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

Vol. 154 WASHINGTON, MONDAY, APRIL 28, 2008 No. 68 House of Representatives The House was not in session today. Its next meeting will be held on Tuesday, April 29, 2008, at 12:30 p.m. Senate MONDAY, APRIL 28, 2008

The Senate met at 2 p.m. and was The assistant legislative clerk read the House of Representatives, with the called to order by the Honorable JIM the following letter. Prime Minister of Ireland, Bertie WEBB, a Senator from the Common- U.S. SENATE, Ahern, presenting his statement to the wealth of . PRESIDENT PRO TEMPORE, country. Washington, DC, April 28, 2008. PRAYER To the Senate: f The Chaplain, Dr. Barry C. Black, of- Under the provisions of rule 1, paragraph 3, fered the following prayer: of the Standing Rules of the Senate, I hereby MEASURE PLACED ON THE appoint the Honorable JIM WEBB, a Senator CALENDAR—H.R. 5613 AND S. 2920 Let us pray. from the Commonwealth of Virginia, to per- Eternal Father, reawaken our con- form the duties of the Chair. Mr. REID. I understand there are two science. Bend the ear of our spirit to ROBERT C. BYRD, bills at the desk due for a second read- Your voice that we may perceive Your President pro tempore. ing. will in these challenging times. Mr. WEBB thereupon assumed the The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tem- Remove from our lawmakers the chair as Acting President pro tempore. pore. The clerk will report. false worldly wisdom that engenders The assistant legislative clerk read division, and keep them vigilant in f as follows: doing Your work on Earth. As they RECOGNITION OF THE MAJORITY A bill (H.R. 5613) to extend certain mora- strive to make wise choices regarding LEADER toria and impose additional moratoria on nuanced issues, may they hear Your certain Medicaid regulations through April The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tem- gentle voice whispering that they be- 1, 2009. pore. The majority leader is recog- long to You. Remind them that You A bill (S. 2920) to reauthorize and improve nized. will be with them. May all that they do the financing and entrepreneurial develop- and are today be an expression of Your f ment programs of the Small Business Ad- ministration, and for other purposes. truth, righteousness, and justice. SCHEDULE We pray in the Redeemer’s Name. Mr. REID. Mr. President, I object to Amen. Mr. REID. Mr. President, we are any further proceedings with respect to going to be in a period of morning busi- these bills, en bloc. f ness until 4:30 today, with Senators The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tem- PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE permitted to speak for up to 10 minutes pore. Objection is heard. The bills will The Honorable JIM WEBB led the each, the time equally divided and con- be placed on the calendar. Pledge of Allegiance, as follows: trolled between the two leaders or f I pledge allegiance to the Flag of the their designees. Senator DORGAN is United States of America, and to the Repub- controlling 30 minutes of the major- lic for which it stands, one nation under God, ity’s time. Following morning busi- UNANIMOUS-CONSENT REQUEST— indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. ness, the Senate will resume consider- H.R. 493 f ation of the motion to proceed to H.R. Mr. REID. Mr. President, I ask unan- 2881, the Federal Aviation Administra- imous consent that the Secretary of APPOINTMENT OF ACTING tion Reauthorization. At 5:30 today the Senate is directed to request the PRESIDENT PRO TEMPORE there will be a cloture vote on the mo- House of Representatives to return to The PRESIDING OFFICER. The tion to proceed to that bill. the Senate the bill, H.R. 493. clerk will please read a communication As a reminder to all Senators, The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tem- to the Senate from the President pro Wednesday, at 11 a.m., there will be a pore. Without objection, it is so or- tempore (Mr. BYRD). joint meeting of Congress in the Hall of dered.

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

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Kitchens Is a Grim Economic Indicator The Senate-passed version of the 2007 The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tem- for Valley’’ [meaning the Lehigh Val- Food and Energy Security Act, other- pore. Under the previous order, the ley]. wise known as the farm bill, includes Senate will proceed to a period of The Scranton Times Tribune: ‘‘More several measures intended to shore up morning business until 4:30 p.m., with Seeking Food Stamps: Recipients in Federal antihunger assistance pro- Senators permitted to speak for up to Pennsylvania Rise 9.5 percent.’’ grams. In fact, 67 percent of the fund- 10 minutes each, with the time equally The Philadelphia Inquirer: ‘‘Working ing of this bill is dedicated to pro- divided and controlled between the two Poor Struggle to Get By.’’ tecting Americans from hunger. Provi- leaders or their designees, with the The Pittsburgh Tribune Review: ‘‘De- sions incorporated in the bill combat Senator from North Dakota, Mr. DOR- mand for Food Stamps ‘Very Close’ to hunger, and they include measures to GAN, recognized to speak for up to 30 Record.’’ increase the value of food stamp bene- minutes. All across the State and across the fits and language to increase the an- Mr. REID. Mr. President, I suggest country, it is the same headlines, the nual level of Federal commodity pur- the absence of a quorum, and I ask the same story, the same economic trau- chases for food banks from $140 million time during the quorum call be equally ma, because of a food security chal- to $250 million. divided between the majority and mi- lenge we face. The data shows evidence Unfortunately, while the House and nority. of this disturbing trend. The demand Senate are making strides in bringing The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tem- for food stamps in Pennsylvania is sky- their differences together, the longer it pore. Without objection, it is so or- rocketing. takes to complete this bill, the longer dered. Back in December of 2000, before this struggling Americans must wait for The clerk will call the roll. current President took office, approxi- some measure of relief. Rising food The assistant legislative clerk pro- mately 757,000 Pennsylvanians—1 out prices and their effect on poor and ceeded to call the roll. of every 16—were enrolled in the food working families are only part of the Mr. CASEY. Mr. President, I ask stamp program. But this past Decem- food security equation. While part of unanimous consent that the order for ber, 7 years later, that number has the increase in food prices can be at- the quorum call be rescinded. risen dramatically to 1.4 million Penn- tributed to the rising fuel and energy The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tem- sylvanians, accounting for 1 out of costs needed to produce and distribute pore. Without objection, it is so or- every 10 State residents. This trend these products, the far bigger driver be- dered. shows no sign of stopping. hind those increased costs is lack of supply. Internationally, as well as do- f From December 2007 to March of 2008, Pennsylvania enrolled an average of mestically, food prices have been af- FOOD SECURITY CRISIS 10,000 new individuals in food stamps fected by severe shortages and record Mr. CASEY. Mr. President, I rise every month, bringing the total enroll- inflation of major food commodities today to highlight the growing food se- ment to 1.18 million. But the situation such as corn, rice, soybeans, and wheat. curity crisis which faces the United in our State is far from unique. All The head of the World Food Program States and countries around the world. across the country the number of indi- has called the global food crisis a ‘‘si- The short-term challenges we face as a viduals enrolling in the Food Stamp lent tsunami,’’ affecting the world’s result of this food security crisis are Program continues to rise at historic most vulnerable without regard to ge- economic, strategic, political, and hu- rates. From December 2006 to Decem- ography or traditional borders. World manitarian. All of these challenges we ber 2007, more than 40 States saw re- Bank President Robert Zoellick has face are already being faced by the cipient numbers rise, and in seven of said that surging food costs could most vulnerable in our society. those States the 1-year rate of growth translate into ‘‘seven lost years’’ in the Here in the United States, this crisis topped 10 percent. The Congressional fight against worldwide poverty. comes on the heels of so many other Budget Office predicts that starting in Weather disasters and crop losses trying circumstances confronting poor fiscal year 2009, 28 million Americans have caused devastating shortages and working families across America. will be enrolled in the Food Stamp Pro- across Africa and the Asia-Pacific, Our Nation is facing an economic re- gram, the most ever enrolled in this leading to historically low levels of cession and ever-rising unemployment program since its inception 40 years world stocks of key commodities. Aus- rates. Many of those who remain em- ago. tralia, one of the leading worldwide ployed find themselves working more For the millions of Americans strug- wheat producers and exporters, has en- hours and yet earning less because gling from the effects of economic re- dured several consecutive years of their wages have not kept up with in- cession and rising food prices but mak- drought and last year lost 60 percent of flation. ing too much to qualify for food its total wheat harvest. Floods in Asia While their incomes have declined, stamps, food banks can provide some have destroyed global production cen- the unprecedented cost of food and measure of respite by providing food to ters of wheat and rice as well. home energy has continued to soar. those who could not otherwise afford The rapid economic growth of China Many of these same families are also it. Unfortunately, these food banks are and India have lifted millions out of facing a mortgage and housing crisis struggling as well from a combination poverty, but it has also succeeded in which may force them to forego owner- of increasing food prices, decreasing creating a new middle class complete ship of the house they once considered donations, and increased demand. with Western appetites for a diet of their slice of the American dream. Wholesale prices for such foods as meat and protein. While foods such as In short, many families, who years or eggs, flour, rice, fruits, vegetables, and rice and wheat remain a staple of the even months ago were living com- dairy products have dramatically traditional diet, increased demand fortably, are now struggling to get by. spiked in the last 8 years. For food from China and India for meat pro- As a result, the increase in food prices banks this price spike resulted in di- duced from grain-fed animals is put- over the last several months has added minished purchasing power, trans- ting a strain on global supply and will one more pressure to already overbur- lating into the availability of fewer only grow over time. Many of the com- dened American families. supplies to meet an ever-increasing de- modity supplies these countries once Increasingly, these families are mand. While there is no accurate na- exported are now being used for domes- stretched to the breaking point and are tionwide or even statewide data to tic production. Threatened by short- turning to Federal food assistance pro- show the effects increased prices and ages at home, many countries have

VerDate Aug 31 2005 04:55 Jun 26, 2008 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00002 Fmt 4637 Sfmt 0634 J:\CRONLINE\2008BA~2\2008NE~2\S28AP8.REC S28AP8 mmaher on PROD1PC76 with CONG-REC-ONLINE April 28, 2008 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S3417 banned exports of critical foodstuffs, swers to this mounting domestic and over 1,200 miles and visited 10 towns disrupting supplies for neighbors and international crisis, I do believe this is and I met with lots of Wyomingites. I trading partners and sending shock an issue deserving the full attention of even spoke to people at several stops waves through the global markets. the Senate. We need to begin this effort who live outside those 10 communities Import-dependent countries such as with final passage of the 2007 Food and but drove miles and miles to come to the Philippines are left with no choice Energy Security Act and continue by our meeting. Wyoming does have miles but to pay top dollar to forestall future including funding for domestic and and miles of miles and miles—about 400 crises. Others have added artificial in- international food aid in the supple- miles on a side—and it is a long way centives to attract food imports. These mental appropriations bill. But these between towns. counterproductive actions only exacer- measures in and of themselves will not The dedication and passion of the bate food shortages and foster a beg- be enough. people who live in the towns and the gar-thy-neighbor approach. The United We must act, we must legislate. The people who drove all those miles States must work with the U.N. and moral gravity of this food security cri- strengthens my commitment to get- other international actors to press sis cannot be overstated. It is a matter ting something more done about health countries against adopting such coun- of economic justice. It is also about care. We need to do something. A lot of terproductive measures. We must start preserving human life and alleviating people feel more economically secure looking at mid- and long-term strate- suffering. It is also a matter of na- when they have health insurance. They gies for helping countries deal with tional security. know that if they have health insur- this crisis. I yield the floor, suggest the absence ance and something happens or they Higher food prices not only increase of a quorum, and ask unanimous con- get sick, they will be able to get the the potential for humanitarian disas- sent that time under the quorum call care they need without mortgaging their home or going bankrupt. That is ters, they can also spark political in- be evenly divided. another concern on their mind. Nobody stability and impact U.S. foreign pol- The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tem- should have to worry about that. Ev- icy. We have seen the devastating ef- pore. Without objection, it is so or- erybody should be able to carry a fect the food shortage has had on devel- dered. The clerk will call the roll. health insurance card in their wallet. oping nations around the world, spark- The assistant legislative clerk pro- The news isn’t all bad, however. ing violence and riots and putting ceeded to call the roll. There have been plenty of wonderful added pressure on already fragile and Mr. ENZI. Mr. President, I ask unani- things that have come from our health underresourced governments. mous consent that the order for the care system in recent years. Each year, Last week we saw protesters in Haiti quorum call be rescinded. new technologies are being invented chanting ‘‘we are hungry’’ and forcing The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tem- and new drugs are being created that out the Prime Minister. Food riots pore. Without objection, it is so or- allow people to live longer and erupted in Egypt and Ethiopia, and dered. healthier lives. Researchers are finding troops were used in Pakistan and Thai- Mr. ENZI. Mr. President, I ask unani- cures for diseases, and parents are able land to protect crops and storage cen- mous consent that I be allowed such to take care of sick children. They are ters. According to the U.N. Food and time under morning business as I able to take them to clinics in shop- Agricultural Organization, 37 countries might consume. ping centers and pharmacies to get are now facing a food security crisis The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tem- throat cultures and flu shots. Plenty of and are at risk of a food-related up- pore. Without objection, it is so or- good things are happening, but we can heaval. dered. do better. In areas of vital concern to U.S. na- f Now, during my Wyoming work peri- tional security, such as Afghanistan, HEALTH INSURANCE ods, my wife Diana and I travel around the food crisis threatens hard-fought and talk to folks about health care. I progress we have achieved in peace, Mr. ENZI. Mr. President, I just got listen to what they tell me about the stability, and reconciliation. In Darfur, back from Wyoming. I am in Wyoming problems they are having and I bring where the refugees and internationally almost every weekend. I travel to a dif- that information back and I compare it displaced have already suffered under ferent part of the State each time so I to what my colleagues are saying. One war, famine, and genocide, the inter- can see all the people. As a result, I do of the things I do is to teach the East national community may be forced to not do any polls. If you talk to more about the West. So when I am in DC, I cut food supplies. The United States people in a weekend than pollsters usually have to explain to folks how can serve its national security and hu- cover when they do something, you can Wyoming is different, how a plan de- manitarian objectives by fully funding get a pretty good feel for what is hap- signed around New York or Massachu- overseas emergency food assistance pening. setts would not work for Wyoming. I programs. I did run across a national poll, and have to tell them it can be hard to get In March, I sent a letter to the Ap- the poll said the No. 1 concern on the doctors and nurses to come to Wyo- propriations Committee along with minds of people in America was jobs ming. The smaller the town, the harder Senator DURBIN and a number of other and the economy. They said the No. 2 it is to attract good people. I remind Members of the Senate calling for a concern was health care. There is an the people in the East that we have a $200 million increase in the fiscal year interesting little anomaly in No. 1 and lot of people who work at the mines 2008 supplemental budget request to ad- No. 2, which is when you talk to people and in the oil patch and in the natural dress the predicted shortfall in U.S. about No. 1, jobs and the economy, one gasfields. They work hard for their food assistance programs. Although of the reasons they are concerned hourly wages doing difficult and dan- President Bush directed the Agri- about jobs and the economy is because gerous tasks. The type of health care culture Secretary to take out $200 mil- they don’t want to lose their health in- they need is different than the type lion from the Bill Emerson Humani- surance. If their job disappears, they someone working at a computer needs. tarian Trust to help with the crisis, are out there in the market and they How do we help the construction work- this is only a short-term fix. The don’t have the coverage. er and the computer technician both United States must do more by in- So I am going to talk about health get better health care that fits their creasing our bilateral and multilateral care today. I have been talking to a lot unique needs at a more reasonable contributions in funding to replenish of folks about health care, which isn’t price? the trust. difficult because it is on everyone’s My position on the Senate Health Supplemental funding in PL 480 title mind these days. During the last work Committee has allowed me to do a lot II programs is essential to maintain period—and we sometimes call it a re- of research on this subject. I have current food aid programs at current cess, but I prefer to call it a work pe- talked to patients, health care pro- levels and meet the increased cost of riod because I usually travel from 1,000 viders, scientists, and financial advis- food, freight, and fuel production. to 5,000 miles around my State during ers. You name it and we came up with America can do more, and we must. that time—I went on a 10-stop tour of a plan that I think is flexible enough to While I don’t claim to have all the an- Wyoming. In just over 3 days, we drove work for everybody.

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If you already have an efit from these savings—whether they fact, across the whole United States— insurance card, the bill will make sure get health care from their employers, so they can negotiate better deals on you get to keep the card by wrangling from the individual insurance market, insurance cards. That doesn’t make in health care costs until they are af- or they decide they want to get off sense. If a group of shoe stores in Wyo- fordable. The biggest danger people Medicaid and switch to private insur- ming wants to get together with other who have an insurance card have is ance. That is one of the options. shoe store owners in Montana and Col- costs are going to become so astronom- How does this bill do it? The plan orado and the rest of the United States ical that it would not be offered any- gives all Americans that have at least and band together to get a greater dis- more. We have to see that doesn’t hap- a certain amount of health insurance a count on health insurance, they should pen. standard tax deduction. The national be allowed to do so. This isn’t a brand Why 10 steps? Well, I have discovered, above-the-line standard tax deduction new concept. Some States have enough over the course of the years I have been for health insurance will equal $15,000 a population that they are able to do this in the Senate, that if you put together year for a family and $7,500 for an indi- anyway within their State borders. one massive, comprehensive bill that vidual. The bill also gives low-income Ohio is a great example. They have solves everything, you will get a lot of folks a tax credit equal to $5,000 for a been intensely interested in this piece discussion, but you would not get many family and $2,500 for an individual. The of legislation. They have put together results because one piece will have 5 subsidy amount phases out as incomes the small business health plan within people who don’t like it, another piece get higher, so some folks would not be their State, and it has saved a tremen- will have 8 people who don’t like it, eligible for the subsidy, but everyone is dous amount of money. They were in- and another piece will have 11 people eligible for the standard deduction I ventive enough to do it in the first who don’t like it, and another piece mentioned first. place and smart enough to know if will have 3 people who don’t like it, The bill takes this hybrid approach they can expand across State borders and pretty quickly you are at 51 votes of coupling the standard deduction pro- and across the United States, they can against you and you cannot get the bill posal with the tax credit proposal be- reduce those prices a lot more. We done. When you try to do something cause I think it is the best way to en- should not be keeping them from doing comprehensively, it often looks revolu- sure no particular group of people is that. tionary. We don’t do things adversely affected. I know some folks I mentioned earlier that jobs don’t ‘‘revolutionarily’’ in the Senate. We do are advocating for just a standard de- need health insurance, people do. Right now, when a small business wants to them ‘‘evolutionarily.’’ So I put to- duction, and other folks are advocating get health insurance for employees, gether 10 pieces. If we don’t get all 10, for a tax credit. My plan does both, but they contact the health insurance or even if we only get one, it is not a I am supportive of all approaches. I am agent and tell the agent how many are problem because any 1 step gets us pleased so many colleagues agree we employed and they give information closer to having every American in- need to fix the flawed Tax Code. The about the employees and then the sured. All 10 together would get every bottom line is we need to get some- agent quotes a price for offering health American insured. I will briefly walk thing done. Correcting the flawed Tax Code will make it easier for working insurance to those employees. you through all 10 steps. Right now, there are some Federal In order to understand how the bill Americans to buy health insurance. rules in place that govern that process works, it is important to review a few Jobs don’t need insurance; people do. for small groups of employees and One of the things this tax policy facts of the history of health care in- make sure the groups are fairly treated would do is encourage more companies surance in our country. Right now, by insurance companies. The protec- in the insurance business to provide about 60 percent of the people under tions provide assurances to consumers more options to the people. The op- age 65 are getting their health insur- that insurers will deal with preexisting tions would vary in price, bringing ance through their jobs. The question conditions fairly and provide cov- prices down through more competition. is, why are 60 percent of Americans erage—even to small groups. This has We talked about Medicare Part D and getting their health insurance through helped keep costs down for small busi- got that instituted in the United their jobs? The short answer to that nesses, but more needs to be done, es- question is because of the way em- States for the cost of pharmaceuticals pecially given that none of these rules ployer-sponsored health care insurance to seniors to go down. I was concerned apply to individuals who purchase is treated for tax purposes. about how that would work. Wyoming health insurance on their own. At a Our current health insurance system has a low population. I think it will be minimum, we need to make sure indi- is biased toward employer-based cov- about half a million in the next census. viduals get treated the same way erage due to a historical accident. The I wasn’t sure we would be able to at- groups get treated. wage controls of World War II in- tract competition to our State. There The fifth step blends the individual creased competition among employers is a little provision in Medicare that and group market to extend important for recruiting the best employees and says if there isn’t any plan interested HIPAA portability protections to the incentivized employers to offer health in bidding, the Federal Government individual market so insurance secu- benefits instead of increased wages. will provide a plan. In Wyoming, we rity can better move with them from They weren’t allowed to offer increased had 49 companies bidding for each per- job to job. wages. In 1954, Congress codified the son’s pharmaceutical work. It gave a The sixth step is possibly the most provision declaring that such a con- lot of options and, more importantly, critical and one we must take to re- tribution would not count as taxable it brought the price down about 20 per- duce medical costs across the board. income. This tax policy made it very cent before we ever got started. That is This step moves our system from one favorable for individuals to get their what competition does. We also need to that provides sick care to one that pro- health benefits through their employ- make sure the insurance is portable; vides health care. That is an important ers and, consequently, has penalized in- that when one person changes jobs, distinction. As Ben Franklin said: ‘‘An dividuals who get their coverage they can be sure they still have their ounce of prevention is worth a pound of through the individual market. insurance. Some people are locked into cure.’’ We need an innovative system The Joint Committee on Taxation es- jobs because they, or a family member, that will do more to help Americans timated that removing this tax bias have a preexisting condition that will prevent and manage chronic illness, so and a few related health care tax poli- preclude them from getting insurance they can live healthy lives with fewer cies will save the Federal Government if they change. medical costs. The Ten Steps plan $3.6 trillion over the next 10 years. The fourth step gives small busi- would do that. That is real money—even in Wash- nesses greater purchasing power to re- The seventh step gives individuals ington. That is a lot of money that can duce the cost of insurance plans. Right the choice to convert the value of their

VerDate Aug 31 2005 04:55 Jun 26, 2008 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00004 Fmt 4637 Sfmt 0634 J:\CRONLINE\2008BA~2\2008NE~2\S28AP8.REC S28AP8 mmaher on PROD1PC76 with CONG-REC-ONLINE April 28, 2008 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S3419 Medicaid and SCHIP program benefits That is real money that could be spent One of the things that continues to into private health insurance, putting on health care and health IT. be very important to me as I work on them in control of their health care, Some are concerned about the impact this 10-step plan is listening to real not the Federal Government. The ra- of health IT and electronic health folks about what they want from their tionale for this step is simple: If the records on the security of personal health care. One thing I heard over and market can provide better coverage at data, data security. Let me assure my over is that seniors want to stay in a lower price, then why not allow colleagues that protecting patient in- their homes longer. They do not want Americans to access that care? formation is a very high priority of to go to nursing homes if they don’t This gives low-income individuals mine, and nearly every section of this have to. Sadly, because of the way our more options about where they can re- bill demonstrates it. laws are written and the way our reim- ceive care and what care is available. It The health IT bill does a lot to build bursement policies are structured, is time for people to start making deci- on protections we already have in folks are sometimes left with no option sions about their care. Let’s get the place. The bill establishes the Amer- but to go to a nursing home. If the Government out of the doctors’ offices. ican Health Information Community policies were different and there were The eighth step is one that Congress which is made up of experts rep- more options and there were more has come close to passing in years resenting a complete cross section in flexibility, seniors could stay in their past—a bipartisan plan to encourage health care, consumer, and technology homes longer. the adoption of cutting-edge informa- communities. My plan works to do just that by put- tion technologies in health care. The The American Health Information ting the emphasis on community and health care industry is the last indus- Community is charged with providing home-based care, which is often much try to go digital. Think about what the Secretary of Health and Human preferred, less costly and proven to in- technology has done to revolutionize Services recommendations concerning crease the quality of life. One way to every other industry and how it has led national policies for adoption by the do this is by supporting programs such to a more efficient use of time and re- Federal Government to ensure that pa- as the Greenhouse Project which cre- sources. The health care industry tient data remain secure. But there is ates a community setting rather than should not lag behind. The time has another important part to this. The an institutional setting. come for health information to go dig- companies that are putting together The final step of the 10-step plan de- ital so we can save thousands of lives these programs that we assume will creases the skyrocketing costs of and billions of dollars. have standardization so they can be health care by restoring reliability in Mr. President, did you know that you used in all parts of the country have a our medical justice system through own your own health care record? I real desire and a real need, if their State-based solutions. No one—not pa- would like to know how many of my product is going to be lasting, to be tients or health care providers—is ap- sure there is data security. They work colleagues have theirs with them. I am propriately served by our current med- on that every day, just as the banks willing to bet none not even me. Try to ical litigation procedures. get your health care record some time. work on your ATM card every day to Right now, many patients who are But you ought to have your health care make sure somebody is not getting hurt by negligent actions receive no record on a card you carry with you your money. It should not be a worry. compensation for their losses. Those The ninth step of the bill is one of that has everything about you so if you who do receive a mere 40 cents of every the most important steps for frontier come from Wyoming out to Wash- premium dollar, given the high cost of areas such as Wyoming. An insurance ington, DC, and you get in a wreck, the legal fees and administrative costs. card in your wallet will not do any doctor who is taking care of you can That is simply a waste of medical re- have all of the information he needs to good if there is not a doctor or hospital around when you need care. If there are sources. make sure that while he is taking care Additionally, the likelihood and the not enough nurses working in that hos- of you, he is not hurting you another outcomes of lawsuits and settlements pital or no one is working at the desk way. Right now, some of that tech- bear little relation to whether a health to admit you, a health insurance card nology is available in Wyoming, and care provider was at fault. Con- will not help you very much. some of that technology is available The 10-step plan addresses this prob- sequently, we are not learning from here. The difficulty is the card in Wyo- lem by helping future providers and our mistakes. Rather, we are simply di- ming cannot be read here, and the card nurses pay for their education and en- verting our doctors, and they are here cannot be read in Wyoming. Of couraging them to serve in areas of spending more time in the courtroom. course, we hope people will come out to great need. The plan provides competi- When someone has a medical emer- Wyoming for a vacation, and we hope tive matching grants for States to en- gency, they want to see a doctor in an they do not get in an accident. If you courage nurses to return to the profes- operating room, not in a courtroom. are in Yellowstone Park, Grand Teton sion after having left the workforce for Those are the 10 steps. As I men- Park, or other beautiful places in Wyo- 3 years or more. tioned before, I worked on 10 steps so ming, if you get sick, we want the doc- People are living longer. People can we can break the steps into separate tor there to have all the information be active longer. We need to encourage bills and move them one at a time in a he needs to be sure you are taken care more people to stay in the workforce moveable, reasonable piece. Despite of. That is possible now. We just need a longer. This will do it for nurses and the intentions of Congress, we have to standard of getting that information help solve a tremendous problem sen- work in incremental doses rather than from one part of the country to an- iors are going to have. monumental doses in order to get any- other. You can take your ATM card The plan also boosts the current pro- thing done. anywhere in the world and get cash, grams we have that are working well— Some of the steps I have mentioned but you cannot take your medical the Community Health Centers Pro- are newer ideas that still need some records anywhere. gram and the loan repayment programs time to be worked out and will still There is another big problem with for the National Health Service Corps. need some tinkering around the edges, medical records. You go to one pro- Those community centers are pro- but some of the steps I went over today vider, and he has a test done. He sends viding a lot of health care to a lot of are ready to go. Health IT could be you to a specialist. The specialist says people who would not be able to get done any day this week. Those bills are it is going to take too long to get the health care otherwise. We have the re- drafted, they are stand-alone bills, and test over here, this is important, and it authorization ready to go on that issue they are ready to move through Con- is an emergency, so they do the test and almost complete. gress at any time. We need to do it. again. Do you know how much the Another piece that is critical to Wyo- Some people say this is a Presi- tests cost? Sometimes $3,000, $4,000, ming, the 10-step plan builds on the dential election year; what do the can- $10,000, and they are duplicated. The success of the current rural health care didates think about it? What do they RAND Corporation said duplication of programs by ensuring the appropriate think about it? They are covering that tests may be costing us as much as $140 development of rural health systems a little bit. I think Senator MCCAIN billion a year. That is real money. and access to care for rural patients. made a speech earlier today about

VerDate Aug 31 2005 04:55 Jun 26, 2008 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00005 Fmt 4637 Sfmt 0634 J:\CRONLINE\2008BA~2\2008NE~2\S28AP8.REC S28AP8 mmaher on PROD1PC76 with CONG-REC-ONLINE S3420 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE April 28, 2008 health care and some of the things he That should give you encouragement abuse that took place during the intends to do with it. I have heard to find out more about yourself so if course of this war. To think that we other speeches from other candidates. there is something that could be a pre- have spent almost $700 billion in the We do not need to wait for a Presi- existing condition, you can keep it course of this war and how much of it dential election to do something in from becoming a preexisting condition has been wasted. We asked those who health care, to do anything in health and your insurance cannot were testifying who were actually on care. When a person gets elected Presi- make it a preexisting condition until it the ground a few years ago in charge of dent, they give us pretty good sugges- actually happens. allocating equipment and watching tions, but they no longer get to vote on We have a chance to do a lot of conduct. The estimates ranged from 30 any of the issues. We have to do the things in health care. We have done percent to 80 percent of the money votes. We have to the legislation. something in health care. I hope we spent being wasted—taxpayers’ dollars, We have to do the debate. There is no will get health IT done in health care dedicated to make a safer place for our reason to wait until we have a Presi- this week or next week. There is no troops—actually wasted and stolen. dent, no need. reason we cannot. The small business Unfortunately, little or nothing has There is a need—a critical need, an health plans, to let the companies been done about it. understood need—by the people of group together over State lines, there The hearing from the Democratic America that we need to do something is no reason that cannot get done. policy conference began with Senator on health care and we need to do it There are several ideas out there that DORGAN back when the Republicans right now. It is such an issue of great have been put together well that can be were in control of Congress and refused concern to the American people that it combined to get something done. I to hold the same hearings in the offi- transcends politics as usual. hope it goes through the regular proc- cial committee structure. Now there I never ask when I am in Wyoming ess, which means through committee. I are more hearings and more investiga- whether a person is a Republican or also noticed legislation that does not tions both on the House and Senate Democrat when they bring me an idea go through a committee around here side. But we can only hope, when a new or a problem. I just want to know what does not get done, and that is because President is elected, that President the idea is or what the problem is, and it has not had that chance to be will decide it is time for a thorough in- I do like it when they provide a solu- worked on in a very individual way. vestigation of the billions of dollars, tion with it as well. If it is doable, we When we are in committee and doing a taxpayers’ dollars, that have been do it. That is what we need to do on markup and there is a problem three or wasted in this war in —money not health care. four people have, they can go off and spent to make our troops safer, not If we make sure that we transcend work on that problem and come up spent to achieve our objectives but, politics, if we get away from the polar- with a solution. Sometimes it is a com- rather, to line the pockets of greedy ization of a political year, we will have promise; sometimes it is leaving some- people. an opening to get something done that thing out; sometimes it is a brandnew This isn’t the first war in which this will help patients and doctors. way. That is where the innovation hap- has happened, but it is certainly the I am going to suggest we use my 80- pens, in committee. Whenever we avoid only time I can recall when an admin- percent rule. I came to Washington as the committee, what we are saying is: istration has been so cavalier when it a firm believer in the 80-percent rule. We have this legislation we want to comes to this occurrence. That is, we can reach agreement on 80 shove down your throat. It will help We talk a lot about the war in Iraq. percent of the issues and we are prob- make each side take some bad votes, We should not forget what is happening ably never going to reach agreement on and this is an election year, so maybe in Afghanistan. This is a war that was the other 20 percent. By focusing on 80 we should have some bad votes. I don’t declared shortly after September 11, percent of the issues we can agree on, think that is necessary. I think there unanimously in the Senate. Given how we can get something done. If we con- are solutions out there, solutions we much blood and treasure has been lost tinue to let the 20 percent we disagree can reach agreement on, solutions we in Iraq, it is easy to forget the stakes on serve as a roadblock, we will let can finish, and what is more, I think in Afghanistan. some great opportunities pass. That is the American people expect it and, Afghanistan was the original home something we cannot afford to have more importantly, demand it. We can for al-Qaida. It is where Osama bin happen again and again. do it. Let’s do it. Laden planned his attack on the I truly hope this is the year we stop I yield the floor. United States. He may very well still talking about health care and start Mr. DURBIN. Mr. President, is there be alive in the border area of Afghani- doing something about it because a unanimous consent agreement with stan or nearby in Pakistan. If Taliban Americans cannot wait another year. respect to the order of speaking or the hosts freely allowed al-Qaida terrorists They do not want to wait for an elec- time? to train in camps there, we understand tion to see some changes. They cer- The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tem- the threat that could pose. The Taliban tainly do not want to wait another pore. There is no consent with respect also ruthlessly suppressed its own peo- year to stop their health care costs to the order of speaking. ple, particularly its women. from going up and up. They want to see Mr. DURBIN. It is my understanding Let’s remember what the 9/11 Com- change, and they want to see change there is 39 minutes remaining on the mission said about Afghanistan: now. Democratic side? Bin Ladin appeared to have in Afghanistan Our small business owners, our work- The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tem- a freedom of movement he lacked in Sudan. ing families, our millions of uninsured pore. The Senator is correct. Al-Qaida members could travel freely within cannot afford to wait, and we can do it. Mr. DURBIN. I ask unanimous con- the country, enter and exit it without visas We can do it now, and we can do it to- sent to be recognized for 9 minutes and or any immigration procedures, purchase and import vehicles and weapons. . . . The gether. to be notified by the Chair when that Last week, we passed the genetic Taliban seemed to open the doors to all who time has expired. wanted to come to Afghanistan to train in nondiscrimination bill. That has the The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tem- the camps. The alliance with the Taliban potential to provide health care as op- pore. Without objection, it is so or- provided al-Qaida a sanctuary in which to posed to sick care. That has the poten- dered. train and indoctrinate fighters and terror- tial to let people have their blood test- f ists, import weapons, forge ties with other ed to find out what possibilities there jihad groups and leaders, and plot and staff are to what could happen to them NEGLECTING AFGHANISTAN terrorist schemes. based on their genetic information so Mr. DURBIN. Mr. President, so much Why revisit this history? Because the they can keep that from happening. of the debate here in the Senate is con- Taliban and al-Qaida have been re- What the bill does is make sure that sumed by the seemingly endless war in grouping along the Afghan and Paki- the information you get from that test- Iraq. I just left a hearing of the Demo- stan border. In fact, now, more than 6 ing cannot be used against you by your cratic policy conference. It was the years into the war in Afghanistan, we insurance company or your employer. 13th hearing relative to the waste and are at risk of losing some of our hard-

VerDate Aug 31 2005 04:55 Jun 26, 2008 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00006 Fmt 4637 Sfmt 0634 J:\CRONLINE\2008BA~2\2008NE~2\S28AP8.REC S28AP8 mmaher on PROD1PC76 with CONG-REC-ONLINE April 28, 2008 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S3421 fought gains, gains paid for with the Yet this novel program is facing a This President has refused to change blood of American soldiers. shortfall of hundreds of millions of dol- the policy in Iraq, and we continue to Recently, Admiral Mullen, Chairman lars to continue work in existing com- see an endless war, costing us dramatic of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, stated the munities—let alone to expand into Af- sums of money, creating sacrifice in obvious—that the U.S. military has too ghanistan’s remaining 7,000 villages. the United States, still endangering many troops tied down in Iraq to send While Canada, Germany, and the U.K. our troops, with no end in sight. That reenforcements needed in Afghanistan. have all increased financial support for is the legacy of the Bush administra- It is clear again this President decided this program, U.S. funding was reduced tion in Iraq, and that is why the war in before he won the war in Afghanistan between 2006 and 2007. Afghanistan, today, continues to be a to start a new war in the Iraq, at the It’s not surprising therefore that the challenge to the United States. expansion of our original mission. Ac- Oxfam report said that international I yield the floor. cording to Admiral Mullen, ‘‘There are development aid to Afghanistan re- The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tem- force requirements [in Afghanistan] mains ‘‘woefully inadequate.’’ Oxfam pore. The Senator from . that we can’t currently meet.’’ He said, noted that only $7 is spent in inter- f ‘‘Having forces in Iraq at the level national development assistance in Af- GAS PRICES they’re at doesn’t allow us to fill the ghanistan for every $100 in U.S. mili- Mr. CORNYN. Mr. President, as the need that we have in Afghanistan.’’ tary expenditures. The GAO just released an assessment That translates into less develop- summer travel season rapidly ap- proaches, the cost of gasoline con- of U.S. efforts to counter terrorist ac- ment aid per capita in Afghanistan tinues to skyrocket and the American tivity in the border area of Pakistan. than the world spent in postconflict people are left to wonder whether Con- The report concluded that the United Bosnia or East Timor. gress has any plans to do anything States has not met its national secu- How could we let this happen? How about it. Unfortunately, every ‘‘com- rity goals in Pakistan’s tribal areas could we take our eye off the ball? monsense solution’’ that has been of- and that ‘‘. . . al-Qaida has established Of course, part of the answer is that fered seems to be far from common a safe haven near Pakistan’s border this administration diverted critical sense or a solution because most of with Afghanistan.’’ military, intelligence, and civilian as- those that have been offered within the A top Army commander, MG Jeffrey sets from Afghanistan to Iraq. last year would only serve to raise, not Schloesser, warned that Afghanistan Just imagine how much more progress we could have made in Af- lower, gasoline prices. could see record levels of violence this So far, Congress has offered the ghanistan if we had not gone into Iraq. year. American people little more than Just the other week, the British But another part of the problem is newsclips and sound bites from hours charity Oxfam released a report noting that we have not done enough to sup- of endless hearings lambasting, usu- port long term development efforts so that Western countries have failed to ally, the oil companies. The result, of critical in winning the hearts and deliver $10 billion of nonmilitary as- course, has not been any reduction in sistance pledged to Afghanistan since minds of the Afghan people. gasoline prices but proposal after pro- I remember during a visit to Afghani- 2001. The United States is responsible posal to raise taxes on America’s en- stan last year that there were only six for one-half of that shortfall. Despite ergy companies, which—guess what— the billions that have been spent in American agricultural experts for the would ultimately be passed on to the Iraq, we have failed to keep our prom- entire country—I think today there are consumer, thus raising prices and not ises when it came to humanitarian as- eight. That is right, for a nation with lowering prices. This policy posture re- sistance, nonmilitary assistance, in Af- an agricultural economy and record minds me of a quip from former Presi- ghanistan. poppy harvest, only a handful of agri- dent , who said, ‘‘Con- This is not isolated. The World Bank cultural development experts. gress’ approach is that if it moves, tax has spent approximately half of its Sadly, I suppose this is not really it; if it keeps moving, regulate it; if it commitments to Afghanistan; the Eu- surprising. USAID has seen its number stops moving, subsidize it.’’ ropean Commission and Germany, less of full time Foreign Service officers History has shown that a tax in- than two thirds; and the Asian Devel- drop from a historic high of over 5,000, crease ultimately has the effect of not opment Bank in India, a third. to only 1,000 today. The Peace Corps only passing along costs to the ulti- Take another example—support for has seen its budget in real dollars drop mate consumer but of drastically re- the National Solidarity Program, wide- by almost 40 percent since its inception ducing supply. From 1980 to 1988, this ly regarded as one of the most success- in 1961. same tax idea, so-called windfall prof- ful development efforts in Afghanistan. America’s strength comes not just its tax, actually caused a decline in oil The 5-year-old program is funded by from its military might, but from the production, reducing domestic oil by as international donors, administered by power of its ideas, from its generosity, much as 8 percent—that is right, reduc- the Government of Afghanistan. It is and from its ability to serve as a bea- ing America’s supply of its own natural one of the few to reach into rural con of hope, human rights, and democ- resources and increasing our depend- areas. In this program, village resi- racy. I fear in recent years a measure ence on foreign sources of oil. The re- dents work collaboratively with local of this leadership has been lost. sult, of course, was not eliminating a governments to identify developing We must ensure that the efforts in perceived windfall but, rather, causing needs. There is a feeling of ownership, Afghanistan, and in Pakistan, receive a precipitous fall in production of of participation. Women are actively the resources they deserve. We must American oil and, as I said, an in- involved. Because of the sense of own- invest in development activities that creased dependence on foreign oil. ership, the Taliban is less likely to de- work to develop economic and edu- The problem, then, is the same as the stroy these local projects. cational opportunities. We must help problem today—not a cabal of oil ex- Take for example the recent example with agricultural and democratic de- ecutives conspiring to swindle the profiled in the Washington Monthly. In velopment. American people but a shortage of oil the village of Dadi Khel, residents And, we must work with our allies to around the world. With burgeoning came together to decide on developing ensure that the Taliban and al-Qaeda economies such as those in China and a small hydroelectric turbine for the do not reemerge. India, demand for oil has skyrocketed, nearby river. When finished, it will be I hope all Members of the Senate will while the supply has lagged behind. able to provide electricity to about 300 understand that as this administration Raising a tax on domestic energy com- families in the village. comes to an end in just another 8 or 9 panies only takes away from the cap- Next to the site is a poster nailed to months, there will be a temptation on ital that could be used to reinvest in a tree that clearly shows to all the dis- the other side of the aisle to blame this domestic energy discovery and produc- bursement of funds for the project. A woeful state of affairs somehow on the tion. It does nothing to address the local teacher told the reporter, ‘‘This is Democratic Party. But this war in Iraq world’s stagnant supply of oil. our money. All the time we are check- was initiated by this President with We can pass a lot of laws here in Con- ing whether it’s spent correctly.’’ the overwhelming support of his party. gress, and we can actually repeal a law

VerDate Aug 31 2005 04:55 Jun 26, 2008 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00007 Fmt 4637 Sfmt 0634 J:\CRONLINE\2008BA~2\2008NE~2\S28AP8.REC S28AP8 mmaher on PROD1PC76 with CONG-REC-ONLINE S3422 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE April 28, 2008 every now and then, but we can’t re- America’s vast natural resources. We strong message to the American people peal the law of supply and demand. can develop environmentally respon- and to the market, which has run up This is the law that for some reason sible oil production here at home if the price of oil to about $120 a barrel Congress just refuses to learn. In fact, Congress would simply get out of the because of speculation that Congress one of the leading contributors to oil way and allow American companies to intends to do nothing about it, and this shortages in America is actually Con- do so. In short, the majority’s response static supply and increasing demand gress itself, which refuses to allow our to high gasoline prices appears to be continues to drive up the price of oil domestic oil companies to tap into summed up in three words: Posturing, and refined petroleum products. American natural resources. suing, and raising taxes, none of which But the message, if we were to pass Revisiting failed policies of past dec- is designed to provide effective solu- some of this commonsense legislation, ades and trying to beat the same old tions to the problems that confront would be to tell the marketplace and dead horse will not address our current working families in America today. the speculators we are serious about energy challenges. Instead, some of my The end result is an energy policy addressing this by producing as much colleagues on the other side of the aisle that shuts off the valve of American as 3 million additional barrels of oil have suggested a new solution, one of energy, while desperately awaiting the here in America each day. It would their new ‘‘commonsense’’ solutions: last drops from the trickling pipeline bring down the price, I believe precipi- They will simply sue OPEC for more of foreign oil. This schizophrenic ap- tously, and I believe nearly imme- oil. Aside from the almost comical proach to gas prices is best summed up diately. image of suing OPEC and somehow in a cartoon I saw recently which I Demonstrating our commitment in finding some court somewhere in the wish to share with my colleagues. This this way would have an immediate im- world that will accept jurisdiction of is from Investor’s Business Daily ear- pact, but, unfortunately, we find our- that lawsuit and somehow then direct lier this month. selves locked into the same old ‘‘he OPEC to produce more oil so that While Democrats demand energy said, she said’’ sort of arguments and American consumers can enjoy lower companies solve their problem, they si- nothing seems to happen, to the det- prices for that oil, I would be con- multaneously have rejected every re- riment of the American consumer. cerned, first of all, how OPEC might re- sponsible solution. As this cartoon We find that sound energy policies spond to such a threat. Would they points out, the first segment says, ‘‘We continue to be blocked that would pro- simply laugh it off or would they turn demand you energy companies do vide access to our vast natural re- off the spigot? But let’s say the pro- something about these high energy sources here at home. If we are tired of relying upon other nations for our en- ponents of suing OPEC were successful. prices,’’ to which they respond, ‘‘We ergy needs, along with the national se- Would that make us more dependent or can drill in ANWR.’’ That is in Alaska. curity and economic risks that that en- less dependent on imported oil from The answer: ‘‘Forget it.’’ tails, if we are tired of paying high foreign sources? I think it is obvious ‘‘How about offshore?’’ The answer: prices for their low production, is it that it would continue to make us ‘‘Are you crazy?’’ not time we did something about it more dependent on foreign sources of ‘‘How about clean coal?’’ ‘‘Out of the question.’’ here at home? oil. It would be nice to see a ‘‘Made in We simply have to get out of this ‘‘Nuclear power?’’ ‘‘You are joking, America’’ sticker on the side of a gas mindset that we can tax, regulate, and right?’’ ‘‘Well, don’t just sit there, do some- pump for once. Aside from dem- litigate our way to greater energy onstrating our independence and low- thing.’’ independence. ering gas prices, it would provide a At the same time, one of the things That is what Congress keeps telling boom to our economy. What better we can all agree on is the need for the energy producers in this country stimulus to our economy could there America to be less dependent on for- time and time again. But every pro- be than creating new jobs here in eign sources of oil. We need to remem- posed solution, whether it is drilling in America as a result of increased activ- ber how much of an impact our energy Alaska, whether it is developing off- ity, exploring and developing our nat- shore resources from the Outer Conti- policies have on the lives of our con- ural resources right here at home? stituents, of 300 million American citi- nental Shelf, whether it is investing We have a potentially enormous do- zens. High gas prices are driving up the America’s ingenuity and know-how in mestic energy industry waiting to be cost of living, they are raising the cost using clean coal technology or nuclear permitted by Congress to start going to of driving to work, driving your chil- energy or nuclear power, Congress work. Once we give them that oppor- dren to school, they are driving up the seems to answer: No, no, a thousand tunity, it will mean the creation of price of fuel for the airline industry times, no. And the price of oil and the thousands of new jobs as well as more that is hitting American travelers even price of energy for American con- affordable gasoline and less dependence harder. sumers keeps going up, up, and up. on foreign oil and gas from dangerous While it is important that we in- With this kind of response from Con- parts of the world. crease our supply of energy from all gress, no wonder energy prices are so While opening American resources sources, we need to recognize too that high. would be beneficial, it will not have the the heavy hand of the Federal Govern- At every turn, we handcuff American full intended effect unless we also en- ment can sometimes have unintended producers while at the same time de- courage companies to build new refin- consequences. Our subsidization of eth- mand they fix the problems that Con- ery capacity here in America. Of anol as a fuel source is driving up food gress is creating. The only real com- course, 70 percent of the cost of gaso- prices, as limited supplies of corn are monsense solution is to finally take ad- line is due to the cost of oil. But a lack being split between fuel, food, and live- vantage of the resources we have in of adequate refinery capacity to take stock feed. this country with which we have been that oil and to make it into gasoline is At the same time, rising prices at the richly blessed. It is estimated that if another reason why the supply has pump are hitting families at the dinner the Congress stopped penalizing and been limited and prices continue to go table as well, as transportation costs handcuffing our domestic energy sup- up. continue to drive up food prices. Now, ply, we could produce as much as 2.7 to We have not built any new refineries there is no question that in the long 3 million barrels of oil a day in addi- in America since the 1970s, primarily term, renewable fuels are an important tion to what is being produced now. because of burdensome regulation by answer to the energy crisis we face Does that not make more sense than the Federal Government. Since we today. But it is also irrefutable that continuing to rely on countries such as have that limited capacity, we once oil, whether from American sources or Venezuela and Hugo Chavez, and en- again run in that pesky old law of sup- foreign sources, will continue to be a riching our enemies and those who use ply and demand; the only law that, try large part of our energy supply in the that oil wealth to invest in military as some of my colleagues might, we near to midterm. weapons and the like? cannot repeal and we cannot ignore. Our solution to increasing the supply Allowing American companies to If we do not increase refinery capac- of oil must begin here at home, using begin producing this oil would send a ity, prices will only continue to go

VerDate Aug 31 2005 04:55 Jun 26, 2008 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00008 Fmt 4637 Sfmt 0634 J:\CRONLINE\2008BA~2\2008NE~2\S28AP8.REC S28AP8 mmaher on PROD1PC76 with CONG-REC-ONLINE April 28, 2008 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S3423 higher. While we increase American oil The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tem- The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tem- production and lower our gas prices, we pore. The Republican whip. pore. The Republican time has expired. should also pursue technological devel- f Mr. KYL. I ask unanimous consent opments and good old American know- for 1 additional minute. TAXING THE RICH how that will allow us to take advan- The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tem- tage of the energy resources we do have Mr. KYL. Mr. President, I wish to pore. Without objection, it is so or- here and are available. compliment my colleague for his co- dered. We should not forget conservation ef- gent analysis and remarks just now. He Mr. KYL. A back-of-the-envelope cal- forts, and this has been one area where is absolutely right about the way we culation using the same data shows Congress has gotten it right by passing need to deal with our energy crisis that raising the top four marginal commonsense fuel efficiency require- today. rates would increase taxes for 28 mil- ments for automobiles and conserving I wish to talk very briefly about an- lion Americans, increasing revenue on this scarce resource. other subject, frankly the challenge a static basis $37 billion this year and We need to also be good stewards of and a refrain that we have often heard $111 billion over the next 5 years, not the environment and ensure that we from the other side; that is, that the even enough to offset the cost of the are doing all we can to use our re- so-called rich are an endless well that additional discretionary spending as- sources wisely and not wastefully. can be tapped to fund limitless spend- sumed in the Democratic budget reso- Finally, we need to pursue alter- ing priorities. lution. native energy solutions that will en- My colleagues across the aisle fre- When someone claims to want to in- sure our future energy production is se- quently argue that the 2001 and 2003 tax crease taxes only on the rich, tax- cure. We need to start now to utilize cuts were a giveaway to the so-called payers should view such a proposal and develop energy production methods rich and that that should be allowed to with a healthy dose of skepticism. Our that will work alongside of oil and gas- expire, in effect, raising the tax rates experience with the AMT should con- oline to power America’s economy into to their pre-2001 level. vince us of that. Taxing the so-called the future, sources such as, as I men- The marginal rate cuts enacted in rich never raises as much revenue as tioned a moment ago, clean coal, nu- 2001 and accelerated in 2003 reduced the the other side claims and usually man- clear energy; even biofuel and wind can tax burden for all Americans. In fact, ages to hit a lot more taxpayers than just the rich. Invariably, when one be part of the answer to the overall the effective tax rate for the middle talks about raising taxes to pay for fuel and energy mix our country needs. fifth quintile of taxpayers dropped But we need to give all of these po- more than 2 percentage points, from new spending, a lot of people who tential power sources a free and open 16.6 to 14.2 percent as a result of these would otherwise not consider them- chance to develop and to reach their cuts. selves to be wealthy end up paying more in taxes. potential in the marketplace. We must Let’s assume that the other side The PRESIDING OFFICER (Mr. encourage American innovation and would not only let the tax cuts expire CARDIN). The Senator from North Da- but actually repeal them this year. technology to help us develop the abil- kota. ity to use these in a way that is com- How much would taxing the so-called patible with a good environment. rich raise? The 2005 Internal Revenue f We must be careful not to play favor- Service Statistics of Income report CONTRACTING IN IRAQ ites, as unfortunately we have, and are notes that those earning over $349,700, Mr. DORGAN. Mr. President, I want- now seeing the consequences come putting them in this top marginal tax ed to discuss two things today. One is home to roost and turn these indus- rate of 35 percent, earned a total of $1.1 a hearing I have just concluded of our tries into political tools. Different en- trillion. Of that amount, $565.4 billion policy committee, and then I want to ergies will work better in different was taxed at the top rate. talk about the price of gasoline and oil. areas, and all of them can work to- These 950,000 taxpayers, or the top .9 Let me talk first about the hearing I gether to provide America with cost-ef- percent, paid a total of $315.4 billion in just concluded of the Democratic pol- ficient energy and the strong energy taxes, $198 billion at the top marginal icy committee. It is the 13th hearing I industry we need in order to fuel our rate. So if the 2001 and 2003 tax cuts have done on the issue of contracting growing economy. were repealed today, taxes on those fil- in Iraq and Afghanistan, especially But our future energy production ers would increase $26 billion, an in- waste, fraud, and abuse of contracting starts today with removing the road- crease of $27,300 per top marginal tax- in Iraq. I have held a good many hear- blocks that this cartoon indicates that payer, not an insignificant sum for ings. I am not easily surprised any Congress has thrown in front of every those taxpayers, but clearly not longer about what I hear at these hear- opportunity to increase energy supply enough to offset the cost of the Demo- ings of the unbelievable waste and and bring down the cost ultimately to cratic spending plans. fraud and abuse in Government con- the consumer. What about broadening the definition tracting, where American taxpayers We cannot make up for lost time, but of the ‘‘rich’’ by including those tax- are being fleeced and where our sol- we can start today by recognizing the payers in the upper middle class, or diers are being disserved by waste and mistakes of the past and what that has those in the second highest tax bracket fraud and abuse. actually done to run up the cost of gas- of 33 percent? Would that bring in I do get surprised, even though I say oline at the pump and made us even enough money? it is hard to surprise me. Today I hear more dependent. We need to act now to Well, these 1.5 million taxpayers, or about the stealing of artwork and rugs build a strong American energy policy, 1.4 percent of filers, paid $92.4 billion in and crystal, the stealing of gold in Iraq bring down the price of gasoline, and taxes; $26.1 billion was paid at the mar- in some of the palaces by contract em- free ourselves from foreign oil-pro- ginal rate. If you increased their tax ployees, the stealing of gold and melt- ducing nations, many of which want to rate from 33 percent to the pre-2001 ing down of gold to make spurs for do us harm. level of 36 percent, it would raise $2.4 cowboy boots—something I hadn’t Every day we delay brings a heavier billion in additional taxes. heard before—the charging of a 100-per- burden on American families with the Reinstating the 39.6-percent and 36- cent markup on a little thing like a cost of gasoline. We cannot ask the percent tax rates for the taxpayers in laptop computer. There is testimony American people to foot the bill for our those two top brackets raises $28.4 bil- today of the purchase of 300 laptops to inaction any longer. It is time for Con- lion more than under current rates, be delivered to DynCorp in Iraq. They gress to take responsibility for gas still just a fraction of what my col- were purchased for $1,400 apiece, and prices in America, by allowing our in- leagues on the other side of the aisle then the Government is charged $2,800. dustries to utilize the American re- want to spend. That is a 100-percent markup. sources that are available to us that What if one reaches down a little A witness told us that a colleague of will eventually help bring that price deeper and includes the middle class by his was killed in a car in Iraq in a high- down. increasing taxes on people in the 25- risk area. He was on an official assign- I yield the floor. and 28-percent tax brackets? ment in an unarmored car and that car

VerDate Aug 31 2005 04:55 Jun 26, 2008 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00009 Fmt 4637 Sfmt 0634 J:\CRONLINE\2008BA~2\2008NE~2\S28AP8.REC S28AP8 mmaher on PROD1PC76 with CONG-REC-ONLINE S3424 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE April 28, 2008 was hit with an ambush and he lost his to take what had been a shell company up, and up because the price of oil has life. He said that colleague should have and give a 22-year-old and a 25-year-old gone skyrocketing in recent months. I been in the armored car, but the ar- masseur a third of a billion dollars. have a chart that shows what has hap- mored car was being used to transport You justify that to the American tax- pened to the price of oil. prostitutes from Kuwait back to Bagh- payer. It is not going to happen. That You can see from April of 2007 to dad for the enjoyment of this par- cannot be justified. April of 2008 the increase in the price of ticular contractor’s employees. So I It is long past the time for this Con- oil. One might say, there must be say, I try not to be surprised, but the gress to do something about it. We now something in the supply and demand— depth of incompetence and waste and have a very large urgent supplemental the need for oil relative to the supply fraud and abuse in contracting in Iraq appropriations request in front of Con- of oil—that causes this to happen. is unbelievable. gress. How much of that money is for After all, it is the market system, isn’t I started the hearing today by de- this purpose? How many of those con- it? No, it is not the market system. scribing again, as I have a couple of tracts would be as embarrassing as this There is no free market here. There is times, a piece of work done by the New contract? How many of those contracts nothing about a free market here. York Times that I wish perhaps would will go to allow the kinds of things I A substantial portion of the oil is on have been done by the Pentagon or by heard for 2 hours this afternoon at a the other side of the world, controlled the Congress in terms of oversight. hearing I just held in the Dirksen by OPEC countries. That is not a free This is Efraim Diveroli, the CEO of a Building? When are we going to have market. They sit in a room with a firm awarded $300 million in a contract some feeling that some of this stuff is closed door, and the oil ministers of by the Pentagon to arm the Afghani going to be straightened out? the OPEC countries then make deci- fighters. Our Pentagon wanted to pro- I have described before what we sions about supply and the effect on vide weapons and ammunition to the should do about it. Some of my col- price that reflects their self-interest. Afghan fighters, a perfectly reasonable leagues have put in place a piece of leg- So this is not some natural result of a thing to do because they are taking on islation called the Truman Commis- market system. the Taliban and al-Qaida in Afghani- sion. I fully support that. But that is a I made the point a couple days ago stan. To arm the Afghan fighters, they commission of people outside of our that , which has the larg- contracted with a company who had a Government that will study and make est known reserves of oil in the world, is producing 800,000 barrels a day of oil 22-year-old CEO. This company was recommendations on Government con- less than they did 2 years ago. Think largely a shell company established by tracting. It is a good thing to do. I about that. The largest producer of oil this young 22-year-old’s father. It had fully support it, but the President is in the world has cut back production been an inactive shell company, but not implementing that commission, de- by 800,000 barrels a day. Is it surprising now it is behind an unmarked door in spite the fact it was passed into law. that the price goes up and up? That is Miami Beach, FL. So a 22-year-old CEO But what we really should do as well, one reason, isn’t it? The largest sup- gets a contract with the Pentagon. His because you cannot delegate account- 25-year-old vice president is a massage plier of oil has cut back production. ability for this, we really need what is therapist, a masseur. So you have a 22- What is another reason? Another rea- called a . That is a year-old and a 25-year-old massage son is this administration—a smaller committee, a select committee, bipar- therapist running a company, and they reason but nonetheless a reason—is tisan committee in the Senate similar get, we are told, a third of a billion dol- taking oil from the Gulf of Mexico as to the Truman committee of the 1940s. lars in contracts from the Pentagon. royalty-in-kind oil and putting it un- By the way, the contracts were to Harry S. Truman created a bipartisan derground. Here is what this adminis- provide ammunition to the Afghan select committee in the Senate. It cost tration is doing. At a time when oil is fighters. Here is a photograph, again, $15,000 at the start of the Second World $110 to $120 a barrel, bouncing around crediting . It is War. like a yo-yo, this administration is first-rate reporting by three reporters. They held 60 hearings a year. It was taking 62,000 barrels of oil every day Here is an example of what they bipartisan. It had subpoena power. and sticking it underground in what is shipped to the Afghan fighters, ammu- With a $15,000 cost as they started it, it called the Strategic Petroleum Re- nition including 40-year-old, Chinese- saved the American taxpayers $15 bil- serve. The Strategic Petroleum Re- made cartridges, and the pictures of lion. This Congress needs a Truman serve is 97 percent filled. Yet when oil what the Afghan fighters received from committee. Three times we have voted is at a record high, this administration this $300 million contract—boxes taped on it. Three times the minority voted is continuing to stick oil underground, up, bulging at the seams and bursting against it. Because it takes 60 votes, taking it out of supply and putting it at the side with bad ammunition. It is we do not now have a Truman com- underground. That is an unbelievably unbelievable. mittee. inept policy because it puts upward The question is, How is it the Army In nearly every other major war, pressure on oil prices and upward pres- Sustainment Command in Illinois pro- every other conflict, we have had some sure on gas prices. vided a $300 million contract to a com- kind of select committee to do the The fact is, this isn’t just any oil. pany that had a 22-year-old president kind of oversight, to provide the focus This is sweet light crude which is a of a company that used to be a shell on the waste and fraud and abuse. But subset of oil, the most valuable subset company for most of its existence and that has not been the case now. We of oil. And we have had testimony be- a 25-year-old massage therapist as a need to fix that. We need to make that fore the Energy Committee saying this vice president and they run off with a happen. We have voted on it three activity does affect the price of oil and third of a billion dollars of the Penta- times, and we will be voting again be- the price of gasoline in a negative way. gon’s money? cause the American taxpayers deserve When I say putting it in the Stra- Actually, the taxpayers’ money, isn’t that kind of oversight, that kind of ac- tegic Petroleum Reserve, this chart it? So who is going to answer to that? countability, and so, too, do the Amer- shows where they are putting it. This After the New York Times did their ica soldiers who are being disserved by is what it all looks like. This is the story, the Pentagon then suspended this waste, fraud, and abuse. SPR, the Strategic Petroleum Reserve. this contract. But my understanding f The oil goes underground. They had a from a discussion with a high-ranking choice with that oil. The choice would Army official in the last week or so, ENERGY PRICES have been to put it in the marketplace that high-ranking Army official was Mr. DORGAN. Mr. President, I would and perhaps reduce some of these saying privately: No, the contracting like to make a comment about energy, prices. Instead they stick it under- with that company was perfectly log- the price of gasoline, and the price of ground. It is a bad policy. I aim to ical and legitimate. It is just that the oil. change it in our appropriations proc- goods that were provided the Afghanis It is not surprising to people what is ess, in the supplemental. One way or didn’t meet standards. happening in this country. We see the another, we are going to vote on this. You tell me how a general in charge price of oil and the price of gasoline, Do you really think that at $115 to of this kind of contracting can decide especially the price of gasoline, go up, $120 a barrel, we ought to be sticking

VerDate Aug 31 2005 04:55 Jun 26, 2008 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00010 Fmt 4637 Sfmt 0634 J:\CRONLINE\2008BA~2\2008NE~2\S28AP8.REC S28AP8 mmaher on PROD1PC76 with CONG-REC-ONLINE April 28, 2008 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S3425 oil underground and increasing the my judgment, comes from a binge of Call it the world’s largest gambling hall. price? I don’t. speculation on the futures markets. I ... It’s open 24/7. . . . Unfortunately, it’s to- There is another thing happening believe we should increase the margin tally unregulated. . . . This is like a highway with respect to the price of oil. I just with no cops and no speed limit, and requirement at least to 25 percent. everybody’s going 120 miles per hour. mentioned the Saudis cutting produc- I want to go through a couple of ob- Now, here is a picture of NYMEX, the tion back 800,000 barrels a day over the servations. New York Mercantile Exchange, where last 2 years. I just mentioned putting On April 1 of this year, Stephen you can trade commodities such as oil. nearly 70,000 barrels underground every Simon, a senior vice president of You will see the trading pits. A lot of single day by this administration. That ExxonMobil testified that: people have made a lot of money in further cuts the amount in the supply The price of oil should be about $50–$55 per those trading pits. In fact, I have a barrel. line. Wall Street Journal story that de- But there is something else hap- Oh, really? Then why isn’t it? This is scribes this that is titled: ‘‘Trader Hits pening with the price of oil. An orgy of from an oil expert saying: I think the Jack Pot in Oil, as Commodity Boom speculation is occurring in the futures price of oil should be around $50 or $55 Roars On.’’ This describes Mr. Andrew market for oil and gas. This didn’t used a barrel. Hall. Mr. Andrew Hall has earned a lot to happen. The futures market is nec- Well, this company is making plenty of money, about $250 million—a quarter essary. It is necessary to hedge. It is of money off of the current price of oil. of a billion dollars. It says: necessary to provide liquidity. I under- The price is double. That company The commodities market’s historic surge stand all that. But the futures market must grin all the way to the bank. is generating huge paydays on Wall Street. has become something unbelievably That company, the Saudis, the OPEC One of the biggest beneficiaries has been An- speculative. We have hedge funds neck countries, and the other large oil com- drew Hall, an enigmatic British-born trader deep in the futures market. Do they panies, they must be smiling all the who, five years ago, anticipated an impor- want oil? They don’t want any oil. way to the bank. But Mr. Simon says tant shift in the way the world valued oil— and bet big. They just want to bet on oil. They the price of oil should be about $50 or want to gamble on oil. These are people $55 a barrel. The point of this is, here is a man who want to buy something they will Mr. Clarence Cazalot, Jr., the CEO of who made a lot of money. I do not be- never get from people who never had it Marathon Oil said: grudge a man making a lot of money. and make money on both sides of the But he made a lot of money by betting. $100 oil isn’t justified by the physical de- He bet big. Isn’t that interesting? As I transaction in a futures market. We mand in the market. have hedge funds making big bets on said before, the notion of buying some- That was during a question-and-an- thing you will never get from some- oil in the futures market. We have in- swer period with reporters. He said a vestment banks making big bets on oil. body who never had it—that is the fu- more reasonable range for crude oil tures market. It provides liquidity, Investment banks didn’t used to be en- prices was between $55 and $60 a barrel. yes. But when it goes way beyond li- gaged in the futures market, but they Now, understand what he said. He said: quidity and encompasses a binge of are now. ‘‘$100 [a barrel] oil isn’t justified by the speculation, that is damaging and In addition to that, in addition to the physical demand in the market.’’ He is investment banks working in the fu- harmful to this country, then it seems the CEO of one of the large oil compa- to me it is not anything about the mar- tures market, we have investment nies in the country. ket system. banks that are actually buying oil This price is not justified by supply- Anybody who has studied history and storage for the purpose of taking oil off demand. knows economics knows we have seen the market and putting it in storage Well, we are told the market system binges of speculation before. Go back until oil is more valuable later. works; supply-demand determines the four or five centuries, and you will read That is what is happening. We have market price. I used to teach a little about a tulip bulb—one tulip bulb not previously had that occur. So we economics in college, and you teach being sold for $25,000 because there was have this binge of speculation in the supply-demand curves. You also talk a speculative binge which, in the rear- futures market that has nothing at all about a free market, there is no free view mirror, looks completely irra- to do with the supply and demand of market here, of course. tional with respect to the price of tulip oil. Why is this happening? At least in As I started to say earlier, we have bulbs. part it is happening because in the the OPEC countries, that is a cartel. Well, we have seen over the centuries stock market. If you want to buy stock We have the big oil companies—all many of these binges of speculation. on margins, you have to pay 50 percent with two names now. ExxonMobil, We now see it in the futures market, in of the margin. You have to come up ConocoPhillips—they all have two my judgment, in part because the mar- with half the money. If you want to names because they found they like gin requirement is so unbelievably low: buy stock on the margin, come up with each other and they wanted to marry 5 to 7 percent. We now see binges of half the money. If you want to buy oil up. So they merged. So they have much speculation that are driving up the on margin in the futures market, all more muscle in the marketplace. Then price of oil and causing the American you need to come up with is 5 to 7 per- we have the futures markets which consumers an enormous amount of lost cent. If you want to control 100 million have become a binge of speculation. income and great difficulty. dollars’ worth of oil contracts, $5,000 to A New Jersey Star Ledger article There is a group of truckers who $7,000 will do it for you. from January of this year said: have come to Washington, DC, today. I It is almost unbelievable what has Experts, including the former head of was talking to somebody who was a lit- happened with respect to the specula- Exxon Mobil, say financial speculation in the tle disadvantaged—He said he got tion in these futures markets. My be- energy markets has grown so much over the slowed down on some travel up Con- lief is, we should change the margin re- last 30 years that it now adds 20 to 30 percent stitution Avenue. I said: Well, that is quirements on the futures markets. or more to the price of a barrel of oil. an inconvenience, but think of what When there is excess speculation, it in- Fadel Gheit is a man who came to truckers are going through right now— jures this country’s economy. It dam- testify before the Senate Energy Com- a whole lot more than inconvenience. ages the American economy. This ex- mittee. Fadel Gheit is an energy ana- When it costs a substantial amount of cess speculation has been pushing up lyst for Oppenheimer & Co. I think he money—one trucker talked about that oil prices in a very significant way. has been with them for 25 or 30 years. it cost $1,000 to fill his truck with fuel. Yes, there is a combination of things He knows this business. Here is what That is a lot more than an inconven- that are happening. One is, as I said, he said: ience. the Saudis cut back production by There is absolutely no shortage of oil. . . . I talked a week or two ago about how 800,000 barrels a day. Our Government, I’m absolutely convinced that oil prices I think there are three airlines—per- the Department of Energy, is sticking shouldn’t be a dime above $55 a barrel. . . . haps now four—that have announced nearly 70,000 barrels a day underground Oil speculators include ‘‘the largest financial bankruptcy as a result of fuel prices. of sweet, light crude. But it is also the institutions in the world.’’ We have working folks who will drive case that a significant part of this, in He said: up to the gas pump tonight to try to

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I urge my colleagues to support and who are going to the bank with the nessed that by being one of four Mem- getting to this important bill. largest profits ever seen. bers of the Senate who helped get that Before getting to the specifics of the I think we have a right to ask in this done. bill, however, I would like to give some country—when we have a market that We should conserve more. We should perspective on our current aviation is not a free market; when we have a provide much greater efficiency with system. And I will start with the story perverted market, first by OPEC, a car- all the things we use. We should pro- of Sir Robert Watson-Watt. tel, second by excessive speculation on vide much greater effort to renewable Robert Watson-Watt was born in futures markets—don’t we have a re- energy. We should do all of those Scotland in 1892. He was a descendant sponsibility to do something? I think things. But even as we do them, in my of the steam-engine pioneer James the answer to that is clearly yes. judgment, we have a responsibility to Watt. Robert was a student of science, So my hope is we will, first, decide to address this issue of oil and oil pricing. with a fascination for radio waves and support an amendment that I will offer Even the oil companies say there is no how they might be used to transmit in- formation. After finishing school, he to the supplemental that immediately justification, given the current supply got a job as a meteorologist at the shuts down placing nearly 70,000 bar- and demand, for the price of oil to be Royal Aircraft Factory, not far from rels of oil every single day underground above $60, $65 a barrel. We have heard London. He worked on developing at a time when we need that in the sup- it in the statements of people who run ply pipeline. Why should we allow the methods of using radio waves to help our major oil companies. British airmen locate and avoid thun- Department of Energy to be taking oil The rest of it is going up to the hedge derstorms. at the highest possible price and stick- funds and the investment banks and After years of work, in 1935, Watson- ing it underground? We can fix this, others who are making massive Watt produced a report called ‘‘The De- and we can fix it soon, within a matter amounts of money at the expense of tection of Aircraft by Radio Methods.’’ of weeks, if we had the will to do it. truckers, at the expense of airlines, at The report suggested a new idea. The Second, while we have not previously the expense of the ordinary American idea was that people could use short- legislated on the issue of a margin re- drivers who are trying to figure out: wave radio to detect not only bad quirement for engaging in speculation How on Earth do I pay this bill?, and weather, but also aircraft, including on the commodities exchanges, I think stopping excessive speculation. bombers. if the Commodity Futures Trading We need to fix this, and the sooner Watson-Watt’s superiors tested his Commission or other entities will not the better because I believe it is dam- theory, and it worked. They called his do it, I think Congress should. After aging our economy. new gizmo RADAR, an acronym for all, Congress created the mechanism by Mr. President, I yield the floor and radio detection and ranging. which these exchanges exist. We cre- suggest the absence of a quorum. By the time that World War II broke ated the referee for the exchanges, and The PRESIDING OFFICER. The out in September 1939, the British Gov- if it does not work, then we have a re- clerk will call the roll of the Senate. ernment had installed radar all along sponsibility to fix it. The assistant legislative clerk pro- the English Channel and the North Sea I recall—and it does not relate to the ceeded to call the roll. coasts. That gave the British advance oil companies—but I chaired the hear- Mr. BAUCUS. Mr. President, I ask warning of Hitler’s bombers. Acclaimed ings on Enron over in the Commerce unanimous consent that the order for historian A.J.P. Taylor said he doubted Committee. I had the CEO of Enron the quorum call be rescinded. that Britain could have survived the come and testify in front of me and The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without Second World War without Watson- take the fifth amendment. Ken Lay objection, it is so ordered. Watt’s invention. came and said he could not speak and Mr. BAUCUS. Mr. President, I ask Next, radar was ready for commercial took the fifth amendment. But when he unanimous consent that all the time application. All civil aviation needed did speak later he said he did not know remaining for morning business be for dramatic growth was a faster set of anything about what was going on. yielded back. planes. That happened with advent of The fact is, there was unbelievable The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without the jet engine in the 1950s and 1960s. speculation going on on the west coast objection, it is so ordered. In 1952, what is now British Airways on wholesale electricity prices and the f introduced the de Havilland Comets. Those were 36-seat British-made jets manipulation of markets, and it cost CONCLUSION OF MORNING that could fly as fast as 500 miles an tens of billions of dollars to west coast BUSINESS consumers who were bilked out of that hour. Six years later, the Boeing 707 money. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Morning entered commercial service. Pan Am When the system does not work, business is closed. flew it from New York to Paris in just when regulatory authorities are not f under 9 hours—twice as fast as a pro- willing to regulate, when those who are FAA REAUTHORIZATION ACT OF peller plane. supposed to be referees in this free 2007—MOTION TO PROCEED It took Charles Lindberg 33 hours— market system are not making sure a almost four times longer. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Under perverted system is changed to make Seven years after that, in February the previous order, the Senate will re- sure it works, then we have a responsi- 1969, the world’s first wide-body jet— sume the motion to proceed to H.R. bility in Congress to deal with it and to the Boeing 747—made its inaugural 2881, which the clerk will report. respond to it. flight. With seating for up to 450 pas- The assistant legislative clerk read So I believe very strongly there are a sengers, the 747 was 80 percent bigger as follows: few things we can do. First, stop SPR than the largest jet of that time. The oil from going underground; second, A motion to proceed to the bill (H.R. 2881) era of mass aviation was in full swing. to amend title 49, United States Code, to au- find ways to increase the margin re- But as air travel flourished, growing thorize appropriations for the Federal Avia- pains ensued. And by the late 1960s, quirement on the futures market. tion Administration for fiscal years 2008 There are several other approaches we public concern over air-traffic had through 2011, to improve aviation safety and spilled into the headlines: Here’s a can use as well. capacity, to provide stable funding for the news story from 1967. But I would conclude by saying this: national aviation system, and for other pur- I am just a little tired of people talk- poses. Thicket in the Skies. . . . When a pas- senger hops a commercial plane to get from ing about the free market. There is no The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- here to there quickly, he soon discovers that free market here. I want oil companies ator from Montana is recognized. man does not live by one means of transpor- to do well. I want them to find more Mr. BAUCUS. Mr. President, at 5:30 tation alone. The Labor Day weekend con- oil. I was one of four people in this this afternoon, the Senate will vote on gestion and peril underscores the point. . . .

VerDate Aug 31 2005 04:55 Jun 26, 2008 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00012 Fmt 4637 Sfmt 0634 J:\CRONLINE\2008BA~2\2008NE~2\S28AP8.REC S28AP8 mmaher on PROD1PC76 with CONG-REC-ONLINE April 28, 2008 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S3427 And here’s another story, from May Instead of using Watson-Watt’s radar In a time when our surface transpor- 1969: to tell where they are, planes equipped tation suffers as much as—if not more FAA Predicts Summer Air Jam. . . . [The with ADS–B get their exact location so—than our air transport system, it is FAA] forecast yesterday that, despite Fed- from Global Positioning System sat- imperative that Congress act to restore eral restrictions that would limit flights at ellites. They then broadcast their needed monies to the highway trust five major airports beginning June 1, air flight number, speed, and heading— fund. We need to finance construction travelers might have another summer of automatically and continuously—to and repair of our Nation’s roads and frustrating delays. ground control and other planes within bridges. In short, the air transport system 150 miles. This is a sea change in air- Taxes on gasoline, diesel, and heavy had grown beyond anyone’s expecta- traffic technology. And we need to in- trucks finance the highway trust fund. tions. Change was needed. Congress re- vest in it now. The highway trust fund is thus sen- sponded by passing groundbreaking So how do we pay for NextGen? The sitive to changes in the use of these legislation. Finance Committee passed a bill to pay items. As Americans drive less, and as In May 1970, Congress passed the for NextGen this way: vehicle fuel-efficiency increases, the aviation trust fund. Congress built on a First, we set the tax for General highway trust fund’s balance has taken Nixon administration proposal to adopt Aviation jet fuel at 36 cents a gallon. a significant hit. a law in which users of the aviation That is up from the current 21.9 cents A highway trust fund deficit is pro- system paid for its upkeep. The new a gallon. This proposal was agreed to jected for 2009. And even worse projec- law imposed taxes on tickets, fuel, by the General Aviation community. tions are expected for 2010 and beyond. cargo, and the like. And the law estab- And it will raise about $240 million a As we get nearer to the next highway lished the aviation trust fund to pro- year in additional funds for NextGen. bill, it’s important that we at least vide a stable source of funding for our Note that this proposal does not affect make the highway trust fund whole Nation’s aviation needs. those who fly planes using ‘‘avgas,’’ going into 2009. The Senate substitute Despite some ups and downs over the such as a propeller-powered Cessna. amendment would do that. And I urge last 38 years—including a lapse of the Second, we moved partially owned my colleagues to support it. Trust Fund in the early 1980s—this sys- planes—known as ‘‘fractional’’ air- Mr. President, we’ll have a vigorous tem of funding air traffic has by and craft—from the commercial taxation debate this week. And I look forward to large succeeded. The rates of the taxes regime to that of General Aviation. it. have changed. And some—like those on Fractional owners expressed concern But before that debate begins in ear- aircraft tires—have been phased out. that without this change, their ability nest, I want to thank my colleagues— But generally, this Trust Fund has to fly and land in Europe would be particularly Senators ROCKEFELLER managed to finance the needs of the hampered. The European Union has and INOUYE—for their willingness to air-traveling public. strict rules governing which airports seek common ground. I think that the Not anymore. Our system needs mod- commercial flights can use. And this Senate substitute amendment is a good ernization, to improve efficiency and change should allow fractional aircraft package. safety. Our 2008 trust fund, born in the to be considered as general aviation So let us help to bring air travel from 1970s, is paying for 1930s technology. not commercial aviation. This change Robert Watson-Watt’s 1935 idea into That will change with passage of this comes with a cost to the fractional the 21st century. Let us adopt NextGen bill. That will change with the adop- users. to improve safety and efficiency in the tion of NextGen. The Senate substitute amendment skies. And let us vote to move to this And that brings us to the bill in con- drops a proposed increase on the tax on bill this afternoon. nection with which we will vote this international departures and arrivals. Mr. President, I suggest the absence afternoon—the reauthorization of the The Finance Committee bill proposed of a quorum, and I ask unanimous con- airport and airway trust fund, also raising that rate—currently at $15.40— sent that the time during the quorum known as the aviation trust fund. The by $1.55 each way. That is just over $3 call be equally divided between the two trust fund finances the U.S. aviation roundtrip. We argued that if someone sides. system, with about $12 billion per year had the wherewithal to travel overseas, The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without in user-based taxes. The Senate sub- then the cost of a Starbucks at the air- objection, it is so ordered. stitute amendment would provide an port was a reasonable price to pay for The clerk will call the roll. additional $800 million to the trust contributing to a modernized air traffic The assistant legislative clerk pro- fund over the next 3 years. The bill system. ceeded to call the roll. would provide needed funds to mod- But given the state of the commer- Mr. ROCKEFELLER. Mr. President, I ernize our aviation system. cial airline industry, Senator ROCKE- ask unanimous consent that the order The Senate substitute amendment is FELLER and I agreed to drop this provi- for the quorum call be rescinded. a compromise product. It represents sion. In the face of dramatically higher The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without months of work on the part of the Fi- fuel prices and mounting financial objection, it is so ordered. nance and Commerce Committees. Its losses, we agreed that this was not the Mr. ROCKEFELLER. Mr. President, I passage promises improvements in time to raise extra funds from the com- believe it is absolutely crucial and safety and efficiency for air travelers. mercial industry. probable, perhaps, but crucial that we Key to that improvement is NextGen. All told, the package in the Senate have a vibrant and strong aviation in- NextGen is the Federal Aviation Ad- substitute amendment raises an addi- dustry and aviation industry discus- ministration’s plan to modernize the tional $800 million over the next 3 sion on the floor of the Senate. Not to Nation’s air-traffic system. NextGen years. More may be needed, especially put too fine a point on it, but the Na- would address the effect of air traffic given the rapid state of technological tion’s economic well-being depends on growth. It would increase air-traffic ca- change. I know that both the Finance the Federal Aviation Administration pacity and efficiency. And it would im- Committee and Commerce Committee and the aviation industry moving mil- prove safety and reduce the effect of plan to monitor NextGen’s implemen- lions and millions of people and tons of air travel on the environment. tation. And since this is just a 3-year cargo every single day. Generally speaking, NextGen in- reauthorization, we will be back at this I just landed at Washington National volves the use of satellite-based tech- again before long. Airport, and it was absolutely jammed. nology. This includes items like Auto- Finally, I will note that this bill is I am trying to think what it will be matic Dependent Surveillance Broad- not just about aviation. The Finance like in 10 years. Even on the very best cast. ADS-B would allow aircraft to Committee package also contains day, the Federal Aviation Administra- continuously transmit location, speed, other critical infrastructure items, in- tion struggles to operate the most and altitude to other planes, pilots, cluding a direly needed fix to the high- complex airspace system in the world, and controllers. And that would im- way trust fund. The highway trust fund a job made harder by an extremely an- prove the efficiency and safety of air will run a deficit in 2009, unless Con- tiquated air traffic control system traffic. gress acts to repair that deficit. which nobody else in the industrial

VerDate Aug 31 2005 04:55 Jun 26, 2008 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00013 Fmt 4637 Sfmt 0634 J:\CRONLINE\2008BA~2\2008NE~2\S28AP8.REC S28AP8 mmaher on PROD1PC76 with CONG-REC-ONLINE S3428 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE April 28, 2008 world has, but we do. It is akin to using air traffic control system. The far more sential Air Service Program. Most an x ray instead of an MRI. It is anti- critical point of just how severe the won’t know what that is, but those of quated, it is pathetic, it wastes a lot of problem has become, therefore, has us who live in rural areas know that we time, and it creates a lot of waiting for been lost. Everyone is looking at how have no connection with the outside passengers. much they are going to do about this world without the Essential Air Serv- Bad weather, mechanical problems, or do about that, and the general situa- ice Program. If we want to connect lax oversight by the Federal adminis- tion, the crisis we are facing all across with the rest of the world, we have to trators can end up stranding hundreds this country, is not being looked at. have that. of thousands of passengers—and it Our air traffic control system relies on This bill extends the Small Commu- has—increasing jet fuel costs and mak- radio and radar to direct the hundreds nity Air Service Development Program ing it harder and harder for airlines to of thousands of planes in the skies. It for 4 more years. What is that? I will operate. I particularly refer to legacy; is a relic of the 1950s. The sad truth is not explain it fully now, but this pro- that is, to the commercial airlines, that the GPS device in our cars or cell gram has provided dozens of commu- which is the heart and soul of our sys- phones is more sophisticated than the nities with the resources necessary to tem. All this amounts to a perfect hardware used to guide passenger and attract and retain air service. As a Senator from West Virginia, I storm that can and very may well cargo planes in the air. That should know how incredibly crucial both of wreck our aviation system. not make Americans happy. An aviation expert predicts the situa- In this Senator’s judgment, our air these programs are in keeping our tion is going to get much worse and traffic control system is a national em- rural communities connected with the national aviation system. We have to very soon. By the year 2015, delays will barrassment. Unfortunately, the ad- be a part of that blood flow or else we become so bad that none of the 1 bil- ministration does not share this view. shrink up. Without these important lion people predicted to fly that year They seem to be prepared to accept the subsidies, air carriers would have no will ever get to their destinations on status quo. More to the point, they incentive to operate in and out of the time. More planes will be needed, and don’t seem to care and have not shown most rural parts of many States—not that will lead to greater congestion in up. Before Senator MURRAY assumed just West Virginia, not just Iowa, but the skies, a meltdown of the air traffic control of the Appropriations Trans- Texas, California, all kinds of places— control system, and it will put pas- portation Subcommittee, the adminis- New York. Rural is everywhere. Rural senger safety at extreme risk. If the tration, in fact, proposed a $600 million airports are everywhere. People should FAA cannot manage the current situa- cut in the FAA’s—and this is just a not be discriminated against because tion, how can we expect them to deal technical term—facilities and equip- they come from rural areas as opposed with the challenges of the future. ment account, which funds the whole to urban areas. Clearly, we need to take steps to turn question of a new air traffic control These two subsidies—the Essential this situation around. We must be pre- system, a digitalized GPS-based one. Air Service Program and the Commu- pared to take bold action and chart a To reverse this course, S. 1300 pro- nity Air Service Development Pro- course toward modernizing our avia- vides over $12 billion to modernize the gram, the airport development pro- tion system and improving passenger Nation’s aging air traffic control sys- gram—have made an incredible impact safety. Again, I remind my colleagues, tem to allow the FAA to meet the pro- on the economic development in West we are far behind every other indus- jected increase in passengers over the Virginia. Having flights connected with trial country in the world in our capac- next 10 years. Overall, this will prob- Atlanta, Dulles, even Detroit, have ity. Toward that end, the Aviation In- ably cost between $40 and $60 billion in helped attract international investors vestment and Modernization Act truly the long run. I believe S. 1300 lays the to our State—for example, Toyota. It is lives up to its name. It is called S. 1300. necessary foundation for developing absolutely essential, moving forward, It will establish a roadmap for the im- the next-generation air traffic control that we raise the authorization for plementation of the next generation system. We create a stable and guaran- these two programs so that people ev- traffic control system. That is a GPS teed level of funding for FAA’s capital erywhere can continue flying and get digitalized instead of an analog, x-ray investment accounts. That is what the to where they need to go. type of system we have now. It will current situation desperately needs. As Our bill strengthens passenger pro- adequately and fairly fund this system, a result, passenger safety should im- tections by incorporating elements of invest in our Nation’s airport infra- prove, commerce will flow more effi- the Passenger Bill of Rights to deal structure, and continue to improve ciently, and air carriers will see their with the most egregious flight delays small community access to the Na- fuel costs reduced. I say that with my and cancellations. For example, the in- tion’s aviation system. fingers crossed. dustry would be required to provide S. 1300 is a product of compromises, What should not get lost in all this passengers with information regarding not all of them pleasing to me. It is a talk about runways and air traffic con- ontime arrivals and chronically de- good bill that has been made stronger. trol systems and financing is the layed flights. I have no doubt it will be further human element of air travel. The U.S. Aviation incorporates so many of the strengthened as it is considered by the aviation system is, in fact, the safest things that are so critical to us. It con- full Senate. in the world. But underneath those sta- nects people to distant family mem- In crafting this legislation, then-Sen- tistics lie lurking a lot of danger. We bers, links businesses to businesses, ator Lott and I listened to the industry have to stay vigilant if we want that and joins the world which has already stakeholders. Each had their own opin- record to continue. This act, called the shrunk and allows people easily to ion on how to best improve the avia- AIM Act, includes a number of provi- interact on a global scale. It is still tion infrastructure, which was basi- sions to improve safety by providing amazing to me to be able to board a cally based upon the premise that they the FAA with the resources to conduct plane one morning in West Virginia did not want to pay any more for any- thorough oversight of air carriers and and to be halfway around the world thing. The one common theme from ev- foreign repair stations and upgrade the that same day. But really, what rail- eryone was the urgent need to mod- existing infrastructure at our airports. roads and highways were to the 19th ernize our air traffic control system to It is arcane stuff, but at the heart of and 20th century air transportation is meet the growing surge of passengers our commerce system. to the 21st century. But I know that if and to deal with the enormous increase S. 1300 authorizes approximately $65 we do not make investments in our Na- in general aviation, particularly high- billion for all of FAA’s operations and tion’s aviation system now, then we end jet aircraft. I will have a lot more programs and provides approximately will fall far behind the rest of the to say about that in the next few days. $16 billion for airport infrastructure world. Falling far behind the rest of However, in recent months, that grants to meet airport safety and ca- the world is a relative term. I just sense of urgency has been replaced pacity needs. want us to be good and safe. I want us with a debate over who should pay and The bill also reaffirms our commit- to be good and safe. We are not now. how much as we work through how ment to rural America, and it increases Our commercial airlines are just barely best to fund the modernization of our the authorized funding level for the Es- hanging on—barely.

VerDate Aug 31 2005 04:55 Jun 26, 2008 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00014 Fmt 4637 Sfmt 0634 J:\CRONLINE\2008BA~2\2008NE~2\S28AP8.REC S28AP8 mmaher on PROD1PC76 with CONG-REC-ONLINE April 28, 2008 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S3429 I urge my colleagues to vote yes on able price. However, those in rural Mrs. HUTCHISON. Madam President, the motion to proceed to S. 1300, the areas have more difficulties. This chal- I come to the floor today as the rank- Aviation Investment and Moderniza- lenge has become even more difficult ing member of the Senate Aviation tion Act of 2008. after 9/11 when most small commu- Subcommittee. I am going to encour- I yield the floor. nities were reduced to one air carrier age my colleagues to support cloture The PRESIDING OFFICER (Ms. with less frequent flights. Commercial on the motion to proceed to consider- STABENOW). The distinguished Senator carriers only fly into approximately 500 ation of the Federal Aviation Adminis- from Iowa. airports, although that is a business tration reauthorization bill. Mrs. HUTCHISON. Madam President, choice and there are other airports I have been working with my col- I ask the distinguished Senator how they could serve. It is more expensive leagues on the Commerce Committee long his presentation is? to do business in rural America. This and the Finance Committee to develop Mr. GRASSLEY. As I told the Sen- bill will continue the vital programs a bill that we can all agree on. On the ator, I have to be upstairs in 5 minutes. that our rural communities rely on to main parts of the Commerce Com- Mrs. HUTCHISON. Madam President, keep competitive in the worldwide mittee bill, and the main parts of the I ask unanimous consent that I be rec- marketplace. Finance Committee bill, we have come ognized immediately following the Over the past decade, a new prong to agreement. There is one major part Senator from Iowa. has developed in the aviation industry. that was put in at the last minute that The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without Traditionally, the focus has been on I think will bring everything down if objection, it is so ordered. just two main categories, commercial we are not able to negotiate it. I am Mr. GRASSLEY. Madam President, aviation and the private airplanes for going to discuss that in a minute. transportation is an important part of individual or corporate use. Today, we But I believe we have been able, in the American economy. It is vital to have a growing new class of business the main Commerce committee bill, of all rural and urban communities that aviation, which includes the new dy- which Senator ROCKEFELLER is the people are able to travel in a timely, namic of fractional jet ownerships. The chairman, I am the ranking member of safe, and cost efficient manner. Wheth- new business class is anticipated to the Aviation Subcommittee that put er it is the businesswoman traveling to grow at a faster rate than other seg- together the package, and in the main meet her clients or visit her company’s ments of the industry. This new prong part of that bill, we have struck a bal- plants, the tourist who wants to expe- is providing valuable opportunities for ance that would finance the moderniza- rience the beauty and uniqueness of businesses to enhance efficiencies and tion of the FAA airport development, our country, or the grandparents vis- productivity, and is also a potential rural air service that is so important in iting their grandchildren; efficient, af- way for rural areas to have more trans- our country, and the labor-related pro- fordable, and safe travel is imperative. portation opportunities. vision. For several years we have been work- While business aviation is good for If we want a final bill, I tell my col- ing on reauthorizing the aviation bill. and may be a saving grace for strug- leagues that we must keep that bal- While this process has not always been gling rural economies, the growth of ance. We cannot load up this bill with easy, I am pleased that we reached a business aviation is creating more controversial provisions, many of bipartisan agreement and have a good stress on our national air traffic sys- which are in the House bill, which is bill before the Senate. tem. This bill provides more equity by the bill we are going to go to cloture All of us have a vested interest in en- having the business sector contribute on, after which there will be the sub- suring a stable, dependable, and pre- more to the funding of our aviation stitute on with the Commerce bill. The House FAA bill already has a dictable revenue flow to the airport system. veto threat against it, and the pros- and airways trust fund. Aviation has This bill not only addresses impor- pects of a multiyear reauthorization changed since the last time Congress tant aviation policy, it also provides for the FAA will diminish quickly if we considered aviation legislation. This the needed funding for Congress to meet the funding commitments made do not resist the temptation to make bill reshapes our system to better re- in the 2005 highway bill. this a political document. We have the flect today’s realities. It provides more Currently, we fund highway infra- opportunity to pass critical funding in- funding to further modernize our air structure through fuel and other excise creases for the modernization projects, traffic control systems, airports, and taxes. With record high gas prices and timely improvements for the safety facilities. It also provides for more effi- more fuel efficient vehicles, the high- programs at FAA, improvements to cient and safe travel to reduce delays way trust fund has not had the receipts small community air service, and con- and ease congestion in our skies. that were anticipated in 2005. There- sumer and passenger protections. While the United States has one of fore, a shortfall is anticipated for fiscal Senator BOXER and I have worked on the best records for aviation safety, we year 2009 and for future years. the passenger protections, especially need to continue to do better. We are It is vital that the highway trust when an airplane is sitting on the run- back to the level of air traffic that we fund is kept whole through the life of way unable to take off. In the bill we saw before 9/11 and we will likely see the current authorization, SAFETEA– have before us, which we will talk more this number grow tremendously. LU, so Congress can look to long-term about when the substitute is put for- In light of these capacity issues and financing solutions to meet our surface ward, there is a 3-hour limit on how the 1950s equipment being used to man- transportation needs. We need to have long an airplane can stay on the age our skies, our Nation needs to an important national dialogue in the ground without letting passengers off. move as quickly and prudently towards next year so Congress can act in a pru- We think this is a major step in the the next generation of air traffic con- dent and expeditious manner on the right direction. trol systems. This bill provides more next highway bill. What I am going to be looking at, as funding towards this project. Now is Provisions included in this bill will we go through the week, is that we the right time to replace the old radar fill the funding shortfall for fiscal year cannot do further harm to the aviation technology with real time GPS tech- 2009. Offsets are provided so this fund- industry in this country. Rising fuel nology. The American people deserve ing will not add to the overall budget prices, tight credit markets, and the our investment in this new system. deficit. Our States need to have the slowing economy are wreaking havoc This bill also takes an honest look at certainty that this funding will be in on our U.S. carriers. There is not one the diversity of our airport system. It place so they can continue with vital that is saying: We are doing well. structures funding for the safety and projects to improve safety on our Na- As we move forward, I hope we will fairness of every airport in America. tion’s bridges and roadways. keep that in mind, rather than adding Rural States, like Iowa, have many In conclusion, I want to thank my burdens that cannot be maintained. If communities that rely on our elaborate colleagues on the Senate Finance and this bill is going to throw any one of air transportation system. People who Commerce Committees in working to- our airlines into a bankruptcy posi- live near hub airports have the oppor- gether to bring this important bill to tion, we will have failed. tunity to take advantage of air travel the Senate floor. This bill is good for Now, I am very concerned about the somewhat efficiently and at a reason- Iowa and the Nation. pension provision that was put in at

VerDate Aug 31 2005 04:55 Jun 26, 2008 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00015 Fmt 4637 Sfmt 0634 J:\CRONLINE\2008BA~2\2008NE~2\S28AP8.REC S28AP8 mmaher on PROD1PC76 with CONG-REC-ONLINE S3430 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE April 28, 2008 the last, I guess in the last couple of Mrs. BOXER. I am very pleased that Mr. ROCKEFELLER. I ask unani- days, that would take away a careful Senator ROCKEFELLER, Senator BAU- mous consent that the order for the balance that was passed by this Con- CUS, and their ranking members of the quorum call be rescinded. gress last year. We worked very hard to subcommittees and the full committee, The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without make sure that the airlines that have the Chairs of Finance and Commerce objection, it is so ordered. kept their defined benefit plans, mean- have worked together to bring us to Mr. ROCKEFELLER. The time is ing they give full pensions to their this moment where we can reauthorize now 5:30. members, are not held in a position the FAA bill. It has reached the time. The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- that would be detrimental versus car- I was very pleased that Senator ator is correct. riers that have gone to a defined con- HUTCHISON mentioned the Passenger CLOTURE MOTION tribution or 401(k) plan. Bill of Rights that I was so pleased to The PRESIDING OFFICER. Under The new pension provision that was author along with Senator OLYMPIA the previous order, pursuant to rule put in the Finance section of the FAA SNOWE. I was so pleased to have the XXII, the clerk will report the motion support of so many on the committee. reauthorization bill does create an in- to invoke cloture. I wanted to remind everyone, it is im- equity for carriers trying to maintain The legislative clerk read as follows: their defined benefit plan. The lan- portant that we move forward on this CLOTURE MOTION guage would create a disincentive for bill. There are so many things we have to We, the undersigned Senators, in accord- the airlines to fully fund their pension ance with the provisions of rule XXII of the liabilities, because the new proposal consider now. We see what is happening with our air service. When it works Standing Rules of the Senate, hereby move would disallow past excess contribu- to bring to a close debate on the motion to tions being carried forward in future right, it is terrific. Myself, today, it all proceed to Calendar No. 383, H.R. 2881, the years as currently allowed. worked right. I had to take two planes FAA reauthorization bill. To put this in perspective, for in- to get here all the way from California. , Daniel K. Inouye, Barbara stance, American Airlines currently It was smooth. But there are times Boxer, Patty Murray, Byron L. Dorgan, has about a 93-percent funding level in when it is not smooth. We all know Edward M. Kennedy, Christopher J. their defined benefit plan. However, the that. Dodd, Daniel K. Akaka, Benjamin L. Cardin, Patrick J. Leahy, Bernard required level of funding for their plan But what we want to make sure of is that passengers are treated fairly, and Sanders, Sherrod Brown, Amy is 80 percent. So they have a signifi- without the heavy-handed Federal Gov- Klobuchar, Richard Durbin, Ken cantly higher level of funding than is ernment in everything. We make sure Salazar, Sheldon Whitehouse, Max required. Baucus. In difficult times, which everyone that the system works. That led me to author the Passenger Bill of Rights. The PRESIDING OFFICER. By unan- should see all of the airlines are in, Kate Hanni was one of the people imous consent, the mandatory quorum they would be allowed, under present who got trapped on a plane for, I do not call has been waived. law, to use the excess funding level to remember if it was 8 or 10 hours with The question is: Is it the sense of the meet their ongoing obligations like a her two little boys. There was no food Senate that debate on the motion to downpayment. for them. There were overflowing rest- proceed to H.R. 2881, the FAA reauthor- Unfortunately, the language that was rooms. It was a nightmare. People ization bill, shall be brought to a close? put in the Finance Committee bill could not access their medicines. They The yeas and nays are required under strips that ability to use these excess were not allowed to, and certainly peo- the rule. contributions and instead forces them ple did not have an option to get off The clerk will call the roll. to fully fund their ongoing obligations the plane. And this happened over and The legislative clerk called the roll. at 100 percent. So rather than owing over again. Mr. DURBIN. I announce that the roughly $80 million for their annual I think we have all had experiences Senator from Delaware (Mr. BIDEN), contribution, they would instead owe like that or we know someone who did. the Senator from New York (Mrs. CLIN- $350 million. Over 3 years, that would There is no excuse for this. People have TON), the Senator from Connecticut be almost about $1 billion, even though to have adequate water, adequate food, (Mr. DODD), the Senator from Massa- they are 93 percent funded on their ob- and be able to use a clean restroom and chusetts (Mr. KENNEDY), the Senator ligations. get access to their medicines. from Massachusetts (Mr. KERRY), the This penalizes companies for having It seems to me that ought to be a Senator from New Jersey (Mr. LAUTEN- done the right thing in providing sig- basic rule of the airlines. It is not. And BERG), and the Senator from Illinois nificant prior funding for their pen- that is why we wrote this Passenger (Mr. OBAMA) are necessarily absent. sions, and it changes the rules of a Bill of Rights, and the committee sup- I further announce that, if present carefully balanced congressional direc- ported it in the underlying bill, and and voting, the Senator from Massa- tive. people will be granted those what I chusetts (Mr. KERRY) would vote I hope we can work this out before we consider very minimum rights. ‘‘yea.’’ come to the point at which we are try- We think we are going to offer a per- Mr. KYL. The following Senators are ing to put the Finance Committee por- fecting amendment, because at this necessarily absent: the Senator from tion of this bill with the Commerce point what happens is, we put in there North Carolina (Mrs. DOLE), the Sen- Committee portion. I very much hope a 3-hour rule. That is the maximum ator from New Hampshire (Mr. GREGG), our members will become very edu- time on the runway, with certain ex- the Senator from (Mr. cated on this issue, because if we are ceptions: safety, weather, other things. HAGEL), the Senator from Florida (Mr. going to do this kind of harm, we But we say: If an airline does not agree MARTINEZ), and the Senator from Ari- should not be passing an authorization to a 3-hour rule, 3 hours of people zona (Mr. MCCAIN). bill at all and instead do a long-term trapped in the aircraft on a runway, Further, if present and voting, the extension of the FAA authorization that they have to submit an alter- Senator from North Carolina (Mrs. bill, and try to work these issues out so native to the FAA; but we do not re- DOLE) would have voted ‘‘yea.’’ that no airline will be harmed or put in quire that the FAA sign off on it. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Are there a significantly disadvantaged position So we may want to strengthen that. any other Senators in the Chamber de- relative to their competitors. I would alert colleagues. I hope they siring to vote? I yield the floor. support us. I know I have no time re- The yeas and nays resulted—yeas 88, The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- maining. I hope we will give this a nays 0, as follows: ator from California. strong ‘‘yea’’ vote. [Rollcall Vote No. 114 Leg.] Mrs. BOXER. Madam President, I ask I yield the floor and I suggest the ab- unanimous consent that I be permitted sence of a quorum. YEAS—88 to speak for 2 minutes in favor of The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Akaka Bayh Brown bringing this bill forward. Alexander Bennett Brownback clerk will call the roll. Allard Bingaman Bunning The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without The legislative clerk proceeded to Barrasso Bond Burr objection, it is so ordered. call the roll. Baucus Boxer Byrd

VerDate Aug 31 2005 04:55 Jun 26, 2008 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00016 Fmt 4637 Sfmt 0634 J:\CRONLINE\2008BA~2\2008NE~2\S28AP8.REC S28AP8 mmaher on PROD1PC76 with CONG-REC-ONLINE April 28, 2008 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S3431 Cantwell Hatch Reid Workers have paid into the unem- This progress has been slowly, and Cardin Hutchison Roberts ployment system for years and deserve sometimes not so slowly, unraveled by Carper Inhofe Rockefeller Casey Inouye Salazar protection now. Again, these are work- the Bush administration. Chambliss Isakson Sanders ers who have paid into this fund. This Through budget cuts and a shift in Coburn Johnson Schumer is an insurance fund. It is not a welfare emphasis to voluntary employer pro- Cochran Klobuchar Sessions fund. These workers deserve the com- grams, the administration is essen- Coleman Kohl Shelby Collins Kyl tially telling workers they are on their Smith pensation to help during their difficult Conrad Landrieu Snowe times as they search for jobs. I urge my own. It hearkens back to an era when Corker Leahy workers were treated like disposable Cornyn Levin Specter colleagues to end their filibuster and to Craig Lieberman Stabenow work on extending unemployment in- goods. Crapo Lincoln Stevens surance. In election years, some candidates DeMint Lugar Sununu The President continues to push for a give drive-by speeches in towns that Domenici McCaskill Tester are hit hard by unfair trade deals and Dorgan McConnell Thune Colombia trade deal. We have not even Durbin Menendez Vitter acted on trade adjustment assistance tell them the ownership society is Ensign Mikulski Voinovich which provides vital assistance to working. In some sense, it is true. More Enzi Murkowski Warner workers who lose their jobs because of and more, workers ‘‘own’’ responsi- Feingold Murray Webb bility for their own safety, their own Feinstein Nelson (FL) trade. The President has actually Whitehouse retirement, and their own health care. Graham Nelson (NE) Wicker threatened to veto the House trade ad- Grassley Pryor Wyden justment assistance package. We hear some candidates sometimes Harkin Reed Whether we have another trade deal, talk about how if only taxes on the NOT VOTING—12 one thing is certain. Trade assistance wealthiest Americans were lower, com- Biden Gregg Lautenberg needs to be reformed, and it needs to be panies would not outsource production Clinton Hagel Martinez expanded to workers who cannot, in to China or Mexico or to any other Dodd Kennedy McCain country. I don’t think that argument is Dole Kerry Obama every case, prove they lost their jobs because of trade, even though they passing the straight-face test these The PRESIDING OFFICER. On this probably did. It should be expanded to days. Middle-class families aren’t buying it vote, the yeas are 88, the nays are 0. service workers who have lost their because they see perfectly well what is Three-fifths of the Senators duly cho- jobs. happening around them. The message sen and sworn having voted in the af- Last week, Senate Republicans of the ownership society coming from firmative, the motion is agreed to. staged a filibuster to prevent even hav- the White House is that every man and Mr. MENENDEZ. I move to recon- ing a debate on giving a woman a day woman is responsible for himself or sider the vote, and I move to lay that in court when she faces discrimination herself. But the result of the policies motion on the table. in the workplace. Today, women and pursued under that banner of the own- The motion to lay on the table was victims of discrimination, based on ership society is the greatest con- agreed to. race or age or disability or religion, are centration of ownership in the hands of The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- denied a remedy when they are denied ator from Ohio. a few that we have seen since the Great equal pay for equal work. It should not Depression. It is ownership all right Mr. BROWN. Madam President, I ask be a partisan issue, but the Repub- unanimous consent to speak for 10 min- but only for those in high society. licans have made it one. Over the past 8 years, we have seen utes, to be followed for 10 minutes by Today is Workers Memorial Day—a Senator KLOBUCHAR, as in morning an administration that neither values day set aside every year to honor work- nor rewards hard work. We have seen business and for it to count ers killed and hurt on the job. Trade postcloture. an administration that simply doesn’t unionists around the world mark April value manufacturing. Manufacturing The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without 28 as an International Day of Mourn- objection, it is so ordered. changed the face of America and cre- ing. ated a middle class that used its AMERICA’S WORKFORCE The most recent data shows that in strength and power to change the Mr. BROWN. Madam President, the United States, there were 5,840 course of society. America’s workforce is facing immense fatal workplace injuries in 2006. Over The progress in labor rights, women’s challenges. Our country has lost 230,000 5,800 Americans were killed on the job suffrage, antitrust laws, conservation, jobs in the first 3 months of 2008. Many in 2006, over 100 more than in 2005. This and the social safety net would not of those jobs are in the Presiding Offi- includes 196 workers in my State of have happened without manufacturing cer’s State of Michigan and my State Ohio. and would not have happened without of Ohio. The national unemployment Under this administration, workplace rewarding our work. rate has gone to 5.1 percent. In Ohio, inspections have declined. The Occupa- When the Bush administration fails unemployment hovers around 6 per- tional Safety and Health Administra- to value these manufacturing jobs in cent. Early this year, Congress passed tion has not vigorously enforced cur- the first place, why should we not be an economic stimulus package—a nec- rent laws and regulations on the books. surprised when it doesn’t value safety essary step but only a small step and a It has not set any standards except by in industries such as construction, first step. court order. It continues to rely on mining, transportation, and manufac- Wall Street projects an unemploy- ‘‘voluntary’’ compliance to protect turing? ment rate of 6.5 percent by the end of workers in many of the most dangerous Our Nation is struggling. We struggle 2009. It will likely be higher in my occupations. because of the Federal Government’s State. We have not acted on extending OSHA has dragged its feet on the wrongheaded tax policy, and because unemployment insurance. The Repub- butter flavoring chemical in popcorn our trade policy all too often encour- licans filibustered extending unem- that has caused a fatal lung disease ages investors to move jobs overseas. ployment insurance when we passed known as popcorn lung disease. In the last 14 months, I have traveled the stimulus package earlier this year. That is too late for Keith Campbell my State extensively and held The Republicans again have stopped in Caledonia, OH, who is 50 years old roundtables with community leaders, our efforts and have refused to extend but has the lungs of an 80-year-old be- workers, activists, teachers, farmers, unemployment benefits. cause of exposure to the chemical at and veterans in almost 100 different Over 2.6 million Americans—35 per- the popcorn plant in Marion, OH. places in 62 of Ohio’s 88 counties. It is cent of all unemployed workers—have The point is, it has taken decades of clear to me that Ohio workers are already exhausted their unemployment struggle by workers and unions to im- fighting back to build a decent stand- benefits over the past 12 months. These prove conditions in the mines, in the ard of living for themselves and for are people who want to work, who have meatpacking plants, and in the metal others to provide opportunities for tried to find other jobs, who simply stamping shops—in all kinds of plants their children and to construct a more have been unsuccessful in finding de- where workers get all kinds of occupa- prosperous State, one where smart and cent jobs. tional injuries and illnesses. hard work is rewarded.

VerDate Aug 31 2005 04:55 Jun 26, 2008 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00017 Fmt 4637 Sfmt 0634 J:\CRONLINE\2008BA~2\2008NE~2\S28AP8.REC S28AP8 mmaher on PROD1PC76 with CONG-REC-ONLINE S3432 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE April 28, 2008 I listened to a woman, Dee Dee, who I have heard from constituents who ence on foreign oil, and provide us with sat in negotiations representing 1,200 are having to cancel their family road the next generation of home-grown janitors in Cincinnati—1,200 men and trips or their summer vacations up biofuels. women who work hard, raise their chil- north because they cannot afford the Brazil has already achieved this en- dren, and who contribute to their com- gas they need to get there. I have heard ergy security. They have leapfrogged in munity; and in this case they are not from farmers who are having a hard front of our country. They can do it earning much more than the minimum time making ends meet, even in spite with sugarcane. We don’t have that wage. of the high commodity prices, because much sugarcane here, and we have to Joined by several others at the bar- the cost of their inputs—diesel fuel for go to the next generation of biofuels, gaining table, Dee Dee helped reach an farm equipment and fertilizer made cellulosic, switch grass—many dif- agreement with Cincinnati’s office from natural gas—has spiraled out of ferent things. But we have to put the building owners. Over the next 3 years, control. Of course, it is particularly reserve and incentives into place. We 1,200 janitors will get between a $2- and hard on middle-class and low-income can do this, but we need the will, and $3-an-hour raise, health benefits, and families because when they have less we need to pursue a forward-looking they will get a small pension. disposable income and gas goes up to energy policy with the same sense of In northwest Ohio, in the farmland of these levels, it is very difficult for urgency we used to put a man on the Henry County, Mark Schwiebert, a them to get by. Moon nearly 40 years ago. very productive farmer in an increas- The high price of energy has inflated In the long term, this is going to ingly competitive environment, told the price of everything from groceries mean strategic investments in research me his story. He is proud of his farm, to transportation to home heating, as on hybrid electric cars, new solar tech- to be sure, but he also takes his role se- the occupant of the chair knows, as he nology, cellulosic ethanol, and other riously as an American citizen. He is is from Vermont. It has impacted every forms of energy from biomass. an advocate for family farmers and for sector of our economy, from manufac- We should be investing not in the oil fair trade, understanding that the pros- turing, to forestry, to farms and small cartels of the Middle East but in the perity of Ohio depends on a vibrant businesses. farmers and workers of the Midwest. rural Ohio where young people want to In cold northern States such as Min- We need better fuel efficiency stand- stay and work in their communities. nesota, Spring is when a lot of people— ards in our cars. We already have a Ohioans and workers across the coun- especially senior citizens living on start on that with the Energy bill and try are fighting back. They did not go their own—are trying to pay off their the 10-mile-per-gallon increase in fuel away after this Chamber voted down natural gas bill from the winter. They efficiency standards. We need to do the Fair Pay Act, again a victim of Re- are too afraid to think about how they more. We also need a renewable energy publican filibuster. They did not go are going to pay their heating bills electricity standard, a portfolio stand- away last year when Republicans next winter, if this trend continues. ard for the Nation, like we have in mounted yet another filibuster to pre- Middle-class families are struggling Minnesota where the requirement is 25 vent the Senate from considering legis- with the high cost of health care and a percent of our electricity will come lation to level the playing field for college education already, and they from renewables by 2025. It has spurred unions trying to represent new groups cannot afford this increase in the price investment in wind. We are third in the of workers. They would not go away of gas. I just heard an expert a few country in wind now because we have just because this administration has weeks ago talk about, if you look at been willing to take that step. ignored worker safety and is forcing the past 8 to 10 years, a regular, aver- There is also much that we need to more families to mourn loved ones on age middle-class family—their costs for do in the short term, Mr. President. We Workers Memorial Day. everything from daycare, to home can put a stop to oil company give- We need an ownership society, but it heating, to gas has gone up about $8,000 aways by ending the giveaways and tax needs to be one in which workers own to $10,000 a year. But their wages have breaks going to the oil companies and a greater share of the profits from not gone up. They don’t have a choice, putting them into a futuristic energy their productivity, and the Govern- Mr. President, about how they are policy focused on renewables. We tried ment and employers own a greater going to get to work. In my State, to do that in the Energy bill, and we share of responsibility for their safety many don’t have a choice. They have were one vote short of blocking the fili- and their well-being. to drive. They have to get to work, get buster. I still believe we can do it. I yield the floor. to school, and they have to get to the We also have to look at the Strategic The PRESIDING OFFICER (Mr. doctor. Any wage increase they may Petroleum Reserve. We can stop divert- SANDERS). The Senator from Minnesota have gotten last year goes straight ing 50,000 barrels of oil every day into is recognized. into their gas tanks. And more often that Strategic Petroleum Reserve. Of ENERGY POLICY than not, there haven’t even been any course, we need to have a petroleum re- Ms. KLOBUCHAR. Mr. President, wage increases. serve to protect our country in times Spring is finally arriving in Minnesota, Not a day goes by when I don’t hear of emergency. But the time to fill it is even though we had snow last week. about the struggle from my constitu- not when oil prices are at record highs. Spring does get to our State a little ents in Minnesota. So it is hard for me Here is what the staff at the Stra- later than in Washington. This is the to understand how recently the Presi- tegic Petroleum Reserve had to say on time of year when people start think- dent seems taken aback when someone the subject 6 years ago, in 2002: ing about putting their boats in the asked him about $4 gas. The President Commercial inventories are low, retail water and start thinking about making said—remember, this was February 28. prices are high, and economic growth is slow. a trip to their cabins. We call it the The President said: The Government should avoid acquiring oil lake season. It is also the time of year You’re predicting $4 a gallon gasoline? for the reserve under these circumstances. when farmers are preparing to put That’s interesting. I hadn’t heard that. If this was true in 2002, it is doubly their crops in the ground. To the people in my State, $4 a gal- true today. Maybe I should say it is But this year is going to be different. lon for gas isn’t ‘‘interesting.’’ It is a triply true because gas prices are more The average price of gas just hit $3.45 a budget-buster for many middle-class than triple what they were then. That gallon in Minnesota, and it is $3.56 per families in our State. is why I was proud to join with my col- gallon nationally. The price of diesel The fact is, this administration has league, Senator DORGAN of North Da- fuel is at $4.14 per gallon nationally. Of failed to provide Americans with a kota, and others in sending a letter to course, the price of crude oil is at an meaningful energy policy that would the President asking him to halt in- unbelievable $118 per barrel. provide relief from high gas and energy puts into the Strategic Petroleum Re- People cannot afford to do the things prices. serve to provide some relief for con- they used to do. I don’t think people This country needs a bold energy pol- sumers. usually think of going up to a small icy for the future, a policy that will Next, OPEC. Another area where we lake cabin as a luxury, but it becomes stabilize prices and give consumers can take immediate action is in our one when gas is this expensive. more alternatives, reduce our depend- dealings with the OPEC nations. OPEC

VerDate Aug 31 2005 04:55 Jun 26, 2008 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00018 Fmt 4637 Sfmt 0634 J:\CRONLINE\2008BA~2\2008NE~2\S28AP8.REC S28AP8 mmaher on PROD1PC76 with CONG-REC-ONLINE April 28, 2008 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S3433 is a cartel of oil-producing countries That was April 1, 2008. I note that is cally to apply to energy markets. This that meets and decides how much oil to April Fool’s Day, but he did say the new Oil and Gas Market Fraud Task produce and thereby control prices. price of oil should be about $50 to $55 Force would allow us to focus com- They make no pretense of having a free per barrel. Why is it trading at $118? If bined efforts of the Department of Jus- market system. They don’t obey the supply and demand doesn’t explain the tice, FTC, SEC, and the Federal Energy laws of supply and demand. They gath- high price, what does? Regulatory Commission. er together and set production, which According to the experts, there is a In conclusion, the cost of energy is determines prices. frenzy of unregulated market specula- hurting Americans from all walks of As a former prosecutor, I call that tion in the oil futures market that is life and businesses. I don’t think we kind of behavior ‘‘collusion.’’ It is ille- driving prices up to record highs. I need one silver bullet. As we say in my gal in our country. But the members of would like to share a quote from an en- State, we need a silver buckshot. We OPEC are foreign governments and so ergy market analyst with Oppenheimer need a bold energy policy, first of all, far they have gotten away with it. who was recently named by Bloomberg in the short term, that focuses on tem- As oil exporting nations, the mem- as the top-ranked energy analyst in the porarily suspending deliveries of oil bers of OPEC could provide us with country. He said: into the Strategic Petroleum Reserve, some relief. They have the spare capac- I’m absolutely convinced that oil prices that pressures OPEC nations to in- ity to increase production of oil and shouldn’t be a dime above $55 a barrel . . . crease oil production, that closes the ease the pain being felt by American Oil speculators include the largest financial Enron loophole to eliminate that spec- consumers and businesses. But OPEC institutions in the world. I call it the world’s ulation, and to establish the DOJ Oil recently met, as you know, and decided largest gambling hall . . . It’s open 24/7 . . . and Gas Market Fraud Task Force. not to increase production, at least It’s totally unregulated. . . . This is like a Then we need for the long term—Mr. highway with no cops and no speed limit, until the fall, after the summer driving and everybody’s going 120 miles per hour. President, you know this well we need season. to increase vehicle fuel efficiency, That makes you feel good. It makes Not only that, Saudi Arabia has actu- make a national commitment to gen- the people filling up their gas tanks ally decreased production since 2005. So erate electricity from renewables and paying that nearly 4 bucks a gallon feel I have joined with my colleagues, Sen- invest in research in cutting-edge tech- good, like a gambling hall. ators SCHUMER, DORGAN, and you, Mr. nologies for alternative fuel vehicles Why are these trades in a commodity President, in calling on the President and renewable energy sources. This is as vital as oil unregulated? Back in to demand that OPEC nations increase what we need to do. 2000, a provision was inserted into the their oil production to provide Amer- The time is now for Congress to take Commodity Futures Modernization Act ican consumers and businesses with strong steps toward creating that bold that exempted electronic energy trades much needed relief. energy policy. Americans are depend- from Federal regulation. In the absence Think about it: This country spends ing on us. of oversight, what was once a small $600,000 every minute on imported oil. I yield the floor. niche market became a booming indus- That is money leaving the pockets of The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- try, attracting rampant speculation American drivers going into the coffers ator from Alabama. from hedge funds and investment of foreign countries. By refusing to Mr. SESSIONS. Mr. President, I banks. Oil and natural gas prices be- step up production, OPEC nations are thank Senator KLOBUCHAR for her com- came volatile. The provision has be- saying we don’t think prices are too ments. I agree with so much of what come known as the Enron loophole be- high yet; we want them to go even she had to say. When you go out and cause it made possible the many abuses higher. talk to real people and see the impact that triggered the Western energy cri- I don’t think that is right. It is time on their lives of these huge prices, you sis and cost the economy $35 billion this administration stepped up and did begin to analyze where we are. and nearly 600,000 jobs. something about it. If we are going to Ms. KLOBUCHAR. Mr. President, I The Federal Government has a crit- be doing business with Saudi Arabia ask the Senator if he will withhold. I ical role to play in conducting aggres- and some of these countries, this ad- think the plan is that I am to end the sive oversight of changing energy mar- ministration should have the leverage session and he is to speak. kets. History has shown us that when to push for more oil from OPEC. Mr. SESSIONS. That sounds fine to enforcement is lax, consumers ulti- Another short-term solution: Current me. I did not hear that. I yield the mately pay the price. prices are simply not justified by sup- floor, before I complete bragging on Simply put, we need to close the ply and demand. The administration the Senator’s comments. Enron loophole and strengthen Federal likes to tell us nothing can be done, Ms. KLOBUCHAR. Mr. President, I oversight of energy trading. I am that it is a case of supply and demand. thank my colleague for his kind words. pleased to say my colleagues, Senators But that answer does not hold true any f FEINSTEIN and LEVIN, have succeeded in longer. Listen to what the oil company including this provision in the farm MORNING BUSINESS executives themselves have to say bill. It is another reason we need to get about this matter. Ms. KLOBUCHAR. Mr. President, I the farm bill done. On October 30, 2007, the CEO of Mara- ask unanimous consent that the Sen- I commend my colleagues, Rep- thon Oil said: ate proceed to a period for the trans- resentative COLLIN PETERSON, from $100 oil isn’t justified by the physical de- action of morning business, with Sen- Minnesota, and Senator HARKIN and mand in the market. ators permitted to speak for up to 10 Senator CONRAD for getting this provi- minutes each. That is exactly what he said: sion done. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without $100 oil isn’t justified by the physical de- A final short-term solution. After the objection, it is so ordered. mand in the market. collapse of Enron, the President formed f Let’s look at what another CEO said. a Corporate Fraud Task Force at the Here we have the CEO of Royal Dutch Department of Justice. The task force 50TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE UNI- Shell. The CEO of Royal Dutch Shell has since produced more than 1,000 con- VERSITY OF NEVADA, LAS said: victions by aggressively pursuing cor- VEGAS The oil fundamentals are no problem. They porate fraud under existing law. What Mr. REID. Mr. President, this year are the same as they were when oil was sell- this shows us is good laws in and of marks the 50th anniversary of the Uni- ing for $60 a barrel. themselves are not enough. We need versity of Nevada, Las Vegas, UNLV. In On April 1, a senior vice president of enforcement. We need a cop on the 1957, UNLV was born as an extension of ExxonMobil testified before the House beat. Any prosecutor can tell you that. the University of Nevada, Reno, to ac- that the price of oil should be about $50 That is why I joined my colleague, Sen- commodate the rapidly growing popu- to $55 per barrel. He said: ator CANTWELL, in calling on the Presi- lation of Las Vegas. The price of oil should be about $50 to $55 dent to establish a new division of the The first classes were held in the per barrel. Corporate Fraud Task Force specifi- dressing rooms of Las Vegas High

VerDate Aug 31 2005 04:55 Jun 26, 2008 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00019 Fmt 4637 Sfmt 0634 J:\CRONLINE\2008BA~2\2008NE~2\S28AP8.REC S28AP8 mmaher on PROD1PC76 with CONG-REC-ONLINE S3434 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE April 28, 2008 School’s auditorium. There were only Ed has been involved in the labor Midwestern roots and values. While he 28 students. When the Nevada Board of movement in Illinois for more than 40 has remained in southern Illinois, the Regents founded the Southern Nevada years. He is deeply committed to the effects of his work can be seen and felt Division of the University of Nevada, working families of America. throughout our Nation. students led the charge to become their As a leader in the Laborers’ Inter- As my friend Ed Smith begins the own independent institution. They national Union, Ed has worked to en- next chapter in his life, I want to con- adopted the Rebel as their mascot to sure workers earn a living wage, good gratulate him on his retirement from signify their desire to break free of the benefits and the opportunity to ad- Laborers’ International Union and Reno campus. With pressure from stu- vance and better their lives. thank him for over 40 years of dedica- dents and the Las Vegas community, He is stepping down as Midwest Re- tion to working men and women. I wish an 80-acre parcel along a two-lane dirt gional Manager of the Laborers’ Inter- him the best in his new role as presi- road was selected as the location for national Union of North America, Vice dent of Union Labor Life Insurance the campus. On September 10, 1957, the President of Laborers’ International Company as he continues to protect first classes were held on the new cam- and Assistant to the General President, the working families of America. pus. And in 1968, UNLV began its jour- to become President of the Union f ney as an independent institution. Labor Life Insurance Company, labor’s Over the past 50 years, Las Vegas has own insurance and financial services REMARKS OF RUPERT MURDOCK grown and become the entertainment company. Mr. STEVENS. Mr. President, last capital of the world, and just like the For those who may not be familiar Monday evening I had the honor of at- city that it calls home, UNLV, too, has with the Laborers, they are the men tending a dinner of Coun- had its fair share of celebrity. In 1964 and women who do the hard, dangerous cil. At that dinner several distin- Elvis Presley and Ann-Margret danced work of building our country. guished individuals were honored: in the gym in the famous scene from Ed literally grew up in the labor former British Prime Minister Tony the film ‘‘Viva Las Vegas’’. Frank Si- movement. He was only 13 when he Blair, News Corporation chairman and natra and Wayne Newton served on the joined Laborers’ Local 773 in Cairo, IL. UNLV Foundation’s board in the 1980s CEO Rupert Murdoch, and Admiral Mi- He worked his way through school as a chael Mullen, Chairman of the Joint and Anthony Zuiker, the creator and construction craft laborer. producer of the hit show ‘‘CSI’’, is an Chiefs of Staff for Distinguished Inter- He was elected business manager of national, Business and Military Lead- alumni. his local union in 1976 at the young age Today, UNLV is a thriving urban re- ership respectively. of 21. A decade later, he was elected During the evening, there was much search institution with more than president of the Southern Illinois La- 28,000 students and more than 220 un- discussion about the health of the borers’ District Council. transatlantic relationship. I was im- dergraduate, master’s, and doctoral de- In 1994, Ed was elected Midwest Re- gree programs. The campus—now 350 pressed with Rupert Murdock’s com- gional Manager of the Laborers’ Inter- ments as to how the alliance must acres—boasts over 100 buildings with national, leading more than 50,000 state-of-the-art technology and re- change to meet future threats. He went union members. Two years later, he on to say ‘‘We must face up to a painful search facilities. Two of the most re- was elected Vice President of the La- cent additions have been a new student truth: Europe no longer has either the borers’ International Union and be- political will or social culture to sup- union and a student recreation and came Assistant to the General Presi- wellness facility all paid for by the stu- port military engagements in defense dent of the Union. of itself and its allies. However strong dents. In 1998, UNLV opened the Boyd Laborers’ International Union is one School of Law, which quickly gained NATO may be on paper, this fact of the fastest-growing unions of con- makes NATO weak in practice. And it accreditation from the American Bar struction workers and Ed oversaw over Association and is now nationally means that reform will not come from 30 successful organizing campaigns, ranked for its quality legal education. within. mainly in the public sector. Those who want a reformed NATO This year, UNLV also welcomed its Ed was the first member of the La- eighth president, David Ashley. must look to the outside. In other borers’ International Union to grad- Many outside of Nevada know of words, we need to transform this Alli- uate from the National Labor College UNLV for its athletic teams. The ance from a community formed around Rebels participate in 17 intercollegiate with a bachelors degree. Ed also grad- a map to a community based on com- sports. In 1990, the Runnin’ Rebels won uated from the Harvard University mon values and a willingness to take the NCAA Men’s Division I tour- Trade program and from Shawnee Col- joint action in defense of these values. nament, beating Duke 103 to 73, the lege. In 1992, he received Shawnee Col- Those who want a reformed NATO largest margin of victory ever in the lege’s first outstanding alumni award. must look to the outside. In other As Ed fought for Illinois’ working championship game. While the Runnin’ words, we need to transform this Alli- families, he raised his own family with Rebels have continued to be a peren- ance from a community formed around his wife Betty. He has two children, nial player in the NCAA tournament, a map to a community based on com- daughter Jordan and son Matt. in recent years, UNLV athletics have mon values and a willingness to take Ed also devotes a great deal of his also achieved success in golf, swim- joint action in defense of these values.’’ life to charitable organizations. He has ming and diving, boxing, track and I ask unanimous consent to have Mr. been a major benefactor to the Therapy field, and soccer. Murdock’s entire remarks printed in Center in Carterville, IL, an organiza- In its first 50 years, UNLV has grown the CONGRESSIONAL RECORD. from a satellite outpost of higher tion that assists physically disabled children. He also serves as a board MR. RUPERT MURDOCH’S PREPARED REMARKS learning to a major player in the fields FOR THE ATLANTIC COUNCIL’S 2008 ANNUAL member of the I Can Read Program, for of gaming and hotel management, en- AWARDS DINNER children with reading and learning dis- vironmental and experimental science, Good evening. Thank you, Henry, for that engineering, English, and law. UNLV abilities. kind introduction. Your words remind me of has blossomed with the city around it, In addition to his many union roles, the definition of a diplomat: A man who al- and as UNLV enters its next 50 years, I Ed is well respected for his leadership ways remembers his wife’s birthday—but am confident that it will continue to with the Illinois State Board of Invest- never remembers her age. prosper and strengthen the city it calls ment, the Illinois Department of Labor I also want to thank the Atlantic Council home. Advisory Board, and the National Alli- for this fine award. By honoring me, you honor the work that News Corporation’s f ance for Fair Contracting. Ed Smith is a big man with a big 61,000 employees are doing to connect people TRIBUTE TO EDWARD M. SMITH heart. It says something about him across oceans, borders, and cultures. And you underscore the importance of a strong Mr. DURBIN. Mr. President, I rise that he has risen to such prominence in private sector for a free society. today to honor my good friend Edward the American labor movement without Few organizations have done more for the M. Smith, a man for whom I have great ever leaving his hometown of Cairo, IL preservation of our freedom than this Coun- respect and admiration. and without ever losing touch with his cil. Tonight I want to commend Fred Kempe

VerDate Aug 31 2005 04:55 Jun 26, 2008 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00020 Fmt 4637 Sfmt 0634 J:\CRONLINE\2008BA~2\2008NE~2\S28AP8.REC S28AP8 mmaher on PROD1PC76 with CONG-REC-ONLINE April 28, 2008 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S3435 . . . General Jim Jones . . . the Council some are working hard to get there, and gust of last year. At that time, my be- Board . . . and all the Council members for would be strong partners down the road. At lief was that debate and consideration the important work you are doing. This the very least, the United States needs to of this legislation by the full Senate, Council was founded in the years following support them as they struggle against the would take place during September. World War II. Statesmen on both sides of the dark forces trying to pull them down. Atlantic recognized that the defense of free- Right now the United States has a test in That did not happen. As I described in dom would require the active engagement of our own backyard. Colombia is a nation that detail yesterday, further action on the a new generation of leaders. By working to is fighting poverty, battling the drug lords, bill has been blocked because of opposi- keep that Alliance strong, you have helped and taking on terrorists backed by foreign tion from the other side of the aisle to the West prevail against Soviet com- governments. Its citizens have suffered tre- certain benefits for Filipinos who munism—and ensure the advance of democ- mendously from violence, and who want fought under U.S. command during racy from the Atlantic to the Urals. peace and opportunity. And it is being led by World War II. Today we can be tempted to bask in our a brave and innovative President, who is I will first describe some of the provi- achievements—and wax nostalgic about all bringing the rule of law to people who have we have been through. not known it. sions in the bill and then will discuss But this is no time for nostalgia. At this What does this brave President ask of us? in more detail my views on the provi- moment in our history, the Alliance that has He asks that we ratify the trade agreement sions relating to Filipino veterans. been built up over decades now finds itself we have negotiated with his nation. This legislation, as reported by the threatened on several fronts: By ratifying this agreement, we would committee, would make several impor- First, by the growing appeal of protec- open an important market for American tant improvements in insurance pro- tionism on both sides of the Atlantic . . . goods. We would demonstrate to millions in grams for disabled veterans. It would Second, by the terrorists who target civil- our hemisphere that the path to prosperity ians in all our countries . . . and finally, by lies in freedom and democracy. And we establish a new program of insurance the crisis of confidence in a Europe that is would give strong moral support to a leader for service-connected disabled veterans losing its faith in the values and institutions struggling to bring hope and opportunity to that would provide up to a maximum of that have kept us free. his people in an important part of the world. $50,000 in level premium term life in- We see this crisis of confidence in many Everyone knows this. Even the New York surance coverage. areas. Yet nowhere is it more apparent than Times says the Democratic Congress should This legislation would also expand in the failure of nerve we are seeing in Af- ratify this trade deal. Instead, Speaker eligibility for retroactive benefits from ghanistan. After the attacks of September Pelosi has effectively put off the bill by not traumatic injury protection coverage the 11th, 2001, it was clear that America and scheduling a vote. We need to make clear to its allies needed to deprive al Qaeda of its the leadership in Congress needs to know under the Servicemembers’ Group Life safe haven. It was clear that we needed to what killing this trade deal would mean. Insurance program. This insurance pro- help the Afghan people replace the Taliban Throughout Colombia, a defeat for the gram went into effect on December 1, with a free government that would build a trade deal would be confirmation that the 2005. All insured servicemembers under more hopeful future for its citizens. United States is not an ally you could count SGLI from that point forward are cov- Unfortunately, far from reflecting our on. ered by traumatic injury protection re- unity, Nato’s entry into Afghanistan has ex- Throughout Latin America, a defeat for the trade deal would be exploited by thugs gardless of where their injuries occur. posed its divisions. Instead of standing to- However, individuals sustaining trau- gether as full and equal partners, a handful like Hugo Chavez, who would tell the people, of Alliance members are bearing the brunt of ‘‘See, the Americans will never accept you as matic injuries between October 7, 2001 the fighting. Defense Secretary equals and partners.’’ and November 30, 2005, that were not has said that the lack of equal burden shar- And throughout the world, a defeat for the incurred as a direct result of Oper- ing threatens the future of the Alliance. And trade deal would be taken as another sign ations Enduring or Iraqi Freedom, are he is right. that the U.S. will not stand by its friends not eligible for a retroactive payment We must face up to a painful truth: Europe when the going gets tough. The Mexican ambassador to the United under the traumatic injury protection no longer has either the political will or so- program. This legislation would expand cial culture to support military engagements States puts it this way: ‘‘The most impor- in defense of itself and its allies. However tant geopolitical mistake the United States eligibility to these individuals. strong NATO may be on paper, this fact could do today . . . is not ratifying that trea- This legislation would also increase makes NATO weak in practice. And it means ty.’’ the maximum amount of Veterans’ The world is watching. The same values that reform will not come from within. Mortgage Life Insurance so that a serv- Those who want a reformed NATO must that we are trying to uphold in the Atlantic ice-connected disabled veteran may look to the outside. In other words, we need Alliance are at stake now in Colombia. And if we fail to support them in Colombia, it purchase from the current maximum of to transform this Alliance from a commu- $90,000 to $200,000. In the event of the nity formed around a map to a community will be harder to revive them in the Alliance. Let me conclude with a little story. I was veteran’s death, the veteran’s family is based on common values and a willingness to born in Australia . . . I received my univer- protected because VA will pay the bal- take joint action in defense of these values. sity education in Britain . . . and I have In short, a strong and successful Atlantic ance of the mortgage owed up to the made my home in America. Over a long and Alliance will have to ground itself more on maximum amount of insurance pur- I hope productive life, I have learned that shared principles rather than accident of ge- chased. The need for this increase is shared values are more important than ography. And we need to show we are serious obvious in today’s housing market. shared borders. about defending those principles by standing If we continue to define ‘‘the West’’ or ‘‘the In addition, S. 1315, as reported, with those who are standing up for them. Alliance’’ as a strictly geographical concept, would also increase the amount of sup- NATO’s agreement to invite Albania and the Alliance will continue to erode. But if we plemental life insurance available to Croatia to become members is a welcome define the West as a community of values, start. So is the somewhat weaker commit- totally disabled veterans from $20,000 institutions, and a willingness to act jointly, ment that Ukraine and Georgia will become to $30,000. Many totally disabled vet- we will revive an important bastion of free- members of NATO at some point in the fu- erans find it difficult to obtain com- dom—and make it as pivotal in our own cen- ture. mercial life insurance. These are the But we need to go much further. As a rule, tury as it was in the last. Thank you for having me. And thank you veterans we are trying to help with when an organization expands, the expansion again for this fine award. this legislation by providing them with dilutes its principles. For today’s NATO, it is a reasonable amount of life insurance f just the opposite. Expansion is the only hope coverage. of invigorating an Alliance weighed down by VETERANS BENEFITS S. 1315, as reported, would also make those who are no longer willing to commit ENHANCEMENT ACT OF 2007 themselves to defend its founding principles. small but necessary changes in existing Around the world, there is no shortage of Mr. AKAKA. Mr. President, I am laws relating to education and employ- nations who share our values, and are willing pleased that S. 1315, as reported by the ment. First, it would restore the fund- to defend them. I am thinking of countries Veterans’ Affairs Committee, the pro- ing cap on the amount of support avail- like Australia, which sent troops to Iraq . . . posed Veterans Benefits Enhancement able to State Approving Agencies to Israel, which has been fighting Islamic ter- Act of 2007, finally passed in the Sen- the fiscal year 2007 level of $19 million. rorism almost since its founding . . . and ate. This comprehensive legislation Without this restoration, these entities Japan, which generally follows a more ‘‘Western’’ policy than most of Western Eu- would improve benefits and services for that assist VA in approving programs rope. veterans both young and old. of education would be facing a reduc- Other countries have not reached the level The Veterans’ Affairs Committee re- tion of more than 30 percent beginning of development these countries enjoy. But ported S. 1315 to the full Senate in Au- in this fiscal year. It is particularly

VerDate Aug 31 2005 04:55 Jun 26, 2008 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00021 Fmt 4637 Sfmt 0634 J:\CRONLINE\2008BA~2\2008NE~2\S28AP8.REC S28AP8 mmaher on PROD1PC76 with CONG-REC-ONLINE S3436 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE April 28, 2008 important as more veterans return to Although I view veterans’ benefits as ippines throughout the war suffered civilian life and begin to use their edu- a continuing cost of war and should be great loss of life and tremendous phys- cational benefits that SAAs have ade- funded as such, the provisions in S. 1315 ical damage. By the end of the war, the quate resources. would be paid for by an offset that re- capital city of Manila was in ruins and Second, the pending legislation stores the original intent of Congress, up to 1 million Filipinos had been would update the Special Unemploy- which was wrongly interpreted in a re- killed. ment Study required to be submitted cent court decision, to provide certain All of the military forces of the Com- by the Secretary of Labor to the Con- VA benefits on the basis of disability monwealth of the Philippines remained gress by mandating that it cover vet- and not age. Some of the opposition to under the command of the U.S. Armed erans of post-9/11 global operations. It S. 1315 has centered on a misunder- Forces of the Far East throughout would also require the report to be sub- standing of this provision. Aged vet- World War II, and until the Philippines mitted on an annual, rather than a bi- erans who are seriously disabled would was granted independence on July 4, ennial, basis. By updating this report, not be deprived of special benefits, but 1946. Congress will have more data available would continue to be eligible for them In October 1945, Gen. Omar Bradley, on more recent groups of veterans— under the same conditions as applied to then Director of the Veterans’ Admin- those who served and are serving in the younger veterans. istration, affirmed that all Filipinos and post-9/11 global oper- This is not a comprehensive recita- who served under U.S. command were ations. This will help with assessments tion of all the provisions within this entitled to all benefits under laws ad- of the needs of current veterans enter- important veterans’ legislation. How- ministered by that agency. ing the work force and develop appro- ever, I hope that I have provided an ap- However, in 1946, the U.S. Congress, priate responses. propriate overview of the benefits this through the Rescission Acts of 1946, Third, the bill would extend for 2 legislation would provide for America’s withdrew veterans’ status from certain years a temporary increase in the veterans and servicemembers. Filipino veterans of World War II. monthly educational assistance allow- The sole point of controversy in S. Upon passage of the Rescission Acts, ance for apprenticeship or other on- 1315 is a pension benefit for Filipino President Harry Truman expressed his the-job training. The current tem- veterans who served under U.S. com- disapproval of the withdrawal of bene- porary increase expired on January 1, fits from Filipino veterans. He stated, mand during World War II and who live 2008, and this provision would benefit ‘‘There can be no question, but that the in the Philippines. I wish to give my the 34,000 veterans who are suffering Philippine veteran is entitled to bene- colleagues my perspective on why this through the first benefit rate reduction fits bearing a reasonable relation to benefit should be paid. in the history of the G.I. bill. Allowing The United States has had a relation- those received by the American vet- the temporary increase to be elimi- ship with the Philippines since 1898, eran, with whom he fought side by nated would mean a monthly benefit when it was acquired as a result of the side.’’ rate cut for veterans enrolled in this Our Nation has a long history of car- Spanish American War. In 1934, Con- type of training and would remove ing for aging veterans, particularly gress passed the Philippine Independ- marketable incentive to encourage in- those who served the country during a ence Act, which set a 10-year timetable dividuals to accept trainee positions time of war. for the independence of the Phil- they might not otherwise consider. The sole purpose of the VA pension S. 1315, as reported, would also im- ippines. In the interim, the U.S. estab- program is to assist older, low-income, prove a variety of housing benefits for lished a Commonwealth of the Phil- war-time veterans, so that those who servicemembers and veterans. I note ippines vested with certain powers over experienced the horror of war are not that title II of this legislation was re- its own internal affairs. The granting forgotten in their old age. cently passed as part of H.R. 3221, the of full independence was delayed until Philippine veterans of the Second housing reform bill. It is my intent to 1946 because of the Japanese occupa- World War are now in their twilight include these provisions in S. 1315 until tion of the Philippines from 1942 to years and many are struggling to make they have become law through another 1945. ends meet, especially with global food vehicle. On July 26, 1941, President Franklin prices on the rise. Now, perhaps more This legislation would also amend D. Roosevelt issued an Executive Order than ever, the modest pension benefits the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act to ordering all military forces of the Com- that are in S. 1315 are of the greatest help servicemembers get relief from monwealth of the Philippines into the value to veterans who earned them on cell phone contracts when deployed service of the Armed Forces of the the battlefield so many years ago. overseas. Servicemembers, with all of United States under the command of a The action by Congress in 1946 to their responsibilities abroad, should newly created command structure strip Filipino veterans who served not have to worry about being released called the United States Armed Forces under the American Flag during World from cell phone contracts. of the Far East. According to orders War II of the recognition and benefits Finally, this legislation gives Con- from General MacArthur, Philippine that were their due was a grave injus- gress an opportunity to rectify a wrong units once mustered into U.S. service tice. It is especially regrettable that done to Filipino World War II veterans would be paid and supplied from Amer- this injustice has existed for so many over 60 years ago. In the years since ican sources. years. The inaction of prior Congresses the end of the Second World War, Fili- The unique relationship between the to correct this wrong does not excuse pino veterans and their advocates, es- Philippines and the United States us from the responsibility to take re- pecially my distinguished colleague, made the Philippine islands particu- medial action now. the senior Senator from Hawaii, have larly susceptible to Japanese aggres- The United States has a moral obli- worked tirelessly to secure these vet- sion during the war. Historians agree gation to care for Filipino veterans erans the status they were promised that the Japanese strategy was based who served under U.S. command in when they agreed to fight under U.S. upon a plan to destroy or neutralize World War II and we must not fail in command in defense of their homeland the U.S. Pacific Fleet at Pearl Harbor, fulfilling that obligation. and to protect U.S. interests in the re- and to deprive the United States of its I would like to speak briefly about gion. Today, I am proud to say, many base in the Philippines. Were it not for the purpose of pension benefits and Filipino veterans enjoy eligibility for the U.S. presence, the Philippines more specifically about the pension benefits and health care services as would not have presented the Japanese benefit in the pending bill. Veterans U.S. veterans. However, there remains with a strategic threat and turned into pension benefits are provided to allow a distinction in law between certain a battlefield. wartime veterans to live in dignity and groups of Filipino veterans. I hope that The Philippine forces under U.S. meet their basic needs. Congress will take another step toward command suffered heavy casualties as The amounts proposed in this legisla- removing that unjust distinction. This a result of the Japanese invasion. It is tion would permit Filipino veterans, Nation has a moral obligation to care estimated that 10,000 Filipinos died who have been denied their rightful for those who have served under its during the Bataan Death March, along status as United States veterans for flag. with 3,000 U.S. soldiers. The Phil- too long, to finally live in dignity.

VerDate Aug 31 2005 04:55 Jun 26, 2008 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00022 Fmt 4637 Sfmt 0634 J:\CRONLINE\2008BA~2\2008NE~2\S28AP8.REC S28AP8 mmaher on PROD1PC76 with CONG-REC-ONLINE April 28, 2008 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S3437 Unlike other World War II veterans, The soldier’s creed is to leave no fel- ley, whose untimely death, at 41, great- these veterans have been denied pen- low warrior behind. I believe in that, ly saddened many in this body. sion benefits for over 60 years. It is also and believe that it is important to ac- Shawn worked for the Judiciary important to note that these benefits knowledge the valiant service of those Committee for a decade, from 1993–2003. are not retroactive. Filipino veterans of World War II who Starting as my counsel, he rose The amounts proposed are sufficient served under U.S. command. through the ranks, ending his Senate to give aged Filipino veterans a pay- I would like to end my comments to- tenure as the majority’s Chief Intellec- ment that would allow them to meet night by again sharing the thoughts of tual Property Counsel and Deputy their basic needs for adequate nutri- the 33rd President of the United Chief Counsel to the committee. He tion and medicine. States—Harry S. Truman. In 1946, worked on many important pieces of The flat rate benefit also takes into President Truman made a statement landmark intellectual property legisla- account the likelihood that many of concerning provisions in a bill affect- tion, and he initiated what we have these aged veterans, if living in the ing Philippine Army veterans—At issue now introduced as an orphan works United States, would qualify for addi- was a legislative rider attached to the bill. tional benefits based on disability due transfer of $200 million for the pay of Thousands of artistic creations to their status as being housebound or the Army of the Philippines. around the country are effectively in need of aid and attendance. No addi- President Truman said, ‘‘The effect locked away in a proverbial attic and tional benefits for housebound status of this rider is to bar Philippine Army unavailable for the general public to or aid and attendance are provided. veterans from all the benefits under enjoy because the owner of the copy- The pension proposed for Filipino the G.I. Bill of Rights with the excep- right for the work is unknown. These veterans is less than one-third of the tion of disability and death benefits are generally referred to as ‘‘orphan basic amount provided to veterans liv- which are made payable on the basis of works.’’ It is not always easy to iden- ing in the United States, in recognition one peso for every dollar of eligible tify an owner of a copyrighted work, of the lower cost of living in the Phil- benefits. I realize, however, that cer- and in many cases, information about ippines. Measured against the aid and tain practical difficulties exist in ap- the copyright holder is not publicly attendance standard, the proposed ben- plying the G.I. Bill of Rights to the known. To make matters worse, many efit is about one-sixth of the amount Philippines.’’ are discouraged from using these so- provided to veterans in the United President Truman went on to state, called ‘‘orphan works’’ for fear of being States. ‘‘the passage and approval of this legis- sued should the owner eventually step The cost of items, such as food and lation does not release the United forward. medicine in Manila are about half of States from its moral obligation to In an effort make orphan works more the cost in the United States, while the provide for the heroic Philippine vet- accessible, Chairman LEAHY and I have cost of housing is considerably less ex- been working together for years to pensive. erans who sacrificed so much for the craft meaningful legislation to address For example, a bottle of 100 aspirin common cause during the war . . . I concerns that have been identified tablets costs about $4 in Manila, about consider it a moral obligation of the twice as much in the United States. United States to look after the welfare through public discussions on this Because the income and asset of the Philippine Army veterans.’’ issue. The Senate Judiciary Committee verification procedures used in the I agree with the words of President Subcommittee on Intellectual Prop- United States are not available in the Truman from 60 years ago. erty held a hearing entitled ‘‘Orphan Philippines, and it is not feasible to de- As I have said time and time again, Works: Proposals for a Legislative So- velop an administratively efficient sys- this legislation would correct an injus- lution,’’ at which representatives from tem in the Philippines to monitor the tice that has existed for over 60 years. the photography, museum, documen- income and assets of pension recipi- I, like President Truman, believe that tary film, and technology communities ents, the bill provides a flat benefit it is the obligation of the United States testified. And a subcommittee of the amount substantially lower than that to care for those who have fought House Judiciary Committee held two paid in the United States. under the U.S. flag. hearings in the 109th Congress and one I believe firmly that the proposed It is past time to right that wrong. in the 110th. amount is a reasonable benefit taking As my fellow World War II veteran, the Under S. 2913, potential users may into account all of these factors. Senior Senator from Alaska said yes- use an orphan work if they conduct and The people of the Philippines did not terday, this is about ‘‘honor.’’ I believe document a diligent search but were shy from the call to fight during World it is the moral obligation of this Na- unable to locate the copyright owner of War II. They were true brothers in tion to provide for those who served the work for permission. While the bill arms who fought valiantly under U.S. under the U.S. flag and alongside U.S. outlines the criteria for a search, and command in the global struggle troops during World War II. the copyright office will disclose best against totalitarianism. This bill at I thank my colleagues for standing practices for finding a copyright owner, long last recognizes the valor of all Fil- with me, my World War II colleagues the court makes the final determina- ipino veterans in sacrifice to this noble Senators INOUYE and STEVENS, and a tion as to whether a search is diligent cause and loyalty to their American majority of the Veterans’ Affairs Com- and in good faith. commanders. mittee, and not accepting the amend- The proposed legislation also has a The proposal put forward by the ment of the Senator from North Caro- ‘‘safe harbor’’ for uses of orphan works ranking member fails to honor these lina. that are educational, charitable, or re- veterans by denying pension benefits to f ligious in nature, and which are used those who live in the Philippines. I un- without commercial advantage. We an- derstand that there may be different SHAWN BENTLEY ORPHAN WORKS ticipate that many institutions such as perspectives on what pension amounts ACT OF 2008 museums, libraries, archives, nonprofit would be appropriate given the dif- Mr. HATCH. Mr. President, I rise educational organizations, as well as ference in the cost-of-living between today to express my support for The public broadcasting entities will great- this country and the Philippines. I am Shawn Bentley Orphan Works Act of ly benefit from this legislation since not, however, willing to yield on the 2008, S. 2913, introduced at the close of they would be qualified users. principle that Filipino veterans living last week by Senate Judiciary Com- S. 2913 represents a commitment in the Philippines deserve to receive mittee Chairman PATRICK LEAHY and from Congress to move forward in cre- veterans benefits in the same manner myself. This piece of legislation is a ating a way to identify copyright own- as those living in the U.S. or anywhere product of years of hard work and col- ers of orphan works and unlock access else. I reject the notion that two vet- laboration. to thousands of artistic works so the erans, who fought side-by-side and en- I want to start off by thanking Chair- general public may once again enjoy dured the same hardships of war, man LEAHY for his willingness to name them. I am hopeful that further refine- should be treated unequally based sole- this bill in honor of my long-time staff- ments will be made to this bill during ly on their place of residence. er and former colleague, Shawn Bent- the legislative process. I am confident

VerDate Aug 31 2005 04:55 Jun 26, 2008 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00023 Fmt 4637 Sfmt 0634 J:\CRONLINE\2008BA~2\2008NE~2\S28AP8.REC S28AP8 mmaher on PROD1PC76 with CONG-REC-ONLINE S3438 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE April 28, 2008 that Chairman LEAHY and I will con- Adam J. Kohlhaas, of Perryville, MO; of Prescott, AZ; SSG Laurent J. West, tinue to, with outside input, perfect PO1 Cherie L. Morton, of Bakersfield, of Raleigh, NC; SGT Phillip R. Ander- this bill, and am confident in our CA; AA Adrian M. Campos, of El Paso, son, of Everett, WA; SPC Donald A. House counterparts to do the same. TX; CPL Benjamin K. Brosh, of Colo- Burkett, of Comanche, TX; CAPT I am committed to moving this legis- rado Springs, CO; SPC Lance O. Eakes, Torre R. Mallard, of OK; CPL Jose A. lation forward and hope that we can of Apex, NC; SSGT Jason L. Brown, of Paniagua-Morales, of Bell Gardens, CA; join efforts to refine and enact this Magnolia, TX; 1stSGT Luke J. SGT Gabriel Guzman, of Hornbrook, bill. Mercardante, of Athens, GA; CPL Kyle CA; SPC Steven R. Koch, of Milltown, W. Wilks, of Rogers, AR; SPC Arturo NJ; SGT Robert T. Rapp, of Sonora, f Huerta-Cruz, of Clearwater, FL; SGT CA; SSGT Christopher S. Frost, of (At the request of Mr. REID, the fol- Joseph A. Richard III, of Lafayette, Waukesha, WI; SPC Orlando A. Perez, lowing statement was ordered to be LA; CPL Richard J. Nelson, of Racine, of Houston, TX; SPC Micheal E. Phil- printed in the RECORD.) WI; LCpl Dean D. Opicka, of Waukesha, lips, of Ardmore, OK; CPL Kevin S. COMMEMORATION OF THE WI; SGT William E. Allmon, of Ard- Mowl, of Pittsford, NY; LCpl Drew W. ARMENIAN GENOCIDE more, OK; SPC Jacob J. Fairbanks, of Weaver, of St. Charles, MO; SPC Keisha ∑ Mr. OBAMA. Mr. President, last Saint Paul, MN; SGT Jesse A. Ault, of M. Morgan, of Washington, DC; CAPT Dublin, VA; SGT Shaun P. Tousha, of week, we paused in remembrance of the Nathan R. Raudenbush, of PA; SGT Hull, TX; TSgt Anthony L. Capra, of Conrad Alvarez, of Big Spring, TX; CPL Armenian genocide, which was carried Hanford, CA; SPC Jeremiah C. Hughes, Albert Bitton, of Chicago, IL; SPC out by the Ottoman Empire from 1915 of Jacksonville, FL; SSG Jeffery L. Micheal B. Matlock, Jr., of Glen to 1923. Nearly 2 million Armenians Hartley, of Hempstead, TX; MAJ Mark Burnie, MD; SSG Bryant W. Mackey, of were deported, and approximately 1.5 E. Rosenberg, of Miami Lakes, FL; Eureka, KS; CPL Chad D. Groepper, of million of those deported were killed. SGT Timothy M. Smith, of South Lake Kingsley, IA; CPL Luke S. Runyan, of It is imperative that we recognize the Tahoe, CA; SPC Jason C. Kazarick, of Spring Grove, PA. horrific acts carried out against the Oakmont, PA; SGT Michael T. Lilly, of We cannot forget these men and Armenian people as genocide and I will Boise, ID; SSG Jeremiah E. McNeal, of women and their sacrifice. These brave continue to stand with the Armenian Norfolk, VA; SGT Richard A. Vaughn, souls left behind parents and children, American community in calling for the of San Diego, CA; COL Stephen K. siblings and friends. We want them to Government of Turkey to acknowledge Scott, of New Market, AL; MAJ Stuart know the country pledges to preserve it as such. The occurrence of the Arme- A. Wolfer, of Coral Springs, FL; SSG the memory of our lost soldiers who nian genocide is a widely documented Emanuel Pickett, of Teachey, NC; gave their lives for our country.∑ fact supported by an overwhelming col- CAPT Ulises Burgos-Cruz, of Puerto f lection of historical evidence. Rico; SPC Matthew T. Morris, of Cedar ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS I was deeply disturbed 2 years ago Park, TX; PFC Shane D. Penley, of when the U.S. Ambassador to Armenia Sauk Village, IL; SGT Nicholas A. Rob- was fired after he used the term ‘‘geno- ertson, of Old Town, ME; SPC Charles CONGRATULATING KEVIN WEBB cide’’ to describe the mass slaughter of A. Jankowski, of Panama City, FL; ∑ Mr. BUNNING. Mr. President, I wish Armenians. I called for Secretary Rice SSGT Travis L. Griffin, of Dover, DE; to closely examine what I believe is an to congratulate Mr. Kevin Webb of SGT Dayne D. Dhanoolal, of Brooklyn, Glasgow, KY. Mr. Webb was recently untenable position taken by the U.S. NY; SGT Jevon K. Jordan, of Norfolk, Government. chosen to be one of eight speakers at VA; MAJ William G. Hall, of Seattle, the first ever Ticket to Work Partners I will continue to push for the ac- WA; SPC Durrell L. Bennett, of knowledgement of the Armenian geno- Summit held in Louisville, KY. Spanaway, WA; PFC Patrick J. Miller, In March 2008 the Social Security Ad- cide, and I offer the Armenian people of New Port Richey, FL; SGT Terrell my condolences.∑ ministration launched the Ticket to W. Gilmore, of Baton Rouge, LA; CPL Work Partners Summit to bring to- f Steven I. Candelo, of Houston, TX; CPL gether over 400 of Social Security’s (At the request of Mr. REID, the fol- Joshua A. Molina, of Houston, TX; SPC partners who actively engage Social lowing statement was ordered to be Gregory B. Rundell, of Ramsey, MN; Security disability beneficiaries in printed in the RECORD.) SSG Joseph D. Gamboa, of Yigo, Guam; work through the Ticket to Work Pro- PVT George Delgado, of Palmdale, CA; HONORING OUR ARMED FORCES gram. Mr. WEBB was chosen to be one SSG Christopher M. Hake, of Enid, OK; of eight speakers nationally to discuss ∑ Mr. LAUTENBERG. Mr. President, in PFC Andrew J. Habsieger, of Festus, how they have benefited from this pro- honor of American troops who have MO; CPL Jose A. Rubio Hernandez, of gram. lost their lives overseas in Iraq and Af- Mission, TX; LCpl Dustin L. Canham, With the help of the Social Security ghanistan I wish to make sure their of Lake Stevens, WA; SSG William R. Administration, Mr. Webb was able to service and sacrifice is forever memori- Neil Jr., of Holmdel, NJ; SGT Thomas start his own business in April 2006. alized in the CONGRESSIONAL RECORD. C. Ray, II, of Weaverville, NC; SGT Today he is a proud co-owner with his Since I last included the names of David S. Stelmat, of Littleton, NH; father, Ron Taylor, of Webb/Taylor our fallen troops on February 15, the SGT David B. Williams, of Tarboro, Horseback Riding and Boarding. Pentagon has announced the deaths of NC; PFC Antione V. Robinson, of De- Prior to becoming a successful busi- 101 troops in Iraq and in Operation En- troit, MI; PFC Tyler J. Smith, of Beth- ness owner, Mr. Webb was faced with a during Freedom, which includes Af- el, ME; TSgt William H. Jefferson, Jr., number of difficult challenges in find- ghanistan. They will not be forgotten of Norfolk, VA; SGT Gregory D. Unruh, ing employment. Despite all of the set- and today I submit their names into of Dickinson, TX; SSG Michael D. backs and obstacles he had to over- the RECORD: Elledge, of Brownsburg, IN; SGT Chris- come, Mr. Webb never gave up on his SSG Shaun J. Whitehead, of Com- topher C. Simpson, of Hampton, VA; dreams and continued to search for a merce, GA; SSG Ronald C. Blystone, of SPC Lerando J. Brown, of Gulfport, job that made him happy. Springfield, MO; PFC John T. Bishop, MS; CPL William D. O’Brien, of Rice, Mr. Webb applied for a grant given to of Gaylord, MI; 1stLT Timothy W. TX; SFC Collin J. Bowen, of five individuals each year by the Ken- Cunningham, of College Station, TX; Millersville, MD; SFC Shawn M. Suzch, tucky Council on Developmental Dis- LCpl Jordan C. Haerter, of Sag Harbor, of Hilltown, PA; SSG Ernesto G. abilities and the State vocation reha- NY; CPL Jonathan T. Yale, of Cimarrusti, of Douglas, AZ; SSG David bilitation for startup funds for new Burkeville, VA; SGT Guadalupe Cer- D. Julian, of Evanston, WY; CPL Rob- businesses. With the grant and a fully vantes Ramirez, of Fort Irwin, CA; ert T. McDavid, of Starkville, MS; CPL funded Plan for Achieving Self Support 1stLT Matthew R. Vandergrift, of Scott A. McIntosh, of Houston, TX; from the Social Security Administra- Littleton, CO; PVT Ronald R. Harrison, SSG Juantrea T. Bradley, of Green- tion, Mr. Webb and his father were able of Morris Plains, NJ; SPC Steven J. ville, NC; SPC Dustin C. Jackson, of to launch the Webb/Taylor Horseback Christofferson, of Cudahy, WI; SGT Arlington, TX; PFC Tenzin L. Samten, Riding and Boarding.

VerDate Aug 31 2005 04:55 Jun 26, 2008 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00024 Fmt 4637 Sfmt 0634 J:\CRONLINE\2008BA~2\2008NE~2\S28AP8.REC S28AP8 mmaher on PROD1PC76 with CONG-REC-ONLINE April 28, 2008 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S3439 Besides starting his own business, Linthicum Heights is a suburb of Bal- cess, Dr. Buell was subsequently in- Mr. Webb has also worked with elected timore that is also located near Annap- stalled as the inaugural holder of the officials in the Kentucky State Legis- olis and Washington, DC. Close to rail Richard G. Lugar Chair in Public Pol- lature on behalf of individuals with dis- lines and good roads, Linthicum offers icy on April 21, 2006. abilities. In 2003, the Kentucky State location without sacrificing its subur- Dr. Emmett Buell is a nationally rec- Legislature passed the Kevin Webb and ban character and historic property. ognized expert in the political science Kim Brown Self-Determination Act to Linthicum is on the National Reg- field and specifically on Presidential require the Commission on Services ister of Historic Places. The commu- selection and negative campaigning in and Supports for Individuals with Men- nity was farmland until 1908, when the Presidential elections. He has au- tal Retardation and Other Develop- decendents of Abner Linthicum decided thored, coauthored, or coedited four mental Disabilities to make rec- to sell the farm land for houses. They books, including ‘‘Attack Politics: Neg- ommendations to the Department of created the Linthicum Heights Realty ativity in Presidential Campaigns Medicaid Services for the implementa- Company and named their development Since 1960’’. Emmett also has authored tion of a self-determination model for Linthicum Heights. Many of the origi- or coauthored articles and research individuals who are receiving services nal homes on the farm property re- notes in the American Journal of Polit- through the Supports for Community main. Two of the most famous are Tur- ical Science, Journal of Politics, Amer- Living waiver program. key Hill, built in 1822 by William Lin- ican Politics Quarterly, Urban Affairs I would like to congratulate Mr. thicum, and Twin Oaks, which was Quarterly, Social Science Quarterly, Webb for his hard work and dedication home to U.S. Congressman John and the Journal of Law & Politics. In as he celebrates the two year anniver- Charles Linthicum, who represented addition, he has written chapters for sary of opening Webb/Taylor Horseback the Fourth Congressional District of books edited by others on such topics Riding and Boarding. Mr. Webb is truly Maryland from 1911 to 1932. U.S. Rep- as the invisible primary, the New an inspiration to all Kentuckians and I resentative Linthicum was a sponsor of Hampshire primary, the changing role wish him the best of luck in his future the legislation that named ‘‘The Star of national party conventions, and ∑ endeavors. Spangled Banner’’ as our national an- news coverage of Presidential aspi- f them. rants. 2009 SPECIAL OLYMPICS Today, Linthicum’s location and its Outside of his impressive list of expe- historic nature remain its charm and ∑ Mr. BUNNING. Mr. President, today I riences and skills, I know Emmett to attraction. Easy access to Baltimore, wish to congratulate Ms. Kelly McCor- be an individual of high integrity and Washington, DC, and Annapolis and its mick and Ms. Jeannie Luersen on their character. He is idealistic, while re- close proximity to Baltimore Wash- selection to participate in the 2009 Spe- maining grounded in the practical. He ington Thurgood Marshall Inter- cial Olympics World Winter Games, to is serious and thoughtful, while main- national Airport, Fort George G. be held February 6 to 13, in Boise, ID. taining a sense of humor. He is gen- Meade, Goddard Space Flight Center, Over 3,000 athletes from 85 countries erous with his time and attention, and numerous other Federal facilities will compete in 7 sports: Alpine skiing, without losing his focus and personal make Linthicum a desirable place to cross-country skiing, figure skating, discipline. floor hockey, snowboarding, snow- live. Perhaps most importantly, Dr. Buell The residents of Linthicum Heights shoeing and speed skating. has been an inspirational mentor to Ms. Kelly McCormick has been a Spe- as well as the Woman’s Club of Lin- hundreds of students. His office door cial Olympics athlete for 17 years. She thicum Heights, the Linthicum-Ship- has always been open, and he makes serves as a global messenger, speaking ley Improvement Association, the every effort to assist, promote, and en- on behalf of the program at many pub- North Linthicum Improvement Asso- courage those who seek guidance. I lic events. Ms. McCormick will com- ciation, business leaders, and govern- have heard from many individuals, in- pete in the Alpine Skiing event. This ment officials are to be congratulated cluding those who have worked in my will be her first time participating in for their appreciation and steadfast own office, that they would not be in the world games. support of Linthicum Heights and its their employment positions today if it Ms. Jeannie Luersen has participated history. were not for his assistance. Likewise, I in the Special Olympics program for 25 I ask my colleagues to join me today know that he is immensely proud of years. This will be her second straight in congratulating Linthicum Heights these students and their accomplish- year at the World Games. Having won on its 100th anniversary.∑ ments. a Gold Medal in figure skating at the f Dr. Buell is also legendary on the 2005 Winter Games in Nagano, Japan, HONORING DR. EMMETT BUELL Denison campus for his devotion to Ms. Luersen will compete again in the personal fitness and mastery of ∑ figure skating event. Mr. LUGAR. Mr. President, I wish to racquetball. He has encouraged numer- Special Olympics is celebrating its pay tribute to a remarkable professor, ous student challenges on the 40th anniversary this year as an inter- scholar, and author, Dr. Emmett Buell racquetball court throughout his ca- national, nonprofit organization dedi- of Denison University in Granville, OH. reer and has almost always been on the cated to empowering individuals with Today, April 28, 2008, Dr. Buell will victorious side. intellectual disabilities to become teach his final class before stepping Mr. President, I was pleased to join physically fit, productive, and re- down as a full-time professor. with many of these former students, spected members of society through Professor Buell received his Ph.D. in along with numerous faculty and sports training and competition. Ms. political science from Vanderbilt Uni- friends, in celebration of Emmett’s ca- McCormick and Ms. Luersen represent versity after earning his undergraduate reer at a retirement ceremony on Sat- Special Olympics Kentucky, which is and M.A. at Louisiana State Univer- urday, April 19, 2008. I am delighted celebrating its 36th year. sity. He has taught at Denison since that this event provided a forum to I congratulate Ms. McCormick and the 1969 to 1970 academic year and has share our admiration for his years of Ms. Luersen on their achievements. directed the Richard G. Lugar Program service and contribution to Denison They are an inspiration to the citizens in Politics and Public Service since its University.∑ of Kentucky and to athletes every- inception in 1995. This program pro- vides students with opportunities to where. I look forward to seeing all that f they will accomplish in the future.∑ study various aspects of public policy, f combining classroom instruction with the practical application of these stud- TRIBUTE TO INDIANA STATE COMMEMORATING LINTHICUM ies through an internship experience. SENATOR DAVID C. FORD HEIGHTS As of July 2007, about 110 students in ∑ Mr. LUGAR. Mr. President, I wish to ∑ Mr. CARDIN. Mr. President, I wish to the program will have served as interns honor the memory of an outstanding congratulate Linthicum Heights, MD, in congressional offices. Given his ex- Hoosier, IN, State senator, David C. on its 100th anniversary. emplary leadership and record of suc- Ford.

VerDate Aug 31 2005 04:55 Jun 26, 2008 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00025 Fmt 4637 Sfmt 0634 J:\CRONLINE\2008BA~2\2008NE~2\S28AP8.REC S28AP8 mmaher on PROD1PC76 with CONG-REC-ONLINE S3440 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE April 28, 2008 Representing Senate District 19, more than 100,000 Colorado citizens OIT is working to become the only col- David Ford served in the Indiana Sen- have access to SRC’s services, includ- lege campus in the world to be com- ate from 1994 until his death from pan- ing adult day and respite services, in- pletely powered by geothermal energy. creatic cancer on March 5, 2008. His col- home care, transportation, care man- I believe that we have a responsi- leagues in the Indiana Senate have lost agement, referrals to community part- bility to encourage efforts to increase a dear friend and insightful leader. ners, and job training programs. the availability of renewable energy Public officials across the State will In the year 2010, there will be more and conserve our natural resources. Or- remember him as a tireless advocate than 770,000 seniors age 60 and over in egon continues to build on a long his- for technological innovation. However, Colorado, making organizations such tory of innovation in environmental the breath of his knowledge extended as the SRC even more vital to the policy and practice. These community to education, agriculture, and judiciary health of our communities. I am very colleges are leading the way in edu- policy as well. In short, he was an able proud of SRC’s work, and I look for- cating these workers and providing and devoted legislator who performed ward to several more decades of their highly skilled workers to the rapidly his duties with intelligence, vigor, and service to the community.∑ expanding renewable energy sector in integrity. f our State and the Nation. I commend Prior to being elected to the Indiana them for their efforts and pledge my WORKER EDUCATION Senate, David Ford served as pros- full support as they move forward.∑ ∑ ecutor in Blackford County, IN. He was Mr. SMITH. Mr. President, today I f also an accomplished pilot, an active highlight the importance of acknowl- member of the American Agriculture edging and celebrating extraordinary TRIBUTE TO JACK H. RHYNER Law Association, a board member of efforts by Americans who have led the ∑ Mr. STEVENS. Mr. President, last Dollars for Scholars, and the recipient way in protecting and preserving week Jack Rhyner lost his courageous of many State and national awards. America’s natural resources. I am hon- battle against cancer, and Alaska lost I remember many wonderful visits ored to congratulate three educational a pioneer in our telecommunications with David over the years. I was always institutions in my State of Oregon, Co- industry and I lost a very good friend. grateful for his wisdom and counsel, lumbia Gorge Community College, As a young man, Jack worked along- and I hope you will join me in paying Lane Community College and the Or- side his father, Richard Rhyner, as he tribute to State Senator Ford. May his egon Institute of Technology. founded TelAlaska. At 16, Jack wife Joyce and his many friends and Recently, Columbia Gorge Commu- salvaged telephone equipment damaged family members continue to find love nity College received $1.6 million to in the Fairbanks flood of 1967. Using and comfort in the memory he has left support the college’s community-based emery boards to smooth out the gold us.∑ job training program to develop skilled points on the mechanical switches and f technicians for renewable energy facili- high-pressure water hoses and brushes, ties such as wind, solar, hydropower he cleaned and repaired each compo- HONORING THE SENIORS’ and biofuels production. The funding is nent. RESOURCE CENTER part of the Department of Labor’s Jack and his dad used that salvaged ∑ Mr. SALAZAR. Mr. President, I wish Community-Based Job Training Grant equipment to build the first telephone to honor the 30th anniversary of the Initiative to help community colleges system in Fort Yukon. Until then, resi- Seniors’ Resource Center, SRC, in Jef- provide area students and workers with dents of that village shared a single ferson County, CO. For three decades, the skills needed to stay competitive phone line at the airport. Today, more the SRC has delivered critical services in up-and-coming industries. The pro- than 300 residents have private lines in to the aging and disabled communities gram is the only one of its kind on the their homes and access to DSL Inter- in the Denver metropolitan area west coast. Just in the Pacific North- net service. through a variety of innovative pro- west, developers of wind energy facili- In 1982, Jack took leadership of Inte- grams. I salute Jon Zabawa, president ties will need 300–500 additional work- rior Telephone. Over the years he and CEO of SRC, his staff, and the ers in the next decade. Since the fall of worked with his wife Donna developing many volunteers who have made the 2007, Columbia Gorge Community Col- and expanding TelAlaska into a state- Center what it is today. lege has offered a 1-year certificate and wide, modern company connecting From its inception as an extension of a 2-year associate of applied science de- many of our rural villages to phone the Jefferson County Retired and Sen- gree in renewable energy technology. service for the first time. Jack’s com- ior Volunteer Program, tasked with Lane Community College in Eugene, mitment and hard work resulted in providing transportation assistance to OR, was recently commended for their dozens of villages—most of them inac- the elderly, SRC has consistently re- certificate and 2-year degree programs cessible by road—becoming connected ceived awards and acknowledgements which train students in energy man- to the world by telephone systems. In for its terrific services. The National agement and renewable energy. Grad- addition, TelAlaska provides DSL serv- Council on Aging has named SRC one uates of the program are in high de- ice to 12 villages and cable service to 4 of its five Best Practices Organiza- mand by renewable energy companies. small communities including my own tions. The National Senior Citizen Edu- Lane Community College is quickly hometown of Girdwood. cation and Research Center has recog- gaining recognition as a national lead- Jack was appointed to the FCC’s nized SRC for ‘‘outstanding perform- er in sustainability and has won five Rural Task Force where he worked ance in the Senior Aide Program and in awards in the past 2 years, including tirelessly to ensure affordable rates enrollment, budget management, and the Campus Sustainability Leadership and reliable service in Alaska. As a re- placement.’’ In 2002, SRC was the Colo- Award from the Association for the Ad- spected leader in Alaska’s tele- rado Association of Transit Agencies’ vancement of Sustainability in Higher communications industry, Jack was Mid Transportation System of the Education, and the Outstanding Col- often called upon to share his insight Year. In 2004, they were the winners of lege Recycling Program Award from into our State’s unique communica- the Community Transportation Asso- the National Recycling Coalition. tions challenges with Congress, State, ciation of America and the Beverly The Oregon Institute of Technology, and Federal agencies. Foundation’s ‘‘Search for Innovation in OIT, also has earned distinction for of- Jack’s contributions to the advance- Senior Transportation Award.’’ Most fering the Nation’s first 4-year under- ment of telecommunications in Alaska recently, the center won the first-ever graduate degree program in renewable earned him the prestigious Kaguyak Non-Profit of the Year Award from the energy. The institute is on track to Award from the Alaska Telephone As- West Chamber of Commerce. graduate the first class of students this sociation. The Western Telecommuni- Over the last 30 years, SRC has year. Graduating students can seek cations Alliance recognized Jack’s worked to steadily improve and expand employment in variety of fields includ- dedication to rural telecommuni- its programs. The organization has ing design, engineering, installation, cations with the President’s Award. grown beyond Jefferson County to 10 auditing and programming within the A true Alaskan, Jack was an avid other metropolitan counties. Today, renewable energy sector. Additionally, outdoorsman. He enjoyed spending

VerDate Aug 31 2005 04:55 Jun 26, 2008 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00026 Fmt 4637 Sfmt 0634 J:\CRONLINE\2008BA~2\2008NE~2\S28AP8.REC S28AP8 mmaher on PROD1PC76 with CONG-REC-ONLINE April 28, 2008 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S3441 time with his shooting team which won H.R. 2830. An act to authorize appropria- of the resource of the International Develop- more than a dozen championships at tions for the Coast Guard for fiscal year 2008, ment Association; to the Committee on For- Birchwood Shooting Park. He would to amend the Immigration and Nationality eign Relations. smile when he talked about setting up Act and title 18, United States Code, to com- EC–5992. A communication from the Gen- bat the crime of alien smuggling and related visits to the communities served by eral Counsel, Department of the Treasury, activities, and for other purposes. transmitting a draft bill intended to provide TelAlaska’s companies, checking the f calendar to ensure that he would arrive for U.S. contribution to the eleventh replen- in the right season for a day or two of MEASURES READ THE FIRST TIME ishment of the resources of the African De- The following bill was read the first velopment Fund; to the Committee on For- fishing or hunting. It is no surprise, eign Relations. then, that he wanted his ashes spread time: EC–5993. A communication from the Chair- in the fall at his favorite duck hunting H.R. 5715. An act to ensure continued avail- man, National Endowment for the Arts, Na- retreat at Cold Bay. ability of access to the Federal student loan program for students and families. tional Foundation on the Arts and the Hu- Catherine and I send our condolences manities, transmitting, pursuant to law, the to Donna and their sons, Ryan and f Foundation’s annual report relative to the Richard II, and all who knew and loved EXECUTIVE AND OTHER Arts and Artifacts Indemnity Program for Jack. He will be missed.∑ COMMUNICATIONS fiscal year 2007; to the Committee on Health, f The following communications were Education, Labor, and Pensions. MESSAGES FROM THE PRESIDENT laid before the Senate, together with EC–5994. A communication from the Presi- dent, Gallaudet University, transmitting a Messages from the President of the accompanying papers, reports, and doc- uments, and were referred as indicated: report relative to the school’s desire to ap- United States were communicated to point a Senator to its Board of Trustees; to the Senate by Mrs. Neiman, one of his EC–5983. A communication from the Gen- the Committee on Homeland Security and secretaries. eral Counsel, Consumer Product Safety Com- Governmental Affairs. mission, transmitting, pursuant to law, the f report of a rule entitled ‘‘Standard for the EC–5995. A communication from the Chair- EXECUTIVE MESSAGES REFERRED Flammability of Clothing Textiles’’ man, Council of the District of Columbia, (RIN3041–AB68) received on April 23, 2008; to transmitting, pursuant to law, a report on As in executive session the Presiding the Committee on Commerce, Science, and D.C. Act 17–338, ‘‘Transit Operator Protec- Officer laid before the Senate messages Transportation. tion and Enhanced Penalty Amendment Act from the President of the United EC–5984. A communication from the Assist- of 2008’’ received on April 23, 2008; to the States submitting sundry nominations ant Secretary of the Army (Civil Works), Committee on Homeland Security and Gov- and a withdrawal which were referred transmitting, pursuant to law, a report on ernmental Affairs. to the appropriate committees. the feasibility study that was undertaken to EC–5996. A communication from the Chair- (The nominations received today are evaluate flood damage reduction opportuni- man, Council of the District of Columbia, ties for the communities of Cynthiana, printed at the end of the Senate pro- transmitting, pursuant to law, a report on Millersburg, and Paris, in the Licking River D.C. Act 17–357, ‘‘Procurement of Natural ceedings.) Basin, Kentucky; to the Committee on Envi- Gas and Electricity Exemption Amendment f ronment and Public Works. EC–5985. A communication from the Assist- Act of 2008’’ received on April 23, 2008; to the MESSAGES FROM THE HOUSE ant Secretary, Fish and Wildlife Service, De- Committee on Homeland Security and Gov- At 2:03 p.m., a message from the partment of the Interior, transmitting, pur- ernmental Affairs. House of Representatives, delivered by suant to law, the report of a rule entitled EC–5997. A communication from the Chair- Mrs. Cole, one of its reading clerks, an- ‘‘Public Access, Use, and Recreation Regula- man, Council of the District of Columbia, nounced that the House has passed the tions for the Upper Mississippi River Na- transmitting, pursuant to law, a report on following bill: tional Wildlife and Fish Refuge’’ (RIN1018– D.C. Act 17–356, ‘‘Vending Regulation Tem- AV43) received on April 23, 2008; to the Com- porary Act of 2008’’ received on April 23, 2008; H.R. 2830. An act to authorize appropria- mittee on Environment and Public Works. to the Committee on Homeland Security and tions for the Coast Guard for fiscal year 2008, EC–5986. A communication from the Assist- Governmental Affairs. to amend the Immigration and Nationality ant Secretary of the Army (Civil Works), EC–5998. A communication from the Chair- Act and title 18, United States Code, to com- transmitting a legislative proposal intended man, Council of the District of Columbia, bat the crime of alien smuggling and related to address the declining balance in the In- activities, and for other purposes. land Waterways Trust Fund; to the Com- transmitting, pursuant to law, a report on The message also announced that mittee on Environment and Public Works. D.C. Act 17–339, ‘‘Telecommunications Com- petition Amendment Act of 2008’’ received on pursuant to section 841(b) of the Na- EC–5987. A communication from the Chief of the Publications and Regulations Branch, April 23, 2008; to the Committee on Home- tional Defense Authorization Act for land Security and Governmental Affairs. Fiscal Year 2008 (P.L. 10–181), the Mi- Internal Revenue Service, Department of the Treasury, transmitting, pursuant to law, the EC–5999. A communication from the Chair- nority Leader appoints Mr. Dean G. report of a rule entitled ‘‘Tier I Issue— man, Council of the District of Columbia, Popps of Virginia to the Commission Backdated Stock Options Directive No. 2’’ transmitting, pursuant to law, a report on on Wartime Contracting. (LMSB Control No. 4–0308–017) received on D.C. Act 17–340, ‘‘Clinical Trials Insurance April 23, 2008; to the Committee on Finance. Coverage Act of 2008’’ received on April 23, At 4:20 p.m., a message from the EC–5988. A communication from the Acting 2008; to the Committee on Homeland Secu- House of Representatives, delivered by Assistant Legal Adviser, Office of Treaty Af- rity and Governmental Affairs. Ms. Niland, one of its reading clerks, fairs, Department of State, transmitting, pursuant to law, a report relative to infor- EC–6000. A communication from the Chair- announced that the House has passed man, Council of the District of Columbia, the following bill: mation that was omitted from the original transmittal of the Extradition Agreement transmitting, pursuant to law, a report on H.R. 5715. An act to ensure continued avail- with the European Union that was signed on D.C. Act 17–341, ‘‘East of the River Hospital ability of access to the Federal student loan June 25, 2003; to the Committee on Foreign Revitalization Amendment Act of 2008’’ re- program for students and families. Relations. ceived on April 23, 2008; to the Committee on f EC–5989. A communication from the Acting Homeland Security and Governmental Af- fairs. MEASURES PLACED ON THE Assistant Legal Adviser, Office of Treaty Af- fairs, Department of State, transmitting, CALENDAR EC–6001. A communication from the Chair- pursuant to law, a report relative to infor- man, Council of the District of Columbia, The following bills were read the sec- mation that was omitted from the original transmitting, pursuant to law, a report on ond time, and placed on the calendar: transmittal of the Agreement on Mutual D.C. Act 17–345, ‘‘Retirement Incentive Tem- S. 2920. A bill to reauthorize and improve Legal Assistance that was signed on June 25, porary Act of 2008’’ received on April 23, 2008; the financing and entrepreneurial develop- 2003; to the Committee on Foreign Relations. to the Committee on Homeland Security and EC–5990. A communication from the Gen- ment programs of the Small Business Ad- Governmental Affairs. eral Counsel, Department of the Treasury, ministration, and for other purposes. EC–6002. A communication from the Chair- H.R. 5613. To extend certain moratoria and transmitting a draft bill intended to con- man, Council of the District of Columbia, impose additional moratoria on certain Med- tribute to an international clean technology transmitting, pursuant to law, a report on icaid regulations through April 1, 2009, and fund; to the Committee on Foreign Rela- D.C. Act 17–358, ‘‘Dedication of Land for for other purposes. tions. EC–5991. A communication from the Gen- Street Purposes, the Establishment of a The following bill was read the first eral Counsel, Department of the Treasury, Building Restriction Line, S.O. 06–9108, and and second times by unanimous con- transmitting a draft bill intended to provide the Removal of a Portion of a 50-foot Right- sent, and placed on the calendar: for a U.S. contribution to the replenishment of-Way from the Highway Plan on Lot 822, in

VerDate Aug 31 2005 04:55 Jun 26, 2008 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00027 Fmt 4637 Sfmt 0634 J:\CRONLINE\2008BA~2\2008NE~2\S28AP8.REC S28AP8 mmaher on PROD1PC76 with CONG-REC-ONLINE S3442 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE April 28, 2008 Square 1346, S.O. 06–9107, Act of 2008’’ re- line identifiers, and for other purposes (Rept. S. Res. 535. A resolution recognizing April ceived on April 23, 2008; to the Committee on No. 110–332). 28, 2008, as ‘‘National Healthy Schools Day’’; Homeland Security and Governmental Af- f to the Committee on the Judiciary. fairs. By Ms. COLLINS (for herself, Mr. EC–6003. A communication from the Chair- INTRODUCTION OF BILLS AND LEVIN, Mr. VOINOVICH, Mr. man, Council of the District of Columbia, JOINT RESOLUTIONS LIEBERMAN, Mr. CARPER, Ms. SNOWE, transmitting, pursuant to law, a report on Mr. COLEMAN, Mr. SANDERS, Mrs. D.C. Act 17–342, ‘‘Loretta Carter Hanes Pes- The following bills and joint resolu- BOXER, Ms. STABENOW, and Mr. DUR- ticide Consumer Notification Amendment tions were introduced, read the first BIN): Act of 2008’’ received on April 23, 2008; to the and second times by unanimous con- S. Res. 536. A resolution recognizing the Committee on Homeland Security and Gov- sent, and referred as indicated: 15th anniversary of the founding of Seeds of ernmental Affairs. By Mr. REID (for Mrs. CLINTON): Peace, an organization promoting under- EC–6004. A communication from the Chair- S. 2921. A bill to require pilot programs on standing, reconciliation, acceptance, coexist- man, Council of the District of Columbia, training and certification for family care- ence, and peace in the Middle East, South transmitting, pursuant to law, a report on giver personal care attendants for veterans Asia, and other regions of conflict; consid- D.C. Act 17–343, ‘‘Ballpark Public Safety and members of the Armed Forces with trau- ered and agreed to. Amendment Act of 2008’’ received on April matic brain injury, to require a pilot pro- By Mr. LEAHY (for himself, Mr. SPEC- 23, 2008; to the Committee on Homeland Se- gram on provision of respite care to such TER, Mr. KENNEDY, Mr. DURBIN, and curity and Governmental Affairs. veterans and members, and for other pur- Mr. KOHL): f poses; to the Committee on Veterans’ Af- S. Res. 537. A resolution commemorating fairs. and acknowledging the dedication and sac- PETITIONS AND MEMORIALS By Mr. BINGAMAN (by request): rifice made by the men and women who have The following petitions and memo- S. 2922. A bill to repeal certain oil and gas lost their lives while serving as law enforce- rials were laid before the Senate and incentives established in the Energy Policy ment officers; to the Committee on the Judi- ciary. were referred or ordered to lie on the Act of 2005, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Energy and Natural Re- By Mr. HATCH (for himself, Mr. table as indicated: sources. MENENDEZ, Mr. CRAIG, Mr. LUGAR, POM–315. A resolution adopted by the By Mr. AKAKA: Mr. COCHRAN, Mr. BROWN, Mr. DUR- Board of County Commissioners of Miami- S. 2923. A bill to provide for a three-year BIN, and Mr. CRAPO): Dade County of the State of Florida urging extension of the Senior oversight Committee S. Res. 538. A resolution designating April the Florida Legislature to pass the ‘‘Florida on wounded warrior matters, and for other 30, 2008, as ‘‘Dia de los Ninos: Celebrating Restaurants Lending a Helping Hand Act’’; purposes; to the Committee on Armed Serv- Young Americans’’, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Banking, Housing, and ices. considered and agreed to. Urban Affairs. By Mr. BAUCUS (for himself and Mr. By Mr. INHOFE: POM–316. A resolution adopted by the TESTER): S. Con. Res. 78. A concurrent resolution ex- Board of County Commissioners of Miami- S. 2924. A bill to authorize the production pressing the sense of Congress that the Peo- Dade County of the State of Florida urging of Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle ultra-high re- ple’s Republic of China and all enterprises the Florida Legislature to repeal the 2011 lief bullion coins in palladium to provide af- owned or controlled by the People’s Republic Sunset of Miami-Dade Affordable Housing fordable opportunities for investments in of China should make proper disclosures Surtax Program; to the Committee on Bank- precious metals, and for other purposes; to with the Securities and Exchange Commis- ing, Housing, and Urban Affairs. the Committee on Banking, Housing, and sion regarding the selective default status of POM–317. A resolution adopted by the Urban Affairs. certain bonds; to the Committee on Foreign Board of County Commissioners of Miami- By Mr. SCHUMER: Relations. S. 2925. A bill to provide for research into Dade County of the State of Florida urging f the Florida Legislature to pass legislation the development of energy-efficient tech- allowing forensic employees to purchase ad- nologies and renewable energy technologies ADDITIONAL COSPONSORS ditional retirement credits; to the Com- and to foster the introduction of energy-effi- S. 22 mittee on Health, Education, Labor, and cient technologies and renewable energy Pensions. technologies into the marketplace, with the At the request of Mr. WEBB, the name POM–318. A resolution adopted by the goal of reducing United States oil imports; of the Senator from Rhode Island (Mr. Board of County Commissioners of Miami- to the Committee on Energy and Natural Re- REED) was added as a cosponsor of S. Dade County of the State of Florida urging sources. 22, a bill to amend title 38, United the Florida Legislature to pass legislation By Mr. AKAKA: States Code, to establish a program of requiring health insurance policies to cover S. 2926. A bill to amend title 38, United educational assistance for members of States Code, to modify and update provisions treatments for autism; to the Committee on the Armed Forces who serve in the Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions. of law relating to nonprofit research and POM–319. A resolution adopted by the education corporations, and for other pur- Armed Forces after September 11, 2001, Board of County Commissioners of Miami- poses; to the Committee on Veterans’ Af- and for other purposes. Dade County of the State of Florida urging fairs. S. 186 the Florida Legislature to declare the month By Mr. BARRASSO (for himself and At the request of Mr. SPECTER, the of March 2008 as Lions Eye Bank Month; to Mr. BOND): names of the Senator from Arkansas the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, S. 2927. A bill to increase the supply and (Mr. PRYOR) and the Senator from Lou- and Pensions. lower the cost of petroleum by temporarily POM–320. A resolution adopted by the suspending the acquisition of petroleum for isiana (Ms. LANDRIEU) were added as Board of County Commissioners of Miami- the Strategic Petroleum Reserve and to cosponsors of S. 186, a bill to provide Dade County of the State of Florida urging amend the Energy Policy and Conservation appropriate protection to attorney-cli- the Florida Legislature to pass legislation Act to include additional acquisition re- ent privileged communications and at- allowing voters with no party affiliation to quirements for the Reserve; to the Com- torney work product. mittee on Energy and Natural Resources. vote in any party primary; to the Committee S. 223 on Homeland Security and Governmental Af- f At the request of Mr. FEINGOLD, the fairs. POM–321. A resolution adopted by the SUBMISSION OF CONCURRENT AND names of the Senator from Minnesota Board of County Commissioners of Miami- SENATE RESOLUTIONS (Ms. KLOBUCHAR) and the Senator from Dade County of the State of Florida urging The following concurrent resolutions Georgia (Mr. CHAMBLISS) were added as the Florida Legislature to provide additional and Senate resolutions were read, and cosponsors of S. 223, a bill to require flexibility in making partial payments of referred (or acted upon), as indicated: Senate candidates to file designations, property taxes; to the Committee on Home- statements, and reports in electronic land Security and Governmental Affairs. By Mr. BIDEN (for himself, Mr. LEVIN, Ms. STABENOW, Mr. KOHL, Mr. MENEN- form. f DEZ, Mr. GRASSLEY, Mr. DURBIN, Mr. S. 380 REPORTS OF COMMITTEES CASEY, and Mr. JOHNSON): At the request of Mr. WYDEN, the S. Res. 534. A resolution designating the name of the Senator from Illinois (Mr. The following reports of committees month of May 2008 as ‘‘National Drug Court OBAMA) was added as a cosponsor of S. were submitted: Month’’; to the Committee on the Judiciary. By Mr. LEAHY, from the Committee on By Mr. REID (for Mrs. CLINTON (for 380, a bill to reauthorize the Secure the Judiciary: herself, Mr. KERRY, Mr. BAYH, Mr. Rural Schools and Community Self-De- Report to accompany S. 431, a bill to re- FEINGOLD, Mr. KENNEDY, Mr. SAND- termination Act of 2000, and for other quire convicted sex offenders to register on- ERS, and Mr. CASEY)): purposes.

VerDate Aug 31 2005 04:55 Jun 26, 2008 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00028 Fmt 4637 Sfmt 0634 J:\CRONLINE\2008BA~2\2008NE~2\S28AP8.REC S28AP8 mmaher on PROD1PC76 with CONG-REC-ONLINE April 28, 2008 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S3443 S. 638 term care insurance to be offered under (Mr. SANDERS) was added as a cospon- At the request of Mr. ROBERTS, the cafeteria plans and flexible spending sor of S. 2726, a bill to amend the Emer- name of the Senator from Connecticut arrangements and to provide additional gency Food Assistance Act of 1983 to (Mr. LIEBERMAN) was added as a co- consumer protections for long-term require the Secretary of Agriculture to sponsor of S. 638, a bill to amend the care insurance. help offset the costs of intrastate Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to pro- S. 2369 transportation, storage, and distribu- vide for collegiate housing and infra- At the request of Mr. BAUCUS, the tion of bonus commodities provided to structure grants. name of the Senator from West Vir- States and food assistance agencies S. 678 ginia (Mr. BYRD) was added as a co- under the emergency food assistance At the request of Mrs. BOXER, the sponsor of S. 2369, a bill to amend title program. name of the Senator from Virginia (Mr. 35, United States Code, to provide that S. 2758 WEBB) was added as a cosponsor of S. certain tax planning inventions are not At the request of Ms. MURKOWSKI, the 678, a bill to amend title 49, United patentable, and for other purposes. name of the Senator from Georgia (Mr. States Code, to ensure air passengers S. 2407 CHAMBLISS) was added as a cosponsor of have access to necessary services while At the request of Mr. CASEY, the S. 2758, a bill to authorize the explo- on a grounded air carrier and are not name of the Senator from Nebraska ration, leasing, development, produc- unnecessarily held on a grounded air (Mr. NELSON) was added as a cosponsor tion, and economically feasible and carrier before or after a flight, and for of S. 2407, a bill to provide for programs prudent transportation of oil and gas other purposes. that reduce the need for abortion, help in and from the Coastal Plain in Alas- S. 932 women bear healthy children, and sup- ka. At the request of Mrs. LINCOLN, the port new parents. S. 2766 name of the Senator from Nebraska S. 2426 At the request of Mr. NELSON of Flor- (Mr. NELSON) was added as a cosponsor At the request of Ms. KLOBUCHAR, her ida, the names of the Senator from of S. 932, a bill to amend title XVIII of name was added as a cosponsor of S. Connecticut (Mr. DODD) and the Sen- the Social Security Act to authorize 2426, a bill to provide for congressional ator from Delaware (Mr. CARPER) were physical therapists to evaluate and oversight of United States agreements added as cosponsors of S. 2766, a bill to treat Medicare beneficiaries without a with the Government of Iraq. amend the Federal Water Pollution requirement for a physician referral, S. 2575 Control Act to address certain dis- and for other purposes. At the request of Mrs. HUTCHISON, the charges incidental to the normal oper- S. 1232 name of the Senator from Oregon (Mr. ation of a recreational vessel. WYDEN) was added as a cosponsor of S. At the request of Mr. DODD, the name S. 2785 2575, a bill to amend title 38, United of the Senator from North Dakota (Mr. At the request of Ms. STABENOW, the States Code, to remove certain limita- DORGAN) was added as a cosponsor of S. names of the Senator from Connecticut tions on the transfer of entitlement to 1232, a bill to direct the Secretary of (Mr. LIEBERMAN) and the Senator from basic educational assistance under Health and Human Services, in con- Nebraska (Mr. NELSON) were added as sultation with the Secretary of Edu- Montgomery GI Bill, and for other pur- cosponsors of S. 2785, a bill to amend cation, to develop a voluntary policy poses. title XVIII of the Security Act to pre- for managing the risk of food allergy S. 2619 serve access to physicians’ services and anaphylaxis in schools, to estab- At the request of Mr. COBURN, the under the Medicare program. names of the Senator from Idaho (Mr. lish school-based food allergy manage- S. 2819 CRAIG), the Senator from Alaska (Mr. ment grants, and for other purposes. At the request of Mr. ROCKEFELLER, STEVENS) and the Senator from Ken- S. 1675 the name of the Senator from Florida tucky (Mr. BUNNING) were added as co- At the request of Ms. CANTWELL, the (Mr. NELSON) was added as a cosponsor sponsors of S. 2619, a bill to protect in- name of the Senator from Wisconsin of S. 2819, a bill to preserve access to nocent Americans from violent crime (Mr. FEINGOLD) was added as a cospon- Medicaid and the State Children’s in national parks. sor of S. 1675, a bill to implement the Health Insurance Program during an S. 2681 recommendations of the Federal Com- economic downturn, and for other pur- At the request of Mr. INHOFE, the munications Commission report to the poses. names of the Senator from Florida (Mr. Congress regarding low-power FM serv- S. 2836 MARTINEZ), the Senator from Ohio (Mr. ice. BROWN), the Senator from Kansas (Mr. At the request of Mr. CHAMBLISS, the S. 1755 BROWNBACK), the Senator from Min- name of the Senator from South Da- At the request of Mr. CASEY, the nesota (Mr. COLEMAN), the Senator kota (Mr. JOHNSON) was added as a co- name of the Senator from Indiana (Mr. from Georgia (Mr. CHAMBLISS) and the sponsor of S. 2836, a bill to amend title LUGAR) was added as a cosponsor of S. Senator from Indiana (Mr. BAYH) were 10, United States Code, to include serv- 1755, a bill to amend the Richard B. added as cosponsors of S. 2681, a bill to ice after September 11, 2001, as service Russell National School Lunch Act to require the issuance of medals to rec- qualifying for the determination of a make permanent the summer food ognize the dedication and valor of Na- reduced eligibility age for receipt of service pilot project for rural areas of tive American code talkers. non-regular service retired pay. Pennsylvania and apply the program to S. 2688 S. 2867 rural areas of every State. At the request of Mr. INOUYE, the At the request of Mr. BINGAMAN, the S. 2314 name of the Senator from Louisiana name of the Senator from California At the request of Mr. SALAZAR, the (Mr. VITTER) was added as a cosponsor (Mrs. FEINSTEIN) was added as a co- name of the Senator from Oregon (Mr. of S. 2688, a bill to improve the protec- sponsor of S. 2867, a bill to authorize SMITH) was added as a cosponsor of S. tions afforded under Federal law to additional resources to identify and 2314, a bill to amend the Internal Rev- consumers from contaminated seafood eliminate illicit sources of firearms enue Code of 1986 to make geothermal by directing the Secretary of Com- smuggled into Mexico for use by vio- heat pump systems eligible for the en- merce to establish a program, in co- lent drug trafficking organizations, ergy credit and the residential energy ordination with other appropriate Fed- and for other purposes. efficient property credit, and for other eral agencies, to strengthen activities S. 2874 purposes. for ensuring that seafood sold or of- At the request of Mrs. FEINSTEIN, the S. 2337 fered for sale to the public in or affect- name of the Senator from Oregon (Mr. At the request of Mr. GRASSLEY, the ing interstate commerce is fit for SMITH) was added as a cosponsor of S. name of the Senator from Nebraska human consumption. 2874, a bill to amend titles 5, 10, 37, and (Mr. NELSON) was added as a cosponsor S. 2726 38, United States Code, to ensure the of S. 2337, a bill to amend the Internal At the request of Mr. CASEY, the fair treatment of a member of the Revenue Code of 1986 to allow long- name of the Senator from Vermont Armed Forces who is discharged from

VerDate Aug 31 2005 04:55 Jun 26, 2008 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00029 Fmt 4637 Sfmt 0634 J:\CRONLINE\2008BA~2\2008NE~2\S28AP8.REC S28AP8 mmaher on PROD1PC76 with CONG-REC-ONLINE S3444 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE April 28, 2008 the Armed Forces, at the request of the Res. 533, a resolution expressing the I want to make sure that you are aware of member, pursuant to the Department sense of the Senate regarding the polit- the significance and time sensitivity of this of Defense policy permitting the early ical situation in Zimbabwe. legislative proposal. The next Gulf of Mexico discharge of a member who is the only lease sale is scheduled in August of 2008. By f law, the Minerals Management Service surviving child in a family in which the STATEMENTS ON INTRODUCED (MMS) must publish a final notice of sale father or mother, or one or more sib- BILLS AND JOINT RESOLUTIONS with final terms and conditions, including lings, served in the Armed Forces and, royalty relief incentives, at least 30 days because of hazards incident to such By Mr. BINGAMAN (by request): prior to the sale. To ensure that any legisla- service, was killed, died as a result of S. 2922. A bill to repeal certain oil tive changes are reflected in the final notice wounds, accident, or disease, is in a and gas incentives established in the of sale for the August sale, this issue must be captured or missing in action status, or Energy Policy Act of 2005, and for resolved by July 1. is permanently disabled, and for other other purposes; to the Committee on Please note that an immediate repeal of the mandatory royalty relief is supported by purposes. Energy and Natural Resources. Mr. BINGAMAN. Mr. President, I rise the Administration. Provisions to support S. 2886 to introduce by request a bill trans- the repeal are included in the President’s Fiscal Year 2008 budget and cleared by the At the request of Mr. BAUCUS, the mitted by the Administration that name of the Senator from New Hamp- Office of Management and Budget. Prompt would eliminate mandatory royalty re- action is now needed by Congress if the re- shire (Mr. SUNUNU) was added as a co- lief incentives for the oil and gas indus- sponsor of S. 2886, a bill to amend the peal of the mandatory royalty relief is to be try on the Outer Continental Shelf, included in the fast approaching Gulf of Mex- Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to amend OCS, in the Gulf of Mexico. I share the ico sale. certain expiring provisions. administration’s position that these Your immediate attention would be great- S. 2895 royalty incentives should not apply to ly appreciated. I am personally available to At the request of Mr. DODD, the name future OCS oil and gas lease sales on a discuss this legislation with you and answer of the Senator from Illinois (Mr. mandatory basis. any questions you or your staff may have. Sincerely, OBAMA) was added as a cosponsor of S. Section 344 of the Energy Policy Act C. STEPHEN ALLRED, 2895, a bill to amend the Higher Edu- of 2005, EPAct, requires the Secretary Assistance Secretary, cation Act of 1965 to maintain eligi- of the Interior to provide for royalty Land and Minerals Management. bility, for Federal PLUS loans, of bor- relief for the production of deep gas rowers who are 90 or more days delin- from the OCS. Section 345 of EPAct re- DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR, quent on mortgage loan payments, or quires the Secretary to extend royalty OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY, for whom foreclosure proceedings have relief for oil and gas produced from Washington, DC, April 20, 2007. been initiated, with respect to their deep water of the OCS. Under these Hon. RICHARD B. CHENEY, primary residence. provisions, at certain prices a set quan- President of the Senate, Washington, DC. tity of federally-owned oil and gas is S. 2899 DEAR MR. PRESIDENT: Enclosed is a draft At the request of Mr. HARKIN, the allowed to be produced without any bill, ‘‘to repeal certain oil and gas incentives names of the Senator from Massachu- royalty payment by industry to the contained in the Energy Policy Act of 2005 setts (Mr. KERRY) and the Senator from United States. Similar royalty relief and for other purposes.’’ Minnesota (Ms. KLOBUCHAR) were added language, included in legislation en- I recommend that the draft bill be intro- as cosponsors of S. 2899, a bill to direct acted in 1995, has given rise to cir- duced, referred to the appropriate committee for consideration, and enacted. the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to cumstances that may expose the Treas- ury to up to an estimated $60 billion in The repeal of sections 344 and 345 of the conduct a study on suicides among vet- Energy Policy Act of 2005 (Energy Policy erans. forgone royalty revenues. Act) has been proposed in the President’s Neither deep gas nor deep water roy- S. 2919 Fiscal Year 2008 budget. Section 344 of the alty relief is warranted in this price Energy Policy Act extended existing deep At the request of Mr. STEVENS, the climate. Last year, the administration name of the Senator from Texas (Mrs. gas incentives by mandating a royalty sus- requested that these incentives be re- pension volume of at least 35 billion cubic HUTCHISON) was added as a cosponsor of pealed. The President’s proposed budg- feet of natural gas for certain wells com- S. 2919, a bill to promote the accurate et for fiscal year 2009 renews this re- pleted at depths greater than 20,000 feet sub- transmission of network traffic identi- quest. I hope that my colleagues will sea on leases located in 0–400 meters of fication information. join me in supporting this legislation. water. Section 344 also directed that the S. 2920 same methodology used to calculate suspen- Mr. President, I ask unanimous con- sion volumes in the Minerals Management At the request of Mr. KERRY, the sent that the text of the bill and a let- Service’s 2004 rule for wells completed be- name of the Senator from Michigan ter of support be printed in the tween 15,000 feet and 20,000 feet sub-sea on (Mr. LEVIN) was added as a cosponsor of RECORD. leases in 0–200 meters of water be applied to S. 2920, a bill to reauthorize and im- There being no objection, the mate- leases in 200–400 meters of water. Section 345 prove the financing and entrepre- rial was ordered to be printed in the of the Energy Policy Act provided manda- neurial development programs of the RECORD, as follows: tory royalty suspension volumes for leases in Small Business Administration, and for S. 2922 water depths greater than 400 meters issued in the first five years after the Energy Pol- other purposes. Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Rep- icy Act’s enactment (August 8, 2005–August resentatives of the United States of America in S. RES. 523 8, 2010). Congress assembled, At the request of Mr. BIDEN, the Repeal of Sections 344 and 345 of the En- name of the Senator from Georgia (Mr. SECTION 1. REPEAL OF CERTAIN OIL AND GAS ergy Policy Act would eliminate incentives INCENTIVES. CHAMBLISS) was added as a cosponsor of Sections 344 and 345 of the Energy Policy and royalty relief that we believe are unwar- S. Res. 523, a resolution expressing the Act of 2005 (42 U.S.C. 15904, 15905) are re- ranted in today’s price environment. The Office of Management and Budget has strong support of the Senate for the pealed. advised that the enactment of this draft bill declaration of the North Atlantic Trea- would be in accord with the program of the DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR, ty Organization at the Bucharest Sum- President. mit that Ukraine and Georgia will be- OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY, Washington, DC, April 7, 2008. An identical letter is being sent to the come members of the alliance. Honorable Nancy Pelosi, Speaker of the Hon. JEFF BINGAMAN, S. RES. 533 Chairman, Committee on Energy and Natural House of Representatives. Sincerely, At the request of Mr. KERRY, the Resources, U.S. Senate, Washington, DC. DEAR MR. CHAIRMAN: Enclosed is a copy of C. STEPHEN ALLRED, names of the Senator from Delaware Assistant Secretary, (Mr. BIDEN), the Senator from Con- the letter sent to the President of the Senate on August 20, 2007, urging the Senate to con- Land and Minerals Management. necticut (Mr. LIEBERMAN), the Senator sider legislation ‘‘to repeal certain oil and from Vermont (Mr. LEAHY), the Sen- gas incentives contained in the Energy Pol- A BILL ator from New York (Mrs. CLINTON) and icy Act of 2005.’’ This legislative proposal To repeal certain oil and gas incentives the Senator from Maryland (Mr. would end the mandatory royalty relief in- contained in the Energy Policy Act of 2005 CARDIN) were added as cosponsors of S. centives for future OCS lease sales. and fur other purposes.

VerDate Aug 31 2005 04:55 Jun 26, 2008 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00030 Fmt 4637 Sfmt 0634 J:\CRONLINE\2008BA~2\2008NE~2\S28AP8.REC S28AP8 mmaher on PROD1PC76 with CONG-REC-ONLINE April 28, 2008 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S3445 Be it enacted by the Senate and the House of Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee or support of the Senior Oversight Com- Representatives of the United States of America hearing support the need to extend the mittee as the Secretaries jointly consider in Congress assembled, That sections 344 and SOC rather than transfer responsibil- appropriate. (c) SENIOR OVERSIGHT COMMITTEE DE- 345 of the Energy Policy Act of 2005 (42 U.S.C. ities to the Joint Executive Council. 15904 and 15905) are repealed. FINED.—In this section, the term ‘‘Senior Although I am pleased with the Oversight Committee’’ means the Senior SECTION BY SECTION SUMMARY progress that has been achieved over Oversight Committee jointly established by A bill to repeal certain oil and gas incen- the past year on improving VA and the Secretary of Defense and the Secretary tives contained in the Energy Policy Act of DoD cooperation and collaboration, of Veterans Affairs in May 2007 to address 2005 and for other purposes. much work remains. I am concerned concerns related to the treatment of wound- This bill would repeal incentives for nat- that, in the future, without the full ed, ill, and injured members of the Armed Forces and veterans and serve as the single ural gas production from deep wells in shal- weight of VA and DoD leadership be- low waters of the Gulf of Mexico and royalty point of contact for oversight, strategy, and relief for deep water production in the Gulf hind these activities, an ongoing com- integration of proposed strategies for the ef- of Mexico. mitment to solving the problems re- forts of the Department of Defense and the lated to the goal of seamless transition Department of Veterans Affairs to improve By Mr. AKAKA: and a full time staff to track imple- support throughout the recovery, rehabilita- S. 2923. A bill to provide for a three- mentation, there is a very real risk of tion, and reintegration of wounded, ill, or in- year extension of the Senior oversight returning to the bureaucratic lethargy jured members of the Armed Forces. Committee on wounded warrior mat- which contributed to the Walter Reed By Mr. AKAKA: ters, and for other purposes; to the scandal. We have come too far to re- S. 2926. A bill to amend title 38, Committee on Armed Services. turn to those days. United States Code, to modify and up- Mr. AKAKA. Mr. President, today I I am a firm believer in the adage that date provisions of law relating to non- am introducing the proposed Senior what the boss checks is what gets done. profit research and education corpora- Oversight Committee Extension Act of To make sure the boss—in this case, tions, and for other purposes; to the 2008 The VA and DoD Senior Oversight the Secretaries of Veterans Affairs and Committee on Veterans’ Affairs. Committee—the SOC—has been an im- Defense—keep an eye on coordination Mr. AKAKA. Mr. President, I am in- portant component of ongoing efforts and cooperation between the two de- troducing legislation concerning the to ensure that the Departments of Vet- partments, I am introducing this legis- nonprofit research and education cor- erans Affairs and Defense work to- lation to provide the two Secretaries porations—NPCs—that serve the De- gether to improve the treatment and with authority to extend the work of partment of Veterans Affairs. These or- care of our Nation’s wounded warriors. the SOC for 3 years, to ensure the con- ganizations provide essential support This bill requires a 3-year extension of tinued existence of a joint body that to research and education at VA facili- the VA and DoD SOC so that it may will serve as the single point of contact ties around the country. My legislation continue its vitally important over- for the oversight, strategy and integra- will amend the law which authorizes sight function. tion of policies and procedures per- NPCs so as to better reflect their mis- As a result of the problems identified taining to the seriously injured. sion and the needs of VA, as well as at Walter Reed Army Medical Center in With the upcoming change in Admin- strengthen control and oversight of May 2007, VA and DoD established the istration, there can be no wavering on these entities. SOC to identify corrective actions. It the high level of attention that the De- The legislation which authorizes was tasked with reviewing and over- partments have brought to issues of co- NPCs was enacted in 1988 to allow the seeing the implementation of the rec- ordination and cooperation. I am com- establishment of these entities as flexi- ommendations of the various task mitted to sustaining this effort for as ble funding mechanisms for the con- forces and study groups which were es- long as there are servicemembers in duct of research and education at VA tablished to study problems related to combat. medical centers. In 2006, 85 NPCs ex- the transitioning of seriously injured Mr. President, I ask unanimous con- pended $227 million in support of over servicemembers. Today, the SOC and sent that the text of the bill be printed 5,000 VA research and education pro- its supporting staff continue to work in the RECORD. grams. NPCs give VA the opportunity toward implementing policies and pro- There being no objection, the text of to access and manage research funds cedures to streamline and expedite the bill was ordered to be printed in from sources outside of VA, while joint efforts to provide seriously in- the RECORD, as follows: maintaining VA oversight. jured servicemembers and veterans S. 2923 Twenty years have passed since the with the best care available. Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Rep- inception of NPCs, and it is time to up- The SOC is currently co-chaired by resentatives of the United States of America in date the law governing their operation. the Deputy Secretary of Defense and Congress assembled, VA’s research needs have shifted and the Deputy Secretary of Veterans Af- SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. the function of NPCs has evolved. I will fairs. It brings together the most sen- This Act may be cited as the ‘‘Senior Over- highlight a few of the corrections this ior VA and DoD officials on a regular sight Committee Extension Act of 2008’’. legislation would make. basis to ensure that the decisions de- SEC. 2. THREE-YEAR EXTENSION OF SENIOR NPCs are nonprofit 501(c)(3) organiza- signed to improve care, recovery, reha- OVERSIGHT COMMITTEE WITH RE- tions that are entirely dedicated to SPECT TO WOUNDED WARRIOR MAT- bilitation and reintegration of seri- TERS. serving VA research. They efficiently ously injured servicemembers are made (a) IN GENERAL.—The Secretary of Defense administer VA research funds, and pro- in a timely and efficient manner. It is and the Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall vide access to some funds that VA supported by a full-time joint VA and jointly take such actions as are appropriate, would otherwise be unable to access. DoD staff that is responsible for coordi- including the allocation of appropriate per- Unfortunately, given their close affili- nating, integrating and synchronizing sonnel, funding, and other resources, to con- ation with VA, and due in part to var- the activities of the Committee. tinue the operations of the Senior Oversight ious state laws, NPC nonprofit status is Committee until September 30, 2011. The Administration’s current plan is in some situations unclear. My legisla- (b) REPORT ON FURTHER EXTENSION OF COM- for the SOC to hand over its respon- MITTEE.—Not later than December 31, 2010, tion would explicitly identify the non- sibilities next January to the existing the Secretary of Defense and the Secretary profit status of NPCs under IRS code. VA and DoD Joint Executive Council. of Veterans Affairs shall jointly submit to It would also make clear that NPCs are However, the Joint Executive Council Congress a report setting forth the joint rec- not owned or controlled by the U.S. has neither a full time staff nor the ommendation of the Secretaries as to the ad- Government, and are not agencies or equivalent involvement of senior VA visability of continuing the operations of the instrumentalities of the U.S. and DoD officials. The JEC staff has Senior Oversight Committee after Sep- As the utility and appeal of NPCs neither the resources nor the leverage tember 30, 2011. If the Secretaries rec- have grown, their numbers have ex- ommend that continuing the operations of within the individual Departments to the Senior Oversight Committee after Sep- panded. While this growth is positive, carry out the essential work that the tember 30, 2011, is advisable, the report may it is not always efficient or feasible for SOC has managed. Veterans’ organiza- include such recommendations for the modi- a medical center to establish and man- tions who testified at the April 23, 2008, fication of the responsibilities, composition, age its own NPC. The legislation would

VerDate Aug 31 2005 04:55 Jun 26, 2008 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00031 Fmt 4637 Sfmt 0634 J:\CRONLINE\2008BA~2\2008NE~2\S28AP8.REC S28AP8 mmaher on PROD1PC76 with CONG-REC-ONLINE S3446 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE April 28, 2008 create authority for multi-medical cen- (2) encourages the people of the United portance of drug courts and other al- ter NPCs to be shared among a number States and interested groups to observe the ternatives to prison treatment-based of medical centers. Condensing numer- month with appropriate ceremonies and ac- programs. I ask my colleagues to join ous NPCs into one would retain the tivities; me in commending these programs and (3) encourages leaders across the United local affiliations that make them valu- States to increase the use of drug courts by urging state, local and Federal officials able and effective, but would achieve instituting sustainable drug courts and other to help expand and robustly fund these greater efficiency and economy of scale treatment-based alternatives to prison in all treatment programs throughout the by combining administrative re- 3,143 counties in the United States, which country. sources. serve the vast majority of the highest-need f The legislation would make addi- citizens in the justice system; and SENATE RESOLUTION 535—RECOG- tional adjustments in other areas. It (4) supports the goal of robustly funding NIZING APRIL 28, 2008, AS ‘‘NA- would expand VA’s oversight capa- the Drug Court Discretionary Grant Pro- gram and other treatment-based alternatives TIONAL HEALTHY SCHOOLS bility. It would clarify existing author- to prison in order to expand these critical DAY’’ ity for NPCs to transfer funds among criminal justice programs. Mr. REID (for Mrs. CLINTON (for her- medical centers, and it would clarify Mr. BIDEN. Mr. President, today I reimbursement processes. It would also self, Mr. KERRY, Mr. BAYH, Mr. FEIN- rise to introduce a resolution marking GOLD, Mr. KENNEDY, Mr. SANDERS, and modify the required composition of May 2008 as National Drug Court Mr. CASEY)) submitted the following NPC governance boards, to allow indi- Month. The more than 2,000 drug courts viduals with a wider range of expertise resolution; which was referred to the that currently operate across the coun- Committee on the Judiciary: to serve. try are critical to curbing drug use, re- S. RES. 535 I believe these proposed changes ducing recidivism, and turning non-vio- would facilitate better working rela- lent prisoners into law abiding and pro- Whereas over half of schools in the United tionships between NPCs and VA, there- States have problems linked to indoor air ductive members of our society. quality; by achieving better support of VA re- Drug courts closely supervise non- search and education. I am confident Whereas children are more vulnerable to violent drug offenders as they address environmental hazards as they breathe in that these provisions will make an ef- their addiction or substance abuse more air per pound of body weight due to fective source of support for VA even problem. When they graduate from the their developing systems; stronger. program they are clean, sober and bet- Whereas children spend an average of 30 to f ter prepared to participate produc- 50 hours per week in school; Whereas poor indoor environmental qual- SUBMITTED RESOLUTIONS tively in society. In order to graduate from most drug court programs, par- ity is associated with a wide rage of prob- ticipants are required to finish high lems that include poor concentration, res- piratory illnesses, learning difficulties, and SENATE RESOLUTION 534—DESIG- school or obtain a GED, hold down a cancer; NATING THE MONTH OF MAY 2008 job, as well as maintain financial obli- Whereas research suggests that children AS ‘‘NATIONAL DRUG COURT gations including drug court fees and attending schools in poor condition score 11 MONTH’’ child support payments. A sponsor is percent lower on standardized tests than stu- also required to help ensure they stay dents who attend schools in good condition; Mr. BIDEN (for himself, Mr. LEVIN, on track. Whereas an average of 1 out of every 13 Ms. STABENOW, Mr. KOHL, Mr. MENEN- In 1994, I wrote the law that created school-age children has asthma, the leading DEZ, Mr. GRASSLEY, Mr. DURBIN, Mr. the drug courts program because we be- cause of school absenteeism, accounting for CASEY, and Mr. JOHNSON) submitted the lieved that the programs they oversee approximately 14,700,000 missed school days following resolution; which was re- each year; were cost-effective, innovative alter- ferred to the Committee on the Judici- Whereas 17 separate studies all found posi- natives to prison that would reduce ary: tive health impacts from improved indoor crime and deal with non-violent offend- air-quality, ranging from 13.5 percent up to S. RES. 534 ers who are in desperate need of treat- 87 percent improvement; Whereas drug courts provide focus and ment. It turns out we were right. A 2005 Whereas our Nation’s schools spent ap- leadership for community-wide partnerships, report from the Government Account- proximately $8,000,000,000 on energy costs in bringing together public safety and public ability Office found that drug court the last school year, causing officials to health professionals in the fight against drug make very difficult decisions on cutting abuse and criminality; program participants were less likely to be rearrested or reconvicted than back much needed academic programs in ef- Whereas 60 percent to 80 percent of drug of- forts to maintain heat and electricity; fenders sentenced to prison and over 40 per- those who did not participate in drug Whereas healthy and high performance cent sentenced to probation recidivate, and court programs. The report also con- schools designed to reduce energy and main- whereas fewer than 17 percent of drug court cluded that a conservative estimate of tenance costs, provide cleaner air, improve graduates recidivate; the net benefits to society of sending a lighting, and reduce exposures to toxic sub- Whereas the results of more than 100 pro- non-violent offender throug drug court stances provide a healthier and safer learn- gram evaluations and at least 3 experimental program ranges from about $1,000 per ing environment for children and improved studies have yielded evidence that drug participant to about $15,000. There is academic achievement and well-being; courts greatly improve substance abuse Whereas green and healthy schools save on treatment outcomes, substantially reduce just no question that these alternative to prison programs not only work, but average $100,000 per year on energy costs, crime, and produce significant societal bene- enough to hire 2 teachers, buy 200 new com- fits; also make great financial sense. puters, or purchase 5,000 new textbooks; Whereas drug courts transform over 120,000 Treating non-violent offenders Whereas converting all the Nation’s addicts each year in the adult, juvenile, and through drug court-monitored pro- schools to green schools would reduce carbon family court systems into drug-free, produc- grams and other alternatives to prison dioxide emissions by 33,200,000 metric tons; tive citizens; treatment programs provides them Whereas Congress has demonstrated its in- Whereas judges, prosecutors, defense attor- with an opportunity to turn away from terest in this compelling issue by including neys, substance abuse treatment and reha- drugs and to get on the path to be the Healthy High-Performance Schools Pro- bilitation professionals, law enforcement and gram in the No Child Left Behind Act and community supervision personnel, research- healthy, contributing members of soci- ety. It also helps to reduce America’s the Energy Independence and Security Act of ers and educators, national and community 2007; and leaders, and others dedicated to drug courts exploding prison population: more than Whereas our schools have the great respon- and similar types of treatment programs are 2.3 million people are in prisons and sibility of guiding the future of our children healing families and communities across the jails across the U.S.; 1 in 100 adults in and our Nation: Now, therefore, be it country; and the United States are behind bars. It Resolved, That the Senate recognizes April Whereas the drug court movement has costs an average of nearly $24,000 to 28, 2008, as ‘‘National Healthy Schools Day’’. grown from the 12 original drug courts in Mrs. CLINTON. Mr. President, today 1994 to over 2,000 operational drug courts as imprison an individual. Drug courts of December 2007: Now, therefore, be it can reduce the financial burden on is National Healthy Schools Day—es- Resolved, That the Senate— State and local budgets. tablished to build awareness and pro- (1) designates the month of May 2008 as I hope that National Drug Court mote healthy school environments for ‘‘National Drug Court Month’’; Month raises awareness about the im- our children and school personnel.

VerDate Aug 31 2005 04:55 Jun 26, 2008 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00032 Fmt 4637 Sfmt 0634 J:\CRONLINE\2008BA~2\2008NE~2\S28AP8.REC S28AP8 mmaher on PROD1PC76 with CONG-REC-ONLINE April 28, 2008 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S3447 Many organizations—including the learn about coexistence and conflict resolu- SENATE RESOLUTION 537—COM- Healthy Schools Network in New tion; MEMORATING AND ACKNOWL- York—have worked together over the Whereas Seeds of Peace operates a summer EDGING THE DEDICATION AND years to educate their communities as camp in Otisfield, Maine, as well as regional SACRIFICE MADE BY THE MEN programs around the world, such as the Fa- well as local, State, and Federal elect- cilitation Training Course in the Middle AND WOMEN WHO HAVE LOST ed officials of the conditions that many East, the Homestay Programs in South Asia, THEIR LIVES WHILE SERVING AS of our children and teachers are sub- or the International Regional Conferences; LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS jected to on a daily basis. I strongly be- Whereas the first International Conflict Mr. LEAHY (for himself, Mr. SPEC- Resolution Camp welcomed Israeli, Pales- lieve the work of these organizations is TER, Mr. KENNEDY, Mr. DURBIN, and Mr. tinian, Jordanian, and Egyptian youth the crucial in fostering the development KOHL) submitted the following resolu- summer of 1993, and the camp has since ex- and well being of our Nation’s children. tion; which was referred to the Com- That is why I am proud to join them in panded to involve youths from other regions of conflict, including Greece, Turkey, Cy- mittee on the Judiciary: this effort as the sponsor of resolution prus, the Balkans, India, Pakistan, and Af- S. RES. 537 recognizing April 28, 2008 as National ghanistan; Whereas the well-being of all citizens of Healthy Schools Day. By recognizing Whereas Seeds of Peace utilizes the sum- the United States is preserved and enhanced this day, Congress can promote healthy mer camp to initiate dialogue between the as a direct result of the vigilance and dedica- school environments for all children, youth of the United States and youth from tion of law enforcement personnel; teachers, principals, and school staff. various conflict regions to dispel hatred and Whereas more than 900,000 men and Over half of our Nation’ schools have create religious and cultural understanding; women, at great risk to their personal safe- environmental problems linked to poor Whereas hundreds of educators receive ty, presently serve their fellow citizens as training through the regional operations of guardians of the peace; indoor air quality AQ. Poor IAQ can Seeds of Peace to support and teach peaceful cause a wide range of academic prob- Whereas peace officers are on the front conflict resolution techniques in their class- lines in protecting the schools and school- lems for the millions of children at- rooms, ensuring that thousands of students children of the United States; tending these schools, including lack of around the world are exposed to those tech- Whereas 181 peace officers across the concentration, respiratory illnesses, niques; United States were killed in the line of duty learning difficulties, and even cancer. Whereas Seeds of Peace works to dispel during 2007, tragically the highest yearly Furthermore, millions of school ab- fear, mistrust, and prejudice, which are root total since 2001; sences each year are attributed to causes of violence and conflict, and to build Whereas Congress should strongly support a new generation of leaders who are com- initiatives to reduce violent crime and to in- health problems caused by poor IAQ or mitted to achieving peace; other unhealthy school environments. crease the factors that contribute to the Whereas Seeds of Peace reveals the human safety of law enforcement officers, includ- It is imperative that we address these face of youth who are too often exposed to ing— problems. From holding demonstra- hatred, by engaging campers in both guided (1) better equipment and increased use of tions on healthy cleaning practices to coexistence sessions and ordinary summer bullet-resistant vests; conducting workshops on how to design camp activities, such as sharing meals, ca- (2) improved training; and a healthy, high-performance school, noeing, swimming, playing sports, and ex- (3) advanced emergency medical care; the Healthy Schools Network along ploring creativity through the arts and com- Whereas, every 2 days on average, 1 out of puters; every 16 peace officers is assaulted, 1 out of with other partner organizations will Whereas the Arab-Israeli conflict, as well provide practical ways to make our every 56 peace officers is injured, and 1 out of as India-Pakistan and Afghanistan-Pakistan every 5,500 peace officers is killed in the line schools healthier, safer learning envi- tensions, are currently at critical junctures, of duty somewhere in the United States; and ronments for our children and teach- and progress toward peace will be enhanced Whereas, on May 15, 2008, more than 20,000 ers. by the emergence of a new generation of peace officers are expected to gather in Congress has demonstrated its inter- leaders who will choose dialogue, friendship, Washington, District of Columbia, to join est in this compelling issue by includ- and openness over violence and hatred; with the families of their recently fallen ing the Healthy High-Performance Whereas Seeds of Peace provides year- comrades to honor those comrades and all Schools Program in the No Child Left round opportunities, through regional pro- others who went before them: Now, there- gramming and the innovative use of tech- Behind Act and the Energy Independ- fore, be it nology, to enable former participants to Resolved, That the Senate— ence and Security Act. I encourage my build on the relationships forged at camp, so (1) recognizes May 15, 2008, as ‘‘Peace Offi- colleagues to continue to fight on our that the learning processes begun at camp cers Memorial Day’’, in honor of the Federal, children’s behalf by adopting this reso- may continue in the participants’ home State, and local law enforcement officers lution. countries, where they are most needed; that have been killed or disabled in the line We must spread awareness of the en- Whereas youth graduates of the camp, of duty; and vironmental health of our Nation’s known as ‘‘Seeds,’’ currently number more (2) calls on the people of the United States schools. I commend those across the than 4,000, with an additional 567 adult dele- to observe that day with appropriate cere- gation leaders also having completed the Nation who are using National Healthy monies, appreciation, and respect. camp programming; Mr. LEAHY. Mr. President, I am Schools Day to do just that. Whereas this graduate network receives proud to submit today a bipartisan res- f continued support in promoting professional cooperation; olution to designate May 15, 2008, as SENATE RESOLUTION 536—RECOG- Whereas Seeds of Peace is strongly sup- National Peace Officers Memorial Day. NIZING THE 15TH ANNIVERSARY ported by participating governments and Joining me in the submission of this OF THE FOUNDING OF SEEDS OF many world leaders; resolution are Senators SPECTER, KEN- PEACE, AN ORGANIZATION PRO- Whereas Federal funding for Seeds of NEDY, DURBIN, and KOHL. We join in MOTING UNDERSTANDING, REC- Peace demonstrates the recognized impor- recognizing the sacrifices that law en- ONCILIATION, ACCEPTANCE, CO- tance of Seeds of Peace in promoting the for- forcement officers make each day for eign policy goals of the United States; and EXISTENCE, AND PEACE IN THE the American people. MIDDLE EAST, SOUTH ASIA, AND Whereas it is especially important to reaf- firm that youth must be involved in long- This is now the twelfth year that I OTHER REGIONS OF CONFLICT term, visionary solutions to conflicts perpet- have been involved in offering this res- Ms. COLLINS (for herself, Mr. LEVIN, uated by cycles of violence: Now, therefore, olution to honor the sacrifice and com- Mr. VOINOVICH, Mr. LIEBERMAN, Mr. be it mitment of those law enforcement offi- CARPER, Ms. SNOWE, Mr. COLEMAN, Mr. Resolved, That the Senate— cers who lost their lives serving their SANDERS, Mrs. BOXER, Ms. STABENOW, (1) recognizes the 15th anniversary of the communities. For many years I sub- and Mr. DURBIN) submitted the fol- founding of Seeds of Peace; mitted this resolution with my old lowing resolution; which was consid- (2) honors the accomplishments of Seeds of friend and our former colleague Sen- ered and agreed to: Peace in promoting understanding, reconcili- ator Campbell, a former deputy sheriff. ation, acceptance, coexistence, and peace Both Senator Campbell, and I, as a S. RES. 536 among youth from the Middle East and other Whereas Seeds of Peace, founded by John regions of conflict around the world; and former prosecutor, know well the risks Wallach, organizes and operates a program (3) recognizes Seeds of Peace as a model of faced by law enforcement officers every that brings together young people and edu- hope for living together in peace and secu- day while they serve and protect the cators from regions of conflict to study and rity. American people.

VerDate Aug 31 2005 04:55 Jun 26, 2008 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00033 Fmt 4637 Sfmt 0634 J:\CRONLINE\2008BA~2\2008NE~2\S28AP8.REC S28AP8 mmaher on PROD1PC76 with CONG-REC-ONLINE S3448 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE April 28, 2008 We do not thank our Nation’s law en- for fiscal year 2009, and will also join Whereas the National Latino Children’s In- forcement officers enough for the sac- with me to reauthorize this important stitute, serving as a voice for children, has rifices they make in order to protect program again this year. Bulletproof worked with cities throughout the country ´ ˜ all of us. State and local police officers vests have saved the lives of thousands to declare April 30 as ‘‘Dıa de los Ninos: Cele- of officers and are a fundamental line brating Young Americans’’, a day to bring and all of our first responders deserve together Hispanics and other communities our support and respect. Their role is of defense that no officer should be nationwide to celebrate and uplift children; crucial in upholding the rule of law and without. Hundreds of thousands of po- and keeping our Nation’s citizens safe and lice officers are counting on us. Whereas the children of a nation are the secure. They help make our democracy National Peace Officers Memorial responsibility of all its people, and people possible. They are our here-at-home, Day will provide the people of the U.S., should be encouraged to celebrate the gifts day-in-and-day-out, real-life heroes. in their communities, in their State of children to society: Now, therefore, be it Currently, more than 900,000 men and Capitals, and in the Nation’s Capital, Resolved, That the Senate— ´ women who guard our communities do with the opportunity to honor and re- (1) designates April 30, 2008, as ‘‘Dıa de los Nin˜ os: Celebrating Young Americans’’; and so at great risk. Since the first re- flect on the extraordinary service and sacrifice given year after year by our (2) calls on the people of the United States corded police death in 1792, there have to join with all children, families, organiza- been more than 18,200 law enforcement police forces. During the week of May tions, communities, churches, cities, and officers who have made the ultimate 15, more than 20,000 peace officers are States across the Nation to observe the day sacrifice. There is lots of talk about expected to gather in Washington to with appropriate ceremonies, including ac- the war on crime. Our law enforcement join with the families of their fallen tivities that— officers are all too often the casualties comrades. I hope all Senators will join (A) center around children, and are free or in that effort. me in honoring their service by approv- minimal in cost so as to encourage and fa- ing this bipartisan resolution. cilitate the participation of all our people; We are fortunate in Vermont that we (B) are positive and uplifting and that help f rank as the State with the fewest offi- children express their hopes and dreams; cer deaths in history, with 19 recorded. SENATE RESOLUTION 538—DESIG- (C) provide opportunities for children of all But of course that is still 19 deaths too NATING APRIL 30, 2008, AS ‘‘DI´A backgrounds to learn about one another’s many. The pain and the suffering and DE LOS NIN˜ OS: CELEBRATING cultures and to share ideas; the loss associated with every one of YOUNG AMERICANS’’, AND FOR (D) include all members of the family, es- those is difficult for anyone to even OTHER PURPOSES pecially extended and elderly family mem- bers, so as to promote greater communica- imagine. Mr. HATCH (for himself, Mr. CRAIG, Last year, in 2007, 181 law enforce- tion among the generations within a family, Mr. LUGAR, Mr. COCHRAN, Mr. BROWN, enabling children to appreciate and benefit ment officers died while serving in the Mr. DURBIN, and Mr. CRAPO) submitted from the experiences and wisdom of their el- line of duty. That is a regrettable and the following resolution; which was derly family members; significant increase from 2006. Trag- considered and agreed to: (E) provide opportunities for families with- ically, it is the most line-of-duty in a community to get acquainted; and S. RES. 538 deaths since 2001 and the losses from (F) provide children with the support they Whereas many nations throughout the September 11 of that year. need to develop skills and confidence, and to world, and especially within the Western find the inner strength and the will and fire With crime having risen during the hemisphere, celebrate ‘‘Dı´a de los Nin˜ os’’, or last few years after a decade of decline, of the human spirit to make their dreams ‘‘Day of the Children’’, on the 30th of April, come true. and with law enforcement officers’ in recognition and celebration of their coun- deaths increasing, Congress must do try’s future—their children; f more to strongly support State and Whereas children represent the hopes and SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLU- local law enforcement officers and dreams of the people of the United States TION 78—EXPRESSING THE agencies. Federal programs can bolster and are the center of American families; Whereas children should be nurtured and SENSE OF CONGRESS THAT THE police departments and their support invested in to preserve and enhance eco- PEOPLE’S REPUBLIC OF CHINA for line officers. We should help provide nomic prosperity, democracy, and the Amer- AND ALL ENTERPRISES OWNED greater access to bulletproof vests, ican spirit; OR CONTROLLED BY THE PEO- state-of-the-art technology, improved Whereas, according to the latest Census re- PLE’S REPUBLIC OF CHINA training and advanced emergency med- port, there are more than 44,000,000 individ- SHOULD MAKE PROPER DISCLO- ical care. I believe that there is uals of Hispanic descent living in the United SURES WITH THE SECURITIES strength in numbers when it comes to States, nearly 15,000,000 of which are chil- dren; AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION RE- fighting violent crime, and Congress Whereas Hispanics in the United States, GARDING THE SELECTIVE DE- owes it to all Americans to support the the youngest and fastest growing ethnic FAULT STATUS OF CERTAIN men and women who are on the front community in the Nation, continue the tra- BONDS lines keeping America safe. dition of honoring their children on this day, I am proud of the work I have been and wish to share this custom with the rest Mr. INHOFE submitted the following involved in to help make it safer on the of the Nation; concurrent resolution; which was re- beat for our officers. Back in 1998, Sen- Whereas the primary teachers of family ferred to the Committee on Foreign ator Campbell and I authored the Bul- values, morality, and culture are parents and Relations: family members, and we rely on children to letproof Vest Grant Partnership Act in pass on these family values, morals, and cul- S. CON. RES. 78 response to the tragic Carl Drega ture to future generations; Whereas sovereign debt obligations (in this shootout on the Vermont-New Hamp- Whereas the importance of literacy and resolution referred to as ‘‘bonds’’) of the shire border. Two Sate troopers who education are most often communicated to Government of the People’s Republic of lacked bulletproof vests were killed. children through family members; China were offered and sold in the United Since then, we have successfully reau- Whereas families should be encouraged to States capital markets; thorized this program three more engage in family and community activities Whereas the bonds constitute full faith and that include extended and elderly family credit sovereign obligations of the inter- times: in the Bulletproof Vest Partner- members and that encourage children to ex- nationally recognized Government of the ship Grant Act of 2000, in the State plore and develop confidence; People’s Republic of China; Justice Institute Reauthorization Act Whereas the designation of a day to honor Whereas the China subsequently defaulted of 2004, and most recently as part of the children of the United States will help on the bonds; the Violence Against Women and De- affirm for the people of the United States the Whereas the United States Foreign Claims partment of Justice Reauthorization significance of family, education, and com- Settlement Commission determined that the Act of 2005. It is now authorized at $50 munity; bonds constitute an unpaid general obliga- million per year through fiscal year Whereas the designation of a day of special tion of the Government of the People’s Re- recognition for the children of the United public of China; 2009 to help State, tribal and local ju- States will provide an opportunity for chil- Whereas under the successor government risdictions purchase armor vests for dren to reflect on their future, to articulate doctrine of settled international law (estab- use by law enforcement officers. their aspirations, and to find comfort and se- lishing the continuity of obligations among I hope all Senators will join me to curity in the support of their family mem- successor governments), the repayment obli- ensure that the program is fully funded bers and communities; gation for the bonds is the obligation of the

VerDate Aug 31 2005 04:55 Jun 26, 2008 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00034 Fmt 4637 Sfmt 0634 J:\CRONLINE\2008BA~2\2008NE~2\S28AP8.REC S28AP8 mmaher on PROD1PC76 with CONG-REC-ONLINE April 28, 2008 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S3449 Government of the People’s Republic of TEXT OF AMENDMENTS and design of critical energy infra- China; structure in coastal regions. Whereas the Government of the People’s Because of the limited time available SA 4578. Mr. REID submitted an Republic of China has been duly notified by for the hearing, witnesses may testify representatives of the affiliated United amendment intended to be proposed by by invitation only. However, those States creditors of the demand for repay- him to the bill H.R. 2881, to amend title ment of the bonds; 49, United States Code, to authorize ap- wishing to submit written testimony Whereas the Government of the People’s propriations for the Federal Aviation for the hearing record may do so by Republic of China continues to refuse to Administration for fiscal years 2008 sending it to the Committee on Energy repay the bonds held by United States citi- and Natural Resources, United States zens and has officially repudiated the debts; through 2011, to improve aviation safe- ty and capacity, to provide stable fund- Senate, Washington, D.C. 20510–6150, or a clear violation of United States law, inter- by e-mail to Rosemarie national law, rules and regulations of the ing for the national aviation system, and for other purposes; which was or- [email protected] World Bank and the International Monetary For further information, please con- Fund, and the United Nations Charter; dered to lie on the table; as follows: Whereas the Government of the People’s tact Alicia Jackson at (202) 224–3607 or At the appropriate place, add the fol- Rosemarie Calabro at (202) 224–5039. Republic of China honored repayment of the lowing: bonds held by British citizens while rejecting SEC. 715. OVERFLIGHTS IN GRAND CANYON NA- f the claims of United States citizens; TIONAL PARK. Whereas the Government of the People’s (a) IN GENERAL.—Notwithstanding any AUTHORITY FOR COMMITTEES TO Republic of China, its state-owned enter- other provision of law, for purposes of sec- MEET prises, and other entities controlled by the tion 3(b)(1) of Public Law 100–91 (16 U.S.C. 1a– COMMITTEE ON FOREIGN RELATIONS People’s Republic of China continue to enjoy 1 note), the substantial restoration of the open and unfettered access to the United natural quiet and experience of the Grand Mr. DURBIN. Mr. President, I ask States capital markets, while the Govern- Canyon National Park (in this section re- unanimous consent that the Com- ment of the People’s Republic of China con- ferred to as the ‘‘Park’’) shall be considered mittee on Foreign Relations be author- tinues to reject the lawful claims of United to be achieved in the Park if, for at least 75 ized to meet during the session of the States citizens; percent of each day, 50 percent of the Park is Senate on Monday, April 28, 2008, at 4 Whereas the sales of securities in the free of sound produced by commercial air United States capital markets issued by Chi- p.m. to hold a nomination hearing. tour operations that have an allocation to The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without nese entities, including the Government of conduct commercial air tours in the Park as the People’s Republic of China and its state- of the date of the enactment of this Act. objection, it is so ordered. owned enterprises, fail to disclose both the (b) CONSIDERATIONS.— f existence of the defaulted debt of the Gov- (1) IN GENERAL.—For purposes of deter- ernment of the People’s Republic of China mining whether substantial restoration of PRIVILEGES OF THE FLOOR and the continued evasion of repayment of the natural quiet and experience of the Park Mr. GRASSLEY. Madam President, I the bonds, the discriminatory treatment of has been achieved in accordance with sub- United States citizens, and the People’s Re- section (a), the Secretary of the Interior (in have a unanimous consent request that public of China’s repudiation of official debt; this section referred to as the ‘‘Secretary’’) Michael Engel, a detailee to the Com- Whereas the wrongful actions of the Gov- shall use— merce Committee from the Federal ernment of the People’s Republic of China (A) the 2–zone system for the Park in effect Communications Commission; John are improperly concealed by the continuing on the date of the enactment of this Act to Hennigan, a detailee to the Commerce publication of artificial ‘‘investment grade’’ assess impacts relating to subsectional res- Committee from the FAA; Pamela sovereign credit rating classifications as- toration of natural quiet at the Park, includ- Friedmann, a detailee to the Com- signed to the Chinese government by the 3 ing— primary Nationally Recognized Statistical merce Committee from the Transpor- (i) the thresholds for noticeability and au- tation Safety Administration; Harl Rating Organizations (NRSROs) and this dibility; and concealment fails to conform to the pub- (ii) the distribution of land between the 2 Romine, a detailee to the Commerce lished definitions of those Organizations; zones; and Committee from the Coast Guard; and Whereas the continued publication of arti- (B) noise modeling science that is— Charlotte Heike, a fellow for the Com- ficial ‘‘investment grade’’ sovereign credit (i) developed for use at the Park; merce Committee from the Sea Grant rating classifications assigned to the Gov- (ii) validated by reasonable standards for Fellowship, be granted the privilege of ernment of the People’s Republic of China conducting field observations of model re- provides an incentive to the Chinese govern- the floor on this bill. sults; and The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without ment to avoid a negotiated settlement with (iii) accepted and validated by the Federal United States citizens regarding China’s de- objection, it is so ordered. Interagency Committee on Aviation Noise. fault on its sovereign debt obligations; (2) SOUND FROM OTHER SOURCES.—The Sec- f Whereas the lack of transparency con- retary shall not consider sound produced by cerning the selective default of the Govern- sources other than commercial air tour oper- MAKING TECHNICAL CORRECTIONS ment of the People’s Republic of China poses ations, including sound emitted by other TO NATIONAL DEFENSE AUTHOR- a material risk to the investing public and types of aircraft operations or other noise IZATION ACT OF 2008 threatens the integrity of the United States sources, for purposes of— capital markets; and Ms. KLOBUCHAR. Mr. President, I (A) making recommendations, developing a Whereas to provide relief to United States ask unanimous consent that the Judi- final plan, or issuing regulations relating to bondholders, restore transparency, uphold commercial air tour operations in the Park; ciary Committee be discharged from the rule of law, and affirm the validity of or further consideration of S. 2829 and the public debt contracts: Now, therefore, be it Senate proceed to its immediate con- Resolved by the Senate (the House of Rep- (B) determining under subsection (a) resentatives concurring), That it is the sense whether substantial restoration of the nat- sideration. of Congress that the People’s Republic of ural quiet and experience of the Park has The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without China and its government-owned and con- been achieved. objection, it is so ordered. The clerk trolled enterprises should be required to f will report the bill by title. properly disclose material information con- The assistant legislative clerk read NOTICE OF HEARING cerning the selective default status of these as follows: bonds in all prospectuses and filings with the COMMITTEE ON ENERGY AND NATURAL A bill (S. 2829) to make technical correc- Securities and Exchange Commission. RESOURCES tions to section 1244 of the National Defense f Mr. BINGAMAN. Mr. President, I Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2008, AMENDMENTS SUBMITTED AND would like to announce for the infor- which provides special immigrant status for PROPOSED mation of the Senate and the public certain Iraqis, and for other purposes. SA 4578. Mr. REID submitted an amend- that a hearing has been scheduled be- There being no objection, the Senate ment intended to be proposed by him to the fore the Senate Committee on Energy proceeded to consider the bill. bill H.R. 2881, to amend title 49, United and Natural Resources. The hearing Mr. LEAHY. Mr. President, I am States Code, to authorize appropriations for will be held on Tuesday, May 13, 2008, pleased to join the bipartisan group of the Federal Aviation Administration for fis- at 10 a.m., in room SD–366 of the Dirk- Senators on this bill who all recognize cal years 2008 through 2011, to improve avia- tion safety and capacity, to provide stable sen Senate Office Building. our obligation to help those Iraqis who funding for the national aviation system, The purpose of the hearing is to ex- have assisted the United States in Iraq. and for other purposes; which was ordered to amine the impacts of climate change This legislation will remove obstacles lie on the table. on the reliability, security, economics encountered by the Departments of

VerDate Aug 31 2005 04:55 Jun 26, 2008 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00035 Fmt 4637 Sfmt 0634 J:\CRONLINE\2008BA~2\2008NE~2\S28AP8.REC S28AP8 mmaher on PROD1PC76 with CONG-REC-ONLINE S3450 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE April 28, 2008 State and Homeland Security in Saman Kareem Ahmad, who received a SECTION 1. TECHNICAL CORRECTIONS TO PROVI- issuing the 5,000 special visas that Con- commendation from General Petreaus SION GRANTING SPECIAL IMMI- GRANT STATUS FOR CERTAIN gress authorized in January for those for his work on behalf of the United IRAQIS. Iraqi citizens. States in Iraq and instructs U.S mili- Section 1244(c) of the National Defense Au- As part of the 2008 National Defense tary personnel in preparation for serv- thorization Act for Fiscal Year 2008 (Public Authorization Act, Congress provided ice in Iraq. Although Mr. Ahmad was Law 110–181) is amended— 5,000 special immigrant visas for Iraqis granted asylum, his application for a (1) in paragraph (1), by striking ‘‘each of who had aided the United States as in- green card was denied because the or- the five years beginning after the date of the terpreters in the country. As chairman ganization with which he had once enactment of this Act’’ and inserting ‘‘fiscal of the Judiciary Committee, I have years 2008 through 2012’’; and served, the Kurdistan Democratic (2) in paragraph (3)— supported these efforts. The Depart- Party, was deemed a ‘‘terrorist organi- (A) in subparagraph (A)— ments of State and Homeland Security zation’’ by DHS. I urged Secretary (i) in the subparagraph heading, by strik- seem stymied and unable to implement Chertoff to use the authority he has ing ‘‘ONE THROUGH FOUR’’ and inserting ‘‘2008 what Congress has provided. In our ef- been given to ensure that individuals THROUGH 2011’’; and forts to remove any impediment to fast like Mr. Ahmad were not denied a place (ii) by striking ‘‘one through four’’ and in- implementation and address any ex- in the United States because of inflexi- serting ‘‘2008 through 2011’’; and cuse for further delays, we seek pas- ble and expansive readings of the so- (B) in subparagraph (B)— sage of this bill as well, to cut through (i) in the matter preceding clause (i)— called ‘‘material support’’ bar. I hope (I) in the subparagraph heading, by strik- bureaucratic stalling and technical re- the administration takes the oppor- ing ‘‘FIVE AND SIX’’ and inserting ‘‘2012 AND quirements. tunity Congress has given it to correct 2013’’; This administration has been woe- this wrongheaded policy and practice. (II) by striking ‘‘the fifth fiscal year begin- fully slow in recognizing its respon- It is long past the time for this admin- ning after the date of the enactment of this sibilities not only to those Iraqis who istration to take action and acknowl- Act’’ and inserting ‘‘fiscal year 2012’’; and have helped us, but to all Iraqis who edge the severe humanitarian con- (III) by striking ‘‘the sixth fiscal year be- have been displaced or have fled the vi- sequences of its policies, whether in ginning after such date’’ and inserting ‘‘fis- cal year 2013’’; and olence still plaguing that country. The Iraq, or at our shores where the per- relative inaction by the administration (ii) in each of clauses (i) and (ii), by strik- secuted are seeking refuge. ing ‘‘the fifth fiscal year’’ and inserting ‘‘fis- with respect to those Iraqis whose lives Providing for the safety of our Iraqi cal year 2012’’. are in grave danger due to their assist- allies is only one aspect of an increas- SEC. 2. AUTHORITY TO CONVERT PETITIONS ance of the United States is especially ingly severe humanitarian crisis in DURING TRANSITION PERIOD. troubling. Action is needed now. The Iraq. Refugees International recently (a) IN GENERAL.—The Secretary of Home- Judiciary Committee held its first reported that in the vacuum left by the land Security or the Secretary of State may hearing on this humanitarian problem failure of the Iraqi government to ad- convert an approved petition for special im- more than 15 months ago. That hearing dress the plight of millions of its inter- migrant status under section 1059 of the Na- on the plight of Iraqi refugees was tional Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal nally displaced citizens, various non- Year 2006 (8 U.S.C. 1101 note) with respect to among our first, in January 2007. In the state militias are providing assistance which a visa under such section 1059 is not interim, the administration has contin- to those who are suffering. By the re- immediately available to an approved peti- ued to make promises it cannot, or will port’s account, these militias are find- tion for special immigrant status under sec- not keep with respect to the resettle- ing fertile ground for recruiting among tion 1244 of the National Defense Authoriza- ment of Iraqi refugees in the United this population, with the Shiite Sadrist tion Act for Fiscal Year 2008 (Public Law States. movement now being the ‘‘main service 110–181) notwithstanding any requirement of The administration’s failure to ac- provider’’ to displaced Iraqis. We have subsection (a) or (b) of such section 1244 but subject to the numerical limitations applica- knowledge the Iraqi refugee crisis is been pressing the administration for emblematic of its inability to address ble under subsection (c) of such section 1244, some time to acknowledge this crisis as amended by this Act. other serious human rights issues that and to make increased efforts to assist (b) DURATION.—The authority under sub- are much of its own making. The injus- those Iraqis who have been internally section (a) shall be available only with re- tice resulting from the administra- displaced or who have left the country. spect to petitions filed before October 1, 2008. tion’s interpretation of the material Now we learn that the dangers associ- f support and terrorism related bars that ated with the administration’s failure were enacted following September 11, HONORING THE PRIME MINISTER to recognize the magnitude of this cri- OF IRELAND 2001, continues to deprive legitimate sis go beyond the terrible human cost asylum seekers of our protection. The that has resulted and threaten to un- Ms. KLOBUCHAR. Mr. President, I consequences of these laws continue to dermine any efforts to bring positive ask unanimous consent that the Sen- go unaddressed, despite the fact that change to Iraq. ate proceed to the immediate consider- Congress has now twice given the De- The bill the Senate approves today ation of Calendar No. 708, S. Con. Res. partment of Homeland Security the au- will be another effort to encourage this 74. thority to alleviate the situation. administration to fulfill its obligations The PRESIDING OFFICER. The While Secretary Chertoff is unwilling to those who have sacrificed signifi- clerk will report the concurrent resolu- to use this authority to provide asylum cantly to assist the United States. It is tion by title. to those who need our protection, he my hope that this will end the unac- The assistant legislative clerk read has repeatedly used the vast authority ceptable delays and provide long over- as follows: ceded to him by proponents of the due relief. A concurrent resolution (S. Con. Res. 74) REAL ID Act to waive landmark envi- Ms. KLOBUCHAR. Mr. President, I honoring the Prime Minister of Ireland, ronmental laws in the course of con- ask unanimous consent that the bill be Bertie Ahern, for his service to the people of structing a border wall between the read a third time and passed, the mo- Ireland and to the world and welcoming the United States and Mexico. tion to reconsider be laid upon the Prime Minister to the United States. This month, during the Judiciary table, with no intervening action or de- There being no objection, the Senate Committee’s oversight hearing on the bate, and that any statements related proceeded to consider the concurrent Department of Homeland Security, I to the bill be printed in the RECORD. resolution. followed up by asking Secretary The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without Ms. KLOBUCHAR. Mr. President, I Chertoff about his Department’s lack objection, it is so ordered. ask unanimous consent that the con- of progress on implementing the au- The bill (S. 2829) was ordered to be current resolution be agreed to, the thority Congress has given to him to engrossed for a third reading, was read preamble be agreed to, the motions to remedy the material support and ter- the third time, and passed, as follows: reconsider be laid upon the table, with rorism bars. At that time, I challenged S. 2829 no intervening action or debate, and him to fulfill the goal of legislation I Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Rep- that any statements relating to the authored and Congress enacted to pro- resentatives of the United States of America in concurrent resolution be printed in the vide relief to individuals such as Congress assembled, RECORD.

VerDate Aug 31 2005 04:55 Jun 26, 2008 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00036 Fmt 4637 Sfmt 0634 J:\CRONLINE\2008BA~2\2008NE~2\S28AP8.REC S28AP8 mmaher on PROD1PC76 with CONG-REC-ONLINE April 28, 2008 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S3451 The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without (3) the Members of the Senate and the (10) help the Nation recover from natural objection, it is so ordered. House of Representatives look forward to disasters and terrorist attacks; The concurrent resolution (S. Con. paying fitting and fond tribute to Prime (11) teach and work in our schools and li- Res. 74) was agreed to. Minister Ahern when he addresses a joint braries; session of Congress on April 30, 2008. (12) develop new technologies and explore The preamble was agreed to. the earth, moon, and space to help improve f The concurrent resolution, with its our understanding of how our world changes; preamble, reads as follows: TO COMMEND PUBLIC SERVANTS (13) improve and secure our transportation S. CON. RES. 74 DURING PUBLIC SERVICE REC- systems; Whereas the Members of the Senate and OGNITION WEEK (14) promote economic growth; and the House of Representatives are saddened (15) assist active duty service members and that the Prime Minister of Ireland, Bertie Ms. KLOBUCHAR. Mr. President, I veterans; Ahern, has announced that he will resign on ask unanimous consent the Senate pro- Whereas members of the uniformed serv- May 6, 2008; ceed to the immediate consideration of ices and civilian employees at all levels of Whereas Prime Minister Ahern has served Calendar No. 704, S. Res. 497. government make significant contributions the people of Ireland with distinction for The PRESIDING OFFICER. The to the general welfare of the United States, many years and has been an extraordinary clerk will report the resolution by and are on the front lines in the fight friend to the United States throughout his title. against terrorism and in maintaining home- years in office; The assistant legislative clerk read land security; Whereas, during his extensive period of Whereas public servants work in a profes- public service, Prime Minister Ahern has as follows: sional manner to build relationships with made significant contributions to an unprec- A resolution (S. Res. 497) expressing the other countries and cultures in order to bet- edented era of peace, prosperity, and sense of the Senate that public servants ter represent America’s interests and pro- progress in Ireland; should be commended for their dedication mote American ideals; Whereas Prime Minister Ahern entered and continued service to the Nation during Whereas public servants alert Congress and politics in 1977 and has been elected 10 times Public Service Recognition Week, May 5 the public to government waste, fraud, in the past 31 years by the people of Dublin through 11, 2008. abuse, and dangers to public health; Central; There being no objection, the Senate Whereas the men and women serving in the Whereas Prime Minister Ahern was elected proceeded to consider the resolution. Armed Forces of the United States, as well leader of Fianna Fa´ il in 1994 and became Ms. KLOBUCHAR. I ask unanimous as those skilled trade and craft Federal em- Prime Minister in 1997; ployees who provide support to their efforts, Whereas Prime Minister Ahern is the sec- consent the resolution be agreed to, the preamble be agreed to, the motions are committed to doing their jobs regardless ond-longest-serving Taoiseach, or Prime of the circumstances, and contribute greatly Minister, in the history of Ireland, and the to reconsider be laid upon the table, to the security of the Nation and the world; second-longest-serving leader of Fianna Fa´ il; with no intervening action or debate, Whereas public servants have bravely Whereas Prime Minister Ahern is the first and any statements be printed in the fought in armed conflict in defense of this Taoiseach since 1944 to be elected on 3 suc- RECORD. Nation and its ideals and deserve the care cessive occasions; The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without and benefits they have earned through their Whereas Prime Minister Ahern has been objection, it is so ordered. The resolu- honorable service; fully committed to strengthening the econ- tion (S. Res. 497) was agreed to. Whereas government workers have much omy of Ireland and, under his leadership, Ire- to offer, as demonstrated by their expertise land became more prosperous than at any The preamble was agreed to. The resolution, with its preamble, and innovative ideas, and serve as examples time in the history of the country and be- by passing on institutional knowledge to came world-renowned as the ‘‘Celtic Tiger’’; reads as follows: train the next generation of public servants; Whereas the people of Ireland have bene- S. RES. 497 Whereas May 5 through 11, 2008, has been fitted from a significantly improved quality Whereas Public Service Recognition Week designated Public Service Recognition Week of life during Prime Minister Ahern’s service provides an opportunity to recognize and to honor America’s Federal, State, and local as Taoiseach; promote the important contributions of pub- government employees; and Whereas Prime Minister Ahern promised lic servants and honor the diverse men and Whereas Public Service Recognition Week years ago that one of his highest priorities women who meet the needs of the Nation is celebrating its 24th anniversary through was to end the decades-long cycle of hatred through work at all levels of government; job fairs, student activities, and agency ex- and violence in Northern Ireland; Whereas millions of individuals work in hibits: Now, therefore, be it Whereas Prime Minister Ahern kept that government service in every city, county, Resolved, That the Senate— promise and worked assiduously to achieve and State across America and in hundreds of (1) commends public servants for their out- the peace that Northern Ireland enjoys cities abroad; standing contributions to this great Nation today; Whereas public service is a noble calling during Public Service Recognition Week and Whereas the former Prime Minister of the involving a variety of challenging and re- throughout the year; United Kingdom, Tony Blair, described warding professions; (2) salutes government employees for their Prime Minister Ahern as a ‘‘remarkable Whereas Federal, State, and local govern- unyielding dedication and spirit for public leader’’ and stated that Prime Minister ments are responsive, innovative, and effec- service; Ahern ‘‘will always be remembered for his tive because of the outstanding work of pub- (3) honors those government employees crucial role in bringing about peace in lic servants; who have given their lives in service to their Northern Ireland, [and] for transforming re- Whereas the United States of America is a country; lations between Britain and the Irish Repub- great and prosperous Nation, and public (4) calls upon a new generation to consider lic’’; and service employees contribute significantly to a career in public service as an honorable Whereas Prime Minister Ahern will address that greatness and prosperity; profession; and a joint session of Congress on April 30, 2008: Whereas the Nation benefits daily from the (5) encourages efforts to promote public Now, therefore, be it knowledge and skills of these highly trained service careers at all levels of government. Resolved by the Senate (the House of Rep- individuals; resentatives concurring), That— f Whereas public servants— (1) it is the sense of Congress that— (1) defend our freedom and advance United SUPPORTING UKRAINE AND GEOR- (A) the Prime Minister of Ireland, Bertie States interests around the world; GIA BECOMING MEMBERS OF Ahern, has been a strong and effective leader (2) provide vital strategic support func- NATO for the people of Ireland and a good friend to tions to our military and serve in the Na- the United States; tional Guard and Reserves; Ms. KLOBUCHAR. Mr. President, I (B) the skillful leadership of Prime Min- (3) fight crime and fires; ask unanimous consent the Senate pro- ister Ahern was indispensable in finally (4) ensure equal access to secure, efficient, ceed to the immediate consideration of achieving a successful resolution of the long- and affordable mail service; Calendar No. 710, S. Res. 523. standing conflict in Northern Ireland; and (5) deliver Social Security and Medicare The PRESIDING OFFICER. The (C) the legacy of Prime Minister Ahern is benefits; clerk will report the resolution by clear and his contribution to peace is enor- (6) fight disease and promote better health; title. mous; (7) protect the environment and the Na- (2) Congress thanks Prime Minister Ahern tion’s parks; The assistant legislative clerk read on behalf of the people of the United States, (8) enforce laws guaranteeing equal em- as follows: wishes him well, and hopes his unique tal- ployment opportunity and healthy working A resolution (S. Res. 523) expressing the ents will be of service in resolving conflicts conditions; strong support of the Senate for the declara- elsewhere in the years ahead in our divided (9) defend and secure critical infrastruc- tion of the North Atlantic Treaty Organiza- world; and ture; tion at the Bucharest Summit that Ukraine

VerDate Aug 31 2005 04:55 Jun 26, 2008 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00037 Fmt 4637 Sfmt 0634 J:\CRONLINE\2008BA~2\2008NE~2\S28AP8.REC S28AP8 mmaher on PROD1PC76 with CONG-REC-ONLINE S3452 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE April 28, 2008 and Georgia will become members of the alli- A resolution (S. Res. 524) honoring the en- (A) reasonable rules relating to the pro- ance. trepreneurial spirit of the owners of small curement program for women-owned small There being no objection, the Senate business concerns in the United States dur- business concerns under section 8(m) of the proceeded to consider the resolution. ing National Small Business Week, begin- Small Business Act (15 U.S.C. 637(m)) are ex- ning April 21, 2008. peditiously implemented to give women Ms. KLOBUCHAR. Mr. President, I There being no objection, the Senate business owners a fair opportunity to com- further ask the resolution be agreed to, proceeded to consider the resolution. pete for Federal contracts; the preamble be agreed to, the motions Ms. KLOBUCHAR. I ask unanimous (B) small business concerns have access to to reconsider be laid upon the table, consent the resolution be agreed to, quality affordable health insurance; with no intervening action or debate, the preamble be agreed to, the motions (C) the needs of veterans and reservists who own their own businesses, who work for and any statements be printed in the to reconsider be laid upon the table, RECORD. small business concerns, or want to start and any statements be printed in the their own businesses, are met during deploy- The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without RECORD. objection, it is so ordered. ment and upon their return from duty; The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without (D) proper measures are enacted to provide The resolution (S. Res. 523) was objection, it is so ordered. a stimulus for business lending during this agreed to. The resolution (S. Res. 524) was economic downturn; The preamble was agreed to. agreed to. (E) the tax burdens of small business con- The resolution, with its preamble, The preamble was agreed to. cerns are reduced, and that there is a reduc- reads as follows: The resolution, with its preamble, tion in regulatory and bureaucratic barriers; S. RES. 523 reads as follows: (F) small minority owned businesses are supported in their efforts to access the Fed- Whereas, prior to the Bucharest Summit in S. RES. 524 eral marketplace and gain access to capital; April 2008, the Government of Georgia and Whereas the 26,800,000 small business con- (G) small business concerns have the tools the Government of Ukraine each expressed cerns in the United States are the driving to become more energy efficient to survive the desire to join the North Atlantic Treaty force behind the Nation’s economy, creating rising costs of energy, increase profits, and Organization (NATO), have committed their more than 2⁄3 of all net new jobs and gener- reduce the Nation’s reliance on foreign oil; countries to programs of reforms consistent ating more than 50 percent of the Nation’s (H) all Federal agencies adhere to the con- with membership in the Euro-Atlantic com- nonfarm gross domestic product; tracting goals for small business concerns, munity, and have worked consistently for Whereas small business concerns represent including the goals for small business con- membership in NATO; and 99.7 percent of all businesses and employ 50 cerns owned and controlled by service-dis- Whereas, in April 2008 at the Bucharest percent of the Nation’s workforce; abled veterans, small business concerns Summit, the assembled leaders of NATO Whereas small business concerns represent owned and controlled by women, small busi- issued the following statement: ‘‘NATO wel- 97 percent of all exporters and produce 28.6 ness concerns owned and controlled by so- comes Ukraine’s and Georgia’s Euro-Atlantic percent of exported goods; cially and economically disadvantaged indi- aspirations for membership in NATO. We Whereas small business concerns are the viduals, and HUBZone small business con- agreed today that these countries will be- Nation’s innovators, advancing technology cerns; come members of NATO. Both nations have and productivity; (I) venture capital and small business made valuable contributions to Alliance op- Whereas the resilience, vitality, and loans, including microloans and guaranteed erations. We welcome the democratic re- growth of small business concerns are crit- loans that are delivered through private forms in Ukraine and Georgia and look for- ical to the Nation’s competitiveness during a lenders, for start-up firms and growing small ward to free and fair parliamentary elections time of economic downturn; business concerns are available to all quali- in Georgia in May. MAP is the next step for Whereas Congress established the Small fied small business concerns; and Ukraine and Georgia on their direct way to Business Administration in 1953, to aid, (J) the management assistance programs membership. Today we make clear that we counsel, assist, and protect the interests of delivered by resource partners on behalf of support these countries’ applications for small business concerns in order to preserve the Small Business Administration, such as MAP. Therefore we will now begin a period free competitive enterprise, to ensure that a small business development centers, wom- of intensive engagement with both at a high fair proportion of the total purchases and en’s business centers, and the Service Corps political level to address the questions still contracts or subcontracts for property and of Retired Executives, are provided with the outstanding pertaining to their MAP appli- services for the Federal Government be Federal resources necessary to do their jobs; cations. We have asked Foreign Ministers to placed with small business concerns, to en- and make a first assessment of progress at their sure that a fair proportion of the total sales (6) urges that the Administrator of the December 2008 meeting. Foreign Ministers of Government property be made to such Small Business Administration have an ac- have the authority to decide on the MAP ap- small business concerns, and to maintain tive role as a member of the President’s Cab- plications of Ukraine and Georgia.’’: Now, and strengthen the overall economy of the inet. therefore, be it Nation; Resolved, That the Senate— Whereas for over 50 years, the Small Busi- f (1) supports the declaration of the Bucha- ness Administration has provided aid and as- RECOGNIZING THE 15TH ANNIVER- sistance to millions of entrepreneurs who rest Summit, which stated that Ukraine and SARY OF THE FOUNDING OF Georgia will become members of NATO; have succeeded in achieving the American (2) reiterates its support for the commit- dream of owning a small business concern, SEEDS OF PEACE ment to further enlargement of NATO to in- and thus has played a key role in fostering Ms. KLOBUCHAR. I ask unanimous clude democratic governments that are able economic growth; and consent that the Senate proceed to the and willing to meet the responsibilities of Whereas the President has designated the consideration of S. Res. 536 which was week beginning April 21, 2008, as National membership; and submitted earlier today. (3) urges the foreign ministers of NATO Small Business Week: Now, therefore, be it member states at their meeting in December Resolved, That the Senate— The PRESIDING OFFICER. The 2008 to consider favorably the applications of (1) honors the entrepreneurial spirit of the clerk will report the resolution by the governments of Ukraine and Georgia for owners of small business concerns in the title. Membership Action Plans. United States during National Small Busi- The assistant legislative clerk read ness Week, beginning April 21, 2008; f as follows: (2) honors the efforts and achievements of HONORING SMALL BUSINESS OWN- the owners and employees of small business A resolution (S. Res. 536) recognizing the concerns, whose hard work, commitment to 15th anniversary of the founding of Seeds of ERS DURING NATIONAL SMALL Peace, an organization promoting under- BUSINESS WEEK excellence, and willingness to take a risk, have made them a crucial part of the Na- standing, reconciliation, acceptance, coexist- Ms. KLOBUCHAR. Mr. President, I tion’s economy; ence, and peace in the Middle East, South ask unanimous consent the Small Busi- (3) recognizes that small business concerns Asia, and other regions of conflict. ness Committee be discharged from are essential to restoring the Nation’s eco- There being no objection, the Senate further consideration of S. Res. 524, nomic health; proceeded to consider the resolution. and the Senate proceed to its imme- (4) recognizes the vital role of the pro- Ms. KLOBUCHAR. I ask unanimous diate consideration. grams of the Small Business Administration consent that the resolution be agreed The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without and the work of its employees and its re- to, the preamble be agreed to, and the source partners in providing assistance to objection, it is so ordered. The clerk entrepreneurs and the owners of small busi- motions to reconsider be laid upon the will report the resolution by title. ness concerns; table. The assistant legislative clerk read (5) strongly urges the President to take The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without as follows: steps to ensure that— objection, it is so ordered.

VerDate Aug 31 2005 04:55 Jun 26, 2008 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00038 Fmt 4637 Sfmt 0634 J:\CRONLINE\2008BA~2\2008NE~2\S28AP8.REC S28AP8 mmaher on PROD1PC76 with CONG-REC-ONLINE April 28, 2008 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S3453 The resolution (S. Res. 536) was (1) recognizes the 15th anniversary of the S. RES. 538 agreed to. founding of Seeds of Peace; Whereas many nations throughout the The preamble was agreed to. (2) honors the accomplishments of Seeds of world, and especially within the Western The resolution, with its preamble, Peace in promoting understanding, reconcili- hemisphere, celebrate ‘‘Dı´a de los Nin˜ os’’, or ation, acceptance, coexistence, and peace reads as follows: ‘‘Day of the Children’’, on the 30th of April, among youth from the Middle East and other in recognition and celebration of their coun- S. RES. 536 regions of conflict around the world; and try’s future—their children; Whereas Seeds of Peace, founded by John (3) recognizes Seeds of Peace as a model of Whereas children represent the hopes and Wallach, organizes and operates a program hope for living together in peace and secu- dreams of the people of the United States that brings together young people and edu- rity. and are the center of American families; cators from regions of conflict to study and f Whereas children should be nurtured and learn about coexistence and conflict resolu- invested in to preserve and enhance eco- tion; CELEBRATING YOUNG AMERICANS nomic prosperity, democracy, and the Amer- Whereas Seeds of Peace operates a summer Ms. KLOBUCHAR. I ask unanimous ican spirit; camp in Otisfield, Maine, as well as regional consent that the Senate now proceed to Whereas, according to the latest Census re- programs around the world, such as the Fa- the consideration of S. Res. 538 which port, there are more than 44,000,000 individ- cilitation Training Course in the Middle uals of Hispanic descent living in the United East, the Homestay Programs in South Asia, was submitted earlier today. The PRESIDING OFFICER. The States, nearly 15,000,000 of which are chil- or the International Regional Conferences; dren; Whereas the first International Conflict clerk will report the resolution by Whereas Hispanics in the United States, Resolution Camp welcomed Israeli, Pales- title. the youngest and fastest growing ethnic tinian, Jordanian, and Egyptian youth the The assistant legislative clerk read community in the Nation, continue the tra- summer of 1993, and the camp has since ex- as follows: dition of honoring their children on this day, panded to involve youths from other regions A resolution (S. Res. 538) designating April and wish to share this custom with the rest of conflict, including Greece, Turkey, Cy- 30, 2008 as ‘‘Dia de los Ninos: Celebrating of the Nation; prus, the Balkans, India, Pakistan, and Af- Young Americans,’’ and for other purposes. Whereas the primary teachers of family ghanistan; There being no objection, the Senate values, morality, and culture are parents and Whereas Seeds of Peace utilizes the sum- proceeded to consider the resolution. family members, and we rely on children to mer camp to initiate dialogue between the pass on these family values, morals, and cul- youth of the United States and youth from Mr. HATCH. Mr. President, it is with ture to future generations; various conflict regions to dispel hatred and great pleasure that I support this reso- Whereas the importance of literacy and create religious and cultural understanding; lution designating the 30th day of April education are most often communicated to Whereas hundreds of educators receive 2008 as ‘‘Dı´a de los Nin˜ os: Celebrating children through family members; training through the regional operations of Young Americans.’’ Over the years, the Whereas families should be encouraged to Seeds of Peace to support and teach peaceful Senate has passed seven similar resolu- engage in family and community activities conflict resolution techniques in their class- tions in recognition of the young peo- that include extended and elderly family rooms, ensuring that thousands of students ple throughout our country. members and that encourage children to ex- around the world are exposed to those tech- plore and develop confidence; niques; Nations throughout the world, and Whereas the designation of a day to honor Whereas Seeds of Peace works to dispel especially within Latin America, cele- the children of the United States will help fear, mistrust, and prejudice, which are root brate Dı´a de los Nin˜ os every April 30th, affirm for the people of the United States the causes of violence and conflict, and to build in recognition and celebration of their significance of family, education, and com- a new generation of leaders who are com- country’s future, their children. Many munity; mitted to achieving peace; American Hispanic families continue Whereas the designation of a day of special Whereas Seeds of Peace reveals the human the tradition of honoring their children recognition for the children of the United face of youth who are too often exposed to ´ States will provide an opportunity for chil- hatred, by engaging campers in both guided on this day by celebrating Dıa de los dren to reflect on their future, to articulate coexistence sessions and ordinary summer Nin˜ os in their homes. their aspirations, and to find comfort and se- camp activities, such as sharing meals, ca- The designation of April 30 as a day curity in the support of their family mem- noeing, swimming, playing sports, and ex- to honor the children of our Nation bers and communities; ploring creativity through the arts and com- will continue to affirm for the people Whereas the National Latino Children’s In- puters; of the United States the significance of stitute, serving as a voice for children, has Whereas the Arab-Israeli conflict, as well family, education, and community. worked with cities throughout the country as India-Pakistan and Afghanistan-Pakistan This special recognition of children to declare April 30 as ‘‘Dı´a de los Nin˜ os: Cele- tensions, are currently at critical junctures, brating Young Americans’’, a day to bring and progress toward peace will be enhanced will provide them with an opportunity together Hispanics and other communities by the emergence of a new generation of to reflect on their future aspirations nationwide to celebrate and uplift children; leaders who will choose dialogue, friendship, and find comfort and security in the and and openness over violence and hatred; support of their family members and Whereas the children of a nation are the Whereas Seeds of Peace provides year- communities. This resolution calls on responsibility of all its people, and people round opportunities, through regional pro- the American people to join with all should be encouraged to celebrate the gifts gramming and the innovative use of tech- children, families, organizations, com- of children to society: Now, therefore, be it Resolved, That the Senate— nology, to enable former participants to munities, churches, cities, and States build on the relationships forged at camp, so (1) designates April 30, 2008, as ‘‘Dı´a de los that the learning processes begun at camp across the Nation to observe the day Nin˜ os: Celebrating Young Americans’’; and may continue in the participants’ home with appropriate ceremonies and ac- (2) calls on the people of the United States countries, where they are most needed; tivities. to join with all children, families, organiza- Whereas youth graduates of the camp, I am joined in introducing this reso- tions, communities, churches, cities, and known as ‘‘Seeds’’, currently number more lution by a bipartisan group of Sen- States across the Nation to observe the day than 4,000, with an additional 567 adult dele- ators that includes Senators MENEN- with appropriate ceremonies, including ac- tivities that— gation leaders also having completed the DEZ, CRAIG, LUGAR, COCHRAN, BROWN, camp programming; (A) center around children, and are free or DURBIN, and CRAPO. I urge the remain- Whereas this graduate network receives minimal in cost so as to encourage and fa- continued support in promoting professional der of my colleagues to lend their sup- cilitate the participation of all our people; cooperation; port. (B) are positive and uplifting and that help Whereas Seeds of Peace is strongly sup- Ms. KLOBUCHAR. I ask unanimous children express their hopes and dreams; ported by participating governments and consent that the resolution be agreed (C) provide opportunities for children of all many world leaders; to, the preamble be agreed to, and the backgrounds to learn about one another’s Whereas Federal funding for Seeds of motions to reconsider be laid upon the cultures and to share ideas; Peace demonstrates the recognized impor- table. (D) include all members of the family, es- tance of Seeds of Peace in promoting the for- The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without pecially extended and elderly family mem- eign policy goals of the United States; and bers, so as to promote greater communica- Whereas it is especially important to reaf- objection, it is so ordered. tion among the generations within a family, firm that youth must be involved in long- The resolution (S. Res. 538) was enabling children to appreciate and benefit term, visionary solutions to conflicts perpet- agreed to. from the experiences and wisdom of their el- uated by cycles of violence: Now, therefore, The preamble was agreed to. derly family members; be it The resolution, with its preamble, (E) provide opportunities for families with- Resolved, That the Senate— reads as follows: in a community to get acquainted; and

VerDate Aug 31 2005 04:55 Jun 26, 2008 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00039 Fmt 4637 Sfmt 0634 J:\CRONLINE\2008BA~2\2008NE~2\S28AP8.REC S28AP8 mmaher on PROD1PC76 with CONG-REC-ONLINE S3454 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE April 28, 2008 (F) provide children with the support they things just take time. I fully under- and profits to grow for certain people need to develop skills and confidence, and to stand that. who are wisely positioned. find the inner strength and the will and fire I would share with her a question as During my last trip to Alabama for a of the human spirit to make their dreams to why we would continue to pour large week, I had townhall meetings and vis- come true. amounts of petroleum into our Reserve ited with people throughout the State. f when we are clearly at high, even peak Energy prices were the No. 1 thing peo- MEASURE READ THE FIRST prices that seems to me not a good ple talked to me about. It is having a TIME—H.R. 5715 idea. It would help relieve some pres- real impact on their family budget. sure on price and on supply if we were The price of regular unleaded gasoline Ms. KLOBUCHAR. I understand that to suspend that. I also share her con- climbed to $3.50 a gallon. A year ago, it H.R. 5715 has been received from the cern that on the world market, we are was $2.84, and 2 years ago, it was $2.74. House and is at the desk. I would ask not in a free marketplace. Those ex- That is a 28-percent increase in 2 years. for its first reading. perts who said they thought the price This helps explain the economic dol- The PRESIDING OFFICER. The ought to be $50, $55 a barrel, I don’t drums and slowdown we are in. The clerk will report the bill by title. know what the prices ought to be, but typical American family with two cars The assistant legislative clerk read I know OPEC meets and decides what is paying about $750 to $1,000 more per as follows: the production level will be. As a pros- year for the same amount of fuel they A bill (H.R. 5715) to ensure continued avail- ecutor myself, that is a cartel. That is were buying the previous year. That ability of access to the Federal student loan price fixing, as I understand it. Some- represents $70, $80 a month of dispos- program for students and families. how, we need to make it a part of our able income that previously they could Ms. KLOBUCHAR. I ask for its sec- sustained national policy to stand up use for other things for their family. It ond reading and object to my own re- to this. is now going to buy the same amount quest. In one sense, what OPEC does when of fuel they were using the year before The PRESIDING OFFICER. Objec- they drive up the price by limiting pro- or 2 years before. This represents a tion having been heard, the bill will re- duction, what they are doing is taxing huge economic hit to the American ceive its second reading on the next the United States of America. They family. legislative day. just decide how much they are going to There is another adverse, serious f tax us for the oil we use. One expert problem for America as a nation: More than 60 percent of the fuel we utilize in ORDERS FOR TUESDAY, APRIL 29, has said that the cost of producing a our vehicles comes from places such as 2008 barrel of oil in those fabulous oil sands in Saudi Arabia is less than $10 a bar- Saudi Arabia and Venezuela and Russia Ms. KLOBUCHAR. I ask unanimous rel. So we see what the profit margin is and Mexico, some of which countries consent that when the Senate com- when it hits $120 a barrel on the world are not friendly to us. That represents pletes its business today, it stand ad- market. Many factors are in it. I know a $400 billion transfer of wealth on an journed until 10 a.m. tomorrow, Tues- the decline in the dollar and other fac- annual basis from this country. Busi- day, April 29; that following the prayer tors are involved. nessman T. Boone Pickens, in a recent and the pledge, the Journal of pro- But I just want to say that I do think interview in the American Spectator, ceedings be approved to date, the time we are moving into a new era of gov- referred to this as ‘‘the greatest trans- for the two leaders be reserved for their ernment-controlled oil more than we fer of wealth in the history of man- use later in the day; that there then be ever have. Most people think oil com- kind.’’ That is a pretty smart guy. He a period of morning business for up to panies control it. But recent studies is an oil man himself. He said we have 1 hour, with Senators permitted to show about 85 percent of oil is owned to do something about this. It is not speak for up to 10 minutes each, with by nation states. For example, Mexico something we can just ignore. the time equally divided and controlled owns all of its oil and will not allow Of course, there is no silver bullet to between the two leaders or their des- private industry to participate in its solving the problems, but there are ignees, with the majority controlling extraction. Because the Government is some basic principles we should re- the first half and the Republicans con- inefficient and unproductive, their pro- spect. We must increase supplies in our trolling the final half; that following duction has fallen, whereas Mexico has own country, increase production in morning business, the Senate resume huge reserves. Venezuela’s production our country, which we certainly can do consideration of the motion to proceed has fallen. Aramco, the Saudi Arabian and which I regret to say we have at- to H.R. 2881, FAA reauthorization; that company, owns theirs, and their pro- tempted in this Senate and in the all time during any period of morning duction has fallen. As a result, we con- House more than once, to be blocked business, recess, or adjournment count tinue to see shortages on the world by various groups that seem to com- against cloture and the Senate recess market, driving prices up, allowing plain about high energy prices but from 12:30 p.m. until 2:15 p.m. to allow certain people who are clever and don’t want to do anything to allow us for the weekly caucus lunches. smart and who have invested wisely or to produce more in the United States. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without aggressively to make billions of dol- We must conserve more energy. I sup- objection, it is so ordered. lars. ported the increased gas mileage stand- f We have a serious energy problem in ards which represent a substantial im- the United States. The high costs are provement. Maybe we can even do ORDER FOR ADJOURNMENT impacting the lives of American citi- more. We certainly must try to use Ms. KLOBUCHAR. If there is no fur- zens and farmers and others. There was more biofuels, if we can, although ther business to come before the Sen- an article in a local paper—I believe under current technologies, we are ate, I ask that it stand adjourned under the Mobile Press Register—that I saw reaching the limits. But I think other the previous order following the re- today where an individual who has a technology will help us in the future to marks of Senator SESSIONS. I wish to shrimp boat parked his boat at the expand the amount of biofuels we can again thank Senator SESSIONS. I did dock and said: If the price of shrimp use. We must use the fuel we have more not realize that this closing moment doesn’t go up or the price of fuel drop, efficiently. would take so long. I appreciate his pa- I cannot make a profit. There is no way The Government does have a respon- tience. I can go out and do this. He docked his sibility to ensure that we have fairness The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- boat. There was a similar article in the in the world marketplace and in the ator from Alabama. Florence Times talking about farmers American marketplace and to make f and the increasing cost farmers see sure these cartels openly fixing the from the fuel they use. price of oil do not succeed. As I will ENERGY Increased demand from India, South- discuss in a minute, I think we should Mr. SESSIONS. Mr. President, I east Asia, South America, with de- take a serious look at establishing a thank the Chair and Senator creased production around the globe, policy with regard to diesel fuel. I will KLOBUCHAR for her comments. These has created the opportunity for prices mention that in a moment.

VerDate Aug 31 2005 04:55 Jun 26, 2008 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00040 Fmt 4637 Sfmt 0634 J:\CRONLINE\2008BA~2\2008NE~2\S28AP8.REC S28AP8 mmaher on PROD1PC76 with CONG-REC-ONLINE April 28, 2008 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S3455 I know the problem for gasoline is than gasoline engines. Diesel-powered the oil shale in the West, and offshore hitting American families directly. But automobiles also get more miles per drilling. We simply have not done at this moment, I would like to share gallon even than hybrid automobiles, enough of it, and we still have large re- some specific thoughts about diesel or about the same. Some insist it is serves available to us in this country. fuel and those high costs. better, but they are pretty much equal. So when those reserves are produced, Recent spikes in diesel fuel prices In addition to being fuel efficient, die- that wealth does not go to foreign na- don’t get a lot of attention in the sel-powered automobiles emit fewer tions but is kept within the United media, but it has a huge impact on con- CO2 emissions than similar hybrid and States, creating jobs in our country. sumers and businessmen and truckers gasoline engines. A lot of people don’t So we need more production, and we and shrimpers and farmers. know that. Of course, that is why 50 need to look at this question of refin- Today, I had the pleasure to meet percent of the automobiles in Europe, eries. I do not know what the problem with six independent truckers who are which has analyzed this more carefully is, but we need to ask some questions. here in Washington to bring attention than we, it appears, are now diesel. The I have already asked the Congressional to the skyrocketing cost of diesel fuel. European Union has emphasized diesel Research Service and the Department They had press conferences, and they engines because it takes 30 percent less of Energy some questions. But I intend talked to a number of people. I invited fuel to run a diesel engine. to look at this more as to why we do a group to come to my office. The average price of diesel fuel used not have sufficient diesel fuel being Over-the-road trucks, 18-wheelers, in motor vehicles has historically been produced in the country and we con- heavy equipment, and agricultural lower than the price of regular gaso- tinue to have shortages of it. trucks almost exclusively use diesel line. According to the Department of So that is what I think we need to do. fuel. This month, diesel fuel prices Energy, the average price of diesel has I am not unaware and I understand climbed to $4.14 a gallon. Two years been higher than gasoline since 2004— completely that the surging cost of en- ago, it was $2.72. That is a 52-percent as a matter of fact, substantially high- ergy impacts working Americans di- increase in diesel fuel, substantially er. rectly. It hits their pocketbook. Those greater than the increase in gasoline. So for some reason, even though die- are the people who have the least dis- That is putting a huge stress on truck- sel fuel traditionally has been less ex- posable income, and it is like a hidden ing companies—independent truckers, pensive and requires less refining effort tax. particularly—small businesses, and than gasoline, it has been averaging 64 Yes, oil is more valuable today than farming and fishing operations. cents a gallon more than gasoline. it was. Mr. T. Boone Pickens, in his ar- Among automobiles and pickup Now, like I said, I believe in a free ticle, said he thought we were at a trucks, 98 percent of the people drive market. I am loathe for the Govern- peak oil situation in the world while vehicles that use unleaded gas. So you ment to intervene. But let me ask this demands are going up worldwide. I do might say: I am not a trucker or a question: Why is that? Why? Why not know that we are yet at a total farmer. Those prices don’t really affect would a product that should be cheaper peak. I doubt we are, frankly. But we me. But that is just not so, really. be consistently, since 2004, more expen- are getting close to that. So the oil is There are two ways the market for die- sive than the other product? I, frankly, just a more valuable product. I under- sel fuel affects the average person’s do not know. But it does appear our stand that. But we need to execute the pocketbook. When diesel prices go up, country has made a determination to policies we know will work to help con- the cost of transporting goods, con- shift to a gasoline economy and a hy- tain the price increases that are hurt- sumer products, and food goes up. That brid economy. ing Americans. increase is passed to consumers. Sec- I think it is fabulous we are utilizing ondly, we have an opportunity, through large numbers now of hybrid vehicles— I will add this one thought: We need improved diesel technology, of making large numbers. We certainly have to be careful about cap and trade and diesel engines cleaner and more effi- enough on the roads today to be able to other pieces of legislation that focus cient than ever before. Mercedes, for find out how well they work, to make solely on CO2 emissions because we example, Daimler-Chrysler, is offering their capabilities more sophisticated, know those actions and those pieces of consumers a range of vehicles with its to improve their lifespan, to improve legislation will only drive the cost of blue tech diesel engine that is built in their efficiency, to work out the bugs. fuel higher. According to the Environ- my home State. So we should spend a A lot of people are finding that the mental Protection Agency, which has few minutes looking at our policies and savings in gas alone will help pay for just completed a study of the cap and how they affect diesel prices. the somewhat more expensive hybrid trade bill that the Environment and I hope the Energy Committee, of engine. So I am not against the hybrid Public Works Committee just reported which I am a member, will have some engine, and I am delighted we are lead- to the floor a month or two ago, that hearings on this issue. It would be ing the world in the effort to utilize bill would raise the price of gasoline 50 worth our having some time set aside hybrid engines. cents a gallon. It could raise the price exclusively to this problem. Nearly all What I am asking is, how have we of electricity maybe as much as $100 a trucks and delivery vehicles utilize die- gotten ourselves in a situation in month for a family. Who is going to sel fuel. The price of diesel fuel affects which the less expensive diesel fuel, pay that? our country in so many ways. Trucking that gets 30 percent better gas mileage, So we have to be very careful when currently uses 75 percent of the total is not readily available and is costing we pass cap-and-trade, global-warming- diesel fuel used in the United States. 64 cents more a gallon? Something is type legislation, that when we do, we Only 3.5 percent of the automobiles in awry as far as I can see. do not dump huge costs on working America use diesel. But in Europe, ap- I say, let’s get busy. Let’s do some- Americans, on low-income Americans proximately 50 percent of the auto- thing about it. Let’s stand up to OPEC. which they do not deserve and they are mobiles are diesel. And in the United Let’s use every political influence and not justified. So I think that is a mat- States, one action we took that may pressure we have to encourage them to ter we will need to consider in the have had some impact on not using so increase productivity to reduce these weeks to come. much diesel fuel but had a good im- shortages. Let’s stop, at least tempo- I thank the Chair. I appreciate the pact, perhaps, for the environment was rarily, depositing to the petroleum re- opportunity to share these remarks. I to demand very clean, low-sulfur diesel serve. Let’s expand biofuels, and par- appreciate very much the truckers who fuel. Our diesel fuel is lower sulfur ticularly biodiesel, which is a fabulous were in my office today. I enjoyed talk- than the Europeans, and that is be- fuel that, unlike ethanol, is just as pro- ing with them. They told me stories of cause of environmental reasons. ductive as diesel fuel and actually is people who are having to park their But did you know this? Diesel auto- even cleaner than diesel fuel. trucks and not being able to continue mobiles run approximately 30 percent We need to figure out how to get to work. They told me stories of people farther on diesel fuel than similar gas- more production domestically from our who were going to go into bankruptcy; oline-powered automobiles. Diesel en- own reserves. I will not go into the ar- they could not continue to make their gines get 30 percent better mileage guments we have had about ANWR, all payments.

VerDate Aug 31 2005 04:55 Jun 26, 2008 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00041 Fmt 4637 Sfmt 0634 J:\CRONLINE\2008BA~2\2008NE~2\S28AP8.REC S28AP8 mmaher on PROD1PC76 with CONG-REC-ONLINE S3456 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE April 28, 2008 So it is not an academic matter. It is HERMAN M. PHILLIPS SANDRA M. JAMSHIDI LYDIA R. ROBERTSON JOHN L. MACMICHAEL, JR. a very real thing. We need to take ac- DAVID E. WERNER VICTOR S. MALONE tion consistent with our great heritage SCOTT A. MARGULIS THE FOLLOWING NAMED OFFICERS FOR APPOINTMENT LOURDES T. NEILAN TO THE GRADE INDICATED IN THE UNITED STATES NAVY of freedom in our country to see what THOMAS E. ONEILL IV UNDER TITLE 10, U.S.C., SECTION 624: we can do to confront this rising cost JOSEPH B. SPEGELE To be captain BOYD T. ZBINDEN of energy. DAVID A. BONDURA THE FOLLOWING NAMED OFFICERS FOR APPOINTMENT I thank the Chair and yield the floor. LINDA M. HUNTER TO THE GRADE INDICATED IN THE UNITED STATES NAVY ALAN F. KUKULIES UNDER TITLE 10, U.S.C., SECTION 624: f JILL M. T. NEWTON JOHN C. POST To be captain ADJOURNMENT UNTIL 10 A.M. JAMES V. STEVENSON WILBURN T. J. STRICKLAND CHRISTOPHER P. ANKLAM TOMORROW JEFFREY G. AUSTIN THE FOLLOWING NAMED OFFICERS FOR APPOINTMENT JOHN D. BAMONTE The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- TO THE GRADE INDICATED IN THE UNITED STATES NAVY GRADY T. BANISTER III ate stands adjourned under the pre- UNDER TITLE 10, U.S.C., SECTION 624: JOHN T. BEAVER, JR. To be captain STEVEN M. BENKE vious order until 10 a.m. tomorrow. MICHAEL D. BERNACCHI, JR. Thereupon, the Senate, at 6:51 p.m., JON D. ALBRIGHT STEVEN G. BETHKE adjourned until Tuesday, April 29, 2008, CHRISTOPHER J. KENNEDY SCOTT R. BISCHOFF ARTHUR P. PRUETT CHRISTOPHER E. BOLT at 10 a.m. JOHN C. SMAJDEK ROBERT A. BORCHERT NEIL E. WILLIAMS MICHAEL E. BOYLE f MICHAEL W. ZARKOWSKI DANIEL E. BOYLES THOMAS P. BRASEK THE FOLLOWING NAMED OFFICERS FOR APPOINTMENT VOLTAIRE H. BRION NOMINATIONS TO THE GRADE INDICATED IN THE UNITED STATES NAVY BRADFORD L. BROWN UNDER TITLE 10, U.S.C., SECTION 624: Executive nominations received by MARSHALL B. BROWN To be captain WESLEY A. BROWN the Senate: MICHAEL BUCHANAN JAMES E. AULL IN THE AIR FORCE DAVID L. BURNHAM, JR. ANDREW L. CALDERA JOHN J. BURNHAM THE FOLLOWING NAMED OFFICERS FOR APPOINTMENT BARBARA J. CODER WILLIAM S. BUTLER TO THE GRADE INDICATED IN THE RESERVE OF THE AIR RONALD C. COPLEY JAMES W. BYERLY FORCE UNDER TITLE 10, U.S.C., SECTION 12203: STEWART W. HOLBROOK WILLIAM D. BYRNE, JR. CARL R. INMAN ANTHONY F. CALIFANO THOMAS W. JOHNSON To be colonel WILLIAM R. CAMPBELL ANTHONY LAVECCHIA, JR. MICHAEL A. CARAMBAS ERIC L. BLOOMFIELD CHRISTOPHER J. PAGE JOHN P. CARTER DEBORAH L. MUELLER ANDREA POLLARD DERMOT P. CASHMAN DAVID C. PORCARO IN THE ARMY EDWARD B. CASHMAN LAWRENCE J. STEIN CHARLES J. CASSIDY THE FOLLOWING NAMED INDIVIDUAL TO THE GRADE RICHARD M. STEVENSON NELSON C. CASTRO INDICATED IN THE RESERVE OF THE ARMY UNDER TITLE MICHAEL V. TREAT CHARLES T. CHASE 10, U.S.C., SECTION 12203: DOUGLAS B. UPCHURCH SHOSHANA S. CHATFIELD EDWARD B. WARFORD To be colonel ANTHONY P. CHATHAM THE FOLLOWING NAMED OFFICERS FOR APPOINTMENT CARL P. CHEBI JIMMY D. SWANSON TO THE GRADE INDICATED IN THE UNITED STATES NAVY JOHN M. CLAUSEN THE FOLLOWING NAMED OFFICER FOR APPOINTMENT UNDER TITLE 10, U.S.C., SECTION 624: JAMES P. CODY TO THE GRADE INDICATED IN THE RESERVE OF THE CARL R. CONTI II ARMY UNDER TITLE 10, U.S.C., SECTION 12203: To be captain JOHN M. COTTINGHAM To be colonel CHRISTIAN D. BECKER KEVIN M. COYNE RICHARD A. BURR TODD W. CRAMER RONALD J. SHELDON ANDREW L. CIBULA HANS K. CROEBER JOHN K. GREEN, JR. DAVID A. CULLER, JR. IN THE NAVY MICHELLE A. GUIDRY DAVID C. CUTTER MICHAEL C. DAVIS THE FOLLOWING NAMED OFFICER FOR APPOINTMENT ROGER W. LIGON GREGORY E. DAWSON TO THE GRADE INDICATED IN THE UNITED STATES NAVY STEVEN D. NAKAGAWA GEOFFREY G. DEBEAUCLAIR UNDER TITLE 10, U.S.C., SECTION 624: LUIS M. RAMIREZ ELISA A. RANEY WILLIAM W. DEBOW To be lieutenant commander ANDREW W. SWENSON JOSEPH A. DELEON ANDREW J. WILLIAMS MOISES DELTORO III ROBERT S. MCMASTER DONALD L. ZWICK JAMES H. DICK JAMES J. DUKE, JR. THE FOLLOWING NAMED OFFICER FOR APPOINTMENT THE FOLLOWING NAMED OFFICERS FOR APPOINTMENT GREGORY T. EATON TO THE GRADE INDICATED IN THE UNITED STATES NAVY TO THE GRADE INDICATED IN THE UNITED STATES NAVY UNDER TITLE 10, U.S.C., SECTION 624: EDWARD W. EIDSON UNDER TITLE 10, U.S.C., SECTION 624: BURT L. ESPE To be lieutenant commander To be captain JOHN M. ESPOSITO PAUL M. ESPOSITO CHRISTOPHER S. KAPLAFKA WILLIAM J. BROUGHAM JOSEPH H. EVANS ROBERT A. CROWE THE FOLLOWING NAMED OFFICERS FOR APPOINTMENT SCOTT R. EVERTSON ALVARO F. CUELLAR TO THE GRADE INDICATED IN THE UNITED STATES NAVY TIMOTHY C. FALLER PHILLIP E. DAWSON III UNDER TITLE 10, U.S.C., SECTION 624: JOHN P. FEENEY, JR. MICHAEL W. GILL RANDY A. FERGUSON To be captain PATRICIA A. GILL JAMES J. FISHER WILLIAM C. GREENE SCOTT J. FISHER CHARLES E. A. BAKER DIDIER A. LEGOFF DALE G. FLECK LAWRENCE D. HILL MARTIN RODRIGUEZ DAVID P. FLUKER MICHAEL K. PRICE JAMES W. SCROFANI JOHN V. FULLER RICHARD N. SOUCIE DOUGLAS W. SMALL ARTURO M. GARCIA WILLIAM R. TATE THE FOLLOWING NAMED OFFICERS FOR APPOINTMENT ROBERT N. GEIS CHRISTOPHER L. WARREN TO THE GRADE INDICATED IN THE UNITED STATES NAVY DAVID A. GEISLER JOHNNY R. WOLFE, JR. UNDER TITLE 10, U.S.C., SECTION 624: STEPHEN M. GILLESPIE JEROME ZINNI HOWARD S. GOLDMAN To be captain THE FOLLOWING NAMED OFFICERS FOR APPOINTMENT MICHAEL V. GOSHGARIAN RAYMOND E. CHARTIER, JR. TO THE GRADE INDICATED IN THE UNITED STATES NAVY DAVID M. GROFF WILLIAM H. NISLEY II UNDER TITLE 10, U.S.C., SECTION 624: MARK B. GUEVARRA SCOTT F. GUIMOND ERIC J. TREHUBENKO To be captain ROBIN D. TYNER RICHARD E. HAIDVOGEL VORESA E. BOOKER IAN M. HALL THE FOLLOWING NAMED OFFICERS FOR APPOINTMENT CHARLES B. CAMERON STEVEN E. HALPERN TO THE GRADE INDICATED IN THE UNITED STATES NAVY ROBERT J. FINK KENNETH T. HAM UNDER TITLE 10, U.S.C., SECTION 624: ELIZABETH S. HOSTETLER CHRISTOPHER L. HARKINS To be captain KATHLEEN M. JANAC GREGORY N. HARRIS CARL K. KLOTZSCHE MICHAEL A. HEGARTY ROBERT C. BUZZELL ANN R. KUBERA ROBERT N. HEIN, JR. DIEGO R. CORRAL THOMAS H. MACRAE ERIC J. HENDRICKSON CLAUDE V. GALLUZZO TERIANN SAMMIS WILLIAM A. HESSER, JR. PATRICK R. HOLLEN ROBERT C. WEITZMAN KIRK R. HIBBERT HONG C. KIM PAT L. WILLIAMS NELSON P. HILDRETH EDUARDO E. WHEELER JAMES R. HITT THE FOLLOWING NAMED OFFICERS FOR APPOINTMENT SCOTT M. HOGAN THE FOLLOWING NAMED OFFICERS FOR APPOINTMENT TO THE GRADE INDICATED IN THE UNITED STATES NAVY MICHAEL P. HOLLAND TO THE GRADE INDICATED IN THE UNITED STATES NAVY UNDER TITLE 10, U.S.C., SECTION 624: ALAN W. HOLT II UNDER TITLE 10, U.S.C., SECTION 624: To be captain PATRICK T. HOLUB To be captain MARC D. HOMAN DANELLE M. BARRETT DAVID A. HONABACH KEVIN G. AANDAHL EUGENE D. COSTELLO ROBERT S. HOPKINS JEFFREY A. BRESLAU KATHLEEN M. CREIGHTON SCOTT D. HORADAN EDGAR D. BUCLATIN BRUCE R. DEMELLO MICHAEL J. HORSEFIELD JANE E. CAMPBELL CARRIE A. HASBROUCK JAMES E. HORTEN

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JAMES F. HRUSKA JAMES P. NICHOLS MARK A. STURGES ROBERT E. HUDSON FREDRICK J. NIELSEN WILLIAM H. SUGGS, JR. DAVID W. HUGHES DEAN T. NILSEN SCOTT C. SWEHLA BRIAN N. HUMM CATHAL S. OCONNOR TERRY R. TAKATS RODNEY E. HUTTON BRIAN P. ODONNELL MICHAEL J. TAYLOR KENNETH A. INGLESBY JAMES D. OLEARY II DOUGLAS J. TENHOOPEN THOMAS E. ISHEE DARREN M. OLSON RICHARD E. THOMAS JEFFREY T. JABLON VICTOR M. OTT RITCHARD R. THOMPSON STEVEN M. JAMES EDWARD E. PALMER III ARTHUR F. TRAHAN, JR. WILLIAM D. JOHNS EUGENE F. PALUSO II OWEN M. TRAVIS ERIK N. JOHNSON BOBBY J. PANNELL JOHN L. TREFZ, JR. KURT B. JOHNSON SAMUEL J. PAPARO, JR. KAREN A. TSIANTAS MARK A. JOHNSON ANTHONY J. PARISI MARK L. TURNER MARK S. JOHNSON GEORGE B. PARISI JEFFREY S. TYER NEIL A. KARNES EVERETT S. PRATT MARK S. VANYE SHANNON E. KAWANE GREGORY B. PRENTISS JOHN M. WEEKS PATRICK M. KELLY CHRISTOPHER G. RAPP DAVID A. WELCH KYLE R. KETCHUM ROBERT E. RASMUSSEN BRIAN D. WHITTEN TODD A. KIEFER RONALD L. RAVELO SUNITA L. WILLIAMS THOMAS K. KISS TIMOTHY D. REYNOLDS TED R. WILLIAMS JOHN KROPCHO III CHRISTOPHER A. RHODEN RICHARD K. WOOD II ERIC R. KYLE JOHN C. RING DAVID L. WOODBURY JAMES W. LANDERS JOHN F. RINKO RICHARD A. WORTMAN GEORGE E. LANG, JR. BRADLEY W. ROBERSON ERIK C. WRIGHT TIMOTHY K. LANGDON JOHN L. ROBEY JAMES R. WYATT BRADLEY LEE CHARLES W. ROCK THOMAS M. YAMBRICK HOWARD F. LENWAY JAMES A. ROICK STEVEN J. YODER FRANK S. LINKOUS PHILIP H. ROOS CHARLES E. LITCHFIELD TIMOTHY P. RUDDEROW ANDREW J. LOISELLE ROBERT W. SANDERS f RANDALL L. LOVELL TERESA S. SANFORD JAMES D. MACY THOMAS C. SASS DAVID G. MANERO PAUL E. SAVAGE WITHDRAWAL VINCENT R. MARTINEZ DANIEL J. SCHEBLER TODD H. MASSIDDA RYAN B. SCHOLL Executive message transmitted by LOUIS E. MAYER IV THOMAS P. SHAW GARY A. MAYES PATRICK O. SHEA the President to the Senate on April 28, WILLIAM P. MCKINLEY BENJAMIN A. SHEVCHUK 2008, withdrawing from further Senate KENNETH J. MCKOWN STEPHEN A. SHINEGO RUSSELL T. MCLACHLAN EUGENE P. SIEVERS consideration the following nomina- STEPHANIE MILLER DAVID J. SILKEY tion: HUGH E. MILLS, JR. DAVID W. SOMERS III SCOTT A. MINIUM ROBERT C. SPARROCK GEORGE A. KROL, OF NEW JERSEY, A CAREER MEMBER GARNER D. MORGAN, JR. PAUL D. SPEAR OF THE SENIOR FOREIGN SERVICE, CLASS OF MINISTER- JAMES M. L. MORGAN JOHN P. SPRINGETT COUNSELOR, TO BE AMBASSADOR EXTRAORDINARY AND BRADFORD S. NEFF JOHN F. STEINBERGER PLENIPOTENTIARY OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA PETER R. NETTE MICHAEL S. STEINER TO TURKMENISTAN, WHICH WAS SENT TO THE SENATE MICHAEL D. NEUMANN WILLIAM L. STEVENS ON JUNE 27, 2007.

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SENATE COMMITTEE MEETINGS 3 p.m. 2 p.m. Title IV of Senate Resolution 4, Appropriations Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs agreed to by the Senate on February 4, Financial Services and General Govern- Economic Policy Subcommittee ment Subcommittee To hold hearings to examine financial 1977, calls for establishment of a sys- To hold hearings to examine proposed literacy for today’s homebuyers. tem for a computerized schedule of all budget estimates for fiscal year 2009 for SD–538 meetings and hearings of Senate com- the Consumer Product Safety Commis- 2:15 p.m. mittees, subcommittees, joint commit- sion. Energy and Natural Resources tees, and committees of conference. SD–192 To hold hearings to examine the military This title requires all such committees Aging build-up on Guam, focusing on the im- to notify the Office of the Senate Daily To hold hearings to examine making gov- pact on civilian community, planning, Digest—designated by the Rules Com- ernment a model for hiring and retain- and response. mittee—of the time, place, and purpose ing elderly workers. SD–366 of the meetings, when scheduled, and SH–216 Judiciary any cancellations or changes in the 3:30 p.m. To hold hearings to examine the nomina- meetings as they occur. Energy and Natural Resources tions of G. Steven Agee, of Virginia, to As an additional procedure along To hold hearings to examine the nomina- be United States Circuit Judge for the with the computerization of this infor- tions of Kameran L. Onley, of Wash- Fourth Circuit, William T. Lawrence, mation, the Office of the Senate Daily ington, to be an Assistant Secretary of to be United States District Judge for Digest will prepare this information for the Interior, and Jeffrey F. Kupfer, of the Southern District of Indiana, and printing in the Extensions of Remarks Maryland, to be Deputy Secretary of G. Murray Snow, to be United States section of the CONGRESSIONAL RECORD Energy. District Judge for the District of Ari- on Monday and Wednesday of each SD–366 zona. week. Appropriations SD–226 Meetings scheduled for Tuesday, Legislative Branch Subcommittee 2:30 p.m. April 29, 2008 MAY be found in the To hold hearings to examine proposed Commerce, Science, and Transportation budget estimates for fiscal year 2009 for To hold hearings to examine the nomina- Daily Digest of today’s RECORD. the Office of the Architect of the Cap- tions of Lily Fu Claffee, of Illinois, to MEETINGS SCHEDULED itol, the United States Capitol Police, be General Counsel, and William J. APRIL 30 and the Library of Congress. Brennan, of Maine, to be Assistant Sec- SD–138 retary for Oceans and Atmosphere, 9 a.m. both of the Department of Commerce. Judiciary MAY 1 Constitution Subcommittee SR–253 To hold hearings to examine secret law 9:30 a.m. Intelligence and the threat to democratic and ac- Armed Services To hold closed hearings to examine cer- countable government. Closed business meeting to markup the tain intelligence matters. SD–226 proposed National Defense Authoriza- SH–219 9:30 a.m. tion Act for fiscal year 2009. Appropriations SR–222 MAY 2 Energy and Water Development Sub- Energy and Natural Resources 9:30 a.m. committee To hold hearings to examine the ade- Armed Services To hold hearings to examine proposed quacy of state and federal regulatory Closed business meeting to markup the budget estimates for fiscal year 2009 for structures for governing electric util- proposed National Defense Authoriza- the Department of Energy and the U.S. ity holding companies relating to the tion Act for fiscal year 2009. nuclear weapon non-proliferation ef- repeal of the Public Utility Holding SR–222 forts. SD–192 Company Act in the Energy Policy Act Joint Economic Committee Armed Services of 2005. To hold hearings to examine the employ- Strategic Forces Subcommittee SD–366 ment-unemployment situation for Closed business meeting to markup those Indian Affairs April 2008. provisions which fall under the sub- To hold an oversight hearing to examine SD–562 committee’s jurisdiction of the pro- Indian energy development, focusing posed National Defense Authorization on regaining self-determination over MAY 6 Act for fiscal year 2009. reservation resources. 2 p.m. SR–232A SD–562 Judiciary 10 a.m. 10 a.m. Administrative Oversight and the Courts Armed Services Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Subcommittee Airland Subcommittee To hold hearings to examine preventing To hold hearings to examine policing Closed business meeting to markup those childhood injury. provisions which fall under the sub- lenders and protecting homeowners, fo- SD–430 cusing on the current foreclosure cri- committee’s jurisdiction of the pro- Appropriations posed National Defense Authorization sis. Military Construction and Veterans’ Af- Act for fiscal year 2009. SD–226 fairs, and Related Agencies Sub- SR–222 committee 10:30 a.m. MAY 7 Transportation, Housing and Urban Devel- Appropriations 9:30 a.m. opment, and Related Agencies Sub- Defense Subcommittee Commerce, Science, and Transportation committee To hold closed hearings to examine the Space, Aeronautics, and Related Agencies To hold joint hearings to examine ad- National Reconnaissance Office (NRO)/ Subcommittee dressing the issue of homeless veterans Space Programs. To hold hearings to examine reauthoriza- S–407, Capitol in America. SD–138 tion of vision for space exploration. 2:30 p.m. SR–253 Armed Services Joint Economic Committee Veterans’ Affairs Closed business meeting to markup the To hold hearings to examine how high To hold hearings to examine pending proposed National Defense Authoriza- food prices are impacting American tion Act for fiscal year 2009. families. benefits legislation. SR–222 SH–216 SR–418

∑ 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.

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VerDate Aug 31 2005 00:47 Apr 29, 2008 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00002 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\M28AP8.000 E28APPT1 wwoods2 on PRODPC68 with REMARKS Monday, April 28, 2008 Daily Digest Senate tional Small Business Week, beginning April 21, Chamber Action 2008, and the resolution was then agreed to. Routine Proceedings, pages S3415–S3457 Page S3452 Measures Introduced: Seven bills and six resolu- Seeds of Peace 15th Anniversary: Senate agreed tions were introduced, as follows: S. 2921–2927, S. to S. Res. 536, recognizing the 15th anniversary of Res. 534–538, and S. Con. Res. 78. Page S3442 the founding of Seeds of Peace, an organization pro- Measures Reported: moting understanding, reconciliation, acceptance, co- Report to accompany S. 431, to require convicted existence, and peace in the Middle East, South Asia, sex offenders to register online identifiers. (S. Rept. and other regions of conflict. Pages S3452–53 No. 110–332) Page S3442 Dia de los Ninos: Senate agreed to S. Res. 538, Measures Passed: designating April 30, 2008, as ‘‘Dia de los Ninos: Celebrating Young Americans’’. Pages S3453–54 Technical Corrections: Committee on the Judici- ary was discharged from further consideration of S. Measures Considered: 2829, to make technical corrections to section 1244 FAA Reauthorization Act—Agreement: Senate re- of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal sumed consideration of the motion to proceed to Year 2008, which provides special immigrant status consideration of H.R. 2881, to amend title 49, for certain Iraqis, and the bill was then passed. United States Code, to authorize appropriations for Pages S3449–50 the Federal Aviation Administration for fiscal years Honoring Prime Minister of Ireland: Senate 2008 through 2011, to improve aviation safety and agreed to S. Con. Res. 74, honoring the Prime Min- capacity, to provide stable funding for the national ister of Ireland, Bertie Ahern, for his service to the aviation system. Pages S3426–33 people of Ireland and to the world and welcoming During consideration of this measure today, Senate the Prime Minister to the United States. also took the following action: Pages S3450–51 By a unanimous vote of 88 yeas (Vote No. 114), three-fifths of those Senators duly chosen and sworn, Public Service Recognition Week: Senate agreed having voted in the affirmative, Senate agreed to the to S. Res. 497, expressing the sense of the Senate motion to close further debate on the motion to pro- that public servants should be commended for their ceed to consideration of the bill. Pages S3430–31 dedication and continued service to the Nation dur- ing Public Service Recognition Week, May 5 A unanimous-consent agreement was reached pro- viding for further consideration of the motion to through 11, 2008. Page S3451 proceed to consideration of the bill at approximately North Atlantic Treaty Organization: Senate 11 a.m., on Tuesday, April 29, 2008, and that all agreed to S. Res. 523, expressing the strong support time during any period of morning business, recess, of the Senate for the declaration of the North Atlan- or adjournment, count against cloture. Page S3454 tic Treaty Organization at the Bucharest Summit that Ukraine and Georgia will become members of Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act— Agreement: A unanimous-consent agreement was the alliance. Pages S3451–52 reached providing that the Secretary of the Senate be National Small Business Week: Committee on directed to request that the House of Representatives Small Business and Entrepreneurship was discharged return to the Senate H.R. 493, to prohibit discrimi- from further consideration of S. Res. 524, honoring nation on the basis of genetic information with re- the entrepreneurial spirit of the owners of small spect to health insurance and employment. business concerns in the United States during Na- Page S3415

D507

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Nominations Received: Senate received the fol- Privileges of the Floor: Page S3449 lowing nominations: Routine lists in the Air Force, Record Votes: One record vote was taken today. Army, Navy. Pages S3456–57 (Total—114) Pages S3430–31 Nomination Withdrawn: Senate received notifica- Adjournment: Senate convened at 2 p.m. and ad- tion of withdrawal of the following nomination: journed at 6:51 p.m., until 10 a.m. on Tuesday, George A. Krol, of New Jersey, to be Ambassador April 29, 2008. (For Senate’s program, see the re- to Turkmenistan, which was sent to the Senate on marks of the Acting Majority Leader in today’s June 27, 2007. Page S3457 Record on page S3454.) Messages from the House: Page S3441 Measures Placed on the Calendar: Pages S3441, Committee Meetings S3415 (Committees not listed did not meet) Measures Read the First Time: Pages S3441, S3454 NOMINATIONS Executive Communications: Pages S3441–42 Committee on Foreign Relations: Committee concluded Petitions and Memorials: Page S3442 a hearing to examine the nominations of William J. Additional Cosponsors: Pages S3442–44 Burns, of the District of Columbia, to be an Under Statements on Introduced Bills/Resolutions: Secretary of State (Political Affairs), Janice L. Jacobs, Pages S3444–49 of Virginia, to be an Assistant Secretary of State (Bu- reau of Consular Affairs), and T. Vance McMahan, of Additional Statements: Pages S3438–41 Texas, to be Representative of the United States of Amendments Submitted: Page S3449 America on the Economic and Social Council of the Notices of Hearings/Meetings: Page S3449 United Nations, with the rank of Ambassador, after the nominees testified and answered questions in Authorities for Committees to Meet: Page S3449 their own behalf. h House of Representatives of 2002 beyond April 25, 2008. Signed on April 25, Chamber Action 2008. (Public Law 110–205) The House was not in session today. The House f is scheduled to meet at 12:30 p.m. on Tuesday, April 29, 2008. COMMITTEE MEETINGS FOR TUESDAY, APRIL 29, 2008 Committee Meetings (Committee meetings are open unless otherwise indicated) Senate No committee meetings were held. Committee on Armed Services: Subcommittee on Per- f sonnel, closed business meeting to markup those provi- NEW PUBLIC LAWS sions which fall under the subcommittee’s jurisdiction of the proposed National Defense Authorization Act for fis- (For last listing of Public Laws, see DAILY DIGEST, p. D500) cal year 2009, 9:30 a.m., SR–222. S. 1858, to amend the Public Health Service Act Subcommittee on SeaPower, closed business meeting to to establish grant programs to provide for education markup those provisions which fall under the subcommit- and outreach on newborn screening and coordinated tee’s jurisdiction of the proposed National Defense Au- followup care once newborn screening has been con- thorization Act for fiscal year 2009, 2:30 p.m., SR–222. Subcommittee on Readiness and Management Support, ducted, to reauthorize programs under part A of title closed business meeting to markup those provisions XI of such Act. Signed on April 24, 2008. (Public which fall under the subcommittee’s jurisdiction of the Law 110–204) proposed National Defense Authorization Act for fiscal S. 2903, to amend Public Law 110–196 to pro- year 2009, 3 p.m., SR–232A. vide for a temporary extension of programs author- Subcommittee on Emerging Threats and Capabilities, ized by the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act closed business meeting to markup those provisions

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which fall under the subcommittee’s jurisdiction of the Committee on Energy and Commerce, Subcommittee on proposed National Defense Authorization Act for fiscal Oversight and Investigations, hearing entitled ‘‘The Hep- year 2009, 4 p.m., SR–222. arin Disaster: Chinese Counterfeits and American Fail- Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation: Sub- ures,’’ 11 a.m., 2123 Rayburn. committee on Interstate Commerce, Trade, and Tourism, Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, and the to hold hearings to examine improving consumer protec- Subcommittee on National Security and Foreign Affairs, tion in subprime home lending, 10:30 a.m., SR–253. joint hearing on Oversight of Defense Department Acqui- Committee on Environment and Public Works: to hold an sitions, 10 a.m., 2154 Rayburn. oversight hearing to examine the Environmental Protec- Subcommittee on Federal Workforce, Postal Service tion Agency’s toxic chemical policies, 10 a.m., SD–406. and the District of Columbia, hearing on Catching Up: Committee on Finance: to hold an oversight hearing to Benefits That Will Help Recruit and Retain Federal Em- examine trade functions, focusing on customs and other trade agencies, 10 a.m., SD–215. ployees; and to mark up the following: H.R. 5550, To Committee on Foreign Relations: to hold hearings to exam- amend title 5, United States Code, to increase the max- ine the nominations of Robert Stephen Beecroft, of Cali- imum age to qualify for coverage as a ‘‘child’’ under the fornia, to be Ambassador to the Hashemite Kingdom of health benefits program for Federal employees; and a Jordan, James B. Cunningham, of New York, to be Am- measure Prohibiting Certain Tobacco products for Trans- bassador to Israel, Richard E. Hoagland, of the District port by the Postal Service, 2 a.m., 2154 Rayburn. of Columbia, to be Ambassador to the Republic of Committee on Rules, to consider the following: H.R. Kazakhstan, and Joseph Evan LeBaron, of Oregon, to be 6622, Combustible Dust Explosion and Fire Prevention Ambassador to the State of Qatar, all of the Department Act of 2008; and a resolution providing for consideration of State, 2:30 p.m., SD–419. of the Senate Amendment to the bill (H.R. 493) to pro- Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions: to hibit discrimination on the basis of genetic information hold hearings to examine the Occupational Safety and with respect to health insurance and employment, 5 p.m., Health Administration, focusing on penalties related to H–313 Rayburn. workplace safety, 10 a.m., SD–430. Select Committee on Energy Independence and Global Warm- Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs: ing, hearing entitled ‘‘Rising Taxes, Rising Temperatures: Subcommittee on Oversight of Government Management, Global Warming’s Impact on the Oceans,’’ 1:30 p.m., the Federal Workforce, and the District of Columbia, to 2318 Rayburn. hold hearings to examine the REAL ID Act and the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative, focusing on the Joint Meetings impact of implementation, 9:30 a.m., SD–342. Committee on the Judiciary: to hold hearings to examine Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe: to hold living on the street, focusing on finding solutions to pro- hearings to examine challenges and opportunities of Eu- tect runaway and homeless youth, 10 a.m., SD–226. rope’s Black population, focusing on hate crimes and dis- Select Committee on Intelligence: closed business meeting crimination, anti-immigration and national identity de- to markup certain pending legislation, 2:30 p.m., bates, and growing security concerns, 10 a.m., B318, SH–219. Rayburn Building. Conference: meeting of conferees on H.R. 2419, to pro- House vide for the continuation of agricultural programs Committee on Appropriations, Subcommittee on Defense/ through fiscal year 2012, 2:30 p.m., 1100, Longworth Select Intelligence Oversight Panel, executive, Military Building. Intelligence Program, 5 p.m., H–140 Capitol.

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Next Meeting of the SENATE Next Meeting of the HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 10 a.m., Tuesday, April 29 12:30 p.m., Tuesday, April 29

Senate Chamber House Chamber Program for Tuesday: After the transaction of any Program for Tuesday: To be announced. morning business (not to extend beyond 60 minutes), Senate will continue consideration of the motion to pro- ceed to consideration of H.R. 2821, FAA Reauthorization Act. (Senate will recess from 12:30 p.m. until 2:15 p.m. for their respective party conferences.)

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