost identical to Chambliss Grassley Roberts Coburn Gregg firewalls in the past. Before we had the language that was included in the Sessions Cochran Hagel Shelby them, we had three medical research fiscal year 2003 budget resolution Coleman Hatch Smith earmarks in the defense budget. This is Chairman CONRAD authored. There are Corker Hutchison Cornyn Inhofe Specter what happened after defense firewalls. many reasons for this amendment, but Craig Isakson Here are the number of earmarks in basically the amendment says that just

VerDate Aug 31 2005 02:39 Apr 26, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00053 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\RECORD07\S21MR7.REC S21MR7 pwalker on PROD1PC69 with CONG-REC-ONLINE S3506 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE March 21, 2007 because we have been spending the So- Vitter Warner Whitehouse Collins Kerry Reid cial Security surplus for decades does Voinovich Webb Wyden Conrad Klobuchar Roberts Corker Kohl Rockefeller not mean we should continue to do so. NOT VOTING—2 Cornyn Kyl Salazar That is why we have made a budget Dodd Johnson Craig Landrieu Sanders point of order against continued spend- Crapo Lautenberg Schumer The amendment (No. 483) was agreed DeMint Leahy ing of it. Sessions to. Dole Levin Shelby Domenici Lieberman We have dug ourselves into a big Smith AMENDMENT NO. 486 Dorgan Lincoln ditch. The budget before us just keeps Snowe The PRESIDING OFFICER. Under Durbin Lott on digging. My amendment says: Stop Specter the previous order, there will be 2 min- Ensign Lugar digging. It forces Congress to make a Stabenow utes evenly divided on the Bingaman Enzi Martinez plan to protect the Social Security sur- Feingold McCain Stevens amendment No. 486. Sununu plus. Feinstein McCaskill The Senator from New Mexico. Graham McConnell Tester I urge my colleagues to think about Thomas Mr. BINGAMAN. Madam President, Grassley Menendez the future Social Security retirees and Hagel Mikulski Thune this amendment is bipartisan. Senator support this amendment. Harkin Murkowski Vitter ALEXANDER and I and many other Sen- Hatch Murray Voinovich The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- ators are cosponsoring this amend- Hutchison Nelson (FL) Warner ator from North Dakota. ment. It is to make room in this budg- Inhofe Nelson (NE) Webb Mr. CONRAD. Madam President, this Inouye Obama Whitehouse et so we can fund what the President Isakson Pryor Wyden is a happy moment. We can all vote for has requested in the various agencies Kennedy Reed this amendment. This is an amendment that are essential to keeping this coun- NAYS—1 I offered a number of years ago. I wish try competitive. Gregg it would have passed then and been in It is to allow the provisions of the NOT VOTING—2 effect because we could have avoided America COMPETES Act, which Sen- some of the unpleasantness that has ators REID and MCCONNELL earlier in- Dodd Johnson followed in taking Social Security troduced, to actually be funded later The amendment (No. 486) was agreed funds and using them for other pur- this year, if we can do that in the ap- to. poses. propriations process. I yield the re- Mr. CONRAD. Madam President, I There is no reason not to support this mainder of my 1 minute to Senator AL- move to reconsider the vote, and I amendment tonight to try to once EXANDER and urge all colleagues to sup- move to lay that motion on the table. again impose the discipline that has port the amendment. The motion to lay on the table was been lacking, to prevent Social Secu- Mr. ALEXANDER. Madam President, agreed to. rity funds from being used to pay other I thank the Senator from New Mexico. The PRESIDING OFFICER (Mr. bills. He is precisely correct. This is an CARDIN). Under the previous order, So I welcome colleagues voting for amendment to help America keep its the Senator from Texas is recognized. this amendment. brain power managed so we can keep AMENDMENT NO. 517 The PRESIDING OFFICER. The our good jobs. It is necessary to make Mrs. HUTCHISON. Mr. President, I question is on agreeing to Bunning room in the budget for the amount of send an amendment to the desk. amendment No. 483. The yeas and nays money President Bush recommended in The PRESIDING OFFICER. The have been ordered. The clerk will call connection with legislation that Sen- clerk will report. the roll. ator REID and Senator MCCONNELL The legislative clerk read as follows: The bill clerk called the roll. have introduced. The Senator from Texas [Mrs. HUTCHISON], Mr. DURBIN. I announce that the The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- for herself, Mr. CORNYN, Ms. CANTWELL, and Senator from Connecticut (Mr. DODD) ator’s time has expired. Mr. ENZI, proposes an amendment numbered and the Senator from South Dakota Mr. ALEXANDER. I urge a ‘‘yes’’ 517. (Mr. JOHNSON) are necessarily absent. vote. Mrs. HUTCHISON. Mr. President, I The PRESIDING OFFICER. Are there Mr. CONRAD. Madam President, this ask unanimous consent that the read- any other Senators in the Chamber de- is the last vote today. We would urge ing of the amendment be dispensed siring to vote? all of our colleagues to vote yea on this with. The result was announced—yeas 98, bipartisan amendment. I think this is The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without nays 0, as follows: one of the most thoughtful amend- objection, it is so ordered. The amendment is as follows: [Rollcall Vote No. 87 Leg.] ments that has been offered through- out the process. It deserves all of our AMENDMENT NO. 517 YEAS—98 support. (Purpose: To provide tax equity for citizens Akaka Dole Martinez The PRESIDING OFFICER. The of states which do not have a state income Alexander Domenici McCain tax by providing for a permanent extension Allard Dorgan question is on agreeing to amendment McCaskill of the state and local sales tax deduction Baucus Durbin McConnell No. 486. The yeas and nays have been from federal income taxes, now scheduled Bayh Ensign Menendez ordered. Bennett Enzi to expire at the end of 2007) Mikulski The clerk will call the roll. Biden Feingold Murkowski On page 3, line 11, decrease the amount by Bingaman Feinstein Murray The legislative clerk called the roll. $429,000,000. Bond Graham Nelson (FL) Mr. DURBIN. I announce that the On page 3, line 12, decrease the amount by Boxer Grassley Nelson (NE) Brown Gregg Senator from Connecticut (Mr. DODD) $2,923,000,000. Obama Brownback Hagel and the Senator from South Dakota On page 3, line 13, decrease the amount by Pryor Bunning Harkin $3,294,000,000. Reed (Mr. JOHNSON) are necessarily absent. Burr Hatch On page 3, line 14, decrease the amount by Reid The PRESIDING OFFICER. Are there Byrd Hutchison Roberts $3,349,000,000. Cantwell Inhofe any other Senators in the Chamber de- On page 3, line 15, decrease the amount by Cardin Inouye Rockefeller siring to vote? Salazar $3,579,000,000. Carper Isakson The result was announced—yeas 97, Casey Kennedy Sanders On page 3, line 20, decrease the amount by Chambliss Kerry Schumer nays 1, as follows: $429,000,000. Clinton Klobuchar Sessions [Rollcall Vote No. 88 Leg.] On page 3, line 21, decrease the amount by Coburn Kohl Shelby $2,923,000,000, YEAS—97 Cochran Kyl Smith On page 3, line 22, decrease the amount by Coleman Landrieu Snowe Akaka Bond Cardin $3,294,000,000. Collins Lautenberg Specter Alexander Boxer Carper On page 3, line 23, decrease the amount by Stabenow Conrad Leahy Allard Brown Casey $3,349,000,000. Corker Levin Stevens Baucus Brownback Chambliss Cornyn Lieberman Sununu Bayh Bunning Clinton On page 4, line 1, decrease the amount by Craig Lincoln Tester Bennett Burr Coburn $3,579,000,000. Crapo Lott Thomas Biden Byrd Cochran On page 4, line 6, decrease the amount by DeMint Lugar Thune Bingaman Cantwell Coleman $429,000,000.

VerDate Aug 31 2005 02:39 Apr 26, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00054 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\RECORD07\S21MR7.REC S21MR7 pwalker on PROD1PC69 with CONG-REC-ONLINE March 21, 2007 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S3507 On page 4, line 7, decrease the amount by nism, thereby penalizing them because Mrs. HUTCHISON. The discretionary $2,923,000,000. of their State’s choice to collect reve- side. On page 4, line 8, decrease the amount by nues through sales taxes. Mr. CONRAD. Let me say to col- $3,294,000,000. Eight States—Washington, Nevada, leagues that while I have great sym- On page 4, line 9, decrease the amount by Wyoming, South Dakota, Alaska, Flor- $3,349,000,000. pathy for the purposes of the Senator’s On page 4, line 10, decrease the amount by ida, Tennessee, and Texas—have been amendment, the funding source gives $3,579,000,000. penalized in those years for exercising me substantial heartburn. Let me ex- On page 4, line 15, decrease the amount by their independence in choosing their plain why, if I may. The discretionary $429,000,000. method of collecting taxes. It was un- side would include things such as law On page 4, line 16, decrease the amount by fair. enforcement and veterans. We already $2,923,000,000. Congress rectified this unequal treat- have, out of section 920, between $7.5 On page 4, line 17, decrease the amount by ment when we passed the America Jobs $3,294,000,000. billion and $8 billion taken from that Creation Act of 2004, providing tax- pot. The problem with taking another On page 4, line 18, decrease the amount by payers with the option of using the $3,349,000,000. $13 billion is it goes into an area where On page 4, line 19, decrease the amount by sales tax for their deduction or the in- we don’t have the resources in terms of $3,579,000,000. come tax. If someone lives in an in- this magnitude. On page 26, line 12, decrease the amount by come tax State, they can also choose Let me say why that is the case. The $429,000,000. the sales tax instead of their income President just sent up a message iden- On page 26, line 13, decrease the amount by tax deduction, so it is a benefit for tifying $7.5 billion in this area that $429,000,000. every taxpayer in America to have this could be cut. Congress, in a recent leg- On page 26, line 16, decrease the amount by option. But it especially affects these islative enactment, took out $6 billion. $2,923,000,000. eight States that have no option, with- So we can probably do some more out On page 26, line 17, decrease the amount by out the ability to deduct their sales $2,923,000,000. of 920 but, honestly, to take that addi- taxes. Why should they have to pay On page 26, line 20, decrease the amount by tional amount out of 920 is going to $3,294,000,000. taxes on their taxes, when people who pay income taxes do not? Of course, have a real impact on these discre- On page 26, line 21, decrease the amount by tionary accounts that it affects—vet- $3,294,000,000. they should not. On page 26, line 24, decrease the amount by A family of four in Texas that erans, law enforcement, parks, and all $3,349,000,000. itemizes will save $310 a year in Fed- the rest. On page 26, line 25, decrease the amount by eral income taxes, on average. This de- So I am going to be compelled to re- $3,349,000,000. duction, which we extended through sist this amendment, not because I On page 27, line 3, decrease the amount by this year, 2007, will expire if we don’t don’t favor the basic objective the Sen- $3,579,000,000. provide for this extension in the budg- ator is trying to accomplish, which is On page 27, line 4, decrease the amount by entirely reasonable, but the pay-for $3,579,000,000. et. Sales tax deductibility is not only an presents a problem to this budget. That Mrs. HUTCHISON. Mr. President, my issue of fundamental tax fairness but is would take us well over $20 billion out amendment is cosponsored by Senator also an economic stimulus. It can cre- of section 920, and I don’t think there CORNYN, Senator CANTWELL, and Sen- ate jobs in the States, where lowering are sufficient resources there to ac- ator ENZI. This is an amendment that taxes does make a difference in the in- commodate that amount. also has sponsors of bills to legisla- vestments businesses make, which does I want to give colleagues a heads up, tively produce the same result: Sen- create new jobs. Fifty-five million and perhaps overnight we can find ators ALEXANDER, ENSIGN, CORNYN, Americans live in States which do not some other way. Perhaps we can work ENZI, CORKER, MARTINEZ, STEVENS, have income taxes but which have together and see if there is another THUNE, BILL NELSON, CANTWELL, MUR- hefty sales taxes. Last Congress, three- way to fund it. RAY, and REID. This is an amendment fourths of this body voted overwhelm- I yield the floor. that would extend the sales tax deduc- ingly to make the sales tax deduction The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- tion in Federal income taxes for the pe- permanent. ator from Texas is recognized. riod of this budget. This would perpet- My amendment is fully paid for Mrs. HUTCHISON. Mr. President, I uate the law that is today but which through reductions in waste, fraud, and appreciate what the distinguished expires at the end of this year. It is abuse. I urge my colleagues to support chairman of the committee has said. fully offset with the 920 budget func- this amendment so we can have equity Let me say three things: First, I would tion allowances. It would cost $13 bil- for all of our citizens and options for be happy to work with the chairman to lion over the 5-year period, and this ac- all of our citizens to choose which of find another offset that would be ac- count will absorb that loss. the State and local taxes they would ceptable, because I certainly want it to My amendment provides for the ex- prefer to deduct. be offset, and I think the basic fairness tension of the sales tax deduction for Mr. President, I yield the floor and of treating every taxpayer in America States that do not have an income tax. suggest the absence of a quorum. fairly is one we should absolutely ad- It is an issue of fairness. We have The PRESIDING OFFICER. The here to. I cannot imagine that we fought for this since 1986, until 2004, clerk will call the roll. would go forward next year and put when we corrected the inequity. I hope The legislative clerk proceeded to eight States at such a disadvantage. So we will be able to correct this inequity call the roll. I want to work with the chairman. on a permanent basis. Mr. CONRAD. Mr. President, I ask The second point is it doesn’t have to State and local governments have unanimous consent that the order for be discretionary. The reason I said dis- various options for raising revenues. the quorum call be rescinded. cretionary—and it is not in the amend- The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without Some levy income taxes, some use ment that it would be discretionary, objection, it is so ordered. and perhaps we can work in another sales taxes, and some do both. Citizens Mr. CONRAD. Mr. President, if I may of States that levy income taxes have inquire of the Senator, for clarification area of spending that would be accept- long been able to offset some of what purposes on her amendment, the able. The reason I chose discretionary they pay by deducting their State in- amendment, as I understand it, on is my third point, which is the OMB come tax on their Federal tax returns. sales tax deductibility—what is the rating analysis—the PART assess- In essence, we are not making people cost of that amendment? ment—working with that PART assess- pay taxes on their taxes, which is fair. Mrs. HUTCHISON. It is $13 billion ment, Senator ALLARD said there was Before 1986, all taxpayers had that over 5 years. $88 billion in program spending that capability, whether they were taxed Mr. CONRAD. As I understand it, the was rated as ‘‘ineffective’’ over the with sales taxes or income taxes. From Senator funds it out of section 920. next 5-year period. So I thought the $88 1986 until 2004, the residents of States Mrs. HUTCHISON. That is correct. billion provided plenty of leeway for that didn’t have a State income tax Mr. CONRAD. Would it be out of the programs that were not fully oper- but had a sales tax were not allowed to mandatory side of 920 or the discre- ational to use what they have in the deduct their State’s revenue mecha- tionary side? budget.

VerDate Aug 31 2005 02:39 Apr 26, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00055 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\RECORD07\S21MR7.REC S21MR7 pwalker on PROD1PC69 with CONG-REC-ONLINE S3508 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE March 21, 2007 I don’t think anyone would take from The stakes right now are too high in raising money, getting on the tele- the veterans account, of course, be- America not to change. A lot of people phone, setting up fundraisers, traveling cause we have increased the veterans in America on both sides of the fence around the country, where good peo- amount to make sure that veterans’ have a sneaky feeling that our democ- ple—I thank them for helping me—are health care is fully covered. I am the racy is in real trouble. No wonder. asked to give contributions. It becomes ranking member of the Veterans Ap- Look around at all the scandal and sus- a consuming passion because you un- propriations Committee and I added picion, the so-called ‘‘culture of cor- derstand you are going to need that $1.5 billion in emergency funding last ruption.’’ Take a good look at the po- money to be reelected. year to assure that the veterans ac- litical money chase that consumes Mr. President, do you know why I am counts would be fully funded. In the more of our time every year. That is raising money? I am raising money to rating analysis of OMB, there are other time a Senator and a Member of Con- create a trust fund in Illinois for tele- funds that cannot fully utilize their gress doesn’t have to devote to being a vision stations. That is right. I am beg- line items and, therefore, I think there Senator. We can use that time talking ging money from everybody I can find would be leeway in this discretionary to people we represent, people who in order to buy television time next account. might not have $2,000, $3,000, $4,000 to year. I need millions of dollars because I would be pleased to work with the give to us but people who are even the cost of television is soaring. chairman. I hope we can provide for more important than those donors. Take a look at the amount spent on this in the budget, because I think we That is time we could use to study and political TV advertising. To give you a have to treat every American taxpayer try to solve some of the big challenges notion, political ad spending in mil- fairly. facing this country, such as our reli- lions of dollars, starting in 2002, $995 I yield the floor. ance on foreign oil. million; 2004, $1.6 billion; 2006, $1.7 bil- The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- There are many good, honest people lion; and 2008, I can’t even guess where ator from Illinois is recognized. in politics, and this Senate is guided by that figure is going to go. CAMPAIGN FINANCING the best of intentions, but we are stuck Does anyone think our democracy is Mr. DURBIN. Mr. President, imagine in a terrible, corrupting system. stronger and healthier because of this a President coming before a joint ses- Take a look, if you will, at the cost explosion in drive-by political TV ads? sion of Congress and using his bully of running Senate campaigns. This Have you ever met a voter who said: pulpit to call for a fundamental change chart is an indication of what we are You know what the problem is with po- in the way we fund political campaigns up against. This is the average spent litical campaigns? They are just too in America. Imagine a President saying by candidates in the 10 most expensive darn short. We need longer campaigns; we need to buy back our democracy by Senate races between 2002 and 2006. we need to see more of your ads. I have replacing special-interest-funded elec- Mind you, this is the average of the 10 never heard that. But I have heard the tions with publicly funded elections. most expensive races. Go back to 2002, opposite. I have heard people beg for As hard as it may be to believe, that and you see the number is somewhere mercy: Are you going to have another happened. An American President did short of $20 million. Now go to 2004 and week of those television commercials say that—100 years ago. His name was the number is up to $25 million. Now going? Teddy Roosevelt, and his call for public come to 2006 and the number happens The candidates hate raising the financing of campaigns was the corner- to be $34 million. That is $34 million on money for it, the people hate watching stone of his 1907 State of the Union Ad- average spent by the 10 most expensive it, but the TV stations love it. dress. Senate races by both candidates—$34 I know the Senate moves slowly, but I visit TV stations in my State when million, the average amount. it gets close to election time, and I a century is long enough to wait. Con- The cost of running for the Senate is meet with the managers. I met with gress can pass all the lobbying and eth- out of control. To think that the cost one in downstate Illinois in this last ics reforms we want, but we won’t get of running a Senate race between 2002 election cycle. Nice fellow. I have seen to the heart of the problem when it and 2006 in the 10 most expensive races him in Washington a lot. He runs a comes to the confidence of the Amer- has more than doubled tells us this is nice little station downstate. He had ican public until we address the issue unsustainable. this big smile on his face. of campaign financing. Special interest Let me show this chart as well. It is money and influence will always find a little hard to read because the charts I said: Things going OK here? new loopholes, until we change this po- are smaller. Here is another figure that Yes, they sure are. litical system fundamentally. is hard to imagine. It takes a mountain I said: Lots of political ads? Just yesterday, Senator SPECTER and of money to lose a Senate campaign He said: Senator, I am the luckiest I introduced a plan to do that. It is today. On average, to run and lose a guy in southern Illinois. My TV station called the Fair Elections Now Act. Our campaign for the Senate costs $7 mil- plays into Missouri. You know what is bill will create a pool of public, ac- lion. That is to lose. That figure, too, going on. We may not have a big Sen- countable funds that qualified Senate has doubled since 2002. Who knows ate race in Illinois, but in Missouri, candidates can use to fund their cam- what it is going to cost in 2008. there is a big red hot contest between paigns in place of special interest dol- These figures are the averages spent an incumbent Senator and a chal- lars and dollars from wealthy donors. by winners and losers for the Senate in lenger, and they are buying every sin- The program we propose is strictly vol- each of these years, and one can see gle minute I will sell them. To be hon- untary, and it is consistent with our from these charts what is happening. est with you, I have no time to sell to Constitution. Losers, $7 million to lose a Senate race; other advertisers because these polit- For years, I have always resisted the those running and winning, $12 million. ical candidates are here. idea of public financing of political Then take a look at the total amount Senators are spending more and more campaigns. I used to have this kind of spent in Senate races between 2002 and time each year when they are up for re- quick response when people asked me 2006. We have now broken through the election creating these trust funds for about public financing. It was a pretty $500 million barrier. We are on our way wealthy broadcasting corporations in- good one. I used to say I don’t want a to spending in total for about 33 races stead of doing the work the voters sent dime of Federal taxpayer dollars going every election $1 billion. We are on our us here to do. This is not good for our to some racist such as David Duke run- way there. There is no doubt we are democracy. Our democracy cannot af- ning for office. It was a pretty good re- going to hit that and soon. That is the ford to let this system continue. sponse, but frankly, as I reflect on it reality of what it means to be elected The plan Senator SPECTER and I have now, it ignores the obvious. For every to this important body. introduced is simple and constitu- miscreant like David Duke, there are The costs increase dramatically with tional. In order to receive Fair Elec- thousands of good men and women in every election. I am up for reelection tion funds, candidates first have to both political parties who were forced in 2008. Candidates, if they are honest prove they are real candidates. It isn’t into a system that is fundamentally with you, will tell you they spend too enough to think you are going to run; corrupting. many waking moments worrying about you have to have some support. People

VerDate Aug 31 2005 02:39 Apr 26, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00056 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\RECORD07\S21MR7.REC S21MR7 pwalker on PROD1PC69 with CONG-REC-ONLINE March 21, 2007 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S3509 have to believe you are a real can- candidates with the best ideas and corruption and scandals: I want to didate. You prove that by, as a can- principles, not just the person who is make it clear, the overwhelming ma- didate, collecting a minimum number the most talented in raising special in- jority of men and women serving in of small contributions. terest money. Congress in both the House and Senate, What does it mean? You have to be a Supporters of the current system those serving today and those I have fundraiser, and in my State of Illinois, who don’t want to change say the pub- served with over the years, are honest, it would mean you would have to have lic will never support Fair Elections. good people trying to do the best in 11,500 $5 contributions. I think that a They are wrong. Take a look at these public service. person who is not a serious candidate polling results when it comes to the I am not suggesting otherwise, but would have a tough time raising 11,500 idea of public financing of elections. the way we finance our campaigns is contributions in a State such as Illi- Support is increasing for the idea of unfortunate, forcing many of us into nois, but it is worth the effort because public financing in Fair Elections: Sev- compromising situations which are be- if you can raise that to prove you are enty-four percent of all voters support coming increasingly difficult. a viable candidate, you can qualify for public financing in Fair Elections; 80 The American people are ready for these funds to run your election cam- percent of Democrats, 65 percent of Re- Fair Elections. Fair Elections are al- paign. publicans, and 78 percent of Independ- ready at work in several States. After What happens if you are running ents. a century, it is time for the Senate to against a millionaire or a billionaire? This is an idea whose time has clear- accept President Teddy Roosevelt’s And believe me, a lot of political par- ly come. These are the results of a na- challenge: Buy back our democracy ties spend time searching for these so- tional survey conducted for Common from big donors and special interests called self-funders, people who pay for Cause and a group called Public Cam- and make Fair Elections the law of the their own campaigns. Or what if you paign. Three-quarters of Americans— land. get caught in the crosshairs of some Republicans and Democrats and Inde- Mr. President, how much time do I shadowy attack group that has decided pendents—support Fair Elections and have remaining under the previous they are going to take you on by run- public financing. It cuts across party order? ning ads against you? In that case, the lines, regional lines, and gender. Public The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- candidate who has agreed to be part of financing will only cost us a fraction of ator’s time has expired. the Fair Elections financing can re- what the current system costs. Make Mr. DURBIN. I thank the Presiding ceive additional funds to level the no mistake, if you are listening to this Officer. I see another Senator on the playing field. All candidates who vol- and saying: Why in the world would we floor, and I yield the floor. untarily agree to abide by Fair Elec- want any tax dollars to go to cam- The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- tions rules will receive vouchers for paigns, let them pay for it themselves, ator from Vermont is recognized. free TV time and discounts on addi- the harsh reality is America pays for Mr. SANDERS. Mr. President, let me tional TV-radio time. the way we fund our campaigns. begin by thanking Chairman KENT That is a major way in which our We are sustained on both sides of the CONRAD and his staff for the very hard plan will help slow the explosive aisle. Unless you are a self-funding mil- work they have done in crafting the growth of campaign spending. The only lionaire, we are sustained by special in- important budget resolution that is be- thing the Fair Elections candidates terest groups and wealthy donors. fore us. I know of their work because I cannot do is accept private, special in- I ask for those contributions because am a member of that committee and terest or big-donor funds. With the ex- I am not a wealthy person. I do my best have seen how much effort it has ception of those 11,500 contributions of to come and vote my conscience, but taken. $5, you are not in the fundraising busi- the fact is, there is always a suspicion Mr. President, as you know, a budget ness. Maybe a few startup funds, but by that when I cast a vote, it is because I is more than a long list of numbers and and large, the qualifying $5 contribu- received a contribution. this budget certainly has many num- tions is the end of your campaign fund- How much will it cost? About $1.4 bil- bers and it adds up to a huge sum of raising. lion a year, $2.8 billion per election money. But after all is said and done, a This is not a naive, idealistic, over- cycle. About as much as we spend in 1 budget is a statement about our values, the-Moon theory. Some of the pro- week on the war in Iraq is the amount about our priorities, and what we as a grams are already working in Maine it would cost us to publicly fund all nation stand for. That is what a budget and Arizona. They were enacted by House and Senate campaigns. is about. In my view, the time is long public referenda. They went to the vot- People who say the public shouldn’t overdue for the Congress in its budget ers of those two States and said: Do have to pay for elections miss the to get its priorities right, and by that you want a shorter, cleaner, and fairer point. We are already paying for them I mean to begin to stand up for the campaign? And the voters said ‘‘yes.’’ in the hidden ways that favor incum- vast majority of our people—the mid- They were enacted by public bents and special interests. We pay dle class, the working families of this referenda, and they have been sus- when special interests are allowed to country—rather than just the large tained through election cycles because literally write their own bills. We pay multinational corporations and the they are producing shorter and better every time a line is slipped into a bill wealthiest people in our Nation who campaigns. They are producing better anonymously, a big bill, behind closed year after year have had their way on debates in place of a terrible avalanche doors giving some well-connected cor- budget initiatives. of political ads that we see almost ev- poration tens of millions of dollars in Mr. President, when we analyze the erywhere. Fair Elections in Maine and tax breaks. merits of a Federal budget, we have to Arizona are helping those States pass Fair Elections aren’t just better than begin by taking a very serious look at the kinds of reforms Americans want, what we have now, ultimately they are the economic reality which faces the such as affordable health care. less expensive to the taxpayers. American people. In other words, is the Fair Elections are bringing new faces It has been a century since Teddy budget we are working on now reflec- and new ideas into politics. They are Roosevelt challenged Congress to get tive of the needs of our people? Is that helping level the playing field between to the heart of the problem and get the what we are doing? incumbents and challengers because we special interest money out of the pub- On many occasions, members of the see, under this system, the incumbent lic elections 100 years ago. The Amer- Bush administration have come before Senator doesn’t get any more money ican people do understand what is at the Budget Committee, of which I am a than the challenger. They get the same stake. They understand our democracy member, and they have given us their amount of money, fair play. is in trouble because special interests view of how our economy is doing. I am Some may wonder why Senator SPEC- and big-donor money is choking the astounded each and every time by their TER and I would support a system that system and preventing us from facing worldly view with regard to the budget. weakens the incumbent advantage. The up to the big challenges of our time. We have heard members of the admin- answer is simple: We believe that I wish to say for the record what I istration telling us how wonderful the America needs a system that rewards said on the floor before in the midst of economy is doing, how marvelous it is,

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Vermont, when we do town meetings, row and when the personal savings rate That is the reality to which the budget we always talk about the economy; in this country now is below zero, should be responding. how well the middle class is doing. I al- something which has not happened The President of the United States, ways ask people: How do you think the since the Great Depression? in his budget proposal, told us what he middle class is doing right now—doing How can our economy be doing well thought. He said in his budget that, de- well, not so well? With very few excep- when almost 7 million Americans have spite the growing health care crisis in tions, people tell me that the middle lost their health insurance since Presi- our country, he was going to cut Medi- class in this country, in the State of dent Bush has been in office and when, care and Medicaid by $280 billion over Vermont, in their own lives, that peo- according to the U.S. Department of the next decade and that he was going ple are struggling economically to Agriculture, 35 million Americans to inadequately fund the Children’s keep their heads above water. I find it struggled to put food on the table last Health Insurance Program. Today, the hard to understand how people from year and hunger in America is increas- United States is the only nation in the the Bush administration can come for- ing? If hunger is increasing, that, to industrialized world that does not ward and tell us just how great the my mind, does not sound like a boom- guarantee health care to all its people. economy is doing. I really wonder what ing economy. We have millions and millions of chil- world they are living in. How can people talk about our econ- dren who have no health insurance, and In my view, and I think the facts sub- omy doing so well when college stu- this President refuses to adequately stantiate my view, the economic re- dents are graduating with about $20,000 fund the health insurance program for ality facing the vast majority of our in debt and some 400,000 qualified high children. working people is that the middle class school students don’t go to college be- Despite the reality that we have is shrinking, that people today all over cause they can’t afford it? We all talk 23,000 wounded coming home from Iraq our country are working longer hours about education, education, education. and tens of thousands more who will be for lower wages. Hundreds of thousands of young people coming home with post-traumatic When I was a kid growing up, the ex- cannot afford to go to college. stress disorder or traumatic brain in- pectation was that one person in a fam- How can our economy be doing great jury, the President, in his budget, once ily—in those days, almost always the when home foreclosures have sky- again inadequately funded the needs of man—could work 40 hours a week and rocketed to the highest level in nearly our veterans, as he has done year after earn enough money to pay the bills— four decades, according to the Mort- year. In fact, since President Bush has one person, 40 hours a week. How many gage Bankers Association, and when we been in office, an estimated 1 million middle-class families do we know today have lost over 3 million good-paying veterans have been denied access to where one person is working 40 hours a manufacturing jobs since President health services at the VA. week? The answer is, likely not very Bush has been in office? Despite a horrendous crisis in many. Most of the middle-class fami- How can our economy be doing so childcare access and affordability for lies we know are seeing husbands work- great when 3 million fewer American working families, so that all over this ing very long hours, wives working workers have pension coverage today country working people are desperately very long hours, and on occasion kids than when President Bush took office, trying to locate quality, affordable working to help save some money for and half of private sector American childcare while they are at work, the college. In fact, at the end of the day, workers have no pension coverage President, in his budget, reduced the what we have to understand is that the whatsoever? number of children receiving childcare American worker today is working When the President of the United assistance by 300,000 and he cut funding longer hours than the people of any States and his administration tell us for the Head Start Program. other industrialized country. We sur- the economy is doing great, well, they Despite millions of homeowners pay- passed the Japanese a few years ago. are partially right. While the economy ing outrageously high property taxes, We also have to understand, when we is not doing well for the middle class or the President has, in his budget, fur- talk about a shrinking middle class, working families of our country, it is ther retreated from the Federal com- that many millions of American work- doing very well for the wealthiest peo- mitment to special education and he ers today are working longer hours for ple in America. That is the truth. has cut funding for that program. This lower wages than used to be the case. Today, the wealthiest people in our will result in a lowering of the quality In Vermont, and throughout this coun- country are becoming much wealthier. of education for all of our children, in- try, in fact, parents are wondering In fact, they have not had it so good cluding those with disabilities, and an why, despite a huge increase in tech- since the 1920s. That is the reality. The increase in property taxes. This is a nology, despite huge growth in worker middle class is shrinking, poverty is in- very serious problem in my State of productivity, there is a strong likeli- creasing, the people at the top have Vermont, where towns are divided hood that for the first time in modern never had it so good since the 1920s, every March when they go over the American history our children will and we have, as a nation, the dubious budget. have a lower standard of living than we distinction of now having, by far, the People understand the needs of the do. The American dream has always widest gap between the rich and the schools. They understand the high cost been about parents working hard with poor of any major country on earth. of mainstreaming kids with disabil- the hope that their kids, the next gen- Today, the upper 1 percent of fami- ities. Yet people cannot afford higher eration, will do better than they have lies in America have not had it so good and higher property taxes. We as a done. That was the case with my par- since the 1920s. According to Forbes Congress have to fully fund special edu- ents and in the case of millions of fam- Magazine, the collective net worth of cation and keep the commitment we ilies in this country. the wealthiest 400 Americans increased have made to school districts all over Unfortunately, now we are in a situa- by $120 billion last year to $1.25 tril- this country. Yet the President, in his tion unique in modern history where, lion. The 400 wealthiest Americans are budget, cuts funding for special edu- unless we turn this economy around, now worth $1.25 trillion at the same cation. what we will see is our children having time that hunger in America is in- Interestingly enough, while cutting a lower standard of living than we do. creasing and 5 million more of our citi- programs for the middle class and I wonder how the Bush administra- zens have slipped into poverty. working families of our country, while tion can tell us how great the economy I have given this broad overview of inadequately funding the needs of our is doing when more than 5 million the economy in order to place the dis- veterans, of our children, and of our Americans have slipped into poverty cussion of our budget in what I think is senior citizens, the President has

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We pretty simple: We raise $130 billion in I think we are making some progress can’t fund the needs of our kids, the new revenue by rescinding the tax in terms of the budget, the budget be- President wants to eliminate a wonder- breaks that President Bush gave to the fore us today, far better than what the ful nutrition program for low-income most wealthy 1 percent. President presented to Congress. But seniors, we can’t fund special edu- I know a lot of my colleagues do not we still have a long way to go. I ask cation, we don’t have enough money to agree with me, but I think that at a my colleagues to support amendments put into sustainable energy, we can’t time when we have a $8.5 trillion na- which will strengthen the middle class take care of our veterans—we just tional debt, at a time when the middle and working families of our country. don’t have enough money—but some- class is being squeezed, at a time when I yield the floor. how the President did manage to find the wealthiest people in our country Mr. AKAKA. Mr. President, before I in his budget $739 billion in tax cuts for have never had it so good, I believe address the proposed funding for VA in households earning more than $1 mil- that it is time to rescind the Bush tax the budget resolution for fiscal year lion per year over the next decade. breaks that have been given to the 2008, I applaud Chairman CONRAD and Part of the President’s budget calls wealthiest 1 percent. his colleagues on the Budget Com- for a complete elimination of the es- What we also do is ask the Pentagon mittee for their hard work on this reso- tate tax, a tax which now applies only to take a hard look at their budget and lution. The measure before us today to the wealthiest three-tenths of 1 per- cut out the waste, the fraud, the unnec- clearly reflects the right priorities and cent of our population. The elimination essary weapons systems that currently directions for our Nation. of this tax would provide an estimated exist. When you do that, you end up For a number of years, I have made $1 trillion in tax breaks for million- raising $130 billion of new revenue. We the case for the President to include aires and billionaires between 2012 to propose that $30 billion go to deficit re- funds for VA health care as part of the 2021. One, just one multibillionaire duction and we propose the other $100 war supplemental packages he has sub- family, the Walton family, which owns billion go to address the longtime mitted to Congress, and every year, my Wal-Mart, would receive an estimated unmet needs of the middle class and colleagues and I fought to get those $32 billion in tax relief—for one family. working families of this country. funds included in the budget resolution But we just don’t have the money to If as a nation we are serious about to no avail. take care of hundreds of thousands of addressing the long neglected needs of The pending budget resolution finally veterans or our children or our seniors. the working people of America and cre- recognizes that caring for returning Now, that may make sense to some- ating a more just society, we have to service members and veterans is part of body, but that is not my sense of what change our national priorities. The the cost of war and in turn proposes to moral values are about. wealthiest people in this country are fund VA health care appropriately for While the budget resolution, intro- doing just fine. They are doing really this effort. duced by Chairman KENT CONRAD, well. It is time we pay attention to Right now, a great deal of attention which we are debating now is far from working families, to the middle class, is being paid to the needs of our men perfect, it is much more responsive to to the people who are struggling. and women in uniform—attention that the needs of ordinary Americans than I appreciate very much the hard Chairman CONRAD, myself, and other the President’s. Instead of cutting back work that Senator CONRAD has done Members of this Chamber have been on the educational needs of this coun- and I applaud his efforts. In the coming talking about for quite some time. I try, this budget resolution provides days I will be offering several amend- am proud to stand with Chairman over $6 billion more than the Presi- ments that I think will make the budg- CONRAD in support of our service mem- dent’s request for education, including et bill a stronger bill. One of the bers and veterans. significant increases for Pell grants, amendments is pretty simple. I hear a One of the harshest realities of the Head Start, title I, and special edu- whole lot on the floor of the Senate wars in Iraq and Afghanistan is the cation. about the need for deficit reduction, number of service members who have Instead of cutting back on health and I share that concern. The fact that sustained complex and multiple inju- care, this budget resolution provides an we have a $8.5 trillion national debt ries in combat. increase of $2.8 billion over the Presi- should be of concern to every Member In stark contrast to past conflicts, dent’s request for health care, includ- of the Senate and every Member of the significant improvements in battlefield ing strong funding for a program that I House. So our proposal is going to be a medicine have enabled very seriously think is enormously important for pretty simple one—very simple. wounded service members to survive rural America and that is Community What we are going to propose is that their injuries. Subsequently, these men Health Centers and the National we rescind all of the tax breaks given and women are coming home with ex- Health Service. Instead of cutting back to people who earn $100 million or traordinarily complex health care or inadequately funding the needs of more—a tiny fraction of 1 percent—and needs. our veterans, this budget resolution that we use those savings for deficit re- We know that right now, there have provides over $3 billion in increases duction. That is it. Pretty simple. If been 1,882 identified and registered over the President’s budget for our Na- you are in favor of deficit reduction, I cases of service members who have suf- tion’s veterans—one of the priorities hope you will support that amendment. fered from traumatic brain injuries, or that I regard most important as a There is another amendment that we TBI, alone. This does not include those member of the Committee on Veterans’ will also be offering. We have not who have suffered from a milder form Affairs. worked out all the details but again of this injury and may not even be But I think over the long run we can what this amendment would do is re- aware of it. While TBI is becoming the and must do much better in estab- scind tax breaks for upper income peo- signature wound of the current con- lishing our budget priorities than this ple and use all of those savings to start flicts, many of these soldiers also have budget does. This budget is much bet- the process of fully funding special been rendered blind or lost a limb as a ter than President Bush’s budget, but education. All over America, people are result of their injuries and the numbers in my view we have a long way to go to paying higher and higher property of those who are coming back with se- create a budget which responds to the taxes. It is certainly true in Vermont; rious and multiple wounds continues to needs of ordinary Americans. it is certainly true in many States. The grow. As an example of where I think we question is, Do we continue to main- In recognition of the emerging med- should be going as a nation in terms of tain tax breaks for the most wealthy ical and rehabilitative needs of vet- our budget, last week I introduced the people in this country while property erans with traumatic brain and other

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Today, the Chamber claims more In the budget before us today, Chair- a veteran truly on the road to recov- than 500 members, but their values are man CONRAD and his colleagues have ery. Again, this budget resolution pro- still the same—economic diversifica- provided over $300 million specifically vides funds for comprehensive inpa- tion, continued prosperity, and forward for meeting the needs of these veterans tient substance abuse care. This is a progress into the future. and service members who are in need of very real investment in VA mental During a recent celebration of the the comprehensive health care and re- health care. Elko Area Chamber of Commerce, habilitative services VA delivers On the benefits side, the current board members reminisced about the through their Polytrauma Centers. claims inventory and the time it takes history of the chamber. They certainly This level of funding will enable VA to process a claim is unacceptable. have many accomplishments to cele- to conduct assessments and screenings Veterans deserve a timely and accurate brate. One of the most successful pro- of troops for traumatic brain injury, response to their claims. It is obvious grams undertaken by the chamber has provide veterans with intensive com- that Chairman CONRAD agrees, as this been their Chamber Checks Program. prehensive TBI/polytrauma rehabilita- budget resolution takes a major step This effort has encouraged residents to tion, and most importantly, support in- toward responding to this very real shop at local businesses and kept more tensive case management for veterans problem by providing appropriate fund- than $4 million in the community. The with TBI and other injuries when they ing for VA to use to employ additional chamber also took the lead in relo- return to their communities and con- claims adjudicators. cating the landmark Sherman Station tinue the rehabilitation process. There are 30,000 more claims pending more than 60 miles to the heart of Recent reports by the VA inspector right now than last year this time. downtown Elko. Each part of the general and others have illustrated This constitutes an 8 percent increase. homestead was carefully deconstructed that case management is a key ele- As the veterans population continues and rebuilt by chamber members and ment in the process of assisting these to age and new veterans come home volunteers. Today it serves as the veterans achieve the fullest possible re- from Iraq and Afghanistan, this trend home of the Elko Chamber. coveries. Funding VA so that it can of increased claims will continue. Over the years, I have been privileged provide the continuum of care needed Given that it takes nearly 2 years for a to work with the Elko Chamber and by the most severely injured service new VA employee to start fully con- the Western Folklife Center to pro- members is imperative if we are to tributing to the bottom line, now is the mote and honor cowboy poetry. This truly fulfill our obligation to take care time for new staff to be hired and rich tradition is an important part of of our troops and veterans. trained to help reduce this caseload. Nevada’s western heritage. Every year, I am also very pleased that the budg- Just 2 weeks ago, the Committee on Elko hosts the National Cowboy Po- et resolution before us is making a Veterans’ Affairs held a hearing on the etry Gathering, attracting visitors long-overdue investment in mental VA claims adjudication process. During from across the country. The event health care. the hearing, VA witnesses testified to would not be possible without the dedi- Studies published in some of the the nearly 400,000 ratings claims inven- cation of many volunteers and commu- most prestigious journals have found tory and the 175 days it takes to proc- nity leaders, including the Elko Cham- that a third of those seeking VA care ess a claim for benefits. We must insist ber. are coming for mental health concerns, that VA have no more than 250,000 The Elko Chamber of Commerce em- including PTSD, anxiety, depression, claims in the pipeline at once, and that bodies the best principles of the resi- and substance abuse. We do not know it take not more than 125 days to adju- dents of northeastern Nevada. It is my the full magnitude of this need, as dicate a claim. VA clearly needs addi- great pleasure to honor their centen- many returning service members have tional resources to hire the employees nial celebration before the Senate. I yet to seek care from VA. needed to adjudicate claims in a timely am confident in the continued success As chairman of the Veterans’ Affairs manner, which this budget resolution of the Elko Chamber of Commerce, and Committee, my goal is to make sure certainly provides. I look forward to working with them that VA is doing everything possible to Mr. President, I am very pleased with for many years to come. guarantee that each and every veteran the investment in veterans programs f who needs mental health care—wheth- that is made in this budget resolution. er in North Dakota, Vermont, or Ha- COMMUNITY HEALTH CENTERS I again commend Chairman CONRAD INVESTMENT ACT waii—can receive that care. and the Budget Committee for sending I remind my colleagues that so much the right message to our Nation’s vet- Mr. SANDERS. Mr. President, today of the time, battle wounds manifest erans—that we are honoring our com- in the United States of America there themselves as invisible wounds— mitment to them by making a real in- are 47 million people who are without wounds which cannot be seen but are vestment into their care. I urge my health insurance and 35 million Ameri- every bit as devastating as physical colleagues to support swift passage of cans who are completely without ac- wounds. PTSD affects not only a vet- the resolution before us today. cess to the most basic health care serv- eran’s mental status, it affects his or ices. As a result, in the richest country f her physical well-being as well. It im- in the world, 18,000 Americans die each pacts the veteran’s relationships, his or MORNING BUSINESS year because their basic health care her ability to work, and to interact in Mr. SANDERS. Mr. President, I ask needs are not met. Despite the fact society. VA must catch readjustment unanimous consent there now be period that we spend twice as much per person issues early before they turn into full- of morning business with Senators per- on health care than any other industri- blown PTSD, and this budget resolu- mitted to speak therein for up to 10 alized nation, Americans have a lower tion would enable VA to take a serious minutes each. life expectancy and a higher infant approach towards making this happen. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without mortality rate than Canada, Japan, When we talk about the mental objection, it is so ordered. and most of Europe. health needs of veterans, we cannot f We are also faced with an alarming deny the reality that substance abuse dental care crisis in this country. The is prevalent among many veterans. We CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION Surgeon General has reported that know that many veterans with PTSD Mr. REID. Mr. President, I rise to tooth decay has become the single turn to drugs or alcohol in order to honor the centennial celebration of the most common chronic childhood dis- self-medicate. Yet the administration Elko Area Chamber of Commerce, ease in this country—five times more does not seem to want to be in the which will be held April 1. Almost 100 common than asthma and seven times

VerDate Aug 31 2005 02:39 Apr 26, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00060 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\RECORD07\S21MR7.REC S21MR7 pwalker on PROD1PC69 with CONG-REC-ONLINE March 21, 2007 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S3513 more common than hay fever. Surveys order to create an FQHC, Federal law level commensurate with our current have also shown that dental problems requires not only that there be sub- need—an increase of $575 million for cause children to miss more than 51 stantial community input in the devel- the upcoming year and increases be- million hours of school and adults to opment of the center, but also that a tween $400 and $600 million for the fol- miss more than 164 million hours of majority of the members on the gov- lowing 7 years. That will provide work each year. erning board of directors are actual enough resources to fund not only the This health care and dental care cri- users of the facility. backlog of the 800 approved but un- sis bears down particularly hard on In other words, those who know the funded health centers, but also future those who live in rural communities most about the needs of their local applicants who meet the criteria for where there are few local health care community are responsible for over- FQHC status. It would also make sure centers and patients must travel many seeing the centers. It is a model that that existing centers are able to grow miles to seek the care that they need. has been highly successful throughout with the communities that they serve Those living in inner-city neighbor- the country, including my own State of by giving them annual funding in- hoods also often have difficulty receiv- Vermont, which has five of these creases that are commensurate with ing the care they need because they health center organizations serving the number of patients they serve and lack health insurance and have no more than 10 percent of Vermont’s pop- the increased costs they incur. means to pay for regular doctors visits. ulation at 18 different locations. This legislation would also correct As a result, far too many Americans do These community health care centers the unfair and outdated system these not have a primary care doctor or den- serve as the family doctor for 16 mil- centers are forced to contend with for tist and do not seek preventative care. lion Americans in more than 5,000 com- Medicare reimbursements. While This means the only time they see a munities across the country. Their suc- health centers provide care to more doctor is when their situation has be- cess has been well documented with than 1 million medically underserved come so advanced and so dire that they studies repeatedly showing that these Medicare beneficiaries, their Medicare must seek treatment at a hospital centers are a highly cost-effective payments are subject to an arbitrary emergency room. This is a result that method for ensuring that underserved payment cap that was established in is bad for patients, bad for doctors, and patients receive quality health care. In 1991 and adjusted only marginally bad for American taxpayers. fact the Office of Management and since. The result is more than $50 mil- Providing underserved patients with Budget has reported that FQHCs use lion in lost Medicare reimbursement better access to primary care will Federal taxpayer dollars more effi- funds that health centers now are allow doctors to catch problems before ciently than any other federally funded forced to find a way to subsidize. This they become advanced and require health care program. In addition, stud- legislation would eliminate the inac- invasive and expensive procedures. It ies have found that FQHCs save the curate payment cap and ensure that will also, of course, benefit the pa- Medicaid Program 30 percent or more these centers are reimbursed fairly for tient—in many cases saving their lives. in annual spending by providing pre- the care they provide to seniors and Studies have shown that patients with ventative treatment that reduces the disabled patients. a primary care provider are far more need for specialty care referrals and Finally, this important legislation likely to receive appropriate preventa- hospital admissions. would also ensure that our Nation’s tive care, need fewer prescription There are not many issues on which community health centers have the drugs, and spend less time in hospitals President Bush and I agree, but the im- workforce they need by expanding the and emergency rooms. portance of community health care National Health Service Corps. Cur- The good news is that we have a pro- centers is one area where we have rently, health centers rely on the Na- gram in this country that provides pri- found some common ground. The suc- tional Health Service Corps for more mary health care services to those who cess of this program has earned support than 20 percent of their physician need it most. Forty years ago, Senator and praise from the White House, as workforce. Unfortunately, last year, KENNEDY had the foresight to author well as members of this body on both health centers experienced a 15 percent legislation creating community-based sides of the aisle. With congressional physician vacancy rate and a 19 per- health care centers that treat under- support, over the past 5 years, nearly cent dentist vacancy rate nationally. served patients. These centers, now 900 underserved communities were able This legislation would more than dou- called Federally Qualified Health Cen- to establish or expand a health center, ble funding for the National Health ters or FQHCs, provide high-quality bringing the number of Americans Service Corps over the next 8 years in primary health care for millions of served by these centers to more than 5 order to train and send more primary Americans, regardless of their income. million patients. care doctors and dentists into rural In addition to treating those who Unfortunately, during that same pe- and inner-city communities. have Medicare, Medicaid, and private riod more than 800 centers were denied In the richest country in the world, insurance, FQHCs primarily serve FQHC status, and the Federal funds no American should have to go without those who have no health insurance that go with it, not because they were basic primary health care. Federally and charge fees on a sliding scale basis. not qualified but simply because there Qualified Health Centers serve as a That means that whether you make was not sufficient funding to incor- lifeline for millions of low-income $50,000 per year or $15,000 per year, you porate them. That is 800 communities Americans, and we should build on will be able to afford treatment. No one throughout this country that are left their success by expanding this pro- who walks into one of these centers is desperately in need of the quality, low- gram for all those in need. turned away because he or she lacks cost preventative care that these cen- f payment. ters provide. In addition to providing the quality Existing centers throughout this IDAHO’S PROUD WARRIORS care that patients expect to receive country are also in jeopardy. Over the Mr. CRAPO. Mr. President, it gives when they visit their local doctor’s of- past 2 years, Federal grant support for me great pleasure and is a tremendous fice, these centers also make sure that these centers has been reduced, threat- honor to call attention to the brave patients are able to afford the drugs ening their ability to serve all of those and honorable soldiers of Company B, they need by providing them with sig- in need. 1st Battalion, 183rd Aviation Army Na- nificant discounts on their prescrip- It is for that reason that I introduced tional Guard unit from Boise, ID. In a tions. The centers also provide critical a bill yesterday, along with Senator letter to Idaho Governor Butch Otter dental and mental health care—often LISA MURKOWSKI of Alaska, to increase from Lieutenant Colonel S.G. Fosdal, offering the only available services for Federal support for community health stationed at Forward Operating Base those in need. centers over the next 8 years and en- Bermel in Afghanistan, Company B’s FQHCs provide primary, dental, and sure that millions of Americans living highly respected and renowned reputa- mental health care that is not only in medically underserved areas receive tion is made clear. The heroism dis- high quality but also tailored to meet the care they need. This legislation played in support of Army special the needs of the local community. In would start by authorizing a funding forces, Marine, and Afghan troops

VerDate Aug 31 2005 02:39 Apr 26, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00061 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\RECORD07\S21MR7.REC S21MR7 pwalker on PROD1PC69 with CONG-REC-ONLINE S3514 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE March 21, 2007 along the exceedingly dangerous and stan. I hope that you are as proud of them as Reducing our dependence on foreign remote border between Afghanistan I am for having served along side them. oil is one of the great challenges of this and Pakistan was remarkable, com- Thank you. generation, and the IRL is playing a S.G. FOSDAL, key role in this effort by helping in- mendable, and in every way worthy of LtCol, USMC. note to this body. In a self-described form Americans about this important Mr. CRAPO. It makes me proud to ‘‘unusual letter,’’ Lieutenant Colonel alternative fuel. Since 1911, Indiana has hear fellow Idahoans described this Fosdal praises the many accomplish- been the center of the auto-racing way. Our military men and women ments and reputation of Company B, world, setting the standard in racing from every State and territory con- for drivers and fans alike. And now, the calling them ‘‘proud warriors.’’ I ask tinue to stand strong for freedom and Indy Racing League is setting a new unanimous consent that Lieutenant uphold their solemn commitment to standard, this time for greater energy Colonel Fosdal’s letter, as part of my ‘‘support and defend the Constitution independence. statement, be printed in the RECORD. of the United States of America.’’ This Earlier this year, we introduced the There being no objection, the mate- is simply my opportunity to thank and DRIVE Act, legislation that is sup- rial was ordered to be printed in the pay deep respect to the men and ported by both Democrats and Repub- RECORD, as follows: women of Company B, part of Idaho’s licans to reduce our dependence on oil esteemed military tradition, current EMBEDDED TRAINING TEAM 2–4, by 7 million barrels per day in 20 3D MARINE DIVISION (REIN), and past. The steadfast commitment to years—more than twice the amount we FPO AP, February 15, 2007. duty, perseverance, excellence, and re- currently import from the Middle East. OFFICE OF THE GOVERNOR, liability are all traits that reflect the Boise, ID. spirit of Idaho characteristics clearly It achieves this goal through a com- bination of steps, including increased GOVERNOR OTTER, I apologize for this articulated in respectful words of somewhat unusual letter, but I feel it’s im- honor and thanks from a commanding use of ethanol, tax credits for manufac- portant to let you know about the selfless officer. These soldiers and their fami- turers to produce advanced diesels, hy- courage and exceptional performance of one lies have sacrificed much to keep us brid, and plug-in hybrid vehicles, and of Idaho’s National Guard units. free and keep terror and tyranny far greater funding for the research and I’m currently deployed to a Forward Oper- from our own shores. On behalf of my development of energy efficient tech- ating Base located on the Afghanistan’s bor- family, I thank them all for their val- nologies. der with Pakistan. Our mission is to mentor orous service, heartfelt commitment, We applaud the Indy Racing League the Afghan National Army battalion respon- outstanding patriotism, and willing for leading the way in this effort and, sible for the Bermel District of Pakistan sacrifice. along with thousands of other Hoo- Province in one of Afghanistan’s most res- siers, look forward to this year’s eth- tive and remote regions. Within days of our f anol-powered races. arrival last October we found ourselves in a HONORING THE INDY RACING 4-hour running gun fight through the moun- f LEAGUE tains in response to an insurgent attack on IN MEMORY OF SENATOR THOMAS an American convoy. We had less than a full Mr. BAYH. Mr. President, today Sen- EAGLETON company of Afghan soldiers but managed a ator LUGAR and I wish to recognize the significant victory largely due to the brave Indy Racing League, IRL, for its deci- ∑ Mr. DODD. Mr. President, I rise men of Company B, 1st BN, 183rd Aviation sion to use 100 percent ethanol in its today to add to the praise of a great out of Boise, Idaho. Despite heavy ground race cars and the impact that decision statesman and a great friend: Senator fire and a chaotic battlefield they provided Thomas Eagleton of Missouri. precise and timely fires against the enemy, will have on ethanol’s viability as a major fuel source for Americans. With Those of us who knew Tom remember killing many and saving the lives of Afghans him as a man of nearly endless drive and U.S. forces alike. On November 7th we its decision to use ethanol as the fuel found ourselves in another serious fight, this for the IndyCar series, the IRL is lead- and boundless energy. Those qualities time with a wounded Marine and Afghan sol- ing the way to encourage greater pub- carried him to a career in Missouri pol- diers pinned down by enemy fire. Once again lic use of renewable fuels. If the world’s itics unmarked by a single defeat: the the men from Boise came to our aide—stay- fastest cars can run on ethanol, then youngest St. Louis circuit attorney, ing on station and working with the Marines there is no doubt that America’s cars, the youngest Missouri attorney general on the ground to suppress the enemy and trucks and SUVs can, too. and Lieutenant Governor, U.S. Senator save the wounded. Lesser men would have This year all of the IndyCars will at the age of 39. declared the area too dangerous and flown Tom spent his political career, as his away leaving us to fend for ourselves, but race on 100 percent ethanol that is not Company B. They stuck with the troops available right here in America—pro- hometown paper put it, as ‘‘a force of in the fight and as a direct result of their he- duced by American workers. With this nature. He worked crowds with a fer- roic efforts a Marine is now at home with his change, the corn harvested on farms vor, sweating like a mill worker, chain- family, healing and thankful to be alive. across the country will power the fast- smoking Pall Malls, shaking hands, There were numerous other occasions when est cars in the world. trading insults, telling jokes, remem- the Afghans were apprehensive about ven- The ethanol that will power the IRL bering names and pet causes.’’ As he turing into steep valleys or mountain passes. racecars will deliver the same high-per- conceded himself, ‘‘I campaigned my- I only had to mention to the Afghan Com- formance capabilities that drivers rely self right into the hospital.’’ mander that the Apaches from Boise would on, only without harmful air pollution. Thankfully, Tom emerged to serve as be there and his response would inevitably It also represents an important step to- one of the most eloquent liberal voices be, ‘‘The helicopters that saved my life? We ward reducing America’s dependence in Congress. His achievements should will win then. Come, we go now.’’ This re- on foreign oil by providing a renewable make his constituents proud and his spect did not stop with the Afghans, the U.S. Army and Special Forces were also imbued energy source grown in our own fields. fellow Senators a little envious. with confidence knowing that your unit had By tapping the energy potential of He was crucial to the enactment of their back. In my time on the border, I have America’s farms, we can ensure a reli- the Clean Air Act and the Clean Water not witnessed any other single unit that had able domestic energy supply to meet Act, legislation that still forms the the amount of respect and whose mere pres- our Nation’s needs, end our reliance on backbone of our environmental defense ence boosted morale like that of Company B. unstable countries like Saudi Arabia, today. Company B is now on its way back to Russia, and Venezuela, and create jobs Tom sponsored the amendment that Boise. I’m sure the awards have been writ- for Hoosier farmers. ended American bombing of Cambodia ten, welcomes planned and everyone is just This Saturday, March 24, millions of and helped bring an end to the Vietnam eager to see their families and loved ones. I Americans and sports fans from around war. would only ask that if you have the oppor- the world will not only watch the open- He was a longtime opponent of un- tunity, please thank them and let the citi- ing race of the IndyCar Series and see checked Presidential powers to wage zens of Idaho know that they should be proud of these brave warriors. As a state rich in first-hand the power of ethanol, but war; and I am sure I speak for many of natural resources I thank you and the people they will also watch the future of my colleagues when I say that we could of Idaho for sending your most precious re- American energy unfold at 220 miles sorely use his example and his counsel source, its citizens, to serve here in Afghani- per hour. in the months ahead.

VerDate Aug 31 2005 02:39 Apr 26, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00062 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\RECORD07\S21MR7.REC S21MR7 pwalker on PROD1PC69 with CONG-REC-ONLINE March 21, 2007 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S3515 But fairly or not, news of Tom Eagle- His experiences, hard work, and honest litigation. One good friend and col- ton’s death brought many of us back to counsel have gained him the respect of league recalled that it was not only 2 tumultuous weeks in 1972. his peers and his community. General ‘‘Judge’’ Combs, dry humor Every piece of social progress has a Born and raised on a small dairy which endeared him to his peers but his melancholy side: the memory of those farm in Stanberry, MO, to Ruby Fern sincere interest in caring and pro- born too soon to profit by it. The ca- and H.H. Combs, General Combs stud- tecting those who served under him. reer of Senator Eagleton, distinguished ied genetics and productive physiology ‘‘He goes to extraordinary links to en- as it was, was just such a case. at the University of Missouri-Colum- sure they are cared for, ‘‘said one col- Today we recognize depression as a bia. While he planned to go into the league. physical illness, as treatable as an family business and become a veteri- I cannot conclude these remarks ulcer. But in 1972, when Tom Eagleton narian, fate and the Vietnam War in- without commending the dedicated and ran on the Democratic ticket, it was a tervened and he joined the U.S. Marine loving support of General Combs’ wife, mark of shame. Exposure of his psy- Corps in 1968. Graduating with honors Gloria, and his three children David, chiatric hospitalization cost him his from the USMC Basic Officer’s Infantry Matthew, and Susan. Married almost 35 place on that ticket, and part of me School and selected for the U.S. Army years ago at Conaway Hall at Andrews wishes he had had his chance in a Rotary wing’s flight school, General Air Force Base, Gloria has remained slightly wiser time. What a difference Combs served a combat tour as a CH–46 General Combs’ most loyal supporter it would have made for our country. helicopter pilot from 1969 to 1970 with and confidant. ‘‘If had it to do over again, I’d have HMM–364, ‘‘The Purple Foxes’’ at Mar- General ‘‘Judge’’ Combs has led an kept him,’’ said George McGovern, the ble Mountain Air Facility, Republic of extraordinary life in which he has an- Democratic candidate that year. ‘‘I Vietnam. Flying over 500 combat mis- swered his Nation’s call to duty and didn’t know anything about mental ill- sions, he earned a Distinguished Flying served courageously in war and admi- ness. Nobody did.’’ Thanks in part to Cross, two single mission air medals, rably from the bench. It is my hope and Tom Eagleton, our knowledge today is and 37 ‘‘strick/flight awards.’’ After re- prayer that ‘‘Judge’’ Combs will con- much deeper. turning from active duty in Vietnam, tinue to thrive alongside Gloria in We know, as Abraham Lincoln General Combs served in many posi- whatever endeavor he opts to pursue. If learned from his own experience more tions, including as an operations offi- his former, and current, success is any than 160 years ago, that ‘‘a tendency to cer and aircraft maintenance officer indicator, I am certain that the years melancholy is a misfortune, not a with HMM–263 at Marine Corps Air ahead will be both fruitful and reward- fault.’’ And we know that it can be the Station, Quantico, VA. ing. God bless you, ‘‘Judge’’ and best dark obverse side of our brightest vir- General Combs’ work in Missouri wishes.∑ tues. merits special recognition and is the f One memory of Tom stands out the reason I felt compelled to make a IN MEMORY OF BOB HATTOY clearest. We were in a meeting of statement on his behalf in the CON- Democratic Senators, talking about GRESSIONAL RECORD. After leaving ac- ∑ Mrs. BOXER. Mr. President, today, the upcoming agenda. As we went tive duty in 1973, General Combs joined Senator DIANNE FEINSTEIN and I pay around the room, each stood up to the Missouri Army National Guard and tribute to Bob Hattoy, a cherished speak of some interests in our own flew UH–1 ‘‘Huey’s’’ with the 635th friend and one of America’s most pas- States. But Tom interrupted and gave Aviation Company, from Whiteman, sionate warriors for the environment an impassioned, impromptu speech on AFB, MO. He transferred to the Mis- and human rights. We will miss him the importance of representing the en- souri Air National Guard in 1978 and dearly. tire Nation. I wish someone taped it; later became the director of intel- We first met Bob during his decade of but whenever I am afraid my range of ligence for the 139th Tactical Airlift service to the Sierra Club as its re- vision is narrowing, I remember Tom’s Group in St. Joseph, MO. Yet it was at gional director for California and Ne- words and remember his wide view of the Missouri Air National Guard Head- vada. He was an outspoken advocate in the common, national good. To me, quarters in St. Joseph, MO that Gen- the campaigns to protect our precious those words symbolize Tom’s greatest eral Combs become nationally recog- coast and desert, always increasing strength, something one of our col- nized for his expertise in developing awareness about threats to California’s leagues called his ‘‘moral passion.’’ long-range strategic planning. As first environment with a unique mixture of Those who knew Tom will remember a planner, then general officer and inspiration and irreverence. that passion first of all, his guiding member of the Air Reserve Forces Pol- It was only fitting that he was tapped spirit for 77 years. Our thoughts are icy Committee, General Combs was in- by then-Governor Bill Clinton to serve with his wife Barbara, his entire fam- strumental in analyzing the future as his Presidential campaign’s top en- ily, and all those who looked up to this needs of the National Guard and advis- vironmental adviser. But just as he was bold and steadfast leader. ing senior policy makers on the best set to join the campaign, Bob’s doctor I shall miss a remarkable public man, course of action. discovered a lump under his arm that but more personally, a delightful, General Combs’ footprint extended signaled his HIV had progressed. warm, loyal friend.∑ outside of the military. Upon his re- His instinct was always to fight on, turn to Missouri after serving in Viet- so between agonizing treatments, Bob f nam, Combs returned to law school at traveled the country relentlessly to ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS the University of Missouri and upon speak out against AIDS. graduation became a partner in a law Taking on this fight—both privately firm, a prosecuting attorney, and was and publicly—was a remarkable choice. TRIBUTE TO MAJOR GENERAL elected a judge in 1990. This past De- But for those who were blessed to know ROGER E. COMBS cember he retired from the bench and him, it was not surprising. ∑ Mr. BOND. Mr. President, I rise to returned to being a part time pros- We will never forget the historic and honor and recognize the immeasureable ecutor and general practitioner. moving address he gave at the Demo- contributions MG Roger E. Combs has Perhaps the best measure of General cratic National Convention in 1992. The made to the U.S. Marine Corps, the Combs’ legacy comes from those who first openly gay American with HIV/ U.S. Army, the National Guard Bureau, have worked along side him. ‘‘Judge AIDS to speak at a political conven- his family, and a grateful nation. Combs,’’ as he is affectionately known tion, Bob brought so many of us to When people talk about the ‘‘Spirit by his peers and military associates, is tears and action by showing the real of America’’ and the people who helped an excellent lawyer and military strat- costs of AIDS and the real meaning of make this country great, all one really egist with impeccable character and in- courage. has to do is mention the name of GEN tegrity. The ‘‘Judge’’ was effective in He said that day: ‘‘You see, I have Roger Combs. General Combs has dedi- both the military and judicial branches AIDS. I could be an African-American cated his life to serving his country in encouraging parties to seek arbitra- woman, a Latino man, a 10-year-old both in the military and as a civilian. tion and dispute resolution instead of boy or girl. AIDS has many faces. And

VerDate Aug 31 2005 02:39 Apr 26, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00063 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\RECORD07\S21MR7.REC S21MR7 pwalker on PROD1PC69 with CONG-REC-ONLINE S3516 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE March 21, 2007 AIDS knows no class or gender, race or produced two major film documen- thorize the McGovern-Dole International religion, or sexual orientation. . . .’’ taries on racing. Food for Education and Child Nutrition Pro- Over the next 15 years, as many other I appreciate this opportunity to con- gram, and for other purposes; to the Com- activists moved on to other challenges, gratulate Tom on a remarkable life of mittee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and For- estry. Bob never gave up the battle to make exciting achievements, and to recog- By Mrs. CLINTON: sure America truly lived up to its nize his wife D.J. for the role she has S. 947. A bill to modernize the Federal ideals. Sometimes that meant working played in his many accomplishments. I Housing Administration to meet the housing tirelessly to elect progressive can- am hopeful that each of my colleague needs of the American people; to the Com- didates. will join me in wishing Tom continuing mittee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Af- Sometimes it meant standing up and success, good health, and happiness as fairs. speaking out, whether it was taking on he enjoys his retirement.∑ By Mr. LIEBERMAN (for himself, Mr. a bureaucrat or a President. Most re- BROWNBACK, Mrs. CLINTON, Mr. DUR- f BIN, and Mr. CASEY): cently, it meant moving to Sacramento MESSAGE FROM THE HOUSE S. 948. A bill to amend the Public Health to devote more time to serving as Service Act to authorize funding for the es- president of California’s Fish and Game At 6:22 p.m., a message from the tablishment of a program on children and Commission. House of Representatives, delivered by the media within the National Institute of The last time we saw Bob was 2 Mr. Hays, one of its reading clerks, an- Child Health and Human Development to months ago in Washington, DC, as we nounced that the House has passed the study the role and impact of electronic all celebrated the new majority in Con- following bill, in which it requests the media in the development of children; to the concurrence of the Senate: Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and gress and the historic election of Pensions. Speaker NANCY PELOSI. H.R. 759. An act to redesignate the Ellis Is- By Mrs. BOXER (for herself, Mr. LEVIN, If Bob was sick or struggling that land Library on the third floor of the Ellis and Mrs. FEINSTEIN): day, he certainly didn’t let on. He Island Immigration Museum, located on S. 949. A bill to amend the Plant Protec- wanted to reminisce about the past and Ellis Island in New York Harbor, as the ‘‘Bob tion Act to authorize the Secretary of Agri- toast the future with that same larger Hope Memorial Library’’. culture to enter into cooperative agreements than life personality that made him so The message also announced that the with States to augment the efforts of the special. House has agreed to the following con- States to conduct early detection and sur- current resolution, in which it requests veillance to prevent the establishment or Now, as so many friends mourn his spread of plant pests that endanger agri- passing, we also celebrate his life. We the concurrence of the Senate: culture, the environment, and the economy celebrate his candor and compassion, H. Con. Res. 42. Concurrent resolution hon- of the United States, and for other purposes; his sense of humor and sense of pur- oring the heroic service and sacrifice of the to the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, pose, his ability to amuse and inspire glider pilots of the United States Army Air and Forestry. us all. And we celebrate his lasting leg- Forces during World War II. By Ms. SNOWE (for herself, Ms. CANT- acy in the relationships he forged, the The message further announced that WELL, Mr. INOUYE, Mr. STEVENS, Mrs. rights he championed, and the natural pursuant to 22 U.S.C. 6913, and the BOXER, Mr. CARDIN, Mr. KERRY, Mr. MENENDEZ, Ms. COLLINS, Mr. LAUTEN- resources he protected for generations order of the House of January 4, 2007, BERG, Mr. LOTT, Mrs. FEINSTEIN, Mr. ∑ the Speaker appoints the following to come. NELSON of Florida, and Ms. MUR- f Members of the House to the Congres- KOWSKI): sional-Executive Commission on the S. 950. A bill to develop and maintain an TRIBUTE TO TOM CARNEGIE People’s Republic of China, in addition integrated system of coastal and ocean ob- ∑ Mr. LUGAR. Mr. President, today I to Mr. LEVIN of Michigan, Chairman, servations for the Nation’s coasts, oceans, congratulate a legendary Hoosier appointed on February 7, 2007: Ms. KAP- and Great Lakes, to improve warnings of ˜ sports broadcaster, Tom Carnegie, on TUR of Ohio, Mr. HONDA of California, tsunami, hurricanes, El Nino events, and other natural hazards, to enhance homeland his retirement. Mr. UDALL of New Mexico, Mr. WALZ of security, to support maritime operations, to Born Carl Kenagy in Connecticut in Minnesota, Mr. MANZULLO of Illinois, improve management of coastal and marine 1919, he displayed an enormous passion Mr. PITTS of Pennsylvania, Mr. ROYCE resources, and for other purposes; to the for sports even as a child. When polio of California, and Mr. SMITH of New Committee on Commerce, Science, and ended Carl’s dream of playing profes- Jersey. Transportation. sional sports, he refocused his energy f By Mr. WARNER (for himself and Mr. on building a career in broadcasting, WEBB): which he launched in 1942 at WOWO in MEASURES REFERRED S. 951. A bill to provide a waiver from sanc- The following bill was read the first tions under the Elementary and Secondary Fort Wayne, IN. There, at the sugges- Education Act of 1965 for certain States, tion of his station manager, Carl and the second times by unanimous local educational agencies, and schools; to adopted the name Tom Carnegie and consent, and referred as indicated: the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, used it throughout the remainder of his H.R. 759. An act to redesignate the Ellis Is- and Pensions. remarkable career. land Library on the third floor of the Ellis By Mr. MCCAIN: Tom came to Indianapolis in 1945 Island Immigration Museum, located on S. 952. A bill to amend the Morris K. Udall where he quickly made a name for him- Ellis Island in New York Harbor, as the ‘‘Bob Scholarship and Excellence in National En- self as the most recognizable voice in Hope Memorial Library’’; to the Committee vironmental and Native American Public on Energy and Natural Resources. Policy Act of 1992 to provide funds for train- Indiana sports. In addition to his dec- ing in tribal leadership, management, and ades of work in radio, television and The following concurrent resolution was read, and referred as indicated: policy, and for other purposes; to the Com- print, Tom announced the Indiana mittee on Indian Affairs. State high school basketball cham- H. Con. Res. 42. Honoring the heroic serv- By Mr. ROCKEFELLER (for himself, pionships for 24 years, co-founded the ice and sacrifice of the glider pilots of the Mr. CRAIG, Mr. DORGAN, Mr. VITTER, Indiana Basketball Hall of Fame in United States Army Air Forces during World Ms. KLOBUCHAR, Mr. TESTER, Ms. War II; to the Committee on Armed Services. 1962, and was inducted in the Hall of LANDRIEU, Mr. CRAPO, Mr. BAUCUS, f and Ms. CANTWELL): Fame in 1975. S. 953. A bill to amend title 49, United Race fans from around the world INTRODUCTION OF BILLS AND States Code, to ensure competition in the have come to know Tom as the voice of JOINT RESOLUTIONS rail industry, enable rail customers to obtain the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. A The following bills and joint resolu- reliable rail service, and provide those cus- racing novice at the time, Tom began tions were introduced, read the first tomers with a reasonable process for chal- announcing the Indianapolis 500 in 1946. lenging rate and service disputes; to the and second times by unanimous con- Committee on Commerce, Science, and Over the years, Tom’s rich, baritone sent, and referred as indicated: voice called to millions of fans over the Transportation. By Mr. DURBIN (for himself, Mrs. public address system as he announced By Mr. KOHL (for himself and Mr. DOLE, Mrs. CLINTON, and Mr. ROB- FEINGOLD): 61 Indianapolis 500 races, 12 Allstate 400 ERTS): S. 954. A bill to amend title XVIII of the at the Brickyard races, and 6 United S. 946. A bill to amend the Farm Security Social Security Act to provide for a tech- States Grand Prix races. He has also and Rural Investment Act of 2002 to reau- nical correction to the amendments made by

VerDate Aug 31 2005 02:39 Apr 26, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00064 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\RECORD07\S21MR7.REC S21MR7 pwalker on PROD1PC69 with CONG-REC-ONLINE March 21, 2007 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S3517 section 422 of the Medicare Prescription NELSON) and the Senator from Missouri posthumously a Congressional gold Drug, Improvement, and Modernization Act (Mrs. MCCASKILL) were added as co- medal to Constantino Brumidi. of 2003; to the Committee on Finance. sponsors of S. 231, a bill to authorize By Mr. DURBIN (for himself and Mr. S. 331 the Edward Byrne Memorial Justice OBAMA): Assistance Grant Program at fiscal At the request of Mr. THUNE, the S. 955. A bill to establish the Abraham Lin- name of the Senator from Minnesota coln National Heritage Area, and for other year 2006 levels through 2012. (Ms. KLOBUCHAR) was added as a co- purposes; to the Committee on Energy and S. 254 Natural Resources. sponsor of S. 331, a bill to provide By Mr. DURBIN (for himself and Mr. At the request of Mr. ENZI, the names grants from moneys collected from vio- OBAMA): of the Senator from Hawaii (Mr. lations of the corporate average fuel S. 956. A bill to establish the Land Between AKAKA), the Senator from Montana economy program to be used to expand the Rivers National Heritage Area in the (Mr. BAUCUS), the Senator from Kansas infrastructure necessary to increase State of Illinois, and for other purposes; to (Mr. BROWNBACK), the Senator from the availability of alternative fuels. the Committee on Energy and Natural Re- Maine (Ms. COLLINS), the Senator from sources. S. 369 Idaho (Mr. CRAIG), the Senator from f Texas (Mrs. HUTCHISON), the Senator At the request of Mr. SCHUMER, the name of the Senator from Wyoming SUBMISSION OF CONCURRENT AND from Minnesota (Ms. KLOBUCHAR), the (Mr. ENZI) was added as a cosponsor of SENATE RESOLUTIONS Senator from Wisconsin (Mr. KOHL), the Senator from Michigan (Mr. S. 369, a bill to provide for a medal of The following concurrent resolutions LEVIN), the Senator from Connecticut appropriate design to be awarded by and Senate resolutions were read, and the President to the next of kin or referred (or acted upon), as indicated: (Mr. LIEBERMAN), the Senator from In- diana (Mr. LUGAR), the Senator from other representative of those individ- By Mr. CASEY (for himself and Mr. Maryland (Ms. MIKULSKI), the Senator uals killed as a result of the terrorist SPECTER): attacks of September 11, 2001. S. Res. 114. A resolution recognizing the from Alaska (Ms. MURKOWSKI), the Sen- contributions of agricultural producers in ator from Washington (Mrs. MURRAY), S. 439 Pennsylvania and throughout the Nation on the Senator from Arkansas (Mr. At the request of Mr. REID, the name the occasion of National Agriculture Day; to PRYOR), the Senator from Vermont of the Senator from Vermont (Mr. the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, (Mr. SANDERS), the Senator from New and Forestry. SANDERS) was added as a cosponsor of Hampshire (Mr. SUNUNU), the Senator By Mr. LEVIN: S. 439, a bill to amend title 10, United S. Res. 115. A resolution urging the Gov- from South Dakota (Mr. THUNE), the States Code, to permit certain retired ernment of Canada to end the commercial Senator from Louisiana (Mr. VITTER), members of the uniformed services who seal hunt; to the Committee on Foreign Re- the Senator from Ohio (Mr. VOINOVICH), have a service-connected disability to lations. the Senator from New Mexico (Mr. receive both disability compensation By Mr. BIDEN: BINGAMAN), the Senator from Missouri from the Department of Veterans Af- S. Res. 116. A resolution designating May (Mr. BOND), the Senator from Cali- 2007 as ‘‘National Autoimmune Diseases fairs for their disability and either re- fornia (Mrs. BOXER), the Senator from Awareness Month’’ and supporting efforts to tired pay by reason of their years of increase awareness of autoimmune diseases Pennsylvania (Mr. CASEY), the Senator military service or Combat-Related and increase funding for autoimmune disease from Georgia (Mr. CHAMBLISS), the Sen- Special Compensation. research; to the Committee on the Judiciary. ator from Minnesota (Mr. COLEMAN), S. 474 By Mr. DURBIN (for himself and Mr. the Senator from Texas (Mr. CORNYN), COCHRAN): the Senator from South Carolina (Mr. At the request of Mrs. HUTCHISON, the S. Con. Res. 22. A concurrent resolution ex- DEMINT), the Senator from North Caro- name of the Senator from Georgia (Mr. pressing the sense of the Congress that the lina (Mrs. DOLE), the Senator from ISAKSON) was added as a cosponsor of S. Citizens’ Stamp Advisory Committee should 474, a bill to award a congressional gold recommend to the Postmaster General that South Carolina (Mr. GRAHAM), the Sen- a commemorative postage stamp be issued to ator from New Hampshire (Mr. GREGG), medal to Michael Ellis DeBakey, M.D. promote public awareness of Down syn- the Senator from Utah (Mr. HATCH), S. 573 drome; to the Committee on Homeland Secu- the Senator from Oklahoma (Mr. At the request of Ms. STABENOW, the rity and Governmental Affairs. INHOFE ), the Senator from Arizona (Mr. name of the Senator from Pennsyl- KYL), the Senator from Mississippi (Mr. f vania (Mr. CASEY) was added as a co- LOTT), the Senator from Missouri (Mrs. ADDITIONAL COSPONSORS sponsor of S. 573, a bill to amend the MCCASKILL), the Senator from Ken- Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act S. 21 CCONNELL), the Senator tucky (Mr. M and the Public Health Service Act to At the request of Mr. REID, the name from Nebraska (Mr. NELSON ), the Sen- improve the prevention, diagnosis, and of the Senator from Michigan (Mr. ator from Nevada (Mr. REID), the Sen- treatment of heart disease, stroke, and LEVIN) was added as a cosponsor of S. ator from Kansas (Mr. ROBERTS), the other cardiovascular diseases in 21, a bill to expand access to preventive Senator from Oregon (Mr. SMITH), the women. health care services that help reduce Senator from Alaska (Mr. STEVENS), unintended pregnancy, reduce abor- the Senator from Montana (Mr. TEST- S. 579 tions, and improve access to women’s ER), the Senator from Virginia (Mr. At the request of Mr. REID, the name health care. WARNER), the Senator from Rhode Is- of the Senator from Iowa (Mr. HARKIN) S. 231 land (Mr. WHITEHOUSE) and the Senator was added as a cosponsor of S. 579, a At the request of Mrs. FEINSTEIN, the from Oregon (Mr. WYDEN) were added bill to amend the Public Health Serv- names of the Senator from Florida (Mr. as cosponsors of S. 254, a bill to award ice Act to authorize the Director of the

VerDate Aug 31 2005 02:39 Apr 26, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00065 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\RECORD07\S21MR7.REC S21MR7 pwalker on PROD1PC69 with CONG-REC-ONLINE S3518 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE March 21, 2007 National Institute of Environmental asylees, and certain other humani- 913, a bill to clarify that the revocation Health Sciences to make grants for the tarian immigrants. of an alien’s visa or other documenta- development and operation of research S. 824 tion is not subject to judicial review. centers regarding environmental fac- At the request of Mr. THUNE, the S. 914 tors that may be related to the eti- name of the Senator from Maine (Ms. At the request of Mr. VOINOVICH, the ology of breast cancer. SNOWE) was added as a cosponsor of S. name of the Senator from Mississippi S. 594 824, a bill to amend Public Law 106-348 (Mr. LOTT) was added as a cosponsor of At the request of Mrs. FEINSTEIN, the to extend the authorization for estab- S. 914, a bill to authorize the States name of the Senator from Washington lishing a memorial in the District of (and subdivisions thereof), the District (Ms. CANTWELL) was added as a cospon- Columbia or its environs to honor vet- of Columbia, territories, and posses- sor of S. 594, a bill to limit the use, erans who became disabled while serv- sions of the United States to provide sale, and transfer of cluster munitions. ing in the Armed Forces of the United certain tax incentives to any person for S. 617 States. economic development purposes. At the request of Mr. SMITH, the S. 830 S. 922 name of the Senator from Georgia (Mr. At the request of Mr. DODD, the name At the request of Mr. THUNE, the ISAKSON) was added as a cosponsor of S. of the Senator from New York (Mrs. name of the Senator from Maryland 617, a bill to make the National Parks CLINTON) was added as a cosponsor of S. (Mr. CARDIN) was added as a cosponsor and Federal Recreational Lands Pass 830, a bill to improve the process for of S. 922, a bill to extend the existing available at a discount to certain vet- the development of needed pediatric provisions regarding the eligibility for erans. medical devices. essential air service subsidies through S. 626 S. 849 fiscal year 2012. At the request of Mr. BUNNING, his At the request of Mr. LEAHY, the S. 931 name was added as a cosponsor of S. name of the Senator from Georgia (Mr. At the request of Mr. MARTINEZ, the 626, a bill to amend the Public Health ISAKSON) was added as a cosponsor of S. name of the Senator from Mississippi Service Act to provide for arthritis re- 849, a bill to promote accessibility, ac- (Mr. COCHRAN) was added as a cospon- search and public health, and for other countability, and openness in Govern- sor of S. 931, a bill to establish the Na- purposes. ment by strengthening section 552 of tional Hurricane Research Initiative to S. 654 title 5, United States Code (commonly improve hurricane preparedness, and At the request of Mr. DURBIN, the referred to as the Freedom of Informa- for other purposes. name of the Senator from Pennsyl- tion Act), and for other purposes. S. 935 vania (Mr. CASEY) was added as a co- S. 886 At the request of Mr. NELSON of Flor- sponsor of S. 654, a bill to establish the At the request of Mr. BINGAMAN, the ida, the names of the Senator from Food Safety Administration to protect names of the Senator from New Hamp- Washington (Ms. CANTWELL) and the the public health by preventing food- shire (Mr. SUNUNU) and the Senator Senator from Illinois (Mr. DURBIN) borne illness, ensuring the safety of from California (Mrs. FEINSTEIN) were were added as cosponsors of S. 935, a food, improving research on contami- added as cosponsors of S. 886, a bill to bill to repeal the requirement for re- nants leading to food-borne illness, and amend chapter 22 of title 44, United duction of survivor annuities under the improving security of food from inten- States Code, popularly known as the Survivor Benefit Plan by veterans’ de- tional contamination, and for other Presidential Records Act, to establish pendency and indemnity compensation, purposes. procedures for the consideration of and for other purposes. S. 747 claims of constitutionally based privi- S. RES. 78 At the request of Mr. ISAKSON, the lege against disclosure of Presidential At the request of Mr. HAGEL, the name of the Senator from Kansas (Mr. records. name of the Senator from New York BROWNBACK) was added as a cosponsor S. 897 (Mr. SCHUMER) was added as a cospon- of S. 747, a bill to terminate the Inter- At the request of Ms. MIKULSKI, the sor of S. Res. 78, a resolution desig- nal Revenue Code of 1986, and for other names of the Senator from Ohio (Mr. nating April 2007 as ‘‘National Autism purposes. BROWN), the Senator from Indiana (Mr. Awareness Month’’ and supporting ef- S. 772 BAYH) and the Senator from Rhode Is- forts to increase funding for research At the request of Mr. KOHL, the name land (Mr. REED) were added as cospon- into the causes and treatment of au- of the Senator from Iowa (Mr. HARKIN) sors of S. 897, a bill to amend the Inter- tism and to improve training and sup- was added as a cosponsor of S. 772, a nal Revenue Code of 1986 to provide port for individuals with autism and bill to amend the Federal antitrust more help to Alzheimer’s disease care- those who care for individuals with au- laws to provide expanded coverage and givers. tism. to eliminate exemptions from such S. 902 S. RES. 106 laws that are contrary to the public in- At the request of Mr. HARKIN, the At the request of Mr. DURBIN, the terest with respect to railroads. name of the Senator from Illinois (Mr. name of the Senator from Kansas (Mr. S. 773 OBAMA) was added as a cosponsor of S. BROWNBACK) was added as a cosponsor At the request of Mr. WARNER, the 902, a bill to provide support and assist- of S. Res. 106, a resolution calling on name of the Senator from Delaware ance for families of members of the Na- the President to ensure that the for- (Mr. BIDEN) was added as a cosponsor of tional Guard and Reserve who are un- eign policy of the United States re- S. 773, a bill to amend the Internal dergoing deployment, and for other flects appropriate understanding and Revenue Code of 1986 to allow Federal purposes. sensitivity concerning issues related to civilian and military retirees to pay S. 903 human rights, ethnic cleansing, and health insurance premiums on a pretax At the request of Mr. DURBIN, the genocide documented in the United basis and to allow a deduction for names of the Senator from Washington States record relating to the Armenian TRICARE supplemental premiums. (Mrs. MURRAY) and the Senator from Genocide. S. 821 Mississippi (Mr. COCHRAN) were added AMENDMENT NO. 480 At the request of Mr. SMITH, the as cosponsors of S. 903, a bill to award At the request of Mr. COLEMAN, his name of the Senator from Illinois (Mr. a Congressional Gold Medal to Dr. Mu- name was added as a cosponsor of OBAMA) was added as a cosponsor of S. hammad Yunus, in recognition of his amendment No. 480 proposed to S. Con. 821, a bill to amend section 402 of the contributions to the fight against glob- Res. 21, an original concurrent resolu- Personal Responsibility and Work Op- al poverty. tion setting forth the congressional portunity Reconciliation Act of 1996 to S. 913 budget for the United States Govern- provide for an extension of eligibility At the request of Mr. GRASSLEY, the ment for fiscal year 2008 and including for supplemental security income name of the Senator from Texas (Mr. the appropriate budgetary levels for through fiscal year 2010 for refugees, CORNYN) was added as a cosponsor of S. fiscal years 2007 and 2009 through 2012.

VerDate Aug 31 2005 02:39 Apr 26, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00066 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\RECORD07\S21MR7.REC S21MR7 pwalker on PROD1PC69 with CONG-REC-ONLINE March 21, 2007 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S3519 STATEMENTS ON INTRODUCED ingly well. Young girls who participate ‘‘(B) not less than $180,000,000 for fiscal BILLS AND JOINT RESOLUTIONS in the program have a 17 percent high- year 2009; ‘‘(C) not less than $220,000,000 for fiscal By Mr. DURBIN (for himself, er school attendance rate than similar girls who do not participate in school year 2010; Mrs. DOLE, Mrs. CLINTON, and ‘‘(D) not less than $260,000,000 for fiscal Mr. ROBERTS): feeding programs. We know that edu- year 2011; and S. 946. A bill to amend the Farm Se- cating young girls is one of the most ‘‘(E) not less than $300,000,000 for fiscal curity and Rural Investment Act of cost-effective methods of achieving de- year 2012.’’; 2002 to reauthorize the McGovern-Dole velopment goals. Compared to simi- (2) by redesignating paragraph (3) as para- International Food for Education and larly situated girls who haven’t gone to graph (2); and Child Nutrition Program, and for other school, young girls who have been (3) in paragraph (2) (as redesignated by purposes; to the Committee on Agri- given the opportunity to go to school paragraph (2)), by striking ‘‘any Federal tend to get married later in life, have agency implementing or assisting’’ and in- culture, Nutrition, and Forestry. serting ‘‘the Department of Agriculture or Mr. DURBIN. Mr. President, I rise fewer children, earn more, and educate any other Federal agency assisting’’. today to introduce legislation to reau- their children longer. It has a multi- thorize the McGovern-Dole Inter- plier effect on a range of development By Mr. LIEBERMAN (for himself, national Food for Education and Child goals. Mr. BROWNBACK, Mrs. CLINTON, Nutrition Program. I would like to A healthy, nutritious meal gives all Mr. DURBIN, and Mr. CASEY): thank Senator DOLE for leading this ef- students a greater opportunity to take S. 948. A bill to amend the Public fort in the Senate with me. advantage of their learning environ- Health Service Act to authorize fund- This is a critical piece of legislation. ment. A stomach full of nutritious food ing for the establishment of a program The McGovern-Dole Program provides has a significant effect on a child’s aca- on children and the media within the healthy, nutritious meals to children demic performance, enjoyment of National Institute of Child Health and living in some of the most impover- learning, and overall health. Human Development to study the role ished countries in the world. By com- The United Nations estimates that and impact of electronic media in the bining food aid and education, this pro- there are 300 million chronically hun- development of children; to the Com- gram has a dramatic effect on the gry school-age children around the mittee on Health, Education, Labor, health and development of millions of world. We are falling far short of the and Pensions. young children each year. need. When the American people pro- Mr. LIEBERMAN. Mr. President, I I first became interested in this pro- vide our bountiful harvests to the most rise today to introduce, along with gram in 2000 when I read an editorial vulnerable among us, the poorest Senators BROWNBACK, CLINTON, DURBIN, written by former Senator George school-age children around the world, and CASEY, the Children and Media Re- McGovern titled Lunch for All School- it represents the best of the American search Advancement Act, or CAMRA children Is a Big Thing We Can Do. In spirit. Act. This bill is identical to S. 1902 that editorial, Senator McGovern laid For these reasons, I am happy to be that passed the Senate unanimously out his reasoning for an international introducing legislation to reauthorize last year except that it houses our pro- school feeding program and left us all the McGovern-Dole Program and in- gram at the National Institute of Child with a challenge by asking, ‘‘is there crease the authorized level of funding Health and Human Development. any higher purpose under the heaven in an incremental fashion up to the Children today live and develop in a than feeding all God’s children the $300 million level at which it was first world of media. Electronic media, in- world around?’’ funded. cluding DVD’s, video games, digital It was his work alongside Senator I urge my colleagues to support this music, the Internet, television, motion Bob Dole that inspired President Clin- important legislation. ton in 2000 to create the Global Food pictures, and cell phones, are now ev- Mr. President, I ask unanimous con- erywhere and under constant change. for Education Initiative (GFEI) pilot sent that the text of the bill be printed program and fund it at $300 million. Research needs to keep up with the in the RECORD. technology, from its positive impacts Since then, funding for the program There being no objection, the bill was has fluctuated but it has never again such as language development in chil- ordered to be printed in the RECORD, as dren with delays, to possible adverse reached the level at which it started. follows: Still, in a relatively short period of effects, from obesity to muscular-skel- S. 946 time, the McGovern-Dole Program, as etal disorders. The CAMRA Act sup- Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Rep- ports exploration and analysis on the it appropriately came to be called after resentatives of the United States of America in the expiration of the GFEI pilot pro- impact of electronic media in chil- Congress assembled, dren’s and adolescents’ development. gram, has benefited more than 26 mil- SECTION 1. REAUTHORIZATION OF MCGOVERN– lion boys and girls in 41 countries DOLE INTERNATIONAL FOOD FOR Based on recommendations from a Na- around the world. Last year alone, the EDUCATION AND CHILD NUTRITION tional Academy of Sciences panel, re- program served more than 2.5 million PROGRAM. searchers will look at both the positive (a) ADMINISTRATION OF PROGRAM.—Section children living in a total of 15 coun- and negative impacts on children’s cog- 3107 of the Farm Security and Rural Invest- nitive, social, emotional, physical and tries, including Afghanistan, Senegal, ment Act of 2002 (7 U.S.C. 1736o–1) is amend- Laos, Guinea-Bissau, and Bolivia. ed— behavioral development. The program is a tremendous invest- (1) in subsection (d), in the matter pre- Electronic media, in all its forms, in- ment in the lives of the world’s chil- ceding paragraph (1), by striking ‘‘The Presi- fluences and affects young people. It dren. For just 19 cents per day, or 34 dent shall designate 1 or more Federal agen- has the potential to produce benefits dollars per year, we are able to provide cies to’’ and inserting ‘‘The Secretary shall’’; and harms. Numerous studies show in- a healthy meal to a hungry child. This (2) in subsection (f)(2), in the matter pre- creased aggressive behavior in children relatively modest investment does ceding subparagraph (A), by striking ‘‘imple- following interaction with violent more than provide a meal—it also cre- menting agency’’ and inserting ‘‘Secretary’’; video games. We need to move research and beyond these studies to learn, for ex- ates an incentive for children to come (3) in subsections (c)(2)(B), (f)(1), (h)(1) and to school and learn and for families to (2), and (i), by striking ‘‘President’’ each ample, how new interactive tech- continue to send their child to school place it appears and inserting ‘‘Secretary’’. nologies can best support and enhance rather than to work in a field or a fac- (b) FUNDING.—Section 3107(l) of the Farm traditional learning while making cer- tory. This is especially important for Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 (7 tain that these new technologies, and young girls in developing countries U.S.C. 1736o–1(l)) is amended— marketing increasingly targeted at who are often not given the same edu- (1) by striking paragraphs (1) and (2) and children through these technologies, do cational opportunities as their male inserting the following: not damage children’s long-term ‘‘(1) USE OF COMMODITY CREDIT CORPORATION health. peers and therefore fall behind them in FUNDS.—Of the funds of the Commodity Cred- terms of literacy rates and educational it Corporation, the Secretary shall use to Televisions have been common in attainment. carry out this section— households for half a century and tele- In its effect on girls, the McGovern- ‘‘(A) not less than $140,000,000 for fiscal vision still dominates the total amount Dole Program has performed exceed- year 2008; of time children devote to electronic

VerDate Aug 31 2005 02:39 Apr 26, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00067 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\RECORD07\S21MR7.REC S21MR7 pwalker on PROD1PC69 with CONG-REC-ONLINE S3520 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE March 21, 2007 media. One report links television Medicare and Medicaid, pays about $39 Latino children have Internet access viewing at an early age with later billion per year for medical care relat- from their homes. Can our newer inter- symptoms that are common in children ing to childhood and adult obesity. In active media help ensure that no child with attention deficit disorders. How- 2000, the Surgeon General estimated is left behind, or will disparities in ac- ever, we don’t know the direct rela- the total economic cost of obesity in cess result in leaving some behind and tionship, if any. Does television view- the United States to be $117 billion. not others? ing cause attention deficits, or do chil- And the number of overweight children Interactive computer programs may dren who have attention deficits find continues to increase. be of enormous benefits to English lan- television viewing experiences more Beyond the enormous medical costs guage learners. In addition, electronic engaging than children who don’t have come later health problems and per- media can allow children with disabil- attention problems? Or do parents of haps reduced life expectancies. We ities to learn, discover, and interact children with attention disorders let think that media exposure is partly the with others in ways not before possible. them watch more television to encour- cause of this epidemic. Is it? A recent What are the best ways to help English age more sitting and less hyperactive 2007 study from the Harvard Medical language learners and children with behavior? How will Internet experi- School found that more time for three various disabilities learn? ences, particularly those where chil- year olds in front of a TV leads to more The questions about how media af- dren move rapidly across different win- sugary drinks and calories. Is this true fect the development of our children dows, influence attention patterns and for younger and older children? Is time are clearly important, abundant, and spent viewing screens and its accom- attention problems? Can interactive complex. Unfortunately, the answers to panying sedentary lifestyles contrib- media positively influence those with these questions are in short supply. uting to childhood and adolescent obe- attention deficits? Once again, we Such gaps in our knowledge limit our sity? Or is the constant bombardment don’t know the answers. ability to make informed decisions of advertisements for sugar-coated ce- Does television cause autism? That’s about media policy. reals, snack foods, and candy that per- the title of a recent Cornell University We know that media are important. vade children’s television advertise- study showing a correlation between Over the years, we have held numerous ments the culprit? What will happen the alarming rising incidence of autism hearings in these chambers about how when junk food advertisements begin and increases in television viewing. exposure to media violence affects to pop-up on children’s cell phones? childhood aggression. We passed legis- Again, we don’t know the direct rela- How do the newer online forms of tionship, if it exists. If early television lation such as the Children’s Television ‘‘stealth marketing’’, such as food Act, which requires broadcasters to exposure does alter normal brain devel- products packaged with computer provide educational and informational opment, we need to understand this to games, affect children’s and adoles- television programs for children. Can protect children in the future. cents’ consumption patterns? We have Half of the Nation’s children live in we cultivate children’s moral values more questions than answers. homes with three or more televisions On another subject, many of us be- through prosocial programs resulting with access, in many cases, to hun- lieve that our children are becoming from the Children’s Television Act, dreds of channels ranging from Fashion increasingly materialistic. Does expo- that promote helping, sharing, and co- TV to Spike TV. The American Acad- sure to commercial advertising and the operating? We acted to protect our children emy of Pediatrics discourages tele- ‘‘good life’’ experienced by media char- from unfair commercial practices by vision watching for children under two, acters partly explain materialistic at- promoting instead other activities, for titudes? We’re not sure. Recent re- passing the Children’s Online Privacy example reading together and playing, search using brain-mapping techniques Protection Act, which provides safe- for proper brain development. Yet finds that an adult who sees images of guards from exploitation for our youth three in five children under one year of desired products demonstrates patterns as they explore the Internet. Yet the age watch TV, or other screen media of brain activation that are typically Internet is providing new and evolving such as DVD players, for an average of associated with reaching out with a ways to reach children with marketing, one and one-third hours a day. For four hand. How does repeatedly seeing at- making our ability to protect our chil- to six year olds, these numbers in- tractive products affect our children dren all the more difficult. crease to 90 percent watching TV for an and their developing brains? As Inter- We worry about our children’s inad- average of over two hours a day. net access expands from the desktop vertent exposure to online pornography Young people over 8 years old use computer to other devices, including and about how that kind of exposure electronic media, on average, for over 6 televisions, what will happen when our may undermine their moral values and hours each day. How does this invest- children will be able to click on their standards of decency. In these halls of ment of time affect children’s physical television screen and go directly to Congress, we acted to protect our chil- development, their cognitive develop- sites that advertise the products that dren by passing the Communications ment, or their moral values? Unfortu- they see in their favorite programs or Decency Act, the Child Online Protec- nately, we still have very limited infor- use their cell phones to pay imme- tion Act, and the Children’s Internet mation about how media, particularly diately for products marketed directly Protection Act to shield children from the newer interactive media, affect at them? Exactly what kind of values exposure to sexually explicit online children’s development. are we cultivating in our children, and content that is deemed harmful to mi- American advertisers spend $15 bil- what role does exposure to media con- nors. While we all agree that we need lion a year on marketing to children tent play in the development of those to protect our children from online under 12, twice the amount from a dec- values? pornography, we know very little ade ago. Most of the advertising to kids We want no child left behind in the about how to address even the most is for candy, soda, cereal and fast food; 21st century. Many of us believe that practical of questions such as how to and most of the food brands advertising time spent with computers is good for prevent children from falling prey to to children on TV use branded websites our children, teaching them the skills adult strangers who approach them on- to market to children online. These that they will need for success in the line. sites most often include online games, 21st century. Are we right? How is time To ensure that we are doing our very access to the TV commercials, and en- spent with computers different from best for our children, the behavioral couragement for kids to contact their time spent with television? What are and health recommendations and pub- peers about the products. Is this affect- the underlying mechanisms that facili- lic policy decisions we make should be ing the health of America’s children? tate or disrupt children’s learning from based on objective scientific research. Consider our current national health these varying media? Can academic de- Yet no Federal research agency has re- crisis where about one in six children velopment be fostered by the use of sponsibility for overseeing and setting are overweight. The number of over- interactive online programs designed a coherent media research agenda that weight children and teenagers in the to teach as they entertain? can guide these policy decisions. In- U.S. has more than tripled over the In the first six years of life, Cauca- stead, Federal agencies fund electronic last four decades. The public, through sian more so than African American or media research in a piecemeal fashion,

VerDate Aug 31 2005 02:39 Apr 26, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00068 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\RECORD07\S21MR7.REC S21MR7 pwalker on PROD1PC69 with CONG-REC-ONLINE March 21, 2007 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S3521 resulting in a patch work of findings SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. ‘‘(B) agree to use amounts received under that often do not span disciplines and This Act may be cited as the ‘‘Children and the grant to carry out activities as described address complex questions. We must do Media Research Advancement Act’’ or the in this subsection. ‘‘CAMRA Act’’. ‘‘(c) REPORTS.— better than that. SEC. 2. PURPOSE. ‘‘(1) REPORT TO THE DIRECTOR.—Not later The bill we are introducing today It is the purpose of this Act to enable the than 15 months after the date of the enact- remedies this problem. The CAMRA National Institute of Child Health and ment of this section, the report provided for Act will provide an overarching view of Human Development to— under subsection (a) shall be submitted to media effects by establishing a pro- (1) examine the role and impact, both posi- the Director and to the appropriate commit- gram devoted to Children and Media tive and negative, of electronic media in tees of Congress. within the National Institute of Child children’s and adolescents’ cognitive, social, ‘‘(2) REPORT TO CONGRESS.—Not later than December 31, 2013, the Secretary, acting Health and Human Development. This emotional, physical, and behavioral develop- ment; and through the Director, shall prepare and sub- program of research, to be vetted by (2) provide for a report to Congress con- mit to the appropriate committees of Con- the National Academy of Sciences, will taining the empirical evidence and other re- gress a report that— fund and energize a coherent program sults produced by the research funded ‘‘(A) synthesizes the results of— of research that illuminates the role of through grants under this Act. ‘‘(i) research carried out under the grant media in children’s cognitive, social, SEC. 3. RESEARCH ON THE ROLE AND IMPACT OF program under subsection (b); and emotional, physical, and behavioral de- ELECTRONIC MEDIA IN THE DEVEL- ‘‘(ii) other related research, including re- velopment. The research will cover all OPMENT OF CHILDREN AND ADO- search conducted by the private or public LESCENTS. sector and other Federal entities; and forms of electronic media and will en- Subpart 7 of part C of title IV of the Public ‘‘(B) outlines existing research gaps in courage research involving children of Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. 285g et seq.) is light of the information described in sub- all ages—even babies and toddlers. The amended by adding at the end the following: paragraph (A). bill also calls for a report to Congress ‘‘SEC. 452H. RESEARCH ON THE ROLE AND IM- ‘‘(d) AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.— about the effectiveness of this research PACT OF ELECTRONIC MEDIA IN There is authorized to be appropriated to THE DEVELOPMENT OF CHILDREN carry out this section, $10,000,000 for fiscal program in filling this void in our AND ADOLESCENTS. knowledge. To accomplish these goals, year 2008, $15,000,000 for fiscal year 2009, ‘‘(a) IN GENERAL.—Subject to the avail- $20,000,000 for fiscal year 2010, $25,000,000 for we are authorizing $90 million dollars ability of appropriations, the Secretary, act- fiscal year 2011, and $25,000,000 for fiscal year to be phased in gradually across the ing through the Director of the Institute), 2012.’’. next five years. The cost to our budget shall enter into a contract with the National is minimal and can well result in sig- Academy of Sciences, in collaboration with By Ms. SNOWE (for herself, Ms. the Institute of Medicine or another appro- nificant savings in other budget areas. CANTWELL, Mr. INOUYE, Mr. priate entity to review, synthesize, and re- Our Nation values the positive, port on research, and establish research pri- STEVENS, Mrs. BOXER, Mr. healthy development of our children. orities, regarding the roles and impact of CARDIN, Mr. KERRY, Mr. MENEN- Our children live in the information electronic media (including television, mo- DEZ, Ms. COLLINS, Mr. LAUTEN- age, and our country has one of the tion pictures, DVD’s, interactive video BERG, Mr. LOTT, Mrs. FEIN- most powerful and sophisticated tech- games, digital music, the Internet, and cell STEIN, Mr. NELSON of Florida, nology systems in the world. While this phones) and exposures to such media on and Ms. MURKOWSKI): system entertains them, it is not al- youth in the following core areas of develop- S. 950. A bill to develop and maintain ment: ways harmless entertainment. Media an integrated system of coastal and ‘‘(1) COGNITIVE.—Cognitive areas such as ocean observations for the Nation’s have the potential to facilitate the language development, attention span, prob- healthy growth of our children. They lem solving skills (such as the ability to con- coasts, oceans, and Great Lakes, to im- also have the potential to harm. We duct multiple tasks or ‘multitask’), visual prove warnings of tsunami, hurricanes, have a stake in finding out exactly and spatial skills, reading, and other learn- El Nino events, and other natural haz- what that role is. We have a responsi- ing abilities. ards, to enhance homeland security, to bility to take action. Access to the ‘‘(2) PHYSICAL.—Physical areas such as support maritime operations, to im- knowledge that we need for informed physical coordination, diet, exercise, sleep- prove management of coastal and ma- ing and eating routines. decision-making requires us to make rine resources, and for other purposes; ‘‘(3) SOCIO-BEHAVIORAL.—Socio-behavioral to the Committee on Commerce, an investment: an investment in re- areas such as family activities and peer rela- search, an investment in and for our Science, and Transportation. tionships including indoor and outdoor play Ms. SNOWE. Mr. President, I rise children, and an investment in our col- time, interactions with parents, consump- lective futures. The benefits to our tion habits, social relationships, aggression, today to introduce the Coastal and youth and our Nation’s families are im- and positive social behavior. Ocean Observation System Act of 2007. measurable. ‘‘(b) RESEARCH PROGRAM.— This bill will enhance our Nation’s ex- ‘‘(1) IN GENERAL.—Taking into account the isting ocean observation infrastructure By passing the Children and Media report provided for under subsection (a), the and drastically improve our under- Research Advancement Act, we can ad- Secretary, acting through the Director, standing of the marine environment. vance knowledge and enhance the con- shall, subject to the availability of appro- Oceans cover nearly three-quarters of structive effects of media while mini- priations, award grants for research con- the Earth’s surface, and have great in- cerning the role and impact of electronic mizing the negative ones. We can make fluence over our lives. They shape our future media policies that are grounded media on the cognitive, physical, and socio- behavioral development of youth. weather and climate systems, provide in solid, scientific knowledge. We can highways for international and domes- be proactive, rather than reactive. In ‘‘(2) REQUIREMENTS.—The research provided for under paragraph (1) shall comply with tic commerce, sustain rich living and so doing, we build a better nation for the following requirements: non-living resources on which many of our youth, fostering the kinds of values ‘‘(A) Such research shall focus on the im- our livelihoods are based, and provide that are the backbone of this great na- pact of factors such as media content our Nation over 95,000 miles of shore- tion of ours, and we create a better (whether direct or indirect), format, length line which is the backbone of tourist foundation to guide future media poli- of exposure, age of youth, venue, and nature of parental involvement. and recreational activities in many of cies about the digital experiences that our coastal States. Despite the con- pervade our children’s daily lives. ‘‘(B) Such research shall not duplicate other Federal research activities. stant, intricate interaction between I ask unanimous consent that the ‘‘(C) For purposes of such research, elec- our lives on land and the natural sys- text of the bill be printed in the tronic media shall include television, motion tems of the ocean, we know woefully RECORD. pictures, DVD’s, interactive video games, little about the physical properties of There being no objection, the mate- digital music, the Internet, and cell phones. the overwhelming majority of our plan- rial was ordered to be printed in the ‘‘(3) ELIGIBLE ENTITIES.—To be eligible to et. What lies over the horizon remains, RECORD, as follows: receive a grant under this subsection, an en- tity shall— by most accounts, a mystery. S. 948 ‘‘(A) prepare and submit to the Director an And yet, the effects of those mys- Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Rep- application at such time, in such manner, terious systems can be devastating. In resentatives of the United States of America in and containing such information as the Di- recent years, we have experienced first- Congress assembled, rector shall require; and hand the destruction the ocean can

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Oversight of the program al and ocean observing system and to coordi- quieter dangers such as harmful algal would be the responsibility of the Na- nated research programs which would pro- blooms and manmade pollution. The tional Ocean Research Leadership vide vital information to assist the Nation purpose of this legislation is to put Council, a group comprised of the and the world in understanding, monitoring, that technology to work predicting heads of fifteen Federal agencies that and predicting changes to the ocean and these threats more accurately and, play roles in formulation of ocean pol- coastal resources and the global climate sys- when possible, mitigate their impacts. icy. The Council would establish an tem, enhancing homeland security, improv- This bipartisan, science-based bill interagency partnership to plan and co- ing weather and climate forecasts, strength- ening management and sustainable use of would authorize the National Oceanic ordinate activities, with NOAA serving coastal and ocean resources, improving the and Atmospheric Administration, or as the lead Federal agency ensuring safety and efficiency of maritime operations, NOAA, to coordinate an interagency that the national network effectively and mitigating the impacts of marine haz- network of ocean observing and com- integrates, utilizes, and publicizes ards. munication systems around our na- ocean data to the benefit of the Amer- (2) The continuing and potentially dev- tion’s coastlines. This system would ican public. astating threat posed by tsunami, hurri- collect instantaneous data and infor- In June 2006, the Joint Ocean Com- canes, storm surges, and other marine haz- mation on ocean conditions—such as mission Initiative, made up of mem- ards requires immediate implementation of temperature, wave height, wind speed, bers from the Pew Ocean Commission strengthened observation and communica- currents, dissolved oxygen, salinity, and the U.S. Commission on Ocean Pol- tions, and data management systems to pro- contaminants, and other variables— icy, presented to Congress a list of the vide timely detection, assessment, and warn- that are essential to marine science ‘‘top ten’’ actions Congress should take ings and to support response strategies for and resource management and can be to strengthen our ocean policy regime. the millions of people living in coastal re- used to improve maritime transpor- One of those priorities was ‘‘enact leg- gions of the United States and throughout the world. tation, safety, and commerce. Such islation to authorize and fund the Inte- grated Ocean Observing System.’’ (3) Safeguarding homeland security, con- data would improve both short-term ducting search and rescue operations, re- forecasting that can mitigate impacts Ocean and coastal observations are a cornerstone of sound marine science, sponding to natural and manmade coastal of major disasters, and prediction and hazards (such as oil spills and harmful algal management, and commerce. This bill scientific analysis of long-term ocean blooms), and managing fisheries and other and climate trends. will save lives by allowing seafarers to coastal activities each require improved un- My home State of Maine currently better monitor ocean conditions and derstanding and monitoring of the Nation’s participates in an innovative partner- providing timelier and more accurate waters, coastlines, ecosystems, and re- ship known as the Gulf of Maine Ocean predictions of potentially catastrophic sources, including the ability to provide Observing System, or GoMOOS. weather and seismic phenomena. It will rapid response teams with real-time environ- Launched in 2001, GoMOOS takes ocean save taxpayers’ dollars by reducing the mental conditions necessary for their work. and surface condition measurements on emergency spending that comes in the (4) The 95,000-mile coastline of the United an hourly basis through a network of wake of unanticipated storms, and it States, including the Great Lakes, is vital to linked buoys. These data are subse- will enhance the appreciation and un- the Nation’s prosperity, contributing over quently made available via the derstanding of our oceans and coastal $117 billion to the national economy in 2000, supporting jobs for more than 200 million GoMOOS website to scientists, stu- regions to benefit all Americans. Americans, handling $700 billion in water- dents, vessel captains, fishermen, and I am very proud to introduce this bill, and I would like to thank my co- borne commerce, and supporting commercial anyone else with an interest in our and sport fisheries valued at more than $50 oceans. The system continues to ex- sponsors, Senators CANTWELL, INOUYE, STEVENS, BOXER, CARDIN, KERRY, billion annually. pand, with the 11th buoy in the system (5) Ensuring the effective implementation MENENDEZ, COLLINS, LAUTENBERG, launched in December of 2006. The vast of National and State programs to protect LOTT, FEINSTEIN, NELSON, and MUR- geographical range and frequency of unique coastal and ocean habitats, such as KOWSKI for contributing to this legisla- measurements has led to unprece- wetlands and coral reefs, and living marine tion and supporting this national ini- dented developments in scientific anal- resources requires a sustained program of re- tiative. Of course, our current and ex- ysis of ocean conditions in the Gulf of search and monitoring to understand these panding ocean observation and commu- Maine. It has also contributed invalu- natural systems and detect changes that nication system would not be possible able information to our region’s assess- could jeopardize their long term viability. without the work of dedicated profes- ments of fisheries, weather conditions, (6) Many elements of a coastal and ocean sionals in the ocean and coastal and predictions of other ocean phe- observing system are in place, but require science, management, and research national investment, consolidation, comple- nomena. communities—they have taken the ini- tion, and integration among international, Of course, the need to access this tiative to develop the grassroots re- Federal, regional, State, and local elements. type of information is not limited to gional observation systems as well as (7) In 2003, the United States led more than the Gulf of Maine. Similar observing contribute to this legislation. Thanks 50 nations in affirming the vital importance systems have been developed in other to their ongoing efforts, ocean observa- of timely, reliable, long-term global observa- coastal regions as well. Data from tions will continue to provide a tre- tions as a basis for sound decision-making, these various systems, however, are mendous service to the American pub- recognizing the contribution of observation often incompatible with one another, systems to meet national, regional, and glob- lic. making it difficult to compile, manage, al needs, and calling for strengthened co- I ask unanimous consent that the process, and communicate data across operation and coordination in establishing a text of the bill be printed in the networks. As a result, these disparate Global Earth Observation System of Sys- RECORD. tems, of which an integrated coastal and systems may be unable to link their There being no objection, the bill was data and develop a comprehensive na- ocean observing system is an essential part. ordered to be printed in the RECORD, as tional picture of coastal and ocean con- (8) Protocols and reporting for observa- follows: tions, measurements, and other data collec- ditions. S. 950 tion for a coastal and ocean observing sys- The Coastal and Ocean Observation Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Rep- tem should be standardized to facilitate data System Act of 2007 would rectify this resentatives of the United States of America in use and dissemination. situation by establishing, in coopera- Congress assembled, (9) Key variables, including temperature, tion with NOAA, an integrated system SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. salinity, sea level, surface currents, and of ocean observing efforts. The bill This Act may be cited as the ‘‘Coastal and ocean color, should be collected to address a would encourage creation of systems in Ocean Observation System Act of 2007’’. variety of informational needs.

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(b) PURPOSES.—The purposes of this Act ment that impact the Nation’s social, eco- and implementation of all aspects of the ob- are to establish an integrated national sys- nomic, and ecological systems. The observ- serving system. In carrying out its respon- tem of ocean, coastal, and Great Lakes ob- ing system shall provide for long-term, con- sibilities under this section, the Council serving systems to address regional and na- tinuous and quality-controlled observations shall— tional needs for ocean information and to of the Nation’s coasts, oceans, and Great (1) adopt plans, budgets, and standards provide for— Lakes in order to— that are developed and maintained by the (1) the planning, development, implemen- (1) understand the effects of human activi- Interagency Program Office in consultation tation, and maintenance of an integrated ties and natural variability on and improve with the regional associations; coastal and ocean observing system that pro- the health of the Nation’s coasts, oceans, (2) coordinate the observing system with vides data and information to sustain and re- and Great Lakes; other earth observing activities including store healthy marine, coastal, and Great (2) measure, track, explain, and predict cli- the Global Ocean Observing System and the Lakes ecosystems and manage the resources matic and environmental changes and pro- Global Earth Observing System of Systems; they support, aid marine navigation safety tect human lives and livelihoods from haz- (3) coordinate and approve programs of in- and national security, support economic de- ards such as tsunami, hurricanes, storm tramural and extramural research, tech- velopment, enable advances in scientific un- surges, coastal erosion, levy breaches, and nology development, education, and out- derstanding of the oceans and the Great fluctuating water levels; reach to support improvements to and the Lakes, and strengthen science education and (3) supply critical information to marine- operation of an integrated coastal and ocean communication; related businesses such as marine transpor- observing system and to advance the under- (2) implementation of research, develop- tation, aquaculture, fisheries, and offshore standing of the oceans; ment, education, and outreach programs to energy production and aid marine navigation (4) promote development of technology and improve understanding of the marine envi- and safety; methods for improving the observing system; ronment and achieve the full national bene- (4) support national defense and homeland (5) support the development of institu- fits of an integrated coastal and ocean ob- security efforts; tional mechanisms and financial instru- serving system; (5) support the sustainable use, conserva- ments to further the goals of the program (3) implementation of a data, information tion, management, and enjoyment of healthy and provide for the capitalization of the re- management, and modeling system required ocean, coastal, and Great Lakes resources, quired infrastructure; by all components of an integrated coastal better understand the interactions of ocean (6) provide, as appropriate, support for and and ocean observing system and related re- processes within the coastal zone, and sup- representation on United States delegations search to develop early warning systems to port implementation and refinement of eco- to international meetings on coastal and more effectively predict and mitigate im- system-based management and restoration; ocean observing programs, including those pacts of natural hazards, improve weather (6) support the protection of critical coast- under the jurisdiction of the International al habitats, such as coral reefs and wetlands, and climate forecasts, conserve healthy and Joint Commission involving Canadian wa- and unique ecosystems and resources; restore degraded coastal ecosystems, and en- ters; and (7) educate the public about the role and sure usefulness of data and information for (7) in consultation with the Secretary of importance of the oceans, coasts, and Great users; and State, support coordination of relevant Fed- Lakes in daily life; and (4) establishment of a network of regional eral activities with those of other nations. (8) support research and development to EAD EDERAL GENCY associations to operate and maintain re- (d) L F A .—The National ensure improvement to ocean, coastal, and Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration gional coastal and ocean observing systems Great Lakes observation measurements and shall be the lead Federal agency for imple- to ensure fulfillment of national objectives to enhance understanding of the Nation’s mentation and administration of the observ- at regional scales and to address state and ocean, coastal, and Great Lakes resources. ing system and to carry out the responsibil- local needs for ocean information and data (b) SYSTEM ELEMENTS.—In order to fulfill ities of this Act, in consultation with the products. the purposes of this Act, the observing sys- Council, the Interagency Program Office, SEC. 3. DEFINITIONS. tem shall consist of the following program other Federal Agencies that maintain por- In this Act: elements: tions of the observing system and the Re- (1) ADMINISTRATOR.—The term ‘‘Adminis- (1) A national program to fulfill national gional Associations, shall— trator’’ means Administrator of the National and international observation priorities. (1) establish an Integrated Ocean Observing Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. (2) A network of regional associations to Program Office; (2) COUNCIL.—The term ‘‘Council’’ means manage the regional coastal and ocean ob- (2) integrate, improve, and extend existing the National Ocean Research Leadership serving and information programs that col- programs and research projects, and ensure Council established by section 7902 of title lect, measure, and disseminate data and in- that regional associations are integrated 10, United States Code. formation products. into the operational observation system on a (3) INTEGRATED OCEAN OBSERVING PROGRAM (3) Data management, communication, and sustained basis; OFFICE.—The term ‘‘Integrated Ocean Ob- modeling systems for the timely integration (3) integrate the appropriate capabilities of serving Program Office’’ means a program and dissemination of data and information the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Ad- office within the National Oceanic and At- products from the national and regional sys- ministration, and other appropriate centers, mospheric Administration to integrate its tems. into the observing system for the purpose of ocean observing assets and implement the (4) A research and development program assimilating, managing, disseminating, and requirements under section 4(d). conducted under the guidance of the Council; archiving data from regional observation (4) INTERAGENCY PROGRAM OFFICE.—The including projects under the National Ocean- systems and other observation systems; term ‘‘Interagency Program Office’’ means ographic Partnership Program, consisting of (4) provide for the migration of scientific the office established under section 4(e). the following: and technological advances from research (5) NATIONAL OCEANOGRAPHIC PARTNERSHIP (A) Basic research to advance knowledge of and development to operational deployment; PROGRAM.—The term ‘‘National Oceano- coastal and ocean systems and ensure im- (5) provide for opportunities to contract graphic Partnership Program’’ means the provement of operational products, including with private sector companies in designing, program established under section 7901 of related infrastructure, observing technology, developing, integrating, and deploying ocean title 10, United States Code. and information technology. observation system elements; (6) OBSERVING SYSTEM.—The term ‘‘observ- (B) Focused research and technology devel- (6) establish efficient and effective admin- ing system’’ means the integrated coastal, opment projects to improve understanding of istrative procedures for allocation of funds ocean, and Great Lakes observing system to the relationship between the coasts and among Federal agencies, contractors, grant- be established by the Council under section oceans and human activities. ees, and regional associations in a timely 4(a). (C) Large scale computing resources and manner, and contingent on appropriations (7) SECRETARY.—The term ‘‘Secretary’’ research to advance modeling of coastal and according to the budget adopted by the means the Secretary of Commerce, acting ocean processes. Council; through the National Oceanic and Atmos- (5) A coordinated outreach, education, and (7) develop and implement a process for the pheric Administration. training program that integrates and aug- certification and assimilation into the na- SEC. 4. INTEGRATED COASTAL AND OCEAN OB- ments existing programs (such as the Na- tional ocean observations network of the re- SERVING SYSTEM. tional Sea Grant College Program, the Cen- gional associations and their periodic review (a) ESTABLISHMENT.—The President, acting ters for Ocean Sciences Education Excel- and recertification and certify regional asso- through the Council, shall establish and lence program, and the National Estuarine ciations that meet the requirements of sub- maintain an integrated system of coastal Research Reserve System), to ensure the use section (f); and and ocean observations, data communication of data and information for improving public (8) develop a data management and com- and management, analysis, modeling, re- education and awareness of the Nation’s munication system, in accordance with the search, education, and outreach designed to coastal and ocean environment and building established standards and protocols, by understand current conditions and provide the technical expertise required to operate which all data collected by the observing data and information for the timely detec- and improve the observing system. system regarding coastal waters of the tion and prediction of changes occurring in (c) COUNCIL FUNCTIONS.—The Council shall United States are integrated and available. the ocean, coastal and Great Lakes environ- serve as the oversight body for the design (e) INTERAGENCY PROGRAM OFFICE.—

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(1) ESTABLISHMENT.—The Council shall es- tem, while operating within the scope of his (1) A description of activities carried out tablish an Interagency Program Office or her employment in carrying out such pur- under the implementation plan and this Act. housed within the National Oceanic and At- poses, shall be deemed to be an employee of (2) An evaluation of the effectiveness of the mospheric Administration. the Government. observing system. (2) RESPONSIBILITIES.—The Interagency SEC. 5. PROCESS FOR TRANSITION FROM RE- (3) Benefits of the program to users of data Program Office shall be responsible for pro- SEARCH TO OPERATION. products resulting from the observing sys- gram planning and coordination of the im- The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Ad- tem (including the general public, industry, plementation of the observing system. ministration, in consultation with the Coun- scientists, resource managers, emergency re- (3) DUTIES.—The Interagency Program Of- cil, shall formulate a process by which— sponders, policy makers, and educators). fice shall report to the Council via the Sec- (1) funding is made available for intra- (4) Recommendations concerning— retary and shall— mural and extramural research on new tech- (A) modifications to the observing system; (A) prepare annual and long-term plans for nologies for collecting data regarding coast- and consideration and approval by the Council al and ocean waters of the United States; (B) funding levels for the observing system for the design and implementation of the ob- (2) such technologies are tested including— in subsequent fiscal years. serving system that promote collaboration (A) accelerated research into biological (5) The results of a periodic external inde- among Federal agencies and regional asso- and chemical sensing techniques and sat- pendent programmatic audit of the observing ciations in developing global, national, and ellite sensors for collecting such data; and system. regional observing systems, including identi- (B) developing technologies to improve all Ms. CANTWELL. Mr. President, I’m fication and refinement of a core set of vari- aspects of the observing system, especially pleased to join Senator SNOWE in intro- ables to be measured by all systems; the timeliness and accuracy of its predictive (B) coordinate the development of agency models and the usefulness of its information ducing the Coastal and Ocean Observa- and regional associations priorities and products; and tion Systems Act of 2007, which will budgets to implement, operate, and maintain (3) funding is made available and a plan is make needed improvements to our na- the observing systems; developed and executed to transition tech- tional and regional ocean observing (C) establish and refine standards and pro- nology that has been demonstrated to be systems. tocols for data collection, management and useful for the observing system is incor- The Coastal and Ocean Observation communications, including quality control porated into use by the observing system. Systems Act would establish a national standards, in consultation with participating SEC. 6. INTERAGENCY FINANCING. program to focus on national and inter- Federal agencies and regional associations; The departments and agencies represented national ocean observing priorities, and on the Council are authorized to participate (D) establish a process for assuring compli- and provide needed support for a net- in interagency financing and share, transfer, work of regional associations that al- ance for all participating entities with the receive, obligate, and expend funds appro- standards and protocols for data manage- priated to any member of the Council for the ready collect and manage information ment and communications, including quality purposes of carrying out any administrative in ocean and coastal areas across the control standards. or programmatic project or activity under nation. (f) REGIONAL ASSOCIATIONS OF COASTAL AND this Act or under the National Oceano- Currently, most long term ocean ob- OCEAN OBSERVING SYSTEMS.— graphic Partnership Program, including sup- serving and data collection is carried (1) The Secretary shall initiate a rule- port for the Interagency Program Office, a out on a regional basis. While these re- making proceeding to establish a process for common infrastructure, and system integra- the certification of regional associations to gional ocean observing systems provide tion for a coastal and ocean observing sys- valuable data, lack of coordination at be responsible for the development and oper- tem. Funds may be transferred among such ation of regional coastal and ocean observing the national level and a lack of sus- departments and agencies through an appro- tained resources have limited their ef- systems to meet the information needs of priate instrument that specifies the goods, user groups in the region while adhering to services, or space being acquired from an- fectiveness for advancing a comprehen- national standards. To be certified a regional other Council member and the costs of the sive understanding of our oceans and association shall meet the certification same. coasts. The Coastal and Ocean Observa- standards developed by the Interagency Pro- SEC. 7. APPLICATION WITH OUTER CONTI- tion Systems Act of 2007 would help to gram Office in conjunction with the regional NENTAL SHELF LANDS ACT. associations and approved by the Council rectify this by organizing regional ac- Nothing in this Act supersedes, or limits tivities under a federal interagency and shall— the authority of the Secretary of the Inte- (A) demonstrate an organizational struc- committee within NOAA. rior under, the Outer Continental Shelf Improving long-term ocean observing ture capable of supporting and integrating Lands Act (43 U.S.C. 1331 et seq.). all aspects of coastal and ocean observing and monitoring is a key recommenda- SEC. 8. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS. and information programs within a region There are authorized to be appropriated to tion of the U.S. Commission on Ocean and that reflects broad representation from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Ad- Policy and will provide the informa- state and local government, commercial in- ministration for the implementation of this tion needed to restore and sustain terests, and other users and beneficiaries of Act, $150,000,000 for each of the fiscal years healthy ocean and coastal ecosystems. marine information; 2008 through 2012 and such additional sums (B) operate under a strategic operations Specifically, this bill would bolster the as may be necessary for each of the fiscal and business plan that details the operation Nation’s ability to observe and monitor years 2008 through 2012. The Administrator and support of regional coastal and ocean ob- ocean conditions in order to improve shall provide such sums as are necessary to serving systems pursuant to the standards tsunami warnings, better understand the regional associations certified under sec- approved by the Council; and tion 4(f) for implementation of regional the impacts of climate change on the (C) work with governmental entities and coastal and ocean observing systems. Sums oceans, track ocean conditions that programs at all levels to identify and provide appropriated pursuant to this section shall could impact human health, improve information products of the observing sys- remain available until expended. homeland security, and support mari- tem for multiple users in the region to ad- vance outreach and education, to improve SEC. 9. IMPLEMENTATION PLAN. time operations. coastal and fishery management, safe and ef- Not later than 12 months after the date of Fishermen and mariners rely on ac- ficient marine navigation, weather and cli- the enactment of this Act, the Secretary curate forecasts of ocean conditions for mate prediction, to enhance preparation for shall submit to the Congress and the Council safety and navigation. An integrated hurricanes, tsunami, and other natural haz- a plan for implementation of this Act, in- ocean observing system would improve ards, and other appropriate activities. cluding for— these forecasts and will save lives at (1) coordinating activities of the Secretary (2) For the purposes of this Act, employees sea. Ocean observing will also help au- of Federal agencies may participate in the under this Act with other Federal agencies; and thorities understand the link between functions of the Regional Associations. ocean conditions and human health. (g) CIVIL LIABILITY.—For purposes of sec- (2) distributing, to regional associations, tion 1346(b)(1) and chapter 171 of title 28, funds available to carry out this Act. For example, improved tracking of United States Code, and chapters 309 and 311 SEC. 10. REPORT TO CONGRESS. harmful algal blooms can minimize the of title 46, United States Code, any regional (a) REQUIREMENT.—Not later than 2 years risk of shellfish poisoning by warning coastal and ocean observing system that is a after the date of the enactment of this Act people when the conditions exist that designated part of a regional association cer- and every 2 years thereafter, the Adminis- make harvesting shellfish dangerous. tified under this section shall, with respect trator shall prepare and the President acting An integrated ocean and coastal ob- to tort liability arising from the dissemina- through the Council shall approve and trans- tion and use of the data, in carrying out the mit to the Congress a report on progress serving system will prove an invaluable purposes of this Act, be deemed to be part of made in implementing this Act. tool as we work to understand and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Ad- (b) CONTENTS.—The report shall include the overcome the challenges of climate ministration, and any employee of such sys- following: change. The ocean covers 70 percent of

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Specifically a state must: (1) systems to display the impacts of cli- Regrettably, in my view, if legisla- have had one or more approved aca- mate change. tion is not passed and signed into law demic assessment plans for the 2005– We’ve already detected some of these that recognizes the unique situation 2006 school year; (2) have had one or impacts, from ocean acidification’s im- faced in Virginia, and perhaps other more of such plans subsequently held pacts on North Pacific food chains and States, then public schools in Virginia, invalid by the Department of Edu- coral reefs in the tropics, to seasonal and perhaps around the country, will cation for the 2006–2007 school year; and ocean dead zones that are forming off be punished through no fault of their (3) have the Governor of the State cer- the coast of Washington and Oregon. own. tify, in writing, to the Secretary of The effects of climate change will be Let me be more specific about what Education that the State cannot effec- felt by our fishermen and coastal com- has occurred in my State. On June 28, tively train its educators on a new or munities, and ocean observing will give 2006, the Virginia Department of Edu- alternative assessment prior to the them the information they need to cation received notice from the U.S. date the assessment is to be adminis- mitigate impacts. Department of Education that the as- tered, and that the administration of a As we seek a better understanding of sessment that Virginia had used for new or alternative assessment is not in our oceans and coasts and the eco- years to test certain limited English the best interest of the public school systems that form the basis of life for proficiency students would no longer system and the children the system much of the Earth’s population, an in- meet Federal requirements. The 2006– serves. tegrated ocean observing system. will 2007 academic school year started This ‘‘hold-harmless’’ provision be an essential investment. shortly thereafter, and, at that time, would only apply to those schools and no alternative assessment had been ap- school divisions that fail to meet the By Mr. WARNER (for himself and proved. Federal standards solely because of On December 11, 2006, representatives Mr. WEBB): these logistical problems. S. 951. A bill to provide a waiver from from the Virginia Board of Education Unlike other proposals that have re- sanctions under the Elementary and and the State Superintendent of Public cently been introduced with respect to Secondary Education Act of 1965 for Instruction met with the U.S. Depart- No Child Left Behind, this measure certain States, local educational agen- ment of Education officials to discuss a would not exempt states from account- cies, and schools; to the Committee on one-year extension, by which Virginia ability, nor exempt States, school dis- would be permitted to use the same as- Health, Education, Labor, and Pen- tricts and schools from the require- sessment it had used in prior years for sions. ments of NCLB. Our bill simply calls testing LEP students. On January 4, Mr. WARNER. Mr. President, I rise for the suspension of penalties for one 2007, the entire Virginia Congressional today to introduce legislation with my year for those schools and districts delegation sent a letter to Secretary Virginia Senate colleague, Senator that, through no fault of their own, are Spellings supporting Virginia’s request WEBB, related to the No Child Left Be- being set up for potential failure be- for a one-year extension for using an hind Act. This legislation simply tries cause of bureaucratic logistical prob- alternative assessment for testing LEP to hold certain schools harmless, for lems. This will give the Commonwealth students. one year, from the sanction provisions of Virginia and the Federal Govern- under NCLB when such sanctions re- On January 29, 2007, Secretary Spellings wrote back to me denying ment ample time to address the testing sult solely because of bureaucratic situation effectively for the 2007–2008 problems with the implementation of Virginia’s request. On February 8, 2007, Deputy Secretary Ray Simon wrote to school year. the law. I would like to submit for the I am pleased to note that Congress- Virginia clarifying that, while the pre- vious test may not be used, another as- RECORD several letters expressing sup- man TOM DAVIS, Congressman JIM sessment is expected to obtain ap- port for this legislation. The first let- MORAN, Congressman BOB GOODLATTE, proval. ter is from Governor Kaine. The second Congresswoman DAVIS, and Congress- Well, today is March 21, 2007. To date, letter is from Dr. Billy Cannady, the man RICK BOUCHER have joined Senator Virginia still does not have an ap- Superintendent of Public Instruction WEBB and me in introducing the same proved alternative assessment, and our in Virginia; the third letter is from Dr. bill in the House of Representatives. State assessments are scheduled to be Mark Emblidge, President of the Vir- While I firmly believe that the goals given in less than a month. With no ap- ginia Board of Education; and the behind NCLB are solid, there have been propriate test approved for students to fourth letter is from the Virginia some challenges with the regulatory take this April, how can Virginia School Boards Association. implementation of this new law, par- schools be expected to meet federal I ask unanimous consent that the ticularly in Virginia. Most recently, standards? How can our State and text of the bill be printed in the the Commonwealth of Virginia and the schools develop, prepare for, and ad- RECORD. U.S. Department of Education have minister a new test when we are well There being no objection, the mate- reached an impasse with respect to how past the middle of the school year? rial was ordered to be printed in the best to test students with limited Common sense begs for a reasonable so- RECORD, as follows: English proficiency. While, at this mo- lution. COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA, ment, I do not cast blame for how we In the interim, several school divi- OFFICE OF THE GOVERNOR, came to this impasse, the simple fact is sions in Virginia have voted not to test Richmond, VA, March 20, 2007. that it could result in a number of the LEP students at all. In turn, the Hon. JOHN WARNER, schools in Virginia being sanctioned U.S. Department of Education has U.S. Senate, Russell Senate Office Building, under the Federal law—not because our Washington, DC. threatened to withhold from Virginia DEAR SENATOR WARNER: I would like to schools are underperforming, but rath- millions of Federal education dollars. thank you for taking a leadership role in ef- er as a consequence of bureaucracy. The legislation that we introduce forts to resolve some of the immediate dif- This is clearly not the intent of No today is designed to allow the parties ficulties states and local educational agen- Child Left Behind. involved to take a step back, develop cies are facing in implementing testing pro- No Child Left Behind was intended to an acceptable assessment, appro- visions of the No Child Left Behind Act put in place a strong accountability priately train and educate students on (NCLB). I strongly support your proposed system by which the Federal Govern- it, and allow the Virginia educational legislation to provide a waiver from sanc- ment would receive favorable results system to move forward without being tions under certain circumstances for the current academic year. for the billions of Federal dollars it sanctioned in a way that is incon- As you know, Virginia takes the academic spends on education. The law was sistent with the NCLB Act. achievement of all students and the account- structured to ensure that all students This legislation accomplishes these ability of all schools and school divisions are included in States’ accountability goals by holding schools, local edu- very seriously. Our accountability system

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predates NCLB by several years, and is wide- COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA, tive for this year’s testing cycle, acknowl- ly recognized as one of the best in the na- BOARD OF EDUCATION, edges that schools, school divisions, and tion. Our standards are ranked #5 in quality Richmond, VA, March 21, 2007. states need time to develop certain alter- by the Fordham Institute, which also lists us Hon. JOHN WARNER, native assessments, field test them, and as #1 in achievement based primarily on U.S. Senate, train teachers to administer them, before NAEP scores. We were recently named by Washington, DC. the U.S. Department of Education imposes Education Week as the state with the high- DEAR SENATOR WARNER: I am writing to ex- onerous sanctions. It would provide the addi- press strong support for your introduction of est ‘‘chance for success’’ index for children. tional time needed to develop assessments legislation in the Senate of the United that work for children, not only in Virginia, In achievement of Hispanic students, Vir- States on behalf of the Commonwealth of but across the United States. ginia ranks number 2, 3 and 4 nationally for Virginia and other states seeking a waiver On March 16, 2007, the Board of Directors of percent of students proficient in 8th grade under the Elementary and Secondary Edu- the Virginia School Boards Association mathematics, 8th grade science and 4th cation Act of 1965 from certain sanctions and voted unanimously to support this legisla- grade reading, respectively. financial penalties as a result of having had tion. We stand ready to assist in any way in Meanwhile, we are challenged by the short an approved state academic assessment plan its enactment into law in time for this year’s time frame afforded us to revise our assess- for 2005–2006 held invalid by the U.S. Depart- testing cycle. Finally, we thank you and ment practices for the current year, given ment of Education for the 2006–2007 school your office for your steadfast support of Vir- the decision this same year by the U.S. De- year. We understand the proposed legislation ginia’s 134 school boards, our teachers and administrators and, most importantly, the partment of Education to hold our academic will apply only to states, local educational agencies, and schools if the state meets the 1.1 million children we serve. assessment plan invalid. The proposed legis- qualifying criteria identified in the proposed If you have any questions, please contact lation would allow us and other states in legislation. The Commonwealth of Virginia Frank E. Barham, VSBA Executive Director. similar situations a more reasonable amount meets all of the qualifying criteria and will Sincerely yours, of time to revise assessment practices. benefit from the additional flexibility being EDDIE H. RYDER, I believe the role you propose for Gov- proposed. President. ernors to certify that schools or local edu- On behalf of the Virginia Board of Edu- cational agencies meet the criteria specified cation, please accept our gratitude for the S. 951 in the legislation is appropriate and prac- leadership you are providing in preventing Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Rep- ticable. I applaud your thoughtful solution, sanctions to our state, schools, and school resentatives of the United States of America in and thank you for keeping in mind the best divisions as a result of having to implement Congress assembled, interests of children, school divisions and testing policies that are not in the best in- SECTION 1. WAIVER. terest of all the students we serve. The legis- states as we continue to make progress in A State, local educational agency, or lation you are introducing in the Senate re- raising educational achievement and closing school shall be held harmless and not subject flects the growing impatience with the rigid- achievement gaps. to the penalties provision under section ity that has characterized the U.S. Depart- 1111(g) of the Elementary and Secondary Sincerely, ment of Education’s implementation of No TIMOTHY M. KAINE. Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 6311(g)), the Child Left Behind. This impatience is most requirements of school or local educational acute in states like Virginia with effective agency improvement, corrective action, re- COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA, accountability programs predating the fed- structuring, or other sanctions or penalties DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION, eral law. under section 1116 of the Elementary and Richmond, VA, March 21, 2007. The achievements of Virginia’s students Secondary Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. Hon. JOHN WARNER, and schools under the Standards of Learning 6313), or any other sanctions or penalties re- U.S. Senate, program have brought the commonwealth lating to academic assessments under the El- Washington, DC. national recognition as a model of successful ementary and Secondary Education Act of reform. I am grateful to you and the other DEAR SENATOR WARNER: I strongly support 1965 (20 U.S.C. 6301 et seq.) for the 2006–2007 members of Virginia’s congressional delega- your introduction of legislation in the Sen- school year if the following criteria are met: tion for their efforts to secure additional ate of the United States on behalf of the (1) The State (in the case of a local edu- flexibility so our public schools can imple- Commonwealth of Virginia and other states cational agency or school, the State within ment NCLB in a manner that puts children which such local educational agency or that will provide a waiver from sanctions of first and reflects sound instructional and as- the Elementary and Secondary Education school exists) had 1 or more approved aca- sessment practices. demic assessment plans for the 2005–2006 Act of 1965 as a result of having an approved The Board of Education remains com- school year. 2005–2006 state assessment plan held invalid mitted to the goals of NCLB and holding (2) The State (in the case of a local edu- by the U.S. Department of Education for the schools accountable for closing achievement cational agency or school, the State within 2006–2007 school year. The Commonwealth of gaps between minority and non-minority which such local educational agency or Virginia meets all of the qualifying criteria students while improving teaching and school exists) had 1 or more of such plans in the proposed legislation, and certain eligi- learning for all children. This commitment, subsequently held invalid by the Department ble schools and school divisions will benefit which has made the commonwealth an ac- of Education for the 2006–2007 school year. from the hold harmless waiver provision. knowledged leader in the implementation of (3) The Governor of the State (in the case standards-based reform, includes account- I sincerely appreciate the leadership you of a local educational agency or school, the ability for student achievement and testing and other members of Virginia’s congres- State within which such local educational policies based on research and sound prac- sional delegation are providing in seeking agency or school exists) certifies, in writing, tice. to the Secretary of Education that— additional flexibility for states in imple- The Board of Education appreciates your menting the Elementary and Secondary Edu- (A) the State cannot effectively train its continued support of the Standards of Learn- educators on a new or alternative assess- cation Act (ESEA), otherwise known as No ing accountability program. It is my hope ment or assessments in place of the assess- Child Left Behind (NCLB). The Virginia De- that the introduction of this legislation also ment or assessments for which the plan or partment of Education remains committed will inform the reauthorization process. plans were held invalid by the Department of to the goals of NCLB and implementing the Sincerely, Education, prior to the date the assessment federal law with fidelity while advocating for MARK E. EMBLIDGE, or assessments are to be administered; and assessment policies based on research and President. (B) the administration of any new or alter- sound practice. native assessment or assessments, in place of The Department will provide the Governor VIRGINIA SCHOOL the assessment or assessments for which the BOARDS ASSOCIATION, with valid and reliable data for certifying plan or plans were held invalid by the De- Charlottesville, VA, March 19, 2007. that the commonwealth, schools, and school partment of Education, in the 2006–2007 Hon. JOHN W. WARNER, divisions meet the qualifying criteria in the school year is not in the best interest of the U.S. Senate, proposed legislation. public school system and the children such Washington, DC. system serves. The Department of Education appreciates Subject: Support for Emergency Waiver Bill (4) The Governor of the State (in the case your continued support. We are committed under No Child Left Behind. of a local educational agency or school, the to moving all Virginia children from com- DEAR SENATOR WARNER: I write to express State within which such local educational petence to excellence. It is our hope that the the support of the Virginia School Boards agency or school exists) certifies, in writing, introduction of this legislation also will in- Association on behalf of its members, all 134 to the Secretary of Education that the local form the reauthorization process. of Virginia’s school boards for legislation educational agency or school failed to make Sincerely, you plan to introduce this week, to grant re- adequate yearly progress (as described in BILLY K. CANNADAY, Jr., lief from certain aspects of No Child Left Be- section 1111(b)(2) of the Elementary and Sec- Superintendent of Public Instruction. hind. That legislation, which will be effec- ondary Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C.

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Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 6301 et seq.) Mr. ROCKEFELLER. Mr. President, I have worked for years in a bipartisan for the 2006–2007 school year solely because it is my pleasure today to join with my and regionally diverse coalition of the State, local educational agency, or colleagues Senators CRAIG, DORGAN, members of Congress to change a sys- school meets each of the criteria described in VITTER, KLOBUCHAR, TESTER, tem that just is not working. Our goal paragraphs (1) through (3). LANDRIEU, CRAPO, BAUCUS, and CANT- is to improve the economic situation WELL to introduce the Railroad Com- for rail shippers and retail shoppers. By Mr. MCCAIN: And, I hasten to add, we seek to S. 952. A bill to amend the Morris K. petition and Service Improvement Act strengthen and improve the economic Udall Scholarship and Excellence in of 2007. This legislation stands for the vitality of the Class I railroads, as National Environmental and Native very basic premise that businesses should serve their customers, and do so well. American Public Policy Act of 1992 to I am sure that my colleagues will provide funds for training in tribal at reasonable rates. This essential concept of capitalism hear from railroads that we are ‘‘re- leadership, management, and policy, regulating.’’ My colleagues should and for other purposes; to the Com- is what our economy is based upon. Those ideas, plus promoting competi- carefully review our bill and find where mittee on Indian Affairs. we would regulate anything that is not Mr. MCCAIN. Mr. President, I am tion and protecting consumers, were already regulated. This is, of course, pleased to introduce legislation that prime motivating factors when Con- the point. The railroads have touted would authorize the Native Nations In- gress in 1980 passed the Staggers Act. the success of the deregulation, but stitute, NNI, for Leadership, Manage- The Staggers Act provided a govern- what they fail to mention is that the ment and Policy. Congressman ment agency—now the Surface Trans- Staggers Act never deregulated the GRIJALVA introduced similar legisla- portation Board (STB)—with the abil- railroads where shippers had no com- tion in the House of Representatives ity to prevent monopoly abuses of petitive transportation options. The last week. those shippers left ‘‘captive’’ to just railroads can have all the opinions In 2000, Congress reauthorized the one railroad, and to make sure that the about our legislation that they want, Morris K. Udall Foundation, an inde- railroads in competitive situations but they are not entitled to their own pendent Federal agency established in were able to operate in such a way that set of facts. 1992, to expand its organization by pro- they could be profitable. Somewhere viding tribal governments with leader- What has happened while the rail- along the way the part of the STB roads have consolidated and ship and management training serv- mandate calling on the agency to pro- ices. In response, the Morris K. Udall mischaracterized this effort on behalf tect shippers, and by extension con- of shippers? Shippers and end-use con- Foundation founded the NNI to serve sumers, has been ignored, or at least as a self-determination, self-govern- sumers have paid increasingly high subsumed into the STB’s fervor to see prices for electricity, food, medicine, ment and development resource to na- the railroads profitable. tive nations. Over the past 5 years, the paper products; the chemicals to pro- And profitable they are. What is im- tect our water supply and crops, and NNI has operated in partnership with portant for my colleagues to recognize the University of Arizona and the Har- the basic ingredients of the plastics in is that neither I nor any of my cospon- many of the goods we purchase. It was vard Project on American Indian Eco- sors want the railroads to fail. We nomic Development to provide prac- not supposed to be this way. want, and this country needs, a healthy In 1980, when Congress passed the tical leadership and management freight rail industry. From coal to training as well as policy analysis in a Staggers Act, it was seeking to rescue chemicals to plastics to forest products the railroads from a burdensome and variety of fields for native people. Ap- to grain and potatoes, America’s ship- proximately 1,700 individuals rep- counterproductive regulatory scheme pers depend on the railroad industry to resenting 250 tribes have attended overseen by the Interstate Commerce carry their products to customers training sessions at the Institute to Commission (ICC). In the decades lead- across the country to keep our econ- date. ing up to passage of the Staggers Act The Native Nations Institute per- omy moving. the freight rail situation was bloated What no member of Congress should forms an important role in upholding with unprofitable railroads forced to want to see is a freight rail system the Nation’s trust obligations to Na- make un-economic choices regarding dominated by four regional carriers tive Americans by encouraging tribes track, routes, and countless other busi- whose business plans are based on to move towards self-governance and ness decisions. The Staggers Act was bleeding their captive customers dry. engaging them in nation building. Al- an attempt to let the marketplace cre- though authorization for the NNI ex- Meanwhile, these companies invest ate a more workable system. Where pired last year, popular demand for its none of their profits in infrastructure rail shippers were already captive to executive education services now ex- expansion to handle current traffic, one railroad, the ICC was supposed to ceeds the organization’s resources. The much less the expected need in the dec- continue to protect shippers’ rights bill I am introducing today would au- ades to come. and to require railroads to meet their This is by no means the first time my thorize funding for the institute’s pro- responsibilities. grams for a period of 5 years beginning colleagues have seen me introduce leg- As the marketplace evolved, the ICC, in fiscal year 2008. islation in this vein. In fact, this is at and its successor agency the STB, were The Native Nations Institute for least the eighth time that I have asked supposed to make sure that railroad Leadership, Management and Policy is my colleagues to look into the prob- consolidation and industry policy did an organization of great importance for lems in our freight rail network and to not harm rail customers. The only rea- Native Americans. I urge my col- work with me to fix it. Businesses in son the railroads in 2007 can say that leagues to support passage of this bill. my home State of West Virginia have my colleagues and I are attempting to been describing problems with the rail- ‘‘re-regulate’’ them is that the regu- By Mr. ROCKEFELLER (for him- roads to since before I came to the Sen- latory agencies charged with regu- self, Mr. CRAIG, Mr. DORGAN, ate in 1985. Like businesses anywhere, lating them all along largely have ab- Mr. VITTER, Ms. KLOBUCHAR, West Virginia industries depend on ef- dicated their responsibilities, and have Mr. TESTER, Ms. LANDRIEU, Mr. ficient and dependable rail service at been sadly ineffective on the rare occa- CRAPO, Mr. BAUCUS, and Ms. fair prices to move their products to sion when they purport to be carrying CANTWELL): market. out the part of their mission that in- S. 953. A bill to amend title 49, Well, what was a troubling situation cludes maintaining the advantages of United States Code, to ensure competi- 22 years ago for about 20 percent of rail competition.

VerDate Aug 31 2005 02:39 Apr 26, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00075 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\RECORD07\S21MR7.REC S21MR7 pwalker on PROD1PC69 with CONG-REC-ONLINE S3528 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE March 21, 2007 To the extent that the Staggers Act improve America’s railroad system by By Mr. KOHL (for himself and has been successful in fulfilling its ensuring increased rail competition Mr. FEINGOLD): promise, that success has been com- and enabling rail customers to obtain S. 954. A bill to amend title XVIII of pletely one-sided. Railroads are no more reliable service. Today, I intro- the Social Security Act to provide for longer struggling to be profitable. Nei- duce S. 953, the Railroad Competition a technical correction to the amend- ther are they struggling to serve their and Service Improvement Act of 2007 ments made by section 422 of the Medi- customers. The STB, which should be along with my colleagues Senators care Prescription Drug, Improvement, working to make the system work, is ROCKEFELLER, CRAIG, DORGAN, and Modernization Act of 2003; to the more of a problem than it is a solution. KLOBUCHAR, TESTER, LANDRIEU, CRAPO, Committee on Finance. The only parties still struggling are BAUCUS and CANTWELL. Mr. KOHL. Mr. President, today, EINGOLD, I am in- the shippers, and our bill is designed to The lack of healthy competition in along with Senator F troducing the Medicare Residency Pro- make it a fair fight. our national rail system is stifling rail gram Technical Correction Act of 2007. The title of our bill, the Railroad customers from our petrochemical This legislation will fix an unintended Competition and Service Improvement manufacturers to utility providers to consequence of Section 422 of the Medi- Act, really says it all. Cosponsors of agriculture and forest product pro- this legislation seek a freight rail sys- care Modernization Act of 2003 that has viders. The extreme prices these rail resulted in a decrease of family med- tem envisioned in the drafting of the customers are charged and the service Staggers Act. We hope to remind the ical residents slots in Wisconsin’s Fox challenges they face have a direct im- Valley and potentially other family STB of its responsibilities, and give its pact on jobs and prices for consumers. enforcement the teeth successive medicine practices across the Nation. We must reform our railroad system to Our bill would provide for an adjust- Chairmen have told Congress the Board foster more competition and provide needs. ment to the reduction of Medicare resi- relief to consumers. dent positions based on settled cost re- As I have said, this legislation is The Surface Transportation Board, about making capitalism work for all ports. which is supposed to oversee rail pric- For the last 2 years, I’ve been work- parties in the freight rail marketplace, ing and practices, has not proactively ing with the University of Wisconsin not just for the monopoly railroads. addressed rail problems, and govern- School of Medicine and the Fox Valley Shippers need Congress to remind the ment accountability reports have Family Medicine Residency Program STB that good service at reasonable noted a lack of competition in the rail- to urge CMS to restore funding for its rates is not an outrageous demand. road industry. The Railroad Competi- residency training positions that was Congress must demand that shippers tion and Service Improvement Act will taken away as a result of an audit that that ask for a rate quote are given one. direct STB to do its job and foster a incorrectly determined that the posi- Unbelievably, the STB’s reading of the free marketplace for our rail system by tions weren’t used. Now, a Final Medi- Staggers Act allows shippers no such addressing the inadequacies in the rate ation Agreement between Appleton right. reasonableness process of the STB and Medical Center and United Government In addition to that most basic right directing the STB to actively inves- Services demonstrates that the posi- of business negotiations, our legisla- tigate and suspend unreasonable prac- tions were being used and that the pro- tion would do the following: clarify and tices. gram met the Medicare requirement restate the STB’s responsibility to for those positions. I believe it is only shall promote competition among rail I would like to share with you a fair that Appleton Medical Center’s carriers, as well as requiring reason- bottlenecking example of how the lack of railroad competition impacts rail residency positions be reinstated. able rates and dependable service in The Fox Valley Family Practice keeping with the railroads’ common customers in Louisiana. The city of La- fayette’s electricity customers have Residency Program is an important carrier obligation; remove so-called contributing member to the Fox Valley ‘‘paper barriers,’’ contractual re- faced $6 million or more annually in rate increases because of the lack of and surrounding community, providing straints on short-line and regional rail- health care services to some 10,000 fam- roads that prevent them from pro- railroad competition. The Rodemacher Plant that provides electricity to the ilies. This is exactly the type of pro- viding improved service to shippers; gram that we should be supporting, not modify the rate challenge process, and Lafayette Utilities System gets its coal from the Powder River Basin in reducing. My legislation will right this implement real-world evidentiary wrong and provide for the same oppor- standards and burden of proof require- Wyoming. This coal is transported by rail for more than 1,500 miles. Cur- tunity for any other family medicine ments; authorize STB to require ‘‘re- program that can demonstrate that its ciprocal switching,’’ the transfer of rently, two railroads travel from the Basin to Alexandria, LA. However, the residency slots were erroneously de- traffic between railroads, where it is in funded by CMS. I ask that my Senate the public interest; affirm the rail- last 19 miles of travel distance to the Rodemacher Plant only has one major colleagues join me by supporting this roads’ obligation to serve; cap filing bill. I ask unanimous consent that the fees for STB rate cases at the level of railroad provider. Present law allows the current rail provider’s control of text of the bill be printed the RECORD. federal district courts; allow Governors There being no objection, the mate- the last 19 miles to push its pricing mo- to petition the STB for declarations of rial was ordered to be printed in the nopoly all the way back to the Powder ‘‘areas of inadequate rail competition,’’ RECORD, as follows: River Basin, which in essence, turns a with appropriate remedies; create posi- S. 954 tion of Rail Customer Advocate in the 19 mile monopoly into a 1,500-mile mo- nopoly. Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Rep- Department of Transportation; and es- resentatives of the United States of America in tablish a system of ‘‘final offer’’ arbi- This monopoly forces the Lafayette Congress assembled, tration for disputes over agriculture, ratepayers to pay much higher rates SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. forest product, and fertilizer ship- than if the Rodemacher Plant had ac- This Act may be cited as the ‘‘Medicare ments. cess to both railroads that serve the Residency Program Technical Correction Solutions to these problems are long Powder River Basin. When enacted, the Act of 2007’’. Railroad Competition and Service Im- SEC. 2. REINSTATEMENT OF FULL-TIME EQUIVA- overdue. I commend to my colleagues LENT RESIDENT SLOTS THAT WERE the Railroad Competition and Service provement Act would address ERRONEOUSLY ELIMINATED. Improvement Act as a set of common- bottlenecking issues like this and the (a) IN GENERAL.—Section 1886(h)(7) of the sense solutions to unresolved problems lack of competition saving the Lafay- Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1395ww(h)(7)) that are putting American competi- ette ratepayers money. is amended— tiveness at risk. I look forward to the consideration of (1) by redesignating subparagraph (D) as Mr. VITTER. Mr. President, today I S. 953, the Railroad Competition and subparagraph (E); and (2) by inserting after subparagraph (C) the am pleased to introduce very impor- Service Improvement Act by the Sen- following new subparagraph: tant bipartisan legislation S. 953, the ate Committee on Commerce, Science ‘‘(D) ADJUSTMENT BASED ON SETTLED COST Railroad Competition and Service Im- and Transportation, on which I serve, REPORT.—In the case of a hospital for provement Act of 2007. This bill will and the full Senate. which—

VerDate Aug 31 2005 02:39 Apr 26, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00076 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\RECORD07\S21MR7.REC S21MR7 pwalker on PROD1PC69 with CONG-REC-ONLINE March 21, 2007 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S3529 ‘‘(i) the otherwise applicable resident limit (8) few individuals in the history of the to demonstrate the feasibility of, and need to was reduced under subparagraph (A)(i)(I); United States have as broadly exemplified establish, the Heritage Area; and such qualities, and so profoundly influenced (21) the National Park Service— ‘‘(ii) such reduction was based on a ref- the history and character of the United (A) operates and maintains the Lincoln erence resident level that was determined States, as Abraham Lincoln; Home National Historic Site in Springfield, using a cost report that was subsequently (9) the story and example of the life of Illinois; and settled, whether as a result of an appeal or Abraham Lincoln, including his inspiring (B) is responsible for— otherwise, and the reference resident level rise from humble origins to the highest of- (i) advocating the protection and interpre- under such settled cost report is higher than fice in the land and his decisive leadership tation of the cultural and historic resources the level used for the reduction under sub- through the most harrowing and dangerous of the United States; and paragraph (A)(i)(I), time in the history of the United States, (ii) encouraging the development of inter- the Secretary shall apply subparagraph continues to bring hope and inspiration to pretive context for those resources through (A)(i)(I) using the higher resident reference millions in the United States and around the appropriate planning and preservation; level and make any necessary adjustments world; (22) the Heritage Area can strengthen, to such reduction. Any such necessary ad- (10) the great issues during the lifetime of complement, and support the Lincoln Home justments shall be effective for portions of Abraham Lincoln, including national unity, National Historic Site through the interpre- cost reporting periods occurring on or after equality and race relations, the capacity for tation and conservation of the associated liv- July 1, 2005.’’. democratic government, and the ideals to ad- ing landscapes outside of the boundaries of dress those and related issues, continue to (b) EFFECTIVE DATE.—The amendments the historic site; this day to define the challenges facing the made by this section shall take effect as if (23) there is a Federal interest in sup- United States; included in the enactment of section 422 of porting the development of a regional frame- (11) the ideals espoused by Lincoln, and the the Medicare Prescription Drug, Improve- work and context to partner with and assist sentiments expressed by Lincoln with re- ment, and Modernization Act of 2003 (Public the National Park Service, the State of Illi- spect to keeping the United States together, Law 108–173). nois, local organizations, units of local gov- are as relevant today as the ideals and senti- ernment, and private citizens to conserve, ment were in Lincoln’s troubled time; By Mr. DURBIN (for himself and protect, and bring recognition to the re- (12) Illinois is known throughout the world Mr. OBAMA): sources of the Heritage Area for the edu- as the land of Abraham Lincoln; S. 955. A bill to establish the Abra- cational and recreational benefit of the ham Lincoln National Heritage Area, (13) unquestionably, the physical, social, and cultural landscape of Illinois helped present generation and future generations; and for other purposes; to the Com- mold the character of Lincoln; (24) communities throughout the region— mittee on Energy and Natural Re- (14) ‘‘Here I have lived a quarter of a cen- (A) know the value of their Lincoln legacy; sources. tury, and have passed from a young to an old but Mr. DURBIN. Mr. President, I ask man,’’ Lincoln remarked on leaving Illinois. (B) need to expand upon an existing coop- unanimous consent that the text of the ‘‘To this place and the kindness of these peo- erative framework and technical assistance to achieve important goals by working to- bill be printed in the RECORD. ple I owe everything’’; There being no objection, the mate- (15) Lincoln, in turn, left his own traces gether; across the Illinois landscape; (25) the Department of Commerce and Eco- rial was ordered to be printed in the nomic Opportunity and Bureau of Tourism of RECORD, as follows: (16) the traces remain today in the form of stories, folklore, artifacts, buildings, the State of Illinois— S. 955 streetscapes, and landscapes; (A) officially designated ‘‘Looking for Lin- Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Rep- (17) though scattered geographically and in coln’’ as a State Heritage Tourism Area; and resentatives of the United States of America in varying states of development and interpre- (B) has identified the story of Lincoln as a Congress assembled, tation, together the traces of Lincoln bring key destination driver for the State; SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. an immediacy and tangible quality to the (26) the Looking for Lincoln Heritage Coa- This Act may be cited as ‘‘Abraham Lin- powerful Lincoln legacy; lition, the management entity for the Herit- coln National Heritage Area Act’’. (18) individually and collectively, the age Area— SEC. 2. FINDINGS. traces of Lincoln in Illinois constitute an (A) is a nonprofit corporation created for Congress finds that— important national cultural and historic re- the purposes of preserving, interpreting, de- (1) the Abraham Lincoln National Heritage source; veloping, promoting, and making available Area is a cohesive assemblage of natural, (19) in particular, the stories and cultural to the public the story and resources relat- historic, cultural, and recreational resources resources of the Lincoln legacy of the re- ing to— that— gion— (i) the story of the adult life of Abraham (A) together represent distinctive aspects (A) reflect the values and attitudes, obsta- Lincoln in Illinois; and of the heritage of the United States worthy cles and ingenuity, failures and accomplish- (ii) the contributions of Abraham Lincoln of recognition, conservation, interpretation, ments, human frailties, and strength of char- to society; and and continuing use; and acter of the men and women who made up (B) would be an appropriate entity to over- (B) are best managed through partnerships the diverse people of Lincoln’s generation, see the development of the Heritage Area; between private and public entities; including upland Southerners and North- and (2) the Heritage Area reflects traditions, eastern Yankees, Anglo-settlers and Amer- (27) the Looking for Lincoln Heritage Coa- customs, beliefs, folklife, or a combination ican Indians, ‘‘free’’ blacks, abolitionists, lition has completed a business plan that— of those attributes that are a valuable part and critics of abolitionists; (A) describes in detail the role, operation, of the heritage of the United States; (B) reflect the material culture and rel- financing, and functions of the Looking For (3) the Heritage Area provides outstanding ative levels of technical sophistication in the Lincoln Heritage Coalition as the manage- opportunities to conserve natural features, United States in the lifetime of Lincoln; ment entity for the Heritage Area; and historic feature, cultural features, or a com- (C) recreate the physical environment dur- (B) provides adequate assurances that the bination of those features; ing the lifetime of Lincoln, revealing the im- Looking For Lincoln Heritage Coalition is (4) the Heritage Area provides outstanding pact of the environment on agriculture, likely to have the financial resources nec- recreational and interpretive opportunities. transportation, trade, business, and social essary to implement the management plan (5) the Heritage Area has an identifiable and cultural patterns in urban and rural set- for the Heritage Area, including resources to theme, and resources important to the tings; and meet matching requirement for grants. theme, that retain integrity capable of sup- (D) interpret the effect of the democratic SEC. 3. DEFINITIONS. porting interpretation; ethos of the era on the development of the (6) residents, nonprofit organizations, legal and political institutions and distinc- In this Act: other private entities, and units of local gov- tive political culture of the United States; (1) COALITION.—The term ‘‘Coalition’’ ernment throughout the Heritage Area dem- (20) 3 previous studies entitled ‘‘Abraham means the Looking for Lincoln Heritage Coa- onstrate support for— Lincoln Research and Interpretive Center lition, an entity recognized by the Secretary, (A) designation of the Heritage Area as a Suitability/Feasibility Study’’ by the Na- in consultation with the chief executive offi- national heritage area; and tional Park Service (1991), ‘‘Looking for Lin- cer of the State, that has agreed to perform (B) management of the Heritage Area in a coln Illinois Heritage Tourism Project’’ com- the duties of the management entity under manner appropriate for the designation; missioned by the State of Illinois Depart- this Act. (7) there is a compelling need to educate ment of Commerce and Community Affairs (2) HERITAGE AREA.—The term ‘‘Heritage and cultivate among the citizens of the in cooperation with the Illinois Historic Area’’ means the Abraham Lincoln National United States, particularly youth, an under- Preservation Agency (1998), and the ‘‘Feasi- Heritage Area established by section 4(a). standing appreciation for, and a renewed bility Study for the Proposed Abraham Lin- (3) MANAGEMENT ENTITY.—The term ‘‘man- commitment to integrity, courage, self-ini- coln National Heritage Area’’, revised in agement entity’’ means the management en- tiative, and principled leadership in public 2003, help document a sufficient assemblage tity for the Heritage Area designated by sec- and private life; of nationally distinctive historic resources tion 5(a).

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(4) MANAGEMENT PLAN.—The term ‘‘man- (3) to make grants or loans to the State, under this Act and other Federal laws for the agement plan’’ means the plan developed by units of local government, nonprofit organi- protection, management, and development of the management entity under section 6(a). zations, and other persons; the Heritage Area; and (5) SECRETARY.—The term ‘‘Secretary’’ (4) to enter into cooperative agreements (4) include— means the Secretary of the Interior. with the State, units of local government, (A) actions to be undertaken by units of (6) STATE.—The term ‘‘State’’ means the nonprofit organizations, and other organiza- local government and private organizations State of Illinois. tions; to protect, conserve, and interpret the re- (7) UNIT OF LOCAL GOVERNMENT.—The term (5) to hire and compensate staff; sources of the Heritage Area; ‘‘unit of local government’’ means the gov- (6) to obtain funds from any source under (B) an inventory of resources in the Herit- ernment of the State, a political subdivision any program or law requiring the recipient age Area that includes a list of property in of the State, or an Indian tribe. of funds to make a contribution in order to the Heritage Area that— SEC. 4. ESTABLISHMENT OF ABRAHAM LINCOLN receive the funds; and (i) is related to the themes of the Heritage NATIONAL HERITAGE AREA. (7) to contract for goods and services. Area; and (a) IN GENERAL.—There is established in (c) DUTIES OF MANAGEMENT ENTITY.—For (ii) merits preservation, restoration, man- the State the Abraham Lincoln National any fiscal year for which Federal funds are agement, development, or maintenance be- Heritage Area. received under this Act, the management en- cause of the natural, historic, cultural, or (b) BOUNDARIES.—The Heritage Area shall tity shall— recreational significance of the property; include— (1) submit to the Secretary a report that (C) a recommendation of policies for re- (1) a core area located in central Illinois, describes— source management that consider the appli- consisting of Adams, Brown, Calhoun, Cass, (A) the accomplishments of the manage- cation of appropriate land and water man- Champaign, Christian, Clark, Coles, Cum- ment entity; agement techniques, including policies for berland, Dewitt, Douglas, Edgar, Fayette, (B) the expenses and income of the man- the development of intergovernmental coop- Fulton, Greene, Hancock, Henderson, Jersey, agement entity; and erative agreements, private sector agree- Knox, LaSalle, Logan, Macon, Macoupin, (C) the entities to which the management ments, or any combination of agreements, to Madison, Mason, McDonough, McLean, Men- entity made any grants; protect the natural, historic, cultural, and ard, Montgomery, Morgan, Moultrie, Peoria, (2) make available for audit by Congress, recreational resources of the Heritage Area Piatt, Pike, Sangamon, Schuyler, Scott, the Secretary, and appropriate units of local in a manner that is consistent with the sup- Shelby, Tazwell, Vermillion, Warren, and government, all records relating to the ex- port of appropriate and compatible economic Woodford counties; penditure of the Federal funds and any viability; (2) any sites, buildings, and districts with- matching funds; and (D) a program for implementation of the in the core area that are recommended for (3) require, with respect to all agreements management plan by the management enti- inclusion in the management plan; and authorizing the expenditure of Federal funds ty, in cooperation with partners of the man- (3) each of the following sites: by any entity, that the receiving entity agement entity and units of local govern- (A) Lincoln Home National Historic Site. make available for audit all records relating ment; (B) Lincoln Tomb State Historic Site. to the expenditure of the Federal funds. (E) evidence that relevant State, county, (C) Lincoln’s New Salem State Historic (d) PROHIBITION ON ACQUISITION OF REAL and local plans applicable to the Heritage Site. PROPERTY.— Area have been taken into consideration; (D) Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library (1) IN GENERAL.—The management entity (F) an analysis of means by which Federal, & Museum. shall not use Federal funds received under State, and local programs may best be co- (E) Thomas and Sara Bush Lincoln Log this Act to acquire real property or any in- ordinated to promote the purposes of this Cabin and Living History Farm State His- terest in real property. Act; and toric Site. (2) OTHER SOURCES.—Nothing in this Act (G) a business plan for the Heritage Area (F) Mt. Pulaski, Postville State Historic precludes the management entity from using that— Sites and Metamora Courthouse. Federal funds from other sources for author- (i) describes in detail— (G) Lincoln-Herndon Law Offices State ized purposes, including the acquisition of (I) the role, operation, financing, and func- Historic Site. real property or any interest in real prop- tions of the management entity; and (H) David Davis Mansion State Historic erty. (II) each activity included in the rec- Site. SEC. 6. MANAGEMENT PLAN. ommendations in the management plan; and (I) Vandalia Statehouse State Historic (a) IN GENERAL.—Not later than 3 years (ii) provides, to the satisfaction of the Sec- Site. after the date on which funds are first made retary, adequate assurances that the man- (J) Lincoln Douglas Debate Museum. available to carry out this Act, the manage- agement entity is likely to have the finan- (K) Macon County Log Court House. ment entity shall prepare and submit for re- cial resources necessary to implement the (L) Richard J. Oglesby Mansion. view to the Secretary a management plan for management plan, including the resources (M) Lincoln Trail Homestead State Memo- the Heritage Area. necessary to meet matching requirement for rial. (b) REQUIREMENTS FOR PREPARATION AND grants awarded under this Act. (N) Governor John Wood Mansion. IMPLEMENTATION.—The management entity (d) CONSIDERATION OF INTERESTS OF LOCAL (O) Beardstown Courthouse. shall— GROUPS.—In preparing and implementing the (P) Old Main at Knox College. (1) collaborate with and consider the inter- management plan, the management entity (Q) Carl Sandburg Home State Historic ests of diverse units of local government, shall consider the interests of diverse units of local government, businesses, private Site. businesses, tourism officials, private prop- property owners, and nonprofit groups in the (R) Bryant Cottage State Historic Site. erty owners, and nonprofit groups within the Heritage Area. (S) Dr. William Fithian Home. Heritage Area in preparing and imple- (e) PUBLIC MEETINGS.— (T) Vermillion County Museum. menting the management plan; (1) IN GENERAL.—The management entity (c) MAP.—A map of the Heritage Area shall (2) ensure regular public involvement re- shall conduct public meetings at least quar- be— garding the implementation of the manage- terly regarding the development and imple- (1) included in the management plan; and ment plan for the Heritage Area; and mentation of the management plan. (2) on file in the appropriate offices of the (3) submit the proposed management plan (2) PUBLIC NOTICE.—The management enti- National Park Service. to participating units of local governments ty shall— SEC. 5. DESIGNATION OF COALITION AS MANAGE- within the Heritage Area for review. (A) place a notice of each public meeting in MENT ENTITY. (c) CONTENTS.—The management plan for a newspaper of general circulation in the (a) MANAGEMENT ENTITY.—The Coalition the Heritage Area shall— Heritage Area; and shall be the management entity for the Her- (1) present a comprehensive program for (B) make the minutes of each public meet- itage Area. the conservation, interpretation, funding, ing available to the public. (b) AUTHORITIES OF MANAGEMENT ENTITY.— management, and development of the Herit- (f) DISQUALIFICATION FROM FUNDING.—If a The management entity may, for purposes of age Area (including the natural, historic, proposed management plan is not submitted preparing and implementing the manage- and cultural resources and the recreational to the Secretary by the date that is 3 years ment plan, use Federal funds made available and educational opportunities of the Herit- after the date on which funds are first made under this Act— age Area) in a manner consistent with— available to carry out this Act, the manage- (1) to prepare reports, studies, interpretive (A) existing Federal, State, and local land ment entity may not receive additional exhibits and programs, historic preservation use laws; and funding under this Act until the date on projects, and other activities recommended (B) the compatible economic viability of which the Secretary receives the proposed in the management plan for the Heritage the Heritage Area; management plan. Area; (2) involve residents, public agencies, and (g) APPROVAL AND DISAPPROVAL OF MAN- (2) to pay for operational expenses of the private organizations in the Heritage Area; AGEMENT PLAN.— management entity incurred during the first (3) specify and coordinate, as of the date of (1) IN GENERAL.—Not later than 90 days 10 fiscal years beginning after the date of en- the management plan, existing and potential after the date on which the management en- actment of this Act; sources of technical and financial assistance tity submits the management plan to the

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AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS. the proposed management plan. with respect to the activity; and (a) IN GENERAL.—There is authorized to be (2) DISAPPROVAL AND REVISIONS.— (3) to the maximum extent practicable, appropriated to carry out this Act $10,000,000, (A) IN GENERAL.—If the Secretary dis- conduct or support the activity to avoid ad- of which not more than $1,000,000 may be au- approves a proposed management plan, the verse effects on the Heritage Area. thorized to be appropriated for any fiscal Secretary shall— (c) OTHER ASSISTANCE NOT AFFECTED.— year. (i) advise the management entity, in writ- Nothing in this Act affects the authority of (b) COST-SHARING REQUIREMENT.—The Fed- ing, of the reasons for the disapproval; and any Federal official to provide technical or eral share of the total cost of any activity (ii) make recommendations for revision of financial assistance under any other law. carried out using funds made available under the proposed management plan. (d) NOTIFICATION OF OTHER FEDERAL AC- this Act shall be not more than 50 percent. (B) APPROVAL OR DISAPPROVAL.—The Sec- TIVITIES.—The head of each Federal agency SEC. 11. TERMINATION OF AUTHORITY. retary shall approve or disapprove a revised shall provide to the Secretary and the man- The authority of the Secretary to provide management plan not later than 90 days agement entity for the Heritage Area, to the assistance under this Act terminates on the after the date on which the revised manage- extent practicable, advance notice of all ac- date that is 15 years after the date of enact- ment plan is submitted. tivities that may have an impact on the Her- ment of this Act. (3) APPROVAL OF AMENDMENTS.— itage Area. (A) IN GENERAL.—The Secretary shall re- SEC. 8. PRIVATE PROPERTY PROTECTION. By Mr. DURBIN (for himself and view and approve or disapprove substantial (a) IN GENERAL.—Nothing in this Act— amendments to the management plan. Mr. OBAMA): (1) requires any private property owner to S. 956. A bill to establish the Land (B) FUNDING.—Funds appropriated under allow public access (including access by the this Act may not be expended to implement Federal Government, State government, or Between the Rivers National Heritage any changes made by an amendment to the units of local government) to the private Area in the State of Illinois, and for management plan until the Secretary ap- property; or other purposes; to the Committee on proves the amendment. (2) modifies any provision of Federal, Energy and Natural Resources. (h) PRIORITIES.—The management entity State, or local law with respect to public ac- Mr. DURBIN. Mr. President, I ask shall give priority to the implementation of cess to, or use of, private property. unanimous consent that the text of the actions, goals, and strategies set forth in the (b) LIABILITY.—Designation of the Heritage management plan, including assisting units bill be printed in the RECORD. Area shall not be considered to create any li- There being no objection, the mate- of local government and other persons in— ability, or have any effect on any liability (1) carrying out programs that recognize under any other law, of any private property rial was ordered to be printed in the and protect important resource values in the owner with respect to any persons injured on RECORD, as follows: Heritage Area; the private property. S. 956 (2) encouraging economic viability in the (c) RECOGNITION OF AUTHORITY TO CONTROL Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Rep- Heritage Area in accordance with the goals LAND USE.—Nothing in this Act modifies any resentatives of the United States of America in of the management plan; authority of the Federal Government, State Congress assembled, (3) establishing and maintaining interpre- government, or units of local governments to SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. tive exhibits in the Heritage Area; regulate land use. This Act may be cited as the ‘‘Land Be- (4) developing heritage-based recreational (d) PARTICIPATION OF PRIVATE PROPERTY tween the Rivers Southern Illinois National and educational opportunities for residents OWNERS IN HERITAGE AREA.—Nothing in this Heritage Area Act of 2007’’. and visitors in the Heritage Area; Act requires the owner of any private prop- SEC. 2. FINDINGS. (5) increasing public awareness of and ap- erty located within the boundaries of the Congress finds that— preciation for the natural, historic, and cul- Heritage Area to participate in, or be associ- (1) southern Illinois has a cohesive, distinc- tural resources of the Heritage Area; ated with, the Heritage Area. tive, and important landscape that distin- (6) restoring historic buildings that are— (e) LAND USE REGULATION.— guishes the area as worthy of designation as (A) located in the Heritage Area; and (1) IN GENERAL.—The management entity (B) related to the themes of the Heritage shall provide assistance and encouragement a National Heritage Area; Area; and to State and local governments, private or- (2) the historic features of southern Illinois (7) installing throughout the Heritage Area ganizations, and persons to protect and pro- reflect a period during which the area was clear, consistent, and appropriate signs to mote the resources and values of the Herit- the strategic convergence point during the identify public access points and sites of in- age Area. westward expansion of the United States; (3) the geographic centrality of southern terest. (2) EFFECT.—Nothing in this Act grants Illinois ensured that the area played a piv- SEC. 7. TECHNICAL AND FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE; any power of zoning or land use to the man- OTHER FEDERAL AGENCIES. agement entity. otal military, social, and political role dur- (a) TECHNICAL AND FINANCIAL ASSIST- (f) PRIVATE PROPERTY.— ing the Civil War, which resulted in the area ANCE.— (1) IN GENERAL.—The management entity being known as the ‘‘Confluence of Free- (1) IN GENERAL.—On request of the manage- shall be an advocate for land management dom’’; ment entity, the Secretary may provide practices that are consistent with the pur- (4) southern Illinois is at the junction of technical and financial assistance for the de- poses of the Heritage Area. the ending glaciers and 6 ecological divi- velopment and implementation of the man- (2) EFFECT.—Nothing in this Act— sions; agement plan. (A) abridges the rights of any person with (5) after the expeditions of Lewis and (2) PRIORITY FOR ASSISTANCE.—In providing respect to private property; Clark, the land between the rivers became assistance under paragraph (1), the Secretary (B) affects the authority of the State or known as ‘‘Egypt’’ because of the rivers in, shall give priority to actions that assist in— unit of local government relating to private and the beauty and agricultural abundance (A) conserving the significant natural, his- property; or of, the area; toric, and cultural resources of the Heritage (C) imposes any additional burden on any (6) Native Americans described the area in Area; and property owner. southern Illinois between the Mississippi and Ohio Rivers as the ‘‘Land Between the Riv- (B) providing educational, interpretive, SEC. 9. EFFECT. ers’’; and recreational opportunities consistent (a) RULES, REGULATIONS, STANDARDS, AND (7) a feasibility study led by the Office of with the purposes of the Heritage Area. PERMIT PROCESSES.—Nothing in this Act im- (3) SPENDING FOR NON-FEDERAL PROPERTY.— poses any environmental, occupational, safe- Economic and Regional Development at The management entity may expend Federal ty, or other rule, regulation, standard, or Southern Illinois University Carbondale that funds made available under this Act on non- permit process in the Heritage Area that is was revised in April 2006 documents a suffi- Federal property that is— different from the rule, regulation, standard, cient assemblage of nationally distinctive (A) identified in the management plan; or or process that would be applicable if the historic resources to demonstrate the feasi- (B) listed, or eligible for listing, on the Na- Heritage Area had not been established. bility of, and the need for, establishing the tional Register of Historic Places. (b) WATER AND WATER RIGHTS.—Nothing in Land Between the Rivers National Heritage (4) OTHER ASSISTANCE.—The Secretary may this Act authorizes or implies the reserva- Area; and enter into cooperative agreements with pub- tion or appropriation of water or water (8) stakeholders participating in the feasi- lic and private organizations to carry out rights. bility study process for the Heritage Area this subsection. (c) NO DIMINISHMENT OF STATE AUTHOR- have developed a proposed management enti- (b) OTHER FEDERAL AGENCIES.—Any Fed- ITY.—Nothing in this Act diminishes the au- ty and financial plan to preserve the natural, eral entity conducting or supporting an ac- thority of the State to manage fish and wild- cultural, historic, and scenic features of the tivity that directly affects the Heritage Area life, including the regulation of fishing and area while furthering recreational and edu- shall— hunting within the Heritage Area. cational opportunities in the area. (1) consider the potential effects of the ac- (d) EXISTING NATIONAL HERITAGE AREAS.— SEC. 3. DEFINITIONS. tivity on— Nothing in this Act affects any national her- In this Act:

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(1) HERITAGE AREA.—The term ‘‘Heritage cows, chickens, and other agricultural prod- Whereas many seals are shot in the course Area’’ means the Land Between the Rivers ucts and livestock; of the hunt, but escape beneath the ice where National Heritage Area established by sec- Whereas each agricultural producer in the they die slowly and are never recovered, and tion 4(a). United States feeds more than 144 people and these seals are not counted in official kill (2) MANAGEMENT ENTITY.—The term ‘‘man- Pennsylvania’s agricultural producers are re- statistics, making the actual kill level far agement entity’’ means the management en- sponsible for feeding more than 8,000,000 higher than the level that is reported; tity for the Heritage Area designated by sec- mouths worldwide; Whereas the commercial hunt for harp and tion 4(c). Whereas agricultural producers in Pennsyl- hooded seals is a commercial slaughter car- (3) SECRETARY.—The term ‘‘Secretary’’ vania and throughout the Nation provide the ried out almost entirely by non-Native peo- means the Secretary of the Interior. people of the United States with food, ple from the East Coast of Canada for seal (4) STATE.—The term ‘‘State’’ means the clothes, and many other staples; and fur, oil, and penises (used as aphrodisiacs in State of Illinois. Whereas the contribution of agricultural some Asian markets); SEC. 4. LAND BETWEEN THE RIVERS NATIONAL producers in Pennsylvania and throughout Whereas the fishing and sealing industries HERITAGE AREA. the United States should be honored with in Canada continue to justify the expanded (a) ESTABLISHMENT.—There is established highest praise and respect: Now, therefore, seal hunt on the grounds that the seals in in the State the Land Between the Rivers be it the Northwest Atlantic are preventing the National Heritage Area. Resolved, That the Senate— recovery of cod stocks, despite the lack of (1) recognizes— (b) BOUNDARIES.—The Heritage Area shall any credible scientific evidence to support include— (A) that agriculture is the number one in- this claim; (1) Kincaid Mound, Fort de Chartres, dustry in Pennsylvania; Whereas 2 Canadian government marine Kaskaskia, Fort Massac, Wilkinsonville (B) the outstanding contribution of Penn- scientists reported in 1994 that the true Contonment, the Lewis and Clark Sculpture, sylvania’s agricultural producers to the cause of cod depletion in the North Atlantic economy of the Commonwealth and the Na- Flat Boat, Cave-in-Rock, the Shawneetown was over-fishing, and the consensus among tion; and Bank Building, the Iron Furnace, the the international scientific community is (C) that agriculture in Pennsylvania is di- Crenshaw ‘‘Slave House,’’ Roots House, the that seals are not responsible for the col- verse and provides important nutrition to site of the Lincoln-Douglas debate, certain lapse of cod stocks; the people of the United States; and sites associated with John A. Logan, the Whereas harp and hooded seals are a vital (2) pays tribute to agriculture and agricul- Fort Defiance Planning Map, Mound City part of the complex ecosystem of the North- tural producers in Pennsylvania and National Cemetary, and Riverlore Mansion; west Atlantic, and because the seals con- throughout the United States on the occa- sume predators of commercial cod stocks, re- and sion of National Agriculture Day. moving the seals might actually inhibit re- (2) any other sites in Randolph, Perry, Jef- covery of cod stocks; ferson, Franklin, Hamilton, White, Jackson, f Whereas certain ministries of the Govern- Williamson, Saline, Gallatin, Union, John- SENATE RESOLUTION 115—URGING ment of Canada have stated clearly that son, Pope, Hardin, Alexander, Pulaski, and THE GOVERNMENT OF CANADA there is no evidence that killing seals will Massac Counties in the State that the Sec- TO END THE COMMERCIAL SEAL help groundfish stocks to recover; and retary, in consultation with the manage- Whereas the persistence of this cruel and ment entity, determines to be appropriate HUNT needless commercial hunt is inconsistent for inclusion in the Heritage Area. Mr. LEVIN submitted the following with the well-earned international reputa- (c) MANAGEMENT ENTITY.—The manage- resolution; which was referred to the tion of Canada: Now, therefore, be it ment entity for the Heritage Area shall be Committee on Foreign Relations: Resolved, That the Senate urges the Gov- the Southern Illinois University Carbondale. S. RES. 115 ernment of Canada to end the commercial f Whereas on November 15, 2006, the Govern- hunt on seals that opened in the waters off SUBMITTED RESOLUTIONS ment of Canada opened a commercial hunt the east coast of Canada on November 15, for seals in the waters off the east coast of 2006. Canada; Mr. LEVIN. Mr. President, Canada’s SENATE RESOLUTION 114—RECOG- Whereas an international outcry regarding commercial seal hunt is the largest NIZING THE CONTRIBUTIONS OF the plight of the seals hunted in Canada re- slaughter of marine mammals in the sulted in the 1983 ban by the European Union AGRICULTURAL PRODUCERS IN world. According to the Humane Soci- of whitecoat and blueback seal skins and the ety of the United States (HSUS), over PENNSYLVANIA AND THROUGH- subsequent collapse of the commercial seal OUT THE NATION ON THE OCCA- hunt in Canada; one million seals have been killed for SION OF NATIONAL AGRI- Whereas the Marine Mammal Protection their fur in the past three years. In 2006 CULTURE DAY Act of 1972 (16 U.S.C. 1361 et seq.) bars the alone, more than 350,000 seals were import into the United States of any seal slaughtered, most of them between 12 Mr. CASEY (for himself and Mr. products; days and 12 weeks old. SPECTER) submitted the following reso- Whereas in February 2003, the Ministry of Canada officially opened another seal lution; which was referred to the Com- Fisheries and Oceans in Canada authorized hunt on November 15, 2006, paving the mittee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and the highest quota for harp seals in Canadian way for hundreds of thousands of baby Forestry: history, allowing nearly 1,000,000 seals to be seals to be killed for their fur during killed over a 3-year period; S. RES. 114 the spring of 2007. Today, I am joined Whereas more than 1,000,000 seals have Whereas National Agriculture Day is an been killed over the past 3 years; by Senator COLLINS and Senator BIDEN annual celebration during which government Whereas harp seal pups can be legally in submitting a resolution that urges agencies, community members, and agricul- hunted in Canada as soon as they have begun the Government of Canada to end this tural groups work with agricultural pro- to molt their white coats at approximately senseless and inhumane slaughter. ducers to honor the importance of the agri- 12 days of age; A study by an independent team of culture industry; Whereas 95 percent of the seals killed over veterinarians in 2001, found that the Whereas agriculture is a pillar of the econ- the past 5 years were pups between just 12 seal hunt failed to comply with basic omy of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania days and 12 weeks of age, many of which had animal welfare standards and that Ca- and many other States across the country; not yet eaten their first solid meal or taken nadian regulations with regard to hu- Whereas agriculture is the number one in- their first swim; dustry in Pennsylvania and has contributed Whereas a report by an independent team mane killing were not being enforced. more than $45,000,000,000 to the economy of of veterinarians invited to observe the hunt The study concluded that up to 42 per- the Commonwealth; by the International Fund for Animal Wel- cent of the seals studied were likely Whereas agricultural producers in Pennsyl- fare concluded that the seal hunt failed to skinned while alive and conscious. The vania export a considerable amount of food comply with basic animal welfare regula- United States has long banned the im- and agricultural and forest products, earning tions in Canada and that governmental regu- port of seal products because of wide- more than $1,500,000,000 annually in profits; lations regarding humane killing were not spread outrage over the magnitude and Whereas dairy cattle from Pennsylvania being respected or enforced; cruelty of the hunt. are used as breeding stock in a number of Whereas the veterinary report concluded It makes little sense to continue this countries around the world; that as many as 42 percent of the seals stud- inhumane industry that employs only Whereas Pennsylvania is the home of over ied were likely skinned while alive and con- 58,000 farms, covering more than 7,700,000 scious; a few hundred people on a seasonal, acres of land; Whereas the commercial slaughter of seals part-time basis and only operates for a Whereas Pennsylvania is a leading pro- in the Northwest Atlantic is inherently few weeks a year, in which the con- ducer of mushrooms, eggs, pumpkins, apples, cruel, whether the killing is conducted by centrated killings takes place. In New- grapes, freestone peaches, ice cream, milk clubbing or by shooting; foundland, where over 90 percent of the

VerDate Aug 31 2005 02:39 Apr 26, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00080 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\RECORD07\S21MR7.REC S21MR7 pwalker on PROD1PC69 with CONG-REC-ONLINE March 21, 2007 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S3533 hunters live, the economic contribu- We hope this information is helpful to you. immune-related diseases, to increase under- tion of the seal hunt is marginal. In Please do not hesitate to contact us if we standing of the root causes of these diseases fact, exports of seal products from can be of assistance in this or any other mat- rather treating the symptoms after the dis- ter. Newfoundland account for less than ease has had its destructive effect; Sincerely, Whereas the National Coalition of Auto- one-tenth of one percent of the Prov- NANCY POWELL, immune Patient Groups is a coalition of na- ince’s total exports. (For Paul V. Kelly, Asst. Secretary, Leg- tional organizations focused on autoimmune Canada is fortunate to have vast and islative Affairs). diseases working to consolidate the voices of diverse wildlife populations, but these f patients with autoimmune diseases and to animals deserve protection, not sense- promote increased education, awareness, and SENATE RESOLUTION 116—DESIG- less slaughter. Americans have a long research into all aspects of autoimmune dis- NATING MAY 2007 AS ‘‘NATIONAL history of defending marine mammals, eases through a collaborative approach; and AUTOIMMUNE DISEASES AWARE- best evidenced by the Marine Mammal Whereas designating May 2007 as ‘‘National NESS MONTH’’ AND SUPPORTING Autoimmune Diseases Awareness Month’’ Protection Act of 1972. Polls show that EFFORTS TO INCREASE AWARE- would help educate the public about auto- close to 80 percent of Americans and NESS OF AUTOIMMUNE DIS- immune diseases and the need for research the vast majority of Europeans oppose EASES AND INCREASE FUNDING funding, accurate diagnosis, and effective Canada’s seal hunt. In fact, close to 70 treatments: Now, therefore, be it FOR AUTOIMMUNE DISEASE RE- percent of Canadians surveyed oppose Resolved, That the Senate— SEARCH the hunt completely, with even higher (1) designates May 2007 as ‘‘National Auto- numbers opposing specific aspects of Mr. BIDEN submitted the following immune Diseases Awareness Month’’; (2) supports the efforts of health care pro- the hunt, such as killing baby seals. resolution; which was referred to the Committee on the Judiciary: viders and autoimmune patient advocacy The U.S. Government has opposed and education organizations to increase S. RES. 116 this senseless slaughter, as noted in awareness of the causes of, and treatments the attached, January 19, 2005, letter Whereas autoimmune diseases are chronic, for, autoimmune diseases; and from the U.S. Department of State, in disabling diseases in which underlying de- (3) supports the goal of increasing Federal fects in the immune system lead the body to response to a letter Senator COLLINS funding for aggressive research to learn the attack its own organs and tissues; root causes of autoimmune diseases, as well and I wrote to President Bush, urging Whereas autoimmune diseases can affect him to raise this issue during his No- as the best diagnostic methods and treat- any part of the body, including the blood, ments for people with autoimmune diseases. vember 30, 2004, visit with Canadian blood vessels, muscles, nervous system, gas- Prime Minister Paul Martin. trointestinal tract, endocrine glands, and Mr. BIDEN. Mr. President, I am The clubbing of baby seals can not be multiple-organ systems, and can be life- happy to join the esteemed Congress- man from New York, Rep. STEVE defended or justified. Canada should threatening; ISRAEL, and submit a resolution today end it, just as we ended the Alaska seal Whereas researchers have identified over 80 different autoimmune diseases, and suspect to declare May 2007 as ‘‘National Auto- hunt more than 20 years ago. at least 40 additional diseases of qualifying immune Diseases Awareness Month.’’ I ask unanimous consent that the as autoimmune diseases; The purpose of the resolution is to January 19, 2005, letter from the U.S. Whereas researchers have identified a close raise awareness of autoimmune dis- State Department be printed in the genetic relationship and a common pathway eases and the need for aggressive re- RECORD. of disease that exists among autoimmune diseases, explaining the clustering of auto- search to learn the root causes of auto- There being no objection, the letter immune diseases, as well as the best di- was ordered to be printed in the immune diseases in individuals and families; Whereas the family of autoimmune dis- agnostic methods and treatments for RECORD, as follows: eases is under-recognized, and poses a major people with autoimmune diseases. DEPARTMENT OF STATE, health care challenge to the United States; Autoimmune diseases are chronic, Washington, DC, January 19, 2005. Whereas the National Institutes of Health disabling diseases in which underlying Hon. CARL LEVIN, (NIH) estimates that autoimmune diseases defects in the immune system lead the U.S. Senate, afflict up to 23,500,000 people in the United body to attack its own organs and tis- Washington, DC. States, 75 percent of the people affected are sues. Autoimmune diseases can affect DEAR SENATOR LEVIN: This is in response women, and the prevalence of autoimmune to your letter to the President of November diseases is rising; any part of the body-blood, blood ves- 24, 2004, regarding Canadian commercial seal Whereas NIH estimates the annual direct sels, muscles, nervous system, gastro- hunting. The White House has requested that health care costs associated with auto- intestinal tract, endocrine glands, and the Department of State respond. We regret immune diseases at more than $100,000,000,000 multiple-organ systems—and can be the delay in responding. Unfortunately, this and there are over 250,000 new diagnoses each life-threatening. letter was not received in the Department of year; Researchers have identified over 80 State until mid-December, well after the ref- Whereas autoimmune diseases are among different autoimmune diseases, includ- erenced meeting between President Bush and the top 10 leading causes of death in female ing multiple sclerosis, juvenile diabe- Prime Minister Paul Martin of Canada. children and adult women; tes, Crohn’s disease, scleroderma, poly- We are aware of Canada’s seal hunting ac- Whereas autoimmune diseases most often ¨ tivities and of the opposition to it expressed affect children and young adults, leading to myositis, lupus, Sjogren’s disease and by many Americans. Furthermore, we can a lifetime of disability; Graves’ disease, and suspect at least 40 assure you that the United States has a long- Whereas diagnostic tests for most auto- additional diseases of having an auto- standing policy opposing the hunting of seals immune diseases are not standardized, mak- immune basis. The National Institutes and other marine mammals absent sufficient ing autoimmune diseases very difficult to di- of Health estimates that autoimmune safeguards and information to ensure that agnose; diseases afflict more than 23 million the hunting will not adversely impact the af- Whereas, because autoimmune diseases are people in the United States. Seventy fected marine mammal population or the difficult to diagnose, treatment is often de- five percent of the people affected with ecosystem of which it is a part. The United layed, resulting in irreparable organ damage autoimmune diseases are women, and States policy is reflected in the Marine and unnecessary suffering; Mammal Protection Act of 1972 (MMPA) Whereas the Institute of Medicine of the the prevalence of autoimmune diseases which generally prohibits, with narrow and National Academies reported that the United is rising. However, the family of auto- specific exceptions, the taking of marine States is behind other countries in research immune diseases is under-recognized, mammals in waters or lands subject to the into immune system self-recognition, the and this poses a major health care jurisdiction of the United States and the im- cause of autoimmune diseases; challenge to the United States. portation of marine mammals and marine Whereas a study by the American Auto- Diagnostic tests for autoimmune dis- mammal products into the United States. immune Related Diseases Association re- eases are not standardized, which The United States has made known to the vealed that it takes the average patient with makes autoimmune diseases very dif- Government of Canada its objections and the an autoimmune disease more than 4 years, ficult to diagnose. Because auto- objections of concerned American legislators and costs more than $50,000, to get a correct immune diseases are difficult to diag- and citizens to the Canadian commercial diagnosis; seal hunt on numerous occasions over recent Whereas there is a significant need for nose, treatment is often delayed, re- years. The United States has also opposed more collaboration and cross-fertilization of sulting in irreparable organ damage Canada’s efforts within the Arctic Council to basic autoimmune research; and unnecessary suffering. promote trade in sealskins and other marine Whereas there is a significant need for re- There is a significant need for more mammal products. search focusing on the etiology of all auto- collaboration and cross-fertilization of

VerDate Aug 31 2005 02:39 Apr 26, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00081 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\RECORD07\S21MR7.REC S21MR7 pwalker on PROD1PC69 with CONG-REC-ONLINE S3534 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE March 21, 2007 basic autoimmune research, with a par- awareness of Down syndrome. I start that comes from adversity, and the ticular focus on the etiology of all by saluting those who are celebrating compassion that comes from under- autoimmune-related diseases in order World Down Syndrome Day, and by standing the fight. I salute these indi- to increase understanding of the root thanking Senator COCHRAN for his sup- viduals, their families, and everyone causes of these diseases rather than port, as well as the National Down who supports them. I hope that the treating the symptoms after the dis- Syndrome Society, the Arc of the Citizens’ Stamp Advisory Commission ease has had its destructive effect. United States, the National Associa- will do the same. As such, I am submitting this resolu- tion for Down Syndrome, and the Cen- f tion to designate May 2007 as ‘‘Na- tral Illinois Down Syndrome Organiza- AMENDMENTS SUBMITTED AND tional Autoimmune Disease Awareness tion. PROPOSED Month’’ to help educate the public Awareness begins with facts. Accord- about autoimmune diseases and the ing to the National Association for SA 481. Mr. SUNUNU submitted an amend- need for research funding, accurate di- Down Syndrome, Down syndrome is a ment intended to be proposed by him to the genetic condition that causes delays in concurrent resolution S. Con. Res. 21, setting agnosis, and effective treatments. forth the congressional budget for the United f physical and intellectual development. States Government for fiscal year 2008 and Individuals with Down syndrome have including the appropriate budgetary levels SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLU- 47 chromosomes instead of the usual 46. for fiscal years 2007 and 2009 through 2012; TION 22—EXPRESSING THE It is the most frequently occurring which was ordered to lie on the table. SENSE OF THE CONGRESS THAT chromosomal disorder. Down syndrome SA 482. Mr. DODD submitted an amend- THE CITIZENS’ STAMP ADVISORY is not related to race, nationality, reli- ment intended to be proposed by him to the concurrent resolution S. Con. Res. 21, supra; COMMITTEE SHOULD REC- gion, or economic status. It is a condi- OMMEND TO THE POSTMASTER which was ordered to lie on the table. tion that impacts our entire society. SA 483. Mr. BUNNING (for himself and Mr. GENERAL THAT A COMMEMORA- Children with Down syndrome are ENZI) proposed an amendment to the concur- TIVE POSTAGE STAMP BE prone to health complications such as rent resolution S. Con. Res. 21, supra. ISSUED TO PROMOTE PUBLIC congenital heart defects, infection, res- SA 484. Mr. THUNE submitted an amend- AWARENESS OF DOWN SYN- piratory, vision and hearing problems, ment intended to be proposed by him to the DROME and other medical conditions. Yet, concurrent resolution S. Con. Res. 21, supra; which was ordered to lie on the table. Mr. DURBIN (for himself and Mr. they have their own gifts, and can SA 485. Mr. BUNNING submitted an COCHRAN) submitted the following con- often lead independent lives. While amendment intended to be proposed by him current resolution; which was referred children with Down syndrome may face to the concurrent resolution S. Con. Res. 21, to the Committee on Homeland Secu- relatively greater challenges in areas supra; which was ordered to lie on the table. SA 486. Mr. BINGAMAN (for himself, Mr. rity and Governmental Affairs: such as memory, they often have par- ticular strengths in areas such as so- ALEXANDER, Mr. LIEBERMAN, Mr. DOMENICI, S. CON. RES. 22 Mr. ENSIGN, Mr. REID, Mr. KENNEDY, and Mr. cial knowledge. Whereas Down syndrome affects people of SMITH) proposed an amendment to the con- all races and economic levels; A testament to the fighting spirit current resolution S. Con. Res. 21, supra. Whereas Down syndrome is the most fre- and abilities of individuals living with SA 487. Mr. NELSON, of Florida submitted quently occurring chromosomal abnor- Down syndrome resides near me in an amendment intended to be proposed by mality; Springfield, IL. Diana Braun is an him to the concurrent resolution S. Con. Whereas 1 in every 800 to 1,000 children is amazing woman. She survived an abu- Res. 21, supra; which was ordered to lie on born with Down syndrome; sive family, scattered siblings, and in- the table. Whereas more than 350,000 people in the SA 488. Mrs. BOXER submitted an amend- stitutional living to emerge as an Illi- ment intended to be proposed by her to the United States have Down syndrome; nois leader and advocate for people Whereas 5,000 children with Down syn- concurrent resolution S. Con. Res. 21, supra; drome are born each year; with intellectual disabilities. She is which was ordered to lie on the table. SA 489. Mr. DEMINT proposed an amend- Whereas as the mortality rate associated president of People First and a member ment to the concurrent resolution S. Con. with Down syndrome in the United States of the Illinois Council on Develop- Res. 21, supra. decreases, the prevalence of individuals with mental Disabilities. She currently SA 490. Mr. REID (for himself and Mr. Down syndrome in the United States will in- serves on the board of the Illinois Arc SANDERS) submitted an amendment intended crease; and works as a personal assistant to to be proposed by him to the concurrent res- Whereas some experts project that the her friend and fellow activist, Kathy olution S . Con. Res. 21, supra; which was or- number of people with Down syndrome will Conour. Together, they travel to Wash- dered to lie on the table. double by 2013; SA 491. Mr. ALLARD proposed an amend- Whereas individuals with Down syndrome ington almost yearly to meet with their elected officials. She is a remark- ment to the concurrent resolution S. Con. are becoming increasingly integrated into Res. 21, supra. society and community organizations, such able human being by any standard, and SA 492. Mr. BAUCUS (for himself, Ms. as schools, health care systems, work forces, we in Illinois are proud that she has LANDRIEU, Mr. PRYOR, Mr. BAYH, Mr. NEL- and social and recreational activities; chosen to lead and advocate in our SON, of Florida, and Mr. SALAZAR) proposed Whereas more and more people in the State. She and those for whom she ad- an amendment to the concurrent resolution United States interact with individuals with vocates deserve our support. S. Con. Res. 21, supra. Down syndrome, increasing the need for The United States Postal Service has SA 493. Mr. GRASSLEY submitted an widespread public acceptance and education; done a remarkable job of raising amendment intended to be proposed by him and awareness, and in some cases money, to the concurrent resolution S. Con. Res. 21, Whereas a greater understanding of Down supra; which was ordered to lie on the table. syndrome and advancements in treatment of for many worthy causes. This cause SA 494. Mr. GRASSLEY (for himself, Mr. Down syndrome-related health problems could not be more worthy, or in greater BAUCUS, and Mr. SMITH) submitted an have allowed people with Down syndrome to need of attention. There are more than amendment intended to be proposed by him enjoy fuller and more active lives: Now, 350,000 people living with Down syn- to the concurrent resolution S. Con. Res. 21, therefore, be it drome in the United States. One in supra; which was ordered to lie on the table. Resolved by the Senate (the House of Rep- every 733 babies is born with Down syn- SA 495. Ms. SNOWE (for herself, Mrs. LIN- resentatives concurring), That it is the sense drome. These births impact millions COLN, and Mr. COLEMAN) submitted an of the Congress that— amendment intended to be proposed by her (1) the United States Postal Service should more—parents, siblings, friends, edu- to the concurrent resolution S. Con. Res. 21, issue a commemorative postage stamp to cators, and employers. supra; which was ordered to lie on the table. promote public awareness of Down syn- A commemorative stamp is the least SA 496. Mr. HATCH submitted an amend- drome; and that we as a body can do to spread ment intended to be proposed by him to the (2) the Citizens’ Stamp Advisory Com- awareness and provide support for this concurrent resolution S. Con. Res. 21, supra; mittee should recommend to the Postmaster universal issue. Many Down syndrome which was ordered to lie on the table. General that such a stamp be issued. support groups make a point of noting SA 497. Mr. ENZI (for himself, Mr. CHAMBLISS, Mr. DEMINT, Mr. CORNYN, and Mr. DURBIN. Mr. President, I rise that people with Down syndrome are Mr. THOMAS) submitted an amendment in- today to submit legislation expressing more like other people than they are tended to be proposed by him to the concur- support for the creation of a com- different. They are different in that rent resolution S . Con. Res. 21, supra; which memorative stamp to promote public they are gifted with that rare strength was ordered to lie on the table.

VerDate Aug 31 2005 02:39 Apr 26, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00082 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\RECORD07\S21MR7.REC S21MR7 pwalker on PROD1PC69 with CONG-REC-ONLINE March 21, 2007 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S3535 SA 498. Mr. THOMAS submitted an amend- rent resolution S. Con. Res. 21, supra; which through 2012; which was ordered to lie ment intended to be proposed by him to the was ordered to lie on the table. on the table; as follows: concurrent resolution S. Con. Res. 21, supra; SA 519. Mr. LIEBERMAN (for himself and At the end of title III, add the following: which was ordered to lie on the table. Ms. COLLINS) submitted an amendment in- ll SA 499. Mr. BURR submitted an amend- SEC. . DEFICIT-NEUTRAL RESERVE FUND FOR tended to be proposed by him to the concur- NATIONAL GUARD FORCE READI- ment intended to be proposed by him to the rent resolution S. Con. Res. 21, supra; which NESS. concurrent resolution S. Con. Res. 21, supra; was ordered to lie on the table. (a) FINDINGS.—Congress makes the fol- which was ordered to lie on the table. SA 520. Mr. CASEY submitted an amend- lowing findings: SA 500. Mr. BUNNING (for himself, Mr. ment intended to be proposed by him to the (1) In his testimony before the Commission MCCONNELL, and Mr. GRASSLEY) submitted concurrent resolution S. Con. Res. 21, supra; on the National Guard and Reserves, the an amendment intended to be proposed by which was ordered to lie on the table. Chief of the National Guard Bureau, Lieuten- him to the concurrent resolution S. Con. SA 521. Mr. ALLARD submitted an amend- ant General Blum, warned about equipment Res. 21, supra; which was ordered to lie on ment intended to be proposed by him to the shortfalls for the Army National Guard and the table. concurrent resolution S. Con. Res. 21, supra; Air National Guard stating that ‘‘88 percent SA 501. Mr. KERRY (for himself and Mr. which was ordered to lie on the table. of the forces that are back here in the United LIEBERMAN) submitted an amendment in- SA 522. Mr. COLEMAN submitted an States are very poorly equipped today in the tended to be proposed by him to the concur- amendment intended to be proposed by him Army National Guard. And in the Air Na- rent resolution S. Con. Res. 21, supra; which to the concurrent resolution S. Con. Res. 21, tional Guard for the last three decades, they was ordered to lie on the table. supra; which was ordered to lie on the table. have never had a unit below C2 in equipment SA 502. Mr. GRASSLEY proposed an SA 523. Mr. COLEMAN submitted an readiness’’. amendment to the concurrent resolution S. amendment intended to be proposed by him (2) In the March 1, 2007, report of the Com- Con. Res. 21, supra. to the concurrent resolution S. Con. Res. 21, mission on the National Guard and Reserves, SA 503. Mr. ALEXANDER (for himself and supra; which was ordered to lie on the table. the Commission observes that— Mr. DURBIN) submitted an amendment in- SA 524. Mr. OBAMA submitted an amend- (A) while the operational tempo of the re- tended to be proposed by him to the concur- ment intended to be proposed by him to the serve components of the Armed Forces has rent resolution S. Con. Res. 21, supra; which concurrent resolution S. Con. Res. 21, supra; increased substantially, resourcing has not was ordered to lie on the table. which was ordered to lie on the table. kept pace; SA 504. Mr. BAUCUS (for himself, Mr. f (B) the lack of sufficient and ready equip- ROCKEFELLER, Mr. KENNEDY, and Mr. CASEY) ment is a problem common to both the ac- proposed an amendment to the concurrent TEXT OF AMENDMENTS tive and reserve components of the Armed resolution S. Con. Res. 21, supra. SA 481. Mr. SUNUNU submitted an Forces; SA 505. Mr. SPECTER submitted an (C) the equipment readiness of the Army amendment intended to be proposed by him amendment intended to be proposed by National Guard is unacceptable and has re- to the concurrent resolution S. Con. Res. 21, him to the concurrent resolution S. duced the capability of the United States to supra; which was ordered to lie on the table. Con. Res. 21, setting forth the congres- respond to current and additional major con- SA 506. Mr. SPECTER submitted an sional budget for the United States tingencies, whether foreign and domestic; amendment intended to be proposed by him Government for fiscal year 2008 and in- and to the concurrent resolution S. Con. Res. 21, cluding the appropriate budgetary lev- (D) while the budget of the President for supra; which was ordered to lie on the table. els for fiscal years 2007 and 2009 SA 507. Mr. KYL (for himself and Mr. fiscal year 2008 includes large increases in through 2012; which was ordered to lie funds for equipment for the National Guard, GRAHAM) proposed an amendment to the con- current resolution S. Con. Res. 21, supra. on the table; as follows: historical practice in the Department of De- SA 508. Mr. HATCH submitted an amend- On page 3, line 14, decrease the amount by fense indicates that Army plans for projected ment intended to be proposed by him to the $32,300,000,000. funding increases for equipment for the concurrent resolution S. Con. Res. 21, supra; On page 3, line 15, decrease the amount by Army National Guard are not reliably car- which was ordered to lie on the table. $45,900,000,000. ried through. SA 509. Mr. SMITH (for himself and Mrs. On page 3, line 23, decrease the amount by (3) According to the Commission on the CLINTON) submitted an amendment intended $32,300,000,000. National Guard and Reserves, procurement to be proposed by him to the concurrent res- On page 4, line 1, decrease the amount by for the Army National Guard during the pe- olution S. Con. Res. 21, supra; which was or- $45,900,000,000. riod from 1999 through 2005 has been reduced dered to lie on the table. On page 4, line 9, increase the amount by significantly from amounts proposed for SA 510. Mr. SMITH (for himself and Ms. $759,000,000. such procurement before that period. The SNOWE) submitted an amendment intended On page 4, line 10, increase the amount by budget for fiscal year 2001 indicated that the to be proposed by him to the concurrent res- $2,632,000,000. Army planned to expend $1,346,000,000 in fis- olution S . Con. Res. 21, supra; which was or- On page 4, line 18, increase the amount by cal year 2004 for procurement for the Army dered to lie on the table. $759,000,000. National Guard, but the budget for fiscal SA 511. Mr. CORNYN (for himself, Mr. On page 4, line 19, increase the amount by year 2006 revealed that the Army expended DEMINT, Mr. MARTINEZ, and Mr. COBURN) $2,632,000,000. only $578,400,000 for procurement for the proposed an amendment to the concurrent On page 5, line 2, increase the amount by Army National Guard in fiscal year 2004. resolution S. Con. Res. 21, supra. $33,059,000,000. Similarly, the budget for fiscal year 2001 in- SA 512. Mr. DEMINT submitted an amend- On page 5, line 3, increase the amount by dicated that the Army planned to expend ment intended to be proposed by him to the $48,532,000,000. $1,625,000,000 in fiscal year 2005 for procure- concurrent resolution S. Con. Res. 21, supra; On page 5, line 10, increase the amount by ment for the Army National Guard, but the which was ordered to lie on the table. $33,059,000,000. budget for fiscal year 2006 revealed that the SA 513. Mr. DEMINT submitted an amend- On page 5, line 11, increase the amount by Army planned to expend only $660,900,000 for ment intended to be proposed by him to the $81,591,000,000. procurement for the Army National Guard in concurrent resolution S. Con. Res. 21, supra; On page 5, line 18, increase the amount by fiscal year 2005. which was ordered to lie on the table. $33,059,000,000. (4) According to the Commission on the SA 514. Mr. ROBERTS submitted an On page 5, line 19, increase the amount by National Guard and Reserves, the difference amendment intended to be proposed by him $81,591,000,000. between the amounts proposed for procure- to the concurrent resolution S. Con. Res. 21, On page 25, line 24, increase the amount by ment for the Army National Guard for fiscal supra; which was ordered to lie on the table. $759,000,000. years 2003 through 2005 and the amounts ac- SA 515. Mr. THOMAS submitted an amend- On page 25, line 25, increase the amount by tually expended for such procurement in ment intended to be proposed by him to the $759,000,000. such fiscal years was atypical and extreme. concurrent resolution S. Con. Res. 21, supra; On page 26, line 3, increase the amount by (5) According to a January 2007 report of which was ordered to lie on the table. $2,632,000,000. the Government Accountability Office, in- SA 516. Mr. DODD submitted an amend- On page 26, line 4, increase the amount by ventories of equipment for the National ment intended to be proposed by him to the $2,632,000,000. Guard in the United States have decreased concurrent resolution S. Con. Res. 21, supra; because of overseas operations, particularly which was ordered to lie on the table. SA 482. Mr. DODD submitted an inventories of the Army National Guard. The SA 517. Mrs. HUTCHISON (for herself, Mr. amendment intended to be proposed by Comptroller General found that State offi- CORNYN, Ms. CANTWELL, Mr. ENZI, and Ms. him to the concurrent resolution S. cials expressed concerns about having MURKOWSKI) proposed an amendment to the Con. Res. 21, setting forth the congres- enough equipment to respond to large scale concurrent resolution S. Con. Res. 21, supra. natural or man made disasters such as Hurri- SA 518. Mr. SMITH (for himself, Mr. DODD, sional budget for the United States cane Katrina. Mr. LUGAR, Mr. BROWNBACK, Mr. SUNUNU, and Government for fiscal year 2008 and in- (6) The Comptroller General found that be- Mr. COLEMAN) submitted an amendment in- cluding the appropriate budgetary lev- fore current overseas operations began, the tended to be proposed by him to the concur- els for fiscal years 2007 and 2009 majority of the combat forces of the Army

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National Guard were supplied with approxi- (d) SUSPENSION OF REQUIREMENT DURING On page 4, line 1, decrease the amount by mately 65 to 79 percent of their required WAR OR LOW ECONOMIC GROWTH.— $19,800,000,000. equipment. As of November 2006, non- (1) LOW GROWTH.—If the most recent of the On page 4, line 5, decrease the amount by deployed Army National Guard forces na- Department of Commerce’s advance, prelimi- $0. tionwide still had approximately 64 percent nary, or final reports of actual real economic On page 4, line 6, decrease the amount by of the total amount of authorized dual-use growth indicate that the rate of real eco- $5,600,000,000. equipment, including authorized substitute nomic growth (as measured by real GDP) for On page 4, line 7, decrease the amount by items, based on their warfighting missions each of the most recently reported quarter $14,300,000,000. even as overseas and domestic missions have and the immediately preceding quarter is On page 4, line 8, decrease the amount by expanded. less than 1 percent, this section is suspended. $15,600,000,000. (b) RESERVE FUND.—The Chairman of the (2) WAR.—If a declaration of war is in ef- On page 4, line 9, decrease the amount by Senate Committee on the Budget may revise fect, this section is suspended. $17,500,000,000. the allocations, aggregates, and other appro- (e) SUPERMAJORITY WAIVER AND APPEALS.— On page 4, line 10, decrease the amount by priate levels in this resolution for a bill, (1) WAIVER.—Subsections (b) and (c) may $19,800,000,000. joint resolution, amendment, motion, or con- be waived or suspended in the Senate only by On page 4, line 14, decrease the amount by ference report that provides for National an affirmative vote of three-fifths of the $0. Guard Force Readiness, by the amounts pro- Members, duly chosen and sworn. On page 4, line 15, decrease the amount by vided by that legislation for that purpose, (2) APPEALS.—Appeals in the Senate from $5,600,000,000. but not to exceed $8,760,000,000 in new budget the decisions of the Chair relating to any On page 4, line 16, decrease the amount by authority for fiscal year 2008 and the outlays provision of this subsection shall be limited $14,300,000,000. flowing from that budget authority and to 1 hour, to be equally divided between, and On page 4, line 17, decrease the amount by $7,235,000,000 in new budget authority for controlled by, the appellant and the manager $15,600,000,000. each of the fiscal years 2009 through 2012 and of the bill or joint resolution, as the case On page 4, line 18, decrease the amount by the outlays flowing from that budget author- may be. An affirmative vote of three-fifths of $17,500,000,000. ity, provided that such legislation would not the Members of the Senate, duly chosen and On page 4, line 19, decrease the amount by increase the deficit over the total of the pe- sworn, shall be required to sustain an appeal $19,800,000,000. riod of fiscal years 2008 through 2012. of the ruling of the Chair on a point of order On page 26, line 8, decrease the amount by raised under this subsection. $0. SA 483. Mr. BUNNING (for himself (f) BUDGET YEAR.—In this section, the term On page 26, line 9, decrease the amount by and Mr. ENZI) proposed an amendment ‘‘budget year’’ shall have the same meaning $0. to the concurrent resolution S. Con. as in section 250(c)(12) of the Balanced Budg- On page 26, line 12, decrease the amount by Res. 21, setting forth the congressional et and Emergency Deficit Control Act of $5,600,000,000. 1985. On page 26, line 13, decrease the amount by budget for the United States Govern- $5,600,000,000. ment for fiscal year 2008 and including SA 484. Mr. THUNE submitted an On page 26, line 16, decrease the amount by the appropriate budgetary levels for amendment intended to be proposed by $14,300,000,000. fiscal years 2007 and 2009 through 2012; him to the concurrent resolution S. On page 26, line 17, decrease the amount by as follows: Con. Res. 21, setting forth the congres- $14,300,000,000. At the end of title II, add the following: On page 26, line 20, decrease the amount by sional budget for the United States $15,600,000,000. SEC. ll. CIRCUIT BREAKER TO PROTECT SO- Government for fiscal year 2008 and in- On page 26, line 21, decrease the amount by CIAL SECURITY. cluding the appropriate budgetary lev- $15,600,000,000. (a) CIRCUIT BREAKER.—If in any year the els for fiscal years 2007 and 2009 On page 26, line 24, decrease the amount by Congressional Budget Office, in its report $17,500,000,000. pursuant to section 202(e)(1) of the Congres- through 2012; which was ordered to lie On page 26, line 25, decrease the amount by sional Budget Act of 1974 projects an on- on the talbe; as follows: $17,500,000,000. budget deficit (excluding Social Security) for On page 23, line 12, increase the amount by On page 27, line 3, decrease the amount by the budget year or any subsequent fiscal $99,000,000. $19,800,000,000. On page 23, line 13, increase the amount by year covered by those projections, then the On page 27, line 4, decrease the amount by $99,000,000. concurrent resolution on the budget for the $19,800,000,000. budget year shall reduce on-budget deficits On page 26, line 12, decrease the amount by $99,000,000. relative to the projections of Congressional SA 486. Mr. BINGAMAN (for himself, Budget Office and put the budget on a path On page 26, line 13, decrease the amount by to achieve on-budget balance within 5 years, $99,000,000. Mr. ALEXANDER, Mr. LIEBERMAN, Mr. and shall include such provisions as are nec- DOMENICI, Mr. ENSIGN, Mr. REID, Mr. essary to protect Social Security and facili- SA 485. Mr. BUNNING submitted an KENNEDY, and Mr. SMITH) proposed an tate deficit reduction, except it shall not amendment intended to be proposed by amendment to the concurrent resolu- contain any reduction in Social Security him to the concurrent resolution S. tion S. Con. Res. 21, setting forth the benefits. Con. Res. 21, setting forth the congres- congressional budget for the United (b) POINT OF ORDER.—If in any year the sional budget for the United States States Government for fiscal year 2008 Congressional Budget Office, in its report Government for fiscal year 2008 and in- and including the appropriate budg- pursuant to section 202(e)(1) of the Congres- sional Budget Act of 1974 projects an on- cluding the appropriate budgetary lev- etary levels for fiscal years 2007 and budget deficit for the budget year or any els for fiscal years 2007 and 2009 2009 through 2012; as follows: subsequent fiscal year covered by those pro- through 2012; which was ordered to lie On page 10, line 9, increase the amount by jections, it shall not be in order in the Sen- on the table; as follows: $1,008,000,000. ate to consider a concurrent resolution on On page 3, line 10, decrease the amount by On page 10, line 10, increase the amount by the budget for the budget year or any con- $0. $428,000,000. ference report thereon that fails to reduce On page 3, line 11, decrease the amount by On page 10, line 14, increase the amount by on-budget deficits relative to the projections $5,600,000,000. $345,000,000. of Congressional Budget Office and put the On page 3, line 12, decrease the amount by On page 10, line 18, increase the amount by budget on a path to achieve on-budget bal- $14,300,000,000. $179,000,000. ance within 5 years. On page 3, line 13, decrease the amount by On page 10, line 22, increase the amount by (c) AMENDMENTS TO BUDGET RESOLUTION.— $15,600,000,000. $35,000,000. If in any year the Congressional Budget Of- On page 3, line 14, decrease the amount by On page 11, line 1, increase the amount by fice, in its report pursuant to section $17,500,000,000. $18,000,000. 202(e)(1) of the Congressional Budget Act of On page 3, line 15, decrease the amount by On page 14, line 9, increase the amount by 1974 projects an on-budget deficit for the $19,800,000,000. $11,000,000. budget year or any subsequent fiscal year On page 3, line 19, decrease the amount by On page 14, line 10, increase the amount by covered by those projections, it shall not be $0. $9,000,000. in order in the Senate to consider an amend- On page 3, line 20, decrease the amount by On page 14, line 14, increase the amount by ment to a concurrent resolution on the budg- $5,600,000,000. $3,000,000. et that would increase on-budget deficits rel- On page 3, line 21, decrease the amount by On page 26, line 12, decrease the amount by ative to the concurrent resolution on the $14,300,000,000. $1,019,000,000. budget in any fiscal year covered by that On page 3, line 22, decrease the amount by On page 26, line 13, decrease the amount by concurrent resolution on the budget or cause $15,600,000,000. $437,000,000. the budget to fail to achieve on-budget bal- On page 3, line 23, decrease the amount by On page 26, line 17, decrease the amount by ance within 5 years. $17,500,000,000. $348,000,000.

VerDate Aug 31 2005 02:39 Apr 26, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00084 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\RECORD07\S21MR7.REC S21MR7 pwalker on PROD1PC69 with CONG-REC-ONLINE March 21, 2007 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S3537 On page 26, line 21, decrease the amount by ability Insurance Trust Fund are to be used On page 4, line 19, decrease the amount by $179,000,000. only to finance expenditures to provide re- $5,189,000,000. On page 26, line 25, decrease the amount by tirement income of future beneficiaries of On page 4, line 24, decrease the amount by $35,000,000. such program; $870,000,000. On page 27, line 4, decrease the amount by (2) ensuring that there is no change to cur- On page 4, line 25, decrease the amount by $18,000,000. rent law scheduled benefits for individuals $2,752,500,000. born before January 1, 1951; On page 5, line 1, decrease the amount by SA 487. Mr. NELSON of Florida sub- (3) providing participants with the benefits $4,580,500,000. mitted an amendment intended to be of savings and investment while permitting On page 5, line 2, decrease the amount by proposed by him to the concurrent res- the pre-funding of at least some portion of $4,877,500,000. olution S. Con. Res. 21, setting forth future benefits; and On page 5, line 3, decrease the amount by the congressional budget for the United (4) ensuring that the funds made available $5,189,000,000. On page 5, line 7, decrease the amount by States Government for fiscal year 2008 to finance such legislation do not exceed the amounts of the Chief Actuary of the Social $870,000,000. and including the appropriate budg- Security Administration’s intermediate ac- On page 5, line 8, decrease the amount by etary levels for fiscal years 2007 and tuarial estimates of the Federal Old Age and $3,622,500,000. 2009 through 2012; which was ordered to Survivors Trust Fund and the Federal Dis- On page 5, line 9, decrease the amount by lie on the table; as follows: ability Insurance Trust Fund, as published in $8,203,000,000. On page 50, line 3, insert after ‘‘disabled the most recent report of the Board of Trust- On page 5, line 10, decrease the amount by military personnel’’ the following: ‘‘or vet- ees of such Trust Funds; $13,081,000,000. erans (including the elimination of the offset the chairman of the Committee on the Budg- On page 5, line 11, decrease the amount by between Survivor Benefit Plan annuities and et of the Senate may make the appropriate $18,269,500,000. veterans’ dependency and indemnity com- adjustments in allocations and aggregates to On page 5, line 15, decrease the amount by pensation)’’. the extent that such legislation would not $870,000,000. increase the deficit for fiscal year 2008 and On page 5, line 16, decrease the amount by SA 488. Mrs. BOXER submitted an for the period of fiscal years 2008 through $3,662,500,000. On page 5, line 17, decrease the amount by amendment intended to be proposed by 2012. $8,203,000,000. her to the concurrent resolution S. SA 490. Mr. REID (for himself and On page 5, line 18, decrease the amount by Con. Res. 21, setting forth the congres- $13,081,000,000. Mr. SANDERS) submitted an amend- sional budget for the United States On page 5, line 19, decrease the amount by Government for fiscal year 2008 and in- ment intended to be proposed by him $18,269,500,000. cluding the appropriate budgetary lev- to the concurrent resolution S. Con. On page 25, line 12, decrease the amount by els for fiscal years 2007 and 2009 Res. 21, setting forth the congressional $20,000,000. through 2012; which was ordered to lie budget for the United States Govern- On page 25, line 13, decrease the amount by $20,000,000. on the table; as follows: ment for fiscal year 2008 and including the appropriate budgetary levels for On page 25, line 16, decrease the amount by At the appropriate place, insert the fol- fiscal years 2007 and 2009 through 2012; $102,500,000. lowing: On page 25, line 17, decrease the amount by SEC. ll. SENSE OF SENATE ON REDEPLOYMENT which was ordered to lie on the table; $102,500,000. OF UNITED STATES MILITARY as follows: On page 25, line 20, decrease the amount by FORCES FROM IRAQ. At the end of title III, add the following: $270,500,000. (a) FINDINGS.—The Senate makes the fol- SEC. ll. DEFICIT-NEUTRAL RESERVE FUND FOR On page 25, line 21, decrease the amount by lowing findings: ELIMINATING MILITARY RETIRE- $270,500,000. (1) The bipartisan Iraq Study Group rec- MENT AND DISABILITY OFFSET. On page 25, line 24, decrease the amount by ommended that all United States combat The Chairman of the Senate Committee on $487,500,000. brigades not necessary for force protection the Budget may revise the allocations, ag- On page 25, line 25, decrease the amount by could be out of Iraq by the first quarter of gregates, and other levels in this resolution $487,500,000. 2008 and that ‘‘the U.S. should not make an for a bill, joint resolution, amendment, mo- On page 26, line 3, decrease the amount by open-ended commitment to keep large num- tion, or conference report that would extend $719,000,000. bers of American troops deployed in Iraq’’. eligibility for concurrent receipt of military On page 26, line 4, decrease the amount by (2) On November 15, 2005, the Senate voted retirement pay and veterans’ disability com- $719,000,000. 79–19 in support of an amendment stating pensation or would expand eligibility for On page 26, line 12, decrease the amount by that ‘‘calendar year 2006 should be a period Combat-Related Special Compensation to $4,250,000,000. of significant transition to full Iraqi sov- permit additional disabled retirees to receive On page 26, line 13, decrease the amount by ereignty, with Iraqi security forces taking both disability compensation and retired $850,000,000. the lead for the security of a free and sov- pay, by the amounts provided by such legis- On page 26, line 16, decrease the amount by ereign Iraq, thereby creating the conditions lation for that purpose, provided that the $4,325,000,000. for the phased redeployment of United legislation would not increase the deficit On page 26, line 17, decrease the amount by States forces from Iraq’’. over the total of fiscal years 2007 through $2,650,000,000. (b) SENSE OF SENATE.—It is the sense of the 2012. On page 26, line 20, decrease the amount by Senate that funding in this resolution for fis- $4,405,000,000. cal year 2008 shall be used to commence the SA 491. Mr. ALLARD proposed an On page 26, line 21, decrease the amount by redeployment of United States military amendment to the concurrent resolu- $4,310,000,000. forces from Iraq. tion S. Con. Res. 21, setting forth the On page 26, line 24, decrease the amount by congressional budget for the United $4,485,000,000. SA 489. Mr. DEMINT proposed an States Government for fiscal year 2008 On page 26, line 25, decrease the amount by amendment to the concurrent resolu- and including the appropriate budg- $4,439,000,000. tion S. Con. Res. 21, setting forth the On page 27, line 3, decrease the amount by etary levels for fiscal years 2007 and $4,565,000,000. congressional budget for the United 2009 through 2012; as follows: States Government for fiscal year 2008 On page 27, line 4, decrease the amount by On page 4, line 6, decrease the amount by $4,470,000,000. and including the appropriate budg- $4,270,000,000. On page 41, line 9, decrease the amount by etary levels for fiscal years 2007 and On page 4, line 7, decrease the amount by $4,250,000,000. 2009 through 2012; as follows: $4,427,500,000. On page 41, line 10, decrease the amount by At the end of title III, insert the following: On page 4, line 8, decrease the amount by $850,000,000. $4,675,500,000. SEC. ll. RESERVE FUND FOR SOCIAL SECURITY On page 4, line 9, decrease the amount by REFORM. SA 492. Mr. BAUCUS (for himself, Ms. $4,972,500,000. If the Senate Committee on Finance re- On page 4, line 10, decrease the amount by LANDRIEU, Mr. PRYOR, Mr. BAYH, Mr. ports a bill or joint resolution, or an amend- $5,284,000,000. NELSON of Florida, and Mr. SALAZAR) ment is offered thereto, or a conference re- On page 4, line 15, decrease the amount by proposed an amendment to the concur- port is submitted thereon, that provides $870,000,000. rent resolution S. Con. Res. 21, setting changes to the Federal Old Age, Survivors, On page 4, line 16, decrease the amount by forth the congressional budget for the and Disability Insurance Benefits Program $2,752,500,000. United States Government for fiscal established under title II of the Social Secu- On page 4, line 17, decrease the amount by rity Act (42 U.S.C. 401 et seq.) by— $4,580,500,000. year 2008 and including the appropriate (1) requiring that the Federal Old Age and On page 4, line 18, decrease the amount by budgetary levels for fiscal years 2007 Survivors Trust Fund and the Federal Dis- $4,877,500,000. and 2009 through 2012; as follows:

VerDate Aug 31 2005 02:39 Apr 26, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00085 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\RECORD07\S21MR7.REC S21MR7 pwalker on PROD1PC69 with CONG-REC-ONLINE S3538 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE March 21, 2007 On page 3, line 13, decrease the amount by title XVIII, or otherwise interfering with the On page 5, line 2, increase the amount by 200,000,000. competitive nature of providing a prescrip- $6,346,000,000. On page 3, line 14, decrease the amount by tion drug benefit through benefit managers On page 5, line 3, increase the amount by 52,700,000,000. to Medicare beneficiaries; and $32,027,000,000. On page 3, line 15, decrease the amount by (2) is within its allocation as provided On page 5, line 10, increase the amount by 126,916,000,000. under section 302(a) of the Congressional $6,346,000,000. On page 3, line 22, decrease the amount by Budget Act of 1974, On page 5, line 11, increase the amount by 200,000,000. $38,372,000,000. the Chairman of the Senate Committee on On page 5, line 18, increase the amount by On page 3, line 23, decrease the amount by the Budget may revise allocations of new 52,700,000,000. $6,346,000,000. budget authority and outlays, the revenue On page 5, line 19, increase the amount by On page 4, line 1, further decrease the aggregates, and other appropriate measures $38,372,000,000. amount by 126,916,000,000. to reflect such legislation provided that such On page 25, line 24, increase the amount by On page 4, line 8, increase the amount by legislation would not increase the deficit for $146,000,000. 5,000,000,000. fiscal year 2008, and for the period of fiscal On page 25, line 25, increase the amount by On page 4, line 9, increase the amount by years 2008 through 2012. $146,000,000. 5,000,000,000. On page 26, line 3, increase the amount by On page 4, line 10, increase the amount by SA 494. Mr. GRASSLEY (for himself, $1,027,000,000. 5,000,000,000. Mr. BAUCUS, and Mr. SMITH) submitted On page 26, line 4, increase the amount by On page 4, line 17, increase the amount by an amendment intended to be proposed $1,027,000,000. 5,000,000,000. by him to the concurrent resolution S. On page 4, line 18, increase the amount by SA 496. Mr. HATCH submitted an Con. Res. 21, setting forth the congres- 5,000,000,000. amendment intended to be proposed by sional budget for the United States On page 4, line 19, increase the amount by him to the concurrent resolution S. Government for fiscal year 2008 and in- 5,000,000,000. Con. Res. 21, setting forth the congres- On page 5, line 1, increase the amount by cluding the appropriate budgetary lev- sional budget for the United States 5,200,000,000. els for fiscal years 2007 and 2009 Government for fiscal year 2008 and in- On page 5, line 2, increase the amount by through 2012; which was ordered to lie cluding the appropriate budgetary lev- 57,700,000,000. on the table; as follows: On page 5, line 3, increase the amount by els for fiscal years 2007 and 2009 131,916,000,000. At the end of title III, insert the following: through 2012; which was ordered to lie On page 5, line 9, increase the amount by SEC. ll. RESERVE FUND TO IMPROVE MEDI- on the table; as follows: 5,200,000,000. CARE HOSPITAL PAYMENT ACCU- RACY. Strike subsection (a) of section 308 and in- On page 5, line 10, increase the amount by If the Senate Committee on Finance— sert the following: 62,900,000,000. (1) reports a bill, or if an amendment is of- (a) PROHIBITING GOVERNMENT NEGOTIATION On page 5, line 11, increase the amount by fered thereto, or if a conference report is UNDER MEDICARE PART D AS CALLED FOR IN 194,816,000,000. submitted thereon, that— H.R. 4770 FROM THE 106TH CONGRESS, AS IN- On page 5, line 17, increase the amount by (A) addresses the wide and inequitable dis- TRODUCED BY REPRESENTATIVE GEPHARDT AND 5,200,000,000. parity in the reimbursement of hospitals OTHERS.—If the Senate Committee on Fi- On page 5, line 18, increase the amount by under the Medicare program; nance— 62,900,000,000. (B) includes provisions to reform the area (1) reports a bill, or if an amendment is of- On page 5, line 19, increase the amount by wage index, including the occupational mix fered thereto, or if a conference report is 194,816,000,000. adjustment, used to adjust payments to hos- submitted thereon, that, as specified in H.R. On page 18, line 20, increase the amount by pitals under the Medicare hospital inpatient 4770 from the 106th Congress, as introduced 5,000,000,000. prospective payment system under section on June 27, 2000, by Representative Gephardt On page 18, line 21, increase the amount by 1886(d) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. and cosponsored by Representatives Hoeffel, 5,000,000,000. 1395ww(d)); and Bonior, Rangel, Dingell, Stark, Brown, Mat- On page 18, line 24, increase the amount by (C) includes a transition to the reform de- sui, Coyne, Levin, Cardin, McDermott, Klecz- 5,000,000,000. scribed in subparagraph (B); and ka, Lewis, Neal, McNulty, Jefferson, Tanner, On page 18, line 25, increase the amount by (2) is within its allocation as provided Becerra, Thurman, Doggett, Waxman, Mar- 5,000,000,000. under section 302(a) of the Congressional key, Boucher, Pallone, Stupak, Engel, Green, On page 19, line 3, increase the amount by Budget Act of 1974, Allen, Baca, Bentsen, Berkley, Bishop, 5,000,000,000. the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Capps, Blagojevich, Blumenauer, Brady, On page 19, line 4, increase the amount by Brown Capuano, Clay, Clayton, Clement, 5,000,000,000. the Budget may revise allocations of new budget authority and outlays, the revenue Conyers, Costello, Cummings, Danner, Davis, On page 49, line 6, decrease the amount by DeGette, Delahunt, DeLauro, Dixon, Doyle, 15,000,000,000. aggregates, and other appropriate measures to reflect such legislation provided that such Edwards, Evans, Farr, Forbes, Frank, Frost, Gonzales, Gutierrez, Hilliard, Norton, Hoyer, SA 493. Mr. GRASSLEY submitted an legislation would not increase the deficit for the period of fiscal years 2008 through 2012. Inslee, Jackson, Jackson-Lee, Johnson, Ken- amendment intended to be proposed by nedy, Kildee, Kilpatrick, Kucinich, Lampson, him to the concurrent resolution S. SA 495. Ms. SNOWE (for herself, Mrs. Lantos, Lee, Lowey, McGovern, Maloney, Con. Res. 21, setting forth the congres- LINCOLN, and Mr. COLEMAN) submitted Meehan, Menendez, Millender-McDonald, sional budget for the United States an amendment intended to be proposed Moakley, Napolitano, Oberstar, Olver, Ortiz, Pascrell, Pastor, Pelosi, Phelps, Pomeroy, Government for fiscal year 2008 and in- by her to the concurrent resolution S. cluding the appropriate budgetary lev- Reyes, Rodriguez, Roybal-Allard, Sanchez, Con. Res. 21, setting forth the congres- Sandlin, Skelton, Slaughter, Snyder, Spratt, els for fiscal years 2007 and 2009 sional budget for the United States Stabenow, Jones, Turner, Udall, Underwood, through 2012; which was ordered to lie Government for fiscal year 2008 and in- Weygand, Wexler, Woolsey, Borski, Berry, on the table; as follows: cluding the appropriate budgetary lev- Berman, Price, Visclosky, Baldacci, Gejden- Strike subsection (a) of section 308 and in- els for fiscal years 2007 and 2009 son, Wynn, and Boswell, prohibits the Sec- sert the following: through 2012; which was ordered to lie retary of Health and Human Services from (a) PROHIBITING GOVERNMENT NEGOTIATION on the table; as follows: requiring a particular formulary, instituting AS CALLED FOR BY THE MEDICARE MODERNIZA- a price structure for benefits, or in any way On page 3, line 14, decrease the amount by TION ACT OF 2000, INTRODUCED BY SENATOR rationing benefits under part D of title XVIII $6,200,000,000. MOYNIHAN ON BEHALF OF THE CLINTON ADMIN- of the Social Security Act, interfering in any On page 3, line 15, decrease the amount by ISTRATION.—If the Senate Committee on Fi- way with negotiations between benefit ad- $31,000,000,000. ministrators and medicine manufacturers, or nance— On page 3, line 23, decrease the amount by wholesalers, or otherwise interfering with (1) reports a bill, or if an amendment is of- $6,200,000,000. the competitive nature of providing a pre- fered thereto, or if a conference report is On page 4, line 1, decrease the amount by scription medicine benefit using private ben- submitted thereon, that, as specified in S. $31,000,000,000. 2342, the Medicare Modernization Act of 2000, On page 4, line 9, increase the amount by efit administrators, except as is required to introduced in the 106th Congress by Senator $146,000,000. guarantee coverage of the defined benefit; Moynihan on behalf of the Clinton Adminis- On page 4, line 10, increase the amount by and tration, prohibits the Secretary of Health $1,027,000,000. (2) is within its allocation as provided and Human Services from authorizing a par- On page 4, line 18, increase the amount by under section 302(a) of the Congressional ticular formulary or instituting a price $146,000,000. Budget Act of 1974, structure for benefits under the Medicare On page 4, line 19, increase the amount by the Chairman of the Senate Committee on prescription drug program under part D of $1,027,000,000. the Budget may revise allocations of new

VerDate Aug 31 2005 02:39 Apr 26, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00086 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\RECORD07\S21MR7.REC S21MR7 pwalker on PROD1PC69 with CONG-REC-ONLINE March 21, 2007 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S3539 budget authority and outlays, the revenue submitted an amendment intended to SEC. ll. ADJUSTMENT FOR SMITHSONIAN IN- aggregates, and other appropriate measures be proposed by him to the concurrent STITUTION SALARIES AND EX- PENSES. to reflect such legislation provided that such resolution S. Con. Res. 21, setting forth legislation would not increase the deficit for (a) IN GENERAL.—The Chairman of the Sen- fiscal year 2008, and for the period of fiscal the congressional budget for the United ate Committee on the Budget may revise the years 2008 through 2012. States Government for fiscal year 2008 allocations, aggregates, and discretionary and including the appropriate budg- spending limits for one or more bills, joint SA 497. Mr. ENZI (for himself, Mr. etary levels for fiscal years 2007 and resolutions, motions, amendments, or con- CHAMBLISS, Mr. DEMINT, Mr. CORNYN, 2009 through 2012; which was ordered to ference reports that make discretionary ap- propriations for fiscal year 2008 for an and Mr. THOMAS) submitted an amend- lie on the table; as follows: amount appropriated, but not to exceed ment intended to be proposed by him At the appropriate place, insert the fol- $17,000,000 in budgetary authority and out- to the concurrent resolution S. Con. lowing: lays flowing therefrom, once the Comptroller Res. 21, setting forth the congressional SEC. ll. DEFICIT-NEUTRAL RESERVE FUND FOR General of the United States has submitted a budget for the United States Govern- PROTECTING STATE FLEXIBILITY IN certification to Congress that since April 1, ment for fiscal year 2008 and including MEDICAID. 2007— the appropriate budgetary levels for If the Committee on Finance reports a bill (1) the Smithsonian Institution does not fiscal years 2007 and 2009 through 2012; or joint resolution, if an amendment is of- provide total annual compensation for any which was ordered to lie on the table; fered thereto, or if a conference report is officer or employee of the Smithsonian Insti- submitted thereon, that implements im- as follows: tution greater than the total annual com- provements to Medicare, Medicaid, or the pensation of the President of the United At the end of title II, insert the following: State Children’s Health Insurance Program, States; SEC. 2ll. RESTRICTIONS ON PRIVATE SECTOR but that does not reduce the ability of States (2) the Smithsonian Institution does not MANDATES. to provide coverage to Medicaid recipients provide deferred compensation for any such (a) POINT OF ORDER.—It shall not be in through flexible benefit options that provide officer or employee greater than the deferred order in the Senate to consider any bill, greater opportunities to provide health bene- compensation of the President of the United joint resolution, motion, amendment, or con- fits coverage for Medicaid recipients then, States; ference report that would increase the direct provided that the Committee is within its al- (3) all Smithsonian Institution travel ex- costs of private sector mandates on small location as provided under section 302(a) of penditures conform with Federal Govern- business concerns (as that term is defined in the Congressional Budget Act of 1974, the ment guidelines and limitations applicable section 3 of the Small Business Act (15 U.S.C. Chairman of the Committee on the Budget to the Smithsonian Institution; and, 632)) by an amount that exceeds the thresh- may revise allocations of new budget author- (4) all Smithsonian Institution officers and old provided in section 424(b)(1) of the Con- ity and outlays, the revenue aggregates, and employees are subject to ethics rules similar gressional Budget Act of 1974 (2 U.S.C. other appropriate measures to reflect such to the ethics rules widely applicable to Fed- 658c(b)(1)). legislation, provided that such legislation eral Government employees. (b) WAIVER AND APPEAL.—Subsection (a) would not increase the deficit for fiscal year (b) CRITERIA FOR CERTIFICATION.—In mak- may be waived or suspended in the Senate ing the certification described in subsection only by an affirmative vote of three-fifths of 2008 and the period of fiscal years 2008 (a), the Comptroller General of the United the Members, duly chosen and sworn. An af- through 2012. States should take into account the fol- firmative vote of three-fifths of the Members lowing: of the Senate, duly chosen and sworn, shall SA 501. Mr. KERRY (for himself and (1) The Smithsonian Institution is a pre- be required to sustain an appeal of the ruling Mr. LIEBERMAN) submitted an amend- mier educational, historical, artistic, re- of the Chair on a point of order raised under ment intended to be proposed by him subsection (a). to the concurrent resolution S. Con. search, and cultural organization for the American people. Res. 21, setting forth the congressional (2) The Inspector General for the Smithso- SA 498. Mr. THOMAS submitted an budget for the United States Govern- amendment intended to be proposed by nian Institution recently issued a report re- ment for fiscal year 2008 and including him to the concurrent resolution S. garding an investigation of unauthorized and the appropriate budgetary levels for excessive authorized compensation, benefits, Con. Res. 21, setting forth the congres- fiscal years 2007 and 2009 through 2012; and expenditures by the Secretary of the sional budget for the United States which was ordered to lie on the table; Smithsonian Institution. Government for fiscal year 2008 and in- as follows: (3) The Inspector General’s findings indi- cluding the appropriate budgetary lev- cate that the actions of the Secretary of the els for fiscal years 2007 and 2009 On page 14, line 9, increase the amount by Smithsonian Institution are not in keeping $180,000,000. with the public trust of the office of the Sec- through 2012; which was ordered to lie On page 14, line 10, increase the amount by on the table; as follows: retary of the Smithsonian Institution. $139,000,000. (4) Priority should be given to funding for On page 48, beginning with line 17, strike On page 14, line 14, increase the amount by necessary repairs to maintain and repair all through page 62, line 7. $29,000,000. Smithsonian Institution buildings and infra- On page 14, line 18, increase the amount by structure and protect America’s treasures. SA 499. Mr. BURR submitted an $7,000,000. amendment intended to be proposed by (5) Priority should be given to full funding On page 14, line 22, increase the amount by for the Office of the Inspector General for him to the concurrent resolution S. $2,000,000. the Smithsonian Institution so that the Con. Res. 21, setting forth the congres- On page 26, line 12, decrease the amount by American people and Congress have renewed sional budget for the United States $180,000,000. confidence that tax-preferred donations and Government for fiscal year 2008 and in- On page 26, line 13, decrease the amount by Federal funds are being spent appropriately cluding the appropriate budgetary lev- $139,000,000. and in keeping with the best practices of the els for fiscal years 2007 and 2009 On page 26, line 17, decrease the amount by charitable sector. $29,000,000. through 2012; which was ordered to lie On page 26, line 21, decrease the amount by SA 503. Mr. ALEXANDER (for him- on the table; as follows: $7,000,000. self and Mr. DURBIN) submitted an On page 18, line 12, increase the amount by On page 26, line 25, decrease the amount by amendment intended to be proposed by $140,000,000. $2,000,000. On page 18, line 13, increase the amount by him to the concurrent resolution S. Con. Res. 21, setting forth the congres- $84,000,000. SA 502. Mr. GRASSLEY proposed an On page 18, line 17, increase the amount by amendment to the concurrent resolu- sional budget for the United States $42,000,000. Government for fiscal year 2008 and in- On page 18, line 21, increase the amount by tion S. Con. Res. 21, setting forth the congressional budget for the United cluding the appropriate budgetary lev- $14,000,000. els for fiscal years 2007 and 2009 On page 26, line 12, decrease the amount by States Government for fiscal year 2008 $140,000,000. and including the appropriate budg- through 2012; which was ordered to lie On page 26, line 13, decrease the amount by etary levels for fiscal years 2007 and on the table; as follows: $84,000,000. 2009 through 2012; as follows: On page 17, line 12, increase the amount by On page 26, line 17, decrease the amount by $199,000,000. $42,000,000. On page 41, line 9, decrease the amount by On page 17, line 13, increase the amount by On page 26, line 21, decrease the amount by $17,000,000. $6,000,000. $14,000,000. On page 41, line 10, decrease the amount by On page 17, line 16, increase the amount by $15,000,000. $199,000,000. SA 500. Mr. BUNNING (for himself, At the appropriate place insert the fol- On page 17, line 17, increase the amount by Mr. MCCONNELL, and Mr. GRASSLEY) lowing: $135,000,000.

VerDate Aug 31 2005 02:39 Apr 26, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00087 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\RECORD07\S21MR7.REC S21MR7 pwalker on PROD1PC69 with CONG-REC-ONLINE S3540 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE March 21, 2007 On page 17, line 20, increase the amount by cluding the appropriate budgetary lev- On page 4, line 16, decrease the amount by $199,000,000. els for fiscal years 2007 and 2009 $14,000,000. On page 17, line 21, increase the amount by through 2012; which was ordered to lie On page 4, line 17, increase the amount by $189,000,000. on the table; as follows: $78,000,000. On page 17, line 24, increase the amount by On page 4, line 18, increase the amount by $199,000,000. On page 63, after line 24, insert the fol- $912,000,000. On page 17, line 25, increase the amount by lowing: On page 4, line 19, increase the amount by $199,000,000. SEC. 326. DEFICIT-NEUTRAL RESERVE FOR AS- $2,552,000,000. On page 18, line 3, increase the amount by BESTOS REFORM LEGISLATION. On page 4, line 24, decrease the amount by $199,000,000. (a) IN GENERAL.—The Chairman of the Sen- $399,000,000. On page 18, line 4, increase the amount by ate Committee on the Budget shall revise On page 4, line 25, increase the amount by $199,000,000. the aggregates, allocations, and other appro- $170,000,000. On page 26, line 12, decrease the amount by priate levels in this resolution for a bill, On page 5, line 1, increase the amount by $199,000,000. joint resolution, amendment, motion, or con- $3,874,000,000. On page 26, line 13, decrease the amount by ference report regarding asbestos reform, by On page 5, line 2, increase the amount by $6,000,000. the amounts provided in such legislation for $32,456,000,000. On page 26, line 16, decrease the amount by that purpose, provided that such legislation On page 5, line 3, increase the amount by $199,000,000. would not increase the deficit over the total $38,950,000,000. On page 26, line 17, decrease the amount by of the period of fiscal years 2007 through 2012. On page 5, line 7, decrease the amount by $135,000,000. (b) PAYGO EXCEPTION.—A point of order $399,000,000. On page 26, line 20, decrease the amount by brought under section 201(a) or section 203(b) On page 5, line 8, decrease the amount by $199,000,000. shall not apply, upon the execution of the re- $230,000,000. On page 26, line 21, decrease the amount by quirements under subsection (a), to any bill, On page 5, line 9, increase the amount by $189,000,000. joint resolution, amendment, motion, or con- $3,645,000,000. On page 26, line 24, decrease the amount by ference report regarding asbestos reform. On page 5, line 10, increase the amount by $199,000,000. $36,101,000,000. On page 26, line 25, decrease the amount by SA 506. Mr. SPECTER submitted an On page 5, line 11, increase the amount by $199,000,000. amendment intended to be proposed by $75,051,000,000 On page 27, line 3, decrease the amount by him to the concurrent resolution S. On page 5, line 15, decrease the amount by $199,000,000. $399,000,000. On page 27, line 4, decrease the amount by Con. Res. 21, setting forth the congres- On page 5, line 16, decrease the amount by $199,000,000. sional budget for the United States Government for fiscal year 2008 and in- $230,000,000. SA 504. Mr. BAUCUS (for himself, Mr. cluding the appropriate budgetary lev- On page 5, line 17, increase the amount by $3,645,000,000. ROCKEFELLER, Mr. KENNEDY, and Mr. els for fiscal years 2007 and 2009 On page 5, line 18, increase the amount by CASEY) proposed an amendment to the through 2012; which was ordered to lie $36,101,000,000. concurrent resolution S. Con. Res. 21, on the table; as follows: On page 5, line 19, increase the amount by setting forth the congressional budget On page 18, line 12, increase the amount by $75,051,000,000 for the United States Government for $2,200,000,000. On page 25, line 12, decrease the amount by fiscal year 2008 and including the ap- On page 18, line 13, increase the amount by $9,000,000. propriate budgetary levels for fiscal $2,200,000,000. On page 25, line 13, decrease the amount by years 2007 and 2009 through 2012; as fol- On page 26, line 12, decrease the amount by $9,000,000. $2,200,000,000. On page 25, line 16, decrease the amount by lows: On page 26, line 13, decrease the amount by $14,000,000. On page 48, line 19, before ‘‘The’’ insert the $2,200,000,000. On page 25, line 17, decrease the amount by following: $14,000,000. (a) PRIORITY.—The Senate establishes the SA 507. Mr. KYL (for himself and Mr. On page 25, line 20, increase the amount by following priorities and makes the following GRAHAM) proposed an amendment to $78,000,000. findings: the concurrent resolution S. Con. Res. On page 25, line 21, increase the amount by (1) The Senate shall make the enactment 21, setting forth the congressional $78,000,000. of legislation to reauthorize the State Chil- On page 25, line 24, increase the amount by dren’s Health Insurance Program (SCHIP) its budget for the United States Govern- ment for fiscal year 2008 and including $912,000,000. top health priority for the remainder of fis- On page 25, line 25, increase the amount by cal year 2007, during the first session of the the appropriate budgetary levels for $912,000,000. 110th Congress. fiscal years 2007 and 2009 through 2012; On page 26, line 3, increase the amount by (2) Extending health care coverage to the as follows: $2,552,000,000. Nation’s uninsured children is an urgent pri- On page 3, line 11 increase the amount by On page 26, line 4, increase the amount by ority for the Senate. $390,000,000. $2,552,000,000. (3) SCHIP has proven itself a successful On page 3 line 12, decrease the amount by program for covering previously uninsured $184,000,000. SA 508. Mr. HATCH submitted an children. On page 3, line 13, decrease the amount by amendment intended to be proposed by (4) More than 6 million children are en- $3,796,000,000. him to the concurrent resolution S. rolled in this landmark program, which has On page 3, line 14, decrease the amount by enjoyed broad bipartisan support in Con- $31,544,000,000. Con. Res. 21, setting forth the congres- gress, among our Nation’s governors, and On page 3, line 15, decrease the amount by sional budget for the United States within state and local governments. $36,398,000,000. Government for fiscal year 2008 and in- (5) SCHIP reduces the percentage of chil- On page 3, line 20 increase the amount by cluding the appropriate budgetary lev- dren with unmet health care needs. $390,000,000. els for fiscal years 2007 and 2009 (6) Since SCHIP was created, enormous On page 3 line 21, decrease the amount by through 2012; which was ordered to lie progress has been made in reducing dispari- $184,000,000. on the table; as follows: ties in children’s coverage rates. On page 3, line 22, decrease the amount by (7) Uninsured children who gain coverage $3,796,000,000. At the appropriate place, insert the fol- through SCHIP receive more preventive care On page 3, line 23, decrease the amount by lowing: and their parents report better access to pro- $31,544,000,000. SEC. ll. RESERVE FUND FOR PROTECTING COV- viders and improved communications with On page 4, line 1, decrease the amount by ERAGE CHOICES, ADDITIONAL BENE- their children’s doctors. $36,398,000,000. FITS, AND LOWER COST-SHARING FOR MEDICARE BENEFICIARIES. (8) Congress has a responsibility to reau- On page 4, line 6, decrease the amount by If the Senate Committee on Finance— thorize SCHIP before the expiration of its $9,000,000. (1) reports a bill, or if an amendment is of- current authorization. On page 4, line 7, decrease the amount by fered thereto, or if a conference report is (b) RESERVE FUND.— $14,000,000. On page 4, line 8, increase the amount by submitted thereon, that— SA 505. Mr. SPECTER submitted an $78,000,000. (A) implements improvements to the Medi- amendment intended to be proposed by On page 4, line 9, increase the amount by care or Medicaid programs under titles XVIII $912,000,000. and XIX of the Social Security Act, respec- him to the concurrent resolution S. On page 4, line 10, increase the amount by tively, or the State Children’s Health Insur- Con. Res. 21, setting forth the congres- $2,552,000,000. ance program under title XXI of such Act; sional budget for the United States On page 4, line 15, decrease the amount by and Government for fiscal year 2008 and in- $9,000,000. (B) does not—

VerDate Aug 31 2005 02:39 Apr 26, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00088 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\RECORD07\S21MR7.REC S21MR7 pwalker on PROD1PC69 with CONG-REC-ONLINE March 21, 2007 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S3541 (i) lead to fewer coverage choices for Medi- COBURN) proposed an amendment to the On page 5, line 19, increase the amount by care beneficiaries, especially for those bene- concurrent resolution S. Con. Res. 21, $902,000,000. ficiaries in rural areas; or setting forth the congressional budget On page 25, line 24, increase the amount by (ii) result in reduced benefits or increased for the United States Government for $4,000,000. cost-sharing for Medicare beneficiaries who On page 25, line 25, increase the amount by choose a Medicare Advantage plan under fiscal year 2008 and including the ap- $4,000,000. part C of such title XVIII, especially for low- propriate budgetary levels for fiscal On page 26, line 3, increase the amount by income beneficiaries who depend on their years 2007 and 2009 through 2012; as fol- $25,000,000. Medicare Advantage plan for protection from lows: On page 26, line 4, increase the amount by high out-of-pocket cost-sharing; and At the appropriate place insert the fol- $25,000,000. (2) is within its allocation as provided lowing: SA 513. Mr. DEMINT submitted an under section 302(a) of the Congressional SEC. ll. DEFICIT-NEUTRAL RESERVE FUND FOR Budget Act of 1974, THE REAUTHORIZATION OF THE amendment intended to be proposed by the Chairman of the Senate Committee on STATE CHILDREN’S HEALTH INSUR- him to the concurrent resolution S. the Budget may revise allocations of new ANCE PROGRAM (SCHIP) THAT WILL Con. Res. 21, setting forth the congres- budget authority and outlays, the revenue COVER KIDS FIRST. sional budget for the United States aggregates, and other appropriate measures In the Senate, if the Committee on Fi- Government for fiscal year 2008 and in- to reflect such legislation provided that such nance reports a bill or joint resolution, if an legislation would not increase the deficit for amendment is offered thereto, or if a con- cluding the appropriate budgetary lev- fiscal year 2008, and for the period of fiscal ference report is submitted thereon, that— els for fiscal years 2007 and 2009 years 2008 through 2012. (1) reauthorizes and improves the State through 2012; which was ordered to lie Children’s Health Insurance Program on the table; as follows: SA 509. Mr. SMITH (for himself and (SCHIP); At the end of title III, insert the following: Mrs. CLINTON) submitted an amend- (2) emphasizes providing health insurance SEC. ll. DEFICIT REDUCTION PROTECTION ment intended to be proposed by him to low-income children below 200 percent of POINT OF ORDER. to the concurrent resolution S. Con. the Federal poverty level; (a) IN GENERAL.—It shall not be in order in Res. 21, setting forth the congressional (3) limits the use of SCHIP funds for cov- the Senate to consider any appropriations budget for the United States Govern- erage of non-pregnant adults unless States bill that does not include the following pro- ment for fiscal year 2008 and including are covering their low-income children; vision: (4) allows parents to cover their children the appropriate budgetary levels for ‘‘SEC. ll. For deposit of an additional on their own health insurance plan with amount into the account established under fiscal years 2007 and 2009 through 2012; SCHIP funds; which was ordered to lie on the table; section 3113(d) of title 31, United States (5) increases State flexibility so that Code, to reduce the public debt $llll.’’. as follows: States can use innovative strategies to cover (b) ENFORCEMENT.—For purposes of enforc- At the appropriate place, insert the fol- kids; and ing allocations pursuant to section 302(b) of lowing: (6) improves and strengthens oversight of the Congressional Budget Act of 1974, any SEC. ll. DEFICIT-NEUTRAL RESERVE FUND FOR Medicaid and SCHIP to prevent waste, fraud amendment that transfers budget authority DEMONSTRATION PROJECT RE- and abuse, (and the outlays flowing therefrom) into the GARDING MEDICAID COVERAGE OF then, provided that the Committee is within debt reduction account provided by sub- LOW-INCOME HIV-INFECTED INDI- VIDUALS. its allocation as provided under section section (a) shall be scored so that the budget The Chairman of the Senate Committee on 302(a) of the Congressional Budget Act of authority continues to count towards the the Budget may revise the allocations, ag- 1974, the Chairman of the Committee on the section 302(b) allocation (with the outlays gregates, and other appropriate levels in this Budget may revise allocations of new budget scored at the same level as scored in the resolution for a bill, joint resolution, amend- authority and outlays, the revenue aggre- original account). ment, motion, or conference report that pro- gates, and other appropriate aggregates to (c) WAIVER AND APPEAL.—In the Senate, vides for a demonstration project under reflect such legislation, to the extent that subsection (a) may be waived or suspended which a State may apply under section 1115 such legislation would not increase the def- only by an affirmative vote of three-fifths of of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1315) to icit for fiscal year 2007 and for the period of the Members, duly chosen and sworn. An af- provide medical assistance under a State fiscal years 2007 through 2012. firmative vote of three-fifths of the Members Medicaid program to HIV-infected individ- of the Senate, duly chosen and sworn, shall uals who are not eligible for medical assist- SA 512. Mr. DEMINT submitted an be required to sustain an appeal of the ruling ance under such program under section amendment intended to be proposed by of the Chair on a point of order raised under 1902(a)(10)(A)(i) of the Social Security Act (42 him to the concurrent resolution S. subsection (a). U.S.C. 1396a(a)(10)(A)(i)), by the amounts pro- Con. Res. 21, setting forth the congres- vided in that legislation for those purposes sional budget for the United States SA 514. Mr. ROBERTS submitted an up to $500,000,000, provided that such legisla- Government for fiscal year 2008 and in- amendment intended to be proposed by tion would not increase the deficit over the cluding the appropriate budgetary lev- him to the concurrent resolution S. total of the period of fiscal years 2007 Con. Res. 21, setting forth the congres- through 2012. els for fiscal years 2007 and 2009 through 2012; which was ordered to lie sional budget for the United States SA 510. Mr. SMITH (for himself and on the table; as follows: Government for fiscal year 2008 and in- Ms. SNOWE) submitted an amendment cluding the appropriate budgetary lev- On page 3, line 14, decrease the amount by els for fiscal years 2007 and 2009 intended to be proposed by him to the $184,000,000. concurrent resolution S. Con. Res. 21, On page 3, line 15, decrease the amount by through 2012; which was ordered to lie setting forth the congressional budget $689,000,000. on the table; as follows: for the United States Government for On page 3, line 23, decrease the amount by On page 3, line 12, decrease the amount by fiscal year 2008 and including the ap- $184,000,000. $11,000,000. propriate budgetary levels for fiscal On page 4, line 1, decrease the amount by On page 3, line 13, decrease the amount by $689,000,000. $10,000,000. years 2007 and 2009 through 2012; which On page 4, line 9, increase the amount by On page 3, line 14, decrease the amount by was ordered to lie on the table; as fol- $4,000,000. $9,000,000. lows: On page 4, line 10, increase the amount by On page 3, line 15, decrease the amount by At the end of section 301, add the fol- $25,000,000. $7,000,000. lowing: ‘‘Among the policy changes that On page 4, line 18, increase the amount by On page 3, line 21, decrease the amount by could be considered to achieve offsets to the $4,000,000. $11,000,000. cost of reauthorizing the State Children’s On page 4, line 19, increase the amount by On page 3, line 22, decrease the amount by Health Insurance Program and expanding $25,000,000. $10,000,000. coverage for children is an increase in the to- On page 5, line 2, increase the amount by On page 3, line 23, decrease the amount by bacco products user fee rate but only to the $188,000,000. $9,000,000. extent that such rate increase does not re- On page 5, line 3, increase the amount by On page 4, line 1, decrease the amount by sult in an increase of more than 61 cents per $714,000,000. $7,000,000. pack of cigarettes, with all revenue gen- On page 5, line 10, increase the amount by On page 4, line 8, increase the amount by erated by such increase dedicated to such re- $188,000,000. $1,000,000. authorization and expansion.’’. On page 5, line 11, increase the amount by On page 4, line 9, increase the amount by $902,000,000. $1,000,000. SA 511. Mr. CORNYN (for himself, On page 5, line 18, increase the amount by On page 4, line 10, increase the amount by Mr. DEMINT, Mr. MARTINEZ, and Mr. $188,000,000. $2,000,000.

VerDate Aug 31 2005 02:39 Apr 26, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00089 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\RECORD07\S21MR7.REC S21MR7 pwalker on PROD1PC69 with CONG-REC-ONLINE S3542 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE March 21, 2007 On page 4, line 17, increase the amount by other readiness shortfalls of the Army Na- On page 26, line 25, decrease the amount by $1,000,000. tional Guard and the Air National Guard, in $3,349,000,000. On page 4, line 18, increase the amount by order to begin to restore the equipment read- On page 27, line 3, decrease the amount by $1,000,000. iness of the Army National Guard and the $3,579,000,000. On page 4, line 19, increase the amount by Air National Guard, but not to exceed the On page 27, line 4, decrease the amount by $2,000,000. following amounts: $3,579,000,000. On page 4, line 25, increase the amount by (i) For fiscal year 2008, $8,760,000,000 in $11,000,000. budget authority and the outlays flowing SA 518. Mr. SMITH (for himself, Mr. On page 5, line 1, increase the amount by therefrom. DODD, Mr. LUGAR, Mr. BROWNBACK, Mr. $11,000,000. (ii) For fiscal year 2009, $7,235,000,000 in SUNUNU, and Mr. COLEMAN) submitted On page 5, line 2, increase the amount by budget authority and the outlays flowing an amendment intended to be proposed $10,000,000. therefrom. by him to the concurrent resolution S. On page 5, line 3, increase the amount by (iii) For fiscal year 2010, $7,235,000,000 in Con. Res. 21, setting forth the congres- $9,000,000. budget authority and the outlays flowing On page 5, line 8, increase the amount by therefrom. sional budget for the United States $11,000,000. (iv) For fiscal year 2011, $7,235,000,000 in Government for fiscal year 2008 and in- On page 5, line 9, increase the amount by budget authority and the outlays flowing cluding the appropriate budgetary lev- $22,000,000. therefrom. els for fiscal years 2007 and 2009 On page 5, line 10, increase the amount by (v) For fiscal year 2012, $7,235,000,000 in through 2012; which was ordered to lie $32,000,000. budget authority and the outlays flowing on the table; as follows: On page 5, line 11, increase the amount by therefrom. $41,000,000. On page 9, line 8, increase the amount by $2,200,000,000. On page 5, line 16, increase the amount by Mrs. HUTCHISON (for her- $11,000,000. SA 517. On page 9, line 9, increase the amount by On page 5, line 17, increase the amount by self, Mr. CORNYN, Ms. CANTWELL, Mr. $1,049,400,000. $22,000,000. ENZI, and Ms. MURKOWSKI) proposed an On page 9, line 13, increase the amount by On page 5, line 18, increase the amount by amendment to the concurrent resolu- $567,600,000. $32,000,000. tion S. Con. Res. 21, setting forth the On page 9, line 17, increase the amount by On page 5, line 19, increase the amount by $224,400,000. congressional budget for the United On page 9, line 21, increase the amount by $41,000,000. States Government for fiscal year 2008 On page 25, line 20, increase the amount by $149,600,000. and including the appropriate budg- On page 9, line 25, increase the amount by $1,000,000. On page 25, line 21, increase the amount by etary levels for fiscal years 2007 and $121,000,000. On page 26, line 12, decrease the amount by $1,000,000. 2009 through 2012; as follows: $2,200,000,000. On page 25, line 24, increase the amount by On page 3, line 11, decrease the amount by On page 26, line 13, decrease the amount by $1,000,000. $429,000,000. $1,049,400,000. On page 25, line 25, increase the amount by On page 3, line 12, decrease the amount by On page 26, line 17, decrease the amount by $1,000,000. $2,923,000,000. $567,600,000. On page 26, line 3, increase the amount by On page 3, line 13, decrease the amount by On page 26, line 21, decrease the amount by $2,000,000. $3,294,000,000. $224,400,000. On page 26, line 4, increase the amount by On page 3, line 14, decrease the amount by On page 26, line 25, decrease the amount by $2,000,000. $3,349,000,000 $149,600,000. On page 3, line 15, decrease the amount by On page 27, line 4, decrease the amount by SA 515. Mr. THOMAS submitted an $3,579,000,000. $121,000,000. amendment intended to be proposed by On page 3, line 20, decrease the amount by him to the concurrent resolution S. $429,000,000. SA 519. Mr. LIEBERMAN (for himself On page 3, line 21, decrease the amount by Con. Res. 21, setting forth the congres- and Ms. COLLINS) submitted an amend- sional budget for the United States $2,923,000,000. On page 3, line 22, decrease the amount by ment intended to be proposed by him Government for fiscal year 2008 and in- $3,294,000,000. to the concurrent resolution S. Con. cluding the appropriate budgetary lev- On page 3, line 23, decrease the amount by Res. 21, setting forth the congressional els for fiscal years 2007 and 2009 $3,349,000,000. budget for the United States Govern- through 2012; which was ordered to lie On page 4, line 1, decrease the amount by ment for fiscal year 2008 and including on the table; as follows: $3,579,000,000. the appropriate budgetary levels for On page 34, line 9, after the period insert On page 4, line 6, decrease the amount by fiscal years 2007 and 2009 through 2012; ‘‘In a non-regular appropriations bill des- $429,000,000. which was ordered to lie on the table; On page 4, line 7, decrease the amount by ignated to supplement funding for ongoing as follows: combat operations, the authority to des- $2,923,000,000. On page 4, line 8, decrease the amount by On page 16, line 10, increase the amount by ignate under this subsection shall only apply $731,000,000. to war-related items that meet the criteria $3,294,000,000. On page 4, line 9, decrease the amount by On page 16, line 11, increase the amount by provided in subsection (f).’’ $3,349,000,000. $156,000,000. On page 16, line 15, increase the amount by SA 516. Mr. DODD submitted an On page 4, line 10, decrease the amount by $3,579,000,000. $232,000,000. amendment intended to be proposed by On page 4, line 15, decrease the amount by On page 16, line 19, increase the amount by him to the concurrent resolution S. $429,000,000. $181,000,000. Con. Res. 21, setting forth the congres- On page 4, line 16, decrease the amount by On page 16, line 23, increase the amount by sional budget for the United States $2,923,000,000. $133,000,000. Government for fiscal year 2008 and in- On page 4, line 17, decrease the amount by On page 17, line 3, increase the amount by $3,294,000,000. $28,000,000. cluding the appropriate budgetary lev- On page 26, line 12, decrease the amount by els for fiscal years 2007 and 2009 On page 4, line 18, decrease the amount by $3,349,000,000. $731,000,000. through 2012; which was ordered to lie On page 4, line 19, decrease the amount by On page 26, line 13, decrease the amount by on the table; as follows: $3,579,000,000. $156,000,000. On page 26, line 17, decrease the amount by On page 47, after line 17, insert the fol- On page 26, line 12, decrease the amount by $232,000,000. lowing: $429,000,000. On page 26, line 21, decrease the amount by (H) ADJUSTMENTS FOR NATIONAL GUARD On page 26, line 13, decrease the amount by $181,000,000. FORCE READINESS.—The Chairman of the Sen- $429,000,000. On page 26, line 25, decrease the amount by ate Committee on the Budget may revise the On page 26, line 16, decrease the amount by $133,000,000. allocations, aggregates, and discretionary $2,923,000,000. On page 27, line 4, decrease the amount by spending limits for 1 or more bills, joint res- On page 26, line 17, decrease the amount by $28,000,000. olutions, motions, amendments, or con- $2,923,000,000. ference reports that make discretionary ap- On page 26, line 20, decrease the amount by SA 520. Mr. CASEY submitted an propriations for fiscal years 2008 through 2012 $3,294,000,000. in excess of the levels assumed in this resolu- On page 26, line 21, decrease the amount by amendment intended to be proposed by tion to address equipment reset require- $3,294,000,000. him to the concurrent resolution S. ments of the Army National Guard and the On page 26, line 24, decrease the amount by Con. Res. 21, setting forth the congres- Air National Guard or otherwise remedy $3,349,000,000. sional budget for the United States

VerDate Aug 31 2005 02:39 Apr 26, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00090 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\RECORD07\S21MR7.REC S21MR7 pwalker on PROD1PC69 with CONG-REC-ONLINE March 21, 2007 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S3543 Government for fiscal year 2008 and in- (2) EXCLUSION FROM PAY-AS-YOU-GO SCORE- its jurisdiction sufficient to reduce the level cluding the appropriate budgetary lev- CARD.—Any budget authority or outlays re- of direct spending for that committee by els for fiscal years 2007 and 2009 duced from provisions eliminating waste, $145,000,000 in outlays for fiscal year 2008 and through 2012; which was ordered to lie fraud, and abuse (as detailed in the report re- $778,000,000 in outlays for the period of fiscal quired by paragraph (1)) shall not count as years 2008 through 2012. on the table; as follows: offsets for purposes of section 201 of this res- After section 322, insert the following: olution. SA 522. Mr. COLEMAN submitted an SEC. 322A. DEFICIT-NEUTRAL RESERVE FUND (c) COMMITTEES.— amendment intended to be proposed by FOR PRESCHOOL OPPORTUNITIES. (1) COMMITTEE ON AGRICULTURE, NUTRITION, him to the concurrent resolution S. If the Committee on Health, Education, AND FORESTRY.—The Senate Committee on Labor, and Pensions of the Senate reports a Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry shall Con. Res. 21, setting forth the congres- bill or a joint resolution, or an amendment is report changes in laws within its jurisdiction sional budget for the United States offered thereto or a conference report is sub- sufficient to reduce the level of direct spend- Government for fiscal year 2008 and in- mitted thereon, that augments or establishes ing for that committee by $686,000,000 in out- cluding the appropriate budgetary lev- a Federal program that provides— lays for fiscal year 2008 and $3,577,000,000 in els for fiscal years 2007 and 2009 (1) assistance to States that— outlays for the period of fiscal years 2008 through 2012; which was ordered to lie (A) offer not less than 1 year of free pre- through 2012. on the table; as follows: school to children of families who meet the (2) COMMITTEE ON BANKING, HOUSING AND low-income criteria established by the pro- URBAN AFFAIRS.—The Senate Committee on On page 3, line 11, decrease the amount by gram; and Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs shall $1,000,000. (B) offer not less than 1 year of subsidized report changes in laws within its jurisdiction On page 3, line 12, decrease the amount by preschool to children of families who meet sufficient to reduce the level of direct spend- $6,000,000. any other income criteria established by the ing for that committee by $113,000,000 in new On page 3, line 13, decrease the amount by program; and budget authority for fiscal year 2008 and $14,000,000. (2) as much flexibility as is practicable to $529,000,000 in new budget authority for the On page 3, line 14, decrease the amount by the States in carrying out the preschool pro- period of fiscal years 2008 through 2012. $22,000,000. grams described in paragraph (1), within a (3) COMMITTEE ON COMMERCE, SCIENCE AND On page 3, line 15, decrease the amount by construct of incentives and requirements TRANSPORTATION.—The Senate Committee on $30,000,000. that each such preschool program shall in- Commerce, Science, and Transportation On page 3, line 20, decrease the amount by clude a strong pre-academic curriculum, em- shall report changes in laws within its juris- $1,000,000. ploy qualified preschool teachers, and pro- diction sufficient to reduce the level of di- On page 3, line 21, decrease the amount by vide for strong program accountability rect spending for that committee by $6,000,000. measures, $110,000,000 in outlays for fiscal year 2008 and On page 3, line 22, decrease the amount by the Chairman of the Committee on the Budg- $545,000,000 in outlays for the period of fiscal $14,000,000. et of the Senate may revisit the aggregates, years 2008 through 2012. On page 3, line 23, decrease the amount by allocations, and other appropriate levels in (4) COMMITTEE ON ENERGY AND NATURAL RE- $22,000,000. this resolution by amounts provided in such SOURCES.—The Senate Committee on Energy On page 4, line 1, decrease the amount by measure for that purpose, provided that such and Natural Resources shall report changes $30,000,000. legislation would not increase the deficit for in laws within its jurisdiction sufficient to On page 4, line 8, increase the amount by the total of the period of fiscal years 2007 reduce the level of direct spending for that $1,000,000. through 2012. committee by $48,000,000 in outlays for fiscal On page 4, line 9, increase the amount by year 2008 and $250,000,000 in outlays for the $2,000,000. SA 521. Mr. ALLARD submitted an period of fiscal years 2008 through 2012. On page 4, line 10, increase the amount by amendment intended to be proposed by (5) COMMITTEE ON ENVIRONMENT AND PUBLIC $3,000,000. him to the concurrent resolution S. WORKS.—The Senate Committee on Environ- On page 4, line 17, increase the amount by Con. Res. 21, setting forth the congres- ment and Public Works shall report changes $1,000,000. in laws within its jurisdiction sufficient to On page 4, line 18, increase the amount by sional budget for the United States reduce the level of direct spending for that $2,000,000. Government for fiscal year 2008 and in- committee by $18,000,000 in outlays for fiscal On page 4, line 19, increase the amount by cluding the appropriate budgetary lev- year 2008 and $97,000,000 in outlays for the pe- $3,000,000. els for fiscal years 2007 and 2009 riod of fiscal years 2008 through 2012. On page 4, line 24, increase the amount by through 2012; which was ordered to lie (6) COMMITTEE ON FINANCE.—The Senate $1,000,000. on the table; as follows: Committee on Finance shall report changes On page 4, line 25, increase the amount by At the end of the resolution, insert the fol- in laws within its jurisdiction sufficient to $6,000,000. lowing: reduce the level of direct spending for that On page 5, line 1, increase the amount by TITLE IV—RECONCILIATION committee by $10,406,000,000 in budget au- $15,000,000. thority for fiscal year 2008 and $58,820,000,000 On page 5, line 2, increase the amount by SEC. 401. SPENDING RECONCILIATION INSTRUC- TIONS FOR THE ELIMINATION OF in outlays for the period of fiscal years 2008 $24,000,000. WASTE, FRAUD, AND ABUSE IN MAN- through 2012. On page 5, line 3, increase the amount by DATORY PROGRAMS. (7) COMMITTEE ON FOREIGN RELATIONS.—The $33,000,000. (a) SPENDING RECONCILIATION INSTRUC- Senate Committee on Foreign Relations On page 5, line 7, increase the amount by TIONS.—In the Senate, not later than June 29, shall report changes in laws within its juris- $1,000,000. 2007, the Senate committees named in this diction sufficient to reduce the level of di- On page 5, line 8, increase the amount by section shall submit their recommendations rect spending for that committee by $7,000,000. to the Senate Committee on the Budget. $148,000,000 in outlays for fiscal year 2008 and On page 5, line 9, increase the amount by After receiving those recommendations, the $665,000,000 in outlays for the period of fiscal $22,000,000. Senate Committee on the Budget shall re- years 2008 through 2012. On page 5, line 10, increase the amount by port to the Senate a reconciliation bill car- (8) COMMITTEE ON HOMELAND SECURITY AND $45,000,000. rying out all such recommendations without GOVERNMENTAL AFFAIRS.—The Senate Com- On page 5, line 11, increase the amount by any substantive revision. mittee on Homeland Security and Govern- $78,000,000. (b) SPECIAL SCOREKEEPING RULE IN THE mental Affairs shall report changes in laws On page 5, line 15, increase the amount by SENATE.— within its jurisdiction sufficient to reduce $1,000,000. (1) REPORT TO SENATE BUDGET COMMITTEE.— the level of direct spending for that com- On page 5, line 16, increase the amount by If a reconciliation bill is enacted under this mittee by $1,063,000,000 in outlays for fiscal $7,000,000. section, the Congressional Budget Office, year 2008 and $5,784,000,000 in outlays for the On page 5, line 17, increase the amount by pursuant to section 202 of the Congressional period of fiscal years 2008 through 2012. $22,000,000. Budget Act of 1974, shall send a report to the (9) COMMITTEE ON THE JUDICIARY.—The Sen- On page 5, line 18, increase the amount by Chairman of the Committee on the Budget— ate Committee on the Judiciary shall report $45,000,000. (A) whether that measure contains provi- changes in laws within its jurisdiction suffi- On page 5, line 19, increase the amount by sions that decrease budget authority or out- cient to reduce the level of direct spending $78,000,000. lays from the elimination of waste, fraud, for that committee by $81,000,000 in outlays On page 25, line 20, increase the amount by and abuse; and for fiscal year 2008 and $406,000,000 in outlays $1,000,000. (B) the amount of budget authority or out- for the period of fiscal years 2008 through On page 25, line 21, increase the amount by lays reduced each year attributable to the 2012. $1,000,000. elimination of waste, fraud, and abuse in the (10) COMMITTEE ON HEALTH, EDUCATION, On page 25, line 24, increase the amount by bill, including the current year, the budget LABOR AND PENSIONS.—The Senate Com- $2,000,000. year, and for each of the 10 years following mittee on Health, Education, Labor, and On page 25, line 25, increase the amount by the current year. Pensions shall report changes in laws within $2,000,000.

VerDate Aug 31 2005 02:39 Apr 26, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00091 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\RECORD07\S21MR7.REC S21MR7 pwalker on PROD1PC69 with CONG-REC-ONLINE S3544 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE March 21, 2007 On page 26, line 3, increase the amount by SA 524. Mr. OBAMA submitted an mittee on Environment and Public $3,000,000. amendment intended to be proposed by Works be authorized to meet during On page 26, line 4, increase the amount by him to the concurrent resolution S. the session of the Senate on Wednes- $3,000,000. Con. Res. 21, setting forth the congres- day, March 21, 2007. SA 523. Mr. COLEMAN submitted an sional budget for the United States The agenda to be considered: Vice amendment intended to be proposed by Government for fiscal year 2008 and in- President Al Gore’s Perspective on him to the concurrent resolution S. cluding the appropriate budgetary lev- Global Warming. Con. Res. 21, setting forth the congres- els for fiscal years 2007 and 2009 The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without through 2012; which was ordered to lie sional budget for the United States objection, it is so ordered. on the table; as follows: Government for fiscal year 2008 and in- COMMITTEE ON FOREIGN RELATIONS cluding the appropriate budgetary lev- On page 17, line 12, increase the amount by Mr. CONRAD. Mr. President, I ask $100,000,000. els for fiscal years 2007 and 2009 On page 17, line 13, increase the amount by unanimous consent that the Com- through 2012; which was ordered to lie $2,000,000. mittee on Foreign Relations be author- on the table; as follows: On page 17, line 17, increase the amount by ized to meet during the session of the On page 3, line 12, decrease the amount by $58,000,000. Senate on Wednesday, March 21, 2007, On page 17, line 21, increase the amount by $277,000,000. at 5 p.m. to hold a briefing on the Gulf $30,000,000. On page 3, line 13, decrease the amount by On page 17, line 25, increase the amount by Security Dialogue. $634,000,000. $10,000,000. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without On page 3, line 14, decrease the amount by On page 26, line 12, decrease the amount by objection, it is so ordered. $939,000,000. $100,000,000. COMMITTEE ON HEALTH, EDUCATION, LABOR, On page 3, line 15, decrease the amount by On page 26, line 13, decrease the amount by AND PENSIONS $1,307,000,000. $2,000,000. On page 3, line 21, decrease the amount by On page 26, line 17, decrease the amount by Mr. CONRAD. Mr. President, I ask $277,000,000. $58,000,000. unanimous consent that the Com- On page 3, line 22, decrease the amount by On page 26, line 21, decrease the amount by mittee on Health, Education, Labor, $634,000,000. $30,000,000. and Pensions be authorized to hold a On page 3, line 23, decrease the amount by On page 26, line 25, decrease the amount by hearing on the long-term health im- $939,000,000. $10,000,000. pact from September 11 during the ses- On page 4, line 1, decrease the amount by f $1,307,000,000. sion of the Senate on Wednesday, On page 4, line 7, increase the amount by AUTHORITY FOR COMMITTEES TO March 21, 2007 at 10 a.m. in SH–216. $6,000,000. MEET The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without On page 4, line 8, increase the amount by COMMITTEE ON AGRICULTURE, NUTRITION, AND objection, it is so ordered. $28,000,000. FORESTRY COMMITTEE ON HOMELAND SECURITY AND On page 4, line 9, increase the amount by GOVERNMENTAL AFFAIRS $66,000,000. Mr. CONRAD. Mr. President, I ask On page 4, line 10, increase the amount by unanimous consent that the Com- Mr. CONRAD. Mr. President, I ask $122,000,000. mittee on Agriculture, Nutrition and unanimous consent that the Com- On page 4, line 16, increase the amount by Forestry be authorized to conduct a mittee on Homeland Security and Gov- $6,000,000. hearing during the session of the Sen- ernmental Affairs be authorized to On page 4, line 17, increase the amount by ate on Wednesday March 21, 2007 at 9:30 meet on Wednesday, March 21, 2007, at $28,000,000. a.m. in 328A, Senate Russell Office 9:30 a.m. for a hearing titled ‘‘GAO’s On page 4, line 18, increase the amount by Role in Supporting Congressional Over- $66,000,000. Building. The title of this committee On page 4, line 19, increase the amount by hearing is ‘‘Examining the performance sight: An Overview of Past Work and $122,000,000. of U.S. Trade and Food Aid Programs Future Challenges and Opportunities.’’ On page 4, line 25, increase the amount by for the 2007 Farm Bill.’’ The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without $283,000,000. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered. On page 5, line 1, increase the amount by objection, it is so ordered. COMMITTEE ON THE JUDICIARY $662,000,000. COMMITTEE ON BANKING, HOUSING, AND URBAN Mr. CONRAD. Mr. President, I ask On page 5, line 2, increase the amount by AFFAIRS unanimous consent that the Com- $1,005,000,000. Mr. CONRAD. Mr. President, I ask On page 5, line 3, increase the amount by mittee on the Judiciary be authorized $1,429,000,000. unanimous consent that the Com- to meet to conduct a hearing on ‘‘Mis- On page 5, line 8, increase the amount by mittee on Banking, Housing, and use of Patriot Act Powers: The Inspec- $283,000,000. Urban Affairs be authorized to meet tor General’s Findings of Improper Use On page 5, line 9, increase the amount by during the session of the Senate on of National Security Letters by the $946,000,000. March 21, 2007, at 9 a.m., to conduct a FBI’’ for Wednesday, March 21, 2007 at On page 5, line 10, increase the amount by hearing on ‘‘Minimizing Potential $1,951,000,000. 10 a.m. in Dirksen Senate Office Build- Threats From Iran: Assessing the Ef- ing Room 226. On page 5, line 11, increase the amount by fectiveness of Current U.S. Sanctions $3,380,000,000. Witness List: The Honorable Glenn On page 5, line 16, increase the amount by on Iran.’’ A. Fine, Inspector General, U.S. De- $283,000,000. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without partment of Justice, Washington, DC. On page 5, line 17, increase the amount by objection, it is so ordered. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without $946,000,000. COMMITTEE ON COMMERCE, SCIENCE, AND objection, it is so ordered. On page 5, line 18, increase the amount by TRANSPORTATION $1,951,000,000. Mr. CONRAD. Mr. President, I ask SUBCOMMITTTEE ON STRATEGIC FORCES On page 5, line 19, increase the amount by unanimous consent that the Com- Mr. CONRAD. Mr. President, I ask $3,380,000,000. mittee on Commerce, Science, and unanimous consent that the Sub- On page 25, line 16, increase the amount by Transportation be authorized to hold a committee on Strategic Forces be au- $6,000,000. hearing during the session of the Sen- thorized to meet during the session of On page 25, line 17, increase the amount by the Senate on Wednesday, March 21, $6,000,000. ate on Wednesday, March 21, 2007, at 10 On page 25, line 20, increase the amount by a.m., in room 253 of the Russell Senate 2007, at 10:30 a.m. to receive testimony $28,000,000. Office Building. The purpose of the on nuclear and strategic policy op- On page 25, line 21, increase the amount by hearing is to provide oversight on the tions. $28,000,000. status and activities of the Consumer The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without On page 25, line 24, increase the amount by Product Safety Commission. objection, it is so ordered. $66,000,000. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without SUBCOMMITTEE ON TERRORISM, TECHNOLOGY, On page 25, line 25, increase the amount by objection, it is so ordered. AND HOMELAND SECURITY $66,000,000. On page 26, line 3, increase the amount by COMMITTEE ON ENVIRONMENT AND PUBLIC Mr. CONRAD. Mr. President, I ask $122,000,000. WORKS unanimous consent that the Sub- On page 26, line 4, increase the amount by Mr. CONRAD. Mr. President, I ask committee on Terrorism, Technology, $122,000,000. unanimous consent that the Com- and Homeland Security be authorized

VerDate Aug 31 2005 02:39 Apr 26, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00092 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\RECORD07\S21MR7.REC S21MR7 pwalker on PROD1PC69 with CONG-REC-ONLINE March 21, 2007 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S3545 to meet to conduct a hearing on ‘‘Iden- The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without ORDERS FOR THURSDAY, MARCH tity Theft: Innovative Solutions for an objection, it is so ordered. 22, 2007 Evolving Problem,’’ on Wednesday, Mr. GREGG. Madam President, I ask Mr. SANDERS. Mr. President, I ask March 21, 2007 at 2:30 p.m. in Room 226 unanimous consent that Jared Clauss, unanimous consent that when the Sen- of the Dirksen Senate Office Building. Eric Slack, Ann Thomas, and Bess Alli- ate completes its business today, it son Ullman of the Finance Committee Witness List stand adjourned until 9:30 a.m., Thurs- staff be granted the privileges of the Panel I: Ronald Tenpas, Associate day, March 22; that on Thursday, fol- floor for the duration of the debate of lowing the prayer and pledge, the Jour- Deputy Attorney General, United the fiscal year 2008 budget resolution. States Department of Justice, Wash- nal of proceedings be approved to date, The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without the morning hour be deemed expired, ington, DC; Lydia Parnes, Director, objection, it is so ordered. Bureau of Consumer Protection, Fed- the time for the two leaders be re- eral Trade Commission, Washington, f served for their use later in the day, DC. and the Senate then resume consider- Panel II: James Davis, Chief Informa- EXECUTIVE SESSION ation of S. Con. Res. 21. tion Officer and Vice Chancellor for In- The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without formation Technology, University of objection, it is so ordered. California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, EXECUTIVE CALENDAR f CA; Joanne McNabb, Chief, California Mr. SANDERS. Mr. President, I ask Officer of Privacy Protection, Sac- unanimous consent the Senate now ADJOURNMENT UNTIL 9:30 A.M. ramento, CA; Chris Jay Hoofnagle, proceed to executive session to con- TOMORROW Senior Staff Attorney, Samuelson Law, sider the following nomination, Cal- Technology & Public Policy Clinic, endar No. 48, that the nomination be Mr. SANDERS. If there is no further School of Law (Boalt Hall), University confirmed, the motion to reconsider be business to come before the Senate of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA. laid on the table, the President be im- today, and if the Republican leader has The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without mediately notified of the Senate’s ac- nothing further, I now ask unanimous objection, it is so ordered. tion, and the Senate then resume legis- consent that the Senate stand ad- f lative session. journed under the previous order. There being no objection, the Senate, PRIVILEGES OF THE FLOOR The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered. at 7:52 p.m., adjourned until Thursday, Mr. BAUCUS. Mr. President, I ask The nomination considered and con- March 22, 2007, at 9:30 a.m. unanimous consent that the following firmed is as follows: Finance Committee fellows and interns f be granted floor privileges during con- DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES sideration the budget resolution: Neil W. Craig Vanderwagen, of Maryland, to be CONFIRMATION Ohlenkamp, Suzanne Payne, Jennifer Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response, Department of Health and Human Executive nomination confirmed by Smith, Leighton Quon, Charles Services. the Senate Wednesday, March 21, 2007: Kovatch, Avi Salzman, Susan Doublas, DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES Diedra Henry-Spires, Howard Tuch, f W. CRAIG VANDERWAGEN, OF MARYLAND, TO BE AS- Ton Kornfield, Brett Youngerman, SISTANT SECRETARY FOR PREPAREDNESS AND RE- Larry Boyd, Leona Cuttler, Russ LEGISLATIVE SESSION SPONSE, DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERV- ICES. Ugone, Sarah Rebecca Smith, Sara The PRESIDING OFFICER. Under THE ABOVE NOMINATION WAS APPROVED SUBJECT TO Shepherd, Gretchen Hector, and Sarah the previous order, the Senate will re- THE NOMINEE’S COMMITMENT TO RESPOND TO RE- QUESTS TO APPEAR AND TESTIFY BEFORE ANY DULY Butler. turn to legislative session. CONSTITUTED COMMITTEE OF THE SENATE.

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PERSONAL EXPLANATION a most distinguished former Member with the has prevented Taiwan from participating in passing of Thomas Kleppe at age 87 on international organizations such as the World HON. JOE KNOLLENBERG March 2, 2007. Tom Kleppe was elected from Health Organization and heightened its belli- OF MICHIGAN the 2nd district of North Dakota in 1966 and cose rhetoric against the democratically-elect- 1968. ed Taiwan President Chen Shui-bian. IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Tom was probably best known to the Nation As a rising world power, China must as- Tuesday, March 20, 2007 for his service as Secretary of the Interior sume the responsibility of a global leader. It Mr. KNOLLENBERG. Madam Speaker, on under President Ford, however he was best must lessen the tensions in the Taiwan Strait March 13, 2007, I was unavoidably absent known to his home State of North Dakota for by rescinding the bad anti-secession law and missed rollcall vote 140. For the RECORD, his service in Congress from 1966 to 1970. which has deeply hurt the feelings of the Tai- had I been present, I would have voted: 140— Tom was a trailblazer in North Dakota, being wanese people. China should also reduce its ‘‘yea.’’ elected as the youngest-ever mayor of Bis- military presence along the coast of Taiwan f marck at the age of 30 and the first native of and learn to respect the wishes of the Tai- North Dakota to ever serve in a Presidential wanese people. ALTERNATIVE SPRING BREAK cabinet when he was appointed Interior Sec- I urge my colleagues to give Taiwan our retary in 1975. support. Taiwan is a democracy and an ally of HON. BARBARA CUBIN Tom exemplified the definition of the ‘‘Great- the United States. Under the framework of the OF WYOMING est Generation,’’ having served his country as Taiwan Relations Act, we must make sure that IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES a warrant officer in the U.S. Army for 4 years peace and stability continue to prevail in the during World War II. Shortly before being hon- Taiwan Strait. Tuesday, March 20, 2007 orably discharged in 1946, Tom turned down f Mrs. CUBIN. Madam Speaker, with spring an offer from the St. Louis Cardinals to return upon us, college students across the Nation to his native North Dakota, and our State is HONORING THE CHICAGO are trekking to our Nation’s coastal areas in the better for it. ACADEMY FOR THE ARTS search of sunny skies and sandy beaches. As the son of homesteaders in Kintyre, ND, Yes, Madam Speaker, spring break is upon Tom was instilled with the enterprising spirit HON. DANNY K. DAVIS us. and work ethic that have made North Dakota OF ILLINOIS Often, this collegiate ritual is typified by prosper. By the time he was a teenager, Tom IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES moral abandon and excesses of many types. was working for his father’s grain elevator Tuesday, March 20, 2007 However, today it is my pleasure to highlight business. He went on to work in bookkeeping several students from the University of Wyo- and banking before entering public service, Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Madam Speaker, I rise ming who visited the Nation’s Capital to take where he served as the mayor of Bismarck today with the great privilege of honoring the part in an entirely different spring break expe- and later served two terms in the U.S. House Chicago Academy for the Arts. In September rience. of Representatives. There Tom was known as of 2006, the Chicago Academy for the Arts re- Last week, eight students traveled here from a strong advocate for North Dakota’s farmers ceived the Creative Ticket National Schools of Laramie, Wyoming, to take part in an up-and- and ranchers on the Agriculture Committee. Distinction Award from the Kennedy Center’s coming program known as ‘‘Alternative Spring Kleppe was appointed to head the Small Alliance for the Arts Education Network. In ad- Break.’’ Here in Washington, they spent their Business Administration by President Nixon, a dition to this notable award, on Saturday, days not sightseeing or sunbathing like many post he held from 1971–1975, when President March 24, at 6 p.m., the students from this in- of their peers, but volunteering with the Na- Ford appointed him Interior Secretary. Tom stitution will have the rare honor and distinc- tional Coalition for the Homeless. served in this position for the remainder of tion of performing on the Millennium stage in Their week included long days spent work- Ford’s term. During his tenure, Kleppe proved the Kennedy Center. This is a great moment ing to serve homeless individuals and learning an able steward of the Nation’s land and wild- in these students’ young lives, where all of about the special needs of this all-too-fre- life. Even long after moving to Washington, their hard work has paid off so rewardingly. quently overlooked population of needy Ameri- DC, Tom never lost touch with his prairie This award represents the culmination of 25 cans. roots, and continued to ride horses well into years of practical and academic training in the Students like Amanda Blair, Jonathan his 80s. fine arts. The academy is the only inde- McBride, Mackenzie Mixer, Lydia Bustos, John Tom is survived by his wife of 48 years, pendent secondary school in Illinois that offers Ellis, Amber Johnson, Bailey Loghry, Jonathan Glendora Kleppe, and his 4 children, 11 specialized training in dance, music, theatre, Ingebrigtsen, Amber Pace, Brynn Hvidston, grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren. The musical theatre, and visual arts. Their mission and their coordinators Robyn Paulekas at UW State of North Dakota mourns the loss of a is to prepare young artists for life through rig- and Michael O’Neill of the National Coalition great public servant. orous academic education and professional for the Homeless, are role models for people f arts training. To anyone from Chicago, it of all ages. comes as no surprise that this high school These students will undoubtedly now have PEACE IN THE TAIWAN STRAIT was among only two high schools in the Na- spring break memories to last a lifetime. They tion to receive the honor. The school was also deserve all the respect and praise this noble HON. G.K. BUTTERFIELD named the State’s top arts school in March body can give. OF NORTH CAROLINA 2006 by the Illinois Alliance for Arts Education, f IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES which is in the Kennedy Center Alliance. This prestigious institution has consistently pro- HONORING FORMER Tuesday, March 20, 2007 duced outstanding students with an immense CONGRESSMAN THOMAS KLEPPE Mr. BUTTERFIELD. Madam Speaker, 2 talent and commitment to the arts. Daily, the years ago, China enacted an anti-secession 160 students complete a rigorous, 5-hour aca- HON. EARL POMEROY law which ‘‘gave’’ China the right to overtake demic day in English, mathematics, foreign OF NORTH DAKOTA Taiwan by force. Since then both Taiwan and language, history, science, and social studies. IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES the United States have asked China to rescind They then move on to 3 hours of learning the law. So far China has ignored all pleas. In- about the theory, history, and technique of the Tuesday, March 20, 2007 stead, it has increased its number of guided student’s chosen art discipline, taught through Mr. POMEROY. Madam Speaker, our Na- missiles deployed along the coast of Taiwan, intensive classroom and studio work under the tion lost a great American and this House lost threatening war anytime. In addition, China direction of exemplary arts professionals. The

∑ 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 05:14 Mar 22, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00001 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 9920 E:\CR\FM\A20MR8.025 E21MRPT1 mstockstill on PROD1PC66 with REMARKS E594 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks March 21, 2007 academy supports a diverse population, with Division II schools in 2006, the institution is we seize the opportunity to act now, and act 46 percent of students coming from outside now currently in the process of moving its decisively, our legacy to our children and the city of Chicago and 5 percent from outside quality intercollegiate athletics program for- grandchildren will be an unstable and dan- the State. Nearly half of the students rely on ward to NCAA Division I status. gerous planet. financial aid and scholarships to attend this I am pleased to congratulate Southern Illi- The science clearly tells us what we need to marvelous institution. The Chicago Academy nois University of Edwardsville on its 50 years do—we must reduce emissions of greenhouse for the Arts demonstrates an incredible com- of accomplishments. gases, starting now and continuing over the mitment to higher education, with 97 percent f next few decades. To achieve this, we have to of students continuing onto top colleges and grow our economy into a new and cleaner fu- conservatories. THE SAFE CLIMATE ACT OF 2007 ture. It’s simply too late for legislative baby The Chicago Academy for the Arts shines steps. as a beacon for students pursuing both strong HON. HENRY A. WAXMAN I have been working to address the threat of academic and artistic training so that they can OF CALIFORNIA global warming for many years. Over 10 years become the future leaders in their disciplines. IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES ago, the science and the threat of global I congratulate them on their impressive ac- Tuesday, March 20, 2007 warming were clear. That’s why I introduced complishments, and I hope they break a pro- the Global Climate Protection Act of 1992, verbial leg on Saturday. Mr. WAXMAN. Madam Speaker, I am which would have frozen U.S. emissions of f pleased today to join over 125 of my House carbon dioxide at 1990 levels. But Congress colleagues in reintroducing the Safe Climate TRIBUTE TO SOUTHERN ILLINOIS failed to act. Act. Now our understanding of global warming UNIVERSITY As the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate has only grown stronger. We’re actually expe- Change recently announced, the fact that the riencing the effects of climate change today. HON. JOHN SHIMKUS planet is warming is now unequivocal. And the And they are not good. OF ILLINOIS human role in this is no longer in debate. As the earth warms, its ice is melting. From IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES The planet is at a crossroads, and it is time the glaciers in Glacier National Park, to the Tuesday, March 20, 2007 for us to choose to act. snows of Kilimanjaro and the Larson B Mr. SHIMKUS. Madam Speaker, I rise today I originally introduced this legislation just 9 iceshelf in Antarctica, ice that has been here to honor my alma mater Southern Illinois Uni- months ago today. since the last ice age is disappearing or al- versity of Edwardsville, where I graduated with At that time, I discussed how there are dif- ready gone. Accordingly, sea levels will rise, my MBA in 1997, on its 50th anniversary. ferent approaches that can be taken to climate posing enormous challenges for our coastal The University currently serves nearly legislation. Some bills seek a symbolic rec- communities. The permafrost supporting towns 13,500 students from 101 Illinois counties, 43 ognition of the problem. Others are premised and roads in Alaska is melting rapidly, and the other U.S. States, and 46 nations. Since its in- on what may be politically achievable in the summer sea ice in the Arctic Ocean is dimin- ception, the institution has directly influenced near term. ishing each year. These are changes we can the rate of individuals earning 4-year degrees The Safe Climate Act was drafted on a dif- see with our own eyes. in the St. Louis Metropolitan area of Southern ferent premise: It reflects what the science The seasons are changing—maple sugar Illinois, up from 3 percent in Madison and St. tells us we need to do to protect our children producers in Vermont are tapping trees earlier, Clair counties in 1957 to 20 percent today. and future generations from irreversible and plants are flowering earlier, and birds are mi- The University contributes roughly $356 million catastrophic global warming. The bill has ag- grating earlier. These changes are happening to its regional economy, according to an Eco- gressive requirements to reduce emissions of across the globe. And with warmer weather nomic Impact Study released in May 2006, greenhouse gases. But the reality is, these are come bugs that are no longer being killed by and more than 37,000 alumni live in the region the reductions that scientists say we need to the winter cold, such as the beetles that are and contribute to the economy. achieve to preserve a safe climate for future destroying forests across the Southwest and Over the last 50 years the institution has generations. Alaska. played a major role in elevating the quality of No one had yet proposed legislation that The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate people’s lives, as well as their earning poten- aimed to solve the climate crisis, and I wasn’t Change recently confirmed that we have al- tial in Illinois. Southern Illinois University of sure how my colleagues and others would re- ready observed climate-related changes in ex- Edwardsville has conferred more than 90,000 spond to this proposal. treme weather including droughts, heavy pre- degrees in its history, with more than 75,000 However, in just 9 months, there has been cipitation, heat waves and the intensity of trop- alumni. The institution helped more than 8,000 remarkable progress in building consensus on ical cyclones. The year 2005 broke hurricane people in the East St. Louis area and sur- this approach. records, and America experienced the dev- rounding communities in the year 2006 During the last Congress, I was pleased that astating results of just a few such storms with through services, training opportunities, and 113 members decided to cosponsor my legis- Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. programs at the SlUE East St. Louis Center. lation. I was particularly delighted that Minority The scientists have been proven right about Southern Illinois University of Edwardsville Leader NANCY PELOSI decided to endorse the global warming, over and over again, across has been ranked two consecutive years bill. the planet. We should start listening to them. among U.S. News & World Report’s America’s Then in January of this year, a coalition of Now they are telling us that we have about 15 Best Colleges, along with Harvard Univer- environmental groups and companies joined 10 years to act to avoid being locked into irre- sity, MIT, and other prestigious institutions, for together in calling for emission reductions that versible global warming on a scale that will its Senior Assignment Program and integrative are consistent with the reductions required by transform the planet. The scientists have iden- learning experience required for all seniors my legislation. This coalition, calling itself the tified a global temperature rise of just 3.6 de- prior to graduation. The University’s Senior U.S. Climate Action Partnership, is made up of grees Fahrenheit as enough to produce unde- Assignment Program also was ranked as a Alcoa, BP America, Caterpillar Inc., Duke En- niably dangerous consequences, such as 20 model for learning assessment in the country ergy, DuPont, Environmental Defense, FPL feet or more of sea level rise, which would by the American Association of Colleges & Group, General Electric, Lehman Brothers, the flood large parts of Florida and New York City, Universities in January 2007. The School of Natural Resources Defense Council, the Pew as well as huge population centers in other Dental Medicine, rated among the top dental Center on Global Climate Change, PG&E Cor- countries. And scientists have calculated the schools in the Nation, is the only dental school poration, PNM Resources and the World Re- quantity of atmospheric greenhouse gases in Illinois outside Cook County and the only sources Institute. And many others, including that would very likely cause such a tempera- dental school within 250 miles of the St. Louis such diverse entities as states, American ture rise. The nations of the world must keep Metropolitan Area. The dental school provides workers, small businesses, religious congrega- greenhouse gases below that level to avoid ir- more than $50,000 in free oral health care to tions and outdoors enthusiasts, are all urging reversible dangerous global warming. children annually through Give Kids a Smile comparable levels of emissions reductions. The United States emits more greenhouse Day and more than $30,000 annually in care All of these groups recognize an important gases than any other country in the world— to low-income and uninsured patients who oth- truth—global warming is the greatest environ- about 20 percent of the total worldwide. We erwise might go untreated. mental challenge of our time, and we have a simply cannot avoid catastrophic global warm- After finishing fourth nationally in the U.S. short window in which to act to prevent pro- ing without substantial cuts in U.S. emissions. Sports Academy Directors’ Cup among NCAA found changes to the climate system. Unless Of course, every nation will have to do its part.

VerDate Aug 31 2005 05:14 Mar 22, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00002 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 9920 E:\CR\FM\A20MR8.029 E21MRPT1 mstockstill on PROD1PC66 with REMARKS March 21, 2007 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks E595 According to the best science, under any plau- H. CON. RES. 62: SUPPORTING THE pendently owned and operated membership- sible scenario of future international actions to GOALS AND IDEALS OF A NA- based air ambulance service in the United stabilize the climate, the United States will TIONAL CHILDREN AND FAMI- States since its creation in 1985. The com- eventually need to reduce its emissions by LIES DAY pany has transported more than 100,000 pa- about 80 percent. tients in need, serving as the critical link to im- proved response time and immediate access Fortunately, we have some time to get HON. DANNY K. DAVIS OF ILLINOIS to medical care facilities for numerous rural there, as long as we start reducing our total IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES communities across 11 states, including Ala- emissions now. And that’s what the Safe Cli- bama, Arkansas, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, mate Act does. It caps U.S. emissions in Tuesday, March 20, 2007 Mississippi, Missouri, Oklahoma, Tennessee, 2010, and then gradually reduces them by just Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Madam Speaker, a Texas, and Illinois. There are five operational 2 percent per year until 2020. This gives us National Children and Families Day will en- bases in Illinois located in Effingham, Marion, over a decade to deploy the cleaner tech- courage families to embrace the qualities Mt. Vernon, Quincy and Springfield which are nologies that we already have but aren’t using needed to raise happy and healthy citizens. strategically positioned to serve over forty Illi- For example, families teach children the les- much, such as hybrid vehicles and wind nois counties. Last year the Air Evac Lifeteam sons they must learn to live productive and air lifted over 2000 critical patients to advance power. After 2020, emissions must fall under prosperous lives. They care for children by medical centers. the legislation by roughly 5 percent per year, giving them love, warmth, and encouragement The Air Evac Lifeteam has 1500 employees as more advanced technologies, such as while providing food, shelter, and financial with significant professional education and ex- biofuels from waste materials and capturing support. Strong families build trusting relation- perience. A registered nurse and paramedic carbon dioxide from power plants, become ships by demonstrating commitment to all the are on every mission. Registered nurses aver- widely available. members of the family. This includes following age 6 years of critical care experience, with a The Safe Climate Act reduces emissions through with promises, working as a team, minimum requirement of 3 years experience. open and honest communication about impor- through a flexible, market-based emissions Paramedics average 10 years of active pre- tant decisions and reflections on the passing hospital experience, with a minimum require- trading program, as well as complementary re- day. All families experience crisis, but strong ment of 3 years experience. All medical crew quirements for cleaner cars and more elec- and committed families use these experiences members are certified as well. The Air Evac tricity from renewable energy and efficiency. to learn and to grow. Family members should Lifeteam pilots are skilled and certified avi- The Environmental Protection Agency and the spend time together talking, reading, playing ators that meet Federal Aviation Authority ap- Department of Energy would oversee these games, and participating in outdoor activities. proval and have flown, an average, of more programs nationally, while States would retain They should always encourage each other than 5,700 hours. their authority to act on the State level. In ef- and be involved in their neighborhoods and The National EMS Week celebration will be fect, the Safe Climate Act sets the targets and community, where the strength of our Nation held at the Effingham base on Thursday, May then unleashes market forces and American starts. A National Children and Families Day 24, 2007. There will be a meet and greet of ingenuity to solve the problem. will highlight these important activities in which EMS Political IDPH Leaders as well as a host families engage and their positive effects on of EMS crews, government officials, hospital This sounds ambitious, and it is. But it is our nation. administration and staff, local and regional also completely doable, once we decide to A National Children and Families Day also media, plus a variety of Illinois healthcare pro- act. Look at what we’ve already achieved. In would focus our attention on the need for citi- viders. just over 30 years, from the passage of the zens and Congress to work toward ensuring I am pleased to congratulate the Air Evac Clean Air Act in 1970 to 2002, the total air pol- that every child has a loving family. It is so un- Lifeteam on its accomplishments and its serv- lution from all automobiles was reduced by fortunate that there are millions of children in ice to the rural communities. I also wish the over 60 percent. We achieved these reduc- our country who do not have the ability to ex- Air Evac Lifeteam well for its week-long cele- tions even as the total number of vehicle miles perience on a daily basis, a regular basis, or bration and future endeavors. traveled increased by 160 percent and GDP even an occasional basis the love and care of f grew by 166 percent. a stable family relationship. These include chil- dren who are involved in the child welfare sys- PERSONAL EXPLANATION From 1990 to 1996, in just 6 years, we tem. ended production of key chemicals destroying A National Children and Families Day will HON. HARRY E. MITCHELL the Earth’s protective tropospheric ozone layer help members of Congress focus on ways to OF ARIZONA and shifted to substitutes. Those chemicals enhance and improve the quality of life for all IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES had been widely used throughout the econ- children and families via the programs under Tuesday, March 20, 2007 omy in applications from air conditioning and our jurisdictions, whether by supporting family- refrigeration to solvents and fire suppression. friendly business policies, quality health care, Mr. MITCHELL. Madam Speaker, on rollcall or quality child care. Strong families help Nos. 157, 158, 159, I missed due to airline In each case, entrenched industries told make a strong Nation. mixup and malfunction. Had I been present, I Congress that changes of these magnitudes While we honor the 4th Saturday of June would have voted ‘‘yea.’’ would be impossible to achieve without mas- this year in recognition of the importance of f sive economic dislocation. And in each case, children and their families, it must not stop on TRIBUTE ON THE RETIREMENT OF they were wrong. one day. Every day families must work at RACHEL R. KLAY Our Nation has made dramatic advances in keeping each other strong and loved. And we as a Nation and Congress as a body must technology that have transformed our lives. HON. STENY H. HOYER We can do it again in developing new innova- never cease our support for the American family and the children that are the future. OF MARYLAND tions for transportation and energy production. IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES The Safe Climate Act will give the market the f incentives necessary to unleash American in- TRIBUTE TO AIR EVAC LIFETEAM Tuesday, March 20, 2007 genuity and solve the problem. Mr. HOYER. Madam Speaker, I’d like to We’ve ignored the threat of global warming HON. JOHN SHIMKUS take a moment today to recognize Rachel Klay, a devoted friend and dedicated public for almost too long, but we still have an oppor- OF ILLINOIS servant who retired from the United States Se- tunity if we act now. I urge my colleagues to IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES cret Service on January 19 of this year. join me in cosponsoring this critically important Tuesday, March 20, 2007 I had the pleasure of getting to know Rachel bill, and I urge the committee of jurisdiction to Mr. SHIMKUS. Madam Speaker, I rise today over the course of her 24-year career with the consider it without further delay. We must face to honor Air Evac Lifeteam in its celebration of Secret Service—and I can say, with the ut- and overcome the challenge of global warm- National EMS Week. most confidence, that she served our country ing, and the Safe Climate Act is the way to do The Air Evac Lifeteam serves rural commu- with dignity and integrity every step of the it. nities and has grown to be the largest inde- way.

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Whenever I or another Member of Congress League. This historic and exhaustive first se- league Ms. WOOLSEY to honor the Sonoma would visit the White House, we could always ries lasted ten games, covered a span of al- County Agricultural Preservation and Open count on Rachel to greet us with a smile or most three weeks, and was played in four dif- Space District located in Northern California. funny story. And whenever foreign dignitaries ferent cities. In the end, Kansas City claimed On March 3, the agency received the pres- visited Capitol Hill, we could always count on the championship. Clearly, this was a remark- tigious County Leadership in Conservation Rachel to be right there with them, ensuring able and inspiring event. Award from the National Association of Coun- that foreign officials had a safe and com- What baseball aficionado doesn’t know fortable experience while visiting our Nation’s Jackie Robinson, the first African American to ties (NACo) and Trust for Public Land (TPL). capital. break the baseball color barrier? Leroy This award is given annually to counties that Rachel always fulfilled her duties with all of ‘‘Satchel’’’ Paige, who was considered one of showcase the best practices in innovative con- the dependability, professionalism and love of the greatest pitchers of all time? Josh Gibson, servation work. As one of the first public agen- who was a prolific home-run hitter; or Larry country that one would expect from a Secret cies in the nation funded by a sales tax to pro- Service agent. But she also brought a kind Doby, the first African American to play in the American League in July 1947; or John Jor- tect agriculture, the Open Space District has and lighthearted nature to the job that I, for continued to distinguish itself nationally. It has one, will never forget. dan ‘‘Buck’’ O’Neil, who was the first African And let me add that I have had the pleasure American coach in the Major Leagues, played protected almost 70,000 acres, including of employing Secret Service agents in my of- a major role in establishing the Negro farms, greenbelts, natural open spaces, and fice through Congressional fellowship pro- Leagues Baseball Museum, and was post- recreational areas. grams and, like Rachel, each and every one humously honored with the Presidential Medal The District was formed as a result of public of them has represented the best our Nation of Freedom December 6, 2006? Madam Speaker, Black history in Major concern over urbanization in Sonoma County has to offer. as subdivisions, malls and parking lots threat- From her upbringing in Orange City, Iowa, League Baseball has been filled with many ened to overwhelm land the famed botanist to her studies at Northwestern and Sangamon successes and a struggle for equity. There- State Universities, to the U.S. Secret Service, fore, it is important that we remember and Luther Burbank once called ‘‘God’s chosen honor these players. In breaking down the Rachel has always excelled and stood out as spot.’’ Responding to the very real threat of baseball color barrier, these pioneers dealt a a leader and as someone people can count sprawl, farmers, environmentalists and com- blow to hatred and prejudice across America. on. munity leaders joined together in 1990 to pass I encourage all Americans to recognize the As she moves on to bigger and better a sales tax to fund preservation and open things, I’d like to congratulate Rachel Klay on achievements, dedication, and sacrifice that these Black players made to baseball and the space acquisition. So successful is the District a proud career of service to our country and Nation. that the tax was renewed with a 75-percent wish her the best of luck in whatever the fu- f approval vote in 2006. Today the tax provides ture holds. approximately $13 million a year for the Dis- f TRIBUTE TO ST. PETER’S UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST trict’s land conservation and acquisition pro- H. RES. 162: RECOGNIZING THE grams. CONTRIBUTIONS OF THE NEGRO The County Open Space Authority is re- BASEBALL LEAGUES AND THEIR HON. JOHN SHIMKUS OF ILLINOIS sponsible for levying and distributing the fund- PLAYERS FOR THEIR ACHIEVE- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES MENTS, DEDICATION AND SAC- ing, while the Sonoma County Board of Super- Tuesday, March 20, 2007 RIFICES TO BASEBALL AND THE visors acts as the Board of Directors. The Su- NATION Mr. SHIMKUS. Madam Speaker, I rise today pervisors appoint a 17-member Open Space to honor St. Peter’s United Church of Christ Advisory Committee, representing various located in the small community of Stone stakeholders and interest groups, to rec- HON. DANNY K. DAVIS Church, Illinois, on their 150th anniversary. St. OF ILLINOIS ommend acquisitions. Manager Andrea Mac- Peter’s United Church of Christ separated IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES from the Independent Evangelical Lutheran St. kenzie works with all of these groups and Tuesday, March 20, 2007 Johannes Congregation, the mother church, in other local organizations in identifying and pur- Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Madam Speaker, since 1857. chasing suitable properties (or conservation 1885, long before Major League Baseball was The ‘‘Old Stone Church’’ was built in 1858 easements) and determining the best use for inaugurated in 1903, African Americans were and dedicated on January 2, 1859. On March them, from agriculture to resource conserva- organizing into their own professional leagues. 26, 1948, Good Friday morning, a fire de- tion to public access or recreation. Unfortunately, racial prejudice and lack of ade- stroyed the entire church. In 1950 ground was broken for a new church, and it was dedicated Madam Speaker, Sonoma County has a quate financial backing undermined the suc- beautiful and diverse environment ranging cess of these initial leagues. However, this on March 11, 1951. In 1955 ground was bro- from oak savannah to bay wetlands to coastal changed dramatically with the inception of the ken for a new parsonage, which was dedi- first successful Negro league. On May 20, cated on October 7, 1956, and in 1958 the redwood forests. Its farmlands are among the 1920, the Negro National League played its Brotherhood was organized. In 1974 the Edu- richest on the planet and grow grapes for cation Building was built in memory of Mr. and first game. Its creation was the result of the ef- world-class wines, crispy Gravenstein apples Mrs. Louis Doelling. and luscious Crane melons and many spe- forts of an African American player and man- On February 11, 2007, St. Peter’s began ager named Andrew ‘‘Rube’’’ Foster. Mr. Fos- celebrating their sesquicentennial. After sev- cialty crops. Its pastures and rangelands sup- ter’s success inspired the formation of other eral months of celebration, a dedication serv- port both dairy and meat production. The Dis- leagues as well as thousands of children na- ice will be held on August 26, 2007, followed trict ensures that our children’s children will al- tionwide. by a noon dinner at Okawville Community ways have woodland and hillside trails to hike Six separate leagues that emerged between Club where a pictorial history of the Church and homegrown food to enjoy. 1920 and 1960 are collectively known as the will be displayed. These open spaces keep Sonoma County’s Negro Leagues: the Negro National League, f Eastern Colored League, American Negro agricultural economy healthy, provide recre- League, East-West League, Negro Southern HONORING THE SONOMA COUNTY ation for visitors and residents, and preserve League, and Negro American League. The AGRICULTURAL PRESERVATION the very character of the county. I congratulate lasting legacy of the Negro Leagues includes AND OPEN SPACES DISTRICT the Sonoma County Agricultural Preservation inspiring events and the tremendous baseball and Open Space District upon the receipt of players. They produced what baseball aficio- HON. MIKE THOMPSON the well-deserved County Leadership in Con- nado doesn’t know about the first Negro World OF CALIFORNIA IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES servation Award and look forward to con- Series? On October 3, 1924, the first game tinuing to work with the District to preserve was played between the Kansas City Mon- Tuesday, March 20, 2007 Sonoma County’s natural beauty and agricul- archs of the Negro National League and Mr. THOMPSON of California. Madam Hilldale of Philadelphia of the Eastern Colored Speaker, I rise today together with my col- tural bounty.

VerDate Aug 31 2005 05:14 Mar 22, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00004 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A20MR8.037 E21MRPT1 mstockstill on PROD1PC66 with REMARKS March 21, 2007 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks E597 ON THE INTRODUCTION OF THE Since 1995 public transit use has increased rated as the Lyndon Baines Johnson Federal ‘‘FLEXIBILITY INCENTIVE GRANT by 30 percent, which is double the population Building in honor of our 37th President. PILOT PROGRAM’’ growth in our country, 12 percent, during that same time period. f Despite record levels of federal investment HON. DORIS O. MATSUI TRIBUTE TO THE CITY OF TROY, and the display of local jurisdictions to tax OF CALIFORNIA ILLINOIS IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES themselves for the purposes of increasing the level and quality of public transportation serv- Tuesday, March 20, 2007 ices, we have to make sure that State funding, HON. JOHN SHIMKUS Ms. MATSUI. Madam Speaker, I rise today across our country, keeps pace. OF ILLINOIS to introduce an important bill that anticipates State Legislatures are facing huge deficits IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES and addresses our communities’ immediate and some States have little choice but to Tuesday, March 20, 2007 and future transportation needs. freeze or cut funding for many important pro- Today I am introducing the Flexibility Incen- grams, including transit services. Mr. SHIMKUS. Madam Speaker, I rise today tive Grant Pilot Program, or as I call it—the My legislation is designed to encourage to honor the City of Troy, Illinois, on its 150th FIG program. States and counties to think twice before they anniversary. This legislation creates a $250 million an- cut transit funding by providing ‘‘bonus’’ Fed- The City of Troy first began in 1819 as a ten nual grant program that provides a two-prong eral transportation dollars to those States that acre spread of land in southern Illinois and approach to growing our national transit pro- increase public transportation funding or take soon became the first stagecoach stop for gram while rewarding states and localities that steps to increase funding. travelers to and from St. Louis. By 1850 the are making an investment in their transit infra- As a member of the Transportation and In- City of Troy became a story of success, and structure. frastructure Committee, my colleagues and I Troy became legally recognized as a town in Specifically, this legislation will provide in- will be looking for new and innovative ways to 1857. centives to encourage States and counties to fund our transportation programs in the com- By 1978, Troy became the third fastest establish new sources of revenue for transit ing years. growing area in the United States and still projects and services. Such sources may in- The Flexibility Incentive Grant Pilot Program continues to prosper. clude the dedication of new State motor fuels is a good place to start this conversation. I ask I am pleased to congratulate Troy on its 150 taxes, sales taxes, interest on existing high- that my colleagues support my legislation. years of accomplishments. way funds, motor vehicle excise taxes, tolls, or f other sources of funding. f Furthermore, this legislation rewards those H. CON. RES. 584: TO DESIGNATE States that currently invest in transit by mak- THE HEADQUARTERS OF THE NEAL SMITH FEDERAL BUILDING ing them eligible to receive ‘‘bonus’’ payments DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION IN by the Secretary of Transportation so that they WASHINGTON, DC, AS THE LYN- SPEECH OF can continue to invest in their transportation DON BAINES JOHNSON FEDERAL HON. TOM LATHAM infrastructure. BUILDING I look at this as a federal transportation tax OF IOWA IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES return for those states and localities that invest HON. DANNY K. DAVIS in their transportation infrastructure. Tuesday, March 13, 2007 Transportation is about partnerships—and OF ILLINOIS funding our infrastructure requires a strong IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Mr. LATHAM. Mr. Speaker, as a proud co- sponsor of H.R. 1045, a bill to designate the commitment between federal, State and local Tuesday, March 20, 2007 governments. We need to grow our transit federal building located at 210 Walnut street in system in order to meet our growing popu- Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Madam Speaker, downtown Des Moines, Iowa as the ‘‘Neal lation and infrastructure demands that our throughout his tenure as President and during Smith Federal Building,’’ I strongly support its states and localities are experiencing. his life in general, President Lyndon Baines passage. Fortunately, some States are already mak- Johnson held firm to his belief that education As a distinguished public servant to an ing a substantial investment in their transpor- was an essential part of the American dream. Americans—a World War II bomber pilot and tation infrastructure. For example, in my home In particular, he championed the right to qual- the State of Iowa’s longest serving Member of state of California, voters last November ap- ity education for minorities in public schools the U.S. House of Representatives—Neal proved $19.9 billion in transportation bonds to that were challenged by merit, limited funding, Smith deserves to be recognized by this body, fund a variety of transportation projects and and poor resources. It is fitting that this build- where he served the people of Iowa with initiatives. ing bear his name given his central role in honor for 36 years. At the local level, citizens are willing to tax passing landmark education legislation. To this day, Neal Smith is held in high re- themselves to pay for much need transpor- During his term as President, LBJ signed gard by Iowans. His accomplishments as a tation improvements. For example, in my dis- into law the Elementary and Secondary Edu- member of the House Appropriations Com- trict of Sacramento, a recent survey revealed cation Act of 1965. For the first time, this act mittee helped strengthen Iowa’s economy and that 74 percent of Sacramento County resi- allocated large amounts of Federal money to improve the lives of its citizens. In addition to dents would support a ballot tax measure for public schools, targeting assistance to dis- his committee work, Neal Smith championed transit and roads. Our citizens understand the advantaged children in rural and urban areas. many issues important to Iowa agriculture and need for more transportation funds and are In addition, this bill allowed for the first time, the environment. Neal Smith is credited with proving this as a priority at the ballot box. private schools, mostly Catholic schools in creating the Commodity Futures Trading Com- The federal government must play a key urban areas, to receive funding and support. mission and a federal national wildlife refuge leadership role in encouraging this type of ini- Johnson’s second major education achieve- in Prairie City, Iowa that now bares his name. tiative. ment was the Higher Education Act of 1965. But what is most impressive to me and most Why is this so important? Again, this bill incorporated the needs of low- important to Iowa and this country is the dedi- Last week, the American Public Transpor- income students via grants, the work-study cation and sacrifice Neal Smith made during tation Association announced that Americans program, and government loans. These are World War II. As a courageous United States took a record 10.1 billion trips on local public just a small sample of the great accomplish- Army Air Force bomber pilot Neal Smith, en- transportation in 2006. ments of President Johnson, a leader who countered enemy fire and his plane was shot Over the last decade, public transportation’s took the steps necessary to make education a down. His valor and perseverance earned him growth rate outpaced population growth and top priority for the country, a goal to which we the Purple Heart, nine Battle Stars and the Air the growth rate of vehicle miles traveled on continue to strive today. I salute his great con- Medal with four oak leaf clusters. our Nation’s highways. tribution to education. I am proud to see that Neal Smith—Iowa is proud and thankful for There is great demand on our national tran- the headquarters of the Department of Edu- your many years of service and I proudly sup- sit infrastructure. cation in Washington, DC, will be commemo- port H.R. 1045.

VerDate Aug 31 2005 05:14 Mar 22, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00005 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A20MR8.041 E21MRPT1 mstockstill on PROD1PC66 with REMARKS E598 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks March 21, 2007 WHITE PASS SKI AREA permit ski area expansion into this 800-acre other local organizations in identifying and pur- EXPANSION PROJECT area and urges the Secretary of Agriculture, chasing suitable properties (or conservation once the Environmental Impact Statement easements) and determining the best use for for the White Pass Ski Area’s Master Devel- HON. NORMAN D. DICKS opment Plan is properly completed, to move them, from agriculture to resource conserva- OF WASHINGTON forward expeditiously in approving the ex- tion to public access or recreation. IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES pansion plans in accordance with all applica- Madam Speaker, Sonoma County has a ble laws, rules, and regulations. beautiful and diverse environment ranging Tuesday, March 20, 2007 Unfortunately, the FY07 Continuing Resolu- from oak savannah to bay wetlands to coastal Mr. DICKS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to tion did not include any report language; redwood forests. Its farmlands are among the discuss an issue that has occurred in my therefore the language clarifying congressional richest on the planet and grow grapes for State over the past 23 years. intent that passed this body last summer was world-class wines, crispy Gravenstein apples The White Pass Ski Area is located in the not included in the CR. and luscious Crane melons and many spe- Cascade Mountain Range in the Gifford Pin- I wanted to bring this issue to the attention cialty crops. Its pastures and rangelands sup- chot and Wenatchee National Forests. White of my colleagues and highlight the fact that port both dairy and meat production. The Dis- Pass is renowned as one of the best small ski the House Appropriations Committee was pre- trict with its immense support from the public areas in the Pacific Northwest and offers par- pared and willing to clarify congressional in- ensures that our children’s children will always ticular appeal to families. The area, which pro- tent, and that the full House approved that have woodland and hillside trails to hike and vides critical tourism revenue to the sur- clarification by voting for the fiscal year 2007 homegrown food to enjoy. rounding rural communities on both sides of Interior Appropriations Bill in May. In keeping These open spaces keep Sonoma County’s the mountain range, is now looking to expand with this, I urge the Secretary of Agriculture to agricultural economy healthy, provide recre- to provide greater opportunities to skiers in the move forward expeditiously in approving the ation for visitors and residents, and preserve Pacific Northwest. expansion plans in accordance with all appli- the very character of the county. Mr. THOMP- Over two decades ago, we succeeded in cable laws, rules, and regulations—once the SON and I congratulate the Sonoma County passing through Congress the Washington Environmental Impact Statement is properly Agricultural Preservation and Open Space Dis- State Wilderness Act of 1984. This legislation completed. trict upon the receipt of the well-deserved added over 23,000 acres of land to the Goat f County Leadership in Conservation Award and Rocks Wilderness Area and removed from wil- look forward to continuing to work with the derness designation 800 acres adjacent to the TRIBUTE TO SONOMA COUNTY AG- District to preserve Sonoma County’s natural White Pass Ski Area as having ‘‘significant po- RICULTURAL PRESERVATION beauty and agricultural bounty. tential for ski development’’ and urging the AND OPEN SPACE DISTRICT f Secretary of Agriculture to ‘‘utilize this poten- tial, in accordance with applicable laws, rules HON. LYNN C. WOOLSEY ACCOUNTABILITY IN CONTRACTING ACT and regulations.’’ OF CALIFORNIA The Gifford Pinchot National Forest Land IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES and Resource Management Plan allocated the SPEECH OF Tuesday, March 20, 2007 800–acre area that Congress had withdrawn HON. SHEILA JACKSON-LEE from the Wilderness Area back in 1984 to De- Ms. WOOLSEY. Madam Speaker, together OF TEXAS with my colleague, Mr. THOMPSON from Cali- veloped Recreation in recognition of the intent IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES of Congress. However, the LRMP concurrently fornia, I rise today to honor the Sonoma Coun- inventoried as roadless the same 800–acre ty Agricultural Preservation and Open Space Thursday, March 15, 2007 area. The conflicting, confusing and uncertain District located in Northern California. On The House in Committee of the Whole status of the subject lands needs addressing, March 3, the agency received the prestigious House on the State of the Union had under which is why I rise today. County Leadership in Conservation Award consideration the bill (H.R. 1362) to reform I can say from first-hand experience that, at from the National Association of Counties acquisition practices of the Federal Govern- ment: the time we passed the aforementioned Wash- (NACo) and Trust for Public Land (TPL). ington Wilderness Act of 1984, it was congres- This award is given annually to counties that Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Mr. Chair- sional intent to permit expansion of the White showcase the best practices in innovative con- man, I rise today in strong support of H.R. Pass Ski Area. I would like to submit for the servation work. As one of the first public agen- 1362, which makes several changes to federal record a letter signed by the 1984 congres- cies in the nation funded by a sales tax to pro- acquisition laws to increase transparency and sional delegation stating that it was our intent tect agriculture, the Open Space District has accountability in federal contracting. to provide for the expansion of White Pass Ski continued to distinguish itself nationally. It has Specifically, the bill requires agencies to Area. In a February 3, 2004 letter, the U.S. protected almost 70,000 acres, including limit the use of certain types of abuse-prone Department of Agriculture also confirmed this farms, greenbelts, natural open spaces, and contracts, and to promote integrity in the ac- congressional intent, stating: ‘‘We agree that recreational areas. quisition workforce. The bill limits the length of the intent of Congress was clearly to allow for The District was formed as a result of public certain noncompetitive contracts and requires ski area development in the Hogback Basin.’’ concern over urbanization in Sonoma County large federal agencies to develop plans to In addition, Congressman BAIRD, who rep- as subdivisions, malls and parking lots threat- minimize the use of noncompetitive contracts resents the district where White Pass is lo- ened to overwhelm land the famed botanist and cost-reimbursement type contracts. In ad- cated, submitted for the RECORD on January Luther Burbank once called ‘‘God’s chosen dition the bill requires the public disclosure of 31, 2007 a statement urging clarification and spot.’’ Responding to the very real threat of justification and approval documents required action on this Issue. sprawl, farmers, environmentalists and com- for noncompetitive contracts and requires re- The Fiscal Year 2007 Interior Appropriations munity leaders joined together in 1990 to pass ports to Congress on certain contract audits. Bill that passed the House in May of last year a sales tax to fund preservation and open Finally, the bill contains a number of provi- included important information clarifying con- space acquisition. So successful is the District sions which would improve the acquisition gressional intent to permit expansion of White that the tax was renewed with a 75 percent workforce. Pass Ski Area. The language stated: approval vote in 2006. Today the tax provides The Bush administration has justified the The Committee notes that the Washington approximately $13 million a year for the Dis- award of lucrative no-bid contracts claiming State Wilderness Act of 1984 removed from trict’s land conservation and acquisition pro- exigent circumstances. The spending on no- wilderness designation 800 acres of land adja- grams. bid contracts has more than doubled under cent to the White Pass Ski Area in Wash- The County Open Space Authority is re- the Bush Administration. The time has come ington State for potential ski development. sponsible for levying and distributing the fund- again for us to continue in the tradition of re- The Committee notes that the Gifford Pin- ing, while the Sonoma County Board of Super- storing accountability back into Congress. This chot National Forest Land and Resource visors acts as the Board of Directors. The Su- legislation builds on the progress we have Management Plan allocated the 800-acre area as Developed Recreation to allow for ski area pervisors appoint a 17-member Open Space made to return to the basic principles of fiscal expansion, while concurrently inventorying Advisory Committee, representing various responsibility and restore Congress’s role as a the same land as roadless to reflect its cur- stakeholders and interest groups, to rec- check on the Executive Branch. rent physical character. The Committee rec- ommend acquisitions. Manager Andrea Mac- Transparency and integrity is needed in ognizes that it was the intent of Congress to kenzie works with all of these groups and order for accountability to be restored in the

VerDate Aug 31 2005 05:14 Mar 22, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00006 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 9920 E:\CR\FM\A20MR8.047 E21MRPT1 mstockstill on PROD1PC66 with REMARKS March 21, 2007 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks E599 federal contracting process so that taxpayers’ specific preemption should be taken as the The motions are part of an international ini- money can be protected from waste, fraud, signal of Congressional intent to allow states tiative by the Canadian Parliamentary Friends and abuse. The effect of this legislation would to implement stricter standards if they act to of Tibet, under the leadership of Senator change federal acquisition law to require do so. Federal laws should provide a frame- Consiglio di Nino of the Parliament of Canada, agencies to limit the use of emergency no-bid work for state laws, buttressing and enhancing to encourage legislators from around the world contracts and to increase transparency and existing state statutes not eradicating or re- to urge the government of the People’s Re- accountability in federal contracting in an effort placing laws which in some cases may be public of China to reach a final and lasting to protect the taxpayers’ money. more protective. agreement with the Dalai Lama over the situa- An estimated $10 billion in Iraq reconstruc- As you are well aware, September 11, 2001 tion in Tibet. The initiative is an important step tion spending has already been wasted and changed the life of every single American—in- in bringing a peace to the Tibetan people with- the waste will continue until legislation such as cluding the life of every resident in New Jer- in the context of the sovereignty and territorial H.R. 1362 makes it a requirement for agen- sey. Nearly 700 New Jersey residents lost integrity of the People’s Republic of China. cies to limit the use of these abuse-prone con- their lives including many from the 4th Con- The following is the text of the motion tracts. Congress has held multiple hearings gressional District which I represent in central passed by the House of Commons and of the over the abuse that has occurred regarding Jersey. Regrettably, the most densely popu- Parliament of Canada on February 15, 2007: such waste in federal contracting and now we lated state in the Union is also well acquainted That, in the opinion of the House, the gov- must act. Waste and fraud occurred not only with bio-terror attacks including the subse- ernment should: Urge the government of the with Iraq reconstruction contracts but also in quent anthrax attack at the U.S. Postal facility People’s Republic of China and the Rep- connection with Hurricane Katrina recovery ef- in Hamilton, also in my Congressional District. resentatives of Tibet’s government in exile, forts. With over 100 major chemical facilities in the notwithstanding their differences on Tibet’s historical relationship with China, to con- State of New Jersey, lawmakers, experts in Reports of government contractors defraud- tinue their dialogue in a forward-looking ing the Coalition Provisional Authority of tens the field of science, and residents alike are manner that will lead to pragmatic solutions of millions of dollars in Iraq reconstruction keen to the importance of securing New Jer- that respect the Chinese constitutional funds have surfaced and this Administration sey’s vital infrastructure which could potentially framework, the territorial integrity of China has done little to try to recover the money. It be used as a weapon by a terrorist. and fulfill the aspirations of the Tibetan peo- is time to clean up fraud in Iraq and else- Immediately following the attacks in 2001 ple for a unified and genuinely autonomous where. and in preparation for the ‘‘worst case sce- Tibet. I wholeheartedly support H.R. 1362 to narios’’ in the event of another terrorist attack, The following is the text of the motion cur- change our current federal acquisition laws to New Jersey established the Domestic Security rently under consideration by the Senate of require agencies to limit the use of abuse- Preparedness Task Force to develop the best the Parliament of Canada: prone contracts. I applaud this beneficial legis- security practices and encourage each chem- That the Senate urge the government of lation and urge my colleagues to join me in ical facility in the state to evaluate security the People’s Republic of China and the Dalai supporting H.R. 1362. threats and plant vulnerabilities as well as the Lama, notwithstanding their differences on consequences of a chemical release. In 2005, Tibet’s historical relationship with China, to f the best practices became mandatory for New continue their dialogue in a forward-looking manner that will lead to pragmatic solutions Jersey’s facilities. All of New Jersey’s facilities THE SAFE FACILITIES ACT OF 2007 that respect the Chinese constitutional are now required to prepare a site-specific, framework, the territorial integrity of China risk and vulnerability assessment, emergency and fulfill the aspirations of the Tibetan peo- HON. CHRISTOPHER H. SMITH incident prevention and response plan and re- ple for a unified and genuinely autonomous OF NEW JERSEY quire worker participation in their security as- Tibet. IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES sessments. In addition, 43 chemical facilities f Tuesday, March 20, 2007 subject to the Toxic Catastrophe Prevention Act (TCPA) state program are also required to COMMENDING WALTER KEITH SIN- Mr. SMITH of New Jersey. Madam Speaker, explore the feasibility of inherently safer tech- GLETON FOR OUTSTANDING last night I introduced legislation, the ‘‘Safe nologies as part of state security and pre- SERVICE TO HIS COUNTRY Facilities Act of 2007,’’ H.R. 1574, to promote paredness plans. and protect increased safety measures at New Jersey is no stranger to danger when HON. JOHN S. TANNER chemical security plants. Specifically, my legis- it comes to vulnerabilities in a post 9/11 world. OF TENNESSEE lation would prohibit any federal law, regula- We are acutely aware of the terrorist threat IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES tion or agency from preempting any State and thus we will not be passive in our fight to Tuesday, March 20, 2007 chemical facility safety stipulation which may prevent future catastrophes. The Garden State be more rigorous then the new federal regula- is the first state in the Nation to implement vig- Mr. TANNER. Madam Speaker, I rise today tions. orous plant security practices and continues to to recognize a west Tennessean who was As you know, Madam Speaker, last fall research and develop strategies to improve awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor 40 Congress passed the Homeland Security Ap- and enhance current standards and regula- years ago for the ultimate sacrifice he and his propriations Act of 2007 which granted the De- tions. The federal government has no busi- family made in service to our country. Ser- partment of Homeland Security (DHS) the au- ness undermining the efforts of New Jersey, geant Walter K. Singleton of Shelby County thority to draft ‘‘interim final regulations’’ re- or any State for that matter, in providing the was killed in action in Vietnam on March 24, garding plant security. While these standards greatest level of protection for our citizens. 1967, at the young age of 22. are a necessary baseline for nationwide con- f Sgt. Singleton was a proud Marine who, sideration, the federal regulations must rep- when coming under fire from the enemy, gave resent a floor, not a ceiling, by which States TIBET his own life to protect the lives of his com- may structure their own security standards. rades. Federal regulations should not be written in HON. TOM LANTOS The heroism, gallantry and courage Sgt. such a way to undermine exiting State stat- OF CALIFORNIA Singleton demonstrated on the enemy battle- ues, which in cases like New Jersey are cur- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES field 40 years ago represents the selfless rent and robust. service that millions of our Nation’s finest have While I agree with some of the implementa- Tuesday, March 20, 2007 given to the United States Armed Forces. The tion provisions outlined in the interim regula- Mr. LANTOS. Madam Speaker, I would like sacrifice he and his family made is what tions, my legislation repeals the provision al- to take this opportunity to call to the attention makes this country great. lowing the federal law to preempt the state of my fellow committee members an important Madam Speaker, I hope you and our col- law. It is particularly difficult to find merit in the motion passed by the House of Commons of leagues will join me in honoring Sgt. Walter K. Department’s plan to preempt state standards the Parliament of Canada on February 15, Singleton for his patriotism and recognize the since the authorizing statute, Public Law 109– 2007 and a motion currently under consider- 40th anniversary of the day he received the 295, was intentionally silent on this issue. The ation of the Senate of the Parliament of Can- Congressional Medal of Honor for bravely giv- very fact that the legislation did not include a ada. ing his life in service to his country.

VerDate Aug 31 2005 05:14 Mar 22, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00007 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A20MR8.050 E21MRPT1 mstockstill on PROD1PC66 with REMARKS E600 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks March 21, 2007 INTRODUCTION OF A RESOLUTION ment and science. Rather, much of it goes to prehensive monitoring and enforcement by the ENCOURAGING THE ELIMINATION subsidize harmful activity, such as increased Coast Guard of all U.S. waters is impractical. OF HARMFUL FISHING SUB- fuel consumption and fleet expansion. These The Coast Guard Living Marine Resource Law SIDIES THAT CONTRIBUTE TO harmful subsidies artificially decrease the cost Enforcement Division is responsible for patrol- OVERCAPACITY IN COMMERCIAL of fishing and make it a profitable trade for ling over 3.36 million square miles of ocean, FISHING FLEETS WORLDWIDE thousands of vessels which without the benefit much of which is extremely remote and sub- AND THAT LEAD TO THE OVER- of these subsidies could not compete in the ject to harsh conditions. The Coast Guard sim- FISHING OF GLOBAL FISH marketplace. Current estimates reveal that the ply does not have the resources to patrol all STOCKS sheer number of vessels actively fishing waters and at all times. around the world today is 250 percent greater At the same time, the countries whose ves- HON. MADELEINE Z. BORDALLO than what is actually necessary to fish at sus- sels are the most likely to be found illegally OF GUAM tainable levels. fishing in the U.S. EEZ are also countries that IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Because of the interconnected nature of provide large capacity-increasing subsidies to marine ecosystems, the impacts of overfishing their fishing fleets. Because enforcement is so Tuesday, March 20, 2007 of one stock in one region can have a pro- difficult, it is even more important that we at- Ms. BORDALLO. Madam Speaker, the inter- found, detrimental and cascading effect across tack the issue at its root by encouraging national community finds itself today at a the entire ocean ecosystem. Ecosystems span worldwide capacity reduction and by discour- crossroads with respect to certain policy deci- political boundaries. The effects and con- aging other countries from making it economi- sions that will affect the future of the world’s sequences of one country’s policies and prac- cally feasible for their vessels to travel into our fisheries resources. The impacts of the deci- tices that give rise to overfishing, even if lim- waters to fish. sions that the international community is ited in its occurrence to be within its own wa- Today, I am introducing a concurrent resolu- poised to make in the coming weeks and ters, are realized and borne by other coun- tion to encourage our government to work with months will determine the future sustainability tries. But the problem does not stop there. other countries to bring about an end to the of global fish stocks, including those stocks Vessels are increasingly forced to travel far- harmful subsidies that contribute to over- traditionally harvested by our domestic fishing ther distances away from their own home capacity in commercial fishing fleets and that industry. ports and familiar waters to contend with in- lead to overfishing of global fish stocks. The Among the challenges to ensuring the sus- creased local competition and in response to continuing support of otherwise unsustainable tainability of the world’s fisheries resources is a reduction in littoral fish stocks. In many fleets by certain countries means an ongoing the increasing demand for protein by con- cases, the high seas and even the Exclusive threat to our country’s marine resources and sumers globally. It is precisely this demand for Economic Zones of other countries become our domestic fishing industry. protein that has led to overcapacity in com- enticing targets. While we have no direct control over the ac- mercial fishing fleets worldwide, and that in The United States—like other countries—re- tions of foreign governments, the Doha Round turn, is leading to the reported depletion of serves the exclusive right to fish within its 200 of the current World Trade Organization global fish stocks. The United Nations Food nautical mile Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). (WTO) negotiations have placed the United and Agriculture Organization (FAO) reports Hundreds of foreign vessels each year, how- States in a unique position to influence the fu- that 75 percent of the world’s fish stocks are ever, are intercepted while fishing illegally in ture use of harmful fisheries subsidies by considered over-fished, fully exploited, signifi- U.S. waters. This rise in illegal fishing is plac- these other countries. Through these negotia- cantly depleted, or rebuilding under protective ing additional pressure on our already ex- tions the United States is presented with an management. Some countries have recog- ploited resources, damaging our marine eco- opportunity to exercise its leadership inter- nized these depletion trends and the current systems, and taking away potential revenue nationally toward the phasing out of subsidies vulnerability of fish stocks. The United States from our domestic fishing industry. In 2006 that increase fishing capacity and that promote is among these countries. Together, these alone, the United States Coast Guard inter- overfishing. By passing this concurrent resolu- countries have taken swift action to respon- cepted 164 vessels fishing in our EEZ. This tion, Congress can demonstrate to the world sibly manage, the catch volume and capacity statistic is troubling. But what is even more its support for our government as they move of their domestic fishing fleets. Other coun- troubling is the fact that this number rep- forward with these negotiations. tries, however, have not taken similar steps to resents only the number of vessels that were It is my hope that my colleagues will support mitigate the risks to global fish stocks or actually caught. It does not represent the total this concurrent resolution and that they will sought to manage the catch volume and ca- threat or existence of foreign fishing in our wa- join me in encouraging action to protect the in- pacity of their fleets from a global sustain- ters, particularly in waters where enforcement terests of our domestic fishing industry, our ability perspective. In fact, their fleets continue is difficult such as the waters around Guam. marine resources, and the sustainability of to grow in number despite these alarming On Guam the problem of illegal fishing is in- global fish stocks for the greater and shared trends. This imbalance needs to be addressed significant. The Western Central Pacific area, interests of all members of the international by the international community and the United which includes the EEZs around Hawaii, community. States is in a position to exercise leadership Guam and the other U.S. islands and terri- f and must do so. tories in that region, is considered one of the In the United States, we are doing what we Coast Guard’s three highest threat areas for INTRODUCTION OF THE LOCAL can to restore, protect, and manage the pre- foreign fishing. The U.S.-Mexico and U.S.- LAW ENFORCEMENT HATE cious fishery resources within our Exclusive Russia borders are the other two. In 2006, the CRIMES PREVENTION ACT OF Economic Zone. The most recent reauthoriza- Coast Guard recorded 11 incidents of illegal 2007 tion of the Magnuson Stevens Fishery Con- foreign fishing in the Western Central Pacific servation and Management Act requires that area. Since 2000, the Coast Guard has inter- HON. JOHN CONYERS, JR. overfishing end by 2011. In addition, the cepted an average of 34 vessels per year. OF MICHIGAN United States government no longer provides And, as mentioned earlier, this only represents IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES economic incentives to build new fishing ves- the vessels that are being caught. There is no Tuesday, March 20, 2007 sels as it once did two decades ago. Unfortu- way to assess with any certainty how many nately, the leadership that the United States other vessels are fishing illegally in our waters Mr. CONYERS. Madam Speaker, I am and others have demonstrated by proactively and thereby harming our fishing fleet by har- pleased to introduce the bipartisan Local Law and responsibly reprioritizing financial assist- vesting the fish stocks found within our EEZ. Enforcement Hate Crimes Prevention Act of ance for domestic fishing fleets toward fish- The species targeted in the Western Central 2007, along with Representatives KIRK, FRANK, eries management programs and services and Pacific area are generally extremely valuable, SHAYS, BALDWIN, ROS-LEHTINEN, NADLER and away from outright subsidies for growing fleet highly migratory species like tuna. Thus, the BONO. As of today there are more than 100 capacity has not been uniformly followed by economic impact of illegal fishing is significant. original cosponsors. This legislation will pro- the international community. Additionally, the long-term impact of over- vide assistance to state and local law enforce- Government subsidies for vessel construc- fishing on long-lived, predatory species such ment agencies and amend federal law to facili- tion and operation are common in many coun- as tuna compounds the effect on the ocean tate the investigation and prosecution of vio- tries around the world. In these countries, too ecosystem and economy. lent, bias-motivated crimes. Last Congress, little of these subsidies go toward beneficial The problem of illegal foreign fishing is ex- this legislation passed with bipartisan support causes such as improving fisheries manage- acerbated by the fact that complete and com- as H. Amdt 544 to the Child Safety Act (H.R.

VerDate Aug 31 2005 05:14 Mar 22, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00008 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 9920 E:\CR\FM\A20MR8.052 E21MRPT1 mstockstill on PROD1PC66 with REMARKS March 21, 2007 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks E601 3132) by a vote of 223–199. Bipartisan majori- able to provide support for local prosecu- They were joined in the competition by team- ties also voted in favor of hate crime legisla- tions—an intergovernmental grant program mates Jonathan Angel, Danielle Bevers, Me- tion in the 108th and 106th Congresses. created by this legislation will make Justice lissa Bevers, Kayla Gilliard, Leah Higginson, The Hate Crimes Prevention Act has at- Department technical, forensic or prosecutorial and Heather Snedeker. The team was tracted the support of over 210 civil rights, assistance available. The legislation also au- coached by Judy Kelmer and Julie Tipton. education, religious, and civic organizations. thorizes the Attorney General to make grants I would like to recognize Principal Jack Importantly, virtually every major law enforce- to state and local law enforcement agencies Clark and the entire Flower Mound High ment organization in the country has endorsed that have incurred extraordinary expenses as- School faculty for their dedication to edu- the bill—including the International Association sociated with the investigation and prosecution cation. It is also necessary to honor the par- of Chiefs of Police, the National District Attor- of hate crimes. ents of these students for the active role that neys Association, the National Sheriffs Asso- The Local Law Enforcement Hate Crimes they have taken in their children’s education. ciation, the Police Executive Research Forum, Prevention Act of 2007 is a constructive and I commend all of the participants for their dili- and 31 state Attorneys General. measured response to a problem that con- gence and commitment to academic achieve- Bias crimes are disturbingly prevalent and tinues to plague our nation. Hate crime statis- ment. I wish them the best as they continue pose a significant threat to the full participation tics do not speak for themselves. Behind each onward, and I am very proud and honored to of all Americans in our democratic society. of the statistics is an individual or community be their Representative in the 26th District of The FBI has the best national data on re- targeted for violence for no other reason than Texas. ported hate crime, though the program is vol- race, religion, ethnicity, sexual orientation, f untary. Since 1991, the FBI has documented gender, gender identity, or disability. Law en- over 113,000 hate crimes. For the year 2005, forcement authorities and civic leaders have TRIBUTE TO GRACE NASH the most current data available, the FBI com- learned that a failure to address the problem piled reports from law enforcement agencies of bias crime can cause a seemingly isolated HON. MARCY KAPTUR across the country identifying 7,163 bias-moti- incident to fester into widespread tension that OF OHIO vated criminal incidents that were directed can damage the social fabric of the wider IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES against an individual because of their personal community. This problem cuts across party Wednesday, March 21, 2007 characteristics. Law enforcement agencies lines, and I am glad to be joined by so many identified 8,795 victims arising from 8,373 sep- of my colleagues on both sides of the aisle in Ms. KAPTUR. Madam Speaker, the first day arate criminal offenses. As in the past, ra- proposing this legislation today. These are of Spring brought the family and friends of cially-motivated bias accounted for more than crimes that shock and shame our national Grace Elizabeth Nash together in celebration half (54.7 percent) of all incidents. Religious conscience and should be subject to com- of her everlasting life. Grace Nash passed bias accounted for 1,227 incidents (17.1 per- prehensive federal law enforcement assist- from this life to be with her Savior on Friday, cent) and sexual orientation bias accounted ance and prosecution. March 16, 2007 at the age of 52 years. for 1,017 incidents—(14.2 percent), followed f A native of Jamaica, Grace Nash graduated by ethnicity/national origin bias with 944 inci- from the University of Findlay in 1978. She dents—(13.7 percent). While these numbers PERSONAL EXPLANATION settled in Bowling Green, Ohio and dedicated are disturbing, it is important to note that, for her career to elder advocacy. She was the ac- a variety of reasons, hate crimes are seriously HON. GRACE F. NAPOLITANO tivities director for the Wood County Com- under-reported. OF CALIFORNIA mittee on Aging for 22 years until her retire- Despite the deep impact of hate violence on IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES ment, when she took on the challenge as ex- communities, current law limits federal jurisdic- ecutive coordinator of the Ohio Association of tion over hate crimes to incidents directed Wednesday, March 21, 2007 Senior Centers. Grace was talented, giving, against individuals on the basis of race, reli- Mrs. NAPOLITANO. Mr. Speaker, on Mon- and truly invested in the lives of the older gion, color or national origin—but only when day, March 19, 2007, I was absent due to ill- adults she served and the younger adults she the victim is targeted because he/she is en- ness. Had I been present, I would have voted mentored. Her tenure with the Wood County gaged in a federally protected activities, such ‘‘yea’’ on rollcall No. 158, agreeing to H.R. Committee on Aging was marked by a dyna- as voting. Further, the statutes do not permit 658—Natural Resource Protection Coopera- mism and professionalism which was un- federal involvement in a range of cases where tive Agreement Act. matched. crimes are motivated by bias against the vic- f Spirituality was woven into the very fibers of tim’s perceived sexual orientation, gender, Grace’s life, and she was the administrator of gender identity, or disability. The federal gov- COMMENDING FLOWER MOUND her congregation, New Life Pentecostals of ernment must have authority to be involved in HIGH SCHOOL Toledo Church. Her pastor described her per- investigating and prosecuting these crimes fectly: Grace ‘‘was passionate, she was a when state authorities cannot or will not do so. HON. MICHAEL C. BURGESS dreamer, she had lots of energy, and she was This legislation, which is identical to the OF TEXAS very spiritual. The people who knew her called version approved in the 109th Congress, will IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES her Amazing Grace.’’ Indeed she was. With strengthen existing federal law in the same Wednesday, March 21, 2007 quiet dignity, a ready smile and a helping way that the Church Arson Prevention Act of hand, Grace embodied her name. 1996 helped federal prosecutors combat Mr. BURGESS. Madam Speaker, I rise Grace Elizabeth Nash leaves a legacy to all church arson: by addressing the unduly rigid today to congratulate students of Flower whose lives she touched, and many who did jurisdictional requirements under federal law. Mound High School for their remarkable per- not have the privilege of knowing her. Among The bill only applies to bias-motivated violent formance in the State Academic Decathlon the people who were so privileged, she will be crimes and does not impinge public speech or competition. This is a competition that includes missed. We extend our heartfelt condolences writing in any way. In fact, the measure in- some of the brightest students in the State of to them, and especially her brother, sisters, cludes an explicit First Amendment free Texas. nieces and nephews. May they find comfort in speech protection for the accused modeled on Academic Decathlon is a nation-wide com- their memories and the gift of Grace’s life. the existing Washington state hate crimes petition which tests high school students in the f statute. following 10 academic events: speech, inter- State and local authorities currently pros- view, essay, super quiz, language and lit- PERSONAL EXPLORATION ecute the overwhelming majority of hate erature, economics, art, music, social science, crimes and will continue to do so under this and math. The competition takes place at a HON. GRACE F. NAPOLITANO legislation. The federal government will con- regional, state, and national level. The theme OF CALIFORNIA tinue to defer to state and local authorities in for this year’s categories was ‘‘China and its IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES the vast majority of cases; the Attorney Gen- Influence on the W orId.’’ eral or another high ranking Justice Depart- In Flower Mound High School’s first appear- Wednesday, March 21, 2007 ment official must approve any prosecutions ance at the State competition, they finished in Mrs. NAPOLITANO. Mr. Speaker, on Mon- undertaken pursuant to this law, ensuring fed- 10th place with 41,288 points. Juri Hur, Josh day, March 19, 2007, I was absent due to ill- eral restraint. However, in appropriate cir- Patterson, and Jamie Choate received gold ness. Had I been present, I would have voted cumstances, the federal government will be medals for their outstanding performances. ‘‘yea’’ on roll call No. 159, agreeing to H.R.

VerDate Aug 31 2005 05:14 Mar 22, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00009 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 9920 E:\CR\FM\A20MR8.055 E21MRPT1 mstockstill on PROD1PC66 with REMARKS E602 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks March 21, 2007 839—Arthur V. Watkins Dam Enlargement to his personal life. His family and friends It is particularly disappointing to me, Madam Act. knew him to be a gourmet cook who loved fly Speaker, therefore, that just as Senator Simp- f fishing. We extend our sympathies to his life son and General Shalikashvili have acknowl- partner Linda and children Seamus and Erin, edged the diminution of this prejudice, the COMMENDING MARCUS HIGH his parents, sister and brother, niece and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs, General Peter SCHOOL nephew. We know their loss is profound, and Pace, has tried to reinvigorate it. General hope comfort is found in the memories they Pace’s comment that we who are gay, lesbian, HON. MICHAEL C. BURGESS share. bisexual or transgendered are ‘‘immoral’’ sole- OF TEXAS Perhaps the best summation of the life and ly because of that fact, without any judgment IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES work of Patrick McGuire was offered by his about how we in fact interact with other Wednesday, March 21, 2007 successor at the Urban Affairs Center: ‘‘Pat- human beings, is prejudice at its worst. If he Mr. BURGESS. Madam Speaker, I rise rick was a person with a lot of heart, he was were a private citizen, the fact that he felt so today to congratulate students of Marcus High tenacious and righteous, and he fought abso- unfairly negative towards so many of his fellow School for their remarkable performance in the lutely for what he believed in . . .’’ A fine leg- citizens would be purely his business. But in state Academic Decathlon competition. This is acy indeed. fact he cited his condemnation of us as one of a competition that includes some of the bright- f the main justifications for a public policy that excludes patriotic gay, lesbian, bisexual and est students in the State of Texas. PERSONAL EXPLANATION Academic Decathlon is a nation-wide com- transgendered people from serving in the mili- petition which tests high school students in the tary. He has since, of course, retracted that following 10 academic events: speech, inter- HON. GRACE F. NAPOLITANO part of his statement, but it is clear that he did view, essay, super quiz, language and lit- OF CALIFORNIA so only because he has been criticized for it, erature, economics, art, music, social science, IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES and not because there has been any change and math. The competition takes place at a Wednesday, March 21, 2007 in his opinion. regional, state, and national level. The theme Madam Speaker, it is entirely wrong for Mrs. NAPOLITANO. Madam Speaker, on for this year’s categories was ‘‘China and its such a high position as Chairman of Joint Monday, March 19, 2007, I was absent due to Influence on the World.’’ Chiefs of Staff to be occupied by someone illness. Had I been present, I would have The team from Marcus High School finished who is prepared to consign millions of other voted ‘‘yea’’ on rollcall No. 157, agreeing to H. 3rd at the regional competition and 18th over- Americans to second class status because he Res. 138—Recognizing the importance of Hot all at the state competition. Jonathan Neal disapproves of consensual, mutually respectful Springs National Park on its 175th anniver- was awarded a gold medal in the language intimate behavior—that the Supreme Court sary. and literature category. Other contestants from has made clear can never be criminalized— Marcus were Jake Burley, Chelsea Carroll, f between consenting adults. Such an effort to use public policy to enforce private views Preston Hale, Robert Handley, Matthew SENATOR SIMPSON’S WISDOM RE- would be strongly rejected, I hope, by the Henry, Jacqueline Hurlbutt, Emily Robertson, BUTS GENERAL PACE’S PREJU- President and others in the administration if it and Tyler Stevenson. Lou Ann Kemper and DICE Dorrie Loughborough were the coaches for the were to be aimed at any other group. I deeply team. regret that we have not seen a similar reaction I would like to recognize Principal Kevin HON. BARNEY FRANK when the victims are those of us who are gay Rogers and the entire Marcus High School OF MASSACHUSETTS or lesbian. faculty for their dedication to education. It is IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES The article by Alan Simpson follows: also necessary to honor the parents of these Wednesday, March 21, 2007 [From the Washington Post, Mar. 14, 2007] students for the active role that they have BIGOTRY THAT HURTS OUR MILITARY Mr. FRANK of Massachusetts. Madam (By Alan K. Simpson) taken in their children’s education. I commend Speaker, on Wednesday, March 14, former all of the participants for their diligence and As a lifelong Republican who served in the Senator Alan Simpson published an eloquent Army in Germany, I believe it is critical commitment to academic achievement. I wish and well-reasoned argument for total repeal of them the best as they continue onward, and I that we review—and overturn—the ban on the restrictions that now exist on patriotic gay, gay service in the military: I voted for am very proud and honored to be their Rep- lesbian, bisexual and transgendered people ‘‘don’t ask, don’t tell.’’ But much has resentative in the 26th District of Texas. serving in the military. It is particularly note- changed since 1993. f worthy that Senator Simpson, like General My thinking shifted when I read that the John Shalikashvili, was an influential supporter military was firing translators because they TRIBUTE TO PATRICK MCGUIRE are gay. According to the Government Ac- of the current restrictive policy when it was im- countability Office, more than 300 language HON. MARCY KAPTUR posed in 1993. Like General Shalikashvili, experts have been fired under ‘‘don’t ask, Alan Simpson with the forthrightness and intel- OF OHIO don’t tell,’’ including more than 50 who are lectual honesty that marked his distinguished fluent in Arabic. This when even Secretary IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES career in the Senate now says that it is time of State Condoleezza Rice recently acknowl- Wednesday, March 21, 2007 to end that policy, noting that there has been edged the nation’s ‘‘foreign language deficit’’ Ms. KAPTUR. Madam Speaker, our commu- a substantial diminution of anti-gay and les- and how much our government needs Farsi bian prejudice among the American people, and Arabic speakers. Is there a ‘‘straight’’ nity of Northwest Ohio has lost a leader and way to translate Arabic? Is there a ‘‘gay’’ academic activist whose reach was national in which means that the argument that allowing Farsi? My God, we’d better start talking scope. Patrick McGuire lost his battle with those of us who are gay, lesbian, bisexual and sense before it is too late. We need every cancer on March 18, 2007 and passed from transgendered openly to serve would some- able-bodied, smart patriot to help us win this this life at the age of 53 years. how cause morale problems because of wide- war. A native of Malone, New York, Mr. McGuire spread prejudice against us. In today’s perilous global security situa- was a Toledo, Ohio resident since accepting a Senator Simpson goes on to note that at a tion, the real question is whether allowing teaching position with the University of Toledo time when we are facing a shortage of people homosexuals to serve openly would enhance able and willing to serve in the military, it is or degrade our readiness. The best way to an- in 1987. He continued teaching throughout, swer this is to reconsider the original points but took on the directorship of the university’s particularly foolish to refuse to allow people of opposition to open service. Urban Affairs Center in 2000. His leadership who want to serve to do so based on outdated First, America’s views on homosexuals oversaw an expansion of that institution and a prejudices against them. And I do want to note serving openly in the military have changed national recognition of his and the center’s ef- in this context that even when he was defend- dramatically. The percentage of Americans forts. His respected research of community ing a total ban on gays and lesbians in the in favor has grown from 57 percent in 1993 to sustainability and development, urban sprawl, military in 1990, then General Colin Powell ac- a whopping 91 percent of 18- to 29-year-olds surveyed in a Gallup poll in 2003. the creation of a municipal electrical company, knowledged that that was not because there Military attitudes have also shifted. Fully and the so called ‘‘brain drain’’ of young pro- was any reason to conclude that gay or les- three-quarters of 500 vets returning from fessionals was nationally known. bian people would be inferior members of the Iraq and Afghanistan said in a December Equally important to his academic and com- military, but again, only that we were the vic- Zogby poll that they were comfortable inter- munity leadership, Pat McGuire was dedicated tims of a prejudice that could be disruptive. acting with gay people. Also last year, a

VerDate Aug 31 2005 05:14 Mar 22, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00010 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A21MR8.004 E21MRPT1 mstockstill on PROD1PC66 with REMARKS March 21, 2007 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks E603 Zogby poll showed that a majority of service TRIBUTE ON THE OCCASION OF going badly, while only a third (35 percent) members who knew a gay member in their THE 186TH ANNIVERSARY OF agree that improvements in current conditions unit said the person’s presence had no nega- GREEK INDEPENDENCE are on the horizon. tive impact on the unit or personal morale. Unfortunately, there are no easy answers to Senior leaders such as retired Gen. John the disaster that the Administration’s actions in Shalikashvili and Lt. Gen. Daniel HON. MICHAEL R. McNULTY OF NEW YORK Iraq have created. Christman, a former West Point super- However, I believe we must try to ensure IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES intendent, are calling for a second look. that we do not leave Iraq worse off than it was Second, 24 nations, including 12 in Oper- Wednesday, March 21, 2007 before the invasion. Until Iraqis feel safe in ation Enduring Freedom and nine in Oper- Mr. MCNULTY. Madam Speaker, the Amer- their country and see progress in their lives, it ation Iraqi Freedom, permit open service. ican people join with the people of Greece in will not be possible to bring stability to that na- Despite controversy surrounding the policy celebrating the 186th anniversary of the revo- tion. change, it has had no negative impact on lution that freed the Greek people from the Importantly, as the most recent National In- morale, cohesion, readiness or recruitment. Ottoman Empire. telligence Estimate has made clear, this is not Our allies did not display such acceptance The bedrock of our close relationship with something that can be accomplished by the back when we voted on ‘‘don’t ask, don’t Greece is our mutual devotion to freedom and use of military force—it can be achieved only tell,’’ but we should consider their common- democracy and our unshakable determination when Iraqis come together to make the dif- sense example. to fight, if need be, to protect these rights. ficult political decisions that will create a gov- Third, there are not enough troops to per- Greek philosophers and political leaders— ernment truly capable of governing. form the required mission. The Army is Cleisthenes and Pericles and their succes- Further, the Iraq Study Group advised that ‘‘about broken,’’ in the words of Colin Pow- sors—had great influence upon America’s a gradual draw-down of troops is most likely to ell. The Army’s chief of staff, Gen. Peter Founding Fathers in their creation of these stabilize the country when combined with seri- Schoomaker, told the House Armed Services United States. ous negotiations with all of Iraq’s neighbors— Committee in December that ‘‘the active- We, as a Nation, owe a great debt to including Iran and Syria. duty Army of 507,000 will break unless the Greece. Greece is the birthplace of democ- This is why I stand here today in support of force is expanded by 7,000 more soldiers a racy, as we know it. the ‘‘U.S. Troop Readiness, Veterans’ Health year.’’ To fill its needs, the Army is granting Thomas Jefferson said, ‘‘To the ancient and Iraq Accountability Act.’’ This bill would a record number of ‘‘moral waivers,’’ allow- Greeks, we are all indebted for the light which hold the President and Iraq to the benchmarks ing even felons to enlist. Yet we turn away led ourselves (American colonists) out of President Bush himself has stated must be patriotic gay and lesbian citizens. Gothic darkness.’’ reached to resolve this crisis. The Urban Institute estimates that 65,000 The terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001 If these benchmarks are not being met in gays are serving and that there are 1 million were an attack on democracy and freedom— the months to come, this Act would require gay veterans. These gay vets include Capt. not just against our people, but also against all that our troops be redeployed. Frankly, if we Cholene Espinoza, a former U–2 pilot who freedom-loving people everywhere in the are not making progress in Iraq, we have no logged more than 200 combat hours over world. The Greek people understand this. reason to be there. Iraq, and Marine Staff Sgt. Eric Alva, who I congratulate the people of Greece and Further, we owe it to the Iraqis, who have lost his right leg to an Iraqi land mine. Since wish them a Happy National Birthday. lost tens of thousands of their loved ones, to 2005, more than 800 personnel have been dis- f require that the political solutions that are cen- charged from ‘‘critical fields’’—jobs consid- tral to their success are the benchmarks ered essential but difficult in terms of train- ON THE 4TH ANNIVERSARY OF against which we measure our progress. ing or retraining, such as linguists, medical THE IRAQ WAR Additionally, let me note that this bill would personnel and combat engineers. Aside from also require that all forces sent to battle be allowing us to recruit and retain more per- adequately rested, trained, and equipped. sonnel, permitting gays to serve openly HON. ELIJAH E. CUMMINGS would enhance the quality of the armed OF MARYLAND While the President could waive this require- forces. IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES ment, frankly I do not believe it is ever in our Wednesday, March 21, 2007 interest to send forces into combat who are In World War II, a British mathematician not fully ready and who do not have the latest named Alan Turing led the effort to crack Mr. CUMMINGS. Madam Speaker, I rise protective equipment we can provide. the Nazis’ communication code. He mastered today to express my support both for the men Our forces have done all and more than we the complex German enciphering machine, and women fighting for our Nation with im- have asked of them and their families have helping to save the world, and his work laid measurable courage and commitment and for been patiently sacrificing for four long years. the basis for modern computer science. Does the legislation that would bring them home, We owe it to them to adequately protect them it matter that Turing was gay? This week, the ‘‘U.S. Troop Readiness, Veterans’ Health while they are deployed and to bring them Gen. Peter Pace, chairman of the Joint and Iraq Accountability Act.’’ Chiefs, said that homosexuality is ‘‘im- home before the 5th anniversary of this war While I have opposed this war from the be- passes. moral’’ and that the ban on open service ginning, our duty now is to resolve this conflict should therefore not be changed. Would Pace That is why I urge my colleagues to vote in as quickly as possible. We must stabilize the call Turing ‘‘immoral’’? favor of this bill. country, protect innocent Iraqis, and lay the f Since 1993, I have had the rich satisfaction groundwork to return our troops to their fami- of knowing and working with many openly lies. IN MEMORY OF BOB HATTOY gay and lesbian Americans, and I have come We were lead into war on the basis of false to realize that ‘‘gay’’ is an artificial cat- presumptions drawn from faulty intelligence. HON. JANE HARMAN egory when it comes to measuring a man or Our soldiers are now being attacked daily by woman’s on-the-job performance or commit- OF CALIFORNIA anonymous road-side bombs that the factions IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES ment to shared goals. It says little about the fighting in a civil war are targeting against our person. Our differences and prejudices pale troops—whom we were told would be greeted Wednesday, March 21, 2007 next to our historic challenge. Gen. Pace is as liberators. Ms. HARMAN. Madam Speaker, Bob Hattoy entitled, like anyone, to his personal opin- ion, even if it is completely out of the main- Billions of taxpayer dollars have simply van- was a true American original. Sadly, he stream of American thinking. But he should ished in Iraq, while billions more have been passed away earlier this month due to AIDS- know better than to assert this opinion as given away in no-bid contracts or embezzled. related complications. His passionate voice on the basis for policy of a military that rep- At the same time, our troops are going without social justice and environmental issues helped resents and serves an entire nation. Let us the body armor and the advanced HUMVEE break down barriers and moved the country in end ‘‘don’t ask, don’t tell.’’ This policy has protections—such as the MRAP system—that a better direction. become a serious detriment to the readiness would reduce casualties. This is simply inex- Bob’s defining trait was his passion. He al- of America’s forces as they attempt to ac- cusable. ways fought hard for what he believed in—no complish what is arguably the most chal- Further, at the present time, according to a matter who or what stood in his way. This was lenging mission in our long and cherished survey by USA Today and other media, 6 in especially true during his time as the Cali- history. 10 Iraqis (61 percent) believe their lives are fornia regional director for the Sierra Club.

VerDate Aug 31 2005 05:14 Mar 22, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00011 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 9920 E:\CR\FM\A21MR8.009 E21MRPT1 mstockstill on PROD1PC66 with REMARKS E604 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks March 21, 2007 Bob never wavered in fighting for issues such The patrollers’ primary function is to provide too heavy, too expensive, and too limited. I as protecting the California desert and pre- basic life support, first aid, rescue, and on-the- am confident, however, that America’s inge- venting offshore drilling along the coast. He slope transportation to injured resort guests. nuity and desire to take a global lead in bat- also worked to change the way the Sierra Besides first aid and winter rescue duties, vol- tery research will soon overcome the current Club operated, putting a more human face on unteer patrol members frequently assist with barriers to entry that exist for plug-in hybrid the organization. the skier safety program on the two-mile long vehicles. He never shied away from taking on people Mountain Run to ensure the general safety of My bill stimulates consumer demand by pro- in power—not even Presidents. With his char- the skiing/snowboarding public at Squaw Val- viding taxpayers a maximum tax credit of 10 acteristically sharp tongue, he described a ley. percent of the cost of any plug-in hybrid vehi- proposal to name a national forest after former Madam Speaker, both of these distin- cle up to a maximum $4,000 in the case of a President Reagan was like ‘‘naming a day- guished gentlemen have spent 35–40 days a plug-in with a 4kWh battery. Each additional care center after W.C. Fields.’’ year working as volunteers on the Squaw Val- kWh would get an extra $250 credit. This But it was in the debate over AIDS in Amer- ley Ski Patrol, providing for the health and model is based on the electric vehicle tax ica where Bob will truly be remembered. In safety of the skiers on the mountain. Richard credit. many ways, he helped transform the debate Paradis joined the Squaw Valley National Ski Most auto manufacturers are already work- and became, as he joked, a ‘‘poster boy for Patrol in 1961 and Ralph Franzen in 1972. ing on plug-in hybrid vehicle technologies. I AIDS’’ in the process. They have provided care for countless injured believe with greater consumer demand, De- In 1992, nearly 2 years after being diag- skiers with every level of injury. Over the troit’s automakers can, and will produce vehi- nosed, Bob gave one of the most evocative course of their careers, Ralph Franzen and cles that meet the demands of consumers and and impassioned speeches at the Democratic Richard Paradis have received commenda- address concerns over foreign oil, high gas National Convention. The first person with tions for rescuing individuals from life threat- prices, and cleaner air. My bill is just one of AIDS to speak at a party convention, Bob ening situations and injuries. Today, they de- many ideas to help bring about this desired re- spoke honestly and frankly to millions of serve further recognition upon their retirement. sult. Americans. He became an icon in the AIDS Ralph and Richard are outstanding volun- f movement, and helped change the hearts and teers who have proven themselves over the TRIBUTE TO MR. LUCIOUS minds of many. years as certified instructors in first aid, out- CARROLL RICHARDSON I will always remember the unique way he door emergency care, toboggan, and rescue blended this passion for progressive issues equipment usage. These gentlemen have HON. ROBERT B. ADERHOLT with a charming sense of humor. It was his wit dedicated countless hours to training the cur- OF ALABAMA that often won over those who disagreed with rent generation of ski patrol men and women IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES him and endeared to him those he fought for. and, as a result, have received the admiration Though he will be missed, his legacy, reputa- and respect of their fellow Ski Patrol mem- Wednesday, March 21, 2007 tion and humor will live on. bers. Mr. ADERHOLT. Madam Speaker, I would f Ralph Franzen and Richard Paradis truly like to recognize Mr. Lucious Carroll Richard- are heroes to the many they have helped save son, known to his friends as ‘‘Sonny,’’ who re- PERSONAL EXPLANATION and mend over the years. They are out- tired from the Alabama Department of Vet- standing representatives of the community eran’s Affairs on August 31, 2006. He is a HON. K. MICHAEL CONAWAY who have proven records of commitment to man who truly embodies the American prin- OF TEXAS public service and their fellow man. ciples of hard work, patriotism, dedication to IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Thank you, Ralph Franzen and Richard one’s family and service to one’s community. Paradis, for your years of dedicated service. For the past 30 years, the veterans in Walk- Wednesday, March 21, 2007 f er County, AL, have had no better friend than Mr. CONAWAY. Madam Speaker, on rollcall Sonny Richardson. During that time he unself- No. 157, H. Res. 138—Recognizing the impor- PLUG-IN HYBRID VEHICLES ishly served Walker County and the State of tance of Hot Springs National Park on its Alabama with great dedication and distinction. 175th Anniversary. Had I been present, I HON. DAVE CAMP He worked tirelessly to ensure our veterans would have voted ‘‘yea.’’ OF MICHIGAN and their families received the benefits they f IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES had earned. His one driving goal was simply Wednesday, March 21, 2007 to help people. As Sonny once said, ‘‘this job TRIBUTE TO RALPH FRANZEN AND is not a position, it is a calling. If you are not RICHARD PARADIS Mr. CAMP of Michigan. Madam Speaker, interested in helping people, then you do not today I am introducing legislation that aims to need to be in this job’’. HON. JOHN T. DOOLITTLE help propel the introduction of plug-in hybrid Sonny began his career with the Alabama OF CALIFORNIA vehicles by automobile manufacturers. These Department of Veterans Affairs in January IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES clean, efficient, high performance vehicles 1977. At that point there were approximately have the potential to reduce the nation’s de- Wednesday, March 21, 2007 6,800 veterans in Walker County receiving ap- pendence on foreign oil, lower emissions, and proximately $4,800,000 in benefits. Today, Mr. DOOLITTLE. Madam Speaker, today I help the nation’s auto manufacturer’s move more than $19,400,000 in benefits are distrib- wish to recognize and honor two fine volun- forward into the nextgeneration of advanced uted to approximately the same number of teers, Ralph Franzen and Richard Paradis, technology vehicles. veterans. It was also on his watch that a new upon their retirement after years of service en- Government mandates are no substitute for Veterans Clinic was opened at Walker Baptist suring the health and safety of the residents of the power of capital markets. That is why my Medical Center in Jasper. In 1987, he rose to California on the slopes of the famed and his- bill is aimed squarely at consumers. Providing the rank of district manager and upon his re- toric Squaw Valley Ski Resort. tax credits to consumers for the purchase of tirement was supervising two different districts Ralph and Richard both served on the any type of plug-in hybrid vehicle, allows peo- covering 21 counties in north Alabama. Squaw Valley National Ski Patrol (SVNSP), an ple to pick and choose the model that suits One of Sonny’s better known accomplish- organization of approximately 95 unpaid volun- their needs and preferences. The goal of this ments was his role in Walker County’s annual teers who are trained in outdoor emergency legislation is to stimulate consumer interest in Veterans Day parade. For 21 years he was care, CPR, and winter rescue. They combined these new vehicle technologies. the organizer of the parade. Due to his leader- first aid and skiing skills to serve the ski area The current bottleneck for producing plug-in ship the event grew to become the second and public at Squaw Valley USA near Lake vehicles is battery technology. The Administra- largest Veterans Day parade in the State of Tahoe, California. While on duty at Squaw tion has proposed millions of new research Alabama. He turned over the reins as orga- Valley, patrollers are agents of the resort and dollars aimed at advanced battery technology. nizer 5 years ago to concentrate more on work under the direction of the Squaw Valley This type of research is important. Break- serving the needs of the veterans in Walker Ski Patrol Department. Together with the paid throughs are needed to usher today’s concept County. However, the Walker County Veterans patrol staff, they are always among the first on plug-in vehicles into the showrooms and ready Day parade continues as an annual tradition. the mountain in the morning and the last off, for customer purchase. To date, the types of Sonny is a veteran of the United States regardless of weather or snow conditions. batteries needed to power cars and trucks are Army and retired with 20 years of service.

VerDate Aug 31 2005 05:14 Mar 22, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00012 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 9920 E:\CR\FM\A21MR8.013 E21MRPT1 mstockstill on PROD1PC66 with REMARKS March 21, 2007 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks E605 During his military career he earned two EQUIPMENT FOR OUR MILITARY consideration the bill (H.R. 1362) to reform Bronze Stars, one Meritorious Service Medal acquisition practices of the Federal Govern- and four Army Commendation Medals and ment: HON. NANCY E. BOYDA ´ served in Korea, Germany and Vietnam. Upon OF KANSAS Ms. VELAZQUEZ. Mr. Chairman, I would retiring from the Army, Sonny went back to IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES like to bring to the House’s attention the cor- respondence between myself and Chairman school and received his bachelor of science Wednesday, March 21, 2007 degree in criminal justice from the University WAXMAN. It deals with the jurisdictions of our of Alabama at Birmingham. Mrs. BOYDA of Kansas. Madam Speaker, respective committees. thanks to long contributions of our soldiers HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, COM- He is the recipient of numerous awards for and our veterans, America has amassed the his service to the veterans and the community. MITTEE ON OVERSIGHT AND GOV- most powerful military in the history of man- ERNMENT REFORM, In 1988 he was selected for the Fourth Con- kind. It is so powerful that we can almost Washington, DC, March 21, 2007. gressional District Distinguished Citizen Award imagine its resources are infinite. But they are Hon. NYDIA M. VELA´ ZQUEZ, and was the Walker County State Employee not. They are limited, and due to the ever-ex- Chairwoman, Committee on Small Business, of the Year for 1983, 1984 and 1985. He was panding, ever-deteriorating war in Iraq, they Washington, DC. DEAR CHAIRWOMAN VELA´ ZQUEZ: I am writ- also twice selected by the American Legion as are stretched dangerously thin. Our soldiers the Veterans Service Officer of the Year. ing to you concerning the jurisdictional in- and their families will never complain, but that terest of the Committee on Small Business Madam Speaker, it is a great privilege for is why we must speak for them. We must in H.R. 1362, the Accountability in Con- me to honor Lucious Carroll Richardson for his ask—no, demand—that they have the equip- tracting Act. many years of dedicated service to our Na- ment, training and support they need to suc- I recognize that the Committee on Small tion’s veterans. He has had an enduring im- ceed. And today, they do not. Business has a valid claim to jurisdiction pact on his country, community, friends and Since the Iraq war began in 2003, the Army over Section 102 of the bill, and I appreciate family. He is a man of great dignity and char- your decision not to request a sequential re- has lost nearly 2,000 wheeled vehicles and ferral. I recognize that your decision to forgo acter who takes pride in the accomplishments more than 100 armored vehicles. Almost half a sequential referral does not waive, reduce of those he has helped over the years. It is of the U.S. Army’s entire supply of ground or otherwise affect the jurisdiction of the clear that he has been a friend and advocate equipment is now deployed in the Middle East. Committee on Small Business. Furthermore, to the veterans of Walker County and the en- The constant demands of combat and the I will support your request for representa- tire surrounding area. Madam Speaker, no treacherous terrain are wearing out equipment tives of the Small Business Committee to be doubt Sonny will be greatly missed in his posi- at up to nine times the usual rate. conferees on the provisions over which you tion with the Department of Veterans Affairs. America’s military is overburdened, and now have jurisdiction during any House-Senate However, I know that Sonny will still remain a our nation must seriously discuss how best to conference. I am grateful for the accommo- dation that you have shown the Oversight friend to those who have served their country. deploy our depleted forces against the dan- Committee. Sonny is an inspiring role model for all of us gers of our day. In this age when we face so A copy of this letter, as well as your ac- and I join his friends, family and colleagues in many perils, from sinister terrorists to an un- companying letter, will be included as part wishing him God’s richest blessings in his re- stable North Korea to a belligerent Iran, do we of the Congressional Record during consider- tirement. truly want to devote so many precious re- ation of this bill by the House of Representa- sources to an open-ended Iraq war? Or has tives. Sincerely, f the time come to, responsibly and conscien- HENRY A. WAXMAN, tiously, hold the Iraqi government responsible Chairman. TRIBUTE TO THE COPPELL HIGH for its own stability? SCHOOL LARIETTES DRILL TEAM Congress has the duty to demand from HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, President Bush an unambiguous way forward. COMMITTEE ON SMALL BUSINESS, We should not dictate strategy, but we can Washington, DC, March 21, 2007. HON. KENNY MARCHANT and we must require the president to offer a Hon. HENRY WAXMAN, OF TEXAS plan to end the Iraq war and rebuild our stra- Chairman, Oversight and Government Reform Committee, House of Representatives, Wash- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES tegic readiness. Congress and the American ington, DC. people will no longer tolerate an unending Wednesday, March 21, 2007 DEAR MR. CHAIRMAN: I write with regard to war. There must be real progress, sooner H.R. 1362, the Accountability in Contracting Mr. MARCHANT. Madam Speaker, I rise rather than later. And if the president and the Act, a bill to reform the acquisition prac- today to congratulate the Coppell High School Iraqi leadership cannot deliver, we must rede- tices of the Federal Government. You intro- Lariettes Drill Team for earning the National ploy our troops. duced it on March 6, 2007, and was considered Championship at the Contest of Champions in I believe, to the core of my being, that our on the House floor on March 15, 2007 subject to a rule. The bill was referred to the Over- Orlando’s Walt Disney World of Sports com- strategic readiness cannot survive an endless conflict in Iraq. We must make these important sight and Government Reform Committee on plex on March 3–5, 2007. This is the second the Armed Services Committee. National Championship in 4 years for the decisions based on the reality of the situation, The bill that was reported to the House in- Coppell Lariettes. not or where we wish we were. And so, in cluded Section 102 that would directly affect The Lariettes competed against 50 schools order to preserve the strength of the American contracting programs contained within the Small Business Act—including the program from across the Nation and took first-place armed forces and hold President Bush ac- countable, I am supporting the Iraq Account- established by Section 8(a) of the Small honors in all categories they competed in to Business Act (15 USC 637), the HUBZone pro- earn the National Championship award. ability Act. I urge my colleagues to do the same. If they refuse to do so, if they cast their gram (15 USC 657a), and the service-disabled Each of the 69 Lariettes worked tirelessly to veteran procurement program (15 USC 637f)— ballots for a stay-the-course strategy, then that rely on agencies awarding government perfect their intricate routines. Dedication, hard they are telling President Bush that everything work and discipline were necessary for the contracts without competition. These three is fine in Iraq—that it is OK to stretch our mili- programs are included within the exceptions dancers to achieve the standard of excellence tary to the breaking point. And that’s just not to non-competitive procurement procedures required for a first-place finish. right. contained in 41 USC 253(c) in paragraph (5) Besides dancing, the Coppell Lariettes f which allows contracts to be awarded with- achieve high marks academically in addition to out competition if they are covered by other other disciplines such as singing, acting, video ACCOUNTABILITY IN statutes. production, art, journalism and sports. CONTRACTING ACT I wish to make clear that the Small Busi- ness Committee does not waive its jurisdic- I would like to congratulate the Lariette di- SPEECH OF tion over the subject matter contained in rector, Julie Jones on her exceptional work ´ those sections. My support of the bill was with this group of dancers and The Lariette HON. NYDIA M. VELAZQUEZ provided with the understanding that you Service Organization for organizing fund rais- OF NEW YORK and I agree that the referral and consider- ing and team events. IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES ation of the bill does not in any way serve as Thursday, March 15, 2007 a jurisdictional precedent for our two com- Again, I offer my congratulations to the mittees. Coppell High School Lariettes Drill Team for The House in Committee of the Whole The parliamentarian and Speaker’s offices an outstanding achievement. House on the State of the Union had under have recognized that the Small Business

VerDate Aug 31 2005 05:32 Mar 22, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00013 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A21MR8.018 E21MRPT1 mstockstill on PROD1PC66 with REMARKS E606 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks March 21, 2007 Committee would have been granted a refer- troops and nothing to do with fighting the wars HONORING LINDA TREXLER ral if it was so requested. I appreciate your in Iraq and Afghanistan. In fact, many projects recognition that Section 102 falls under the jurisdiction of the Small Business Com- in the bill simply don’t belong. However, much HON. TOM DAVIS mittee. Additionally, I hope in the future of the extra non-defense spending in the bill is OF VIRGINIA you would provide for similar consideration for important and vital programs and I find it IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES and accommodation when the House Small sad that we have to use this supplemental Wednesday, March 21, 2007 Business Committee considers legislation spending bill to fund them. I say sad, Madam that may fall under the jurisdiction of our Mr. TOM DAVIS of Virginia. Madam Speak- respective committees. Speaker, because the fact that the bill in- er, I rise today to honor Linda Trexler, Prin- I will insert this letter in the Congres- cludes things like $2.9 billion for Katrina recov- cipal of Neabsco Elementary School, upon sional Record as part of the debate on H.R. ery, $2.6 billion for homeland security, and being selected as the Prince William County 1362. $750 million for children’s health care is a tes- Distinguished Educational Leadership Award Sincerely, tament to the dereliction of duty exhibited by winner and being named Prince William Coun- NYDIA M. VELA´ ZQUEZ, the rubber stamp 109th Congress. We have to ty Principal of the Year. Chairwoman, House Committee The Washington Post presents annual on Small Business. fund these vital programs in this year’s emer- gency spending bill because our predecessors awards to outstanding educators who ‘‘day f after day go beyond the challenges of the left Washington last year without passing a highly demanding profession to create excep- IN RECOGNITION OF THE DISTIN- budget and without doing their jobs. Madam tional educational environments for Wash- GUISHED VETERANS OF AMER- Speaker, this is a disgrace and I am so ICAN LEGION POST 143 ington area students.’’ Principal Trexler cer- pleased that there’s now a Democratic Con- tainly fits this definition. gress to clean up the mess that was left by For the past 7 years Principal Trexler has HON. MIKE ROGERS the Republican Congress on its way out. devoted herself to the success of her students OF ALABAMA In prior years, the Republican controlled at Neabsco Elementary School. Under her IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Congress was guilty of even more egregious leadership the school has become a fully ac- Wednesday, March 21, 2007 earmarks and runaway spending, such as the credited institution, a model of instructional im- Mr. ROGERS of Alabama. Madam Speaker, now infamous ‘‘Bridge to Nowhere’’ in Alaska. provement and has twice been named a School of Excellence in the Prince William I respectfully ask the attention of the House Seeing Congress waste taxpayers dollars on County Public School system. Additionally, the today to pay tribute to the distinguished vet- such frivolous projects is one reason why I de- school boasts a 90.1 percent SOL pass rate in erans of American Legion Post 143 in cided to run for Congress and it is why I have Dadeville, Alabama. math and a 91.4 percent SOL pass rate in lan- joined the fiscally conservative Blue Dog Coa- guage arts. These awards and statistics show In January, Post 143 held a special cere- lition. mony to honor twenty veterans of World War the unique impact that a principal, faculty and II and the Korean War. These senior members A major reason that we have all of these student body can achieve when motivated to of Post 143, like all distinguished military vet- extra projects in supplemental spending bills is reach the common goal of academic excel- erans of our Nation, offered their service in because President Bush irresponsibly refuses lence. It is plain to see that Principal Trexler uniform to a country and world in need. When to account for war spending in the regular has been able to lead her school to reach that they returned home, their commitment to budget process. This leads to war spending goal. Principal Trexler’s adoration and devotion to serve others and their country remained being brought up as so-called ‘‘emergency’’ her students has been accepted and returned strong. The Veterans honored included Donald spending bills, which Congress must pass in Black, Jim Black, Joseph Davis, Dwight Evers, by the faculty and student body. Upon hearing order to fund our troops. This fiscal reckless- about these awards, her students organized to Lamar Evers, Frank Farrow, Wayne Gilbert, ness when dealing with funding for our troops Marvin Greer, Leon Guy, Robert Huff, Herman write a song and create banners in her honor. is unique to the Bush administration. The Ko- This relationship built on respect and love for Kitchens, Joe McKelvey, Horace Moran, Hugh rean War only had one supplemental spending Owen, Roy Pugh, Jimmy Sanford, Paul Valen- education has created an atmosphere that de- bill, while the Vietnam War, which lasted elev- tine, and Millard White, all of whom have con- serves celebration and should be replicated en years, only had four. tinued to serve their community proudly throughout the schools of our area and our through their work with the American Legion. Madam Speaker, I’m not the type of person Nation. Madam Speaker, in closing, I would like to I salute all the veterans of Post 143 for their who points out problems without proposing a commend and congratulate Ms. Linda Trexler service and patriotism, and for proudly serving solution. The people of the 8th district sent me on her tireless efforts to ensure that the stu- the common good throughout their lives. here to lead, and that is exactly what I intend dents of Neabsco Elementary School receive f to do. For this reason, I have introduced H. the quality education they deserve. I call upon Res. 97, a bill to provide for Operation Iraqi CRITICIZING NON-DEFENSE SPEND- my colleagues to join me in applauding Prin- ING IN THE EMERGENCY WAR Freedom cost accountability. My bill, among cipal Trexler for receiving the 2007 Prince Wil- SUPPLEMENTAL other things, would require that funding for the liam County Distinguished Educational Leader- war in Iraq go through the regular budgeting ship Award and being named Prince William HON. PATRICK J. MURPHY process, rather than be funded through an County Principal of the Year. I wish Principal endless series of ‘‘emergency’’ spending bills. Trexler, her faculty and her students continued OF PENNSYLVANIA In my view, this would eliminate the ability to success in the years to come. IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES attach non-defense spending projects to a bill f Wednesday, March 21, 2007 that should be about one thing and one thing TRIBUTE TO U.S. ARMY PRIVATE Mr. PATRICK J. MURPHY of Pennsylvania. only: Providing for our troops. FIRST CLASS JOHN FRANCIS Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of the In closing, Madam Speaker, I do wish to say LANDRY, JR. supplemental spending bill for the wars in Iraq that there is a great deal to admire in this bill. and Afghanistan, but I also wish to register It provides our troops with the funding they some deep reservations I have with the bill. HON. MARTIN T. MEEHAN need to do their jobs. It provides for bench- OF MASSACHUSETTS While I applaud the bill for providing for our marks for the Iraqis and a timeline for bringing IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES troops serving bravely in the field, the bill con- our troops home. And it sends a message to tains $20 billion for programs and projects not Wednesday, March 21, 2007 President Bush that he no longer has a rubber related to funding and equipping our troops. Mr. MEEHAN. Madam Speaker, I rise today Making sure that our men and women in uni- stamp Congress that will keep funding this war to honor a true hero, Private First Class John form are well equipped is too important for without questioning him. I only wish we could Francis Landry, Jr., who gave his life in serv- playing politics, and I am extremely dis- have done all of this without these extra unre- ice to our country. appointed that these extraneous provisions lated projects. Still, it is important that we not Private First Class Landry was a resident of are included in the bill. let the perfect be the enemy of the good, and Lowell, a community in my Massachusetts dis- Madam Speaker, many projects funded in it is important to let the president know that it trict, and was deployed with the brave men the bill have nothing to do with equipping our is time to start bringing our troops home. and women serving in our armed forces on

VerDate Aug 31 2005 05:14 Mar 22, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00014 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 9920 E:\CR\FM\A21MR8.021 E21MRPT1 mstockstill on PROD1PC66 with REMARKS March 21, 2007 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks E607 October 31, 2006. John had served nearly 5 The IPCC report, which represents the most ate in creating and maintaining sound public months in Iraq, when his unit was ambushed comprehensive and up-to-date climate re- opinion and high idealism. in Baghdad on March 17, 2007. John had search, found that global warming is unequivo- The Woodbridge Kiwanis Club continues to been spending time on leave with his family in cal and that it is more than 90 percent prob- use these noble principles to guide their ef- Florida just 8 days before his tragic death in able that human activity is responsible for forts in the community to this day. It is plain that ambush. most of the warming of the past 50 years. to see that the club has played a fundamental John served as a rifleman with Company C, Madam Speaker, the time for ‘‘what-ifs’’ is role in making this area of Eastern Prince Wil- 2nd Battalion, 12th Cavalry Regiment, 4th Bri- over and the time for corrective action has ar- liam County a great place to live, work and gade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, rived. During this 110th Congress, we will de- play. based at Fort Bliss, Texas. He was 20 years bate the best ways to reverse the increased Madam Speaker, in closing, I would like to old, having been born on Christmas Day in accumulation of greenhouse gases. While we commend and congratulate all Kiwanians on 1986. may disagree on the particulars of this debate, the service they provide to their communities. John’s parents, John and Pamela, were it is clear that global warming is a real threat, Their tireless efforts on behalf of the next gen- proud of their son, not just for the supreme and the Global Warming Acknowledgement eration truly merit recognition. I call upon my sacrifice he paid on behalf of his country, but Resolution is a first step toward the develop- colleagues to join me in applauding the for the honor he brought to them as a soldier. ment of a comprehensive strategy. There are Woodbridge Kiwanis Club on its 60th anniver- Military service runs deep in the Landry family. 22 original cosponsors of the resolution, and I sary and in wishing them continued success in John’s grandfather was a member of the 82nd urge your support. Feel free to contact my the years to come. Airborne Division and his father served in the staff if you would like to sign on to this impor- f U.S. Marine Corps. All of his life, John dreamt tant legislation. PERSONAL EXPLANATION of becoming a part of that legacy of service, f and he died fulfilling that dream. Before joining the United States Army, John HONORING THE WOODBRIDGE HON. DANNY K. DAVIS KIWANIS CLUB attended Lowell Catholic High School where OF ILLINOIS he was remembered for his kindness, his apti- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES tude in the classroom and his hard-nosed HON. TOM DAVIS Wednesday, March 21, 2007 leadership a co-captain and as an offensive OF VIRGINIA and defensive lineman on the football team. IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Madam Speaker, I was unable to cast votes on the following leg- Lowell Catholic was nearly finished with a care Wednesday, March 21, 2007 package to send to John in Iraq when they islative measures on March 19. If I had been learned of his death. Mr. TOM DAVIS of Virginia. Madam Speak- present for rollcall votes on the following bills; As John’s aunt, Missy Surette, said: ‘‘All that er, I rise today to honor the 60th anniversary I would have voted ‘‘yea’’ on each. were fortunate enough to have had John as a of the Kiwanis Club of Woodbridge, Virginia. Rollcall No. 157: On Motion to Suspend the part of their lives, feel the sadness and loss In 1947, Frank Sigman and Carroll White Rules and Agree to the Resolution H. beyond words. Along with that sadness is a noticed a dearth of civic engagement in their Res.138—Recognizing the importance of Hot sense of honor and of being very proud of local Woodbridge community. Having been Springs National Park on its 175th anniver- John. We will forever keep him in our hearts.’’ previously exposed to Kiwanis, they decided sary. John died fighting for the country he loved, that the culture of civic and community en- Rollcall No. 158: On Motion to Suspend the alongside comrades he respected and with the gagement promoted by Kiwanis would greatly Rules and Pass H.R. 658—Natural Resource family he adored, forever in his heart. Our Na- benefit the area. They canvassed their neigh- Protection Cooperative Agreement Act. tion is humbled and grateful for his sacrifice. borhoods in an effort to create an interest in Rollcall No. 159: On Motion to Suspend the Madam Speaker, I ask that we all take a starting a Woodbridge club. This work paid off Rules and Pass H.R. 839—Arthur V. Watkins moment to recognize PFC John Francis and on March 22, 1947, the Woodbridge Dam Enlargement Act. Landry, Jr., United States Army, who paid the chapter was chartered. In fact, they were so f ultimate sacrifice fighting for our country. Our successful in creating support that more than INTRODUCTION OF A RESOLUTION Nation will be forever grateful. 200 people attended what turned out to be a HONORING AND RECOGNIZING f gala affair. Taking root from these strong seeds, the THE WORK OF THE MEALS ON INTRODUCTION OF THE GLOBAL club became a positive factor in shaping the WHEELS ASSOCIATION OF AMER- WARMING ACKNOWLEDGMENT development of Woodbridge. In the early days, ICA, ITS MEMBER SENIOR NUTRI- RESOLUTION the club helped establish a public water and TION PROGRAMS THROUGHOUT sewage system, create a rescue squad, obtain THE COUNTRY, AND THEIR AN- HON. NORMAN D. DICKS land for a little league and provided organiza- NUAL MARCH FOR MEALS CAM- PAIGNS OF WASHINGTON tional support for the creation of the Prince IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES William County Police Department and the for- mation of the Potomac Hospital. Wednesday, March 21, 2007 HON. FRANK A. LoBIONDO Currently, the club maintains its strong ties OF NEW JERSEY Mr. DICKS. Madam Speaker, today I am in- to the local community by working with the IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES troducing a bill that calls for a comprehensive local Boys and Girls Clubs, the Salvation and effective national program of mandatory, Army, Action in the Community Through Serv- Wednesday, March 21, 2007 market-based limits and incentives to slow, ice, Potomac Hospital’s Mobile Family Health Mr. LOBIONDO. Madam Speaker, I rise stop and reverse greenhouse gas emissions. Clinic, the Senior Citizen’s Center and the here today in support of a resolution honoring The Global Warming Acknowledgement Reso- Special Olympics to provide services and fi- and recognizing the work of the Means on lution also states that these corrective actions nancial support to those in need. Wheels Association of America, its member should not harm the economy unduly, and that Kiwanis is an international institution created senior nutrition programs throughout the coun- they should be designed in a way to encour- to ‘‘serve the children of the world.’’ They were try, and their annual March for Meals cam- age other countries to take similar steps to founded on six guiding principles that continue paigns. mitigate global warming. to lead their activities to this day. These six Today, mayors and Meals on Wheels volun- As the producer of roughly one-quarter of permanent ‘‘Objects of Kiwanis’’ are: to give teers in all 50 States will join together to de- the world’s greenhouse gas emissions—more primacy to the human and spiritual rather than liver meals to seniors. Mayors for Meals Day than any other country—the United States has to the material values of life; to encourage is part of March for Meals, a national cam- a responsibility to take the lead in confronting daily living of the Golden Rule; to promote the paign during the month of March to raise the threat of global warming. And with the re- adoption and application of higher social, busi- awareness of senior hunger and to encourage lease of the United Nations Intergovernmental ness, and professional standards; to develop action on the part of local communities. The Panel on Climate Change’s most recent report by precept and example a more intelligent, ag- month of March was chosen because it was in February, it is clear that the U.S. Congress gressive and serviceable citizenship; to pro- during this month that the law was enacted must begin to act now to reduce greenhouse vide a practical means to form enduring friend- that included senior meal programs in the gases. ships; and better communities and to cooper- Older Americans Act.

VerDate Aug 31 2005 05:14 Mar 22, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00015 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 9920 E:\CR\FM\A21MR8.028 E21MRPT1 mstockstill on PROD1PC66 with REMARKS E608 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks March 21, 2007 This resolution recognizes the important RECOGNITION OF BILLY PERSONAL EXPLANATION work Meals on Wheels does in preventing WALKABOUT senior hunger and improving the quality of life HON. HARRY E. MITCHELL for hundreds of thousands of our Nation’s sen- HON. TOM COLE OF ARIZONA iors. It also encourages Members of Congress IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES to support their local senior nutrition programs OF OKLAHOMA Wednesday, March 21, 2007 by participating in their annual March for IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Meals events and delivering meals to home- Mr. MITCHELL. Mr. Speaker, due to the fact Wednesday, March 21, 2007 bound seniors in a community within their dis- that my flight reservation was inadvertently trict or State. Mr. COLE of Oklahoma. Madam Speaker, I canceled and I had to take a later flight, I While, due to our business in Washington, rise today to recognize the life of a great missed three rollcall votes. Had I been present, I would have voted in DC, today, I am unable to participate in this American and great Oklahoman, Billy favor of H. Res. 138, which passed 399–0 on year’s celebration, I have proudly participated Walkabout. Mr. Walkabout was the most deco- rollcall vote No. 157, H.R. 658, which passed in past Meals on Wheels Association of Amer- rated American Indian soldier in the Vietnam 390–10 on rollcall vote No. 158, and H.R. 839, ica’s March for Meals events. I have joined War, and this weekend his family will have the which passed 394–1 on rollcall vote No. 159. volunteers from Meals on Wheels organiza- great honor of laying him to rest at Arlington tions throughout my district in delivering meals National Cemetery. f and witnessed first hand both the need for Walkabout, a Cherokee, joined the Army NATIONAL MEDAL OF HONOR DAY these important programs and the incredible soon after graduating from U.S. Grant High dedication of their staff and volunteers. I en- School in Oklahoma in 1968. On November HON. NORMAN D. DICKS courage each of you to get involved with your 20, 1968, Army Ranger Sergeant Walkabout OF WASHINGTON local programs—whether you help prepare and 12 of his fellow soldiers were on a mis- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES meals, deliver meals, or just join local seniors sion behind enemy lines when they suddenly in enjoying their meals—your support can came under fire. The battle lasted several Wednesday, March 21, 2007 make a difference. hours, during which Sergeant Walkabout was Mr. DICKS. Madam Speaker, ladies and I also encourage you to join me as a co- seriously injured. Despite these injuries, gentlemen, Members of Congress, leaders of sponsor of this resolution which will give the Walkabout continued to provide life saving our armed forces and, of course, our treas- Meals on Wheels Association of America and measures to his wounded colleagues and help ured Medal of Honor recipients. Thanks to all its member programs the honor and recogni- them board evacuation helicopters—all while of you all for joining me in remembering the tion they so richly deserve. continuing to return fire. extraordinary achievements of our combat vet- Because of his incredible courage and valor, erans—particularly those who wear the Con- f Billy Walkabout received the Distinguished gressional Medal of Honor. It’s also a real Service Cross, 5 Silver Stars, 5 Bronze Stars pleasure once again to have the chance to be HONORING JUSTIN PAWLEY and the Purple Heart. with Bruce Crandall, who received his Medal Madam Speaker, it is an honor to be a recently at a White House ceremony that I at- Member of this House and to serve those tended earlier this month. When the President HON. RON LEWIS great Americans like Billy Walkabout. His serv- read the citation detailing the amazing heroism OF KENTUCKY ice, bravery and patriotism are true testaments that Bruce displayed in Vietnam, it was again a reminder to me of how special each of these IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES of his character. I am proud to stand before this House in recognition of the great life and individuals are and how important it is that we Wednesday, March 21, 2007 service of Mr. Billy Walkabout. provide adequate recognition to those who achieve this highest military commendation. Mr. LEWIS of Kentucky. Madam Speaker, f Out of more than 3,400 individuals to re- the right to vote is the cornerstone of our ceive this medal in our nation’s history, just American democracy. I rise today to honor Mr. CONGRATULATIONS GROVE JUN- 112 remain with us today. Justin Pawley, an exemplary individual from IOR HIGH DARE STUDENTS OF Their actions in battle, and their continued my Congressional District, who has fought THE YEAR efforts now as shepherds of patriotism, remind hard to protect and expand voter rights. us all how fortunate this Nation is to have men Mr. Pawley, a self-described political junkie, as brave as these among us. Your legacy and is one of millions of Americans living with HON. PETER J. ROSKAM lessons of sacrifice continue to inspire us to Down Syndrome. His civic awareness and in- OF ILLINOIS act with loyalty where we work, live and serve; terest in our political system motivated him to IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES to walk with courage when obstacles hinder us utilize his right to vote in 2000. Sadly, Mr. from the right path. Wednesday, March 21, 2007 Pawley was turned away due to a State stat- I am honored to be able to serve in my ca- ute that prevented adults with guardians to Mr. ROSKAM. Madam Speaker, I rise today pacity as a member of the United States Con- vote in the Commonwealth. Soon thereafter, to congratulate the DARE Students of the gress, and am proud to be an original co- he began a 7 year effort to correct this injus- Year from Grove Junior High School in Elk sponsor of this resolution creating the National tice. Grove Village. Medal of Honor day. You have been recog- Mr. Pawley has demonstrated remarkable These students participated in the Grove nized by your Nation’s leadership with the courage and determination through his work Junior High DARE program during the 2006– highest medal of military distinction. Now your with State and local officials to get his right to 2007 school year to learn about the harmful fellow citizens will always recognize you with vote. The Justin Pawley Act was introduced in effects of drugs and alcohol. In recognition of a day in your honor. the Kentucky Legislature last year to allow their outstanding classroom participation and Thank you for your bravery that brought thousands of individuals with guardians the positive attitude, Anthony White and Christian America to where she is today, and thank you right to vote in the Commonwealth of Ken- Barajas were named DARE Students of the for all that you continue do to demonstrate the tucky. Mr. Pawley’s quest came one step clos- Year and Jaela Gibsob and Dahee Will were values of loyalty, sacrifice, integrity, and cour- er to realization last week when the bill named runners-up. age. passed both houses of the Kentucky State These students have learned to resist peer f Legislature. pressure and live productive drug, gang, and NATIONAL AGRICULTURE DAY Mr. Pawley’s relentless pursuit of his right to violence-free lives. I commend these students vote is an inspiring example of how one per- for their hard work and encourage them to HON. MARK E. SOUDER continue to set a good example for their son can make an important difference in our OF INDIANA peers. political process. It is my honor to recognize IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Justin Pawley today before the entire House Anthony, Christian, Jaela, and Dahee, your of Representatives. He is an outstanding cit- families, your school, and your community are Wednesday, March 21, 2007 izen worthy of our collective appreciation and extremely proud of what you’ve accomplished. Mr. SOUDER. Madam Speaker, I rise today respect. I wish you all the best in the future. in recognition of National Agriculture Day,

VerDate Aug 31 2005 05:14 Mar 22, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00016 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 9920 E:\CR\FM\A21MR8.033 E21MRPT1 mstockstill on PROD1PC66 with REMARKS March 21, 2007 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks E609 which is celebrated each year on the first day TRIBUTE TO BISHOP ROGER L. HONORING LANCE CORPORAL of spring. JONES, SR. NATHAN WINDSOR With more than 8,000 farms, Madam Speak- HON. DARLENE HOOLEY er, agriculture plays a critical role in the econ- HON. DALE E. KILDEE omy of the Third District. We lead the state of OF OREGON Indiana in the production of cattle and calves, OF MICHIGAN IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES dairy products, sheep, and goats. As a state, IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Wednesday, March 21, 2007 Indiana has long been among the leading pro- Ms. HOOLEY. Madam Speaker, I rise today ducers of corn and soybeans—planting more Wednesday, March 21, 2007 to honor the life of a fallen American hero. than 11 million acres—and we are first in the Mr. KILDEE. Madam Speaker, I rise today Last Saturday, Lance Corporal Nathan Wind- nation in duck production, supplying approxi- to pay tribute to Bishop Roger L. Jones, Sr. as sor made his final sacrifice on behalf of a mately 30 percent of the nation’s total. he is appointed Jurisdictional Bishop of the grateful nation while on patrol in the Anbar Because of the hard work and dedication of Southeast Michigan Ecclesiastical Jurisdiction province of Iraq. farmers and ranchers, Americans have be- of the Church of God in Christ. Nathan understood that citizenship meant responsibility and that great sacrifices would come accustomed to a safe, abundant, and af- After graduating from Saints College Church fordable supply of food and fiber. Even more be required in order to secure our freedoms of God in Christ at Lexington, Mississippi in and to serve our country in its time of need. remarkable, and often overlooked, is the fact 1960, Bishop Roger Jones Sr. moved to Flint Well aware of the danger and more than that farmers and ranchers feed and clothe this Michigan and founded Greater Holy Temple willing to endure the risks, Nathan selflessly nation with an increasing levels of concern for COGIC in 1963. Bishop Jones quickly estab- charged into chaos to help the people of Iraq environmental stewardship and animal wel- lished himself as an up and coming leader in secure a peace and work toward a self-gov- fare. The well-being of livestock and the sus- the Church of God in Christ. Appointed District erning society. tainability of the land is a top priority. Indeed, Superintendent in 1965 by Bishop J.S. Bailey, It saddens me, Madam Speaker, to come I have seen firsthand in my district the adop- he also served as the Chair of the State Fi- before you again to ask that my colleagues tion of best-management practices to con- nance Committee the same year. Over the join in mourning the loss of yet another young serve soil, nutrients, and water, as well as next several years Bishop Jones has also American who has made the ultimate sacrifice. crop protection products that not only improve served in the following capacities: Chairman of Nathan gave his all before fully experiencing the viability of agriculture but also prevent State Expediting Committee, Vice-Chair and the many freedoms for which he fought. His flooding and improve water quality for cities Chair of the State Elders Council, the National aspirations to become a movie producer will and towns downstream. Platform Chair for the International Youth Con- never be realized because his life and dreams were tragically cut short. In addition, as we are all aware, our country gress, Vice-Chair of the International Trustee Words alone cannot express the anger, Board, and Chair of the International Trustee is now turning to the American farmer and frustration and pain felt by the thousands Board. rancher to help solve our energy crisis. We whose lives he touched, but we have an obli- have placed a new interest in ethanol, and the Bishop Jones was consecrated a Bishop of gation to ensure that future generations of agriculture industry has responded with vigor. the Third Ecclesiastical Jurisdiction of South Americans inherit a land worthy of his sac- Our goal of 7.5 billion gallons of ethanol will West Michigan in 1985. Along with his wife, rifice. be attained by 2009 rather than 2012 as was Evangelist Sandra Smith Jones, Bishop Jones We are all indebted to Nathan’s spirit and expected. Some may say that our food supply continues to affirm his faith every day and sacrifice. It is now, and will be forever, our is threatened by the push for ethanol. How- espouse the guiding principles of the Church turn to repay the debt. Let us recommit our- ever, our farmers and ranchers have risen to of God in Christ. He strives to bring all to selves in this chamber to work even harder the call before and will become an important know Jesus Christ as their personal Savior. and to do our part to make sound decisions part of our energy solution. about matters of peace and war. Madam Speaker, I ask the House of Rep- I join all Oregonians, and all Americans, in Madam Speaker, agriculture’s contributions resentatives to join me in congratulating expressing my deepest condolences to the to America’s economy, culture, and history Bishop Roger L. Jones, Sr. as he is appointed family of Nathan Windsor for their loss. Our should be celebrated, and I ask that my col- the Jurisdictional Bishop of Southeast Michi- community is greater because of Nathan’s leagues join with me in wishing our farmers gan and pray that he continues to work dili- short presence and we are certainly lessened and ranchers continued success in the years gently to make a better life and future for his by his passing. ahead. congregation and the people of Michigan.

VerDate Aug 31 2005 05:14 Mar 22, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00017 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A21MR8.039 E21MRPT1 mstockstill on PROD1PC66 with REMARKS E610 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks March 21, 2007 SENATE COMMITTEE MEETINGS gia, to be Inspector General, Depart- 10:30 a.m. Title IV of Senate Resolution 4, ment of Defense, James R. Clapper, Jr., Appropriations of Virginia, to be Under Secretary of agreed to by the Senate on February 4, Defense Subcommittee Defense for Intelligence, and S. Ward To hold hearings to examine the pro- 1977, calls for establishment of a sys- Casscells, of Texas, to be an Assistant posed budget estimates for fiscal year tem for a computerized schedule of all Secretary of Defense. 2008 for the United States Navy. meetings and hearings of Senate com- SH–216 SD–192 mittees, subcommittees, joint commit- Judiciary Aging tees, and committees of conference. To hold oversight hearings to examine To hold hearings to examine affordable the Federal Bureau of Investigation. This title requires all such committees drug coverage that works for Wis- SD–106 to notify the Office of the Senate Daily consin, focusing on preserving senior Veterans’ Affairs Digest—designated by the Rules Com- care. To hold an oversight hearing to examine mittee—of the time, place, and purpose Department of Veterans Affairs and SD–562 of the meetings, when scheduled, and Department of Defense cooperation and 2:30 p.m. any cancellations or changes in the collaboration, focusing on health care Appropriations meetings as they occur. issues. Interior, Environment, and Related Agen- As an additional procedure along SR–418 cies Subcommittee with the computerization of this infor- 10 a.m. To hold hearings to examine proposed mation, the Office of the Senate Daily Commerce, Science, and Transportation budget estimates for fiscal year 2008 for Digest will prepare this information for To hold hearings to examine competition United States Forest Service. printing in the Extensions of Remarks and consumer choice relating to exclu- SD–124 sive sports programming. Commerce, Science, and Transportation section of the CONGRESSIONAL RECORD SR–253 on Monday and Wednesday of each Space, Aeronautics, and Related Agencies Finance Subcommittee week. To hold hearings to examine opportuni- Meetings scheduled for Thursday, To hold hearings to examine ties and challenges in the U.S.-China transitioning to a next generation March 22, 2007 may be found in the economic relationship. Human Space Flight System. Daily Digest of today’s RECORD. SD–215 SR–253 MEETINGS SCHEDULED Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions 3 p.m. To hold hearings to examine the Em- Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions ployee Free Choice Act, focusing on re- To hold hearings to examine No Child MARCH 26 storing economic opportunity for Left Behind Reauthorization, focusing 2 p.m. working families. Armed Services SD–430 on effective strategies for engaging Emerging Threats and Capabilities Sub- 1 p.m. parents and communities in schools. committee Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions SD–430 To receive a briefing on the reorganiza- To hold hearings to examine ensuring 3:30 p.m. tion of the Office of the Under Sec- safe medicines and medical devices for Armed Services retary of Defense for Policy. children. Personnel Subcommittee SR–232A SD–430 To hold hearings to examine active com- Energy and Natural Resources 2:30 p.m. ponent, reserve component, and civil- To hold hearings to examine the progress Intelligence ian personnel programs in review of the of the European Union’s Emissions To hold closed hearings to examine intel- Defense Authorization Request for fis- Trading Scheme and to receive infor- ligence matters. cal year 2008 and the future years De- mation on lessons learned for policy- SH–219 fense Program. makers who want to better understand SR–232A how a market-based trading program MARCH 28 could operate efficiently and effec- 9:30 a.m. MARCH 29 tively in the United States. Armed Services 9:15 a.m. SD–G50 To hold hearings to examine the Stra- Appropriations Indian Affairs tegic Forces Program in review of the To hold an oversight hearing to examine Labor, Health and Human Services, Edu- Defense Authorization Request for fis- Indian trust fund litigation. cation, and Related Agencies Sub- cal year 2008 and the future years De- SR–485 committee fense Program. 9:30 a.m. To hold hearings to examine proposed SR–232A budget estimates for fiscal year 2008 for Joint Economic Committee Foreign Relations mind, brain and behavioral research at To hold hearings to examine the current To hold hearings to examine an update the National Institutes of Health. economic outlook. on Iran. SD–116 SH–216 SD–419 2:30 p.m. 9:45 a.m. Veterans’ Affairs Homeland Security and Governmental Af- Appropriations To hold joint hearings with the House fairs Labor, Health and Human Services, Edu- Committee on Veterans’ Affairs to ex- Oversight of Government Management, the cation, and Related Agencies Sub- amine the legislative presentation of Federal Workforce, and the District of committee AMVETS, American Ex-Prisoners of Columbia Subcommittee To hold hearings to examine proposed War, Military Order of the Purple To hold hearings to examine a review of budget estimates for fiscal year 2008 for Heart, Gold Star Wives of America, the Real ID Act of 2005 and the pro- the Department of Labor. Fleet Reserve Association, the Retired posed regulations released by the De- SD–124 Enlisted Association, Military Officers partment of Homeland Security on 10 a.m. Association of America, and the Na- March 1, 2006, implementing Act, focus- Finance tional Association of State Directors of ing on efforts to secure drivers’ li- To hold hearings to examine risks and censes and identification cards. Veterans Affairs. reform, focusing on the role of cur- SD–106 SD–342 rency in the U.S.-China relationship. 2:30 p.m. 3 p.m. SD–215 Intelligence Judiciary Commerce, Science, and Transportation Closed business meeting and hearing re- Human Rights and the Law Subcommittee Oceans, Atmosphere, Fisheries, and Coast To hold hearings to examine the problem Guard Subcommittee garding certain intelligence matters. of human trafficking and the legal op- To hold hearings to examine the future SH–219 tions to stop the problem. of the Coast Guard Dive Program. SD–226 SR–253 APRIL 10 Rules and Administration 10 a.m. MARCH 27 Business meeting to consider S. 223, to Commerce, Science, and Transportation 9:30 a.m. require Senate candidates to file des- To hold an oversight hearing to examine Armed Services ignations, statements, and reports in the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). To hold hearings to examine the nomina- electronic form. SR–253 tions of Claude M. Kicklighter, of Geor- SR–301

VerDate Aug 31 2005 05:14 Mar 22, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00018 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\M21MR8.000 E21MRPT1 mstockstill on PROD1PC66 with REMARKS March 21, 2007 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks E611 APRIL 11 and casualty insurance in the Gulf APRIL 25 9:30 a.m. Coast and other coastal regions. 2 p.m. Veterans’ Affairs SD–538 Veterans’ Affairs To hold hearings to examine issues rel- To hold an oversight hearing to examine ative to Filipino veterans. APRIL 17 the Department of Veterans Affairs, fo- SR–418 10 a.m. cusing on mental health issues. 10 a.m. Judiciary SR–418 Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs To hold an oversight hearing to examine To hold hearings to examine the avail- the Department of Justice. ability and affordability of property SD–106

VerDate Aug 31 2005 05:14 Mar 22, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00019 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\M21MR8.000 E21MRPT1 mstockstill on PROD1PC66 with REMARKS Wednesday, March 21, 2007 Daily Digest Senate Rejected: Chamber Action By 47 yeas to 51 nays (Vote No. 83), Kyl/Graham Routine Proceedings, pages S3453–S3545 Amendment No. 507, to protect families, family Measures Introduced: Eleven bills and four resolu- farms and small businesses by raising the death tax tions were introduced, as follows: S. 946–956, S. exemption to $5 million and reducing the maximum Res. 114–116, and S. Con. Res. 22. Pages S3516–17 death tax rate to no more than 35%, to extend col- lege tuition deduction, to extend the student loan Measures Considered: interest deduction, to extend the teacher classroom Budget Resolution: Senate continued consideration deduction, to protect senior citizens from higher of S. Con. Res. 21, setting forth the congressional taxes on their retirement income, to maintain U.S. budget for the United States Government for fiscal financial market competitiveness, and to promote year 2008 and including the appropriate budgetary economic growth by extending the lower tax rates levels for fiscal years 2007 and 2009 through 2012, on dividends and capital gains. Pages S3494–98, S3504 taking action on the following amendments proposed By 46 yeas to 52 nays (Vote No. 85), Sessions thereto: Pages S3453–S3512 Modified Amendment No. 466, to exclude the ex- Adopted: tension of tax relief provided in 2001 and 2003 from Collins Amendment No. 480, to provide for a points of order provided in the resolution and other deficit-neutral reserve fund for permanently extend- budget points of order. Page S3505 ing and increasing the above-the-line deduction for By 47 yeas to 51 nays (Vote No. 86), Ensign teacher classroom supplies and expanding such de- Amendment No. 476, to ensure that our troops serv- duction to include qualified professional develop- ing in harm’s way remain America’s top budget pri- ment expenses. Pages S3471–75 ority by ensuring full funding for the Department of By 97 yeas to 1 nay (Vote No. 82), Baucus Defense within the regular appropriations process, Amendment No. 492, to provide tax relief to middle reducing reliance on supplemental appropriations class families and small businesses and to expand bills, and by improving the integrity of the Congres- sional budget process. Pages S3454–58, S3505 health insurance coverage for children. Pending: Pages S3468–71, S3503–04 By 63 yeas to 35 nays (Vote No. 84), Cornyn DeMint Amendment No. 489, to establish a re- serve fund for Social Security reform. Pages S3464–66 Amendment No. 477, to provide for a budget point of order against legislation that increases income Allard Amendment No. 491, to pay down the Federal debt and eliminate government waste by re- taxes on taxpayers, including hard-working middle- ducing spending on programs rated ineffective by income families, entrepreneurs, and college students. the Program Assessment Rating Tool. Pages S3466–68 Page S3504 Grassley/Dorgan Amendment No. 464, to limit By a unanimous vote of 98 yeas (Vote No. 87), farm payments to $250,000 per person per year and Bunning/Enzi Amendment No. 483, to provide a apply the savings to renewable energy/rural develop- point of order against any budget resolution that ment, conservation, and nutrition. fails to achieve an on-budget balance within 5 years. Pages S3482–83, S3488 Pages S3458–61, S3505–06 Grassley Amendment No. 502, to ensure the ap- By 97 yeas to 1 nay (Vote No. 88), Bingaman propriate use of funds provided for the Smithsonian Amendment No. 486, to provide additional funding Institution. Pages S3483–87 resources in FY 2008 for investments in innovation Baucus/Rockefeller Amendment No. 504, to af- and education in order to improve the competitive- firm the Senate’s commitment to the reauthorization ness of the United States. of the State Children’s Health Insurance Program. Pages S3461–64, S3500, S3504–05 Pages S3487–94 D371

VerDate Aug 31 2005 05:55 Mar 22, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00001 Fmt 0627 Sfmt 0627 E:\CR\FM\D21MR7.REC D21MRPT1 mstockstill on PROD1PC66 with DIGEST D372 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — DAILY DIGEST March 21, 2007 Cornyn Amendment No. 511, to provide a def- ability Office; Charles Sandefur, Alliance for Food icit-neutral reserve fund for the reauthorization of Aid, Washington, D.C.; Tim Hamilton, Food Export the State Children’s Health Insurance Program Association of the Midwest USA, McLean, Virginia, (SCHIP) that will cover kids first. Pages S3498–S3503 on behalf of the Coalition to Promote U.S. Agricul- Hutchison Amendment No. 517, to provide tax tural Exports; David Kauck, CARE USA, Richmond, equity for citizens of states which do not have a state Vermont; and Joel Nelsen, California Citrus Mutual, income tax by providing for a permanent extension Exeter. of the state and local sales tax deduction from federal income taxes, now scheduled to expire at the end of APPROPRIATIONS: AIR FORCE 2007. Pages S3506–12 Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Defense A unanimous-consent agreement was reached pro- concluded a hearing to examine proposed budget es- viding that Senate continue consideration of the res- timates for fiscal year 2008 for Air Force, after re- olution at 9:30 a.m., on Thursday, March 22, 2007. ceiving testimony from Michael W. Wynne, Sec- Page S3545 retary, and General T. Michael Moseley, Chief of Nomination Confirmed: Senate confirmed the fol- Staff, USAF, both of the United States Air Force. lowing nomination: APPROPRIATIONS: DEPARTMENT OF W. Craig Vanderwagen, of Maryland, to be As- ENERGY sistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response, De- partment of Health and Human Services. Page S3545 Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Energy and Water Development concluded a hearing to ex- Messages from the House: Page S3516 amine proposed budget estimates for fiscal year 2008 Measures Referred: Page S3516 for the Department of Energy, after receiving testi- Additional Cosponsors: Pages S3517–18 mony from Raymond L. Orbach, Under Secretary of Energy for Science. Statements on Introduced Bills/Resolutions: Pages S3519–34 APPROPRIATIONS: THE JUDICIARY Additional Statements: Pages S3515–16 Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Finan- Amendments Submitted: Pages S3534–44 cial Services and General Government concluded a hearing to examine proposed budget estimates for Authorities for Committees to Meet: fiscal year 2008 for the federal judiciary, after receiv- Pages S3544–45 ing testimony from Julia S. Gibbons, Judge, U.S. Privileges of the Floor: Page S3545 Court of Appeals, Sixth Circuit Chair of the Budget Record Votes: Seven record votes were taken today. Committee of the Judicial Conference; and James C. (Total—88) Pages S3503, S3504, S3505, S3506 Duff, Director, Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts. Adjournment: Senate convened at 9:15 a.m., and adjourned at 7:52 p.m., until 9:30 a.m. on Thurs- POLICY OPTIONS day, March 22, 2007. (For Senate’s program, see the Committee on Armed Services: Subcommittee on Stra- remarks of the Acting Majority Leader in today’s tegic Forces concluded a hearing to examine nuclear Record on page S3545.) and strategic policy options, after receiving testi- mony from Robert L. Gallucci, Georgetown Univer- Committee Meetings sity Edmund A. Walsh School of Foreign Service, Washington, D.C.; Sidney B. Drell, Stanford Univer- (Committees not listed did not meet) sity, Palo Alto, California; and Keith B. Payne, Mis- souri State University Graduate Department of De- 2007 FARM BILL fense and Strategic Studies, Fairfax, Virginia. Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry: Com- mittee concluded a hearing to examine the perform- IRAN SANCTIONS ance of the United States trade and food aid pro- Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs: grams for the 2007 Farm Bill, after receiving testi- Committee concluded a hearing to examine assessing mony from Michael W. Yost, Administrator of the the effectiveness of the current United States’ sanc- Foreign Agricultural Service, Department of Agri- tions on Iran relating to minimizing potential culture; William Hammink, Director, Office of Food threats from Iran, after receiving testimony from R. for Peace, United States Agency for International Nicholas Burns, Under Secretary of State for Political Development; Thomas Melito, Director, Inter- Affairs; Stuart Levey, Under Secretary of the Treas- national Affairs and Trade, Governmental Account- ury for Terrorism and Financial Intelligence; and

VerDate Aug 31 2005 05:55 Mar 22, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00002 Fmt 0627 Sfmt 0627 E:\CR\FM\D21MR7.REC D21MRPT1 mstockstill on PROD1PC66 with DIGEST March 21, 2007 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — DAILY DIGEST D373 Mark Foulon, Acting Under Secretary of Commerce of treatment, diagnosis, and monitoring efforts, fo- for Industry and Security. cusing on the long-term health impacts from Sep- CONSUMER PRODUCT SAFETY tember 11, after receiving testimony from Mayor COMMISSION Michael R. Bloomberg, Edward Skyler, Deputy Mayor for Administration, Robin Herbert, World Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation: Sub- Trade Center (WTC) Medical Monitoring Program committee on Consumer Affairs, Insurance, and Data and Coordination Center at Mount Sinai, Kerry Automotive Safety concluded an oversight hearing to J. Kelly, New York City Fire Department Bureau of examine the Consumer Product Safety Commission, Health Services, Joan Reibman, Bellevue Hospital after receiving testimony from Nancy A. Nord, Act- WTC Environmental Health Center, and Jeanne ing Chairman, and Thomas H. Moore, Commis- Mager Stellman, Columbia University Mailman sioner, both of the United States Consumer Product School of Public Health, all of New York, New Safety Commission; Sally Greenberg, Consumers York; James Melius, New York State Laborers’ Union, Rachel Weintraub, Consumer Federation of Health and Safety Trust Fund, Albany; and Jeffrey America, and John C. Dean, National Association of L. Endean, Morris County Sheriff’s Office, State Fire Marshals, all of Washington, D.C.; and Succasunna, New Jersey. Frederick Locker, Toy Industry Association and Juve- nile Products Manufacturers Association, New York, NATIONAL SECURITY LETTERS New York, on behalf of the Consumer Product Safe- Committee on the Judiciary: Committee concluded a ty Commission Coalition of the National Association hearing to examine the findings of the Inspector of Manufacturers. General of the improper use of the National Security GLOBAL WARMING Letters by the Federal Bureau of Investigation relat- Committee on Environment and Public Works: Com- ing to the misuse of the Patriot Act powers, after re- mittee held a hearing to examine a perspective on ceiving testimony from Glenn A. Fine, Inspector global warming—an increase in the average tempera- General, Department of Justice. ture of the earth’s atmosphere, especially a sustained IDENTITY THEFT increase sufficient to cause climatic change, receiving Committee on the Judiciary: Subcommittee on Ter- testimony from former Vice President of the United rorism, Technology and Homeland Security con- States Al Gore. cluded a hearing to examine recent developments in- Hearing recessed subject to the call. volving the security of sensitive consumer informa- GOVERNMENT ACCOUNTABILITY OFFICE tion relating to identity theft and solutions for an Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Af- evolving problem, including S. 238, to amend title fairs: Committee concluded a hearing to examine an 18, United States Code, to limit the misuse of Social overview of Government Accountability Office assist- Security numbers, to establish criminal penalties for ance to Congressional oversight, focusing on past such misuse, after receiving testimony from Ronald work, and future challenges and opportunities, after J. Tenpas, Associate Deputy Attorney General, De- receiving testimony from David M. Walker, Comp- partment of Justice; Lydia B. Parnes, Director, Bu- troller General of the United States, Government reau of Consumer Protection, Federal Trade Commis- Accountability Office. sion; Joanne McNabb, California Office of Privacy Protection, Sacramento; Jim Davis, University of LONG-TERM HEALTH IMPACTS OF 9/11 California, Los Angeles; and Chris Jay Hoofnagle, Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions: University of California, Berkeley Boalt Hall School Committee concluded a hearing to examine a review of Law. h House of Representatives 1637; and 3 resolutions, H. Con. Res. 96; and H. Chamber Action Res. 258–259 were introduced. Pages H2820–21 Public Bills and Resolutions Introduced: 22 pub- Additional Cosponsors: Pages H2821–22 lic bills, H.R. 1615–1636; 1 private bill, H.R. Reports Filed: Reports were filed today as follows:

VerDate Aug 31 2005 05:55 Mar 22, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00003 Fmt 0627 Sfmt 0627 E:\CR\FM\D21MR7.REC D21MRPT1 mstockstill on PROD1PC66 with DIGEST D374 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — DAILY DIGEST March 21, 2007 H.R. 545, to amend the Omnibus Crime Control assistance (agreed to in the Committee of the Whole and Safe Streets Act of 1968 to clarify that terri- on Tuesday, March 20th). Pages H2765–66 tories and Indian tribes are eligible to receive grants Amendments offered in the Committee of the for confronting the use of methamphetamine, with Whole today: an amendment (H. Rept. 110–35, Pt. 2); Rejected: Supplemental report on H.R. 1433, to provide for Neugebauer amendment (No. 6 printed in Part B the treatment of the District of Columbia as a Con- of House Report 110–53) that sought to strike sec- gressional district for purposes of representation in tion 306 of the bill, which authorizes funds for eligi- the House of Representatives (H. Rept. 110–52, Pt. ble families to continue receiving voucher assistance 3); after the termination of the Disaster Voucher Pro- H.R. 1195, to amend the Safe, Accountable, gram (by a recorded vote of 185 ayes to 247 noes, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act: A Leg- Roll No. 168) and Pages H2752–59, H2763–64 acy for Users to make technical corrections, with an Price (GA) amendment (No. 7 printed in Part B amendment (H. Rept. 110–62); of House Report 110–53) that sought to strike sec- H. Res. 260, providing for consideration of H.R. tion 103 of the bill, which eliminates the prohibi- 1433, to provide for the treatment of the District of tion of use for match requirement (by a recorded Columbia as a Congressional district for purposes of vote of 93 ayes to 333 noes, Roll No. 169). representation in the House of Representatives (H. Pages H2759–60, H2762–63, H2764 Rept. 110–63); and Certain words used in debate were objected to and, on request, were taken down and read at the H. Res. 261, providing for consideration of H.R. Clerk’s desk. The Chair found that the words were 1591, making emergency appropriations for the fis- in violation of the spirit of debate and announced cal year ending September 30, 2007 (H. Rept. that the words would be stricken from the record 110–64). Pages H2819, H2820 and that the Member in question would not be al- Speaker: Read a letter from the Speaker wherein she lowed to proceed in debate for the remainder of the appointed Representative Schakowsky to act as legislative day. Subsequently, Representative Frank Speaker Pro Tempore for today. Page H2747 moved that the Member in question be allowed to Chaplain: The prayer was offered by the guest proceed in order on this day. Agreed to the Frank Chaplain, Rev. Thomas McCarthy, St. Paul Catholic motion by a yea-and-nay vote of 265 yeas to 160 Church, Salem, OH. Page H2747 nays, Roll No. 167. Pages H2760–62 H. Res. 254, the rule providing for consideration Gulf Coast Hurricane Housing Recovery Act of of the bill, was agreed to on Tuesday, March 20th. 2007: The House passed H.R. 1227, to assist in the provision of affordable housing to low-income fami- Suspensions: The House agreed to suspend the rules lies affected by Hurricane Katrina, by a recorded and pass the following measures: vote of 302 ayes to 125 noes, Roll No. 172. Consid- Joshua Omvig Veterans Suicide Prevention Act: eration of the measure began on Tuesday, March H.R. 327, amended, to direct the Secretary of Vet- 20th. Pages H2752–69 erans Affairs to develop and implement a com- Agreed to the Jindal motion to recommit the bill prehensive program designed to reduce the incidence to the Committee on Financial Services with instruc- of suicide among veterans, by a 2⁄3 yea-and-nay vote tions to report the same back to the House forthwith of 423 yeas with none voting ‘‘nay’’, Roll No. 174; with amendments, by a recorded vote of 249 ayes to Pages H2772–78, H2785–86 176 noes, with 1 voting ‘‘present’’, Roll No. 171. Agreed to amend the title so as to read: ‘‘To Subsequently, Representative Frank reported the bill amend title 38, United States Code, to direct the back to the House with the amendments and the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to develop and imple- amendments were agreed to. Pages H2766–69 ment a comprehensive program designed to reduce On a demand for a separate vote on a certain the incidence of suicide among veterans.’’. amendment agreed to in the Committee of the Page H2786 Whole on Tuesday, March 20th: Dr. James Allen Veteran Vision Equity Act: By a yea-and-nay vote of 242 yeas to 184 nays, H.R. 797, amended, to improve compensation bene- Roll No. 170, agreed to the Al Green (TX) amend- fits for veterans in certain cases of impairment of vi- ment (No. 5 printed in Part B of House Report sion involving both eyes, by a 2⁄3 yea-and-nay vote 110–53) that extends FEMA housing assistance for of 424 yeas with none voting ‘‘nay’’, Roll No. 175; evacuees of Hurricanes Katrina, Rita, and Wilma Pages H2778–82, H2786–87 until December 31, 2007 and provides tenant-based Agreed to amend the title so as to read: ‘‘To rental assistance upon termination of FEMA housing amend title 38, United States Code, to improve

VerDate Aug 31 2005 05:55 Mar 22, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00004 Fmt 0627 Sfmt 0627 E:\CR\FM\D21MR7.REC D21MRPT1 mstockstill on PROD1PC66 with DIGEST March 21, 2007 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — DAILY DIGEST D375 compensation benefits for veterans in certain cases of Permitting the use of the rotunda of the Capitol impairment of vision involving both eyes, to provide for a ceremony as part of the commemoration of for the use of the National Directory of New Hires the days of remembrance of victims of the Holo- for income verification purposes, to extend the au- caust: H. Con. Res. 66, to permit the use of the ro- thority of the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to provide tunda of the Capitol for a ceremony as part of the an educational assistance allowance for qualifying commemoration of the days of remembrance of vic- work study activities, and to authorize the provision tims of the Holocaust. Pages H2793–95 of bronze representations of the letter ‘‘V’’ for the Quorum Calls—Votes: Eight yea-and-nay votes and graves of eligible individuals buried in private ceme- four recorded votes developed during the proceedings teries in lieu of Government-provided headstones or of today and appear on pages H2761–62, markers.’’ Page H2787 H2763–64, H2764, H2765–66, H2768, H2769, Veterans’ Compensation Cost-of-Living Adjust- H2785, H2786, H2786–87, H2795, H2795–96, ment Act of 2007: H.R. 1284, to increase, effective and H2796–97. There were no quorum calls. as of December 1, 2007, the rates of compensation Adjournment: The House met at 10 a.m. and ad- for veterans with service-connected disabilities and journed at 1:05 a.m. the rates of dependency and indemnity compensation for the survivors of certain disabled veterans, by a 2⁄3 yea-and-nay vote of 418 yeas with none voting Committee Meetings ‘‘nay’’, Roll No. 176; Pages H2782–85, H2795 USDA’S RURAL DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMS Judicial Disclosure Responsibility Act: H.R. 1130, to amend the Ethics in Government Act of Committee on Agriculture: Subcommittee on Specialty 1978 to extend the authority to withhold from pub- Crops, Rural Development, and Foreign Agriculture lic availability a financial disclosure report filed by held a hearing to review the USDA rural develop- an individual who is a judicial officer or judicial em- ment programs and the agency’s rural development ployee, to the extent necessary to protect the safety proposal for the 2007 Farm Bill. Testimony was of that individual or a family member of that indi- heard from Tom Dorr, Under Secretary, Rural De- velopment, USDA; and public witnesses. vidual, by a 2⁄3 yea-and-nay vote of 415 yeas with none voting ‘‘nay’’, Roll No. 177; and COMMERCE, JUSTICE, SCIENCE AND Pages H2787–88, H2795–96 RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS Preventing Harassment through Outbound Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Com- Number Enforcement (PHONE) Act of 2007: H.R. merce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies held a 740, to amend title 18, United States Code, to pre- hearing on NOAA. Testimony was heard from vent caller ID spoofing, by a 2⁄3 yea-and-nay vote of VADM Conrad C. Lautenbacher, Administrator, 413 yeas to 1 nay, Roll No. 178. NOAA, Department of Commerce. Pages H2790–93, H2796–97 The Subcommittee also held a hearing on Depart- Suspension—Failed: The House failed to agree to ment of Justice Overview. Testimony was heard from suspend the rules and pass the following measure: public witnesses. Hawaiian Homeownership Opportunity Act of FINANCIAL SERVICES AND GENERAL 2007: H.R. 835, to reauthorize the programs of the GOVERNMENT APPROPRIATIONS Department of Housing and Urban Development for housing assistance for Native Hawaiians, by a 2⁄3 Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Finan- yea-and-nay vote of 262 yeas to 162 nays, Roll No. cial Services and General Government held a hearing 173. Pages H2769–72, H2785 on the Federal Judiciary. Testimony was heard from Julia Smith Gibbons, Circuit Judge, U.S. Court of Suspensions—Proceedings Postponed: The House Appeals for the Sixth Circuit; and James C. Duff, debated the following measures under suspension of Director, Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts. the rules. Further proceedings were postponed until Thursday, March 22nd: HOMELAND SECURITY APPROPRIATIONS Native American Methamphetamine Enforce- Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Home- ment and Treatment Act of 2007: H.R. 545, land Security held a hearing on Enhancing Privacy amended, to amend the Omnibus Crime Control and and Civil Rights While Meeting Homeland Security Safe Streets Act of 1968 to clarify that territories Needs. Testimony was heard from the following offi- and Indian tribes are eligible to receive grants for cials of the Department of Homeland Security: Hugo confronting the use of methamphetamine and Teufel III, Chief Privacy Officer; and Daniel Suther- Pages H2788–90 land, Office Civil Rights and Liberties; and Linda

VerDate Aug 31 2005 05:55 Mar 22, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00005 Fmt 0627 Sfmt 0627 E:\CR\FM\D21MR7.REC D21MRPT1 mstockstill on PROD1PC66 with DIGEST D376 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — DAILY DIGEST March 21, 2007 Koontz, Director, Information Management Issues, GEN Norton A. Schwartz, USAF, Commander, U.S. GAO. Transportation Command; and ADM James INTERIOR, ENVIRONMENT AND RELATED Stavridis, USN, Commander, U.S. Southern Com- AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS mand. Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Inte- DEFENSE COUNTERPROLIFERATION/ rior, Environment and Related Agencies held a hear- COUNTERTERRORISM ing on Holocaust Museum/National Gallery of Art/ Committee on Armed Services: Subcommittee on Ter- Commission on Fine Arts/National Capital Planning rorism, Unconventional Threats and Capabilities Commission/Advisory Council on Historic Preserva- held a hearing on Department of Defense tion. Testimony was heard from Sara Bloomfield, Di- counterproliferation, counterterrorism, and science rector, U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum; Earl A. and technology priorities. Testimony was heard from Powell III, Director, National Gallery of Arts and the following officials of the Department of Defense: Chairman, Commission of Fine Arts; and Thomas John Young, Director, Defense Research and Engi- Luebke, Secretary, Commission on Fine Arts; Patricia neering; James Tegnelia, Director, Defense Threat E. Gallagher, Executive Director, National Capital Reduction Agency; Anthony J. Tether, Director, De- Planning Commission; and John Fowler, Executive fense Advanced Research Project Agency; Thomas H. Director, Advisory Council on Historic Preservation. Killion, Deputy Assistant Secretary, Army, Research LABOR, HHS, EDUCATION AND RELATED and Technology; RADM William Landay III, USN, AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS Chief of Naval Research; and Terry Jaggers, Deputy Assistant Secretary, Air Force, Science, Technology Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Labor, and Engineering, Office of the Assistant Secretary, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Acquisition. Agencies held a hearing on Public Broadcasting. Testimony was heard from the following officials of CONCURRENT BUDGET RESOLUTION the Corporation for Public Broadcasting: Patricia FISCAL YEAR 2008 Harris, President and CEO; Cheryl Halpern, Chair- Committee on the Budget: Ordered reported, as amend- man, Board of Directors; and Kenneth A. Konz, In- ed, the Concurrent Resolution on the Budget for Fis- spector General; Ken Stern, CEO, National Public cal Year 2008. Radio; and Paula Kerger, CEP, Public Broadcasting ESEA REAUTHORIZATION Service. Committee on Education and Labor: Held a hearing on MILITARY CONSTRUCTION, VETERANS’ ESEA Reauthorization: Options for Improving AFFAIRS AND RELATED AGENCIES NCLB’s Measures of Progress. Testimony was heard APPROPRIATIONS from Peter McWalters, Commissioner, Department Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Mili- of Education, State of Rhode Island; Valerie A. tary Construction, Veterans’ Affairs and Related Woodruff, Secretary of Education, State of Delaware; Agencies continued appropriation hearings. Testi- and public witnesses. mony was heard from public witnesses. CLIMATE CHANGE PERSPECTIVES STATE, FOREIGN OPERATIONS AND Committee on Energy and Commerce: Subcommittee on RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS Energy and Air Quality and the Subcommittee on Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on State, Energy and Environment of the Committee on Foreign Operations and Related Programs held a Science and Technology held a joint hearing entitled hearing on International Affairs Budget. Testimony ‘‘Perspectives on Climate Change.’’ Testimony was was heard from Condoleezza Rice, Secretary of State. heard from former Vice President Al Gore, of TN; MILITARY COMMANDS BUDGET and a public witness. Committee on Armed Services: Held a hearing on the SHAREHOLDER VOTE ON EXECUTIVE Fiscal Year 2008 National Defense Authorization COMPENSATION PAY; COMMITTEE Budget Request from the U.S. Strategic Command, BUSINESS Northern Command, Transportation Command, and Committee on Financial Services: Began mark of H.R. Southern Command. Testimony was heard from the 1257, Shareholder Vote on Executive Compensation following officials of the Department of Defense: Act. GEN James E. Cartwright, USMC, Commander, Will continue tomorrow. U.S. Strategic Command; ADM Timothy J. Keating, The Committee also approved pending Committee USN, Command, NORAD and U.S. NORTHCOM; business.

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DRUG-RESISTANT TUBERCULOSIS THREAT authorizing the Chairman of the Committee on the Committee on Foreign Affairs: Subcommittee on Africa Judiciary to issue subpoenas to the following indi- and Global Health held a hearing on the Global viduals to secure testimony pursuant to the Commit- Threat of Drug-Resistant TB: A Call to Action for tee’s investigation concerning the recent termination World TB Day. Testimony was heard from Rep- of U.S. Attorneys and related subjects: D. Kyle resentative Engel; the following officials of the De- Sampson; Karl Rove, Harriet Miers; William Kelley; partment of State: Mark R. Dybul, Coordinator, Of- and Scott Jennings. fice of the U.S. Global AIDS Coordinator; and Kent MORTGAGES IN URBAN AMERICA R. Hill, Assistant Administrator, Bureau for Global Committee on Oversight and Government Reform: Sub- Health, U.S. Agency for International Development; committee on Domestic Policy held a hearing on Julie L. Gerberding, M.D., Director, Centers for Dis- Foreclosure, Predatory Mortgage and Payday Lending ease Control and Prevention, Department of Health in America’s Cities. Testimony was heard from pub- and Human Services; and public witnesses. lic witnesses. The Subcommittee also held a briefing on this subject, Testimony was heard from Mario DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA HOUSE VOTING Raviglione, M.D., Director, Stop TB Department, RIGHTS ACT OF 2007 Work Heath Organization. Committee on Rules: Granted, by a vote of 7 to 4, a U.S.-PAKISTAN POLICY closed rule. The rule provides one hour and twenty minutes of general debate on H.R. 1433, District of Committee on Foreign Affairs: Subcommittee on Mid- Columbia House Voting Rights Act of 2007, with dle East and South Asia held a hearing on U.S. Pol- one hour equally divided and controlled by the icy Toward Pakistan. Testimony was heard from chairman and ranking minority member of the Com- public witnesses. mittee on the Judiciary and twenty minutes equally SECURING LIQUID NATURAL GAS divided and controlled by the chairman and ranking TANKERS minority member of the Committee on Oversight Committee on Homeland Security: Held a hearing enti- and Government Reform. The rule waives all points tled ‘‘Securing LNG Tankers to Protect the Home- of order against consideration of the bill except those land.’’ Testimony was heard from Jim Wells, Direc- arising under clauses 9 or 10 of Rule XXI. The rule tor, Energy, NRC, Natural Resources and Environ- provides that the amendment printed in the report ment, GAO; RADM Brian M. Salerno, USCG, Di- shall be considered as adopted. The rule waives all rector, Inspection and Compliance, U.S. Coast points of order against the bill, as amended, and Guard, Department of Homeland Security; and H. provides that the bill, as amended, shall be consid- Keith Lesnick, Director, Office of Deepwater Post ered as read. Finally, the rule provides one motion Licensing, Maritime Administration, Department of to recommit with or without instructions. Testimony Transportation; J. Mark Robinson, Director, Office was heard from Chairman Conyers, Representatives of Energy Projects, Federal Energy Regulatory Com- Sensenbrenner, Issa, King of Iowa, Sessions, Rohr- mission, Department of Energy; and public wit- abacher, Flake, Bishop of Utah, and Price of Geor- nesses. gia. RADIATION DETECTION TECHNOLOGIES U.S. TROOPS READINESS, VETERANS’ HEALTH AND IRAQ ACCOUNTABILITY Committee on Homeland Security: Subcommittee on ACT Emerging Threats, Cybersecurity, and Science and Technology held a hearing entitled ‘‘Countering the Committee on Rules: Granted, by a vote of 9 to 4, a Nuclear Threat to the Homeland: Evaluating the closed rule. The rule provides 4 hours of general de- Deployment of Radiation Detection Technologies.’’ bate on H.R. 1591, U.S. Troops Readiness, Veterans’ Testimony was heard from the following officials of Health and Iraq Accountability Act, equally divided the Department of Homeland Security: Vayl Oxford, and controlled by the Chairman and Ranking Minor- Director, Domestic Nuclear Detection Office; and ity Member ofthe Committee on Appropriations. Jayson Ahern, Assistant Commissioner, Office of The rule waives all points of order against consider- Field Operations, Customs and Border Protection. ation of the bill except those arising under clauses 9 or 10 of Rule XXI. The rule provides that the ISSUANCE OF SUBPOENAS— amendment printed in the report shall be considered INVESTIGATION OF RECENT U.S. as adopted. The rule waives all points of order ATTORNEYS TERMINATION against the bill, as amended, and provides that the Committee on the Judiciary: Subcommittee on Com- bill, as amended, shall be considered as read. Finally, mercial and Administrative Law approved a motion the rule provides one motion to recommit with or

VerDate Aug 31 2005 05:55 Mar 22, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00007 Fmt 0627 Sfmt 0627 E:\CR\FM\D21MR7.REC D21MRPT1 mstockstill on PROD1PC66 with DIGEST D378 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — DAILY DIGEST March 21, 2007 without instructions. Testimony was heard from COMMITTEE MEETINGS FOR THURSDAY, Chairman Obey, Representatives Lynch, Waters, MARCH 22, 2007 Woolsey, Lee, Watson, Jackson-Lee of Texas, Lewis (Committee meetings are open unless otherwise indicated) of California, Kirk, Sessions, Hunter, Shays, Senate McHugh, Flake, Wilson of South Carolina, Cole of Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Military Oklahoma, Gingrey, King of Iowa, and Kuhl. Construction and Veterans’ Affairs, and Related Agencies, to hold hearings to examine proposed budget estimates WOMEN-OWNED BUSINESSES FEDERAL for fiscal year 2008 for military construction, 10 a.m., CONTRACTING SD–124. Full Committee, business meeting to markup the Sup- Committee on Small Business: Subcommittee on Con- plemental Appropriations Bill for fiscal year 2007, 2 tracting and Technology held a hearing on Federal p.m., SD–106. Government Efforts in Contracting with Women- Committee on Armed Services: to hold hearings to examine Owned Businesses. Testimony was heard from Jovita the United States Southern command, Northern com- Carranza, Deputy Administrator, SBA; Frank mand, and Joint Forces command in review of the defense Spampinato, Chief Acquisition Officer, Department authorization request for fiscal year 2008 and the future years defense program, 9:30 a.m., SH–216. of Energy; Glenn Perry, Director, Contracts and Ac- Full Committee, to receive a closed briefing on the de- quisitions Management, Department of Education; tention and judicial capacity in Iraq, 2 p.m., S–407, Cap- Thomas Luedtke, Assistant Administrator, NASA; itol. and public witnesses. Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs: to hold hearings to examine causes and consequences relat- FAA FINANCING PROPOSAL ing to mortgage market turmoil, 10 a.m., SD–538. Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation: Sub- Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure: Sub- committee on Aviation Operations, Safety, and Security, committee on Aviation held a hearing on the Federal to hold hearings to examine the Federal Aviation Admin- Aviation Administration’s Financing Proposal. Testi- istration (FAA) modernization, 9:30 a.m., SR–253. mony was heard from Representatives Tiahrt and Committee on Energy and Natural Resources: to hold hear- Barrow; from the following officials of the Depart- ings to examine the ‘‘Future of Coal’’ report recently pub- lished by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 2:30 ment of Transportation: Daniel K. Elwell, Assistant p.m., SD–366. Administrator, Aviation Policy, Planning and Envi- Committee on Finance: to receive testimony on ‘‘Keeping ronment, FAA; and Calvin L. Scovel III, Inspector America’s Promise’’ relating to health care and child wel- General; Gerald Dillingham, Director, Physical In- fare services for Native Americans, 10 a.m., SD–215. frastructure Issues, GAO; and public witnesses. Committee on Foreign Relations: to hold hearings to exam- ine the nomination of Ford M. Fraker, of Massachusetts, KATRINA TAX RELIEF ACT; GENETIC to be Ambassador to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, 10:30 INFORMATION NONDISCRIMINATION ACT a.m., SD–419. Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs: Committee on Ways and Means: Ordered reported, as to hold hearings to examine deconstructing reconstruc- amended, the following bills: H.R. 1562, Katrina tion, focusing on problems, challenges, and the way for- Housing Tax Relief Act of 2007; and H.R. 493, Ge- ward in Iraq and Afghanistan, 10 a.m., SD–342. Subcommittee on Oversight of Government Manage- netic Information Nondiscrimination Act of 2007. ment, the Federal Workforce, and the District of Colum- bia, to hold hearings to examine a review of the Merit MEDICARE ADVANTAGE Systems Protection Board and the Office of the Special Committee on Ways and Means: Subcommittee on Counsel, focusing on the safeguarding of the merit sys- Health held a hearing on the Medicare Advantage. tems principles in preparation for the consideration of the reauthorization of the two agencies, 2:30 p.m., SD–342. Testimony was heard from Leslie V. Norwalk, Act- Committee on Indian Affairs: to hold an oversight hear- ing Administrator, Centers for Medicare and Med- ing to examine Indian housing, 9:45 a.m., SR–485. icaid Services, Department of Health and Human Committee on the Judiciary: business meeting to consider Services; Mark Miller, Executive Director, Medicare S. 376, to amend title 18, United States Code, to im- Payment Advisory Commission; and Peter R. prove the provisions relating to the carrying of concealed Orszag, Director, CBO. weapons by law enforcement officers, S. 849, to promote accessibility, accountability, and openness in Government BRIEFINGS—HOT SPOTS FBI/CIA by strengthening section 552 of title 5, United States Code (commonly referred to as the Freedom of Informa- Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence: Met in execu- tion Act), S. 236, to require reports to Congress on Fed- tive session to receive a briefing on Hot Spots. The eral agency use of data mining, S. 119, to prohibit profit- Committee was briefed by departmental witnesses. eering and fraud relating to military action, relief, and re- construction efforts, S. 888, to amend section 1091 of The Committee also met in executive session to title 18, United States Code, to allow the prosecution of receive a briefing on FBI/CIA. The Committee was genocide in appropriate circumstances, S. 621, to estab- briefed by departmental witnesses. lish commissions to review the facts and circumstances

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surrounding injustices suffered by European Americans, Committee on Financial Services, to continue mark up of European Latin Americans, and Jewish refugees during H.R. 1257, Shareholder Vote on Executive Compensation World War II, and S. Res. 108, designating the first Act, 9:30 a.m., 2128 Rayburn. week of April 2007 as ‘‘National Asbestos Awareness Committee on Foreign Affairs, hearing on Foreign Policy Week’’ and to discuss the possibility of the issuance of and National Security Implications of Oil Dependence, certain subpoenas in the connection with investigation 10 a.m., 2172 Rayburn. into the replacement of U.S. attorneys, 10 a.m., SD–226. Subcommittee on Africa and Global Health, hearing on Select Committee on Intelligence: to hold closed hearings to Prospects for Peace in Guinea, 2 p.m., 2200 Rayburn. examine certain intelligence matters, 2:30 p.m., SH–219. Subcommittee on International Organizations, Human House Rights and Oversight and the Subcommittee on Europe, Committee on Appropriations, Subcommittee on Agri- joint hearing on Polling Data on European Opinion of culture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administra- American Policies, Values and People, 3 p.m., 2172 Ray- tion, and Related Agencies, on Conditions and Trends in burn. Rural Communities, 10 a.m., and on Rural Development, Committee on Homeland Security, Subcommittee on Intel- 1 p.m., 2362A Rayburn. ligence, Information Sharing and Terrorism Risk Assess- Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, Science and Re- ment, hearing entitled ‘‘Over-classification and Pseudo- lated Agencies, on DEA/Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and classification: The Impact on Information Sharing’’, 10 Firearms, 2 p.m., H–310 Capitol. a.m., 311 Cannon. Subcommittee on Energy and Water Development and Committee on the Judiciary, Subcommittee on the Con- Related Agencies, on Department of Energy: Nuclear stitution, Civil Rights and Civil Liberties, hearing on Nonproliferation, 10 a.m, 2362B Rayburn. Changing Tides: Exploring the Current State of Civil Subcommittee on Financial Services and General Gov- Rights Enforcement within the Department of Justice ernment, on Small Business Administration, 10 a.m., and an oversight hearing on the Civil Rights Division of 2220 Rayburn. the Department of Justice, 10 a.m., 2237 Rayburn. Subcommittee on Interior, Environment, and Related Subcommittee on Courts, the Internet, and Intellectual Agencies, on Minerals Management Service/Office of Sur- Property, hearing on Reforming Section 115, of the face Mining, 9:30 a.m., B–308 Rayburn. Copyright Act for the Digital Age, 10 a.m., 2141 Ray- Subcommittee on Legislative Branch, on Library of burn. Congress and Open World: Budget, 10 a.m, H–144 Cap- Committee on Natural Resources, Subcommittee on Insular itol. Affairs, hearing on the following bills: H.R. 900, Puerto Subcommittee on Military Construction, Veterans’ Af- Rico Democracy Act of 2007; and H.R. 1230, Puerto fairs and Related Agencies, on Army Budget, 2 p.m., Rico Self-Determination Act of 2007, 10 a.m., 1324 H–143 Capitol. Longworth. Subcommittee on Transportation, and Housing and Subcommittee on Fisheries, Wildlife and Oceans, to Urban Development and Related Agencies, on FAA, 10 mark up the following bills: H.R. 50, Multinational Spe- a.m., 2358 Rayburn. cies Conservation Funds Reauthorization Act of 2007; Committee on Armed Services, Subcommittee on Air and H.R. 465, Asian Elephant Conservation Reauthorization Land Forces and the Subcommittee on Seapower and Ex- Act of 2007; and H.R. 1205, Coral Reef Conservation peditionary Forces, hearing on Department of Defense Amendments Act of 2007, 4 p.m., 1334 Longworth. Aircraft Programs, 2 p.m., 2118 Rayburn. Committee on Science and Technology, Subcommittee on Committee on Education and Labor, hearing on the BP- Energy and Environment, hearing on NOAA Fiscal Year Texas City Disaster and Worker Safety, 10 a.m., 2175 2008 Budget, 2 p.m., 2318 Rayburn. Rayburn. Subcommittee on Space and Aeronautics, hearing on Subcommittee on Higher Education, Lifelong Learning, FAA’s Research and Development Budget Priorities for and Competitiveness, hearing on The Higher Education Fiscal Year 2008, 10 a.m., 2318 Rayburn. Act: Approaches to College Preparation, 1:30 p.m., 2175 Rayburn. Committee on Small Business, hearing entitled ‘‘The New Committee on Energy and Commerce, to mark up the fol- Hidden Tax on Small Business,’’ 10 a.m., 2360 Rayburn. lowing bills: H.R. 518, International Solid Waste Impor- Committee on Veterans’ Affairs, Subcommittee on Eco- tation and Management Act of 2007; and H.R. 493, Ge- nomic Opportunity, hearing on Education Benefits for netic Information Nondiscrimination Act of 2007, 2:30 National Guard and Reserve members, 2 p.m., 349 Can- p.m., 2123 Rayburn. non. Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations, to con- Committee on Ways and Means, Subcommittee Income tinue hearings on The Adequacy of FDA Efforts to Assure Security and Family Support, hearing on Assistance for the Safety of the Drug Supply, Part II, 9:30 a.m., 2123 Elderly and Disabled Refugees, 12:30 p.m., B–318 Ray- Rayburn. burn. Subcommittee on Telecommunications and the Inter- Subcommittee on Select Revenue Measures, hearing on net, hearing entitled ‘‘Oversight of the National Tele- the Alternative Minimum Tax, 10 a.m., 1100 Longworth. communications and Information Administration and In- Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, executive, hear- novations in Interoperability,’’ 9 a.m., 2322 Rayburn. ing on Counterintelligence, 1 p.m., H–405 Capitol.

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Next Meeting of the SENATE Next Meeting of the HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 9:30 a.m., Thursday, March 22 10 a.m., Thursday, March 22

Senate Chamber House Chamber Program for Thursday: Senate will continue consider- Program for Thursday: To be announced. ation of S. Con. Res. 21, Budget Resolution.

Extensions of Remarks, as inserted in this issue

HOUSE Doolittle, John T., Calif., E604 Meehan, Martin T., Mass., E606 Frank, Barney, Mass., E602 Mitchell, Harry E., Ariz., E595, E608 Aderholt, Robert B., Ala., E604 Harman, Jane, Calif., E603 Murphy, Patrick J., Pa., E606 Bordallo, Madeleine Z., Guam, E600 Hooley, Darlene, Ore., E609 Napolitano, Grace F., Calif., E601, E601, E602 Boyda, Nancy E., Kans., E605 Hoyer, Steny H., Md., E595 Pomeroy, Earl, N.D., E593 Burgess, Michael C., Tex., E601, E602 Jackson-Lee, Sheila, Tex., E598 Rogers, Mike, Ala., E606 Butterfield, G.K., N.C., E593 Kaptur, Marcy, Ohio, E601, E602 Roskam, Peter J., Ill., E608 Camp, Dave, Mich., E604 Kildee, Dale E., Mich., E609 Shimkus, John, Ill., E594, E595, E596, E597 Cole, Tom, Okla., E608 Knollenberg, Joe, Mich., E593 Conaway, K. Michael, Tex., E604 Lantos, Tom, Calif., E599 Smith, Christopher H., N.J., E599 Conyers, John, Jr., Mich., E600 Latham, Tom, Iowa, E597 Souder, Mark E., Ind., E608 Cubin, Barbara, Wyo., E593 Lewis, Ron, Ky., E608 Tanner, John S., Tenn., E599 Cummings, Elijah E., Md., E603 LoBiondo, Frank A., N.J., E607 Thompson, Mike, Calif., E596 Davis, Danny K., Ill., E593, E595, E596, E597, E607 McNulty, Michael R., N.Y., E603 Vela´ zquez, Nydia M., N.Y., E605 Davis, Tom, Va., E606, E607 Marchant, Kenny, Tex., E605 Waxman, Henry A., Calif., E594 Dicks, Norman D., Wash., E598, E607, E608 Matsui, Doris O., Calif., E597 Woolsey, Lynn C., Calif., E598

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