E PL UR UM IB N U U S Congressional Record United States th of America PROCEEDINGS AND DEBATES OF THE 114 CONGRESS, FIRST SESSION

Vol. 161 WASHINGTON, WEDNESDAY, JULY 29, 2015 No. 121 Senate The Senate met at 9:30 a.m. and was The PRESIDING OFFICER. The the kind of certainty they need to called to order by the President pro clerk will read the measures by title focus on longer term road and bridge tempore (Mr. HATCH). for the second time. projects. f The senior assistant legislative clerk Here is how Kentucky’s main trans- read as follows: portation advocacy group, Kentuckians PRAYER A bill (S. 1881) to prohibit Federal funding for Better Transportation, put it: A The Chaplain, Dr. Barry C. Black, of- of Planned Parenthood Federation of Amer- longer term bill would ‘‘provide an op- fered the following prayer: ica. portunity to plan for and implement Let us pray. A joint resolution (H.J. Res. 61) amending projects that are important to Ken- Active and intervening God, we trust the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to exempt tucky’s citizens and Kentucky’s econ- employees with health coverage under omy—and to every other state in the in You. Nothing can stop Your plan and TRICARE or the Veterans Administration Your purposes will prevail. Bless our nation.’’ from being taken into account for purposes We will conference the legislation we lawmakers. Guide them on the right of determining the employers to which the path so that they will be instruments employer mandate applies under the Patient pass with what the House passes and of Your peace. Use them as salt and Protection and Affordable Care Act. then send a unified bill to President Obama. In the meantime, we will work light to strengthen our Nation and Mr. MCCONNELL. In order to place with our friends in the House to pass a world. Forgive them when they forget the measures on the calendar under the measure that will give them the space that You are still on Your throne and provisions of rule XIV, I object to fur- they need to develop a multiyear high- that the hearts of humanity are in ther proceedings en bloc. way bill. It is also a measure that Your hands. Help them to remember The PRESIDING OFFICER. Objec- would deliver some important relief to that Your power is far above any con- tion having been heard, the measures our veterans by covering unfunded re- ceivable command, authority or con- will be placed on the calendar. quirements the administration failed trol. f to budget for. It would also extend a Lord, as our lawmakers strive to con- THE HIGHWAY BILL helping hand to heroes who need it. tribute to building a better world, bless I can’t see a reason any Senator Mr. MCCONNELL. Mr. President, late those who support them in their work. would vote against it. We will take up nights, vigorous legislating, and some- Help us all to trust You without waver- that bill once the House sends it to us. times unpredictable outcomes may ing. We will continue working in the in- We pray in Your great Name. Amen. make some reach for the aspirin, but terim to finish our own bipartisan, f these are the hallmarks of a func- multiyear highway bill—a bill that is tioning Congress. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE fiscally responsible and will not raise The push-and-pull between different taxes by a penny. The President pro tempore led the parties, different Members, and dif- f Pledge of Allegiance, as follows: ferent Chambers is all part of the I pledge allegiance to the Flag of the democratic rhythm. That is especially PLANNED PARENTHOOD United States of America, and to the Repub- true when you are talking about a Mr. MCCONNELL. Mr. President, on lic for which it stands, one nation under God, measure as complicated and con- an entirely different matter, the ongo- indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. sequential as a multiyear highway bill. ing revelations about Planned Parent- f I am pleased to see Republicans and hood are more than just disturbing. Democrats continuing to hold together They literally shock the conscience. A RECOGNITION OF THE MAJORITY to pass the Senate’s bipartisan high- LEADER Democratic colleague called them way legislation. We are on the verge of ‘‘very troubling,’’ ‘‘extremely trou- The PRESIDING OFFICER (Mr. scoring another important victory for bling,’’ and ‘‘highly troubling.’’ PAUL). The majority leader is recog- the American people. Next week, every Member of his nized. Once the Senate completes its work party will have a chance to join us in f on the bill, the House of Representa- reaffirming the Senate’s commitment tives will begin its work on a to genuine compassion and to women’s MEASURES PLACED ON THE CAL- multiyear measure as well. A health. We introduced legislation last ENDAR—S. 1881 AND H.J. RES. 61 multiyear bill is now our joint goal. night that would ensure taxpayer dol- Mr. MCCONNELL. Mr. President, I That is important for our country. We lars for women’s health are spent on understand there is a bill and a joint know it represents the best way to pro- women’s health, not a scandal-plagued resolution due for a second reading. vide State and local governments with political lobbying giant.

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

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VerDate Sep 11 2014 23:36 Jul 29, 2015 Jkt 049060 PO 00000 Frm 00001 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A29JY6.000 S29JYPT1 SSpencer on DSK4SPTVN1PROD with SENATE S6090 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE July 29, 2015 It is a simple choice: Senators can ei- President’s son, one President’s broth- next to me in this august Chamber of ther vote to protect women’s health or er who basically said we have to the Senate is a man who is the senior they can vote to protect subsidies for a change Medicare, as he was speaking to Senator from Illinois. I have said this political group mired in scandal. the Koch brothers. before, and I will say it again. The rea- I know Planned Parenthood’s en- We are working, trying to get the Ex- son I mention his name is because I trenched lobbyists have been close al- Im Bank that affects the lives of 165,000 knew we needed to do something about lies of Democrats in recent years, but working Americans. Most of the Re- the debt. I arranged a long trip—my this moment calls for Senators to rise publicans want to get rid of that. Now first job as leader—to Central and higher and to think bigger. the program is out of sync. It has ex- South America, and I took Judd Gregg, Let’s not filibuster women’s health pired. a Republican from New Hampshire, in order to protect special subsidies for The environment. Don’t worry about who is an expert on the finances of this one scandal-plagued political organiza- it; it is fine. The icecaps are melting in government, and a Democratic coun- tion. Why don’t we join together in- the Arctic. Don’t worry about it. We terpart, Kent Conrad, who is just as stead to bring something positive to have the worst fires in the history of good. They worked on that airplane the American people from a terrible Alaska because of climate change. side by side for 14 hours and worked up situation. Don’t worry about it; it is only 5 mil- a plan. What they came up with was so f lion acres that burned this summer so brilliant. They said: What we are going far. The droughts are affecting all of to do is have a plan just like the base RECOGNITION OF THE MINORITY America but especially the West. It is closings. LEADER so bad in the West that in the Sierras The base closing commissions that The PRESIDING OFFICER. The there are bears that don’t even hiber- were set up—we did two rounds of Democratic leader is recognized. nate anymore. It is not cold enough. In them—got rid of military bases in the f New Hampshire, moose are dying. country that we were trying to get rid of prior to World War II. We were able WOMEN’S HEALTH About one-third of them are dead be- cause of fleas and ticks. Why? Because to do that, and as a result, we saved Mr. REID. Mr. President, the Repub- it is not cold enough to kill them any- the country billions and billions of dol- lican legislation to attack women’s more. These little pests are ravaging lars. health is disguised as a way to help these huge animals. They introduced legislation that said women. We have to look long and hard I could go on, but I am going to stop, that we are going to have a commis- to find those people who are being other than to say, in addition to all of sion appointed. There will be legisla- taken care of across the country today that, now they are after women’s tors, and there will be people the Presi- because of programs that allow them health. dent appoints and people from the out- to go to someone who knows what they I hope they understand the pretty side. They will report to us, and there are talking about when they are con- posters and the fancy words—no mat- will be no filibusters, no amendments, cerned about their fertility, they are ter how you package it—are an attack and we will have an up-or-down vote. It concerned about birth control, and a on women. Indirectly, it is an attack was a great piece of legislation. When I brought that legislation to myriad of other problems that happen on my daughter, my wife, and my the floor, seven Republican Senators as women go through life. grandchildren directly. I should say my who cosponsored the legislation refused The Republican bill pretends to be granddaughters directly. I have a few to vote for it, and we weren’t able to for women’s health, but it would pro- of them. hibit Federal funds to go to an organi- move forward on it. Now I get to my f zation that is the health care backbone friend from Illinois. I had the ability to for American women during their lives. APPROPRIATIONS appoint three Members of my caucus to In fact, it is the only health care that Mr. REID. Mr. President, the Con- be on the Bowles-Simpson Commission. The President did that because what a significant number of women get. For stitution is very clear. It says the Gov- Judd Gregg and Kent Conrad tried to about 30 percent of women, that is ernment cannot spend a penny without do failed. To his credit, he did that. I their health care. You can disguise this an appropriations law—a law dealing needed a liberal. My friend and I are by giving fancy titles to the legislation with appropriations. not afraid to use that term—a progres- any way you want. This is an attack on I am so fortunate, when I came to the sive, if that makes people feel better. women’s health. Senate, I became a member of the Ap- He didn’t want to do that. He did it be- It is stunning to me that the 16 peo- propriations Committee. I loved work- cause it was the best thing for this in- ple who are running for President are ing on the Appropriations Committee. stitution. He sat through days and days out there going after immigration. Under John Stennis from Mississippi, of hearings and became a believer that They are going after not only immigra- Robert Byrd from West Virginia, and we had to do something about the debt. tion generally but specifically. These Dan Inouye from Hawaii, it was a won- He voted for something that Repub- young men and women who came to derful process. licans didn’t vote for—to do something America—and the face of this picture I have this job. I got off the com- about the debt. in Nevada is a woman by the name of mittee, which was very hard for me to I say to the Presiding Officer and to Astrid Silva, who came here as a little do because I loved that committee. We everybody within the sound of my girl with her mother in a boat across worked very hard every year to fund voice: We have done something since the Rio Grande River with her little every one of those 12 appropriations then. We have reduced the debt of this doll and her rosary beads that she bills. We did it because we were legisla- country by $4 trillion. That doesn’t didn’t understand—a little, little girl. tors. We compromised. We worked to- mean we don’t have a lot more to do. She knew no other country. What do gether to fund this government, but all But what virtually all economists tell the Republicans want to do? They want of that is gone. us is that we are at a point now where to deport Astrid Silva, a woman who fi- Republicans do not work with us on we have to start spending some money. nally because of the courageous action appropriations bills. We don’t do them My friend from California has worked of President Obama—because Repub- anymore. This season of Republicanism hard on this highway bill. It was hard licans refused do anything on immigra- is more than I can hardly understand. I for her to do that because the Repub- tion—was allowed to get her driver’s li- certainly don’t appreciate it. No job is licans weren’t allowing her to come up cense, to fly in an airplane for the first more important in the Constitution with any new revenue. time, to be able to go to the airport than exercising the power of the purse. Anyway, my point is this: The Re- without fear of being arrested, and That is our responsibility, but that has publicans are failing their most impor- they want to do away with that. But been taken away from us by convoluted tant job, and that is helping us come that is not enough. methods. up with some spending programs. We Most of them want to privatize So- I know my Republican colleagues called on the Republicans to get seri- cial Security; they want to change it in will get up and say we have to do some- ous about budgeting. They have re- some significant way. It is led by one thing about this terrible debt. Seated fused. We have pleaded with them to

VerDate Sep 11 2014 23:36 Jul 29, 2015 Jkt 049060 PO 00000 Frm 00002 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G29JY6.002 S29JYPT1 SSpencer on DSK4SPTVN1PROD with SENATE July 29, 2015 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S6091 sit down and negotiate a long-term bi- work. It doesn’t have to be this way. I wish to applaud the Senate for tak- partisan plan to avoid another shut- We have time to come up with a bal- ing another step, and that is what we down. From the start, it has been clear anced solution to keep our government are going to be doing in just a few min- that Republicans are not serious about funded. We have 2 months to come to- utes with the DRIVE Act in Congress governing. gether, but a CR will not work. Seques- with these votes, and tomorrow we ex- A party that is serious about gov- tration will kick in, and it will harm pect to see a final vote for passage so erning does not do the things they have every agency in the government. It will we can send it to the House. This will done. For example, in the wake of mass especially hurt the middle class of our be my sixth reauthorization over the shootings by individuals—it is in every country. If they are serious about gov- past number of years. These bills are newspaper in the country, and it has erning, they will work together with us all about compromise. It is hard to do. been for weeks. There were new deaths on appropriations bills rather than ig- There are a lot of Members of this body in Tennessee and Colorado. It doesn’t nore us. who didn’t think they got what they matter. I am sorry to say that we have Republicans need to sit down and get wanted in this bill, and I have to say lost track of where they all are. to work on their most important job, that I didn’t get what I wanted. I sus- Even after these mass shootings, Re- as is dictated by the Constitution. pect that the occupier of the chair publicans still want to cut our funding I apologize to everyone for taking didn’t get what he wanted, and Senator for mental health services. Gee-whiz— more time than I normally do, but it BOXER didn’t get what she wanted. how could they do that? The Repub- was brought about by my friend the That is not the way this works because lican bill cuts funding for substance Republican leader. this is a bill to get us away from the abuse and mental health services. They I ask the Chair to announce the busi- short-term extensions. blocked research for funding for the ness of the day. It has been obvious that Members of Centers for Disease Control to study f this body are opposed to moving to a 6- the cause and effect of gun violence. year reauthorization bill and are will- RESERVATION OF LEADER TIME They are cutting funding for coun- ing to use any procedural means to seling programs in elementary and sec- The PRESIDING OFFICER. Under slow it down, and that is what hap- ondary schools. That is only on one the previous order, the leadership time pened. If we had not dragged on yester- subject. A party that is serious about is reserved. day, and if we had yielded back some of governing doesn’t cut critical funding f the time, we could have had these to our Nation’s security. They have cut HIRE MORE HEROES ACT OF 2015 votes that we are about to have now funding for the Bureau of Tobacco, Al- yesterday. If we had done that, we cohol and Firearms, they cut funding The PRESIDING OFFICER. Under could have final passage today, and it to vital cyber-security upgrades and fi- the previous order, the Senate will re- would be sent over to the House before nancial agencies. They cut funding for sume consideration of H.R. 22, which they leave. They are going to leave. U.S. marshals, the brave men and the clerk will report. That doesn’t mean that this is not im- The senior assistant legislative clerk women who helped to catch those two portant. What we are doing today and read as follows: murderers who escaped from the prison tomorrow is passing this bill. Even in New York. A bill (H.R. 22) to amend the Internal Rev- though the House is going home, they enue Code of 1986 to exempt employees with A party that is serious about gov- all agree that we need a good, long- erning doesn’t wage war against our health coverage under TRICARE or the Vet- erans Administration from being taken into term bill as soon as they get back. Nation’s infrastructure. They have cut account for purposes of determining the em- That is why we have a motion before us funding for the Nation’s electric grid ployers to which the employer mandate ap- for a short-term delay—so they will by 40 percent, leaving our utilities sus- plies under the Patient Protection and Af- have time to do it. ceptible to cyber attacks. Senate Re- fordable Care Act. We will have a good bill for them. We publicans have cut transit projects all Pending: have worked on it for several months. across this country. They have cut McConnell modified amendment No. 2266, It passed out of committee unani- funding of the air traffic control sys- in the nature of a substitute. mously. Every Republican and every tem. The list is endless. There are cuts McConnell amendment No. 2421 (to amend- Democrat voted for it. We will have a to education, women’s health, agri- ment No. 2266), of a perfecting nature. chance to do that. culture, energy, and job training. McConnell (for Inhofe) amendment No. 2533 Also, I have State sheets on every If the Republican leader and the (to amendment No. 2421), relating to Federal- State. I can read off how every State Speaker wanted to get serious about aid highways and highway safety construc- benefits from this 6-year reauthoriza- tion programs. governing, they would sit down with us McConnell amendment No. 2417 (to the lan- tion bill. All you have to do is talk to and craft a bipartisan compromise to guage proposed to be stricken by amendment the Governors, mayors, and the depart- prevent another government shutdown. No. 2266), to change the enactment date. ments of transportation across the On the bill before us, the Speaker of McConnell amendment No. 2418 (to amend- country. They fully expected Congress the House of Representatives has re- ment No. 2417), of a perfecting nature. only to deliver piecemeal extensions, ferred to that bill by using a very de- The PRESIDING OFFICER. Under as we have in the past. rogatory word which starts with the the previous order, the time until 10 We have to keep in mind that the letter ‘‘s.’’ If the Republican leader and a.m. will be divided in the usual form. last reauthorization bill that we had the Speaker want to get serious about Mr. REID. I suggest the absence of a was in 2005. I remember that vividly be- governing, then they need to sit down quorum. cause I was the author of the bill. with us so we can craft a bipartisan The PRESIDING OFFICER. The When we passed it, everyone rejoiced. compromise to prevent another govern- clerk will call the roll. Yesterday the Senator from Minnesota ment shutdown. Instead they have al- The senior assistant legislative clerk was talking about the tragedy of the ready given up. Both the Speaker and proceeded to call the roll. fallen bridge in Minnesota, where 13 the Republican leader have said that Mr. INHOFE. Mr. President, I ask people died. I told the story about how what we are going to do is abandon the unanimous consent that the order for a bridge in Oklahoma City had a chunk appropriations process in favor of a the quorum call be rescinded. of concrete fall off of it and hit a moth- continuing resolution, which is a The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without er of three children and kill her. You buzzword for failure. Failure is another objection, it is so ordered. don’t want to wait until this happens. word for a government shutdown. It is Mr. INHOFE. Mr. President, I had We have bridges in this country—and another way to close our government. some time reserved, and I am halfway we have talked about each one of them By relying on a continuing resolu- through that time now. So I will talk a on the Senate floor during the discus- tion, it leaves in place sequester cuts little faster than usual because we sion on this bill—that are deterio- and underfunds critical priorities for have an Armed Services meeting right rating, and we have to do something working American families. Repub- now, and we are trying get to the bot- about it. licans are neglecting their responsibil- tom of this side agreement that was If any Member or the staff of any ities. They are not showing up for apparently made with Iran. Member—I know the staffs are all

VerDate Sep 11 2014 01:25 Jul 30, 2015 Jkt 049060 PO 00000 Frm 00003 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G29JY6.004 S29JYPT1 SSpencer on DSK4SPTVN1PROD with SENATE S6092 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE July 29, 2015 watching right now. We have every The PRESIDING OFFICER. The ma- Pursuant to rule XXII, the Chair lays State listed on these sheets, and it jority leader. before the Senate the pending cloture shows what they will have and how VOTE ON AMENDMENT NO. 2417 motion, which the clerk will state. they will benefit from the DRIVE Act, Mr. MCCONNELL. Mr. President, I The legislative clerk read as follows. which will be before us in a moment. If move to table amendment No. 2417. CLOTURE MOTION we don’t do it, there are consequences, The PRESIDING OFFICER. The We, the undersigned Senators, in accord- and I have to remind everyone of that question is on agreeing to the motion ance with the provisions of rule XXII of the today as we approach a shutdown of to table. Standing Rules of the Senate, do hereby move to bring to a close debate on H.R. 22, the transit programs. I urge my col- The motion was agreed to. an act to amend the Internal Revenue Code leagues to join in voting yes on this VOTE ON AMENDMENT NO. 2533 of 1986 to exempt employees with health cov- procedural hurdle today. If you vote The PRESIDING OFFICER. The erage under TRICARE or the Veterans Ad- no, you are reinforcing current laws question is on agreeing to the Inhofe ministration from being taken into account and extensions, which is the worst pos- amendment No. 2533. for purposes of determining the employers to sible outcome. The amendment (No. 2533) was agreed which the employer mandate applies under One area deals with big projects. We the Patient Protection and Affordable Care to. Act. cannot do big projects with 3-month, 4- VOTE ON AMENDMENT NO. 2421, AS AMENDED Mitch McConnell, John Cornyn, Orrin G. month or even 1-year extensions. We Mr. MCCONNELL. Mr. President, I Hatch, John Barrasso, Pat Roberts, have gone through 33 short-term exten- ask unanimous consent to vitiate the Richard Burr, Thom Tillis, David Vit- sions since the SAFETEA–LU bill was yeas and nays on amendment No. 2421. ter, Lindsey Graham, Kelly Ayotte, passed. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there Lamar Alexander, Daniel Coats, John The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- objection? Hoeven, James M. Inhofe, Roger F. ator’s time has expired. Without objection, it is so ordered. Wicker, Susan M. Collins, John Thune. Mr. INHOFE. Mr. President, I ask The question is on agreeing to The PRESIDING OFFICER. By unan- unanimous consent that I be given 5 amendment No. 2421, as amended. imous consent, the mandatory quorum additional minutes. The amendment (No. 2421), as amend- call has been waived. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without ed, was agreed to. The question is, Is it the sense of the Senate that debate on H.R. 22, an act objection, it is so ordered. VOTE ON AMENDMENT NO. 2266, AS MODIFIED, AS Mr. INHOFE. We have the problem of AMENDED to amend the Internal Revenue Code of not having any of the big projects, and The PRESIDING OFFICER. The 1986 to exempt employees with health everyone knows that is a problem. The question is on agreeing to amendment coverage under TRICARE or the Vet- reason big projects can’t be done is due No. 2266, as modified, as amended. erans Administration from being taken to the costs. But a study has been done The yeas and nays were previously into account for purposes of deter- by Gary Ridley, who is one of the fore- ordered. mining the employers to which the em- most authorities nationwide on this The clerk will call the roll. ployer mandate applies under the Pa- subject, and in that study he came to The senior assistant legislative clerk tient Protection and Affordable Care the conclusion that it costs an addi- called the roll. Act, as amended, shall be brought to a tional 30 percent off the top to do The result was announced—yeas 62, close? The yeas and nays are mandatory short-term extensions. nays 38, as follows: under the rule. If there is anyone who is a conserv- [Rollcall Vote No. 258 Leg.] The clerk will call the roll. ative and wants to take the conserv- YEAS—62 The legislative clerk called the roll. ative position on this issue, the con- Alexander Feinstein McConnell The yeas and nays resulted—yeas 65, servative position is to vote for a long- Ayotte Fischer Moran nays 35, as follows: Baldwin Franken Murray term reauthorization bill, and that is [Rollcall Vote No. 259 Leg.] what is before us now. The current Barrasso Gardner Nelson Bennet Graham Peters YEAS—65 funding has no growth—not even for in- Blunt Grassley Portman Alexander Fischer McConnell Boozman Hatch flation. The DRIVE Act provides Roberts Ayotte Flake Moran Boxer Heitkamp growth in the highway and transit sys- Rounds Baldwin Franken Burr Heller Murray Sanders Barrasso Gardner tems in each State. For those who are Cantwell Hoeven Nelson Schatz Bennet Graham Capito Inhofe Peters interested, we have all of this listed Blunt Grassley Cassidy Isakson Sessions Portman State by State. The current law gives Boozman Hatch Coats Johnson Shaheen Roberts Boxer Heitkamp States and local governments no cer- Cochran Kaine Stabenow Rounds Burr Heller tainty. However, the certainty is there Collins King Sullivan Sanders Cantwell Hoeven Coons Kirk Tester Schatz in the DRIVE Act. So we have every Capito Inhofe Cornyn Klobuchar Thune Scott reason to do this. Cassidy Isakson Daines Leahy Tillis Coats Johnson Sessions Project delivery. We are going to be Durbin Manchin Vitter Cochran Kaine Shaheen Enzi McCain Whitehouse able to deliver the projects. We can’t Collins King Stabenow Ernst McCaskill Wicker even start the projects on short-term Coons Kirk Sullivan extensions. NAYS—38 Cornyn Klobuchar Tester Freight. We have a freight section. Daines Lankford Thune Blumenthal Heinrich Reid Durbin Leahy Tillis We have never had a freight section be- Booker Hirono Risch Enzi Manchin Vitter fore for moving freight across the Brown Lankford Rubio Ernst McCain Whitehouse country. Cardin Lee Sasse Feinstein McCaskill Wicker Carper Markey Schumer Transparency. Everything is there so Casey Menendez Scott NAYS—35 that everyone can see every nickel that Corker Merkley Shelby Blumenthal Heinrich Reid Cotton Mikulski is used. This is the most transparent of Toomey Booker Hirono Risch Crapo Murkowski Udall Brown Lee Rubio all of the reauthorizations we have Cruz Murphy Warner Cardin Markey had. Donnelly Paul Sasse Warren Carper Menendez Schumer Lastly, innovation. The DRIVE Act Flake Perdue Casey Merkley Gillibrand Reed Wyden Shelby prepares our transportation system for Corker Mikulski Toomey the future. That is why it is so impor- The amendment (No. 2266), as modi- Cotton Murkowski Udall Crapo Murphy fied, as amended, was agreed to. Warner tant that we get to it today. Cruz Paul Warren I compliment the leaders for moving CLOTURE MOTION Donnelly Perdue Wyden us forward and making every effort to Mr. CORNYN. Mr. President, I ask Gillibrand Reed get this done before the House goes unanimous consent that the manda- The PRESIDING OFFICER. On this home. tory quorum call be waived. vote, the yeas are 65, the nays are 35. This will give them a good start on The PRESIDING OFFICER (Mr. COT- Three-fifths of the Senators duly cho- what to do during the recess. TON). Without objection, it is so or- sen and sworn having voted in the af- I yield the floor. dered. firmative, the motion is agreed to.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 02:27 Jul 30, 2015 Jkt 049060 PO 00000 Frm 00004 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G29JY6.005 S29JYPT1 SSpencer on DSK4SPTVN1PROD with SENATE July 29, 2015 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S6093 EXECUTIVE SESSION side and that the time be equally di- piles of snow that were unbelievable, vided among the following Senators: tens and tens of feet of snow every win- REID, BOXER, WHITEHOUSE, MARKEY, ter—no longer. In fact, this past NOMINATION OF ALLISON BECK TO SCHATZ, and SCHUMER. March, World Cup ski cross and BE FEDERAL MEDIATION AND The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there snowboardcross races had to be can- CONCILIATION DIRECTOR objection? celled. Why? We had no snow—no snow Without objection, it is so ordered. at a place where we had the Winter CLIMATE CHANGE Olympics in Squaw Valley—no snow. NOMINATION OF JEFFREY MI- Mr. REID. Mr. President, at virtually They cancelled the races. CHAEL PRIETO TO BE GENERAL every caucus we have, every Tuesday As I have said on the floor, because it COUNSEL OF THE DEPARTMENT caucus, I have Senators report on what is so traumatic as far as I am con- OF AGRICULTURE is going on in the world as it relates to cerned, many of our black bears aren’t climate change. even hibernating. It is not cold enough. I wish these were fun-filled presen- This past June, a few weeks ago—Lake NOMINATION OF CAROL FORTINE tations where people laughed, clapped, OCHOA TO BE INSPECTOR GEN- Mead at one time was the largest man- and smiled, but they are not. They are made lake in America. It isn’t anymore ERAL, GENERAL SERVICES AD- very downbeat because each Senator MINISTRATION because of Lake Powell, which over- who makes a presentation—whether it took Nevada for the largest manmade The PRESIDING OFFICER. Under is the senior Senator from New Hamp- lake in America. Lake Powell is on the the previous order, the Senate will pro- shire, who talks about moose dying in road to being eliminated. It is part of ceed to executive session to consider her State because the fleas and ticks the great Colorado River program that the following nominations, which the no longer die in the cold weather, she allows the States of California—all the clerk will report. explained how about one-third of the upper Colorado States—Arizona, and The senior assistant legislative clerk moose are dead in New Hampshire, or Nevada, to survive. read the nominations of Allison Beck, whether it is the junior Senator from This past June, Lake Mead water lev- of the District of Columbia, to be Fed- the State of Michigan talking about els sunk to record lows—record lows. eral Mediation and Conciliation Direc- what is going on in that beautiful Towns that were buried with the mak- tor; Jeffrey Michael Prieto, of Cali- State of Michigan. ing of the Boulder, Hoover Dam, we can fornia, to be General Counsel of the De- Without going through the list of see them again. St. Thomas is an ex- partment of Agriculture; and Carol Senators who have reported what is ample. An early Mormon settlement Fortine Ochoa, of Virginia, to be In- going on as they see it with climate there was buried in the water—no spector General, General Services Ad- change, everyone within the sound of longer. Now they are doing archeo- ministration. my voice should rest assured things are logical work on what was buried under VOTE ON BECK NOMINATION not good. Our world is changing and Lake Mead previously. The PRESIDING OFFICER. The has already changed drastically. Now, that is only Nevada, and that is The Earth is undergoing a shift, a question is, Will the Senate advise and only a touch of what is happening in manmade climate change shift. We consent to the nomination of Allison Nevada. Wildfires are devastating our don’t need to travel to the polar ice- Beck, of the District of Columbia, to be State, wiping out native grasses and caps for proof, although if we did, we Federal Mediation and Conciliation Di- plants, causing endangered species that would see that too. There is evidence rector? need to be listed as threatened or going all around. Talking about the polar ice- The nomination was confirmed. extinct because, for example, if you cap, think about Alaska. Millions of VOTE ON PRIETO NOMINATION have birds survive in our sagebrush, acres are on fire as we speak—not a fire The PRESIDING OFFICER. The sagebrush is burned and no longer ex- as we see in the forest or the range question is, Will the Senate advise and ists, you get these foreign species that lands of Nevada, where you see fire consent to the nomination of Jeffrey come in, mainly cheatgrass, and it is flames flip up into the sky so high it is Michael Prieto, of California, to be no good for anything other than more hard to believe sometimes. But this is General Counsel of the Department of fires. That is what we have in Nevada, burning underground at the perma- Agriculture? devastating wildfires. frost. It is awful what is happening in The nomination was confirmed. Around the United States, massive Alaska. VOTE ON OCHOA NOMINATION But let’s talk about Nevada. Nevada floods are destroying life around the The PRESIDING OFFICER. The is an unusual State in many different globe. The poles are melting. By the question is, Will the Senate advise and ways. We have over 32 mountains more year 2050, scientists estimate the sea consent to the nomination of Carol than 11,000 feet high. We have one level will rise in the world by 16 feet. Fortine Ochoa, of Virginia, to be In- mountain we share with California What will that do to Florida? Of all spector General, General Services Ad- that is 14,000 feet high. We have beau- the major cities in the world, with vir- ministration? tiful, beautiful wilderness. tually no exception, they are all in The nomination was confirmed. I have had the good fortune during coastal areas. What coastal city in the The PRESIDING OFFICER. Under my time in the Senate to legislate. world is going to be hit hardest in the the previous order, the motions to re- When I came here, we had about 60,000 world by this climate change, the ris- consider are considered made and laid acres of wilderness. We are now ap- ing of the seas? Miami, FL, the State upon the table and the President will proaching about 4 million acres of wil- of Florida. be immediately notified of the Senate’s derness, and it is beautiful, beautiful Massive floods are destroying life action. country. There are beautiful moun- around the globe. Poles are melting. I f tains, antelope, and mountain sheep, of repeat, ocean resources are being ex- course. We even have mountain goats. hausted. LEGISLATIVE SESSION It is a beautiful, beautiful State. Stunningly, Republicans in Congress The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- We share Lake Tahoe with Cali- are ignoring changes to our environ- ate will now resume legislative session. fornia—beautiful, beautiful Lake ment that we are all witnessing. They f Tahoe that Mark Twain said is the are here. They are in denial. They are fairest place on all the Earth. The in what I refer to as Koch denial be- HIRE MORE HEROES ACT OF 2015— water level this summer is at a record cause, remember, everybody, the two Continued low. Water we used to take for granted Koch brothers don’t want us to do any- The PRESIDING OFFICER. The that would come out of the lake isn’t thing on climate change. Why? No. 1, it Democratic leader is recognized. coming out anymore. may prevent them from making more Mr. REID. Mr. President, I ask unan- Snowpack in the Sierra Nevada billions. They are heavily invested in imous consent that the next 40 minutes Mountains is a fraction of normal lev- tar sands in Canada, and, of course, be under the control of the Democratic els. A few decades ago, we used to have their original fortunes were made in

VerDate Sep 11 2014 23:36 Jul 29, 2015 Jkt 049060 PO 00000 Frm 00005 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G29JY6.010 S29JYPT1 SSpencer on DSK4SPTVN1PROD with SENATE S6094 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE July 29, 2015 oil, gas, and coal in America. Repub- a few weeks ago, a solar company an- exact—she said: What I am hoping that licans are in denial. They are in Koch nounced it would build a 100-megawatt we can do now is get beyond the discus- denial. solar farm and sell the power to Ne- sion as to whether climate change is Last month House Republicans vada’s utility. The electricity gen- real and talk about what do we do. passed legislation that would rescind erated by that solar farm was described That was January 22 on the Senate President Obama’s action addressing by the press as ‘‘not only the cheapest floor, 6 months ago. What have we seen air pollution and climate change. That solar—it may be the least expensive from the majority party in the 6 legislation is not going to happen over electricity in the entire country.’’ That months since their energy chairman here, but that is the mindset of the Re- is what solar does now. Think about said that we need to get to this ques- publicans. Not to be outdone, Repub- that. The cheapest power being built in tion, we need to concede climate licans here in the Senate are trying the America today is solar and it is inex- change is real, and that we need to ad- same thing with the Senate Interior haustible. It doesn’t have to be in the dress what to do? We have seen exactly and Environment appropriations bill, desert, where the Sun shines all the nothing—that is to say nothing but filling it with policy riders that are time; it can be used where the Sun complaints: Oh, the President’s Clean dangerous to the planet, dangerous to doesn’t shine all the time, and used Power Plan is no good. Oh, we should America. well. have massive resistance to the Presi- Republicans all know the planet is Solutions to address climate change dent’s Clean Power Plan. Oh, we should changing—I hope they do, but they are here. They are right here. Nevada defund the EPA. don’t. If a Republican knows this, they has seen $5 billion in development with These are the thoughts the Repub- are a rare Republican and I am still solar and geothermal and a little bit of lican majority brings as we face this waiting for them to step forward. Re- wind. Solutions to address climate question. publicans don’t admit it is a problem. change are here, and they are afford- So it is worth looking at some of the Where is their solution? Well, they able and become more so every day. folks who are very clear that climate have none. They have no solution be- They have created thousands of jobs. change is a real problem. Here is one— cause they refuse to acknowledge there And I misspoke earlier. It is $6 billion NASA, our scientists from NASA. They is a problem. in Nevada—not $5 billion—that has couldn’t be clearer about the impor- Let’s not fool ourselves as to why Re- now been invested in clean energy. tance of climate change and about the publicans reject climate change. I have Republicans should stop denying cli- role of carbon pollution. How smart are already said why. It is the Koch chal- mate change. If they want to keep NASA scientists? They are driving a lenge they all have. Every Presidential complaining about the solutions, they rover around on the surface of Mars, candidate has to be very careful. There should offer their own solutions. But folks. They just shot a spacecraft by are certain things, and I don’t know there can’t be a solution if they do not Pluto close enough to take pictures of them all because I am not in attend- see a problem, so I am not going to it and send back data. ance at the meetings, but No. 1 is that hold my breath that Republicans are What does the Republican majority the Ex-Im Bank has to stay dead. going to change their ways. have to say about NASA’s position on Those 165,000 people working in Amer- This is the No. 1 issue facing our climate change? That they are in on a ica, get rid of them. It is a government world. The Defense Department is con- hoax. They basically accuse NASA sci- program, get rid of it—even though, as cerned about the resources they are entists of being dishonest, even though we speak right now, 40 other countries going to get for manpower. If you ask they are the ones who put our country have working ex-im bank programs the people who run the government’s on the surface of Mars and who put an that are taking business away from military, the Chiefs of Staff, they will American vehicle close enough to American exporters. My Republican tell you they are concerned about what Pluto to take pictures of it. friends are unwilling to stand up to the this means for the security of this Na- Look at Walmart. Just a moment oil barons who bring their filthy tar tion. ago, the junior Senator from Arkansas sands from Canada. We cannot ignore this issue any was presiding. Walmart joined with a Republicans have offered no legisla- longer. It is affecting the security of dozen other companies yesterday at tion nor have they offered a single idea this Nation for lots of other reasons— the White House to say climate change that would protect our world from cli- namely, what it does to other countries is real. These aren’t leftwing compa- mate change. The closest they came that puts pressure on us. nies. This was Walmart. This was was to try to be funny here on the floor I appreciate very much my col- Alcoa. This was GM. This was Coke. when it snowed and they brought a leagues joining in this discussion we This was Pepsi. This was UPS. snowball into the Chamber, saying: It are going to have today because it is a We have to start taking this seri- couldn’t be climate change; we have discussion we have to have because the ously. But is there anything out of the some snow today. Well, we did get world is in trouble because of the cli- State of Arkansas—Walmart’s home some snow, but that doesn’t mean we mate change. State—on climate? Nope. Not a single don’t have climate change. The PRESIDING OFFICER (Mr. CAS- thing. It is shameful to turn our back on SIDY). The Senator from Rhode Island. There was recently an article in the biggest dilemma the Earth faces. Mr. WHITEHOUSE. Mr. President, Forbes magazine titled ‘‘Climate We must come together to arrest cli- let me take a moment to commend the Change Will Cause Increased Flooding mate change. leadership of our minority leader on in Coastal Cities.’’ The picture is a sat- I am very happy that my friend the this issue. He has made it a priority in ellite picture of the State of Florida. junior Senator from Rhode Island is the caucus. He has seen its effects at The little caption under the picture here because he is focused on all kinds home in Nevada, and he is an out- says: ‘‘Flooding from climate change is of issues relating to climate, and he standing voice in this area. I am very threatening much of the coastline, in- has been the driving force in recog- grateful to him. cluding major cities in Florida.’’ Yet nizing that one of the places climate I also thank and recognize my chair- we have two Presidential candidates change is devastating our world is our man on the Environment and Public from Florida on the Republican side, oceans. We can’t see that very well be- Works Committee, BARBARA BOXER, and what do they have to say about cli- cause the oceans are so massive, but in and no one is more forceful than she on mate change? Nothing—nothing other places our oceans are already dead— the need that we have to address cli- than ‘‘I don’t know, I am not a sci- not dying but dead. mate change and the carbon pollution entist’’ and all the usual dodges. So it is shameful, I repeat, to turn we are emitting that is causing this. Pope Francis wrote an encyclical—an our backs on the biggest dilemma the Mr. President, we are here just after extraordinarily important article in Earth faces probably in the history of the 6-month anniversary of an inter- the Catholic faith—about the reality our world. We must come together to esting statement that was made by the and the effect of climate change. What address climate change. Republican chairman of the energy do our Catholic Republican Senators There are solutions that involve, committee, the Senator from Alaska. have to say about that? Nothing. We among other things, clean energy. Just Six months ago—January 22, to be are not going to listen to him; he is not

VerDate Sep 11 2014 23:36 Jul 29, 2015 Jkt 049060 PO 00000 Frm 00006 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G29JY6.011 S29JYPT1 SSpencer on DSK4SPTVN1PROD with SENATE July 29, 2015 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S6095 a scientist. Well, actually, technically pendent—who understands this is one Initiative with a 40-percent renewable he is. He is a trained chemist. But that of the great challenges of our genera- portfolio standard, and the legislature is the line—not a scientist. tion. So we are seeing some movement. in the last 3 or 4 months just passed What could possibly explain these We are seeing some openness to at the first 100 percent clean energy stat- strange anomalies? The biggest cor- least concede that this problem, in ute in the United States. Our unem- poration in Arkansas knows climate fact, exists. ployment rate is 4 percent, and we have change is a problem, and there is noth- We have this incredible law in the exceeded our previous goals. California, ing from the Senators from Arkansas. Clean Air Act. We don’t need to pass a with its Cap-and-Trade Program, and The coastline of Florida is under im- new law. Of course, Senator WHITE- all the hue and cry and panic about mediate threat, according to Forbes HOUSE and I have been working very what would happen to our economy— magazine, the capitalist tool, and the hard with Senator BOXER and others on California is booming. Hawaii is doing Presidential candidates from Florida a carbon fee, but we also have the tools well. People still have their economic can’t say a single thing about it. The at our disposal to regulate carbon pol- challenges, but it is not because of our Pope is calling on us—— lution. Like methane and other air- desire to drive an innovation economy The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- borne pollutants, it is causing environ- and to try to solve this great challenge ator’s time has expired. mental and health damage. of our time. Mr. WHITEHOUSE. I ask unanimous The Clean Power Plan is very simple. We can create clean energy jobs. We consent for a closing minute. It is treating this as though it is the can innovate into the future. America The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without pollutant that it is. Originally, I think has an incredible opportunity to lead objection, it is so ordered. there were some legitimate concerns in this space. I am so pleased to be part Mr. WHITEHOUSE. The last thing I about how this thing was going to get of that innovation and part of that will mention is that there is a common administered. I will give a ‘‘for exam- leadership. We are putting our marker thread that links all of this, and it is ple.’’ down as a country. We understand this money. The Koch brothers are putting If you are in a very small rural State is going to take a global effort, but hundreds of millions of dollars into and you are going to regulate not a now America has the credibility to lead this election. One of their organiza- State’s total carbon emissions but an on climate. tions—one—said that it was going to individual powerplant’s carbon emis- Mr. President, I yield the floor to the spend $889 million in this election and sions, that is a very tough sell. There great Senator from California. that anybody who crossed them on cli- are instances where, because of legacy The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- mate change would be at ‘‘a severe dis- infrastructure, because of distance—for ator from California. advantage.’’ Nice little campaign you instance, in Hawaii we have remote Mrs. BOXER. Mr. President, before got here; I would hate to put it at a se- and relatively small islands. So it is the Senator from Hawaii leaves the vere disadvantage with my $900 mil- very difficult to ask the island of floor, I just want to say what a breath lion. So what we have is secret money Lanai, which is running on diesel-fired of fresh air he is. That is something we and we have threats related to it that generators, or the island of Molokai, say to compliment somebody, but in are obliterating what had been a good to, at an individual powerplant level, this case he is fighting for clean air. He Republican response on climate change reduce carbon emissions. That is is fighting for his kids and his and on other environmental issues. tough. They can make improvements grandkids. It has been an honor to We need to move on. in efficiency, but they may not be able work with him. I yield the floor. to meet the standard. So the idea is to The world understands this, Ameri- The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- allow all of it to aggregate. cans understand this; that we are fac- ator from Hawaii. What Hawaii did, we have a Hawaii ing a serious threat to our Nation— Mr. SCHATZ. Mr. President, I want Clean Energy Initiative, recognizing dangerous climate change. We abso- to talk a little about the particulars of that there are going to be some places lutely need to act now. The evidence is the Clean Power Plan and address some that will have incredible challenges all around us. of the questions that have been raised economically and in terms of the fi- I will highlight, in the brief time I by some of the opponents. nancing of the projects, incredible have, some of the facts. These cannot I think the first premise has to be challenges complying at the micro be refuted. that carbon is an airborne pollutant; level, at the site level, at the power The evidence of climate change is that the Clean Air Act doesn’t just give generation level, but if we provide around us. NASA and NOAA found that the EPA the authority to regulate air- flexibility to States—and I know in 2014 was the hottest year around the borne pollutants, it actually requires California with the Cap-and-Trade Pro- globe since recordkeeping began 134 that all airborne pollutants that can gram and the Northeast with the RGGI years ago. How my colleagues could cause a public health risk get regu- Program, there is a flexibility region- come to the floor and dispute this—if lated. That is the basis of the Supreme ally or within States of energy systems we were to ask people do you respect Court decision. This doesn’t give the to say that as long as you, in the ag- NASA, I would say everyone from our EPA the discretion—this doesn’t give gregate, are making sufficient kids to our grandmas would say, abso- the Obama administration the discre- progress, we are going to allow you to lutely, they are scientists. tion to regulate carbon pollution, it re- figure out how to make that progress The American Meteorological Asso- quires that they do so. So the only on your own. So we anticipate these ciation, the society, reported that nu- question is not a legal one. The legal rules will provide sufficient flexibility merous key climate change indicators one has been settled. The EPA is re- to allow economies to thrive. were at or near record levels. They quired to regulate pollution under the I will make one final point on this found 2014 was the hottest year since Clean Air Act. The only question re- before hearing from the great Senator recordkeeping began in 1880—2014 was maining is, Is carbon a pollutant? I from California; that is, all of the hue the hottest year since 1880—and sea don’t think there is anybody credible and cry, all of the panic, all of the surface temperatures and sea levels in this Chamber who thinks carbon is heartburn about what is going to hap- were at record highs. not a pollutant. pen to our economy doesn’t have to be This is the problem: When we have Look, I think we are actually making an abstract question anymore. We have these kinds of record temperatures, progress. Over the last 6 to 12 months, States currently exceeding the antici- they come with a cost—a cost to wild- we have seen a sea change among Re- pated thresholds in the clean power- life, a cost to human life. publican Members of Congress who are plants. So we don’t have to imagine I don’t have time to go into what we increasingly concerned, I think, about what is going to happen to various are beginning to see, but about 8 years being on the wrong side of history, economies if we comply because we ago when I did take the gavel of the about being on the wrong side of have States such as California, we have Environment and Public Works Com- science, about being on the wrong side the Hawaii Clean Energy Initiative. mittee, we held a hearing. Everything of a whole generation of young voters— Two years ago, I was on the floor that was predicted by the scientists is Republican, Democratic, and Inde- talking about the Hawaii Clean Energy coming true—everything.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 23:36 Jul 29, 2015 Jkt 049060 PO 00000 Frm 00007 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G29JY6.013 S29JYPT1 SSpencer on DSK4SPTVN1PROD with SENATE S6096 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE July 29, 2015 Here is the good news. Here is the The International Panel for Climate complishing more than 50 percent clean en- great news. My State of California is a Change (IPCC) conservatively estimates ergy by 2030 is technologically possible, pol- true leader in this area. With the lead- that, without action, 1–5% percent of global icymakers must do their part to push us over ership of our State legislature, our mean Gross Domestic Product is at risk due the top. The deck is currently stacked to climate change, and in some localized against clean energy, as subsidies and other Governor, Jerry Brown, and leading ac- places the risks even higher. preferential treatment prop up outdated fos- tivists in our States, such as Tom Intensifying seasonal weather patterns, ex- sil fuels, stifling American innovation and Steyer and many others, we are seeing treme weather events, rising sea levels, and slowing the growth of modern renewable en- California stand up and address this increased illness and disease will cost the ergy sources. issue. And what has happened? What U.S. economy billions of dollars a year in Our country needs bold leadership that ac- has happened? All the gloom and doom: property damage, increased costs, and lost celerates the transition away from fossil fuels that cause climate change and towards Oh, my God. If we try to move away productivity. We are already feeling the effects of cli- America’s clean energy future and the eco- from dirty energy, it is going to be ter- mate change at home. From 2010 to 2014 the nomic benefits it will bring. By fully imple- rible for everybody. United States experienced nearly 50 climate- menting the Clean Power Plan and pursuing Let me tell you the good news. Ac- related disasters with costs in excess of $1 other policy solutions that will allow energy cording to the Bureau of Labor Statis- billion each, and in 2013 alone the United sources like solar and wind to compete tics, in 2011 California had over 360,000 States experienced $125 billion in expenses against fossil fuels on a level playing field, green jobs, the most of any State, and from climate-related events. our leaders can ensure we transition to clean in 2014 there were more than 2,094 solar Climate change poses a grave national se- energy in time to prevent climate disaster. companies at work throughout the curity risk as well. Just last year, 16 retired ACHIEVING MORE THAN 50 PERCENT CLEAN EN- three- and four-star generals and admirals ERGY BY 2030 WILL SPUR ECONOMIC GROWTH value chain in California, employing issued a report, National Security and the AND CREATE JOBS 54,700 people. Let me say there are Accelerating Risks of Climate Change, iden- Today, clean energy jobs are significantly some days in California where we get tifying climate change as a ‘‘catalyst for outpacing fossil fuels jobs. In 2014, the num- half of our energy from the Sun—half conflict.’’ Additionally, the Pentagon’s 2014 ber of people working in solar power sur- of our energy from the Sun. Quadrennial Defense Review laid out that passed the number of people employed as Here is the other thing we have to climate change poses a serious threat and coal miners. As the technology landscape know: California households pay the will aggravate stressors abroad. continues to change, clean energy has the ninth lowest electricity bills in the TRANSITIONING TO A CLEAN ENERGY ECONOMY opportunity to be a significant driver of em- country. So all the doom and gloom, WILL PREVENT CLIMATE DISASTER ployment in every city, state, and region. These jobs include installing and operating we are going to have to pay more and It is not too late to avoid the worst con- sequences of climate change—though time is clean energy, performing energy retrofits, all the rest, is so much talk. designing and researching new technologies, A long time ago, when I became running out. The longer the United States, and the global community, delay the transi- and operating the clean energy businesses of aware of climate change, I looked at it tion to a clean energy economy the larger tomorrow. Solar jobs are growing 20 times faster than and thought: Oh, my gosh. What are we the economic impacts will be. In order to going to do? But the longer I looked at the broader economy. help prevent climate disaster, the United Solar energy creates eight times more jobs it and the longer I studied it, the faster States must reduce carbon emissions by 83 in construction, installation, operations, and I recognized that if we address climate percent economy-wide by 2050. maintenance, than coal and natural gas do change in the right way, it will be a A plan to power America with more than 50 across full project lifetimes. boon to our economy and it will be a percent clean and carbon-free energy by 2030 There are more than 500 wind manufac- will put us on the path to a 100 percent turing facilities across the U.S. and there are boon to our health because we know for clean-energy economy by 2050, accom- sure that asthma and respiratory ail- currently more than 70,000 people employed plishing the necessary carbon emissions re- in wind-related jobs. ments and cardiovascular disease are duction from the electricity sector. In this global race for clean energy, the na- threats to our families, and they will MORE THAN 50 PERCENT CLEAN ENERGY BY 2030 tion that leads on clean energy technology go down—the risks will go down be- IS A TECHNOLOGICALLY ACHIEVABLE GOAL development will have a significant advan- cause when we clean up the carbon pol- The transition to a clean energy economy tage in creating the millions of clean energy lution, we clean up all the other pollut- is already underway. Clean energy tech- jobs that are up for grabs in this new energy ants that go along with it. nologies like wind and solar are increasingly revolution. Just this week one of our great lead- competitive with outdated fossil fuels on The United States is on the road to a clean cost, and are growing rapidly across America energy economy. Technology and economics ers whom I mentioned, who was the no longer limit our ability to realize this leader of NextGen, the president and and around the world: Installed solar capacity in the United new energy system. With bold political lead- founder Tom Steyer, said the fol- States increased 34 percent between 2013 and ership, we can accelerate America’s transi- lowing: Our country needs bold leaders 2014. tion to a clean energy economy, win this who will lay out a plan to achieve more The U.S. has installed over 20,000 global clean energy race, strengthen our than 50 percent clean energy by 2030, megawatts of solar enough to power more economy, and help mitigate potentially tril- putting us on a pathway to a com- than 4 million average American homes—and lions of dollars of damages from climate change. pletely clean energy economy by 2050 that is expected to double in just the next and millions of new jobs. two years. Mrs. BOXER. After stating their key Mr. President, I ask unanimous con- Utility scale solar has reached cost parity findings, I will complete my presen- with coal and gas in many regions and is pro- sent that the fact sheet from NextGen tation. jected to be cheaper than fossil fuels How many more minutes do I have? Climate be printed in the RECORD. throughout most of the U.S. by 2017. The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- There being no objection, the mate- Combined with significant technological ator has consumed 51⁄2 minutes. rial was ordered to be printed in the cost breakthroughs of clean energy tech- Mrs. BOXER. I ask unanimous con- RECORD, as follows: nologies and the Obama Administration’s historic steps to stop the unlimited dumping sent for 1 more minute. FACT SHEET: POWERING AMERICA WITH MORE The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without THAN 50 PERCENT CLEAN ENERGY BY 2030 of carbon pollution into our air and water with the Clean Power Plan, the U.S. elec- objection, it is so ordered. NextGen Climate is calling on candidates tricity sector is beginning to transform to Mrs. BOXER. Here is what NextGen and elected officials to tackle climate one that is cleaner, cheaper, and more reli- found: Achieving more than 50 percent change—the defining issue of our time—by able. clean energy by 2030 will spur economic producing a plan to power America with The Energy Information Administration more than 50 percent clean and carbon-free growth and create jobs. projects that the electricity mix in 2030 will energy by 2030, putting us on a pathway to I agree. be approximately 25% coal, 31% natural gas, 100% clean energy by 2050. The transition to Second, most Americans support a 1% oil, 18% nuclear, 7% hydropower, 12% clean electricity is urgently needed, techno- goal of more than 50 percent clean en- wind, 3+% solar, and 3% other renewable logically achievable, economically bene- ergy by 2050. sources. This means that with no additional ficial, and politically popular. I think the polls bear that out. policies other than expected implementation CLIMATE CHANGE PUTS AMERICA’S ECONOMY of the Clean Power Plan, nearly 43% of the Third, climate change puts America’s AND SECURITY AT RISK electricity produced is projected to be clean economy and security at risk. Left unchecked, climate change will have or carbon-free in 2030. I absolutely agree with that. We have devastating effects on America’s economy Though the transformation to a clean en- been told that by the defense establish- and security. ergy economy is already underway, and ac- ment.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 23:36 Jul 29, 2015 Jkt 049060 PO 00000 Frm 00008 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G29JY6.027 S29JYPT1 SSpencer on DSK4SPTVN1PROD with SENATE July 29, 2015 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S6097 Next, transitioning to a clean energy attempts to block the Clean Power tion is rising up. And what is doing it? economy will prevent climate disaster. Plan and other commonsense steps. Well, we have put tax breaks on the That is true. Last year, the EPW Committee heard books now for wind and solar. We are Lastly, they say 50 percent clean en- from four former EPA administrators giving them the same breaks we always ergy by 2030 is feasible. who served under Republican Presi- gave oil, we always gave coal. But what Although I haven’t studied this my- dents, from Richard Nixon to George do we hear from the Republican Party? self, I can say the Energy Information W. Bush, and they all agreed that cli- Should we eliminate the coal and oil Administration estimates that this can mate change requires action now. This tax breaks? Oh, no. You can’t touch happen if we take the kind of steps should not be a partisan issue. those. But when we say, well, let’s President Obama is recommending and President Obama has a plan, the renew the tax breaks for wind and a lot of us in the Senate support, put- American people want us to act, so I solar, they say it is time for us to now ting a price on carbon that will save us ask my Republican colleagues, what is allow these new industries to go it from devastating climate change. It your plan? alone. That has been the problem all will provide jobs and will make us a I yield the floor. along; there isn’t a level playing field. healthier nation. The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- What we have done over the last 7 As I said, I rise today to talk about ator from Massachusetts. years is create a level playing field, so one of the most serious threats facing Mr. MARKEY. Mr. President, we are the new energy technologies can com- our Nation—dangerous climate change. at a crossroads. We have a catastrophe pete against these old tax breaks for We need to act now, but the Republican that is looming for our planet. We have coal and oil that have been on the majority in Congress has no plan to ad- the world looking at the United States books for generations. We can do it. We dress the threat posed to the American wondering if we are going to lead. We can solve this problem, but we can’t people. have the Pope coming to the United create an unlevel playing field. The evidence of climate change is all States and speaking out on this issue. The same thing is true with auto- around us. NASA and NOAA found that We have the world gathering in Paris motive technologies. All of that CO 2014 was the hottest year around the 2 this November, this December, dis- coming out of automobiles, coming out globe since recordkeeping began 134 cussing this issue because it is now the of trucks, people said we just have to years ago. focal point of the world; that is, the live with it. The average for vehicles Earlier this month, the American danger of ever-escalating, dangerous that ordinary families drove in our Meteorological Society reported that climate change, the warming of our country just 6 years ago was 25 miles a numerous key climate change indica- planet, and the catastrophic con- gallon, essentially the same as 1975. tors were at or near record levels last sequences of the warming of our plan- The green generation, the young people year. 2014 was the hottest year since et. in our country, say let’s do better, let’s recordkeeping began in 1880; and sea The tides are rising. Snows are melt- invent new technologies. Let’s have surface temperatures and sea levels ing. In other places, the snows are electric cars. Let’s have plug-in hy- were at record high levels. greater than they have ever been be- And it is continuing—NOAA reported brids. Let’s have a generation of hy- fore. Climate change—dangerous cli- that January through June 2015 has brids. No, says the industry. It is too mate change—that is what is hap- been the hottest first half of any year difficult. We can’t figure it out. It will pening. on record. cripple our industry. We must act now to address climate What is the response from the Repub- We pass new laws here on the Senate change by reducing dangerous carbon lican side of the aisle? We hear noth- floor and on the House floor. What has pollution from the biggest source— ing. We hear denial. We hear essen- happened? We have a revolution in power plants. tially an argument that it is not our automotive technology. We now have The President’s Clean Power Plan responsibility to deal with it, but the people driving around in computers on will help America lead the way to avert Pope is asking us to be the leader. The wheels. The dashboard looks like it is a the worst impacts of climate change— world is asking us to be the leader. The spaceship. The cars are infinitely more such as sea level rise, dangerous heat young people in our country, the green efficient, and we are heading toward waves, and economic disruption. generation, are asking us to be the 54.5 miles per gallon. What did the ex- By reducing carbon pollution, we can leader. perts say 10 years ago? Impossible. We also cut many types of air pollutants The United States is a technological cannot do it. These are the same people that threaten human health. giant. We have the capacity to invent who said to President Kennedy that we I often say, if people can’t breathe, the technologies that are going to radi- cannot put a man on the moon in 8 they can’t go to work or school. Ac- cally reduce greenhouse gases, not only years. President Kennedy said: ‘‘We cording to EPA, the powerplant pro- in our own country but around the choose to go to the moon . . . and do posal will avoid up to 150,000 asthma world: new renewable energy tech- other things, not because they are attacks in children, 3,300 heart attacks, nologies, new battery technologies, and easy, but because they are hard.’’ We 6,600 premature deaths, and 490,000 new ways of generating electricity in are the United States of America. We missed days at school and work in 2030. the 21st century. We do not have to be will invent the new propulsion sys- The Obama administration clearly tied to 19th century technologies—oil tems. We will invent the new methods. gets it, and so do the American people. and coal. It is the 21st century. We will invent all of the things we need A Stanford University poll from earlier In our country, in 2015 and 2016, we so that America dominates the Soviet this year found that 83 percent of are going to generate 40,000 new Union and not the opposite. Americans, including 61 percent of Re- megawatts of wind and solar. We ask, The whole world is looking at this publicans, say if nothing is done to re- Well, what does that translate into? generation, this Senate. We have a duce carbon pollution, climate change What are 40,000 megawatts? If we think plan. President Obama has a plan to will be a problem in the future. And 74 of all the nuclear powerplants that control emissions coming out of the percent of Americans say the Federal have been constructed in our country powerplants of our country. Our plan is Government should take action to over the last 70 years, we now have one that moves toward renewable en- combat climate change. 100,000 megawatts of electricity coming ergy and away from these smokestacks Our businesses also get it. On Mon- from nuclear power. In these 2 years, of CO2 going up into the atmosphere day, 13 of the largest American busi- 2015 to 2016, we are going to add 40,000 and creating a blanket that holds in nesses gathered at the White House to in wind and solar. The experts did not the heat and continues to dangerously launch the American Business Act on think this was possible 10 years ago. warm the planet. That is what the Climate Pledge. These companies, in- The experts would have said: Oh, wind greenhouse effect is. It holds in the cluding California-based Google and and solar, that is nice, but it can’t re- heat, all of this pollution. Apple, pledged to take steps to address place the coal that has always been re- When we move toward solar, when we climate change. lied upon to provide our electricity move toward wind, when we move to- But climate deniers in Congress still going back to the 19th century. Impos- ward geothermal, when we move to- don’t get it—they have made repeated sible, they said. No. This new genera- ward all the new technologies, the CO2

VerDate Sep 11 2014 06:49 Jul 30, 2015 Jkt 049060 PO 00000 Frm 00009 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G29JY6.028 S29JYPT1 SSpencer on DSK4SPTVN1PROD with SENATE S6098 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE July 29, 2015 is cut radically and the planet is able Mr. President, I yield back the re- the oil and gas sector, to healthcare to breathe, and breathe in a way that mainder of my time. and financial services and transpor- says to generations to come that we Mr. CARDIN. Mr. President, man tation and hospitality. Disclosing cli- will have left this planet better than it made climate change has evolved from mate risk through the Securities & Ex- was before. a critical threat to an unavoidable re- change Commission’s, SEC, corporate That is what the Pope is going to ality. The reality of climate change reporting measures enhances trans- come and talk to us about—dangerous has already shown its grim effects on parency and allows investors to make climate change. That is what the Pope our environment and our health. smarter decisions, ultimately pro- is going to come and ask the United Today, I would like to speak about tecting and increasing shareholder States—to be the leader and not the the impacts of climate change on this value. lagger, to not allow the deniers of cli- country’s economic engine: our busi- As we continue to deplete our scarce mate change to dominate our debate in nesses. As temperatures and sea levels natural resources and send their harm- the United States of America, to not rise and as weather patterns become ful byproducts back into our air, water allow the technologies of the 19th cen- more severe, the costs of doing busi- and land, the cumulative impacts are tury dictate to the 21st century. ness go up. Droughts and heat waves changing the world. The rate of this Just 18 years ago, a small percentage drive up energy costs and have put in- change is accelerating; the status quo of all Americans had a wireless device credible pressure on global food pro- is untenable. By providing honest cli- in their pocket. Do you want to know duction. On a warming planet, floods mate risk disclosure and establishing why? The experts said it was impos- and other natural disasters damage in- climate action policies to mitigate and sible; you can’t do it. Today everyone frastructure and private property, driv- reduce that risk, American companies is walking around with one of these in ing up insurance premiums and in- are acting in everyone’s best financial their pocket, including 700 million peo- creasing the cost of doing business. interests. ple in Africa. We can do it. All of this creates uncertainty for in- Profit-driven corporate superpowers In Kenya and in Ethiopia, they are vestors, who increasingly want to like Apple, Coca-Cola, and Walmart are moving toward geothermal, solar, and know how climate change will affect taking concrete steps to reduce the im- wind. They are skipping the landline the companies in which they invest. pact of climate change. The message delivery of telecommunication service American companies are beginning to they are sending is clear: adapt, or fall in favor of wireless, and they are also notice. General Mills’ Chief Sustain- behind. Other companies now have the skipping the landline system of genera- ability Officer Jerry Lynch said, ‘‘The opportunity to join in what American tional electricity and moving to renew- best available science tells us all the businesses do best: innovating and ables. They are not relying on coal. changes we are making to the planet as leading the rest of the world by their They are moving on to the new. You a human species are what’s causing example. It is increasingly obvious can’t eliminate it totally. You need this.’’ Last year, General Mills an- that taking action to combat climate some coal. You need some oil. But we nounced its commitment to increasing change is economically prudent. But can continue to reduce it year after sustainability and reducing greenhouse more important, it is also the morally year. gas emissions in its supply chains. correct thing to do. I encourage more What is the plan we hear from the Even oil companies realize what is in the business community to take a Republican Party? How do we reduce happening: ExxonMobil’s William Col- stand on the right side of human his- the amount of greenhouse gases we are ton, Vice President of Corporate Stra- tory. The PRESIDING OFFICER. The ma- going to be sending into the atmos- tegic Planning, said, ‘‘The risk of cli- mate change is clear and the risk war- jority whip. phere? What is their plan? They say Mr. CORNYN. Mr. President, we are rants action.’’ ExxonMobil officials they don’t like President Obama’s continuing to make substantial subsequently announced the company plan. Where is their plan? What are progress on passing a multiyear high- would put $600 million into algae farms they going to do? What are they going way bill. Thanks to the developments that would turn sunlight into auto- to tell the green generation—all these of the recent day—I guess it was yes- motive fuel. Its new focus shows that pages on the floor representing tens of terday—we learned that the House is millions across our country? They are corporations across all economic sec- open to a conference committee to rec- asking the question: Where is the plan? tors are realizing something vital: the oncile an authorization bill that they How do we do this? How do we solve the negative effects of climate change hurt will likely take up soon and then to problem? How do we invent the new their bottom line. have a conference committee to rec- This week, some of America’s largest technologies, as we did with wireless oncile those differences. Previously we companies such as Apple, Coca-Cola, technology, and spread it across the had been told that the House would not planet? How do we do it for climate General Motors, Goldman Sachs, take up the Senate bill and was insist- change as well? That is going to be the Google, PepsiCo, and Walmart are ing on a short-term patch to the De- essential debate. standing with the Obama Administra- cember timeframe. I can tell you that Shruggy says: I am not happy; I am tion to launch the ‘‘American Business I, for one, was reluctant do that be- sad. Act on Climate Pledge’’. By signing cause without a clear path forward Where is the Republican emoji? this pledge, companies demonstrate an after December, we would be looking at Where is the one who says: We can do ongoing commitment to having a cli- perhaps not just the 34th patch but the it; we are America. mate action plan. The ongoing shift in 35th patch and on and on. We are not going to allow the rest of official corporate climate policies from What this country needs is a long- the world to have a problem from a burgeoning number of other large and term transportation bill, and that is which the United States is going to ex- small businesses demonstrates that what the Senate will likely pass tomor- empt itself because it is the only coun- taking action on climate makes strong row—our own 3-year bill—and then try that is denying climate change. economic sense. If these bastions of work with our colleagues in the House, The Senate has a great responsibility. capitalism can develop and commit to as we usually do when the two bodies We have an opportunity to be the glob- climate action plans, why has not the don’t necessarily agree on everything, al leader. We can save all of creation Republican Party devised its own ac- to work those out. while engaging in massive job creation tion plan? Denial simply will not cut I am thankful that the Members of here in America. We now have 100,000 it. this Chamber recognize how important clean energy jobs in Massachusetts. It The involvement of American busi- this legislation is. I have to tell you, is a big job creator. It is an employer of nesses in climate policy is a welcome coming from Texas—a big, fast-growing Americans all across our country. development but they must move even State that needs this investment in our We have a chance to do something further by disclosing the risks they infrastructure—this is important for special. We can begin this transition in face from climate change to investors. my constituents. a much more serious way—away from These risks, which are passed on to The highway legislation we are put- coal, away from oil, and toward this re- shareholders, hit nearly every industry ting forward is actually a 6-year au- newable solar era of the 21st century. imaginable, from obvious choices like thorization, and that is something to

VerDate Sep 11 2014 06:49 Jul 30, 2015 Jkt 049060 PO 00000 Frm 00010 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G29JY6.030 S29JYPT1 SSpencer on DSK4SPTVN1PROD with SENATE July 29, 2015 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S6099 be celebrated. As I mentioned, this Interstate Highway 35 through Austin, viously unserved by the Interstate avoids the sorts of temporary patches but it is almost like a parking lot. It Highway System. we have had in the past. runs the length of our State, starting Through years of outreach and public Although Chairman HATCH of the in Laredo, TX, which is the largest in- engagement—from Brownsville to Tex- Senate Finance Committee came up land port in America, where we have a arkana—we have identified upgrades with enough money—enough pay-fors lot of trucks and a lot of commercial and improvements to existing State in the jargon we use around here—to traffic coming across. It starts in La- corridors that could deliver a future I– pay for this for 5 years, there was an redo, but it goes through multiple pop- 69 throughout the State. We have made attempt to work on a bipartisan con- ulation centers, such as San Antonio— great progress since 2010. More than sensus. Since all of those pay-fors were my hometown—Austin, and then Dal- $1.3 billion has been expended toward not acceptable to this consensus, we las and Fort Worth, which are some of corridor improvements throughout got enough pay-fors to pay for the first the fastest growing cities in America, Texas, and since 2011, more than 200 3 years of this 6-year bill. But that before going on to Oklahoma. The miles of I–69 have been added to the doesn’t mean the work will end on try- interstate is more than 400 miles long Interstate Highway System, including ing to find a way to, in a fiscally re- in Texas alone, and because of our the first segment in South Texas. sponsible way, pay for the back end of growth, it is incredibly congested. In This is still a work in progress, and it this 6-year bill. fact, 18 segments of the interstate rank costs money. Upgrades are needed for There is a popular bumper sticker in the top 100 most congested roadways more than 1,000 miles of designated found on cars and trucks in Texas. I across the State. That growth isn’t roadways to complete it. I am re- know people sometimes get a little projected to let up anytime soon. As a minded of what the chairman of the tired of Texans who are so proud of matter of fact, it is going to continue Environment and Public Works Com- NHOFE, has said to me their State, as I am. But one of those at high levels. mittee, Senator I bumper stickers said: ‘‘I wasn’t born in Employment levels in Central Texas privately, which I know he has also Texas but I got here as fast as I could.’’ alone—some of the fastest growing said publicly as well, about the impor- Indeed, people have been voting with parts of the State—are projected to tance of infrastructure and the Federal Government’s role. Now, I happen to be their feet, coming from parts of the double or quadruple in the next 30 one who believes that the Federal Gov- country where, frankly, the policies— years. whether it is tax or regulatory poli- We are not afraid of getting bigger. ernment needs to do a much better job cies—or just the lack of jobs have We are proud of our size, our growth, when it comes to prioritizing Federal caused people to look elsewhere for and the opportunity that provides to spending and spending within our means, which the Federal Government jobs, for an opportunity to provide for the people of Texas. But passing a long- has not been doing. But when we talk their families and to pursue the Amer- term, well-funded highway bill be- about priorities and things that only ican dream. comes even more important when you the Federal Government can do that I have mentioned time and time come from a State such as mine with the States and local government can- again on this floor that our economy in the sorts of transportation challenges not do, as Chairman INHOFE likes to Texas grew at a rate of 5.2 percent last we have now and will continue to have say, there are two things that the Fed- year. Compare that to the national in the future. eral Government should do, and that is growth rate, which was 2.2 percent. So Building a stronger transportation national defense and infrastructure. He something is going on here, and I network for a stronger economy means said pretty much everything else is a would argue that what is going on is strengthening not only Interstate lower priority item. I think that makes that the policies that have been ema- Highway 35, which I mentioned a a lot of sense. minute ago, but also the vast existing nating from Washington, DC, have ac- When it comes to spending money, tually been a restraint or a wet blan- networks of other interstates and up- that is something that my constituents ket on job growth and economic grading routes to higher standards. in Texas are leery of when it comes to growth. We ought to look to some of This is ultimately about public safety. the Federal Government. They realize the States that have been successful We need to have transportation infra- that spending money on our infrastruc- laboratories of democracy for the kinds structure, highways, and interstates ture and the highway system just of policies that actually pay off. I am that allow people to travel at rel- makes common sense. So with a not just talking about for businesses; I atively high speeds in a safe way. That multiyear highway bill such as the one am talking about for workers and fami- is why this is important as well. before us, we can complete our inter- lies, particularly when it comes to Because we understand the relation- state, I–69, and that will move us one wages and good jobs. ship between quality infrastructure step closer to reality. As I mentioned a My State is a growing, diverse State. and economic success, I introduced an moment ago, these and other mod- I know sometimes people are surprised. amendment to the highway bill that ernization efforts also make our roads They know we have a large Hispanic would help our State connect more ef- safer and help with more efficient population. Roughly 38 percent of ficiently. I appreciate the bill man- freight movement, which means our Texas is Hispanic. But Vietnamese is agers for letting us take a close look at businesses can deliver goods to cus- the third most commonly spoken lan- this and the potential benefit for my tomers across the State and through- guage in Texas. We have about a quar- State and the transportation network out the country in a more expeditious ter of a million Vietnamese Americans. as a whole. fashion. We are a very diverse State. Some esti- This amendment will provide for I must also point out that this bipar- mates project our State to exceed 50 much needed improvements to high tisan bill is fiscally responsible and the million people by the year 2050, poten- priority corridors in Texas, such as pay-fors are not phony pay-fors, which tially doubling our current population. Interstate Highway 69. Congress first sometimes occurs here in the Congress. There is no time to lose when it designated future segments of I–69 in It doesn’t increase taxes or add to the comes to maintaining and expanding Texas nearly 25 years ago, after leaders deficit. So from my perspective, it is a our transportation networks to meet from the gulf coast region and East win-win. the rising demands from more people Texas said the State needed a new I encourage all of our colleagues to and more vehicles on our roads. That is route to increase connectivity between continue reviewing it and to keep in why this multiyear bill is so impor- land and sea ports and our existing mind the essential role infrastructure tant. interstate system. Fortunately, this is plays in our country and in our econ- For example, this legislation would also a route that improves emergency omy. Our economy, of course, is what help our State focus on improving evacuation capabilities—something I produces jobs, and it allows people to roadways that impact the daily lives of know the Presiding Officer can appre- find good work and provide for their Texans. That includes many of our ciate coming from Louisiana—and one families and pursue their dreams. interstates, such as Interstate 35. I that delivers an interstate to the Rio So far 2015 has been marked by real don’t know how many people in this Grande Valley, which is the largest steps forward in this Chamber, includ- Chamber have ever tried to drive down population center in the country pre- ing essential legislation, such as the

VerDate Sep 11 2014 23:36 Jul 29, 2015 Jkt 049060 PO 00000 Frm 00011 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G29JY6.031 S29JYPT1 SSpencer on DSK4SPTVN1PROD with SENATE S6100 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE July 29, 2015 Defense authorization bill and a bill port Bank to again make available fi- sound like a lot, but I think our GDP that will combat human trafficking. nancing for business—not for every growth in the first quarter was zero. This highway bill continues in the spir- business large and small, but for quite We struggled through a tough winter. it of accomplishment. Perhaps it is not a few. Other nations with whom we It has bounced back nicely in the sec- a grand-slam home run, but I would compete help finance their exports, and ond quarter, but it is still only 2.5 per- call them singles and doubles that we for us not to do the same puts us at a cent. The idea of being able to add 1.5 have been able to eke out so far this competitive disadvantage. percent to that would give us a 4-per- year. This bill will represent another Another thing we can do to strength- cent GDP growth, and that is as strong solid accomplishment for the 114th en our economic recovery is to better as we have seen in a while. It would Congress that we can be proud of on a protect our international property—re- translate into a lot more jobs for peo- bipartisan basis. search and development—whether it is ple other than just building highways, I encourage all of our colleagues to from cyber security attacks, data bridges, and roads in our country. continue the momentum and to get breaches, or whether it is through sim- I have been asked, why would our this bill passed soon, hopefully no later ply the way we combat patent trolling. GDP grow so much by making these in- than tomorrow. Folks come up with ideas and they are vestments in transportation? In one of I yield the floor. delayed. They end up in court, and re- several meetings I have had with indus- I suggest the absence of a quorum. search and development is stymied in try groups, someone from a company The PRESIDING OFFICER. The some cases as a result of all that. said: We move a lot of our products clerk will call the roll. We have worked in the Environment overseas in order to sell our products. The legislative clerk proceeded to and Public Works Committee for years We don’t export by air, but by ship. call the roll. now on something called the Tax Ex- Most of the exports leaving this coun- Mr. CARPER. Madam President, I ceptions Control Act which provides try go by way of ship. He went on to ask unanimous consent that the order predictability and certainty for busi- say: We send our products to ports and for the quorum call be rescinded. nesses, especially in the chemical in- we have a narrow window of time. In The PRESIDING OFFICER (Mrs. dustry, but also at the same time his particular case it was a timeframe ERNST). Without objection, it is so or- works to protect our health as human of 4 hours. The ships coming into this dered. beings, especially among the most vul- particular port needed to pick up their Mr. CARPER. Madam President, I nerable—the young, the old—and at the goods and products within 4 hours. He ask unanimous consent to speak as in same time it is good for the environ- said if they met that window, they morning business. ment. That legislation may be coming were good. If they missed that window, The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without before us as soon as next week. they were not good. As it turns out, objection, it is so ordered. Many of us have sought to provide there are enormous delays in moving STRENGTHENING OUR ECONOMIC RECOVERY some certainty for businesses on the not just people in this country but in Mr. CARPER. Madam President, col- tax side through international tax re- moving products and freight. leagues, I want to hearken back to last form, which is an idea supported by the One of the great things about the En- November’s election. I thought for President, by the House Republican vironment and Public Works Commit- some time—and the Presiding Officer and Democratic leadership, and by the tee’s 6-year transportation reauthor- has heard me say this once or twice— Finance Committee working group led ization legislation was a freight provi- that for this Senator there are three by Senators PORTMAN and SCHUMER. It sion. I give a lot of credit to Senators takeaways from that election. No. 1, is not comprehensive tax reform, but it BOXER and INHOFE for including—we the American people want us to work is a big piece of it that at least pro- were among the people who strongly together in the Senate here in Wash- vides some certainty and predictability recommended it—a strong freight pro- ington; the American people want us to and would also provide, frankly, a cou- vision in the Transportation bill in get things done; and most especially, ple hundred billion dollars over the order to help grow GDP to help grow the American people want us to get next 10 years to be used for roads, high- jobs. things done that actually strengthen ways, bridges, transit, rail, and so As it turns out, part of the reason our economic recovery. forth. why it is difficult to get anything done My own view is that one of the things The last thing I will mention in around here on transportation is the we can do to strengthen our economic terms of strengthening our economic issue of how we are going to pay for all recovery is to increase exports. We recovery is transportation. There is an these investments, although I have ref- work very hard in this Chamber, in the outfit called McKinsey which is a erenced some pretty good ideas. I men- Senate and with the House and the major consulting company. They have tioned one. One of the reasons it is dif- President, to try to pave the way to something called the McKinsey Global ficult to pass legislation through is create a large new trading block con- Institute. Not long ago they reported that multiple committees have juris- sisting of the United States and 11 that if we were to make the kind of ro- diction over transportation. The Envi- other countries which, when put to- bust investment in infrastructure ronment and Public Works Committee gether, comprise about 40 percent of sought by the President and supported in which I serve is led by Senators the world’s customers. This is the trad- by House Republican and Democratic INHOFE and BOXER. We have jurisdic- ing block we call the Trans-Pacific leadership, and supported by our bipar- tion over roads, highways, and bridges. Partnership. It is something that is tisan working group on the Finance That is a big piece of our transpor- sought by the President and is sup- Committee—if we were actually to do tation system, but it is not all of it. ported by myself, by Democrats, and that, we would grow, according to The Banking Committee has jurisdic- by Republicans, and it is still being ne- McKinsey’s employment estimates, by tion over transit, which is significant. gotiated. But it is an important part in as much as 1.5 million jobs over the The Commerce Committee has jurisdic- growing and strengthening our eco- next several years. A lot of these jobs tion over freight rail and interstate nomic recovery. are for people who are either not work- passenger rail and jurisdiction over One of the other related areas is how ing or are working part-time. They safety in a lot of instances. They also do we finance exports. One of the ways would like to build something or re- have jurisdiction over a fair amount of we have done that for years in this build something, and they could work what happens in the air for our coun- country is through the Export-Import on highways, bridges, our transit sys- try. Then the Finance Committee, Bank. We have reached a point where tems, and so forth. The folks at the which I am also privileged to serve the authorization of the Export-Import McKinsey Global Institute go even fur- on—which is called the Ways and Bank has expired. The legislation that ther to say that if we were to make Means Committee in the House—is has passed the Senate would renew this kind of robust investment in heavily involved in how to pay for all that authorization, and my hope is transportation at large, we would not the improvements we need to make— that when we finally find our way only put a lot of people back to work, and how badly we need to make them. through the transportation gauntlet, but we would grow our GDP by as As it turns out, there are some folks we will also reauthorize the Export-Im- much as 1.5 percent. That may not who actually study the amount of time

VerDate Sep 11 2014 23:36 Jul 29, 2015 Jkt 049060 PO 00000 Frm 00012 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G29JY6.037 S29JYPT1 SSpencer on DSK4SPTVN1PROD with SENATE July 29, 2015 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S6101 that we are delayed either sitting in good for my State or my district, and My Chrysler minivan that I men- traffic or moving very slowly in this this is one of the reasons why I am sup- tioned earlier gets about 24 miles per country. The folks at Texas A&M put porting this legislation. It doesn’t gallon on the highway, but there are out an annual report on congestion in mean we ought to go back to earmarks, vehicles today, including minivans, in- our country. They found the average but it is one of the reasons why it is cluding trucks, that do a whole lot bet- U.S. commuter wastes 38 hours every harder to build a super majority to ter than that. We have smaller pas- year because of traffic congestion. move legislation like this through the senger cars that routinely get 40 and There is an industry group that has Senate. even 50 miles to the gallon. To say that something called The Road Informa- So where are we? The House has the diesel tax and the gas tax are for- tion Program. They estimate the aver- passed legislation that says for the ever the sole solution is probably not age driver in the United States pays next 3 months we are going to fund realistic. We have some vehicles on the $377 each year in additional vehicle transportation projects in this coun- road that are pretty much all electric. costs as a result of poor road condi- try—roads, highways, bridges, and They do not buy any gas. They do not tions. The World Bank, in a related re- transit. They have outlined a couple of buy any diesel fuel. When they need a port, has found that when a road is al- ways to pay for that. They do not have refill, they pull up and recharge their lowed to deteriorate from good to poor, enough money to pay for projects over batteries. We have some folks who buy each dollar we fail to invest in road the next 5 months. They have author- vehicles that are powered by fuel cells. maintenance will increase vehicle oper- ized the actual construction of those They run on hydrogen or natural gas, ating costs by between $2 and $3. So projects for the next 3 months. That is methane. among the many reasons we want to their bill, and I think they have pretty So given the changing mix in the way make these investments is No. 1, to much passed it and said, kind of, take we move ourselves and goods and serv- grow employment for the many folks it or leave it. Previously, they said ices around the country, that sole reli- who are actually building and working they wanted to extend for 5 months the ance on user fees, by a gas tax and die- on these projects—a lot of people. We authorization and the appropriations sel tax, forever is not a good idea. want to grow our gross domestic prod- for roads, highways, bridges, and tran- Among the other ideas that are out uct. We want to reduce the amount of sit until sometime in December to give there is tolling. People who come time spent sitting in traffic or trav- us time between now and December to through my State on I–95 pay a toll. A eling very slowly in traffic. The 38 come to agreement on the administra- lot of them use E-ZPass. They can go hours wasted in congestion are hours tion’s earlier idea embraced by House through our State on the highway we lose in our lives every year. Lastly, Democratic and Republican leadership using E-ZPass so they don’t have to sit we want to reduce the amount of and embraced by the working group in in line and wait. Their credit card ac- money we spend on our own vehicles. the Senate Finance Committee about counts get charged for their travel. We I know my own vehicle, my Chrysler international tax reform, which some have a similar kind of arrangement on Town and Country minivan, went over would deem repatriation. State Route 1, where a lot of people 400,000 miles this week as we were driv- We passed out of here today a dif- come through our State from I–95 head- ing in from Delaware the day before ferent plan that I do not support but a ing south to our beaches or to Dover last. We were coming across the Chesa- plan that would appear to authorize Air Force Base. We have highway-speed peake Bay Bridge last week when it projects for a 6-year transportation E-ZPass there too. So tolling is part of topped out at 400,000 miles. Along the bill. As it turns out, the money is good the future. way people have asked: How do you get for maybe 3 years, not for 6. It comes Another idea that is being experi- a vehicle to go that many years and from a lot of different sources, some mented with by the States—it is re- that far? I tell them that every other that I would deem inappropriate. Oth- ferred to in different ways—but I think week we wash it. That is pretty much ers may differ with that. It is not the of it as vehicle miles traveled. Is there all I do. Well, I actually do a lot more way I think we should do business, but a way we can actually figure out how than that. I have replaced a lot of tires. it is the way we have done business. much, in terms of a true user—how There are a lot of potholes, causing a We passed a bill. We have different many miles we are actually traveling lot of realignments, and it adds up. The perspectives as to what we ought to do. in our vehicles and assess some kind of average is almost $377 a year, but the My expectation is that the Senate will fee at the Federal level or maybe at the money adds up for us as it does for agree with the House-passed bill and State level on those who are driving other people as well. we will, in the meantime, go back to cars, trucks, and vans. I mentioned earlier that the Environ- the drawing board. One of the things Folks in Oregon have been working ment and Public Works Committee has that I think has value in the House- on this the longest. I think they start- jurisdiction over roads, highways, and passed bill is it sets the stage for us to ed this effort about 10 years ago. They bridges. The commerce committee has get serious about the administration’s call it a road user charge. That is an- jurisdiction over ground transpor- proposal, again embraced by the House other way of saying vehicle miles trav- tation, including freight rail, passenger Democratic and Republican leadership, eled. I think at the end of the day—not rail, and air; the banking committee and by our bipartisan working group in the end of the day but in 10, 15, 20 has jurisdiction over transit; and the the Finance Committee. It gives us years, we will have figured out how to Finance Committee has jurisdiction time to actually find out if we can do actually do vehicle miles traveled/road over finance and how we actually fi- that. user charges in a cost-effective way nance these investments. That is one of There are some people who don’t like that is protective of people’s rights to the reasons it is difficult to put a pack- that idea. Some people in pretty power- privacy. age together with all the different ful positions around here don’t like The other area that I think we will pieces to find common ground and to that idea, but there are others in do a better job in is tolling, moving to come to an agreement on how to fund equally high positions who think that more things like the highway-speed E- it. is a very good idea. Among the benefits ZPass, so people who want to use a par- One of the other difficulties is—and I that it would provide—it doesn’t ad- ticular road will pay a toll and do so in am not a huge advocate of earmarks, dress our transportation needs forever, a way that still expedites movement of but one of the reasons people were will- but it certainly would provide a lot of traffic as we do through highway-speed ing to vote year after year, decade money for the next 6 years. E-ZPass. Having said that, if we are after decade, for a 6-year transpor- Why might that be a good idea? I unable to come to an agreement at the tation bill was because they could think ultimately—and while for years end of this year, if we are unable to point to certain specific provisions in we have used user fees, gas taxes, diesel come to an agreement on some kind of the Transportation bill which helped taxes, to fund most of our road con- international tax reform, the idea of their congressional district or their struction at the national level and for using a lot of cats and dogs to fund State. It is more difficult now for a our road repairs—to be honest with transportation improvements for the representative or Senator to say these you, over time, our cars, trucks, and next 2 or 3 years—I don’t think that is are the specific provisions that are vans have been more energy efficient. a good outcome.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 23:36 Jul 29, 2015 Jkt 049060 PO 00000 Frm 00013 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G29JY6.039 S29JYPT1 SSpencer on DSK4SPTVN1PROD with SENATE S6102 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE July 29, 2015 I am not a Congress of one. If I were, cents a year for 4 years. But there were nese—and I don’t think they are doing I would go back and say we should look six States last year across the coun- this so much anymore, but they manip- at—at least for the next 6 years—user try—most of them with Republican ulate their currency. fees. We have been using user fees or Governors and Republican legisla- When the Chinese are trying to taxing gas and diesel for a long time to tures—that did something like this. maybe dump some of their products in provide for most of the Federal share They did not raise the gas tax by $1 or this country illegally and we say you for these transportation construction 50 cents or even 25 cents, but they can’t do that, China, you can’t do that, projects and improvements. I think the raised it, in some cases, over several for the Chinese, it is very easy to say I last time we raised the Federal gas tax years. thought you wanted to borrow money, was 1993. We raised it to 18.3 cents per The question is, Can State legislators and it puts us in a very awkward posi- gallon. We raised, at the same time, or Members of the Congress actually tion as a nation. the diesel taxes to 24.3 cents per gallon. vote to meet our transportation needs? If things are worth having, they are We have not raised either of those for Can they actually vote for this stuff worth paying for. I don’t think the pay- over 22 years. Since that time, the cost and get reelected? As it turns out, 95 fors that were used in the—not the 6- of asphalt, the cost of concrete, the percent of the Republicans in these six year authorization bill that passed cost of labor, the cost of steel have all States and State legislatures—95 per- here—the Transportation bill is really gone up, but the user fees, the gas tax cent of the Republican legislators who a 3-year. I don’t think the idea of tak- and diesel tax, have not gone up at all. voted for these user fee increases won ing money away from Customs fees and George Voinovich—former Governor, their primaries last year and they won different other sources to use for pur- former U.S. Senator—and I worked to- their generals. They were reelected. poses for which it was never intended— gether about 5 or 6 years on the Among the Democrats who voted in for transportation purposes—I don’t Bowles-Simpson Commission to sug- those six States last year to raise user think that is the way to do this. gest an increase in the gas and diesel fees, 90 percent of them won their pri- The good news is this: The House is tax by a penny every quarter, by a maries, they won the general election. in one place, the Senate is in another. penny every 3 months, for about 15 They were reelected. For people who We have several months to figure this quarters. We were roughly saying 3 or 4 say you cannot vote to do a tough out. I hope we use these several months cents a year for 4 years and then index thing and still get reelected, I would to drill down real hard on the idea of international tax reform, the deemed the gas tax after that to the rate of in- just say look at those six States from repatriation, which will provide hun- flation so we did not have to come back last year. Other States are going to fol- dreds of millions of dollars for trans- and re-address it every year or every 2 low in those footsteps this year as well. portation over the next 6 years. If that or 3 or 4 years. So the long term—I will wrap it up at That is an idea that was actually this point in time. I see Senator does not work, I want us to look at some other alternatives. The worst al- adopted in the Bowles-Simpson report, GRASSLEY is on the floor. But long but much of what the Bowles-Simpson term, the worst option is to do nothing. ternative is to get to December and report included has not been enacted. The worst option is to do nothing. I say: Well, let’s just borrow some more money or let’s come up with some cats One of the things I am going to be have a glass of water here. I am going and dogs and patch this and kick the doing—and I hope colleagues in the to ask the pages to bring me a couple more glasses, just empty glasses, if can down the road again. House as well as in the Senate—in the So I am going to work very hard as a they will quickly. Senator GRASSLEY is next day or two is introducing an in- member of the Finance Committee on waiting to talk. Bear with me. This is crease in the gas and diesel tax of 4 the international tax reform piece. I cents a year for the next 4 years—that show-and-tell on the Senate floor. I know Senator GRASSLEY, if I am not don’t think this is against the rules, will be 16 cents over the next 4 years— mistaken, is the senior Republican on and then indexing the gas tax and die- but if it is, maybe the Presiding Officer the Finance Committee and somebody sel tax to the rate of inflation. will cut me a break. who is a key participant in trying to What would that cost the average We will say this glass of water that is find common ground. He is good at sitting right here is world capital mar- family, the average driver in this coun- that. I look forward to working with kets, a lot of money, trillions of dol- try? On a weekly basis, it would be him on that. about $2, actually less than $2. I don’t lars. Some of it is from sovereign na- I will close with this. To me, the know what people pay for a cup of cof- tions, some of it is from trust funds, message from the American people in fee, but I am told you can buy—I pension funds, and so forth. This glass the elections from last November was bought a cup of coffee today for $1.70. is empty. This is the U.S. transpor- threefold: People want us to work to- Some people buy it for less. Some peo- tation trust fund. It is empty. gether. They want us to get important ple buy it for $2 or more. But for rough- When we run out of money and we things done, and among the most im- ly a cup of coffee a week, we could have don’t raise taxes or revenues to fill it, portant is to further strengthen an al- better roads, highways, bridges—a we turn to the general fund. We say ready strengthening economy. A big whole lot better. let’s take money out of the general piece of that can be transportation. By doing that, we would raise, over fund and put some of it into the trans- The American people expect us to the next 10 years, $180 billion, maybe portation trust fund. This glass is make tough decisions. This is a tough even more, to be able to provide for our empty too. Our debt is down, our def- negotiation, but it is one we have to construction needs, roads, highways, icit is down—our debt is not down—our have. We have to have a good outcome bridges, and transit. We have the sys- deficit is down, but we still are running in the end. tem in place. We know how to do it. a big deficit. There is no money in the With that, I thank my friend from The price of gasoline—I bought gas the general fund to refill the transpor- Iowa for his patience. other day in Central Delaware, in tation trust fund these days. I yield the floor. Dover. I paid $2.53 a gallon. It was down So what we do is we go out into the The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- by about 20 cents over the last month. world capital markets—here, where ator from Iowa. If the Iran deal actually goes through there is a lot of money—and we borrow. FALSE CLAIMS ACT and is approved, the Iranians are ex- We sell Treasury securities. So as it Mr. GRASSLEY. Madam President, I pected to add to a world already awash turns out, one of the best buyers for often come to the floor to honor whis- in oil. So the price of oil is coming those Treasury securities is China. So tleblowers but more importantly to down. The Iranians would add, I am we ask China: How about buying some talk about their very important role in told, about another half billion barrels of our Treasury securities? They do. making government function. of oil to the marketplace and probably Then when the Chinese turn around On July 30, 1778, the Continental Con- continue to push down the price of oil. and start pushing around the Viet- gress passed the very first whistle- I ask us to keep that in mind. Some namese or the Filipinos in the South blower law in the United States. It people say we will never be able to get China Sea, around the Spratly Islands read: the votes for an increase in the gas or and places I used to fly as a naval [I]t is the duty of all persons in the service diesel tax, even if it is phased in for 4 flight officer years ago—when the Chi- of the United States . . . to give the earliest

VerDate Sep 11 2014 23:36 Jul 29, 2015 Jkt 049060 PO 00000 Frm 00014 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G29JY6.040 S29JYPT1 SSpencer on DSK4SPTVN1PROD with SENATE July 29, 2015 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S6103 information to Congress or other proper au- way. For example, the amendments words the judge use, and that judge was thority of any misconduct, frauds or mis- provided protection for whistleblowers right. demeanors committed by any officers or per- and eliminated the impossible govern- Congress intended to empower, to sons in the service of these states, which ment knowledge bar. Essentially, a re- protect, and to reward relators who may come to their knowledge. lator’s suit was only barred where the identify fraud against the taxpayers. Probably for the last 6, 7 years, I fraud had been publicly disclosed. The History teaches us that weakening the have been referring to this around the amendments also clarified that the act relator’s rights weakens the govern- time of July 30. covers false claims made not just di- ment’s ability to fight fraud. All that Going back to 1778, we have had rec- rectly to a government agency; it also does is let wrongdoers off the hook, and ognition of the important role whistle- covers fraud against grantees, States, it costs the taxpayers money. That is blowers can play in making sure gov- and other recipients of Federal funds, not the result we intended with the ernment is responsible. Whistleblowers whether or not the fund obligation is False Claims Act. And the Continental have always been crucial in helping fixed. Congress, which was so concerned Congress and the Federal Government These provisions and others were in- about identifying misconduct, fraud, root out fraud and misconduct. tended to give the False Claims Act and misdemeanors, would not have It is simple common sense to reward teeth again, and they did. However, as wanted those results I just talked and protect whistleblowers who report happens with a lot of legislation Con- about. waste of taxpayers’ money, fraudulent gress passes, the courts chipped away I want to remind my colleagues to use of taxpayers’ money, and outright at the heart of the False Claims Act stand strong for the effective tool that simple abuse. The False Claims Act and ignored the intent of Congress. The we have to combat fraud. does that. In fiscal year 2014 alone, the assault on the act came to a head in I yield the floor. Federal Government recovered nearly the Supreme Court’s erroneous opin- Mr. ENZI. I suggest the absence of a $6 billion under the False Claims Act. ions in the well-known cases of Allison quorum. That makes more than $22 billion since Engine and Totten. The Court held The PRESIDING OFFICER. The January 2009 and more than $42 billion that the act required proof of intent clerk will call the roll. since I got the legislation passed in that the government itself pay a claim The bill clerk proceeded to call the 1986. These recoveries represent vic- and that a claim is presented directly roll. tories across a wide array of industries to the government. Mr. BROWN. Madam President, I ask and government programs. Those pro- The problem with that logic is it cre- unanimous consent that the order for grams include mortgage insurance, ates a loophole big enough to drive a the quorum call be rescinded. Federal student aid, Medicare and Med- truck through. A third party paid with The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without icaid, as well as defense contracts. government money would get away objection, it is so ordered. The Department of Justice credits with fraud because a contractor, not 50TH ANNIVERSARY OF MEDICARE whistleblowers for their important role the government agency, paid the claim. Mr. BROWN. Madam President, I re- in the success, for the money that has So in 2009 we passed the Fraud Enforce- mind my colleagues that tomorrow come back to the Federal Treasury, ment and Recovery Act and made very marks the 50th anniversary of Presi- and for the carrying out of the False clear that was not consistent with the dent Johnson traveling to Independ- Claims Act. According to the Justice original intent of the 1986 False Claims ence, MO, to be with President Tru- Department, whistleblowers accounted Act. The act reaches false claims for man, who in the 1940s had attempted to for $3 billion in recoveries under that government money or property, wheth- push through Congress legislation to act in just fiscal year 2014. In fact, over er or not the wrongdoer deals directly expand the Social Security Act to in- 80 percent of False Claims Act cases with the Federal Government. It was clude what we now call Medicare. When are initiated by whistleblowers. never the intent of Congress to give a President Johnson went to Independ- Clearly, the False Claims Act is free pass to subcontractors or other ence, MO, he signed the legislation. working very well. Of course, the act parties receiving government funds. In The one we pay the most attention to has no shortage of critics—typically in fact, those folks are some of the big- is Medicare, which is health care for the groups where you find perpetrators gest perpetrators of fraud today. the elderly, but probably equally im- of fraud. But we have learned our les- The inspector general for the Depart- portant and certainly very significant son that a weak False Claims Act is ment of Health and Human Services is the creation of Medicaid. Medicaid not in the taxpayers’ best interests. has reported a 134-percent increase in came out of several years of congres- In 1943, Congress bowed to the pres- complaints against Medicare Part D in sional debate where Congress under- sure to undo the act’s crucial qui tam just the last 5 years. By not stopping stood that low-income people—espe- provisions. Amendments passed in that fraud against programs such as Medi- cially low-income people who were era of World War II barred actions care Part D, the government is hem- working—didn’t have insurance. It was where the government already had orrhaging funds. Taxpayer money is for people who were poor, people in knowledge of fraud. The result was to taxpayer money. Fraud does not magi- nursing homes, and it evolved for elder- block nearly all private actions. Con- cally become OK just because a third ly people. Most of the money in Med- gress assumed—and now we can say as- party is involved. icaid goes to take care of the elderly in sumed wrongly—that the Justice De- Of course, the issue of presentment nursing homes, and it has had such an partment could do a good job pros- to government officials is not the only impact on their lives. ecuting fraud all by itself. As I said, sticking point. There has been But think about what Medicare has they were wrong. Between 1943 and pushback in courts and from lobbyists done. Prior to 1965, this social insur- 1986, when the False Claims Act was about all sorts of issues, such as the ance program—this program we call amended, fraud against the govern- ‘‘public disclosure bar,’’ settlement Medicare today—provided health care ment skyrocketed. Most of those ac- practices, and award shares for rela- to almost every senior. Prior to 1965, cused went unpunished. tors. Through it all, Congress has had only about half of the senior citizens in A 1981 report by the Government Ac- to stay vigilant in keeping courts and the United States of America had countability Office said: Federal agencies generally true to our health insurance—only about half. For those who are caught committing original legislative intent. Huge numbers of the elderly lived in fraud, the chances of being prosecuted and As an example, just recently the Jus- poverty. They lived in poverty partly eventually going to jail are slim. . . . The tice Department tried to minimize a because for a whole host of reasons sad truth is that crime against the Govern- relator award in a Medicare and Med- they couldn’t save enough and Social ment often does pay. icaid fraud case. The relator contrib- Security wasn’t quite enough. Many So in 1986 I coauthored much needed uted significantly to the case. The lived in poverty because of their health amendments to the False Claims Act. judge recognized that Congress in- care costs. They would go to the doctor The 1986 amendments once again gave tended that ‘‘the only measuring and have to pay out of pocket. They citizens the ability to help the govern- stick’’ for an award is ‘‘the contribu- barely could afford that and sometimes ment go after fraud in a meaningful tion of the relator.’’ Those are the couldn’t afford that.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 23:36 Jul 29, 2015 Jkt 049060 PO 00000 Frm 00015 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G29JY6.042 S29JYPT1 SSpencer on DSK4SPTVN1PROD with SENATE S6104 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE July 29, 2015 So what Medicare does is it provides age with Medicare. It protects you if sponsible for Congress not to pass a bi- 50 million seniors today with health in- you are disabled with Social Security. partisan bill this week and keep those surance. It wasn’t easy. A majority of It protects you if you are laid off with projects moving forward. Republicans in the House and the Sen- unemployment insurance. I hope this fall we will finally be able ate opposed the creation of Medicare. That is why, when people hear my to come together with our colleagues The John Birch Society—we know it colleagues—particularly, again, the in the House to send to the President a today as the tea party—the John Birch most conservative Republicans, who multiyear surface transportation bill. Society in those days opposed the cre- have never supported these programs— The State of Maine currently re- ation of Medicare. Insurance interests go after these programs, understand ceives $170 million of Federal highway and the medical interests opposed what privatization means and under- funds annually, and the Maine Depart- Medicare. It was a huge struggle. As I stand what vouchers mean. It means ment of Transportation needs and obli- said, a majority of Republicans voted shifting costs of health care to seniors gates every single dollar. Under the against the creation of Medicare. Just instead of this program taking care of multiyear bill before the Senate, Maine like the Affordable Care Act—Repub- those seniors. It means privatizing So- would do even better and would receive licans didn’t like the Affordable Care cial Security. nearly $190 million the first year, in- Act and don’t like the Affordable Care In my State of Ohio, half of the sen- creasing to nearly $215 million. The Act today. Republicans didn’t like ior citizens rely on Social Security for legislation before us also prioritizes Medicare a generation and a half ago more than half of their income. So bridge reconstruction and safety. This and opposed it. Bob Dole—then Con- think what would have happened if a funding is critical, as 364 of Maine’s gressman Dole, later Senator Dole, decade and a half ago President Bush bridges have been rated as structurally later Presidential candidate, Repub- had actually been successful in trying deficient. lican nominee Dole—bragged about op- to turn Social Security over to Wall The commissioner of Maine’s Depart- posing Medicare, saying it wouldn’t Street, which is what he wanted to do. ment of Transportation tells me that if work. He bragged about that for a cou- If he had been successful in turning So- the highway trust fund is not fixed by ple of decades after it took effect. But cial Security over to Wall Street, July 31, the department will have to we know social insurance works. think what would have happened to stop construction projects midstream What is social insurance? Social in- people’s Social Security checks in 2007, within weeks. This would be dev- surance is where everybody pays into in 2008, in 2009, in 2010, and in 2011, astating for the State’s economy, for something. Whether it is Social Secu- when the bottom fell out of Wall Street the people employed in these well-pay- rity, whether it is unemployment in- and our financial systems. That is why ing construction jobs, and for the surance, whether it is Medicare, people these social systems are so important. transportation infrastructure in des- pay into a government program of That is why tomorrow, when we com- perate need of repair and rehabilita- some kind, and then when they need it, memorate the 50th anniversary of tion. they get assistance. You pay into So- President Johnson traveling to Inde- The lack of consistent multiyear cial Security. If you become disabled, pendence, MO, to the home of Presi- funding for the highway trust fund you get a benefit. Once you retire, you dent Truman and his signing the Medi- makes it so difficult for States to plan, get a benefit. You paid into it. It is care bill, and how much it has meant causes construction companies to delay called social insurance. to generation after generation—my hiring workers, and costs the govern- You pay into Medicare all your work- parents, my grandparents, and the par- ment more in the long run due to the ing life, but when you turn 65, you re- ents and grandparents of so many of us uncertainty of funding. According to ceive a Medicare benefit. You get in this body and in the gallery—that the American Association of State health insurance; you get hospitaliza- matters so much to us. Highway and Transportation Officials, tion; you get a doctor’s benefit. So I wanted to stop by the floor to the States of Arkansas, Georgia, Ten- You pay into unemployment insur- say happy birthday to Medicare—happy nessee, Utah, and Wyoming are among ance, which is another kind of social 50th birthday. We want to see another those that have already postponed bid- insurance. When you get laid off, you 50 years where Medicare makes a huge ding on major transportation projects get assistance so you can continue to difference in the lives of so many due to the uncertainty of Federal fund- feed your family and go on with not as Americans. ing. good a lifestyle but at least you will I suggest the absence of a quorum. While I feel I have no choice but to have enough to get along. That is why The PRESIDING OFFICER (Mr. support a short-term patch to prevent social insurance matters. TILLIS). The clerk will call the roll. the highway trust fund from expiring What is troubling about all of this is The senior assistant legislative clerk later this week, this short-term ap- there are still people in this country— proceeded to call the roll. proach is not the answer. It needs to particularly conservative Repub- Ms. COLLINS. Mr. President, I ask stop being the norm. It epitomizes licans—who just don’t like social insur- unanimous consent that the order for Congress’s failure to govern sensibly— ance. They don’t like Social Security. the quorum call be rescinded. to govern in a cost-effective way, to They don’t like unemployment insur- The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without govern in a way that allows for the cre- ance. They don’t like Medicare. They objection, it is so ordered. ation of good jobs in this country, and will tell you they do. Very few politi- Ms. COLLINS. Mr. President, I rise in the renovation, repair, and rehabilita- cians running for office say they don’t support of the multiyear surface trans- tion of our vital transportation sys- like Medicare. But we know that be- portation bill before the Senate. The tem. cause if, in fact, they get elected, we current authorization is set to expire We in the Senate have the oppor- know what they do when they are in of- this Friday when the highway trust tunity to pass a multiyear surface fice. They try to privatize Social Secu- fund will be depleted to levels that can transportation bill that reauthorizes rity, as President Bush did. They try to no longer fully reimburse States for our highways, transit, rail, and safety voucherize Medicare, as the Republican construction that has already been programs, while keeping the highway Vice Presidential nominee in 2012, completed. Unfortunately, it looks as trust fund solvent for the next 3 years. PAUL RYAN, tried to do. And we know though we are going to have yet an- This legislation gives State depart- what so many Republicans—conserv- other short-term extension, rather ments of transportation the certainty atives, the most conservative Repub- than immediately enacting a longer they need to continue planning, invest- licans—thought about unemployment term bill, as the House of Representa- ing, and constructing thousands of insurance when they tried to cut it tives is preparing to send the Senate a highway and infrastructure projects back, when they tried to weaken it, 3-month extension. that the entire Nation relies upon. and when they tried to undercut it. This is a critical time of year for These investments create jobs, boost So while government isn’t close to many States, particularly for my home our Nation’s economy, and keep us solving all of our problems, social in- State of Maine, where peak construc- competitive in the global marketplace. surance sets a safety net that protects tion work occurs during a very short The legislation maintains the Fed- the public. It protects you in your old construction season. It would be irre- eral-aid highway formula program

VerDate Sep 11 2014 23:36 Jul 29, 2015 Jkt 049060 PO 00000 Frm 00016 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G29JY6.043 S29JYPT1 SSpencer on DSK4SPTVN1PROD with SENATE July 29, 2015 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S6105 structure. This funding is not only cru- whom I have worked with on the trans- TIGER grants are being used to make cial for building new highways and portation-HUD subcommittee of the critical safety improvements to a bridges but also to maintain and repair Appropriations Committee, as well as major trucking route where the fatal- our Nation’s crumbling infrastructure, Republicans such as Senator COCHRAN ity rate has been more than three including, as I mentioned, the thou- and Senator SHELBY at the full com- times the State average. In my home sands of deficient bridges across the mittee level on this program. But, State of Washington, $204 million has Nation. most of all, it is important that we act gone to 13 critical infrastructure With the consideration of this impor- and act quickly to pass a multiyear projects across my State, from Seattle tant bill, we are one step further to re- surface transportation bill that will to Spokane to Vancouver. sponsible investments, steady invest- create jobs and on which our country Demand for TIGER funding is in- ments in infrastructure that millions can depend. tense. Applications always exceed the of Americans count on every day. That Thank you, Mr. President. amount of funding available, some- is why I am so disappointed that in- I yield the floor. times by as much as 20 to 1. It is clear stead we will do yet another short- The PRESIDING OFFICER (Mr. that we can and should be doing so term patch. We need to get away from BOOZMAN). much more to help communities carry that method of funding the highway The Senator from Washington. out these projects that make our trans- trust fund. Mrs. MURRAY. Mr. President, I am portation system safer and more effi- I also wish to highlight today the im- delighted to join the Senator from cient. portance of the national infrastructure Maine on the floor today to speak Though we hit some unfortunate and investment grants, otherwise known as about this critical infrastructure pro- unnecessary barriers in passing the the TIGER program. While this pro- gram called TIGER. She and I have TIGER amendment, I know that Sen- gram was not included in the under- worked together for many years on ator COLLINS and Senator REED are lying bill, Senators MURRAY, REED, and transportation infrastructure, and I so going to continue fighting along with I have filed an amendment, along with appreciate her leadership and her tre- me to support this critical program. I Senators COCHRAN, SHELBY, and others, mendous enthusiasm in making sure hope more of our colleagues will join that would authorize this highly suc- that our country does the right thing. with us in boosting regional economies cessful TIGER grant program. This It is a delight to be here today with and in improving our Nation’s infra- program has been such an effective ini- her, as well as with my colleague from structure, because this type of program tiative. It has helped to advance crit- Rhode Island, who is now the ranking is so important to our States and our ical transportation infrastructure member on the transportation appro- local agencies as they work to tackle projects across our great country. It is priations subcommittee. I thank them the complex transportation needs of one of the most flexible transportation both for coming to the floor to speak our communities. programs in which State and local au- about a program that we created sev- Thank you, Mr. President. eral years ago and that has been so ef- I yield the floor. thorities can apply for funding. Every The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- fective. Senator here has seen firsthand how ator from Rhode Island. TIGER projects create good jobs and We all know that investing in our Mr. REED. Mr. President, let me Nation’s infrastructure is a critical support economic growth in our home begin by commending Senator COLLINS part of broad-based and long-term eco- States. The program has supported and Senator MURRAY for their extraor- highway, bridge, port, rail, and transit nomic growth. As we can see today, dinary leadership on this TIGER pro- projects from this highly competitive this is not a partisan issue. Democrats gram in particular but in so many dif- program. and Republicans agree that infrastruc- ferent aspects, particularly with re- In fact, let me give my colleagues ture investments get workers back on spect to transportation policy. They some idea of the demand for the TIGER the job, help our economy grow in com- have done an extraordinary job, and grants. To date, the TIGER program munities across this country, and today is no exception. I am delighted has received a total of $4.6 billion make sure our transportation systems to be able to join them on their amend- through appropriations from fiscal work in a 21st century economy. That ment to increase resources for TIGER year 2009 through 2015, awarding 342 is why I am so proud to be a strong grants. projects in all 50 States. Here is how supporter of this bipartisan amend- I am disappointed, as are my col- many applications were submitted. Re- ment that we are offering today. It has leagues, that this is merely, in some member that 342 projects were actually 29 cosponsors from both sides of the respects, a discussion amendment—we funded. There were 6,700 applications aisle. What it does is it continues the can’t bring it up for a vote—because I that were received by the Department, popular competitive grant program think this is an effort, as Senator COL- totaling nearly $134 billion in funding known as TIGER. LINS pointed out, that would be sup- requests. So my colleagues can see that TIGER grants have made an impact ported strongly by both sides of the the pent-up demand is just enormous. in every corner of this country, and aisle. This demonstrates how oversubscribed they represent exactly the type of in- Since 2009, the TIGER program has the TIGER program is and how much it vestment our country should be mak- helped State and local governments is needed by our State and local gov- ing—addressing our Nation’s short- make critical investments in their in- ernments. I have received numerous term and long-term transportation frastructure all across this country. In letters of support for our amendment, issues while creating good-paying many respects, it is the final piece of a some of which include Transportation jobs—American jobs, I would add—and puzzle of how we get needed, necessary for America and more than 150 elected working to grow our economy from the infrastructure in place. It has been officials, State departments of trans- middle out, not just the top down. that catalyst that has brought private portation, metropolitan planning orga- We have all seen firsthand the dif- funds and State funds and local funds nizations, and chambers of commerce. ference the TIGER program can make together to accomplish something that You name it; they have endorsed our in our States. So that is why I fought, makes sense to our economy and to the amendment to authorize this impor- along with my colleagues, to get this efficiency and productivity of our tant program. amendment included in the final States. This is just one of the many ways my Transportation bill. TIGER is able to leverage additional colleagues and I would like to work to Since its creation, TIGER has award- resources. It is a program that has improve this bipartisan bill. Our ed $4.1 billion directly to communities been wildly popular to construct roads TIGER grant amendment is widely sup- to support more than 340 innovative, and bridges, public transit, ports, and ported on both sides of the aisle, and I multimodal projects in every State. passenger and freight railroads. It is believe it would pass were we able to For example, TIGER grants are in- very flexible. Its flexibility, its adapt- get a vote. creasing the flow of commerce and ability, and its ability to coalesce It has been a privilege to work very trade between Maine and New Hamp- other resources has been remarkable. closely with my colleagues, Senator shire because of improvements to the As a result, it has been extraordinarily MURRAY and Senator REED, both of Memorial Bridge. In New Mexico, popular.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 23:36 Jul 29, 2015 Jkt 049060 PO 00000 Frm 00017 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G29JY6.048 S29JYPT1 SSpencer on DSK4SPTVN1PROD with SENATE S6106 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE July 29, 2015 Through the TIGER program, the corporation should make, and if they children there. They know they are U.S. Department of Transportation has think it is worthwhile, they are the going to be cared for. They know peo- supported more than 340 different ones who should put the money up, not ple will care for them. They don’t care projects in all 50 States and in the Dis- with a subsidy from the tax code. That whether they are Republicans or Demo- trict of Columbia. These projects have is just an example of some of the ways crats, they are women who need health improved safety, they have connected we could generate real resources. care, and I will strongly oppose the ef- workers to jobs, and they have sup- Again, let me say how strongly I sup- fort that is going to be before us in this ported economic development. By the port this amendment, how much we body to cut off health care for women. way, they put people to work right really owe the determination, the vi- I yield the floor, and I thank the Sen- away in an economy that needs people sion, and the thoughtfulness of Senator ator from California. to be working right now. COLLINS and Senator MURRAY. I must The PRESIDING OFFICER (Mr. As Senator COLLINS pointed out, the also thank Senator INHOFE and Senator SCOTT). The Senator from California. demand has far outstripped the re- BOXER for their work on getting us at Mrs. BOXER. Mr. President, I thank sources: 6,700 applications for the least this far. We have got to go fur- the Senator from Vermont, the rank- roughly 300 grants. We can do more. ther, but they have got us at least this ing member of the Judiciary Com- The appetite is there, the need is there, far. mittee, for his remarks. I agree with and the competitive process ensures It looks as if, given that the House is him, and I will be speaking later on that these needed resources are tar- leaving, this bill will not be enacted today on the same topic. geted to extraordinarily important pro- this week. Certainly, we have got a I want to go back to speaking about grams. So for many of these reasons template which I hope we can improve the Transportation bill. I want to this is one of those programs that is on as we spend the few months’ exten- thank my colleagues for the strong just win-win-win. Unfortunately, we sion that will be the ultimate result of show of support we had on this bill. We cannot bring it forward on this legisla- this week. In that time I think one of had 65 colleagues voting to end debate tion. This funding is absolutely nec- the measures that will be improved is and get to a vote. We do expect a good essary. the TIGER program and other things vote tomorrow, but I have to say that I have seen in my home State of that we can and must do. the reaction of the House Speaker took Rhode Island that without the TIGER Let me conclude where I began and me aback. Remember that the bill we grant we would not have been able to thank very sincerely Senator COLLINS passed was totally bipartisan, with a jump-start a project which is the Inter- and Senator MURRAY. majority of Democrats and a strong state 95 viaduct. It sounds interesting, I yield the floor. majority of Republicans. Senators but it is actually critical. It is the cen- The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- INHOFE, MCCONNELL, BOXER, DURBIN, ter of I–95 in Providence, RI, which is ator from California. and a host of others worked very hard the major north-south highway in New Mrs. BOXER. Mr. President, I will on this bill. Why would the Speaker of England. If this viaduct project could yield 5 minutes to Senator LEAHY. the House be so negative about it? As a not be funded, then essentially there The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- matter of fact, his comments that were would be a roadblock on I–95. TIGER ator from Vermont. reported in the Politico online version has helped this project move forward. Mr. LEAHY. Mr. President, I thank today were such that I can’t repeat We have to do more, but it has helped the distinguished Senator from Cali- what was said on the floor of the Sen- to move this project forward. fornia. I am sure I won’t take that ate because I would be breaking the It has helped ports in Providence and long. rules. I will leave it up to everybody to at Quonset Point. All of these are so PLANNED PARENTHOOD see exactly what he said about our bi- necessary because they improve our Mr. President, I will speak further on partisan bill. Actually, the name on economic competitiveness globally, re- the efforts to defund health services for the bill is that of the Republican leader gionally, nationally; they put people to women later on, but I am concerned of the U.S. Senate. Yet the Speaker of work, and they prepare us for much about those Senators who are attack- the House demeans our bill. more complicated issues in the world ing women’s health with a renewed ef- I want to be clear that I defend free- economy. As I said before, we are all fort to eliminate health centers that dom of speech and I defend the right of disappointed that because of this proc- thousands of Vermonters rely on every Speaker BOEHNER to say whatever he ess we can’t have a debate and have a day. Across the country we have mil- wants; therefore, I can say whatever I vote. We are also disappointed because lions of low-income women who depend want. What I would like to ask is why we bypassed in this process the com- on Planned Parenthood health centers on Earth would you oppose a bill that mittees that typically do these for lifesaving preventive treatments is so bipartisan, that received 65 votes, things—the Banking Committee for and care, including annual exams, cer- and that the Republican leader has put transit, the Finance Committee for the vical and breast cancer screenings, and his name to? Why would you do that? pay-fors for this legislation. Again, I HIV screenings and counseling. These Another question is this—and I put am disappointed we could not have clinics are the primary source of health up this chart. Where is the House bill? done it the old fashioned way, through services for many women. Eliminating One could argue that you don’t like our the committees and bring it to the Federal funding for Planned Parent- bill. Where is your bill? What have you floor. If we had that approach, we could hood health centers would deny women done? Where have they been? have improved the offsets that we are access to these critical services. They We have known about this transpor- using to pay for these programs. We will force women to find medical care tation crisis for a long, long time. The could have considered amendments elsewhere or, more devastatingly—or Presiding Officer and I have worked like this. We could have done a lot of more probable—to simply go without. hard together on getting a strong bill, things. The partisan bill that was introduced even though we disagree on so many Now we all have additional amend- yesterday in the Senate is the latest things. The bill was voted out of the ments that we are filing, but we won’t attempt to score political points. It is Environment and Public Works Com- be able to take them up. I have got one bumper sticker politics at its worst. mittee 20 to 0. Yet the Republican in terms of pay-fors that would produce Needlessly jeopardizing the health care Speaker of the House condemns the $55 billion over 10 years—robust fund- of millions of Americans who depend bill. Where is the House bill? ing for a score of highway programs— on these preventive care services is a We are about to pass the third exten- and it is by capping the deduction of bid to rally a base that is as irrespon- sion since the last Transportation bill publicly traded corporations for em- sible as it is offensive to this Senator. expired in 2014. There have been dozens ployee salaries over $1 million. I think I know women in Vermont who tell me and dozens of extensions—more than most Americans would say if someone they go for their health care, their can- 30. We know that when the highway is getting over $1 million we shouldn’t cer screening, to the Planned Parent- trust fund is extended for just a couple be subsidizing that with tax reimburse- hood centers because they feel they of months at a time—and Senator ment. They very well may be worth have people they feel comfortable with. INHOFE has taught me this because I that money, but that is a judgment the They can bring their daughters, their was not aware—it is administratively

VerDate Sep 11 2014 23:36 Jul 29, 2015 Jkt 049060 PO 00000 Frm 00018 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G29JY6.049 S29JYPT1 SSpencer on DSK4SPTVN1PROD with SENATE July 29, 2015 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S6107 very expensive to do, and on the doesn’t like? Is it the $55 billion a year do say: Where is your bill? Where is it? ground what is happening is States are for 6 years, the first 3 years being fully You can stand on the Capitol steps and shutting down their projects. paid for with every State getting more say: I don’t like this about it. I don’t Let’s look at the seven States that funding, including his State, for high- like that about it. I don’t like the pay- have essentially canceled or delayed ways and transit? Does he not like fors. I don’t like what is on page 50 or projects because there has been inac- that? Does he think we shouldn’t spend page 150. That is your right and I re- tion. Arkansas has canceled or delayed funding on fixing up our bridges, roads, spect it. I support your right to say highway projects, as well as Delaware, and highways? Does he not like the two this is not a good bill, if you don’t Georgia, Montana, Tennessee, Utah, new programs—the freight program, think so. and Wyoming. Why have these States which would provide funds for States Where is your bill? Where is the done this? Because they are concerned to improve the movement of goods? House bill? Get it together. Do not go that we don’t have a long-term high- Does he not like the assistance for on vacation. Wait until you finish this way bill. That is why we are so excited major projects, a program which is job because I will tell you what hap- about the bill that looks like it is on going to help our States when they pens when you do go on vacation. The its way to passage because it is a 6- know there is a real problem in their first person in your State to see you year authorization with a full 3 years community and they want to build a who was laid off—because States are of funding. Again, I ask the Speaker project? cutting back. We know from the Asso- rhetorically what is it about the bill Does the Speaker not like the fact ciation of General Contractors that that he doesn’t like? that we have tripled safety fines so these States lost construction jobs last Let’s go to the highlights of the bi- when a Takata airbag problem happens month because we have not acted on a partisan Senate bill. I will discuss the companies have to step up? Does he long-term bill: Alaska, Arizona, Cali- them. I would put up the chart which not like the fact that there is a new fornia, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Mary- asks ‘‘Where is the House bill?’’ be- law in there that says consumers land, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, cause that is the common question I should be protected from renting a car Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, want to ask today. It is easy to throw that is under recall? We stopped that. New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Or- darts at someone else and say I don’t Does he not like the first-ever com- egon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Ten- like what you did. What you did wasn’t muter rail fund for positive train con- nessee, Utah, Vermont, Washington, good enough. Where is your answer? trol, where we can actually help our West Virginia, and Wisconsin. Just last month the General Contrac- They have nothing—nothing but an- computer railways put in positive train tors told us that construction workers other paltry extension. Why did they control so we will not have those trage- were laid off because we have not do that? Either they don’t have an idea dies that happened? Why doesn’t he like this bill? It has acted. I want to say to the Speaker, in the world as to how to proceed or Ohio is on the list. You lost jobs in 1 a long list of supporters. Let’s look at they want to go on a 5 ⁄2-week break. Ohio. What are you doing by just say- The American people—most of us— the supporters. I guarantee you it is ing you don’t like this bill? Stay in. Do work. I ask rhetorically: How many rare that you see the U.S. Chamber of your work. You have terrific people on people in America who hold down a job Commerce agreeing with the Inter- both sides of the aisle on your Trans- 1 national Union of Operating Engineers. get a 5 ⁄2-week break, which is called portation and Infrastructure Com- It is rare that the Laborers’ Inter- the August break, which begins in mittee. I had the privilege of working national Union of North America July, and they get that break without on both sides of the aisle with Chair- taking care of pressing business? I agrees with the AAA, which agrees man SHUSTER, with Ranking Member think your boss would say: You know with the Conference of Mayors, which DEFAZIO, and many other members of agrees with the United Brotherhood of what. You have a lot of problems here, that committee. I know the Speaker so stay another couple of days. Oh, no, Carpenters, which agrees with the As- has told me he wants a 6-year bill. I be- they want to get out of town. They sociation of State Highway and Transit lieve him, but why put it off? originally were going to get out of Officials, which agrees with the Moth- We have the Inhofe-Boxer McConnell- town tomorrow. My understanding is ers Against Drunk Driving, which Durbin product. It passed overwhelm- they are trying to get out today. That agrees with the American Council of ingly. Take it up. Here is what the gives them a 51⁄2-week break without Engineering Companies. It goes on. It Committee for a Responsible Federal taking care of business. goes on. It is rare to see it. The Amer- Budget said: It is refreshing to see Con- I think anybody who is watching this ican Highway Users Alliance, the gress focus on a multiyear solution in- who really cares about the highway American Public Transportation Asso- stead of another short-term patch. trust fund, transportation, and bridges ciation, the American Road & Trans- They say of our bill: This is a fiscally collapsing—let’s look at this one that portation Builders, the Society of Civil responsible bill that relies on solid off- happened in California. This is a fright- Engineers, the trucking association, sets. ening view of a bridge that collapsed. the equipment distributors, the general Let me be clear. I did not love every We were so lucky. We thank God that contractors, the equipment manufac- offset. I see my friend from Maryland. nobody was killed. California now has a turers, the Metropolitan Planning Or- He knows we tried desperately to get bridge that has collapsed, and people ganization, the National Asphalt Pave- better offsets. There may be a lot of have to go 400 miles out of their way to ment Association. It goes on and on people in the House who don’t like the go from California to Arizona or Ari- and on. This is America. offsets. Why don’t you come together zona to California. We are hoping to fix The National Association of Coun- and figure out another way? Why don’t it with emergency funds, but we can’t ties—I used to serve as a county super- you see if you can fully fund a 6-year rebuild the part that fell that quickly. visor. It is hard to get us to agree. bill? We fully funded a 3-year bill. So I We need a long-term bill. They agree. Pass the bill. The National ask the question of the Speaker: What I say to the Speaker: Don’t go home. Association of Manufacturers, I under- is it about our bill that you don’t like I say to the majority whip over there, stand they scored this vote. The Na- and where is your bill? my friend from California: Don’t go tional Association Of Truck Stop Oper- Yesterday Chairman SHUSTER over home. Stay and do your job. The Amer- ators, the National Governors Associa- there issued a statement: The House ican people are not going to think very tion, the League of Cities, the ready also needs to make its voice heard and highly of you if you leave with this mixed concrete people, the stone, sand, put forth its own priorities. He is right. highway trust fund going broke on Fri- and gravel people, the owner-operator So why are you going home for a 51⁄2- day. independent drivers, the Portland Ce- week break when the Senate is going The Senate has passed a bill. It is a ment Association, the retail industry to be in session next week? Put off good bill. The Speaker has used some leaders. your little break here—or your long- words I cannot use on the floor to de- The AFL–CIO sent a statement yes- term break here, 51⁄2 weeks. I do not scribe it. terday to the House: Take up this know too many American workers who I want to ask the Speaker what it is issue. If they do not love our bill, I—it get that kind of a break in the sum- that he doesn’t like. What is it that he is fine. I do not expect them to, but I mer.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 01:25 Jul 30, 2015 Jkt 049060 PO 00000 Frm 00019 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G29JY6.051 S29JYPT1 SSpencer on DSK4SPTVN1PROD with SENATE S6108 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE July 29, 2015 I say it is time to see your bill. I and the five county supervisors found ported out, a 6-year bill, is a bill that think we can get it done. I have a lot that out—we were told many, many deals with the surface transportation of faith in the people over there. I years ago it was possible we could be needs in this country. served in the House for 10 proud years. held liable because we knew absolutely It was put together in a very bipar- I know how things get done. It gets that this could crumble around us. tisan manner. It respected and re- done a lot easier than over here be- I am not saying for one second that flected different views. I had certain cause here we have rules that are very any colleague is liable if something views with regard to alternative trans- old, which can allow one person to hold like this happens again, but I will tell portation programs. Not everybody up a bill for days and days, but they you I think it is in fact a moral ques- agreed, but we were able to come to- don’t have it. They don’t have that tion for us. How long can we put this gether on that issue so we can help kind of situation. They can come to- off? I guarantee you a 3-month patch is local governments with their prior- gether, go through the committee, not going to give the States the con- ities. come out with a rule, bring the bill to fidence to enter into any long-term We need a 6-year bill. The Senator is the floor, and get it done. agreements to fix any of the 60,000-plus absolutely right. I must tell the Sen- Let me quote from the Washington bridges that are deficient and 50 per- ator, I could not agree with her more. Post editorial: cent of the roads that are not up to We have been talking since the last ex- The Senate bill authorizes 6 years of spend- par. tension, the extension before that, and ing on transportation projects under a sen- So I say to the House, if you don’t the extension before that, that we need sible plan Senators Boxer and Inhofe worked stay here and you go home after pass- out. The bill provides 3 years of guaranteed to have a 6-year reauthorization. The ing a short-term extension and some- Senator was able, working with Sen- funding for the spending plan, raised from a one comes up to you and says, Con- ator INHOFE, to deliver a bill that does variety of sources. gressman or Congresswoman, I just got They basically say—they don’t love that. We have yet to see a 6-year bill laid off. I am a construction worker—I from the House of Representatives. We the process, neither did any of us. But guarantee you are going to have a hard they say it is a ‘‘significant improve- are prepared to make the hard deci- time explaining why you left and took sions. We are prepared to sit down with ment from what Congress has done for 1 a 5 ⁄2-week break, August break, and our House colleagues and work out the the past decade or so, as lawmakers you left before even August 1. It is the fumbled from short-term funding patch differences, but we need a 6-year reau- first time the House will have done thorization, not another short-term ex- to short-term funding patch, a non- that in 10 years. They have not left be- strategy that often relied on budget tension. They are talking now about 3 fore August 1 in 10 years. months. Another short-term extension gimmicks and made it difficult for There is a lot on our plates. Instead, provides no predictability. I have pro- transportation officials to conduct we are going to talk about Planned grams in Maryland, and I know the long-term planning.’’ Parenthood. Fine. I welcome the argu- Senator from California has programs So we have an opportunity. The Sen- ment because to me it is the same old, in her State, that you cannot plan with ate has worked its will. We have a good same old argument about interfering a 3-month partnership with the Federal bill. Is it great? Is it perfect? No. Are with women’s health. I will go there Government. You need to have the the pay-fors great and perfect? No. Is with you. I will be there with you. I multiyear commitments. every policy in it perfect? No. But as will fight that battle for the people of AMY KLOBUCHAR told me, we stood our America, the women of America. I What Senator BOXER was able to do ground, all of us, but we found common don’t mind that, but we have to do in the Environment and Public Works ground. That is important. We stood this. We have to do this in the House. Committee—we need to duplicate that our ground, but we found common We have to pass a bill. and get this done and get a bill to the ground. That is how we are supposed to So I hope the House will change its President’s desk. It is more important do things around here. mind. The Republican leadership, they than the recess. I thank my colleague I look at my friend who is going to know they control the schedule. They for taking the floor and for her ex- speak shortly from Maryland. I know should cancel their recess and stay in traordinary work in that regard. he set the pace with Senator CORKER in an extra week. In that extra week, we Mr. President, I ask unanimous con- working out some very difficult issues can work together. If the Speaker does sent to speak as in morning business. in the Foreign Relations Committee, not like our bill, he can write his own The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without on which I am so proud to serve and so bill. We will go to conference, we will objection, it is so ordered. proud of my leader on that committee, start working on it, and we will get 50TH ANNIVERSARY OF MEDICARE AND MEDICAID Senator CARDIN. They set the pace over that bill. That is my ask today. My ask Mr. CARDIN. Mr. President, this there. is, Where is the House bill? I am asking week—tomorrow, to be precise—we will Then PATTY MURRAY, working with the House in the nicest way I know be celebrating the 50th anniversary of LAMAR ALEXANDER—they came out how: Please don’t leave tonight or to- Medicare and Medicaid, which then- with an education bill. Then I worked morrow on a 51⁄2-week break with your President Lyndon Baines Johnson with Senator INHOFE, and he worked desk a mess with this issue. It is a signed into law on July 30, 1965. with me. MITCH MCCONNELL worked mess with this issue. with Senator DURBIN. We came out The highway trust fund is going bust I take great pride in the Medicare with a product that is supported by a on Friday. If the best you can do after and Medicaid Programs, which fall majority of both caucuses. I am proud knowing about this for months and under the Social Security Act, because of the product. I know it is not perfect. months and months is give us a paltry they are so successful, but also be- I know if I had my way, I would have 3-month extension, then shame on you. cause—as I think most of my col- drawn up a very different bill. So would The Senate has proven, on a very bi- leagues know—the headquarters for Senator INHOFE. So would Senator partisan basis, that we can do better— both the Social Security Administra- MCCONNELL. So would Senator DURBIN. not a 3-month extension but 3 years of tion (SSA) and for CMS, the Centers But here is what is at stake. I will a paid-for bill, 6 years of an authorized for Medicare and Medicaid Services, show you the bridge again. This is what bill. Surely you can meet us and we are located in Maryland. The men and is at stake. This is the face of what we can get this done together. women who work at SSA and CMS are are doing. It is bigger than our egos. It I yield the floor. doing incredible service to carry out is bigger than our taking a 51⁄2-week The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- some of the most important programs break. I served as a county supervisor. ator from Maryland. in our country: Social Security, Medi- We knew the building we were in was Mr. CARDIN. Mr. President, first I care, and Medicaid. earthquake deficient. It is still beau- want to thank Senator BOXER. It is a For the past 50 years, our seniors and tiful, Frank Lloyd Wright’s last built- privilege to serve on the Environment our most vulnerable citizens have been out government building. I served in and Public Works Committee with Sen- able to rely upon Medicare to provide that gorgeous building. When I found ator BOXER, under her and Senator access to affordable, high-quality out it could collapse in an earthquake INHOFE’s leadership. The bill we re- health care.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 23:36 Jul 29, 2015 Jkt 049060 PO 00000 Frm 00020 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G29JY6.060 S29JYPT1 SSpencer on DSK4SPTVN1PROD with SENATE July 29, 2015 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S6109 Let me underscore how important I am particularly proud that when I ation of Medicare and Medicaid 50 Medicare is to our country, to our sen- was in the House of Representatives, I years ago and, more recently, the en- iors and those who suffer with disabil- authored the bill that expanded Medi- actment of the Affordable Care Act. ities. It allows them to be able to get care to cover preventive health care, Let’s continue to make progress so quality health coverage, affordable including screenings for colorectal can- that all Americans have accesses to af- care, without having to deal with the cer, diabetes, and osteoporosis, and fordable, quality health care. difficulties of obtaining and paying for mammographies. Those tests were I suggest the absence of a quorum. private insurance. Private insurance added in legislation that I authored in The PRESIDING OFFICER (Mr. makes money by insuring people who the House of Representatives. We have TOOMEY). The clerk will call the roll. make fewer claims. As you get older, come a long way since then, culmi- The senior assistant legislative clerk your health care needs become more nating with the Affordable Care Act proceeded to call the roll. intense. Therefore, private insurance that eliminated all the copays for pre- Mrs. CAPITO. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the order for companies aren’t exactly excited to ventive health care. the quorum call be rescinded. have people who make a lot of claims Today, Medicare is keeping our sen- The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without ior population healthier. Seniors know in their health insurance pool. That is objection, it is so ordered. why we developed Medicare. We devel- that their preventive health care is NUCLEAR AGREEMENT WITH IRAN oped it so our seniors would be able to covered and that they can detect dis- Mrs. CAPITO. Mr. President, I rise have quality coverage. eases at an earlier stage and live today to express my deep concerns Before we had Medicare, one out of healthier lives as a result. with the nuclear agreement negotiated every two seniors had no health insur- Over the past five decades, our Na- between the United States and other ance. Our seniors are now able to get tion has seen incredible, positive change as a result of the Medicare and world powers and Iran. health care coverage. Today, only 2 In May, Congress acted in a bipar- Medicaid Programs. On the 50th anni- percent of adults aged 65 and older lack tisan way to enact the Iran Nuclear versary of the passage of this landmark health insurance. Before we had Medi- Agreement Review Act. The Senate legislation, let us celebrate the care, nearly 60 percent of seniors’ passed the legislation 98 to 1, and the progress we have made and work to- health care costs came out of their House passed it 400 to 25. The bill was gether to try to find ways to build upon pockets. Today, that is down to 13 per- signed into law by President Obama. cent. So we have seen significant im- that progress by further improving our This critically important legislation provement over time. Before we had Nation’s health care system to ensure provides Congress, as the representa- Medicare, 1 out of every 3 women aged that all Americans have access to af- tives of the American people, the abil- 65 or older lived in poverty. Today, fordable, high-quality health care and ity to examine and vote on an agree- that number is 1 out of 10. are able to live healthy, productive ment that will have tremendous im- All of the indicators that we have lives. pact on the future security of the Mid- show that Medicare, Medicaid, and So- This is particularly timely because I dle East and the world. cial Security have accomplished their believe next week we are going to see When the Senate passed the legisla- objectives. Now we are celebrating the an attack on women’s health care. I tion in May, I said the bill would allow 50th anniversary of Medicare and Med- urge my colleagues to recognize the Congress to hold the administration icaid. historical discrimination we have had accountable for negotiating an enforce- With regard to the Medicare Pro- against women’s health care in this able and verifiable agreement that gram, those seniors who have disabil- country. We dealt with that in the Af- would stop Iran’s progress toward a nu- ities and who qualify are allowed to fordable Care Act, some of the histor- clear weapon. have full coverage—again without hav- ical discriminations against women. Negotiators have completed their ing to worry about being discriminated But we need to be very careful about work. Review of the agreement is un- against in the private insurance mar- this because there is going to be an at- derway. Committees are holding im- ketplace. In Medicaid, 33 million chil- tack on Planned Parenthood. Planned portant hearings. We had one this dren are covered, more than 1 out of Parenthood is particularly important morning. After the August recess, Con- every 3 in our Nation. for women’s health care needs. Yes, it gress will have the opportunity to vote Over time we have improved these does deal with contraceptive services— on a resolution that approves or dis- programs. The Medicaid program has that is very important for women—but approves of the deal reached with Iran. been improved by the passage of the it also deals with preventive health I believe the agreement is flawed in Children’s Health Insurance Program, care, screenings, and primary health several ways. First, the agreement fails a bipartisan bill that was passed by care. So many women get their health to provide for an inspections regime this body. It significantly improved ac- care needs met through Planned Par- that is strong enough to prevent Iran cess to care for our children, particu- enthood. from fulfilling its nuclear ambitions. larly our low-income children. As we celebrate the 50th anniversary Any agreement with Iran should in- We have also improved access to cov- of Medicare and Medicaid, as we cele- clude rigorous and immediate inspec- erage through the passage of the Af- brate how we have been able to make tions of suspected nuclear sites. There fordable Care Act. The Affordable Care progress in providing affordable, qual- has been much talk and hope of an any- Act has strengthened and improved ity health care to all Americans— where, anytime inspection regime, but Medicare and expanded Medicaid Pro- whether they are our seniors, our dis- anywhere, anytime inspections are not grams to cover more low-income Amer- abled population, our children, those of what this agreement provides. Instead, icans. To date, thanks to the ACA, 9.4 low income, those groups who have under this agreement, it could take 24 million Medicare beneficiaries have been historically discriminated days, and potentially longer under the saved more than $15 billion just on pre- against—I urge that we look to try to Joint Commission process, before in- scription drugs. In Maryland alone, our build upon those programs and make spectors have access to a suspected nu- seniors have saved more than $230 mil- them even stronger and not weaken the clear site. It is obvious Iran could hide lion on their prescriptions. programs that are available. elements of a nuclear program, such as I am particularly pleased that over President Johnson’s Vice President, the construction of centrifuges, before the 50-year history of Medicare, we Hubert H. Humphrey, famously said inspectors could ever gain access to a have changed the program, improved that ‘‘the moral test of government is suspected nuclear site. it, and built upon it over time. When it how that government treats those who Iran has already failed to meet the was first enacted, it was there mainly are in the dawn of life, the children; transparency requirements of the in- to cover seniors’ needs when they were those who are in the twilight of life, terim Joint Plan of Action. The Inter- injured and ill. It was an insurance pro- the elderly; and those who are in the national Atomic Energy Agency, or gram for when they got sick or had an shadows of life, the sick, the needy, IAEA, consistently warned of Iran’s injury. Well, we have changed that and the handicapped.’’ While we still failure to meet those standards of full focus to a wellness program to keep have work to do, we are closer to pass- transparency and in its June 2015 re- seniors healthy. ing that moral test because of the cre- port stated that ‘‘the Agency remains

VerDate Sep 11 2014 23:36 Jul 29, 2015 Jkt 049060 PO 00000 Frm 00021 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G29JY6.064 S29JYPT1 SSpencer on DSK4SPTVN1PROD with SENATE S6110 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE July 29, 2015 concerned about the possible existence yesterday, this argument ‘‘paint[s] a I yield the floor. in Iran of undisclosed nuclear-related simplistic picture that allows [its pro- The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- activities involving military related ponents] to gloss over the very real ator from Indiana. organizations, including activities re- problems with this deal.’’ WASTEFUL SPENDING lated to the development of a nuclear The Gazette-Mail continues: Mr. COATS. Mr. President, once payload for a missile.’’ The deal’s many critics have consistently again, I am on the floor for the ‘‘Waste Given Iran’s lack of transparency, I made the case that there are other possible of the Week.’’ Each week since Feb- believe the content of this agreement paths. The problem is that this administra- ruary, I have come to the floor to dis- does not contain strong enough mecha- tion doesn’t want to take them. cuss an issue of waste, fraud, and nisms to prevent Iran’s clandestine de- Even the President’s top general abuse—misspent taxpayer money iden- velopment of a nuclear weapon. agrees that this is a false proposition. tified by neutral agencies of the Fed- Second, I find it more troubling that Just this morning, when asked if the eral Government that didn’t have a Congress—or even the administration— choice was binary—accept the Iran partisan bone to pick in this or by in- has not been given access to the under- agreement or go to war—GEN Martin spectors general of various agencies or standing between Iran and the IAEA Dempsey, Chair of the Joint Chiefs, by the agencies themselves. regarding how Iran’s compliance with said that ‘‘we have a range of options In February, I said I am going to the agreement will be implemented. and I always present them.’’ come here every week throughout the This has been the subject of great dis- All of us would prefer a diplomatic duration of this session, and I am going cussion. solution in Iran, but a good agreement to try to achieve a goal of $100 billion Third, I am concerned the agreement with Iran is one that will truly cut off of waste. I wasn’t sure we could reach will provide Iran with financial re- Iran’s path to a nuclear weapon and that goal, but today is a very special sources that they could use to continue improve the security situation in the day because we are going to highlight to fund terrorist groups that put Amer- Middle East. by the end of my speech over $100 bil- The sanctions passed by this Con- icans and our allies at risk. We know lion of waste, fraud, and abuse that the gress, together with the sanctions that they were doing it in the past. We taxpayer is covering with hard-earned were built in concert with our foreign know of their desire to do it in the fu- pay at home. allies over the course of a decade, were ture. It is troubling that when the Over the past several months, I have what brought Iran to the negotiating sanctions against Iran are lifted, the highlighted a variety of examples from tables in the first place. These sanc- nation will immediately receive ap- the serious, such as the illegal procure- tions should be kept in place and ment practices at the Veterans’ Ad- proximately $150 billion in assets. As a strengthened until Iran is forced to ac- designated state sponsor of terrorism ministration, to the ridiculous: tax- cept a deal that actually makes the re- payer funding, under grants, for mas- for over 30 years, Iran has funded proxy gion safer. I believe a better deal is sages of rabbits to determine whether a wars across the region. possible than the leverage provided by These wars range from Shia militias massage after strenuous exercise made sanctions, and I am not alone. A CNN them feel better. I don’t think we need- in Iraq to Houthis insurgents in poll released yesterday found that 52 Yemen. Iran further threatens our al- ed to gather a bunch of rabbits and percent of the American people want pay, with a $387,000 grant to an organi- lies through funding Hezbollah and Congress to reject this deal, while only zation to mechanically massage the Hamas and propping up the regime of 44 percent believe the agreement backs of rabbits. Bashar al-Assad, who continues to should be approved. I think if you stop anybody on the slaughter his own people. A majority of Americans didn’t say street and ask: Do you think a good While no one knows for sure how Iran they oppose this agreement because massage would make you feel a little will spend the signing bonus it receives they want war with Iran. Absolutely bit better, especially after a strenuous from sanctions relief, the regime’s not. Instead, the poll reveals that a exercise—I think the answer would be prior behavior provides the best evi- majority of Americans want a better yes. Actually, I thought I might want dence of how it will act in the future. deal, one that cuts off Iran’s path to a to sign up for this until I found out I hear the argument that the internal nuclear weapon and makes the Middle that when the experiment was over, infrastructure of the country has fallen East more secure. they killed the rabbits. So I didn’t into disrepair because of the sanctions There are legitimate arguments on want to put myself in that position. and because of the lack of the eco- both sides of the debate about the Iran Then, from the young taxpayers who nomic activities. Yet we have to look deal. I accept that the President and receive (improper and fraudulent child at Iran as still funding terrorist activ- his administration truly believe the tax credit refunds) to the old, the ac- ity while allowing their own country’s deal they have negotiated is in Amer- tive Social Security numbers that were infrastructure to become failed and ica’s best interest, but the claim that assigned to individuals over the age of compromised. those who have a different view want 112. Obviously there aren’t too many What makes us think that with the war with Iran is an inappropriate at- people in the country, if any, over that new flush, $150 billion signing bonus, tempt to short-circuit the legislative age. These people had obviously died Iran is going to change their priorities debate about this agreement. many years before—on and on it goes. all of a sudden? I personally have trou- Congress must stand up against a We are deluged with examples of ble with that. threat to national security and ensure waste, fraud, and abuse, which brings Finally, I am worried the decision to that a monumental agreement con- some chuckles and brings some ‘‘Can lift the embargo on conventional arms tains the necessary verification and en- you believe we are actually doing and ballistic missiles sold to Iran will forcement measures to protect future that?’’ But the bottom line is that peo- allow Iran to present a greater threat generations from a nuclear Iran. I ple are working hard every day to to its neighbors. In addition, it could stand with all of our allies in the re- make ends meet to pay the mortgage, precipitate a military buildup in the gion that have put their trust in Amer- to buy the groceries, to save money to region, which will in turn increase vol- ica to negotiate a deal that will protect send the kids to school, and they are atility in an already volatile region. them indefinitely from the threat of sending taxes to Washington and the Despite these questions and concerns, Iranian nuclear weapons. bureaucracy is doing stuff like this. the administration has argued that our The posterity of our Nation and our It is a bad break for taxpayers, and it only options are to accept the deal or allies depends on the critical policy de- is shameful for government not to take to go forward with Iran. cisions made by this Congress and this measures to stop this waste, fraud, and To accept this binary choice is to say administration. Now is the time to abuse from happening. I am trying to the American people should accept this carefully consider the nature of Iran’s disclose to the public this is how your deal, regardless of how one-sided it threat toward Israel and America, the taxpayer money is being spent so they may be, in order to avoid a military history of Iranian-funded terrorism, will put pressure on their Members and conflict with Iran. and the consequences of nuclear pro- say clean it up. Fortunately, we have As a newspaper in my State, the liferation in the Middle East. America been able to do some of that, but there Charleston Gazette-Mail, editorialized does not have to accept a bad deal. is a long way to go.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 03:13 Jul 30, 2015 Jkt 049060 PO 00000 Frm 00022 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G29JY6.057 S29JYPT1 SSpencer on DSK4SPTVN1PROD with SENATE July 29, 2015 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S6111 Today I want to discuss errors with eral budget is a drop in the bucket, but understanding and it has been con- payments under the earned-income tax $100 billion is almost incomprehensible. firmed that the suspect has been appre- credit. Let me go back and explain Maybe Donald Trump understands hended and is in custody. this. The earned-income tax credit is a what $100 billion is, but I don’t. In My staff and all of the staffs here in refundable tax credit that offsets in- terms of that magnitude of money, it is Washington stand ready to help those come tax owed by low-income tax- a small portion of what we spend here. affected by this tragedy. Our hearts payers. Congress originally approved We can do so much more in terms of break for the victims and for their fam- the earned-income tax credit in 1975 to identifying issues and programs that ilies. offset the burden of Social Security will save the taxpayer money. Federal I ask my Senate colleagues to join taxes for low-income workers and pro- spending is out of control. We know the Montana delegation and all Mon- vide an incentive for them to work. It that, and this highlights some of that. tanans in keeping the community, the is a good motive. To some extent, it The real issue is much worse. While victims, and their families in their has worked. The way it works is this: States such as mine, the State of Indi- thoughts and prayers. When the credit exceeds the amount of ana, have created balanced budgets, PLANNED PARENTHOOD taxes due, it provides a lump-sum pay- eliminated debt, and provided sur- Mr. President, 655,306 kidneys is more ment, after you file your taxes, to pluses, which they can use to return to than $49 million, which equates to 256 those who qualify for the program. the taxpayers or save for a rainy day, Lamborghinis; 327,653 hearts is more People who work and earn less than a the Federal Government has not done than $24.5 million, which equates to 128 certain income level qualify for this re- that. This is a huge challenge in front Lamborghinis; 1,310,612 arms and legs fund from the government. According of us. This is just a small piece of try- is $98 million, which equates to 512 to the Congressional Research Service, ing to identify some of the problems Lamborghinis—this is the envisioned this tax credit is the largest need-test- and challenges that we have, and by price tag were every one of Planned ed, antipoverty cash assistance pro- identifying them, we can save the tax- Parenthood’s 327,653 abortions per- gram the Federal Government runs. So payer money by making reforms to formed last year to provide body parts whether you think this is a right pro- these various programs. and organs to harvest. gram or not, the questions are: How is With that, I will yield back the floor, The utter callousness of Planned Par- it being run? And is it efficient and ef- but you can count on me being here enthood in discussing the price of baby fective or is it making mistakes? We are talking about Big Govern- every week for the rest of this session parts, as if handing over a menu, is ment. Mistakes are usually big mis- with the ‘‘Waste of the Week’’ for as clear evidence of the culture of an or- takes, if there are some. In 2011, the long as the Congress and Senate are in ganization enriched through ghoulish IRS identified more than 6.6 million session. and disturbing practices. This is a cul- potentially erroneous earned-income I suggest the absence of a quorum. ture which protects tissue over life and The PRESIDING OFFICER. The tax credit claims that went to house- lays out harvested organs as financial clerk will call the roll. holds that didn’t qualify. Individuals milestones toward a new car. The legislative clerk proceeded to were telling the government they are Planned Parenthood has worked its call the roll. working and earning and therefore eli- way into the American lexicon, becom- Mr. DAINES. Mr. President, I ask gible for the earned-income tax credit ing synonymous with women’s health unanimous consent that the order for bonus check, but at the same time they but hiding its abortion practices. the quorum call be rescinded. were telling other agencies, such as the Planned Parenthood received $528 The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without million of Federal taxpayer money last Supplemental Social Security Pro- objection, it is so ordered. gram, that they are not earning that year alone. And when asked on the TRAGEDY ON CROW RESERVATION much or not working or don’t have in- street, so few even know that Planned come. Some are getting double Mr. DAINES. Mr. President, I come Parenthood does abortions. But now checks—one for which they’re qualified to the floor today to share some re- the veil has been lifted, exposing inex- and one for which they’re not. marks on what is going on with cusable and unconscionable behavior. When we add all of that—the latest Planned Parenthood. Prior to sharing This organization, Planned Parent- year that has been identified is 2013, those remarks, I wish to inform my hood, performs more abortions than and the tax credit costs to taxpayers colleagues that we received some trag- any other organization in our country. during that year amounted to $60 bil- ic news that has come out of Montana. But now our own calloused hearts—the lion. Of those, $14.5 billion were erro- I literally just got off the phone with heart of our Nation—are shocked out of neously sent out checks by the agency, Chairman Darrin Old Coyote with the apathy, and we have a choice. We can- the IRS. If we can put in place meas- Crow Tribe in Montana. I wish to take not accept the destruction and the sell- ures that can provide accountability a moment to discuss the reports of a ing of our children, to stare clearly and verification to this program, we tragic shooting that has occurred on into the face of the appalling and do could save the taxpayer up to $14.5 bil- the Crow Reservation in Montana. nothing. We can allow our consciences lion a year. So with that, we add to our This afternoon we received word of a to be moved and then remove the pub- gauge an additional $14.5 billion. shooting in the community of Pryor, lic endorsement of these actions. We As everyone can see on this chart, MT, on the Crow Reservation. I lit- can remove Federal taxpayer funding this gauge is climbing up each week. erally just got off the phone with of the organization that has perpet- This chart shows the amount of money Chairman Darrin Old Coyote before I uated such horrific actions. saved through the various programs we got to the floor just to see how things I am proud to join Senator JONI have identified. We have now eclipsed were going and to be informed of the ERNST and Leader MCCONNELL, as well the $100 billion level, and we are just a latest developments. There are two as 23 of my Senate colleagues, in the little ways past the middle of the year. confirmed fatalities and at least one introduction of legislation to protect I could take the charts, stick them in other injured individual who has been women’s access to health services and the back closet, and say: Thank you. I life-flighted to Billings. defund Planned Parenthood. This bill made it to my $100 billion mark, and I My wife Cindy and I are deeply sad- ensures that funds allocated to have made my point. But I will keep on dened by the news of today’s tragic Planned Parenthood will be redirected going. Every week the Senate is in ses- shootings in Pryor. Our thoughts and to other eligible entities to provide sion for the remainder of this year, I prayers go out to the Pryor commu- women’s health care services. will be back down here for the latest nity, and the families of all victims are Let me be very clear, so the informa- ‘‘Waste of the Week’’ so we can embar- in our prayers. I understand this was a tion is clear about what this bill does rass, disclose, and let agencies know couple who had children and grand- and what it doesn’t do. This bill en- that they are wasting taxpayers’ dol- children and are well known in Pryor. sures there is no reduction—not $1 of lars, and we, as a Congress, need to do I am staying in close contact with reduction—in overall Federal funding something about that. Crow leaders, with local law enforce- available to support women’s health. Some people may say that $100 bil- ment, Federal officials, and commu- This bill ensures the preservation of lion in comparison with the total Fed- nity leaders during this time. It is our Federal funding for women’s health

VerDate Sep 11 2014 03:13 Jul 30, 2015 Jkt 049060 PO 00000 Frm 00023 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G29JY6.058 S29JYPT1 SSpencer on DSK4SPTVN1PROD with SENATE S6112 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE July 29, 2015 services which include important serv- there, but he doesn’t speak for the fact that 100 years after women got the ices of relevant diagnostic, laboratory, American people. They trust Planned right to vote there is a woman in the and radiology services, for well-child Parenthood, an organization that has White House. The point is that on the care, for prenatal and post partum been around since 1916. Its founder was very day the clinic opened 100 years care, for immunization, for family thrown in jail because she wanted to ago, dozens of women waited in line. planning services, including contracep- give birth control to people. Do you know what they wanted? Life- tion, sexually transmitted disease test- Let’s be clear. My friend and those saving birth control information. They ing, and cervical and breast cancer who are writing this legislation state wanted to plan their families. They screenings. Let me say again, this bill that they are not attacking health wanted to avoid unplanned pregnancies ensures the preservation of Federal care. Yet they try to defund the one or- and the options that they would face if funding for these very important serv- ganization in the country that people they had an unplanned pregnancy. ices for women. This bill does not re- trust to deliver that health care. It is What was the response? The clinic was duce any funding for women’s health interesting because it is part of the at- raided, the clinic was shut down, and services. tack on health care that we see from nine days later its founder was thrown This bill does not allow any Federal my friends on the other side of the in jail. Planned Parenthood has been a funds to go toward Planned Parenthood aisle. target of attacks by extremists since to continue its practice of trafficking We celebrate the 50th anniversary of 1916, and that attack continues on the baby parts. We bristled when we heard Medicare and Medicaid which have pro- floor today. of an abortion doctor that left babies vided millions of Americans with ac- Despite the effort of extremists, our born alive to die, and we sensed justice cessible, affordable health care. This country has come a long way since the when that same doctor was sentenced week we heard one of the leading Re- days when a woman could be jailed for in a court of law for his crimes. Simi- publican Presidential candidates talk advocating birth control. We can’t go larly, we shuddered as parents. Cindy about how it is time to end Medicare. back. We can’t turn back the clock on and I have been married for 29 years. This isn’t a fringe candidate. I heard women’s health, and we still have peo- We have four children, two boys and Newt Gingrich say years ago that ple that are saying women shouldn’t two girls. We shuddered as parents at Medicare will wither on the vine. They get free birth control through the idea of baby parts being harvested have been after Medicare forever and ObamaCare. They want it to go over and sold in the context of equating ever and ever. They don’t like Med- the counter. We can’t turn back the that value to purchasing a icaid. Some Republican governors are clock on women’s health, but that is Lamborghini. Will we see this to the not providing their poor people with what is about to come. same end? health care because they don’t like With all the problems facing us—we We are a society. We are a nation Medicaid. These are lifelines that from still have work to do on transpor- that values life so much that in our their start have been attacked by Re- tation, we still have work to do to Declaration of Independence it is clear- publicans. I have proof. I have spoken avoid sequester and all the deep cuts to ly articulated that all have the right to many times and quoted Republicans our military and to our domestic pro- life. We Democrats, Republicans, and from past years going after Medicare, grams such as the FBI, Homeland Se- all Americans must stand strong in the going after Medicaid, and now again curity, food inspection, and border pa- defense of those who are most vulner- going after Planned Parenthood and trol. All of that is going to be cut, but, able. We must advocate and be a voice women’s health care. This is an ideo- oh no, we don’t turn to that to fix that. for those who do not have a voice, for logical attack, and it would put wom- What do we turn to? Another attack on the most vulnerable in our society, in- en’s health and women’s lives at risk. Planned Parenthood, another attack cluding the unborn. It is attacking women’s reproductive on women’s health. Over the last year, we have cringed health care, an issue that was resolved We know this extremist group went at terrible images coming out of the in 1973. undercover and secretly taped people. Middle East. We have seen horrible im- I want to say to my friends on the That is what they did. If you approve ages coming across social media, and other side—and they are my friends— of those tactics that is fine, but what I we have called loudly for action. That why don’t you just keep moving us for- approve of is women getting health was on soil thousands and thousands of ward like you did on the Transpor- care. I think that when you scratch the miles away from America. tation bill. We set aside our differences surface, what you will find is that a lot Today we cringe at terrible images and we are moving forward. Now you of my colleagues don’t think women that have occurred on our own soil. are reopening, again, the attacks on should be able to plan their families. Nothing, not even a Lamborghini, is health care. You tried to repeal We are still debating birth control. You worth the lives of our children. ObamaCare more than 55 times now in have got to be kidding. Planned Parenthood has clearly articu- the House. It didn’t work. You tried it You have to look at the work lated the value they have placed on ba- here the other day; it didn’t work. You Planned Parenthood does: cancer bies’ organs and limbs, but what they have attacked Medicare. You have at- screening, STD tests, and other life- have failed to acknowledge is the value tacked Medicaid, and now you want to saving health care. They want to deny the American people know full well, take away women’s health care pro- women this health care. and that is the value of our children, vided by an organization that is chosen Do you know what I really find ex- which is priceless. by millions of women and men every treme? So many of my Republican I yield the floor. single year for lifesaving and preven- friends tell me day after day, keep The PRESIDING OFFICER (Mr. tive services. Uncle Sam out of our private lives. GARDNER). The Senator from Cali- This legislation is being driven by an How true. I agree. Some of them even fornia. outrageous and potentially illegal act call themselves Libertarians. When you PLANNED PARENTHOOD of an extremist group. It is just the lat- look up the meaning of Libertarian in Mrs. BOXER. Mr. President, thank est chapter in the long history of at- Wikipedia, it is defined as one who you very much. It is so interesting, tacks on Planned Parenthood and their ‘‘seeks to maximize the autonomy and coming away from the Transportation health care providers who work there, freedom of choice, emphasizes political bill where we saw such cooperation be- and on the women and the men they freedom, voluntary association, and tween the two sides, and now we are serve. the primacy of individual judgment.’’ headed back to our corners with the Again, one can go back to the begin- The primacy of individual judgment— vast majority of Republicans attacking ning of Planned Parenthood, when that is the definition of Libertarian. an organization that helps millions of America’s first birth control clinic Yet my colleagues decided they don’t Americans get fundamental health opened before women could vote. We like a certain organization so they care. It is the same old sides again. forget that women got the vote in 1920. should say to everybody in the country My friend from Montana may not If we have a woman in the White House follow us. No. No. It is not right. like Planned Parenthood, and he can in 2020—something that I personally Planned Parenthood is the safety net tell his family and his friends not to go hope will happen—we will celebrate the for women’s health care, and it has

VerDate Sep 11 2014 03:13 Jul 30, 2015 Jkt 049060 PO 00000 Frm 00024 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G29JY6.066 S29JYPT1 SSpencer on DSK4SPTVN1PROD with SENATE July 29, 2015 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S6113 been so. This attack on women’s health How excited was I. Then we turn lation before us that hopefully by to- care is the opposite of liberty. around, we do this bill, we work to- morrow we will report out of the Sen- I hope if this bill does come forward, gether, and we are back in our corners ate favorably and send it to the House we will debate it and debate it and de- again, with Republicans attacking of Representatives. My understanding bate it, because I don’t think the peo- women’s health and Democrats defend- is that the House will, sometime in ple in this country want women’s lives ing women’s health. A new poll re- September, report out their own used as a political football. Women’s leased this week shows that a strong version of the highway bill, hopefully a health is not a game. It isn’t some- majority of Americans opposes multiyear bill, in which case we would thing you should gain or lose votes on. defunding Planned Parenthood, even go to conference with them and hope- Women’s lives are not a game. We all after these videos—these edited vid- fully get something we can get to the have women in our lives, all of us, eos—have been put out. President on his desk that would be whom we adore regardless of our polit- The American people are paying at- more than a short-term extension, but ical party—our moms, our wives, our tention to this story. Women are pay- instead be something that provides the daughters, our sisters. Why would any- ing attention to this story. We know certainty that those who are involved one in the Senate or anywhere else this is a political attack on women’s in building roads and bridges and mak- want to take away the health care that health. We know the group went in and ing sure that freight and people move has benefitted one in five women in secretly filmed people for 3 years. We across this country will have the infra- America, and more than 800,000 pa- knew what their objective was—to hurt structure in place to do that, and that tients in my State every year? Why women’s health, women’s reproductive we can get about the process of cre- would anyone want to deny birth con- health. We know because that is where ating jobs and growing our economy, trol to more than 600,000 Californians they stand. which is what infrastructure is all each year? Why would anyone want to They want Uncle Sam to tell a about. deny women in my State 100,000 breast woman what her rights are. Well, I I want to speak specifically to some exams? have to say that I am a Senator. I have of the rail provisions in the legislation. Instead of listening to these extreme strong views. I do not impose these I want to say that thanks to the lead- voices, Republicans should listen to views on anyone. I want people to ership of Senators Wicker and Booker women in their States. I will tell you choose the way they feel and make de- and the bipartisan contributions of the about a woman in my State, Nicole cisions between themselves, their fam- members of the Commerce, Science, Sandoval of Pasadena, CA. Planned ily, their doctor, their God. That is up and Transportation Committee, the Parenthood was there for Nicole when to them. I do not want any Senator in legislation before the Senate today in- she needed it most. When she was 23 this body telling my family what to do cludes critically important provisions years of age, she had no insurance be- or your families what to do because it from the bipartisan Rail Reform, En- fore ObamaCare. Planned Parenthood is up to them. I respect their families. hancement, and Efficiency Act that caught her cervical cancer early enough to treat it and to save her life. They will discuss it with their families. our committee passed by voice vote Instead of listening to these extreme This is a political attack on women’s last month. voices, Republicans should listen to health. We know it is an attack on a This bill reauthorizes Amtrak women such as Heather Penman of group that saves lives every day. This through fiscal year 2019, while increas- Concord, CA. Planned Parenthood was is a fight they have picked before. They ing rail safety, improving infrastruc- there for Heather when she needed it come out here with this, as if this were ture, cutting redtape, and empowering most, providing her with a cancer the first time they have ever attacked local officials. Following the tragic screening. They found precancerous Planned Parenthood. Well, we won it May 12 derailment of Amtrak 188 in cells, and it helped her get the life- before, and we will win it again. I heard Philadelphia that resulted in eight fa- saving surgery she needed. She didn’t my colleague, Senator MURRAY, recall talities, Senator WICKER and BOOKER say what my colleague said, standing that in 2011—she thought it was 2011— added additional rail safety provisions up and attacking an organization that the Republicans threatened to shut that were approved by the committee. saved her life. She said, ‘‘I might not down the government because they The bipartisan rail bill that passed in be alive today’’ without their help. She wanted to defund Planned Parenthood. committee and is included in the told me that a few years ago. She said, They were going to shut down the gov- multiyear transportation bill before ‘‘Planned Parenthood is about taking ernment. She said: You know what; we the Senate today would also advance care of women’s health and it shouldn’t are not going do this to women’s the deployment of positive train con- be reduced to some political argu- health. If that is what you want to do, trol technology for averting accidents. ment.’’ shut it down. We will take this case to I am proud to note that we recently Imagine what would have happened if the American people. They backed off. amended the multiyear transportation Planned Parenthood hadn’t been there We won that fight. We will win this legislation to expand this authoriza- for Nicole or Heather. That is what fight as well. tion. Never before has the Senate au- Planned Parenthood does. There are We are going to fight. We are going thorized robust, dedicated, and manda- millions of Nicoles and Heathers across to fight to make sure that Nicole and tory funding for positive train control America, each with her own story of Heather and women across America implementation. how Planned Parenthood has been can continue to get the services they The amendment accepted by the Sen- there for her. We are not going to allow need: the birth control, the cancer ate earlier today would authorize $199 Republicans to take away their health screenings, STD screenings. That is million in PTC grants and loan financ- care. No, we are not. We are not going what we are fighting for. We are going ing for commuter railroads in fiscal to allow Republicans to undermine the to make sure that Planned Parenthood year 2016. This is the highest single- vital research that is helping treat- is still there for the millions of women year authorization for PTC ever. Using ments for Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, and families who depend upon it. the Railroad Rehabilitation and Im- multiple sclerosis, spinal cord injuries, I yield the floor. provement Financing Program, com- HIV, and birth defects. I suggest the absence of a quorum. muter railroads will be able to leverage The research has led to public health The PRESIDING OFFICER. The this funding for $2 billion in loans, nec- breakthroughs, including vaccines for clerk will call the roll. essary to cover the PTC capital needs. polio, chickenpox, rubella and shingles. The senior assistant legislative clerk In addition to advancing the deploy- Instead of attacking this research, we proceeded to call the roll. ment of PTC, the Wicker-Booker bill should be supporting it. That is some- Mr. THUNE. Mr. President, I ask would require speed limit action plans thing we should all agree on. Repub- unanimous consent that the order for for all passenger railroads to address licans are pushing an extreme, dan- the quorum call be rescinded. automatic train control modifications, gerous agenda—an agenda that is out The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without crew communication practices, and of touch with most Americans. objection, it is so ordered. other measures to prevent overspeed We had a breather from that agenda Mr. THUNE. Mr. President, I want to derailments while positive train con- when we had that Transportation bill. speak to the highway bill today, legis- trol is being implemented. It would

VerDate Sep 11 2014 03:13 Jul 30, 2015 Jkt 049060 PO 00000 Frm 00025 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G29JY6.067 S29JYPT1 SSpencer on DSK4SPTVN1PROD with SENATE S6114 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE July 29, 2015 also require grade crossing action plans Bronx, Bridgeport, CT, and West to ensure railroads are prepared and to improve State grade crossing safety Haven, CT. This bill would apply the have resources positioned to respond to efforts, and it would consolidate grant emergency order’s speed limit action worst case scenarios, another priority programs to focus resources on critical plan framework to the entire passenger from our colleague from Washington safety and infrastructure needs. rail network, reducing the risk of fu- State, Senator CANTWELL. Building on the work of the com- ture overspeed derailments. Further, aiding emergency response merce committee’s ranking member, I would also like to include a state- efforts, Senators BOOKER and MENEN- Senator NELSON, the bill would in- ment from Senator BLUMENTHAL fol- DEZ included provisions that prohibit crease the rail passenger liability cap lowing the news that 13 current and the withholding of train information for inflation from the $200 million level former Metro-North employees had from first responders. Their work will set in 1997 to $295 million, with infla- been accused of cheating on licensing also examine the sufficiency of re- tion adjustments every 5 years. The exams. The statement reads: ‘‘My sponse information carried by train bill applies a new higher cap retro- amendment was accepted into the bill, crews addressing issues raised in rela- actively to the date of the Amtrak ac- which was voted out of the committee tion to the 2012 derailment in cident in Philadelphia, thereby raising favorably, and I urge the Senate to Paulsburo, NJ. the potential compensation available take up the measure swiftly so we can Senator MANCHIN worked to ensure to victims and their families. ensure Metro-North is implementing tank car owners and shippers annually This legislation also includes a meas- true safety reforms.’’ report on their compliance with the ure from Senator PETERS to require a I echo Senator BLUMENTHAL’s state- new tank requirements requiring thorough examination of Amtrak’s ment on Metro-North, and I ask unani- stronger oversight for those important postaccident response following the mous consent that it be printed in the safety upgrades. In addition, Senator Philadelphia derailment, ensuring a RECORD. MANCHIN and I have agreed on the need close look at whether Amtrak ad- There being no objection, the mate- for a real-world derailment test of elec- dressed the needs of families and pas- rial was ordered to be printed in the tronically controlled pneumatic, or sengers involved in tragedy. RECORD, as follows: ECP, brakes. As this testing moves for- Senator PETERS’ work will make JUNE 30, 2015. ward, the existing Department of meaningful improvements to Amtrak’s BLUMENTHAL STATEMENT ON METRO-NORTH Transportation requirements will be emergency preparedness going forward. CHEATING SCANDAL kept in place unless the real-world As we worked on the legislation before HARTFORD, CT.—U.S. Senator Richard testing and evaluation show the re- our committee’s adoption, I included a Blumenthal (D-Conn.) issued the following quirement is not justified. statement today regarding news that 13 cur- Enhancing the bill’s grade crossing requirement for all passenger railroads rent and former Metro-North employees have safety provisions, Senator GARDNER in the Nation to install inward- and been accused of cheating on exams to be- added stronger oversight of the Federal outward-facing cameras on their loco- come licensed conductors and engineers: Railroad Administration’s actions per- motives. ‘‘The scale and scope of these revelations taining to the use of locomotive horns This fulfills an outstanding rec- are sweeping and shocking—yet another at highway-rail grade crossings. ommendation of the National Trans- searing indictment of Metro-North’s safety training programs and procedures. Metro- Senator KLOBUCHAR included timely portation Safety Board. These cameras provisions to help address issues with will not only help with accident inves- North owes the public a better explanation to this apparent serious criminal conduct, the blocking of crossings as a result of tigations, a need that we saw following and I will call for congressional hearings to idling trains. The bill also incorporates the Philadelphia derailment, but they compel them to do so. the work of Senator ROY BLUNT, whose will help monitor each passenger rail- Over a year ago, the Federal Railroad Ad- TRAIN Act, cosponsored by Senators road’s compliance with critical safety ministration conducted a Deep Dive inves- MANCHIN, HELLER, and myself, will requirements. Last week I received a tigation of Metro-North and found deeply streamline the permitting process for disturbing flaws in Metro-North’s training letter from NTSB Chairman Chris- rail improvements, making our critical topher Hart stating: program. The news today that 13 employees have been indicted for cheating on a training infrastructure dollars go even further. I applaud the recent passage of the pas- exam raises more troubling questions about Senator DAINES included provisions senger rail safety bill. I was pleased to see whether the training program at Metro- to improve Amtrak’s operations the inclusion of recommendations regarding North remains weak, ineffective—or worse, through the study of new station devel- inward and outward facing audio and image susceptible to criminal conduct. These pro- opment options where Amtrak would recorders. Thank you for your support of the cedures must be improved and the flaws dis- NTSB. turn a profit, potentially increasing covered by the FRA must be addressed. That private sector investment in our Na- The bill also includes extensive con- is why I pushed last week for an amendment tion’s passenger rail system. The re- to a rail bill in the Commerce Committee tributions from Senator BLUMENTHAL forms extend to project financing, and to improve passenger rail safety, in- that will require FRA to provide Congress Senator BOOKER’s embedded RRIF bill, cluding redundant signal protection to with quarterly reports on the nearly 30 rec- cosponsored by Senators HELLER, CAR- increase roadway worker safety, poten- ommendations outlined in the Deep Dive re- port. My amendment was accepted into the PER, and KIRK, will create a faster and tially preventing tragedies such as the bill, which was voted out of the committee more flexible RRIF Program. one in West Haven, CT, in 2013. favorably, and I urge the Senate to take up I also applaud Senator KIRK for his Senator BLUMENTHAL also made im- the measure swiftly so we can ensure Metro- contributions to the RRIF reform bill, portant contributions on provisions North is implementing true safety reforms,’’ improving the loan process and facili- covering alerters, signage, and track Blumenthal said. tating more timely and transparent de- inspections. The bill includes his pro- Mr. THUNE. I urge the Senate to en- cisions. These RRIF loans can be used posal for the Federal Railroad Admin- sure Metro-North and other railroads for safety improvements, including istration to increase oversight of need- improve safety by voting in support of positive train control. It also explains ed safety improvements at Metro- the bill before the Senate. why its inclusion in the broader sur- North. Working with Senator CANTWELL, face transportation bill is strongly sup- I call my colleagues’ attention to the who has been a strong advocate for ported by Transportation for America, following document: the Federal Rail- crude-by-rail safety, we have also in- the States for Passenger Rail Coali- road Administration’s ‘‘Operation Deep cluded in the bill new requirements for tion, the National Association of Rail- Dive Report’’ outlining the safety con- real-time train information to aid road Passengers, the American Public cerns at Metro-North and setting forth emergency response officials in the Transportation Association, and the specific directed actions. The bill be- event of an accident. Senator BALDWIN Southern Rail Commission. fore the Senate would require the FRA worked last week to ensure emergency I ask unanimous consent to have to follow up on that report and its rec- officials have advance notice of crude printed in the RECORD the statement ommendations. oil and ethanol unit trains traveling from Transportation for America. I also call my colleagues’ attention through their jurisdictions. There being no objection, the mate- to Emergency Order No. 29, which was This bill also includes a provision for rial was ordered to be printed in the issued after terrible derailments in the comprehensive oilspill response plans RECORD, as follows:

VerDate Sep 11 2014 05:22 Jul 30, 2015 Jkt 049060 PO 00000 Frm 00026 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G29JY6.092 S29JYPT1 SSpencer on DSK4SPTVN1PROD with SENATE July 29, 2015 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S6115 TRANSPORTATION FOR AMERICA, successful implementation as soon as Rail Technical Grant program that provides Washington, DC, July 14, 2015. practicable. $199 million to leverage financing and pro- Hon. JOHN THUNE, Multiple government reports, includ- vide direct grants to install PTC or for inter- Chairman, Senate Commerce Committee, Wash- operability between rail operators. ing from the Government Account- Approval of the PTC deadline extension to ington, DC. ability Office, the DOT, and the FRA, DEAR CHAIRMAN THUNE: We write to thank December 31, 2018 gives VRE assurance that you for your leadership on the Comprehen- have concluded that the vast majority commuter rail operations will not be dis- sive Transportation and Consumer Protec- of railroads will not meet the Decem- rupted. I ask that you please support its pas- tion Act of 2015, which authorizes the federal ber 31, 2015, deadline for PTC imple- sage. passenger rail program with the transpor- mentation. This extension will not Sincerely, tation safety and freight provisions under delay safe and successful implementa- DOUG ALLEN, CEO. the jurisdiction of the Commerce Committee tion of positive train control tech- through 2021. nology. Rather, it offers a realistic ap- Mr. THUNE. Burlington Northern The Comprehensive Transportation and Santa Fe Railway, one of the freight Consumer Protection Act of 2015 authorizes proach to ensure this important tech- nology is implemented as quickly as railroads that collectively have spent the passenger rail program as part of the over $5 billion in private funds on im- broader surface transportation program for possible without risking shutdowns of the first time. The bill incorporates the Rail- rail service that will not meet the cur- plementation, recently sent a letter to road Reform, Enhancement, and Efficiency rent deadline no matter what the law the Surface Transportation Board that Act (S. 1626) that already received unani- says. This proposal is not novel. Senate stated the possibility that ‘‘if Congress mous approval from the Commerce Com- bill S. 1006, with original cosponsors has not extended the deadline for PTC mittee on June 25, 2015. The passenger rail BLUMENTHAL, SCHUMER, and GILLI- operations, as of January 1, 2016, nei- bill would provide sustainable funding and ther passenger nor freight traffic would enhancement opportunities for a unified na- BRAND, would extend the deadline to 2018 on a case-by-case basis in 1-year operate on BNSF lines that are re- tional passenger rail program, while also im- quired by Federal law and regulation proving the safety of the rail system. This is increments. Despite good-faith efforts an important step in supporting a truly from railroads, the Blumenthal exten- to have an interoperable PTC system multimodal approach to providing people im- sion recognizes the deadline in current as of that date.’’ Critically, as I have noted, this ex- proved mobility and access to destinations. law simply is not attainable. The Comprehensive Transportation and Similarly, in its GROW AMERICA tension is now paired with robust, dedi- Consumer Protection Act of 2015 also makes proposal, the administration requested cated, and mandatory funding for PTC progress to improve the movement of freight giving the Secretary of Transportation implementation among commuter rail- and enhance U.S. economic competitiveness roads. Recently, the American Public by improving freight transportation serving discretion to extend the deadline on a case-by-case basis without any con- Transportation Association, or APTA, agriculture, manufacturing, energy, retail surveyed its commuter railroad mem- and other sectors. Freight movement is in- straints on the dates the Secretary herently multimodal and multi-jurisdic- may approve. bers and found that over 50 percent tional. It requires a program with broad eli- We follow this model but add explicit were deferring maintenance to install gibilities and a competitive approach to constraints on installation and activa- PTC and only 29 percent had a shot at guarantee that limited funding is targeted to tion by 2018, while allowing the Sec- installation by the end of the year. the projects with the greatest impact. This retary discretion in overseeing testing That is why APTA, the National Asso- proposal moves the federal transportation ciation of Railroad Passengers, and rail program in the right direction in addressing to ensure that PTC works as intended. Recently, railroads from across the labor support the inclusion of this crit- the nation’s freight needs. ical funding in this underlying meas- We look forward to working with you and country explained the potential disrup- your committee to address remaining con- tion caused by the current unattain- ure. cerns with the bill, such as the future of the able deadline. Virginia Railway Ex- Mr. President, I ask unanimous con- TIGER program; however it is clear that pas- press, or VRE, wrote to me stating that sent to have printed in the RECORD the sage of the Comprehensive Transportation ‘‘VRE commuter rail operations could letter from the American Public Trans- and Consumer Protection Act of 2015 would be suspended after December 31, 2015’’ portation Association. be an important step forward in creating a and has requested more time to ensure There being no objection, the mate- transportation program that will boost the that PTC works as intended. rial was ordered to be printed in the nation’s economy and ensure future pros- RECORD, as follows: perity. I ask unanimous consent to have AMERICAN PUBLIC Sincerely, printed in the RECORD the July 28, 2015, TRANSPORTATION ASSOCIATION, JAMES CORLESS, letter from Virginia Railway Express. Washington, DC, July 28, 2015. Director. There being no objection, the mate- Hon. JOHN THUNE, Mr. THUNE. Transportation for rial was ordered to be printed in the Chairman, Senate Committee on Commerce, America wrote that the committee-re- RECORD as follows: Science and Transportation, Washington ported legislation would be an impor- VIRGINIA RAILWAY EXPRESS, DC. tant step forward in creating a trans- Alexandria, VA, July 28, 2015. DEAR CHAIRMAN THUNE: We understand portation program that will boost the Hon. JOHN THUNE, that the manager’s amendment on the Com- Nation’s economy and ensure future Chair, merce Committee title of the bill authorizes prosperity. It also stated that the bill Hon. BILL NELSON, $199 million in funding that can be used by public commuter railroads for grants, or to would improve the safety of our Na- Ranking Member, Committee on Commerce, Science and Transpor- leverage financing, for the implementation tion’s rail system. tation, U.S. Senate, Washington, DC. of positive train control (PTC) systems. Building on the work of the com- Dear CHAIRMAN THUNE AND RANKING MEM- These funds are of critical importance as merce committee, the multiyear BER NELSON: This letter supports the dead- commuter railroads address the $3.5 billion Transportation bill also includes a bi- line extension for certification and inter- in costs associated with installing PTC sys- partisan extension to the PTC dead- operability of Positive Train Control (PTC) tems under the new deadline and process also line. The bipartisan extension is a rig- to December 31, 2018 being incorporated into included in the bill. APTA appreciates the orous case-by-case approach, with en- the Surface Transportation Authorization committee’s effort to support implementa- bill (DRIVE Act) now being considered in the tion. forceable milestones and metrics. U.S. Senate. The Virginia Railway Express is APTA’s commuter railroads support the The Secretary of Transportation ap- concerned that without an extension to the implementation of PTC on all commuter and proves or disapproves of the dates in a PTC deadline, VRE commuter rail oper- intercity passenger rail lines, but we do not railroad’s updated implementation ations could be suspended after December 31, believe that PTC can be implemented on the schedule, including the hard end date 2015 even though VRE has done everything in entire system by the current statutory dead- for implementation. Under no cir- its control to comply with the requirements line, despite good faith efforts. The funds cumstances can the Secretary approve for PTC established in the Rail Safety Im- provided in the bill, in conjunction with the a date for full installation and activa- provement Act of 2008. authority for the Secretary to oversee imple- The extension for PTC represents a com- mentation of PTC systems by the end of 2018, tion that is later than 2018. The Sec- mon sense, bi-partisan approach and it al- will help ensure that PTC is safely installed retary also has the authority to iden- lows sufficient time for VRE and it host rail- as quickly as possible. We do not think it tify and require changes to deficient roads to test, commission and certify PTC makes sense for commuter railroads to cease schedules that do not show safe and for compliance. VRE is also supportive of the operations on January 1, 2016 because they

VerDate Sep 11 2014 05:22 Jul 30, 2015 Jkt 049060 PO 00000 Frm 00027 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A29JY6.043 S29JYPT1 SSpencer on DSK4SPTVN1PROD with SENATE S6116 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE July 29, 2015 were unable to install PTC by the current I yield the floor. and again. Battles we all thought were deadline, despite their best efforts to imple- The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- settled, that women across the country ment this new technology. ator from Washington. thought they had won decades ago keep Thank you for consideration of our views. Mrs. MURRAY. Mr. President, I ask coming back. And each time we have We remain committed to PTC implementa- unanimous consent to speak as in tion and we look forward to working with made it clear: We are not going away. Congress as it advances this important morning business. Republicans can keep trying to at- transportation bill. If you have questions, The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without tack women’s health care, they can put please contact Brian Tynan of APTA’s Gov- objection, it is so ordered. new spins on old ideas, they can try ernment Affairs staff at [email protected] or PLANNED PARENTHOOD talking about it in a different way, and at (202) 496–4897. Mrs. MURRAY. Mr. President, I am they can look for any opportunity they Sincerely, on the floor this afternoon to talk want to bring this back up, but they MICHAEL P. MELANIPHY, about something I have had to talk should know we are not going to be President & CEO. about far too many times—extreme Re- fooled and they will not fool women Mr. THUNE. APTA wrote: ‘‘These publicans pandering to their extreme across the country. Women in this funds are of critical importance as base by attacking women’s health. country should be able to make their commuter railroads address the $3.5 My Republican colleagues have own decision about their own health billion in costs associated with install- picked this fight over spending bills, care. Our government should be invest- ing PTC systems.’’ over the debt ceiling, and the list goes ing in women’s health, helping more The National Association of Railroad on. In fact, they even tried last week to women get access to care, not moving Passengers wrote: ‘‘Just as important attach political riders attacking in the opposite direction. as the level of the authorization is the Planned Parenthood to a bill that was I very much hope Republicans finally structure of the eligibility . . . RRIF supposed to help seriously wounded learn their lesson and move on to the could potentially be used to leverage veterans start families. So we know other things, but, if not, we need them the amount provided by the DRIVE Act how far they are willing to go to appeal to know we are going to be here ready by a factor of ten.’’ to the tea party, and what we are dis- to stand and fight for women in this The Senate has an important oppor- cussing today is more of the same. country. tunity to advance deployment of posi- Republicans are using undercover at- I yield the floor. tive train control and help commuter tack videos, produced by a radical, The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- railroads get over the finish line. rightwing organization dedicated to ator from Connecticut. Mr. BLUMENTHAL. Mr. President, I In sum, this is a national rail safety taking away a woman’s right to am proud to join my colleague from and infrastructure improvement bill. choose, to once again on the floor try Washington State, a very distinguished Amtrak provides service to over 30 to defund Planned Parenthood and and dedicated colleague, and others million per year, with stops in over 500 take away critical health services from such as she who are championing this communities and in 46 States. New women. cause of defending Planned Parent- York has about 6 million riders, Penn- As Republicans try once again to get hood. I am proud to stand with Planned sylvania about 3 million, and States in between a woman and her health Parenthood in advocating and cham- such as Florida, Virginia, and Wash- care, my colleagues are on the floor pioning the cause of women’s health ington all have over 1 million riders. today to make one thing very clear: This bill also improves the safety of care in this country. This bill is a nonstarter. We are stand- Planned Parenthood needs no defense commuter railroads, which collectively ing up to be the voices for millions of and, indeed, this body should not be have nearly 500 million boardings per men and women across the country and spending valuable time and energy in year. Metro-North, serving New York, to say we are not going to let Repub- this attack on women’s health care Connecticut, Long Island Railroad, and licans hurt women and take away their that is epitomized by an effort to New Jersey Transit each have 80 mil- health care—not on our watch. defund Planned Parenthood. lion boardings per year. These pas- Mr. President, 2.7 women and men Let’s be very clear. Planned Parent- sengers deserve the critical safety and visit Planned Parenthood each year for hood provides countless women across infrastructure improvements put for- health care. One in five women will this country with STD testing, breast ward in this bipartisan legislation. visit Planned Parenthood at some cancer screening, funding research in The failure to pass this bipartisan point in her life. These women and strengthening women’s health care, DRIVE Act, which includes these pas- their families are looking for every- and contraception. None of these ac- senger rail investments and safety im- thing from cancer screenings to birth tivities is involved in abortion. They provements, would be a significant loss control, to basic primary care, and the are entirely unrelated to abortion. to the traveling public who utilize pas- bill some of my Republican colleagues They are about women’s health care. senger rail systems across the country. have introduced would take all of that The effort to defund Planned Parent- I would simply conclude by adding away. It would leave women without hood is, in fact, an attack on women’s that this is a copy of all the letters of the providers they know and the pro- health care. support we have received regarding viders they trust. Planned Parenthood should need no provisions in this legislation, regarding I don’t think women want the tea defense from any of us because its ac- the legislation in its entirety, and I en- party making their health care deci- tivities immensely benefit women who courage Members of the Senate to sup- sions for them, but under this bill that depend on it and rely on its profes- port it. is exactly what would happen and that sionals for basic screening, testing, and In addition to the letters I have al- is why it is not going anywhere. Repub- other activities that protect them from ready included, there are literally licans can go ahead and try for the the ravages of cancer and other kinds probably hundreds of letters in here umpteenth time to turn back the clock of diseases that will cost more to this from organizations that are impacted, on women’s health and score political Nation if we deny Planned Parenthood affected by, and benefit from provi- points with their extreme base. They that funding. sions in the DRIVE Act. can pander to the tea party instead of Planned Parenthood is under attack. So I hope when this comes to a final working with us on the real challenges It is under siege from a sensationalistic vote, which I believe it will sometime this country faces. We need to be cre- and disingenuous kind of publicity that tomorrow, that we will demonstrate in ating jobs, growing our economy, and is based on undercover videos. People a big bipartisan fashion our support for actually expanding access to health are offended by them, and Planned Par- this legislation, not only for what it care. enthood has in fact spoken to the mer- does for roads and bridges but what it We want them to know we are going its of them. I encourage Planned Par- does for freight transportation in this to be right there as this comes to the enthood to continue speaking to those country and specifically many of the floor, fighting back to make sure videos. Another was released just yes- things I have just mentioned that we women come before politics and not terday. have included as part of the rail provi- the other way around. We have fought Planned Parenthood needs no defense sions in this bill. this battle before and again and again from us because the American people

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So the funding of Choice was passed to react to the ter- basic efforts and goals. women’s health care by defunding rible crisis in the VA in Arizona when The meeting we had—that Chairman Planned Parenthood should not be the the Phoenix, AZ, hospital had veterans ISAKSON had last week—was very pro- goal or the effect of anything we do in die because appointments weren’t kept, ductive and important in reaching a this body. veterans couldn’t get services, and consensus, a bipartisan consensus, and I am proud to stand and urge my col- mental health issues couldn’t be han- I urge my Democratic colleagues on leagues to reject this attack from the dled. The Choice Act was engineered by this side of the aisle to join this effort most extreme members of the anti- Senators Burr and McCain, who did a to enable VA programs to go forward choice movement, which seeks to un- good job. and to make sure we continue to keep dermine critical access to health care We are proud to be modifying it in faith with our veterans. We should through Planned Parenthood. My hope this highway extension to be sure we leave no veteran behind when it comes is that congressional opinion, like do not run out of funding and not ap- to health care. We must make sure American public opinion, will continue propriate an additional dime other that we fulfill our obligation to all of to be, as we are, on the side of Planned than what we already have. For Mem- our veterans in mental health care, in Parenthood. bers who are listening to these remarks physical health care, in primary health I yield the floor. and will vote tomorrow, I want them to care, and all the specialties that are The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- served by this program. ator from Georgia. understand quite clearly that when they read the bill it will show money I thank my very good friend from VETERANS HEALTH CARE as emergency funding. That doesn’t Georgia for his leadership in this ef- Mr. ISAKSON. Mr. President, I will mean it is new or additional money. It fort. I am proud to be his partner in be joined on the floor by the distin- serving this goal. guished Senator from Connecticut, Mr. just means the money that was appro- priated last year as emergency funding I yield the floor, and I thank the BLUMENTHAL, who is the ranking mem- for VA Choice will be able to be used Chair. ber of the Veterans’ Affairs Committee; The PRESIDING OFFICER (Mr. LEE). only for benefits for veterans in terms Senator MCCAIN of Arizona, who is the The Senator from Arizona. of health care no matter what program leader behind the Choice movement Mr. MCCAIN. Mr. President, I want they are in—non-VA, regular VA or VA that took place last year in August; to thank Senator BLUMENTHAL and also and Senator ROY BLUNT from Missouri. Choice. my friend from Georgia, the distin- As we speak, at this very moment We want to see to it that Choice is a guished chairman of the Veterans’ Af- the House is voting. They are voting on force multiplier, Choice is the way we fairs Committee, who is ensuring we a 3-month extension of the highway get our veterans’ timely appointments, continue strong oversight and account- bill. But more importantly to us on the Choice is the way we utilize and maxi- ability at the VA. It is much needed. Veterans’ Affairs Committee and to mize the ability of our country to meet There are a lot of problems, but what our veterans, they are voting on a bill the needs of our veterans and bring pri- the Senator from Georgia has done on we have agreed to, to fix the problem vate sector participation into service a bipartisan basis is to continue the at the VA with regard to the funding of for our veterans without diminishing funding to add billions of dollars on top our hospitals and health care, and to or taking away the services our vet- of the VA’s request. We have approved open up a new day in terms of Veterans erans get from the VA. of every single increase for funding Administration services to the vet- I appreciate Senator BLUMENTHAL that has been requested, and yet I am erans of our country. and the contributions he made in the disappointed the administration is I was pleased to be joined by Senator meeting 2 weeks ago. I want to com- seeking to use funds originally allo- BLUMENTHAL at the VA a couple of mend Chairman MILLER and Ranking cated for the VA Choice card to pay for weeks ago where we had a heart-to- Member BROWN in the House for all the hospital and medical treatment needs. heart, 4-hour meeting with Secretary work they did, and Speaker BOEHNER, Thanks to the work, though, of the McDonald, Sloan Gibson, and others who was instrumental in making this Senator from Georgia and our other about the false-intended press release come about. colleagues, including Chairman MILLER that was sent out of the VA saying I now yield to Senator BLUMENTHAL, in the House of Representatives, we they were about to run out of money, then Senator MCCAIN, and then Sen- will ensure the VA health care will health care was going to be stopped in ator BLUNT. continue without any funding interrup- certain places, and some hospitals Mr. BLUMENTHAL. Mr. President, I tions through the summer and into the might be closed. That was a misleading thank the chairman of the Committee new fiscal year. We will do this to en- press release. It was meant to create a on Veterans’ Affairs, who has correctly sure that our disabled veterans do not crisis that didn’t really exist. The cri- and appropriately stated what our goal suffer from the VA bureaucracies’ mis- sis was not in not having the money. is in seeking the transfer of funding—a takes and mismanagement. The crisis was in addressing the money goal that will be fulfilled by the bill Mr. President, I ask unanimous con- and having to organize it in such a way coming to us from the House. It is, in sent to engage in a brief colloquy with it could meet VA’s needs. What is at- fact, coming to us from the House, but the Senator from Georgia. tached to the highway bill and coming as Chairman ISAKSON has very cor- The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without over here is the following: redirection rectly stated, it is the result of an ini- objection, it is so ordered. of $3.348 billion in the Choice money tiative that he—and I have been very Mr. MCCAIN. I would ask the Senator which was appropriated last year into a proud to join him in this effort—initi- from Georgia if he would agree the central fund for health care, just as the ated with the VA Secretary at our Choice card was really a major break- funds for non-VA health care and reg- meeting last week. And the leadership through in concept, in that at least a ular health care are. Now all of the of the House has joined in that effort. certain portion of our veteran popu- money for veterans’ benefits is in the I am proud and honored to be his lation, rather than having to go a long same pie. And the limitations on the partner in this effort, which is abso- distance in order to get VA care, would paying for benefits that were in the lutely necessary to continue the VA’s be able to go to a local provider? Choice bill are not going to be there health care programs. This transfer of I wonder if the Senator from Georgia any longer, so all the money can be $3.4 billion is required by the fact that would discuss for a moment, or com- used for what it was intended, and that the community and care programs of ment on, whether that program has is to pay for the benefits for our vet- the VA will in effect exhaust their rev- been viable, whether it is accepted or erans who have earned them. enue streams unless we enable the VA not accepted by our veterans popu- In addition, there will be an addition to use some of this Choice funding in lation, and whether we need to make it to the 40-mile rule to say that any vet- this effort. It is necessary to permit permanent or not.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 03:13 Jul 30, 2015 Jkt 049060 PO 00000 Frm 00029 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G29JY6.099 S29JYPT1 SSpencer on DSK4SPTVN1PROD with SENATE S6118 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE July 29, 2015 Mr. ISAKSON. Mr. President, I thank lion—a 428-percent overrun—but look of us have an obligation to all of our the Senator from Arizona for his ques- at Orlando, FL, and look at three other veterans, but I know my colleagues can tion. It was the Senator from Arizona hospitals we have built, all of them understand the special aspects of where who initiated the Choice Act move- being two or three times the original this whole thing began. ment in August of last year when we estimate. The VA needs to be taken I am very grateful, and on behalf of had the terrible crisis in Phoenix where out of the business of building hos- the veterans of my State, I thank both appointments weren’t made for vet- pitals, and we are doing that and trans- of you for your leadership and your erans in trouble and, in some cases, ferring it to the Corps of Engineers, commitment. I will be going back to some of them died. who are the people who know how to my veterans community, and I will be We created Choice to be sure if a vet- build something. having townhall meetings and meet- eran needed an appointment within 30 The VA needs to manage the health ings with them and ensuring them that days, or immediately, if it was mental delivery system for our veterans. That at least we think we are taking meas- health or other things, and the VA is what they need to be providing. They ures that put us on the right track. medical facility couldn’t provide it, do not need to be building buildings. I thank the Senator from Missouri they could use Choice to go to a local They don’t need to be keeping us out of for his patience while we engaged in provider, either because of distance or their business. They need, instead, to this colloquy. service offered. That was initiated in find private sector solutions wherever Mr. ISAKSON. I want to acknowledge November of last year, and it has they can and do what they were char- the fact that Choice would have never grown almost every single month in tered to do, which is to provide services happened, and this would have never utility and use because it gives the VA for veterans who fought and sacrificed happened, had the Senator from Ari- a way, when they are backed up, to for our country. zona not immediately responded when meet the needs of a veteran without Mr. MCCAIN. In other words, from the crisis first started and fixed this. just saying we cannot help. It is be- now on, if there is a new VA facility to We appreciate his leadership, and we coming more and more popular. be built, that will be supervised and are glad to follow him. Not only is it helping veterans to get constructed by the Corps of Engineers? The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- services on a timely basis, it is a force Mr. ISAKSON. Exactly. With one ex- ator from Connecticut. multiplier for the VA. Every time we ception. If it is a modification to a Mr. BLUMENTHAL. Mr. President, I can use a local Medicare-approved phy- CBOC or a clinic or something like thank our friend from Arizona, the dis- sician, which is what Choice does, we that, that is a smaller allocation or a tinguished cosponsor with me of the are saving the VA having to hire an- smaller appropriation. Maybe anything Clay Hunt Suicide Prevention for other physician, having to build an- under $25 million, they might do, but American Veterans Act, for his great other hospital room, and having to pro- anything over $25 million, such as a work in this area as well as on health vide another service. Yet the VA has hospital, they won’t do it. The Corps of care generally for our veterans. He has control of the services going to the vet- Engineers will do it. raised one of the most profoundly im- eran. Mr. MCCAIN. Well, I am sure it is portant as well as intelligent questions We have 6.5 million American vet- probably a dumb question, but has any- about accountability—accountability erans who have received Choice cards body been held accountable? I am sure for the debacle and delays in health since November of last year. The num- that is a stupid question. care and cooking the books that led to bers started out slow, but they are Mr. ISAKSON. It is the most intel- the Choice program, but also account- picking up every single month because ligent question anybody can ask. The ability for the cost overruns in the con- veterans like the fact that they can go press questioned me in Denver, when I struction of the Aurora, CO, facility— closer to home for what the VA can’t went there, along with Ranking Mem- $1 billion at least over budget, and offer, they can get the service they ber BLUMENTHAL, and we looked at the months, if not years, of delays, as well need if the VA can’t offer it, and they situation firsthand. After looking at it as in other construction facilities. can be served in a timely fashion. and interviewing the VA people, we I would just say to my friend from I thank the Senator for his initiation were asked by the Denver Post how we Arizona that the chairman and I are fo- of this whole movement last August could explain this mess, and I asked cused on the accountability issue, and and for being a part of getting this ad- them very simply if they knew what a we are working together in a bipar- dition passed today. camel was. They said no. I said that is tisan way on a legislative measure that Mr. MCCAIN. Mr. President, I thank a horse built by a committee. Well, the will meet the test of constitutionality the Senator from Georgia, and I would Denver hospital is a camel—a horse as well as effectiveness in holding ac- ask two more questions. being built by a committee, most of countable past and future officials at One is, how important is it that we whom have left and are not there to be the VA for these kinds of mismanage- make it permanent, and maybe even held accountable anymore. ment and in other areas. So I thank look towards expansion of eligibility It is unconscionable and irresponsible him for raising this issue. for the card; and second of all, I know for that hospital to be costing what it I apologize to my colleague from Mis- the Senator from Georgia has already has cost. We have finally put our arms souri for delaying him from taking the discussed it, but when we have a $1.7 around it. We have finally put people in floor. billion cost overrun on the construc- place with accountability, and the The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- tion of one VA hospital—and we see Corps of Engineers is now overseeing ator from Missouri. cost overruns literally everywhere the completion of that hospital so we Mr. BLUNT. Mr. President, I join throughout the VA on their construc- don’t have more overruns like we had. Senator MCCAIN in thanking Senators tion projects—how do we fix that? It was a matter of nobody being in ISAKSON and BLUMENTHAL for the pack- Mr. ISAKSON. Mr. President, we are charge and everybody being in charge— age we are putting together and talk- fixing it, and I appreciate both ques- too many chiefs and not enough Indi- ing about. And I join them in thanking tions. ans. We had people in charge of health Senator MCCAIN for coming forward On question No. 1, we need to repeal care building buildings, and that and giving reality to this idea that the sunset of Choice, which is in 2 wasn’t what we needed. many of us have advocated for some years, and make it permanent. Choice Mr. MCCAIN. I think they must have time—more choices for veterans, more is a force multiplier for the VA, which gotten some of those bureaucrats from competition to see who serves vet- is good, and it is an added service for the Pentagon. erans. I think the numbers Senator our veterans, which is also good. I com- I want to thank both Senator ISAKSON has used here today would in- mit to you as chairman that I am BLUMENTHAL and you, Mr. Chairman, dicate that every month veterans are going to work towards eliminating the for the great work you are doing. As embracing this idea of more choices. sunset so Choice is permanent in VA you know, this whole scandal began in It makes common sense that there health services from now on. Arizona at the Phoenix VA, where alle- are a few things the veterans health As far as hospital cost overruns, the gations remain that over 50 veterans care system should be better at than Senator is right. Denver was $1.732 bil- died while awaiting care. Obviously all anybody else. They should be better at

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That erans continue to receive health care do and where we ask them to do it. is what this does. that is necessary because funds will be They should be better at IEDs, the ex- So I would like to see a better job terminated at the end of August if we plosive devices, dealing with the inju- done. The Cochran facility in St. fail to act. It is, in effect, a short-term ries that come from those kinds of at- Louis—I think one of the more trou- fix that is necessary because of the tacks, eye injuries and others. They bled facilities in the country right present structure of funding within the should be better, in all likelihood, at now—the big VA hospital there is VA. I think we can take this step and dealing with prosthetics because in the about to get its eighth Interim Direc- leave for another day the question of history of military service, so many of tor in 2 years. Now, there is some seri- how long the Choice Program should be our people who serve have lost arms ous management problem when one of extended, if it should be extended at and legs. The VA has been good at our major facilities with some signifi- all. prosthetics because of that. cant problems as an agency is now My hope is that accountability and But, frankly, I don’t know very much looking forward to its eighth Interim funding will focus on making the VA else we should argue that they should Director in 2 years. No problems are even better than it is. The reason for be better at than the place we probably going to be solved by half a dozen In- accountability is to make sure VA hos- drive by to get to their facility. There terim Directors. The head of the VA pitals and providers are giving our vet- is absolutely no reason to think the needs to understand that just like ev- erans world-class, first-class health Veterans’ Administration should be a erybody else does. care. better place to get heart bypass sur- The waiting list for getting a VA ap- I welcome the focus of the Senator gery done or a better place to get renal pointment is longer than 30 days and is from Missouri on what the VA does cancer dealt with or a better place to more than 50 percent bigger than it well. I hope it does everything well do almost anything else. If, in fact, was a year ago. that it is doing. From primary care, to there is a unique VA location that has So the choice aspect of this—looking women’s health care, to all of the clin- become better at those things than for more flexibility in how to apply the ics that are, to the initiatives it is tak- anybody else, that is a great place for ability of veterans to get their health ing in telemedicine, the VA ought to be veterans to go. But our goal should be care where they want to get their providing the best health care avail- to get veterans the choice they need to health care—is a good thing. able in the world to our veterans. They go to the location that works best for I am certainly disappointed that we need it and deserve it. We need to make them. are looking at another short-term ex- sure we keep faith with those veterans. I am proud we are taking this step on In looking at veterans mental health, tension of the highway bill, but if we a bipartisan basis to address the short- Senator STABENOW and I last year pro- have to put something with that short- term challenge of $3.4 billion that must posed the Excellence in Mental Health term extension of the highway bill that be transferred from the Choice Pro- Act. Particularly young veterans want moves veterans choice and competing gram to other accounts in the VA and to have more choices. They want more for who can provide health care to vet- to make sure the money is available to choices that work better with work erans in the best way, as this addition provide this funding and keep health and work better with their families and does, I think it is a great step in the care going for our veterans. let them access those kinds of facilities right direction. I yield the floor. and that kind of assistance in an easier I certainly want to work with Sen- I suggest the absence of a quorum. way. ator BLUMENTHAL, and the chairman’s The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Seeing the steps this bill begins to pledge to do everything he can to make clerk will call the roll. take is something we should all em- this competitive environment, where The legislative clerk proceeded to brace. veterans can get their health care call the roll. We should also hold the VA account- where they want in the best way, a per- Mrs. SHAHEEN. Mr. President, I ask able for doing everything they could— manent part of veterans health care— unanimous consent that the order for it appears to me—to resist the concept that is something I want to do. the quorum call be rescinded. Congress wanted them to embrace. One of my good friends introduced The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without This bill addresses some of those obsta- me at a meeting at a VA hospital about objection, it is so ordered. cles. a year ago. He said: Senator BLUNT has PLANNED PARENTHOOD I joined with Senator MORAN in a bill been telling me for about 10 years that Mrs. SHAHEEN. Mr. President, here he had so the Veterans’ Administration we need to have more choice. I have we go again. Once again, Planned Par- could no longer say: Well, the way we been telling him the VA could do the enthood is under attack. A bill is be- read the law, in the strictest possible job. I am now convinced that more fore the Senate that would once again sense, if you are within 40 miles of a fa- choice is what we need. attempt to defund Planned Parent- cility—no matter whether your health Many of our veterans and their fami- hood. And once again, we are seeing care problem can be dealt with there or lies have had great experiences at Vet- the Republican majority putting their not—you don’t meet the 40-mile cri- erans’ Administration facilities, but partisan agenda ahead of the health of teria. Well, of course the intention of every one of them should have a great women. Congress wasn’t that they meet a 40- experience, the best possible experience For 100 years, Planned Parenthood mile criteria. This piece of legislation, at whatever facility they go to in grat- has been a trusted provider of health with the help of Senator BLUMENTHAL, itude of the service they provided us. care services. Last year alone, Planned Senator ISAKSON, and Chairman MIL- I am glad these additions are in the Parenthood of Northern New England LER in the House, begins to clarify bill. I look forward to working with my served 12,000 women in New Hampshire. that. colleagues as we try to make competi- Most of them are low income. For I had a bill the House passed some tion work better, as we try to ensure many women in my State of New time ago—Hire More Heroes—that al- that it is permanent, and as we try to Hampshire, the full range of health lows veterans to have some advantage make the Veterans’ Administration services offered at Planned Parenthood with companies that hiring that are work for the veterans instead of being is the most affordable and accessible right at 50 employees, and because of focused on working for the Veterans’ way for them to get the care they need. the difficulties of the new health care Administration. Ninety-four percent of the services pro- requirements for employers, those em- I yield the floor. vided by Planned Parenthood in New ployers don’t want to get to more than The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- Hampshire are prevention-related. We 50. The Hire More Heroes provision of ator from Connecticut. can see on this chart that it is well- this will let veterans who have Mr. BLUMENTHAL. Mr. President, I women visits, cancer screenings, vac- TRICARE—who have veteran-provided thank my colleague for his support, cinations, birth control, breast exams,

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Industry partners have introduced to defund Planned Parent- We find ourselves at a critical junc- achieved and exceeded the program hood. It would make it harder for mil- ture in terms of vehicle technology. goal of a 50-percent improvement in lions of women—as I said, 12,000 in New Advancements such as super-light- overall freight efficiency on a heavy- Hampshire last year alone—to get the weight materials and vehicle-to-vehicle duty, class 8 tractor-trailer. Some have high-quality, affordable care they need. and vehicle-to-infrastructure commu- even reached over a 100-percent im- This attack on women’s health is po- nications are rapidly coming to market provement. My bill ensures that the litically motivated. It holds hostage and changing the way Americans get to DOE will be able to continue working the millions of women and families work, travel on vacation, and move with the industry on supertrucks. who depend on Planned Parenthood. goods and services across the country. Another example that the Vehicle In- The highly edited videos that have With a shared goal in maximizing the novation Act will build on is the work been circulated are disturbing. Planned potential of these technologies, we on multimaterial, lightweight vehicles. Parenthood has apologized, and the se- must get ahead of the curve and think Holistic vehicle and manufacturing de- cretly taped videos and Planned Par- strategically about how to seamlessly sign improvements for reducing vehicle enthood’s practices are under review by weave them together in a way that will weight can result in weight reduction the Department of Justice. That is ap- best increase public safety, fuel effi- and fuel economy gains of over 20 per- propriate. But make no mistake about ciency, and vehicle performance. That cent. it—the group who is responsible for is why I am excited to be leading two The Vehicle Innovation Act is tech- theses deceptive videos is motivated by bills that will provide the tools re- nology neutral. It develops and a single purpose: to limit access to searchers, engineers, manufacturers, strengthens the toolbox for auto ex- abortion services. Its three officers are and others need to create the next gen- perts without picking winners and los- prominent in the anti-abortion move- eration of cars and trucks built in ers. It also directs the Department of ment. They have ties to many other Michigan and in States all across the Energy to continue its investment into politically motivated groups who are country. multiple transformational tech- working to take away a woman’s right The Vehicle Innovation Act builds on nologies, such as hydrogen and bat- to choose. They have been tied to orga- the Department of Energy’s innovative teries. DOE research and development nizations that harass medical pro- work to improve vehicle fuel economy has cut costs for fuel cell systems by 50 viders, doctors, and patients, try to and minimize petroleum use. The Vehi- percent since 2006. My bill will build on limit access to women’s health care cle Innovation Act is bipartisan, with this success and expand DOE’s focus clinics, and they actively work to limit strong support from my lead cospon- into the near-term deployments that the reproductive health care decisions sors, Senator ALEXANDER and Senator will result in major savings for the na- a woman can make. STABENOW. Thanks to a team effort, it tional fleet. passed as an amendment to a bipar- Federal dollars are already prohib- The Vehicle Innovation Act also in- tisan energy bill in the Committee on ited from being used to pay for abor- cludes new research authorities on ve- Energy and Natural Resources yester- tion under the Hyde amendment except hicle-to-vehicle—or V2V—communica- in cases of rape, incest, or when the day by a vote of 20 to 2. The need for this legislation is clear. tions systems. This technology allows health of the mother is threatened. cars to talk to one another and recog- This is not a vote to defund abortion; Oil dependency is driven by transpor- nize dangers that a vehicle’s radar, this is a vote to defund preventive tation, particularly cars and trucks. cameras, and other sensors can’t de- health care for women, the kinds of Transportation is responsible for 66 tect. things that are outlined on this chart— percent of U.S. petroleum usage and 27 As we are working to develop these the cancer screenings, the vaccina- percent of greenhouse gas emissions. features in new vehicles, we must also tions, the breast exams, HIV tests, and America’s dependence on oil poses sig- ensure that we are keeping pace with birth control. nificant economic, energy, and envi- If you don’t like abortion, then you ronmental risks to the United States, technologies in our infrastructure. should support family planning, which and the Department of Defense has rec- Vehicle-to-vehicle infrastructure—or is one of the things Planned Parent- ognized that our reliance on oil puts V2I—technology allows vehicles to hood does. our men and women in uniform at communicate with the road and has By targeting Planned Parenthood, greater risk. the ability to help prevent collisions, this politically motivated attack on We have 240 million light-duty vehi- relieve traffic congestion, and reduce women’s health will limit access to cles on the roads in the United States, unnecessary energy consumption. That health care services that I think we all and it will take decades of sustained ef- is why I introduced another bill to pro- agree should be available, the kinds of fort to turn over that fleet. mote investments in V2I technology by services that are listed on this chart. It is absolutely critical that we de- authorizing States to use existing sur- On behalf of the millions of women velop the advanced technologies now in face and highway transportation fund- who are served by Planned Parenthood, order to achieve fuel savings in the fu- ing to invest in V2I projects as they up- and the thousands of women in New ture and become truly energy inde- grade highway infrastructure. Hampshire, I oppose and I will continue pendent. The Vehicle Innovation Act An example of V2I in action is a mon- to oppose any attempt to defund establishes a consistent and consoli- itor on a bridge that will tell approach- Planned Parenthood, an organization dated authority for the Department of ing drivers if there is a dangerous ice that is absolutely a critical component Energy’s Vehicle Technologies Pro- buildup on it. Other examples include of women’s health care. gram, which promotes partnerships traffic signals that warn vehicles of Mr. President, I yield the floor. with the public and private sector to stopped traffic or sensors that warn of I suggest the absence of a quorum. improve fuel efficiency in vehicles. nearby emergency vehicles for work The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Through this program, the DOE will zones. clerk will call the roll. collaborate with light-duty automobile In 2013 the National Highway Traffic The legislative clerk proceeded to and medium- and heavy-duty commer- Safety Administration found that more call the roll. cial truck engineers, manufacturers, than 32,000 people were killed in vehi- Mr. PETERS. Mr. President, I ask and suppliers to conduct cutting-edge cle crashes. According to NTHSA, V2V unanimous consent that the order for research that will help us advance the and V2I—the two technologies being the quorum call be rescinded. future of fuel-efficient cars and trucks. developed—will be able to eliminate up

VerDate Sep 11 2014 03:13 Jul 30, 2015 Jkt 049060 PO 00000 Frm 00032 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G29JY6.073 S29JYPT1 SSpencer on DSK4SPTVN1PROD with SENATE July 29, 2015 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S6121 to 80 percent of vehicle accidents in- keep the clinic staff from helping her. While abortion accounts for only 3 volving nonimpaired drivers once they They connected her to the only OB/ percent of the health care services pro- are fully deployed. GYN in the city who accepted low-in- vided by Planned Parenthood, it is I am pleased that my V2I legislation come patients, and she got the care she often one of the only abortion pro- is included in the overall highway bill needed. viders in a State or a region. For exam- the Senate is considering this week, She said: ‘‘Since that early detection ple, there are 10 abortion clinics in and I look forward to working in the and intervention, I’ve been healthy and Texas. Just a few years ago, there were fall during the conference to make sure would not be where I am today without 36 abortion clinics. Twenty-six clinics this funding eligibility language re- Planned Parenthood.’’ were forced to close after Texas passed mains in the bill. Another young woman from a law aimed at ending abortion in the V2V and V2I technologies are part of Victorville, CA, told me it was hard to State. The Supreme Court has put the auto industry’s future, and these get information about how to prevent some provisions of that law on hold technologies will be readily available pregnancy and sexually transmitted pending further review. But the point in the near term. That is why it is so diseases and access contraception. is that laws such as the one in Texas important that we make these invest- Three girls she knew in high school be- force much-needed facilities to close. ments in our infrastructure now to en- came pregnant. It wasn’t until she vis- Just 10 clinics in Texas have met the sure that we can start using these life- ited Planned Parenthood in college unnecessary and burdensome new re- saving technologies as they become that she felt she could make respon- quirements, and 5 of those 10 clinics available. sible health care decisions. are Planned Parenthood clinics. If Taken together, these two bills rep- Another young woman shared her Planned Parenthood closes, Texas loses resent the type of forward-thinking abortion story. She was 19 when she be- half of its remaining abortion providers policymaking that Congress should be came pregnant. She felt scared and in one fell swoop. focused on every day. Investments in alone. She said: ‘‘During a time when a The goal of the groups pushing this research and development have dem- tough decision had been made and a effort is clear. It is to chip away bit by onstrated the ability to transform our million thoughts were running through bit at a woman’s ability to make her society for the better, and I am deter- my mind, it was relieving to know that own health care decisions in consulta- mined to make sure the United States I was in the hands of people whose only tion with her family and her doctor. is the country that is driving forward goal was to help me.’’ And 4 years That is their goal—no matter the cost advanced technology instead of putting later, she still uses Planned Parent- to women across the country who rely on the brakes and being left behind. hood as her primary health care pro- on Planned Parenthood for cancer I yield the floor. vider and encourages her friends and screenings, annual checkups, and other The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- family to also use them. essential services—and in my view, this ator from California. I want to say just a little bit about is simply wrong. PLANNED PARENTHOOD the services Planned Parenthood pro- I am really troubled by the aggres- Mrs. FEINSTEIN. Mr. President, I vides and how it uses Federal funds. sive tactics used by anti-choice groups, come to the floor to speak about the Nearly 80 percent of its patients are such as the illegal filming of a medical importance of protecting women’s low income, making less than $18,000 a procedure and the hacking of Planned health and protecting their access to year. Without Planned Parenthood, Parenthood’s records. This is dis- their health care, in other words, their many of these women could not access turbing. We all know the danger of choice. I strongly oppose what is be- the most basic health care services. leaking confidential information. We coming a major effort to defund That bears repeating. Planned Parent- know the potential for serious vio- Planned Parenthood. Planned Parent- hood is often the only option for lence. hood has ensured women receive the women to get their annual checkup. It In 1994, shortly after I came to the health care they need for almost 100 provides breast exams, contraception, Senate, we passed the Freedom of Ac- years now. That was before women prenatal care, cancer screenings, and cess to Clinic Entrances Act in re- even had the right to vote. Its founder testing for sexually transmitted dis- sponse to a spate of violent episodes was thrown in jail for making birth eases, including HIV. It also runs teen targeting women’s health clinics. Two control available, and it has been under pregnancy prevention and health edu- doctors, a clinic escort, and two recep- near-constant attack since then. cation programs that reach more than tionists at a Planned Parenthood facil- I think the Senate needs to stand up 1 million young people per year. This is ity in Boston were killed by anti-abor- on behalf of millions of women across what the Federal funding Planned Par- tion activists during three separate at- this country and vote no on any enthood receives goes toward. tacks in 1993 and 1994. amendment that would defund Planned In 2013, Planned Parenthood used This week, upon learning that her Parenthood. This organization is the Federal funds to provide the following: name and email address had been pub- primary health care provider for mil- nearly half a million breast exams, lished, one Planned Parenthood staffer lions of American women. One in five nearly 400,000 cervical cancer in California told my office that she re- women in this country has been to screenings, contraception for 2.2 mil- fused to be intimidated because she Planned Parenthood. lion patients, and testing and treat- knows that is the whole point. I have received hundreds of emails ment for sexually transmitted infec- I am concerned that the message and calls from women in California tions for 4.5 million patients. being sent is that it is OK to commit about their support for and experiences In addition to serving predominately crimes against Planned Parenthood, its at Planned Parenthood. They told me low-income women, Planned Parent- employees, and its patients; and it is that doctors there listened to them, hood operates in some of the most un- not. That sort of message can be taken the nurses became their friends, and derserved communities in this country. up by extremists and become very dan- they felt valued as patients. Before For example, without Planned Parent- gerous for women and doctors across they went to Planned Parenthood, they hood, 13 of California’s 58 counties the country. were worried about their health. They would not have a single clinic to pro- Whether you support the right to didn’t know if they would be able to vide family planning services to low-in- choose or not—and I very much do—we get the care they need, and they didn’t come women through title X programs. should all be very careful here. Doctors have the information to make smart, Attacks on Planned Parenthood are a and clinic staff who provide constitu- healthy lifestyle choices. concerted attack on access to safe, tionally protected health care services One young woman from Santa Bar- legal abortion services in this country. and women who access these services bara told me about a health care scare Make no mistake about it. The group should not be terrorized and threat- she had when she was 20. Precancerous behind this latest attack, the Center ened. cells were discovered during her annual for Medical Progress, has longstanding In closing, I will return to where I exam. Planned Parenthood didn’t have ties to the anti-choice movement, in- started. I believe that if there is a the equipment to perform the followup cluding Operation Rescue, which is movement to withhold funding from procedure she needed, but that didn’t closely associated with clinic violence. Planned Parenthood, that movement

VerDate Sep 11 2014 03:13 Jul 30, 2015 Jkt 049060 PO 00000 Frm 00033 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G29JY6.074 S29JYPT1 SSpencer on DSK4SPTVN1PROD with SENATE S6122 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE July 29, 2015 will not be successful. I believe that sion in investment. It is supported by ical reasons—the Ohio River, which will be defeated right here in the Sen- all kinds of organizations—business, separates there Ohio and Kentucky— ate. I do not understand why anyone labor, contractors, AFL–CIO, manufac- almost the entire Ohio River is consid- would even try to do this at this time. turers, steelmakers, concrete makers— ered to be in Kentucky. So this bridge, This country has so many problems, businesses that want to have good in- which covers 4 percent of GDP, is in not the least of which are things that I frastructure to get their goods to mar- the home State of the majority leader, deal with every day in the intelligence ket and want their employees to be and yet the majority leader did not community—the fear of extremists, the able to drive to work or take the bus to allow another Senator to offer an attacks by terrorists and those who work without major damage to the amendment that actually would take want to strike our homeland. It seems axles of their cars when they hit the care of rebuilding and fixing up that to me that we do not need this fight potholes on too many city streets. In- historic bridge that is very crucial to now, particularly a fight where those stead, we are looking at a bill that our economy. Without the Federal who oppose Planned Parenthood, I be- pays for just 3 years and offers small Government, that bridge won’t get re- lieve, will be seriously defeated. increases over current spending levels. placed. The State government of Ken- If a bill does come before us, I believe Think about how we are doing this. tucky is not going to do it. Ohio is not it is a mistake, and I would urge my This is a 6-year authorization, with going to do it. They should play a role. colleagues to oppose it. funding for slightly less than 3 years They could toll that bridge. Who I thank the Chair, and I yield the but collecting the money by budget knows. They should play a role. floor. gimmicks over 10 years. What kind of Federal investment in highways was The PRESIDING OFFICER (Mr. game is this? Instead of funding infra- mapped out by President Roosevelt and TILLIS). The Senator from Ohio. structure the way we used to when we started by President Eisenhower with Mr. BROWN. Mr. President, we know would come together bipartisanly and the interstates. It was always bipar- that our generation, people in the Sen- fund infrastructure with real dollars tisan until the pledge by far too many ate and in the House—people in their and real investments, we are now play- Members of this body to special inter- forties, fifties, and sixties—inherited ing games. That is why in the House of est lobbyists who said we can’t do that, from their parents and grandparents Representatives the Speaker of the we can’t fund this infrastructure. the greatest infrastructure in the his- House used a four-letter word to de- On the transit side, I would have tory of the world. From the 1940s, 1950s, scribe this bill. It is why so many are sought to strike a pilot program that 1960s, and 1970s into the Reagan years, so dissatisfied in the House of Rep- allows pilot projects with any private when we decided we should invest less resentatives. investment to ‘‘skip the line’’ of Fed- It will pass with a majority. It will in infrastructure, we had this incred- eral funding, meaning these projects, pass with cloture. It has already gotten ible infrastructure we inherited from which are often bad for workers that 60 votes. But they are 60 pretty un- our parents and grandparents. Yet, for operate the new line, would have been happy votes because nobody I know in whatever reason, we have allowed it to in a special category that they surely this body thinks we are doing this any- crumble. We haven’t invested. We didn’t earn because they haven’t served haven’t modernized. We haven’t even thing close to the right way. If we had considered amendments in the same public purpose and gone maintained it as well as we should. the regular order as the majority lead- through the same justification process, The dismal state of our Nation’s out- er promised, I would have offered a if you will, as a normal public trans- dated roads and bridges and railways fully paid for proposal to boost the portation project. cost Ohioans and North Carolinians bill’s investments and expand the When the majority leader brought a valuable time and money and energy. major projects program. Let me talk combined transportation bill to the The State legislature in my State about that for a second. floor last Tuesday, he used his privi- and I know the State legislature in the This amendment would fund projects leged position to prevent any Senator Presiding Officer’s State have been on such as the Brent Spence Bridge be- from offering amendments. I remember a budget-cutting tear. My State legis- tween Cincinnati and northern Ken- the elections last fall when Senator lature has decided to slice in half, and tucky. The Brent Spence Bridge, built MCCONNELL—then the minority lead- then some, local funding for many in 1959, 1960, connects Cincinnati with er—said that things will be different in things, including infrastructure. As a northern Kentucky. I–75 running north the Senate. It didn’t take long for Sen- result, the streets in any town in Ohio, and south goes from Cincinnati to Day- ator MCCONNELL to sort of trump his virtually—not just big cities, not just ton. The Brent Spence Bridge includes predecessor by doing it even worse— suburbs, but more affluent commu- I–75 and runs from Cincinnati, to Day- pardon the play on words with the verb nities, small towns, and rural areas— ton, to Lima, to Toledo, to Detroit. I– there. This matters because bad proc- the streets and highways continue to 71 also comes together right at the ess can lead to bad outcomes. crumble. It is because this body has Brent Spence Bridge as it crosses into The Senate, given the opportunity to been far too dysfunctional because of Ohio—Cincinnati, Columbus, Cleve- have a full debate on transportation, the pledges that many elected officials land, not far from Akron. would be voting on a much stronger have made to a Washington lobbyist So my colleague, the senior Senator proposal. As the Presiding Officer that they will never close tax loopholes from Oklahoma, Mr. INHOFE, who has knows, this bill has improved over the and will continue to fail to fund infra- played a major role in transportation last couple of weeks. structure because of what State gov- and would like to do it right, has point- They have taken out—this bill origi- ernment has done in my State. ed out several times during this debate, nally was going to slice money out of But instead of debating a long-term the equivalent—get this—that one the Social Security fund to pay for bill with that funding, we debate a bridge—4 percent of our Nation’s GDP highways and bridges and transit. We hastily assembled bill, without an open crosses that bridge every day, every have never done that before in this process, without amendments, that no week, every month, every year. Four body. one expects will even be considered by percent of our gross domestic product We were going to take money out of the House of Representatives. The moves back and forth across that money that was already promised and Speaker of the House, a fellow Ohioan, bridge; yet that bridge is about 55 dedicated and about to be spent to help used a four-letter word to describe this years old. There has never been a seri- cities that have been particularly dev- legislation when or if—I assume when— ous accident with that bridge. There astated by foreclosures. They were it goes over to the House. have been problems. There have been going to use money from that. The Senate is considering a bill that some safety issues. I don’t think any- They were going to use money from doesn’t do enough for infrastructure. It body expects it to fall down next year— community banks—they still are—in makes bad choices about how to pay I am not being an alarmist—but when this proposal. for these investments. Yet, at the same are we going to do something to fix They are going to charge everybody time, President Obama proposed a 6- that bridge? who is getting a mortgage $50, $100, $300 year, $478 billion transportation pack- Senator MCCONNELL, the majority at closing to help pay for transpor- age that would provide a major expan- leader—that bridge, for curious histor- tation—what is that about?—instead of

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If all the com- The greatest barrier of this bill, aside Security money—how this makes sense mittees of jurisdiction over this bill from the limited growth in investment, to pay for investments for bridges and held markups to actually discuss the is this bill makes choices about rev- roads. bill, had hearings for the bill, had been enue that this Senator thinks the Con- This bill would reduce the dividends able to amend the bill, it would have gress and the American people will re- paid to banks with over $1 billion in been a much stronger bill. gret. I have mentioned a couple of total assets that are members of the The chairman of the Environment them. Let me talk about those that Federal Reserve System. That raises and Public Works Committee did good were a part of the banking committee, $17 billion. While it might make sense bipartisan work on highways. I com- on which I sit, which I think I probably to reduce the dividend—you can argue mend Senator INHOFE and Senator know the most about. that—I have heard people on both sides BOXER—one Republican and one Demo- Despite opposition from consumer of that debate. If we exempted the crat—but their work is the exception. advocates and participants in the hous- smallest banks under $1 billion, there The banking committee, on which I ing market, including bankers and re- are plenty of community banks that serve as ranking member, traditionally altors, the bill would increase the guar- are $2 to $3 billion in size. Most are developed the public transportation anty fees paid by homeowners that are smaller, but they will be paying more— portion of this bill. It is done charged to protect against losses to hundreds of thousands of dollars—mil- bipartisanly through the regular com- Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. That lions in some cases. All of the people mittee process. Not even a hint of that means when going to a closing, you are who voted for this bill—voted for clo- happened this year. going to be assessed a fee. It would in- ture, voted for this highway bill—are The Finance Committee, of which I crease the cost of homeownership by assessing a number of community am a member, has jurisdiction over $4,000 for borrowers who have a 20-per- banks in their States for this money. much of the revenue that is used to off- cent downpayment for the median We don’t know if the new rate of 1.5 set funds going into the highway trust home price and would increase even percent that Senator MCCONNELL has fund—no markups there either. As in- more for those who put less down. That decided on is fair. I appreciate the cut- troduced, this bill would have robbed is why a vote for this bill is a vote to off of the lower rate of $1 billion, but Social Security, as I said, taken money increase the cost of homeownership for we should be working this out in com- from the Hardest Hit Fund, as I said, families across the country and puts mittee, discussing it and hearing peo- for communities devastated by fore- taxpayers at greater risk. There is a ple on both sides. They started with closure crisis. history of opposition to the use of this every bank and arbitrarily cut it to set I invite the majority leader to come fee for purposes other than housing. the $1 billion threshold. They arbi- to Cleveland—I know he comes to More recently, Senator CRAPO, a Re- trarily dropped the percentage from 6 Cleveland to fund-raise—but come to publican, and Senator WARNER, a Dem- to 1.5. Nobody truly knows what I am Cleveland and look at the neighbor- ocrat from Virginia, wrote a provision talking about when I talk about this hood I live in. I live in ZIP Code 44105. in this year’s budget resolution to pre- because nobody truly understands this My wife and I have lived there for a vent this fee from being misused, and program. Even people who are on the couple of years. In 2007, that ZIP Code of course they are right. banking committee don’t know it very had the highest number of foreclosures This bill requires the IRS to use pri- well. Maybe we should have researched in the United States of America. That vate debt collection agencies to collect and discussed it and had hearings on it. happened because of Wall Street greed, taxes because the majority leader was Instead, the majority leader came in large part, but the fact that it did looking for anything he could find that around to these banks and to this com- happen means there is far too much might produce revenue—it has nothing mittee and they thought, hey, we can blight in this neighborhood. The Hard- to do with transportation—but any- get $16 billion there by changing a pro- est Hit Fund matters to clean up some place he could find in the government gram and nobody knows what it is any- of this neighborhood and enable people funds to produce revenue that then way. Well, he has taken that money to get back on their feet. could be used to pay for a highway bill. from a lot of community banks. More The commerce committee, the third Again, it is smoke and mirrors and just power to him. It is another reason I am committee—first, there was banking sort of funny money. not going to support this bill. It is and then Finance. Then there is the One of the ways he did this was to ironic that on the fifth anniversary of EPW that did it mostly right. The take money from the IRS—even as we Wall Street’s Dodd-Frank reform this banking committee was excluded, the cut the budget for IRS debt collec- bill would undercut rules to help small Finance Committee was excluded. The tion—to take some more of that money banks. commerce committee, which is respon- and give it to a private debt collection Before I close I want to be fair and sible for highway safety and rail safe- company to collect this debt. That was point out some of the good provisions ty, held a markup but not a single considered to be approximately a $2 in this bill. First, the Senate voted on Democrat on the committee supported billion revenue generator for reasons a strong bipartisan basis to add an the language in the legislation because that aren’t quite clear. It has been amendment to renew the U.S. Export- they did nothing about public safety. If tried before and each time it has lost Import Bank. This Bank has helped 350 my recollection is right, younger peo- money and it has been repealed. The businesses in my home State, two- ple are allowed to drive trucks—as if companies hired for these efforts were thirds of which are small businesses. It we want less truck safety. I say ‘‘young found to have frequently harassed low- doesn’t cost taxpayers a cent. Interest- people’’ meaning 18-year-olds. I know I income families and they violated the ingly, the Export-Import Bank, begun am getting older, but I don’t really Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, but by President Roosevelt in the 1930s, want 18-year-olds driving these rigs the majority leader needed that bil- was always bipartisan. Its reauthoriza- when they clearly don’t have much ex- lion-plus dollars for his highway bill. tion, continuation, renewal, and update perience and less training. It also did People here didn’t have the guts to was always done by Congress on a bi- not fix some of the rail issues we stand up and say, no, we may have partisan basis. My recollection—I am should fix, having seen some of these made this pledge to the special interest not quite sure this is precise, but my terrible accidents. It was one thing lobbyists and we can’t come up with recollection is that only once was there after another. revenue, but instead let’s actually do ever a vote in the Senate for the reau- For the past 2 weeks, a large part of this right. No, they aren’t going to do thorization of the Export-Import Bank the legislation was written in the Re- that. They take money from the Hard- because there was no need to because

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Even if the scores are removed when they opposed Medicare and now loquy with Senator THUNE, chairman of from the Web site while the method- they are called the tea party when they the commerce committee, regarding ology is reviewed, under the provision, oppose the Affordable Care Act—has the DRIVE Act and the Freedom of In- they will remain available to law en- decided this Export-Import Bank, formation Act, FOIA. forcement and regulators for use in which helps businesses and companies, I want to thank Chairman THUNE for overseeing the industry. For this rea- particularly small companies in Day- working with me to remove four provi- son alone, as well as many others, we ton, Toledo, Cleveland, Charlotte, sions in the DRIVE Act aimed at carv- should not withhold that information Asheville, and Durham—helps small ing out information from disclosure from public scrutiny. Moreover, the Ju- businesses export their products. They under FOIA, three of which were in ti- diciary Committee did not review this need some help sometimes. tles of the bill falling under the com- new proposed exemption and has not merce committee’s jurisdiction. The Every other country in the world— had time to fully consider the potential removal of these four provisions is re- every other major country, we think, effects of this exclusion. has some kind of an export financing flected in the second-degree amend- I thank Senator THUNE for working agency such as this, but we are not ment filed by Senator INHOFE, amend- with me to remove this FOIA exemp- able, for political reasons, call it crony ment No. 2533, to the McConnell sub- tion. Originally the bill language stat- capitalism—the tea party weighed in stitute amendment. FOIA is our Na- ed that none of the score information and convinced a lot of Senate and tion’s premier open government law ‘‘may be made available to the general House Republicans that it is not such a and the foundation on which all our public (including through requests good idea. Right now the Ex-Im Bank sunshine and transparency policies is in this bill. Hopefully it will stay in rest. It remains an indispensable tool under Section 552 of title 5, United over the process. I am hopeful. Because for Americans to obtain information States Code [the FOIA statute]).’’ The the Speaker used a four-letter word to affecting public policy, consumer safe- Inhofe second degree amendment describe this bill, I am hopeful when we ty, the environment, and public health. strikes the phrase ‘‘including through get a short-term extension—I hate The Freedom of Information Act falls requests under Section 552 of title 5, cliche´s but this is such a good one— under the exclusive jurisdiction of the United States Code’’ in its entirety. when we kick this can down the road Senate Judiciary Committee, and Under the OPEN FOIA Act of 2009, no again for another 2 or 3 months, what- changes affecting this law should not new FOIA exemption under 5 U.S.C ever it is going to be, I am hopeful the be enacted without full and careful 552(b)(3), is effective unless it specifi- majority leader and the Speaker will consideration by the Judiciary Com- cally cites to 5 U.S.C 552(b)(3). Remov- include the Export-Import Bank reau- mittee. ing the citation to the FOIA statute Mr. THUNE. I thank Senator LEAHY thorization and make it long term, but makes clear that, while the scores may for his interest in these matters, and I it is not clear if they will. no longer be routinely published and am pleased we were able to work out easily accessible to the general public I want to also point out that Chair- an agreement to strike these provi- man SHELBY, the chairman of my com- via FMSCA’s Web site until they have sions and move forward with consider- been reviewed and reformed, the scores mittee in banking, with whom I have a ation of the DRIVE Act. I look forward good relationship, included a number of are still subject to disclosure pursuant to working with you and Senator to a FOIA request, unless an existing proposals for transit policy that I GRASSLEY, the chairman of the Judici- exemption is found to apply. think make good sense. ary Committee, on any future pro- The mass transit account was cre- posals to amend the Freedom of Infor- Mr. THUNE. For the reasons you ated in 1983 under President Reagan. It mation Act. stated, I agree that if enacted into law, was done right. Public transit has al- Mr. LEAHY. I also want to draw par- nothing in Section 32003 exempts or is ways received around 20 percent, some- ticular attention to Section 32003, re- intended to exempt information under times a little more, of any new revenue lated to the Federal Motor Carrier the Freedom of Information Act. I that is dedicated to growth. We have a Safety Administration’s, FMCSA’s, would, however, just offer two com- tradition in this country that for every compliance, safety, and accountability ments to explain to my colleague the $100 we are spending on the Transpor- system, CSA. The CSA system is de- rationale for and limits of the modified tation bill, $20 of that goes to small bus signed to evaluate the safety and com- provision. First, the commerce com- systems in Lorain, OH, it goes to RTA pliance performance of motor carriers mittee has received information from for trains and rail in Cleveland, it goes by using data from inspections, crash- several objective sources, including the to major transit systems in New York es, compliance reviews, and the Fed- Government Accountability Office, the or anywhere around the country. This eral motor carrier census to come up Department of Transportation’s Office bill initially was less than 20 percent. I with a safety measurement system, of Inspector General, and the law en- appreciate Chairman SHELBY and the SMS, score for each motor carrier in forcement community, identifying con- majority leader getting it back up to 20 seven behavior analysis and safety im- cerns with the accuracy of the scoring percent. provement categories, BASICs. It is my analysis performed by FMCSA as part There is a new program for competi- understanding that these scores are of the CSA program. As noted by GAO, tive bus grants. It is underfunded at currently available to the public via the manner in which scores are cal- $190 million a year. This bill increases FMCSA’s Web site. It is also my under- culated under the program ‘‘creates the the amount of American-made steel standing that, as originally drafted, likelihood that many SMS scores do and other components. That is a good this bill would have prohibited FMCSA not represent an accurate or precise thing. from making these scores available to safety assessment for a carrier.’’ Ac- the general public via its Web site or With all my criticism on this bill in cordingly, the bill proposes to with- via a FOIA request while FMCSA eval- the way it was handled by the leader- draw this potentially misleading anal- uates and reforms the methodology un- ship in this House, there are some good ysis from public review temporarily, derlying these scores. things in this bill. I hope the Senate I have serious concerns about remov- until the program is reviewed and cor- will move forward after today with a ing this information from public view, rected. Nevertheless, as underscored by desire to revive the bipartisan process even for a short period of time. The subsection 32003(c), the underlying based on regular order when we address safety score is one of the tools we give ‘‘[i]nspection and violation informa- transportation issues. consumers and other stakeholders to tion’’ submitted to FMCSA under the I stand ready to work with my col- help fully evaluate motor carriers. program ‘‘shall remain available for leagues in both parties to deliver a ro- While I prefer that these scores remain public viewing.’’ bust 6-year transportation bill. easily accessible on FMSCA’s Web site The PRESIDING OFFICER. The ma- I yield the floor. for the general public while the meth- jority leader.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 03:21 Jul 30, 2015 Jkt 049060 PO 00000 Frm 00036 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G29JY6.086 S29JYPT1 SSpencer on DSK4SPTVN1PROD with SENATE July 29, 2015 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S6125 MORNING BUSINESS supported his efforts; and for more Act. The Affordable Care Act is also Mr. MCCONNELL. Mr. President, I than 70 years, has made civic, reli- helping seniors with the cost of their ask unanimous consent that the Sen- gious, and humanitarian contributions prescription drugs. Since the passage of ate proceed to a period of morning of her own that have shaped our com- the ACA, people with Medicare in Illi- business, with Senators permitted to munity. Today, all Las Vegans benefit nois have saved over $554 million on speak for up to 10 minutes each. from the compassionate work of Ger- prescription drugs, because we closed The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without trude and George to make our commu- the donut hole. That is an average sav- objection, it is so ordered. nity a better and more just place. ings of $925 for each Illinois senior. The George Rudiak was a lawyer’s law- Affordable Care Act also expanded f yer. He was the lawyer we all looked to Medicare coverage of certain preven- RECOGNIZING THE 100TH BIRTH- as the gold standard for an ethical, tive services, such as mammograms or DAY OF GERTRUDE SILVIA competent, experienced trial lawyer. colonoscopies, without any cost shar- RUDIAK There are truly selfless people in the ing. world, and Gertrude is one of these peo- Let’s not forget this is also the 50th Mr. REID. Mr. President, I rise today ple. She is dedicated to her five chil- Anniversary of Medicaid. Medicaid has to acknowledge the 100th birthday of dren, their children, and their chil- been a lifeline for millions of people, an incredible Nevadan, Gertrude Silvia dren’s children and still finds time to especially children. My friends on the Rudiak. For more than 70 years, Ger- improve her community. Over the past other side of the aisle find it easy to trude has been a leader in southern Ne- seven decades, she has filled tradition- discredit a government program, but vada and has remained committed to ally male-held positions on community this isn’t about a program. It is about her family, community, and faith. boards, including becoming the first fe- the people who benefit from them. Nearly a century ago, on August 2, male to serve on the board of Temple Over 54 million people benefit from 1915, Gertrude was born to Jewish im- Beth Sholom, and has been a champion Medicaid. Before the Affordable Care migrant parents in Dickinson, ND. As a of secular and Jewish education in Las Act, two out of three people on Med- child, her family moved from place to Vegas and Israel. Her efforts have been icaid were pregnant women and chil- place across the country, but it was her recognized by the Jewish National dren. That is 36 million of our most parents’ understanding of the value of Fund, the United Jewish Appeal, and vulnerable citizens. Medicaid also higher education that brought them to the Anti-Defamation League. Addition- serves people with disabilities, includ- the west coast. In California, she at- ally, Mayor Carolyn Goodman pre- ing many low-income Americans with tended the University of California, sented Gertrude with the rare honor of disabilities who would have nowhere Berkeley, where she received her bach- a key to the city of Las Vegas in 2014. else to turn. elor’s degree in music. Later, Gertrude On more than one occasion, the city Before the Affordable Care Act, al- built upon her skill set and earned cre- has declared August 2, Gertrude’s most 3 million people were covered by dentials from the Business College of birthday, Gertrude Rudiak Day in rec- Medicaid in Illinois and more than half Oakland in office procedure. With un- ognition of her long-standing commit- of all births were covered by Medicaid. deniable tenacity and the knowledge ment to Las Vegas. Now, anyone living below 133 percent of she gained, she was able to work I am grateful for Gertrude’s contribu- poverty can join Medicaid. That’s a through the Great Depression. tions to our State, and I wish her a single person earning less than $15,654 a In 1942, Gertrude met the love of her happy 100th birthday. May this year year, or a family of three bringing in life, George Rudiak, and they married bring Gertrude and her family much $26,720. And for this population, the in September the same year. George health and happiness. Federal Government picks up 100% of was born in Moscow, Russia, and the f the cost. Because of the Affordable experiences he and his family endured Care Act, more than 570,000 people in 50TH ANNIVERSARY OF MEDICARE as they immigrated to the United Illinois are now covered by Medicaid. I AND MEDICAID States greatly shaped the man he be- call that a success. came and the civil work he pursued Mr. DURBIN. Mr. President, in 1965, Just ask Christopher Greenwood if later in his life. millions of Americans and nearly half this law is making a difference. Chris- George had received a law degree the country’s seniors couldn’t afford topher Greenwood is a community from the Boalt Hall School of Jurispru- basic health care. But that began to health and prevention coordinator for dence at the University of California, change 50 years ago today. President the City of Rockford working to help Berkeley, in 1940, but finding a job was Lyndon Johnson signed into law the people sign up for health insurance. He a challenge. He was able to do some Medicare program for the elderly and helped a 50-year-old woman enroll in work for the State of California and the Medicaid program for low-income Medicaid, and she was excited to have the U.S. Employment Services; and in adults, children, pregnant women, and coverage for preventive services like a the midst of World War II, George en- people with disabilities. mammogram. listed in the U.S. Army Air Corps. The Although it was signed by President According to Christopher: first place he was assigned was the Johnson, it ‘‘started with the man from People aren’t realizing the benefits of the Af- Western Flying Training Command at Independence,’’ . . . Harry S. Truman. fordable Care Act. It’s all about prevention Santa Ana. George was later trans- In 1949, Truman became the first Presi- services. When we tell people they need to ferred to the Las Vegas Gunnery dent to publically support a national sign up, they think they don’t need it. But School, which is now Nellis Air Force health insurance program and sent a when we start telling them the benefits, to Base. Though the young couple was bill to Congress that would give health see the looks on their faces, it’s all really only stationed in Las Vegas for a short insurance to everyone age 65 and older. cool. time, they fell in love with the city and Critics called the idea ‘‘socialized med- You know who else benefits from moved back to plant their roots in the icine,’’ and the effort failed. Medicaid? Providers, hospitals and doc- desert sand as soon as George was hon- Sixteen years later, President John- tors. Ask a provider back home: What orably discharged in 1946. son believed ‘‘the times had caught up would you prefer? Reimbursement by The Las Vegas of the 1940s was quite with the idea.’’ And he was right. Medicaid or not be paid at all? The an- different from the Las Vegas of today. Today, 46 million older adults and 9 swer is obvious. Approximately 21,000 people called the million people with disabilities depend Medicare and Medicaid save lives. city home, and there was racial seg- on Medicare for health care and eco- The programs provide high quality regation. Some even referred to Las nomic security. In Illinois, 1.9 million health care to millions of people. Yes, Vegas as the ‘‘Mississippi of the West.’’ people are enrolled in Medicare. we owe something to Truman for this As the first city attorney of North Las And because of the Affordable Care idea. We owe something to Johnson for Vegas, a Nevada Legislator, and chair- Act, the program has grown stronger. signing it into law. And today, we man of the Nevada Equal Rights Com- The Medicare Part A trust fund is now should focus on further strengthening mission, George was committed to expected to be solvent for an additional these programs so they can serve fu- bringing equality to Nevada. Gertrude 13 years because of the Affordable Care ture generations.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 05:22 Jul 30, 2015 Jkt 049060 PO 00000 Frm 00037 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G29JY6.087 S29JYPT1 SSpencer on DSK4SPTVN1PROD with SENATE S6126 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE July 29, 2015 Ms. MIKULSKI. Mr. President, this And Congress took notice of what we tion drug ‘‘donut hole,’’ where we gave week, we commemorate the 50th anni- were doing. In 1966, I was invited to seniors free preventive services, where versary of Medicare and Medicaid, pro- come testify before Congress in the we put the focus on quality of care, not grams that have made such a difference Senate Subcommittee on Aging, which quantity of care. in the lives of so many. was chaired by Senator Kennedy. We And it means fighting to protect Upon signing these programs into told the committee what we were these vital programs from those who law 50 years ago, then-President Lyn- doing, told them who we were fighting want to turn them from a guarantee don Johnson reminded us of a shared for. We were fighting for people in into a voucher and political promise, as tradition within our great Nation—one need, people who lived in unsafe hous- Republicans have repeatedly tried to that ‘‘calls upon us never to be indif- ing, had inadequate diet and clothing, do in their budget proposals. ferent toward despair . . . commands a dearth of recreational opportunities, Make no mistake, Republican pro- us never to turn away from helpless- who were lonely and were in need of posals to privatize Medicare, to turn it ness . . . directs us never to ignore or health care. into a voucher program, would end to spurn those who suffer untended in a These people, our seniors and our Medicare as we know it. I will not let land that is bursting with abundance.’’ families of modest means, were the that happen. I will fight side-by-side That deep-seated tradition—to lend a reason Congress passed Medicare and with those 1 million Maryland seniors hand to our neighbors and friends and Medicaid in the first place. And thank and 55 million American seniors. We to honor our mothers and fathers—is God we did. will fight to keep Medicare and Med- what guided Congress and country to Today, 55 million Americans—nearly icaid strong and healthy so that they do the right thing so many years ago. every senior—has access to Medicare’s can continue to provide for the health With the stroke of his pen, President guarantee. An additional 68 million of care needs of our citizens Johnson, and all those who fought be- our Nation’s most vulnerable have As you can see, there is a lot to cele- fore and alongside him, made sure that health care coverage thanks to Med- brate as we mark Medicare and Medic- there would be care for the sick and se- icaid. Because of Medicare and Med- aid’s 50th anniversary. For the past renity for the fearful. icaid, more Americans have health in- five decades, these programs have ac- I know just how important Medicare surance. Before Medicare, 48 percent of complished their two main goals: en- and Medicaid are for the people who seniors had no insurance. Today, only 2 suring access to health care for the el- rely upon them. In the 1960s, I was a percent of seniors are uninsured. Out of derly, for the disabled, and for those of young social worker in Baltimore for pocket costs have decreased. Before modest means. And protecting people ‘‘Operation REASON’’ (Responding to Medicare, seniors paid 56 percent of against the financial hardship of health the Elderly’s Abilities & Sickness Oth- health care expenses out of pocket. care costs. erwise Neglected). Our goal was to help Today, seniors only pay 13 percent. I consider it a great honor and privi- Maryland seniors get the health care Life expectancy is longer. Medicare has lege that I have been able to devote so they needed. You have to remember, in contributed to a 5-year increase in life much of my career to protecting, im- those days, when you retired, you usu- expectancy after age 65. Deaths from proving, and fighting on behalf of Medi- ally lost your health insurance, which heart disease have dropped by a third care and Medicaid and all the people meant that many seniors also lost ac- for people over age 65. Our elderly’s served by these programs. From my cess to their doctors and health care. More than half of America’s seniors poverty rate has declined dramatically, days as a young social worker helping had no health insurance. This meant from 29 percent in 1966 to 10 percent seniors and families get the health care that middle-class seniors were a heart today. Seniors have more affordable they needed, to my days in the House attack away from bankruptcy, a cancer drugs. Since 2010, over 8 million seniors and Senate fighting against efforts to diagnosis away from destitution. It have saved more than $11 billion on privatize Medicare or block grant Med- didn’t matter if you were a senior of prescription drugs. Kids are getting icaid, to those years spent working to modest means or middle-class. Every- comprehensive early childhood refresh and improve these programs one was vulnerable. screenings, and 32 million children na- through the Affordable Care Act, in- But our job was to help. So, with tionwide now get needed childhood cluding closing the ‘‘donut hole,’’ ex- teams led by social workers and nurses, screenings. panding Medicaid eligibility, and en- we worked to help sick elderly people In Maryland alone, Medicare ensures suring seniors could get free preventive get health coverage and get to their that 1 million Maryland seniors can get screenings. doctor’s office. We were focused on the health care they need at prices I believe ‘‘honor thy father and helping seniors who had neglected their they can afford. And Medicaid ensures mother’’ is a good commandment to chronic conditions because of inability that 975,000 Marylanders can get the live by and a good policy to govern by. to travel, ignorance of services avail- health care they need, including 478,000 That is why I have fought to save and able to them, fear of asserting their Maryland kids—that is one in three of strengthen Medicare and Medicaid to right to such services, or other barriers Maryland’s children—149,000 Maryland- ensure that health care is affordable, placed in their way. ers with disabilities, and 77,000 of our accessible, reliable, and undeniable. I saw firsthand how hard Baltimore’s low-income seniors. f seniors were struggling. They were Over the past half century, we have PLANNED PARENTHOOD foregoing medical care because they seen Medicare and Medicaid prolong didn’t have insurance, because they and enhance the lives of millions of Mr. VITTER. Mr. President, I wish to couldn’t afford the bills, or simply be- Americans. Ensuring access to health take a moment to express my disdain cause they didn’t have transportation care for America’s most vulnerable for the reprehensible actions of to get to doctor’s office or hospital. I ranks as one of our Nation’s greatest Planned Parenthood and my support knew Medicare and Medicaid could public health accomplishments. That is for the defense of all the unborn babies help these seniors and all seniors. why I am committed to doing every- subject to this group’s immoral prac- So every single day I would go out to thing within my power to keep Medi- tices. churches and senior citizen centers. I care and Medicaid strong, so that these Thanks to the Center for Medical would inform people about their op- programs can continue helping those Progress, the Nation has quickly been tions, organize transportation for who rely on them today, as well as made aware that Planned Parenthood them, and help them fill out com- those who will need them tomorrow. affiliates across the country have been plicated forms. In those days, we didn’t That means fighting for reforms that modifying their abortion procedures have computers or cell phones. We had keep Medicare solvent, as we did in the for the specific purpose of preserving to physically go meet seniors where Affordable Care Act, where we ex- organs from the fetuses being aborted they were. And it worked. After 4 tended Medicare’s solvency by more in exchange for compensation. In the months of operation, we had 103 clients than a decade. It means fighting for video released this week, a former pro- with a variety of chronic diseases, and improvements that make Medicare curement technician explains how the we helped them get the care they need- stronger, as we did in the Affordable procurement of certain body parts war- ed. Care Act, where we closed the prescrip- rants a higher level of compensation,

VerDate Sep 11 2014 05:22 Jul 30, 2015 Jkt 049060 PO 00000 Frm 00038 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G29JY6.052 S29JYPT1 SSpencer on DSK4SPTVN1PROD with SENATE July 29, 2015 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S6127 stating: ‘‘If you can somehow procure a denying Federal funds to these abor- earning an income sooner. And Congress may brain or a heart you’re going to get tion providers. I strongly encourage also need to consider new providers of edu- more money than just [an . . .] umbil- the support of my fellow Senators on cation that don’t fit the traditional mold. I have two questions for today’s hearing: ical cord.’’ As a father of four, and a efforts to defund Planned Parenthood First, how can Congress help colleges find strong advocate for the sanctity of life, and protect unborn babies from being new ways to meet students’ changing needs, I am deeply disturbed by reports of the target of these gruesome practices. and how can we end practices by the federal these gruesome and inhumane actions. f government that discourage colleges and However, Planned Parenthood cur- universities from innovating? rently continues to receive funding INNOVATION And second, should the federal government be considering a new definition for the col- from hard-working taxpayers, many of Mr. ALEXANDER. Mr. President, I whom also find their practices deplor- lege or university? There are many new ask unanimous consent that a copy of learning models that are entering the land- able. Between fiscal year 2010 and fiscal my remarks at the Senate Committee scape, thanks to the internet. We need to year 2012, Planned Parenthood received on Health, Education, Labor and Pen- consider what role they play in our higher an average of $500 million per year, to- sions hearing on Reauthorizing the education system, and whether federal finan- taling $1.5 billion. On top of these high Higher Education Act: Exploring Bar- cial aid ought to be available to students levels of federal funding, Planned Par- riers and Opportunities within Innova- who are learning outside our traditional in- enthood has made a profit every year stitutions. tion be printed in the RECORD. On the first question, how we can stop dis- since 1987. There being no objection, the mate- Given our current fiscal climate and couraging innovation, I want to focus one ex- rial was ordered to be printed in the ample of innovation—competency-based all our talk of the need to cut excessive RECORD, as follows: learning: and wasteful spending, there is no jus- INNOVATION One of the most promising innovations tification for continuing to subsidize that traditional colleges and universities are This is our sixth hearing during this Con- their profitable venture with taxpayer making is through something called com- gress on the reauthorization of the Higher dollars. It is time for big abortion busi- petency-based learning. Education Act. This morning we are talking These competency-based models allow stu- nesses like Planned Parenthood to be about innovation in higher education. investigated and defunded, and I have dents to progress through their studies as Ranking Member Murray and I will each they demonstrate competency, enabling taken several actions to do just that. have an opening statement, then we will in- skilled and dedicated students to finish de- For the last three congresses, I have troduce our panel of witnesses. After our grees more quickly and often at significantly been the Senate sponsor of the title X witness testimony, senators will each have 5 less cost. Abortion Provider Prohibition Act. minutes of questions. For example, a working mom studying at Title X is a grant program that has un- Clark Kerr, the former president of the the University of Wisconsin has an associ- fortunately become a large subsidy for University of California, wrote in his 2001 ate’s degree in nursing and wants to get her book, ‘‘The Uses of the University’’ that of 85 abortion providers that claim to pro- Bachelors in Nursing to increase her earning human institutions founded before 1520 and potential. Through the university’s new vide family planning and women’s largely unchanged today—about 70 are uni- health care services. My bill, S. 51, Flexible Option, she’s able to earn credits versities. and finish tests and assignments on her own would prohibit the Department of As for the other 15 institutions—well, time, including between her shift and her Health and Human Services (HHS) among them are the Catholic Church, and son’s baseball game. Because the degree pro- from providing this Federal funding to the Isle of Man. gram is based on her ability to demonstrate an entity or their affiliate that per- Kerr wrote: ‘‘Universities are among the knowledge of the subjects—rather than her forms an abortion. most conservative of all institutions in their ability to sit through courses twice a week— I have also signed on to two letters methods of governance and conduct and are she might finish a Biology course in 8 weeks, likely to remain so.’’ but take only 3 weeks to finish a Mathe- regarding needed investigations into If that’s true, maybe we ought to pack up this matter. In one letter, I joined 49 matics course. this hearing on innovation in higher edu- But it’s possible that government regula- fellow senators to request that Depart- cation and head home? tions may be stifling this new model of ment of Health and Human Services Let’s keep our seats for a minute. learning. Secretary Sylvia Burwell immediately The world around the universities is The report by the Task Force on Govern- begin a ‘‘thorough review of the com- changing—especially the students who at- ment Regulation, which was commissioned pliance of the Department and Planned tend them. by a bipartisan group of four Senators on Parenthood—one of the Department’s First, there are more people attending. this Committee to examine higher education Right around the end of World War II, only grantees—with all relevant and appli- regulations, told us that ‘‘government regu- about 5% of the population 25 years old and lation is a barrier to innovation.’’ cable Federal statutes, regulations, up had earned a college degree. And in one example, they cited a 2010 De- and other requirements.’’ In a second When the first Higher Education Act was partment of Education regulation that es- letter, I joined 10 Senators in asking signed in 1965, only about 10% of this popu- tablished a federal definition of a credit hour both Secretary Burwell and Attorney lation had a college degree. as a minimum of 1 hour of classroom instruc- General Loretta Lynch to conduct a Now, about 32% of Americans 25 and up tion and 2 hours of outside work. full investigation into Planned Parent- have a college degree. The government relies upon this definition hood to determine if the organization Second, American colleges and universities of ‘‘credit hour’’ in determining how to are now serving the most diverse group of award grants and loans to students. violated Federal law. students ever— Concerning the credit hour definition, the Lastly, I am supporting a bill intro- 40% are 25 years or older and come to col- Task Force wrote ‘‘by relying on the concept duced by Senator JONI ERNST that lege with experiences in the workforce. of ‘seat time,’ the Department’s definition would prohibit Planned Parenthood, or Of the 21 million students in higher edu- has discouraged institutions from developing any of its affiliates, subsidiaries, suc- cation, only one-third are full-time under- new and innovative methods for delivering cessors, or clinics, from receiving any graduates under 22 years old. and measuring education, such as com- Federal funds. Instead, funds that are Only 18.9 percent of first-time, full-time petency-based models which don’t rely on currently offered to Planned Parent- students live on a campus and students are credit hours.’’ increasingly coming from a wide array of hood would be available to other eligi- When Kentucky Community and Technical backgrounds and are the first in their family College System began a competency-based ble entities to provide women’s health to attend college. program in 2009, federal time requirements care services, including diagnostic lab- Third, employers need workers with post- related to the credit hour, which are building oratory and radiology services, well- secondary degrees. blocks of semesters and academic years, got child care, prenatal and postnatal care, Labor economist Dr. Anthony Carnevale of in the way. Now when students finish within immunizations, and cervical and breast Georgetown University tells us, if we don’t the last 5 weeks of the semester they have to cancer screenings. change the trend, we’ll be about 5 million wait till the following semester to continue The sanctity of human life is a prin- short in 2020 of people who have the proper their studies. ciple that Congress should proclaim at post-secondary skills. In 2005, Congress established a provision in Congress needs to help colleges and univer- the higher education law for competency- every opportunity. The time has come sities meet the needs of a growing population based education known as ‘‘direct assess- to respect the wishes of the majority of of today’s students—one that has less time ment.’’ This provision permitted programs at Americans who adamantly oppose to earn their degree, wants flexibility in colleges and universities to use ‘‘direct as- using taxpayer dollars for abortions by scheduling their classes, and needs to start sessment of student learning, in lieu of

VerDate Sep 11 2014 05:22 Jul 30, 2015 Jkt 049060 PO 00000 Frm 00039 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G29JY6.081 S29JYPT1 SSpencer on DSK4SPTVN1PROD with SENATE S6128 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE July 29, 2015 measuring student learning in credit hours’’ that Congress should consider ‘‘a new system drome is the most common form of as a way to distribute federal aid. The law . . . that would provide pathways for higher combined deafness and blindness in the said that each program had to be approved education models and colleges to receive fed- United States, impacting as many as by the institution’s accreditor and the Sec- eral student aid based on performance and 50,000 Americans, not including their retary of Education. results.’’ families, friends, and communities. It Despite this flexibility granted in the law, What he and others are proposing is that accreditors and the Education Department students could use federal aid at these new is estimated that 82 percent of those af- have given approval for receiving financial organizations that aren’t traditional col- flicted by deaf-blindness are unem- aid to just 6 institutions to offer one or more leges. ployed. In the United States, the an- of these programs. A bill from Senator Lee would allow states nual economic cost of blindness alone Shifting gears, a second barrier to innova- to create parallel accreditation pathways to is estimated at 145 billion dollars. tion may be accreditation. broaden the kinds of classes students could Usher syndrome results when there In this committee we have begun looking attend while also receiving federal aid. are mutations in genes that are impor- at the accreditation system, recognizing Under the bill, students could receive aid for tant for the function of both that it must improve, but that it also may be attending specialized programs, apprentice- a barrier to innovation. photoreceptors in the retina and hair ships, professional certifications, com- cells in the cochlea, or inner ear. To Accreditation is very old-fashioned in petency tests, even individual courses. I be- many ways—it is still regional, despite the lieve Senators Bennet and Rubio are working date, 11 genes have been identified that fact that institutions compare themselves to on legislation that has a similar goal. can cause different subtypes of Usher peers across the country and may have little syndrome when mutations take place. f in common with those in closest proximity. These mutations usually lead to a defi- It also hasn’t kept up with new ways stu- RECOGNIZING THE UDALL ciency of a protein that is critical for dents are learning and the new ways teach- FOUNDATION ers are teaching. Today, some institutions the health and function of the retina are modifying a professor’s traditional role Mr. NELSON. Mr. President, I wish and cochlea. Usher type 1 individuals in teaching and evaluating learning. to call attention to a remarkable foun- are born deaf and then learn, often be- I’m sure there are many other examples of dation that has benefited thousands of fore adolescence, that they are also los- government discouraging institutions from young Americans. The Morris K. Udall ing their vision. Usher type 2 individ- innovating and I hope our witnesses can and Stewart L. Udall Foundation was uals are born with moderate to severe speak to some of these and ways to make hearing loss and then in the prime of policy more flexible for innovations to come. established by Congress to honor the On the second point—whether we should public service of the Udall brothers. their adolescent lives are told that consider the role of new providers of higher During the past 20 years, the founda- they are losing their vision. Usher type education: tion has effectively leveraged modest 3, usually diagnosed during adoles- I have said that the American higher edu- Federal appropriations into unique cence, leads to the slow loss of both cation system of today is like the American learning experiences for over 3,000 hearing and vision. automobile industry of the 1970s. Life with Usher syndrome requires First, it offers a remarkable number of young Americans who are committed to public service in natural resources, constant adaptation to the loss of vi- choices of the best products in the world at sion, caused by retinitis pigmentosa. a reasonable cost. Native nations, and environmental First is the loss of peripheral vision, Second, it is not doing enough about chal- areas. when the rods are impacted resulting lenges that will require major adjustments The Udall Foundation has rewarded in the loss of night vision and the onset if, 20 years from now, it wants to be able to over 1,400 scholarships to college stu- make that same claim of superior choices at of tunnel vision, which shrinks over dents in all 50 States, plus the District a reasonable cost. time to the size of a pinhole. Once the of Columbia, Puerto Rico, Guam, and Like the Japanese auto manufacturers rods are gone, the cones atrophy. Color 44 tribal nations, for their work in pub- that ultimately brought the American auto vision and the ability to read lips are industry to its knees for a time, there is an lic service. One of the distinguished lost, further impacting the hearing im- emerging market of new or upstart providers college students receiving a scholar- paired Usher syndrome individual’s of affordable higher education. ship from the Udall Foundation comes ability to communicate with others. These are organizations that aren’t nec- from my home State of Florida. Ms. essarily colleges, like we are accustomed to, Often, central vision fades and the per- but are providing higher education that may Steffanie Munguia is a junior at the son is left completely blind. offer students a similarly high-quality edu- University of South Florida and is re- During this time—for which there is cation at a lower cost. ceiving a scholarship for her dedication no prediction of how long the decline For example, students are learning tech- to environmental conservation. to total blindness will take—individ- nology, software-coding or product design in Additionally, the Udall Foundation as little as 12 weeks at places like General uals with Usher syndrome are con- has provided more than 200 students, stantly adapting to remain aurally and Assembly, a school that hires industry ex- from 110 tribal nations, the oppor- perts from places like Apple and Cisco to visually connected. For the hearing teach adult students skills that today’s em- tunity to gain practical experience in loss, hearing aids, cochlear implants, ployers value. the Federal legislative process, American Sign Language, closed cap- Or they’re taking general education classes through their Native American Con- tioning, assistive listening devices, and like college algebra from online organiza- gressional Internship Program. tactile sign language are among the tions like StraighterLine under a monthly The foundation strives to educate un- adaptive strategies used. For the vision subscription fee with credentialed teachers, derserved middle school youth to the loss, glasses, magnification, high con- or attending a MOOC—a Massive Open On- joys of outdoor exploration through line Course that’s free and delivered by pro- trast on computer screens, screen read- fessors at many traditional colleges. their Parks in Focus program. Thus ers, audio descriptive devices, braille, Some organizations such as Mozilla Foun- far, it has introduced more than 1,500 canes, and guide dogs are used to com- dation are developing open-source ‘‘digital youth to 22 national parks, monu- pensate for the increasing blindness. badges’’ that allow more types of organiza- ments, and other natural areas. To accelerate research, the Usher tions to identify and recognize an individ- The Udall Foundation benefits count- Syndrome Coalition is raising public ual’s subject matter mastery and com- less groups and many areas of our envi- knowledge by launching ‘‘Usher Syn- petency. ronment, and I would like to congratu- But there’s no place for any of these drome Awareness Day’’ on the third innovators in today’s Higher Education Act late them on 20 outstanding years. The Saturday in September. The theme or accreditation system. The definition of foundation has delivered real results centers on the autumnal equinox, what is a college has largely remained con- for people in every State in the Nation which marks the start of days that sistent since 1965. since its establishment and has earned contain more darkness than light—a Some senators, the President and Sec- our continued support now and in the powerful metaphor for the threat of retary Duncan are interested in under- years ahead. Usher syndrome. This will be a global standing how to enable an environment event that starts on one side of the where these new providers of higher edu- f world—Australia—and runs around the cation can compete with traditional higher USHER SYNDROME AWARENESS education and potentially offer students a globe to the farthest point before the lower cost, high quality education. Mr. WYDEN. Mr. President, I wish to international dateline in Alaska. In 2013, President Obama said in docu- bring attention to a genetic condition Like many, I too have a personal ments accompanying his State of the Union known as Usher syndrome. Usher syn- connection with Usher syndrome. A

VerDate Sep 11 2014 03:21 Jul 30, 2015 Jkt 049060 PO 00000 Frm 00040 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A29JY6.047 S29JYPT1 SSpencer on DSK4SPTVN1PROD with SENATE July 29, 2015 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S6129 former congressional fellow in my of- Act. He then worked in the Projections Wyoming natives, the Tatmans have fice, Moira Shea, has Usher syndrome. Unit, where he helped prepare CBO’s each contributed greatly to the agri- She, with her guide dog by her side, budget projections and continued his culture industry and their home com- took the Metro and came to work work on budget process issues; for ex- munity of Lingle. Both have served as every day. In addition, she wore hear- ample, he wrote a section in CBO’s educators for the University of Wyo- ing aids, read lips, and overcame what- January 2003 Budget and Economic ming Extension, a statewide program ever adversity came her way. Today, Outlook entitled ‘‘The Expiration of helping Wyoming citizens and commu- Moira has lost her sight but not her vi- Budget Enforcement Procedures: Issues nities address a wide range of issues sion—of finding treatments and cures and Options,’’ which has often been through education and leadership. for Usher syndrome so that no other cited in discussions on that topic. Wayne’s career focused on production generation has to go through what she Because of his extensive knowledge and economic issues while Kathy dedi- and tens of thousands of other Ameri- of the budget and his strong inter- cated her efforts to consumers. Gary cans have. personal skills, in 2003 Sandy was ap- Stone, an extension educator for the With the acceleration of research, it pointed CBO’s first associate director University of Nebraska, nominated the may be possible for Moira and the for legislative affairs, to serve as the couple, and said, ‘‘they truly are the thousands of others afflicted by this agency’s key liaison with the Congress. ’best of the best’ when it comes to Wy- genetic disease to regain sight. The In that capacity, he worked closely oming agriculture.’’ technology is there. The Casey Eye In- with many staff members of the House For more than 30 years, Wayne con- stitute at Oregon Health & Science and Senate—fielding and clarifying tributed to the UW Extension program University has started the first human questions, alerting them about a forth- working on livestock and crop produc- study of gene therapy for Usher syn- coming CBO publication, keeping them tion, invasive plants, agricultural re- drome. I am proud that the first clin- apprised about CBO’s progress in re- search, and water issues. He worked to ical trial for Usher syndrome is being sponding to a particular request, re- promote agriculture to Wyoming’s conducted in the state that I am privi- sponding to concerns about a CBO youth through the 4–H leadership pro- leged to represent. analysis, and identifying potential CBO gram. I am committed to working with my products that would aid the legislative Kathy joined the UW Extension colleagues to raise awareness about process. Cent$ible Nutrition program in 2000. Sandy’s professional accomplish- this devastating disease, and I applaud She focused on nutrition, food safety, ments set him apart, but his personal the hard work of the Usher Syndrome and food economics, and worked with ethic—his good cheer and thoughtful Coalition to make Usher syndrome re- low income families to provide nutri- consideration of his colleagues at CBO search a higher priority at the Na- tion and meal planning. Kathy was also and on congressional staffs—truly de- tional Institutes of Health. vital in developing a nutrition cur- fines him. Whether giving someone a riculum for the State of Wyoming. f ‘‘heads-up’’ about a hot-button issue, Former UW President Tom Buchanan RECOGNIZING THE RETIREMENT helping Members or congressional staff commented, ‘‘Wayne and Kathy helped OF EDWARD ‘‘SANDY’’ DAVIS track down a cost estimate, or just an- literally hundreds of Wyoming resi- Mr. ENZI. Mr. President, along with swering questions about the budget or CBO’s analyses, Sandy has always been dents understand the impact of agri- my colleague, the ranking member of culture on so many facets of life.’’ the Budget Committee, Senator SAND- gracious, straightforward, and gen- erous with his time and efforts. The Tatmans passed on their love of ERS, we wish to honor and recognize agriculture and way of life to their Edward ‘‘Sandy’’ Davis on his retire- In short, over the past 36 years, Sandy exemplified the dedication and three sons, all of whom earned agricul- ment after 36 years of distinguished tural degrees from UW and are still in- service to the Congress, including 20 high-quality work that is so critical to the Senate’s deliberations. I know my volved in the industry. Their legacy ex- years with the Congressional Budget tends beyond their family to their com- Office and 16 years with the Congres- colleagues join me in extending our thanks and appreciation to Sandy for munity, and the State as a whole. sional Research Service. Sandy is held I am proud to have the opportunity in high esteem by both Republicans his service to our Nation and our very best wishes for a happy and productive to recognize Wayne and Kathy’s and Democrats for his insight, exten- achievements with Senator BARRASSO sive knowledge of the legislative proc- retirement. I would like to now turn to my col- as 2015 inductees into the Wyoming Ag- ess, and unfailing graciousness in deal- league, Senator SANDERS, for his re- riculture Hall of Fame. Wyoming is ing with Members and staff over those marks. well served by their lasting and con- many years. Mr. SANDERS. I thank Chairman tinuing contributions to agriculture Sandy started his career at CRS in ENZI and join him in commending Mr. and education in our State. 1979 and quickly became an expert in DAVIS for his many years of dedicated Federal budget procedures and prac- and outstanding service to CBO, the f tices. He prepared over 150 reports and Congress, and the American people. We memoranda on the budget process and RECOGNIZING SHAUN AND LACEE wish him all the best. SIMS on budget process reform proposals, We hope our colleagues will join us in analyzed and edited draft legislation, thanking Mr. DAVIS—and really all of Mr. BARRASSO. Mr. President, at and prepared committee and con- the hard-working employees at the the 103rd Wyoming State Fair, Senator ference report language on major budg- Congressional Budget Office—for his ENZI and I will have the pleasure of in- et process legislation in 1985, 1987, and and their service. troducing Shaun and Lacee Sims as 1990. A few of his key achievements in- 2015 inductees of the Wyoming Agri- f volve the development of two reports culture Hall of Fame. I am proud to that are still being published today: RECOGNIZING WAYNE AND KATHY say this dynamic husband and wife ‘‘Points of Order under the Congres- TATMAN team exemplify the ideals of the Wyo- sional Budget Act’’ and a ‘‘Manual on Mr. ENZI. Mr. President, I wish to ming way of life and have made im- the Federal Budget Process.’’ Sandy speak on behalf of Wayne and Kathy mense contributions to the State and also coached CRS’s softball team—an- Tatman who will be inducted into the national agricultural community. other key achievement of his time Wyoming Agriculture Hall of Fame at The Sims family has demonstrated there. the 103rd Wyoming State Fair in Au- their deep-rooted commitment through In 1995, Sandy joined the Congres- gust. Since 1992, Wyoming has recog- five generations of involvement in sional Budget Office, quickly employ- nized individuals each year who have stewardship of the land and production ing his expertise in budget laws and in made substantial contributions to agri- of high quality livestock. Shaun and the history of the congressional budget culture in our State. This year I have Lacee have shared their passion for ag- process. He first worked in the Special the honor of presenting this award to riculture as parents, and now as grand- Studies Division, where he authored an Wayne and Kathy with my colleague parents, with their children and grand- excellent report on the Line Item Veto Senator BARRASSO. children.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 03:21 Jul 30, 2015 Jkt 049060 PO 00000 Frm 00041 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G29JY6.034 S29JYPT1 SSpencer on DSK4SPTVN1PROD with SENATE S6130 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE July 29, 2015 Shaun and Lacee have shared their ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS the puck for face-offs and have to keep livelihood with countless local stu- up with the pace of the game to make dents who have toured their ranch and offside calls—all while avoiding inter- DUNBARTON, NEW HAMPSHIRE wind turbine facility. The students who ference. Brian has excelled in every as- 250TH ANNIVERSARY visit their ranching operation gain val- pect of his career and is one of only 13 uable insight into the origin of their ∑ Ms. AYOTTE. Mr. President, I honor U.S. born NHL officials. Most officials food and electricity. In addition to edu- Dunbarton, NH—a town in Merrimack who work for the NHL are Canadian cating students, the Sims have also County that is celebrating the 250th nationals who have relocated. During Brian’s 27 years as an on-ice taught the teachers by hosting the Wy- anniversary of its founding. I am proud to join citizens across the Granite official, he has worked 1713 regular sea- oming Ag in the Classroom Teacher In- State in recognizing this special mile- son NHL games and the men’s hockey stitute. As Amy Hendrickson, execu- stone. games at the 2010 Vancouver Winter tive director of the Wyoming Wool Dunbarton, previously known by Olympics. More recently, Brian was se- Growers Association observed, ‘‘They many names, including Starkstown, lected for the 7th Stanley Cup Finals have served as educators, mentors, and was incorporated in 1765 by Colonial between the victorious Chicago leaders on a variety of important Governor Benning Wentworth and was Blackhawks and the Tampa Bay Light- issues affecting Wyoming’s agriculture officially renamed Dunbarton. ning in June of this year. industry, and their example of true The town’s population has grown As the former president of the Na- leadership serves as a model for oth- since then to over 2,700 residents. With tional Hockey League Officials Asso- ers.’’ more than 1,600 acres of protected land, ciation, Brian understands the sac- rifices and hard work that are nec- Shaun and Lacee have served in var- Dunbarton is located on the Merrimack River watershed and is rich in natural essary to perform his job. I ask my col- ious capacities whenever they have beauty. Based upon its latitude and leagues to join me today in celebrating been called upon. Shaun’s service ex- longitude, Dunbarton is known as the Brian’s career as a linesman. I am de- tends from his 14-year tenure with the true center of New England. lighted to congratulate him on reach- Uinta County Conservation District The patriotism and commitment of ing this important career milestone Supervisors to his election on the Na- the people of Dunbarton is reflected in and I wish him many more years of tional Association of Conservation Dis- part by their record of service in de- success.∑ tricts Executive Board. As president of fense of our Nation. Revolutionary War f the Wyoming Association of Conserva- General John Stark, his wife Molly and RECOGNIZING THE ASSOCIATION tion Districts, Shaun often sacrifices son Caleb, all lived in Dunbarton. An- FOR FACILITIES ENGINEERING valuable time on his home ranch to at- other Dunbarton native was Robert tend all meetings for Uinta County and Roger, famed Commander of Roger’s ∑ Ms. AYOTTE. Mr. President, I wish the State association. Shaun’s dedica- Rangers during the French and Indian to recognize the 100th anniversary of tion to the State and the industry has War who was instrumental in devel- the Association for Facilities Engi- neering. The organization began in not gone unnoticed. He was recently oping military tactics still used to this Framingham, MA when Henry ‘‘Harry’’ appointed to a second term on the Wy- day. Additionally, John Ordway, who S. Dennison, president of the Factory oming Board of Agriculture. helped lead the Lewis and Clark Expe- dition, made his way back home to Managers Association, saw a need for Like her husband, Lacee has been an Dunbarton after the expedition had fin- increased information-sharing within active agricultural advocate in Wyo- ished. the engineering world. Because of this, ming. Lacee received the Masters of The spirit of community and vol- Dennison invited a group of 25 mechan- Beef Advocacy certification through unteerism is strong in Dunbarton as ics and engineers from the greater Bos- the National Cattlemen’s Beef Associa- evidenced by the hard work and dedica- ton area to attend the organization’s tion and was appointed by Wyoming tion of all involved with the planning first informal meeting. On June 9, 1915, Governor Matt Mead to serve on the and celebration of the annual Old the organization’s constitution was ap- statewide Wyoming Beef Council. Home Day festival, as well as this spe- proved, their officers were elected and Lacee has combined her passion for ag- cial sestercentennial anniversary. they began their history as a working, riculture with her growing photog- Dunbarton is a place that has greatly professional consortium for engineers raphy business to tell the story of agri- contributed to the life and spirit of and mechanics alike. Years later in 1954, a group of engi- culture through an artistic lens. By New Hampshire. I am pleased to extend my warm regards to the people of Dun- neering clubs associated with the orga- highlighting the beauty and impor- nization came together and changed tance of Wyoming agriculture, she is barton as they celebrate this special day.∑ the organization’s name to the Amer- able to capture in photos what words f ican Institute of Plant Engineers, often fail to convey. Patrick AIPE. AIPE became the hub for count- Zimmerer, with the Wyoming Board of TRIBUTE TO BRIAN MURPHY less engineering societies in New Eng- Agriculture stated, ‘‘Lacee tells and ∑ Ms. AYOTTE. Mr. President, I con- land and elsewhere, including the New advocates the story of Wyoming agri- gratulate Brian Murphy of Dover, NH. England Chapter of AIPE, comprised of culture through her lens as a photog- On May, 29 2015, Brian reached an im- New Hampshire and five other States. rapher and through social media, tell- portant career milestone by working In May of 1996, AIPE’s board of direc- ing and highlighting the importance of his 250th National Hockey League play- tors voted to change their name to the Wyoming agriculture to a broad audi- off game as a linesman. Association for Facilities Engineering ence of followers.’’ Born on December 13, 1964, Brian has or AFE, in an effort to include more Shaun and Lacee Sims represent been a lifelong resident of Dover. He than just plant engineers, and to focus graduated from Dover High School in on buildings and facilities as a whole. every positive attribute of leaders in 1982 and continued his education by at- Wayne Saya of Nashua serves among Wyoming agriculture. Together, side tending the University of New Hamp- the leaders and board members of AFE. by side, they have represented Wyo- shire, where he earned a degree in busi- As AFE’s executive director, Wayne is ming’s interests with dedication and ness administration in 1986. Brian was personally committed to furthering the honor. It is because of people like them then hired by the NHL in September message and continued success of the that the agricultural community in 1988. His first game was on October 7, association. He believes that the chap- Wyoming has a bright and productive 1988 between the Pittsburgh Penguins ters of AFE have the best tools for future. My wife, Bobbi, joins me in con- and the Washington Capitals. problem solving and often cites his gratulating these outstanding individ- Linesmen have a difficult and often motto during mediations: ‘‘Chapters uals, Shaun and Lacee Sims, who are thankless job. While referees officiate may not always be right, they are just 2015 inductees into the Wyoming Agri- the game and call penalties, linesmen never wrong!’’ His continued advocacy culture Hall of Fame. break up fights between players, drop is a vital tool for engineers, mechanics

VerDate Sep 11 2014 05:22 Jul 30, 2015 Jkt 049060 PO 00000 Frm 00042 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G29JY6.079 S29JYPT1 SSpencer on DSK4SPTVN1PROD with SENATE July 29, 2015 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S6131 and buildings that might not otherwise Aidan is currently a student at the done for me, my staff, and the people of have a say. Taft School. He is a dedicated and dili- the State of Florida. AFE is a non-profit, volunteer-based gent worker who has been devoted to Theodore is a student at Princeton organization that considers the getting the most out of his internship University, where he is majoring in wellbeing of its chapters before all else. experience. history. He is a dedicated and diligent They recognize that a strong relation- I would like to extend my sincere worker who has been devoted to get- ship with a chapter can mean more op- thanks and appreciation to Aidan for ting the most out of his internship ex- portunities for all parties involved. all the fine work he has done and wish perience. With global reach, AFE is inventive him continued success in the years to I would like to extend my sincere and organized—it is the only associa- come.∑ thanks and appreciation to Theodore tion of its kind with a fully paperless f for all the fine work he has done and online presence. wish him continued success in the It is because of organizations like TRIBUTE TO STEVEN BARBEE years to come.∑ AFE that our country can continue to ∑ Mr. RUBIO. Mr. President, today I f excel and innovate, while ensuring the recognize Steven Barbee, a 2015 sum- needs of engineers are met. I urge my mer intern in my Washington, DC, of- TRIBUTE TO JORDAN GARSIDE colleagues to join me in congratulating fice, for all of the hard work he has ∑ Mr. RUBIO. Mr. President, today I this exceptional organization for their done for me, my staff, and the people of recognize Jordan Garside, a 2015 sum- unparalleled work and commitment. the State of Florida. mer intern in my Washington, DC, of- Congratulations to AFE for reaching Steven is currently a student at Re- fice, for all of the hard work he has this important milestone, and best dondo Union High School. He is a dedi- done for me, my staff, and the people of wishes for the next 100 years.∑ cated and diligent worker who has been the State of Florida. f devoted to getting the most out of his Jordan is a law student at the Uni- REMEMBERING ROGER VICKERS internship experience. versity of Virginia. He is a dedicated I would like to extend my sincere and diligent worker who has been de- ∑ Mr. BOOZMAN. Mr. President, today thanks and appreciation to Steven for voted to getting the most out of his in- I wish to recognize the life and legacy all the fine work he has done and wish ternship experience. of Marion County Sheriff Roger Vick- him continued success in the years to I would like to extend my sincere ers who passed away on Thursday, July come.∑ thanks and appreciation to Jordan for 23, 2015 following a battle with cancer. f all the fine work he has done and wish Sheriff Vickers dedicated his life to him continued success in the years to law enforcement and protecting the TRIBUTE TO NINA BARBERO come.∑ community. With more than three dec- ∑ Mr. RUBIO. Mr. President, today I ades of service with the Arkansas State f recognize Nina Barbero, a 2015 summer Police, Sheriff Vickers was well re- intern in my Washington, DC, office, TRIBUTE TO HAYDEN GRAHL spected in the law enforcement com- for all of the hard work she has done ∑ Mr. RUBIO. Mr. President, today I munity by the time he retired from the for me, my staff, and the people of the recognize Hayden Grahl, a 2015 summer State police in 2008 as lieutenant and State of Florida. intern in my Washington, DC, office, assistant troop commander of Troop I Nina is a student at Florida Gulf for all of the hard work he has done for in Harrison. During his time with the Coast University, where she is major- me, my staff, and the people of the Arkansas State Police, he received nu- ing in economics. She is a dedicated State of Florida. merous commendations, including the and diligent worker who has been de- Hayden is a student at the University Valor Award, the highest honor be- voted to getting the most out of her in- of Massachusetts Amherst, where he is stowed by the State police. ternship experience. majoring in political science. He is a His commitment to Marion County I would like to extend my sincere dedicated and diligent worker who has led him to run for sheriff. From the thanks and appreciation to Nina for all been devoted to getting the most out of time he was elected in 2008, Sheriff the fine work she has done and wish his internship experience. Vickers fought tirelessly to improve her continued success in the years to I would like to extend my sincere his community. He was an advocate for come.∑ thanks and appreciation to Hayden for building a new jail and his vision is all the fine work he has done and wish starting to take shape with the Marion f him continued success in the years to County Quorum Court recently approv- TRIBUTE TO ALEX FOGG come.∑ ing purchasing land for the project. ∑ Sheriff Vickers was a well-qualified Mr. RUBIO. Mr. President, today I f recognize Alex Fogg, a 2015 summer in- law enforcement officer and also a true TRIBUTE TO AMBER MARIANO public servant. Prior to his career in tern in my Washington, DC, office, for ∑ law enforcement, he served as a marine all of the hard work he has done for Mr. RUBIO. Mr. President, today I during the Vietnam war, earning the me, my staff, and the people of the recognize Amber Mariano, a 2015 sum- Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal, State of Florida. mer intern in my Washington, DC, of- Vietnam Campaign Medal, and a Presi- Alex is a student at Princeton Uni- fice, for all of the hard work she has dential Unit Citation. versity, where he is majoring in chem- done for me, my staff, and the people of I am greatly appreciative for Sheriff istry. He is a dedicated and diligent the State of Florida. Vickers’ lifetime of service throughout worker who has been devoted to get- Amber is a student at the University the State of Arkansas. My prayers are ting the most out of his internship ex- of Central Florida, where she is major- with his wife Joan, and his family and perience. ing in political science. She is a dedi- friends during this trying time. I hope I would like to extend my sincere cated and diligent worker who has been they find comfort knowing that he thanks and appreciation to Alex for all devoted to getting the most out of her made a positive impact on his commu- the fine work he has done and wish him internship experience. nity.∑ continued success in the years to I would like to extend my sincere come.∑ thanks and appreciation to Amber for f f all the fine work she has done and wish TRIBUTE TO AIDAN ANDREWS her continued success in the years to ∑ Mr. RUBIO. Mr. President, today I TRIBUTE TO THEODORE come.∑ FURCHTGOTT recognize Aidan Andrews, a 2015 sum- f mer intern in my Washington, DC, of- ∑ Mr. RUBIO. Mr. President, today I fice, for all of the hard work he has recognize Theodore Furchtgott, a 2015 TRIBUTE TO LOGAN PERETZ done for me, my staff, and the people of summer intern in my Washington, DC, ∑ Mr. RUBIO. Mr. President, today I the State of Florida. office, for all of the hard work he has recognize Logan Peretz, a 2015 summer

VerDate Sep 11 2014 05:22 Jul 30, 2015 Jkt 049060 PO 00000 Frm 00043 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G29JY6.076 S29JYPT1 SSpencer on DSK4SPTVN1PROD with SENATE S6132 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE July 29, 2015 intern in my Washington, DC, office, PRESIDENTIAL MESSAGE the Democratic Leader appoints the for all of the hard work he has done for following individual on the part of the me, my staff, and the people of the House of Representatives to the Com- State of Florida. REPORT ON THE CONTINUATION mission on Care: Mr. Michael Blecker Logan is a student at Northwestern OF THE NATIONAL EMERGENCY of San Francisco, California. THAT WAS ORIGINALLY DE- University, where he is majoring in po- ENROLLED BILLS SIGNED CLARED IN EXECUTIVE ORDER litical science and economics. He is a The President pro tempore (Mr. 13441 WITH RESPECT TO LEB- dedicated and diligent worker who has HATCH) announced that on today, July ANON—PM 22 been devoted to getting the most out of 29, 2015, he signed the following en- his internship experience. The PRESIDING OFFICER laid be- rolled bills, previously signed by the I would like to extend my sincere fore the Senate the following message Speaker of the House: thanks and appreciation to Logan for from the President of the United S. 1482. An act to improve and reauthorize all the fine work he has done and wish States, together with an accompanying provisions relating to the application of the him continued success in the years to report; which was referred to the Com- antitrust laws to the award of need-based come.∑ mittee on Banking, Housing, and educational aid. Urban Affairs: H.R. 876. An act to amend title XVIII of the f Social Security Act to require hospitals to To the Congress of the United States: provide certain notifications to individuals Section 202(d) of the National Emer- TRIBUTE TO KATHERINE PERRY classified by such hospitals under observa- gencies Act (50 U.S.C. 1622(d)) provides tion status rather than admitted as inpa- ∑ Mr. RUBIO. Mr. President, today I for the automatic termination of a na- tients of such hospitals. recognize Katherine Perry, a 2015 sum- tional emergency unless, within 90 f mer intern in my Washington, DC, of- days prior to the anniversary date of fice, for all of the hard work she has its declaration, the President publishes MEASURES REFERRED done for me, my staff, and the people of in the Federal Register and transmits to The following bill was read the first the State of Florida. the Congress a notice stating that the Katherine is a student at Colorado and the second times by unanimous emergency is to continue in effect be- consent, and referred as indicated: College, where she is majoring in polit- yond the anniversary date. In accord- H.R. 675. An act to increase, effective as of ical science. She is a dedicated and ance with this provision, I have sent to diligent worker who has been devoted December 1, 2015, the rates of compensation the Federal Register for publication the for veterans with service-connected disabil- to getting the most out of her intern- enclosed notice stating that the na- ities and the rates of dependency and indem- ship experience. tional emergency with respect to Leb- nity compensation for the survivors of cer- I would like to extend my sincere anon that was declared in Executive tain disabled veterans, to amend title 38, thanks and appreciation to Katherine Order 13441 of August 1, 2007, is to con- United States Code, to improve the United for all the fine work she has done and tinue in effect beyond August 1, 2015. States Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims, wish her continued success in the years Certain ongoing activities, such as to improve the processing of claims by the to come. ∑ continuing arms transfers to Hizballah Secretary of Veterans Affairs, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Veterans’ Af- that include increasingly sophisticated fairs. f weapons systems, undermine Lebanese sovereignty, contribute to political and f TRIBUTE TO JAMES RULEY economic instability in the region, and MEASURES PLACED ON THE ∑ Mr. RUBIO. Mr. President, today I continue to constitute an unusual and CALENDAR recognize James Ruley, a 2015 summer extraordinary threat to the national intern in my Washington, DC, office, security and foreign policy of the The following bill and joint resolu- for all of the hard work he has done for United States. For this reason, I have tion were read the second time, and me, my staff, and the people of the determined that it is necessary to con- placed on the calendar: State of Florida. tinue the national emergency declared S. 1881. A bill to prohibit Federal funding James is a law student at the Indiana in Executive Order 13441 with respect of Planned Parenthood Federation of Amer- University Mauerer School of Law. He to Lebanon. ica. H.J. Res. 61. Joint resolution amending the is a dedicated and diligent worker who BARACK OBAMA. Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to exempt em- has been devoted to getting the most THE WHITE HOUSE, July 29, 2015. ployees with health coverage under out of his internship experience. f TRICARE or the Veterans Administration I would like to extend my sincere MESSAGE FROM THE HOUSE from being taken into account for purposes thanks and appreciation to James for of determining the employers to which the all the fine work he has done and wish At 12:03 p.m., a message from the employer mandate applies under the Patient him continued success in the years to House of Representatives, delivered by Protection and Affordable Care Act. Mr. Novotny, one of its reading clerks, come.∑ f announced that the House has passed f the following bills, in which it requests ENROLLED BILL PRESENTED the concurrence of the Senate: The Secretary of the Senate reported MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT H.R. 427. An act to amend chapter 8 of title that on today, July 29, 2015, she had A message from the President of the 5, United States Code, to provide that major presented to the President of the rules of the executive branch shall have no United States was communicated to force or effect unless a joint resolution of ap- United States the following enrolled the Senate by Mr. Pate, one of his sec- proval is enacted into law. bill: retaries. H.R. 675. An act to increase, effective as of S. 1482. An act to improve and reauthorize December 1, 2015, the rates of compensation provisions relating to the application of the f for veterans with service-connected disabil- antitrust laws to the award of need-based ities and the rates of dependency and indem- educational aid. EXECUTIVE MESSAGE REFERRED nity compensation for the survivors of cer- tain disabled veterans, to amend title 38, f As in executive session the Presiding United States Code, to improve the United EXECUTIVE AND OTHER Officer laid before the Senate a mes- States Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims, sage from the President of the United to improve the processing of claims by the COMMUNICATIONS States submitting nominations which Secretary of Veterans Affairs, and for other The following communications were were referred to the Committee on purposes. laid before the Senate, together with Armed Services. The message also announced that accompanying papers, reports, and doc- (The message received today is print- pursuant to section 202(a) of the Vet- uments, and were referred as indicated: ed at the end of the Senate pro- erans Access, Choice, and Account- EC–2431. A communication from the Direc- ceedings.) ability Act of 2014 (Public Law 113–146), tor of the Regulatory Management Division,

VerDate Sep 11 2014 05:22 Jul 30, 2015 Jkt 049060 PO 00000 Frm 00044 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G29JY6.023 S29JYPT1 SSpencer on DSK4SPTVN1PROD with SENATE July 29, 2015 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S6133 Environmental Protection Agency, transmit- of Consumer Financial Protection, transmit- EC–2451. A communication from the Direc- ting, pursuant to law, the report of a rule en- ting, pursuant to law, the report of a rule en- tor of the Regulatory Management Division, titled ‘‘Zeta-cypermethrin; Pesticide Toler- titled ‘‘2013 Integrated Mortgage Disclosures Environmental Protection Agency, transmit- ances’’ (FRL No. 9929–74) received in the Of- Rule Under the Real Estate Settlement Pro- ting, pursuant to law, the report of a rule en- fice of the President of the Senate on July cedures Act (Regulation X) and the Truth In titled ‘‘Approval and Promulgation of Imple- 28, 2015; to the Committee on Agriculture, Lending Act (Regulation Z) and Amend- mentation Plans and Designation of Areas; Nutrition, and Forestry. ments; Delay of Effective Date’’ (RIN3170– North Carolina; Redesignation of the Char- EC–2432. A communication from the Direc- AA48) received in the Office of the President lotte-Rock Hill, 2008 8-Hour Ozone Non- tor of the Regulatory Management Division, of the Senate on July 27, 2015; to the Com- attainment Area to Attainment’’ (FRL No. Environmental Protection Agency, transmit- mittee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Af- 9931–28–Region 4) received in the Office of the ting, pursuant to law, the report of a rule en- fairs. President of the Senate on July 28, 2015; to titled ‘‘Phosphoric Acid Manufacturing and EC–2442. A communication from the Sec- the Committee on Environment and Public Phosphate Fertilizer Production RTR and retary of the Treasury, transmitting, pursu- Works. Standards of Performance for Phosphate ant to law, a six-month periodic report on EC–2452. A communication from the Direc- Processing’’ ((RIN2060–AQ20) (FRL No. 9931– the national emergency that was declared in tor of the Regulatory Management Division, 01–OAR)) received in the Office of the Presi- Executive Order 12947 with respect to terror- Environmental Protection Agency, transmit- dent of the Senate on July 28, 2015; to the ists who threaten to disrupt the Middle East ting, pursuant to law, the report of a rule en- Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and peace process; to the Committee on Banking, titled ‘‘Approval and Promulgation of Air Forestry. Housing, and Urban Affairs. Quality Implementation Plans; West Vir- EC–2433. A communication from the Direc- EC–2443. A communication from the Assist- ginia; 2011 Base Year Emissions Inventory tor of the Regulatory Management Division, ant Secretary, Legislative Affairs, Depart- for the Marshall, West Virginia Nonattain- Environmental Protection Agency, transmit- ment of State, transmitting, pursuant to ment Area for the 2010 1-Hour Sulfur Dioxide ting, pursuant to law, the report of a rule en- law, a report relative to section 36(c) of the National Ambient Air Quality Standard’’ titled ‘‘Isofetamid; Pesticide Tolerances’’ Arms Export Control Act (DDTC 15–015); to (FRL No. 9931–56–Region 3) received in the (FRL No. 9923–86) received in the Office of the Committee on Foreign Relations. Office of the President of the Senate on July the President of the Senate on July 28, 2015; EC–2444. A communication from the Assist- 28, 2015; to the Committee on Environment to the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, ant Secretary, Legislative Affairs, Depart- and Public Works. and Forestry. ment of State, transmitting, pursuant to EC–2453. A communication from the Direc- EC–2434. A communication from the Direc- law, a report relative to sections 36(c) and tor of the Regulatory Management Division, tor of the Regulatory Management Division, 36(d) of the Arms Export Control Act (DDTC Environmental Protection Agency, transmit- Environmental Protection Agency, transmit- 15–048); to the Committee on Foreign Rela- ting, pursuant to law, the report of a rule en- ting, pursuant to law, the report of a rule en- tions. titled ‘‘Approval and Promulgation of Air titled ‘‘Fluxapyroxad; Pesticide Tolerances’’ EC–2445. A communication from the Assist- Quality Implementation Plans; Virginia; (FRL No. 9930–73) received in the Office of ant Secretary, Legislative Affairs, Depart- Consumer and Commercial Products and Mo- the President of the Senate on July 28, 2015; ment of State, transmitting, pursuant to bile Equipment Repair and Refinishing Oper- to the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, law, a report relative to section 36(c) of the ations’’ (FRL No. 9931–29–Region 3) received and Forestry. Arms Export Control Act (DDTC 15–046); to in the Office of the President of the Senate EC–2435. A communication from the Direc- the Committee on Foreign Relations. on July 28, 2015; to the Committee on Envi- tor of the Regulatory Management Division, EC–2446. A communication from the Assist- ronment and Public Works. EC–2454. A communication from the Direc- Environmental Protection Agency, transmit- ant Secretary, Legislative Affairs, Depart- tor of the Regulatory Management Division, ting, pursuant to law, the report of a rule en- ment of State, transmitting, pursuant to Environmental Protection Agency, transmit- titled ‘‘Ethanesulfonic acid, 2-hydroxy and law, a report relative to section 36(c) of the ting, pursuant to law, the report of a rule en- the corresponding ammonium, sodium, po- Arms Export Control Act (DDTC 15–066); to titled ‘‘Approval and Promulgation of Air tassium, calcium, magnesium, and zinc salts; the Committee on Foreign Relations. Quality Implementation Plans; State of Exemption from the Requirement of a Toler- EC–2447. A communication from the Direc- tor of the Regulatory Management Division, Iowa; Revisions to Linn County Air Quality ance’’ (FRL No. 9930–22) received in the Of- Ordinance’’ (FRL No. 9931–33–Region 7) re- fice of the President of the Senate on July Environmental Protection Agency, transmit- ting, pursuant to law, the report of a rule en- ceived in the Office of the President of the 28, 2015; to the Committee on Agriculture, Senate on July 28, 2015; to the Committee on Nutrition, and Forestry. titled ‘‘Approval and Promulgation of Imple- mentation Plans; Wyoming; Revisions to SO2 Environment and Public Works. EC–2436. A communication from the Direc- EC–2455. A communication from the Direc- Ambient Standards’’ (FRL No. 9931–38–Re- tor of the Regulatory Management Division, tor of the Regulatory Management Division, gion 8) received in the Office of the President Environmental Protection Agency, transmit- Environmental Protection Agency, transmit- of the Senate on July 28, 2015; to the Com- ting, pursuant to law, the report of a rule en- ting, pursuant to law, the report of a rule en- mittee on Environment and Public Works. titled ‘‘Benalaxyl-M; Pesticide Tolerances’’ titled ‘‘Technical Amendments to Inad- EC–2448. A communication from the Direc- (FRL No. 9927–63) received in the Office of vertent Errors in Air Quality Designations tor of the Regulatory Management Division, the President of the Senate on July 28, 2015; for the 2006 24-hour Fine Particulate Na- Environmental Protection Agency, transmit- to the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, tional Ambient Air Quality Standards (2006 ting, pursuant to law, the report of a rule en- and Forestry. 24-hour PM2.5 NAAQS), 1997 Annual PM2.5 titled ‘‘Approval and Promulgation of Imple- EC–2437. A communication from the Chair- NAAQS, and 1987 Annual Coarse Particle mentation Plans; Washington: Interstate man of the Commodity Futures Trading (PM10) NAAQS’’ (FRL No. 9929–97–OAR) re- Transport of Fine Particulate Matter’’ (FRL Commission, transmitting, pursuant to law, ceived in the Office of the President of the No. 9931–46–Region 10) received in the Office a report relative to a violation of the Senate on July 28, 2015; to the Committee on Antideficiency Act; to the Committee on Ap- of the President of the Senate on July 28, Environment and Public Works. propriations. 2015; to the Committee on Environment and EC–2456. A communication from the Regu- EC–2438. A communication from the Chair- Public Works. lations Specialist, Fish and Wildlife Service, man of the Commodity Futures Trading EC–2449. A communication from the Direc- Department of the Interior, transmitting, Commission, transmitting, pursuant to law, tor of the Regulatory Management Division, pursuant to law, the report of a rule entitled a report relative to a violation of the Environmental Protection Agency, transmit- ‘‘Subsistence Management Regulations for Antideficiency Act; to the Committee on Ap- ting, pursuant to law, the report of a rule en- Public Lands in Alaska—2015–2016 and 2016– propriations. titled ‘‘Approval and Promulgation of Imple- 2017 Subsistence Taking of Fish Regula- EC–2439. A communication from the Prin- mentation Plans; North Carolina: Non-inter- tions’’ (RIN1018–AZ67) received in the Office cipal Deputy Under Secretary of Defense ference Demonstration for Federal Low-Reid of the President of the Senate on July 28, (Personnel and Readiness), transmitting a Vapor Pressure Requirement for Gaston and 2015; to the Committee on Environment and report on the approved retirement of General Mecklenburg Counties’’ (FRL No. 9931–27–Re- Public Works. Martin E. Dempsey, United States Army, gion 4) received in the Office of the President EC–2457. A communication from the Chief and his advancement to the grade of general of the Senate on July 28, 2015; to the Com- of the Endangered Species Listing Branch, on the retired list; to the Committee on mittee on Environment and Public Works. Fish and Wildlife Service, Department of the Armed Services. EC–2450. A communication from the Direc- Interior, transmitting, pursuant to law, the EC–2440. A communication from the Acting tor of the Regulatory Management Division, report of a rule entitled ‘‘Endangered and Under Secretary of Defense (Personnel and Environmental Protection Agency, transmit- Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Designation Readiness), transmitting a report on the ap- ting, pursuant to law, the report of a rule en- of Critical Habitat for Mount Charleston proved retirement of General Raymond T. titled ‘‘Approval and Promulgation of Imple- Blue Butterfly (Icaricia (Plebejus) shasta Odierno, United States Army, and his ad- mentation Plans; Georgia: Revisions to Defi- charlestonensis)’’ (RIN1018–AZ91) received in vancement to the grade of general on the re- nitions and Ambient Air Quality Standards’’ the Office of the President of the Senate on tired list; to the Committee on Armed Serv- (FRL No. 9931–65–Region 4) received in the July 28, 2015; to the Committee on Environ- ices. Office of the President of the Senate on July ment and Public Works. EC–2441. A communication from the Assist- 28, 2015; to the Committee on Environment EC–2458. A communication from the Chief ant Director for Legislative Affairs, Bureau and Public Works. of the Recovery and State Grants Branch,

VerDate Sep 11 2014 03:21 Jul 30, 2015 Jkt 049060 PO 00000 Frm 00045 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A29JY6.015 S29JYPT1 SSpencer on DSK4SPTVN1PROD with SENATE S6134 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE July 29, 2015 Fish and Wildlife Service, Department of the By Mr. JOHNSON, from the Committee on me of the pertinent contributions made by Interior, transmitting, pursuant to law, the Homeland Security and Governmental Af- them. To the best of my knowledge, the in- report of a rule entitled ‘‘Endangered and fairs, without amendment: formation contained in this report is com- Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Technical S. 1826. A bill to designate the facility of plete and accurate.) Corrections for 54 Wildlife and Plant Species the United States Postal Service located at Contributions: amount, date, and donee: on the List of Endangered and Threatened 99 West 2nd Street in Fond du Lac, Wis- 1. Self: None. Wildlife and Plants’’ (RIN1018–BA89) received consin, as the Lieutenant Colonel James 2. Spouse: Not applicable. in the Office of the President of the Senate ‘‘Maggie’’ Megellas Post Office. 3. Children and Spouses: Not Applicable. on July 28, 2015; to the Committee on Envi- 4. Parents: Marilyn Doherty: None. John f ronment and Public Works . Doherty: Deceased (2007). EC–2459. A communication from the Acting EXECUTIVE REPORTS OF 5. Grandparents: Thomas Doherty (1944) Chief of the Endangered Species Listing COMMITTEES Deceased; Edward Grimm (1956) Deceased; Branch, Fish and Wildlife Service, Depart- Eliza Jane Doherty (1990) Deceased; Helen ment of the Interior, transmitting, pursuant The following executive reports of Rita Grimm (1986) Deceased. to law, the report of a rule entitled ‘‘Endan- nominations were submitted: 6. Brothers and Spouses: Robert Doherty gered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; By Mr. CORKER for the Committee on and spouse Elizabeth Doherty; Friends of Threatened Status for the Rufa Red Knot’’ Foreign Relations. Jim Meffert: $99 10/2010; ACP Services PAC: (RIN1018–AY17) received in the Office of the * Sheila Gwaltney, of California, a Career Cumulative Total $1000, 2/2011, 3/2012, 4/2013, 3/ President of the Senate on July 28, 2015; to Member of the Senior Foreign Service, Class 2014, Hope for Congress: Total $250, 2/2014, the Committee on Environment and Public of Minister-Counselor, to be Ambassador Ex- Spouse (Elizabeth Doherty): Obama Victory Works. traordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Fund: Cumulative Total Amount, $366, Feb- EC–2460. A communication from the Acting United States of America to the Kyrgyz Re- ruary, July, and September 2012. 7. Sisters and Spouses: Erin Doherty Rose Chief of the Foreign Species Branch, Fish public. and spouse Peter Rose: None; Patricia and Wildlife Service, Department of the Inte- Nominee: Sheila Gwaltney. Doherty and spouse Robert Garber: Alan rior, transmitting, pursuant to law, the re- Post: Kyrgyz Republic. Grayson, Congressional Re-Election Cam- port of a rule entitled ‘‘Endangered and (The following is a list of all members of paign, $15.00, 9/2010; Bill Pascrell, Congres- Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Listing All my immediate family and their spouses. I sional Re-Election Campaign, $25.00, 9/2010; Chimpanzees as Endangered Species; Final have asked each of these persons to inform MoveOn.org, $5.00 9/2010; Alan Grayson, Con- Rule’’ (RIN1018–AZ52) received in the Office me of the pertinent contributions made by gressional Re-Election Campaign, $15.00, 9/ of the President of the Senate on July 28, them. To the best of my knowledge, the in- 2012; Elizabeth Warren, Senatorial Election 2015; to the Committee on Environment and formation contained in this report is com- Campaign, $50.00, 9/2011; John Arvanites, Public Works. plete and accurate.) Congressional Campaign, $50.00, 8/2012; Act EC–2461. A communication from the Chief Contributions, amount, date, and donee: Blue DSCC, $15.00, 2/2012; MoveOn.org, $5.00, of the Division of Environmental Review, 1. Self: 0. 9/2012; Act Blue DCCC, $50.00, 9/20/13; Corey Fish and Wildlife Service, Department of the 2. Spouse: N/A. Booker, NJ Senatorial Election Campaign, Interior, transmitting, pursuant to law, the 3. Children and Spouses: N/A. $25.00, 8/2013; Barbara Buono, NJ Governor report of a rule entitled ‘‘Interagency Co- 4. Parents: Helen Gwaltney Rose—deceased Election Campaign, $50,00, 8/2013. operation—Endangered Species Act of 1973, 2002; Ralph Carl Gwaltney, Sr.—deceased as Amended; Incidental Take Statements’’ 1971. *Hans G. Klemm, of Michigan, a Career (RIN1018–AX85) received in the Office of the 5. Grandparents: Ollie Tice Casey—de- Member of the Senior Foreign Service, Class President of the Senate on July 28, 2015; to ceased 1978 (est); Homer Tice—deceased in of Minister-Counselor, to be Ambassador Ex- the Committee on Environment and Public 1940s (est); William Gwaltney—deceased in traordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Works. 1960s (est); Father’s mother—deceased in United States of America to Romania. EC–2462. A communication from the Wild- 1930s (est). Nominee: Hans G. Klemm. life Biologist, Fish and Wildlife Service, De- 6. Brothers and Spouses: George Michael Post: Romania. partment of the Interior, transmitting, pur- Gwaltney—Deceased in 1997; Ralph Carl (The following is a list of all members of suant to law, the report of a rule entitled Gwaltney, Jr., 0; Marjorie Gwaltney, 0; Dan my immediate family and their spouses. I ‘‘Migratory Bird Permits; Update of Fal- Gwaltney, 0; Joann Gwaltney, 0; David have asked each of these persons to inform conry Permitting Reporting Address’’ Gwaltney, 0; Sue Gwaltney, 0; Steven me of the pertinent contributions made by (RIN1018–BA90) received in the Office of the Gwaltney, 0; Deborah Gwaltney, 0. them. To the best of my knowledge, the in- President of the Senate on July 28, 2015; to 7. Sisters and Spouses: NA. the Committee on Environment and Public formation contained in this report is com- Works. plete and accurate.) *Perry L. Holloway, of South Carolina, a Contributions, amount, date, and donee: f Career Member of the Senior Foreign Serv- 1. Self: None. REPORTS OF COMMITTEES ice, Class of Minister-Counselor, to be Am- 2. Spouse: Mari Kano Klemm: None. bassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary 3. Children and Spouses: N/A. The following reports of committees of the United States of America to the Co- 4. Parents: Hans J. Klemm—deceased; were submitted: operative Republic of Guyana. Ingeborg K. S. Klemm—deceased. By Mr. THUNE, from the Committee on Nominee: Perry Lee Holloway. 5. Grandparents: Grandfather: Emil Commerce, Science, and Transportation, Post: Georgetown, Guyana. Klemm—deceased; Grandmother: Martha with an amendment in the nature of a sub- (The following is a list of all members of Klemm—deceased; Grandfather: Georg stitute: my immediate family and their spouses. I Schievelbein—deceased; Grandmother: Char- S. 373. A bill to provide for the establish- have asked each of these persons to inform lotte Schievelbein—deceased. ment of nationally uniform and environ- me of the pertinent contributions made by 6. Brothers and Spouses: Steven Klemm, mentally sound standards governing dis- them. To the best of my knowledge, the in- none; Eileen Klemm (spouse), none. charges incidental to the normal operation formation contained in this report is com- 7. Sisters and Spouses: Lori Klemm, none; of a vessel (Rept. No. 114–96). plete and accurate.) Sally Klemm, none. By Mr. CORKER, from the Committee on Contributions, amount, date, and donee: Foreign Relations, with an amendment: 1. Self: None. * James Desmond Melville, Jr., of New Jer- S. 284. A bill to impose sanctions with re- 2. Spouse: None. sey, a Career Member of the Senior Foreign spect to foreign persons responsible for gross 3. Children and Spouses: None. Service, Class of Minister-Counselor, to be violations of internationally recognized 4. Parents: None. Ambassador Extraordinary and Pleni- human rights, and for other purposes. 5. Grandparents: None. potentiary of the United States of America By Mr. JOHNSON, from the Committee on 6. Brothers and Spouses: None. to the Republic of Estonia. Homeland Security and Governmental Af- 7. Sisters and Spouses: None. Nominee: James Desmond Melville. Jr. fairs, without amendment: Post: Tallinn, Republic of Estonia. S. 1596. A bill to designate the facility of * Kathleen Ann Doherty, of New York, a (The following is a list of all members of the United States Postal Service located at Career Member of the Senior Foreign Serv- my immediate family and their spouses. I 2082 Stringtown Road in Grove City, Ohio, as ice, Class of Minister-Counselor, to be Am- have asked each of these persons to inform the ‘‘Specialist Joseph W. Riley Post Office bassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary me of the pertinent contributions made by Building’’. of the United States of America to the Re- them. To the best of my knowledge, the in- By Mr. CORKER, from the Committee on public of Cyprus. formation contained in this report is com- Foreign Relations, with an amendment in Nominee: Kathleen Ann Doherty. plete and accurate.) the nature of a substitute: Post: Cyprus. Contributions, amount, date, and donee: S. 1632. A bill to require a regional strat- (The following is a list of all members of 1. Self: None. egy to address the threat posed by Boko my immediate family and their spouses. I 2. Spouse: None. Haram. have asked each of these persons to inform 3. Children and Spouses: None.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 05:22 Jul 30, 2015 Jkt 049060 PO 00000 Frm 00046 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A29JY6.015 S29JYPT1 SSpencer on DSK4SPTVN1PROD with SENATE July 29, 2015 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S6135 4. Parents: None. None; Nora Sarah Murray (Heins): None; Maurice Heins, 5,000, 8/8/2011, Democratic 5. Grandparents: None. Scott Murray: Please see continuation pages. Senatorial Campaign Committee; 20,000, 9/14/ 6. Brothers and Spouses: None. 4. Parents: Maurice Heins: Please see con- 2012, Obama Victory Fund 2012. 7. Sisters and Spouses: None. tinuation pages; Hadassa Wagman Heins: Hadassa Wagman Heins, 25,000, 10/27/2011, Please see continuation pages. Obama Victory Fund 2012; 5,000, 5/21/2012, * Peter F. Mulrean, of Massachusetts, a Ca- 5. Grandparents: Alec Wagman: Deceased; Obama Victory Fund 2012; 1,000, 7/23/2012, reer Member of the Senior Foreign Service, Libby Wagman: Deceased; Samuel Heins: De- Democratic Senatorial Campaign Com- Class of Counselor, to be Ambassador Ex- ceased; Rose Heins: Deceased. mittee; 20,000, 9/14/2012, Obama Victory Fund traordinary and Plenipotentiary of the 6. Brothers and Spouses: None. 2012. 7. Sisters and Spouses: Sulamith Heins United States of America to the Republic of Scott Murray, 100, Sep 14, Mayday PAC. Potter: None; Jack Potter: None. Haiti. Samuel D. Heins, 2,500, 10/19/2011, Barnes Nominee: Peter Francis Mulrean. for Congress; 200, 12/13/2011, Chris Coleman * Paul Wayne Jones, of Maryland, a Career Post: Port-au-Prince, Haiti. for Congress; 30,800, 8/5/2011 (refunded on 8/12/ Member of the Senior Foreign Service, Class (The following is a list of all members of 2011), Democratic Senatorial Campaign Com- of Career Minister, to be Ambassador Ex- my immediate family and their spouses. I mittee; 10,000, 8/12/2011, Franken MVPS; 2,500, traordinary and Plenipotentiary of the have asked each of these persons to inform 9/30/2011, Friends of Maria; 800, 2/2/2011, Klo- United States of America to the Republic of me of the pertinent contributions made by buchar for Minnesota 2012; 1,000, 7/28/2011, Poland. them. To the best of my knowledge, the in- McCollum for Congress; 2,500, 5/3/2011, Min- Nominee: Paul Wayne Jones. formation contained in this report is com- nesota Democratic Farmer-Labor Party; Post: Poland. plete and accurate.) 35,800, 8/17/2011 ($5,000 refund on 8/17/2011; (The following is a list of all members of Contributions, amount, date, and donee: $30,800 refunded from portion of contribution my immediate family and their spouses. I 1. Self: $250, 09/02/2012, Barack Obama. allocable to the Democratic Senatorial Cam- have asked each of these persons to inform 2. Spouse: Corinne Beque: None. paign Committee on 3/29/2013), Minnesota me of the pertinent contributions made by 3. Children and Spouses: Chloe Mulrean: Senate 2012; 10,000, 5/11/2011, Minnesota Sen- them. To the best of my knowledge, the in- None; Celine Mulrean: None. ate Victory Committee 2012; 2,500, 9/13/2011, formation contained in this report is com- 4. Parents: Francis H. Mulrean—deceased, Montanans For Tester; 2,500, 9/13/2011, Mon- plete and accurate.) none; Ann S. Mulrean, None. tanans For Tester; 2,500, 4/4/2011, Obama For Contributions, amount, date, and donee: 5. Grandparents: Francis X. Mulrean—de- America; 2,500, 4/4/2011, Obama For America; 1. Self: None. ceased, None; Catherine Mulrean—deceased, 30,800, 10/11/2011, Obama Victory Fund 2012; 2. Spouse: Catherine Cheremeteff Grove None; William Mahoney—deceased, None; 9,200, 12/16/2011, Swing State Victory Fund; Jones, none. Margaret Mahoney—deceased, None. 250, 3/31/2011, Tim Walz for US Congress; 2,250, 3. Children and Spouses: Aleksandra 6. Sisters and Spouses: Linda M. Mulrean, 5/11/2011, Tim Walz for US Congress; 2,500, 5/ Cheremeteff Jones, none; Hale Grove Jones, None; John G. Rowe, None; Diane J. 12/2011, Tim Walz for US Congress; 5,000, 9/14/ none. Mulrean, None; Mary C. Mulrean, None; Rob- 2011, Treasure State PAC; 2,500, 6/17/2011, 4. Parents: Evelyn Jones (Mother), $175, ert P. Wiemann—None. Whitehouse for Senate; 35,800, 3/27/2012, Com- 2014, DSCC; $175, 2013, DSCC; $150, 2012, mittee for Charlotte, NC; 10,000, 9/19/2012, DSCC; $50, 2012, Obama Victory Fund; $50, *Laura Farnsworth Dogu, of Texas, a Ca- Iowa Democratic Party (transferred to non- 2012, Obama for America; Father—deceased. reer Member of the Senior Foreign Service, federal account); 5,000, 3/2/2012, Minnesota 5. Grandparents: None living, none. Class of Minister-Counselor, to be Ambas- Democratic Farmer-Labor Party; 2,000, 9/19/ 6. Brothers and Spouses: none. 7. Sisters and Spouses: Catherine Johnsen sador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of 2012, Minnesota Democratic Farmer-Labor (Sister), none; Sigurd Johnsen (Her Spouse), the United States of America to the Republic Party; 500, 11/29/2012, Minnesota Democratic of Nicaragua. Farmer-Labor Party; 500, 6/5/2013, Minnesota none; Margaret Anne Wayne Jones (Sister), Nominee: Laura Farnsworth Dogu. Democratic Farmer-Labor Party; 1,000, 3/4/ none. Post: Mexico City. 2013, Minnesota Democratic Farmer-Labor (The following is a list of all members of Party; 5,000, 1/24/2013, Midwest Values PAC; * Michele Thoren Bond, of the District of my immediate family and their spouses. I 2,500, 4/3/2013, Follow the North Star Fund; Columbia, a Career Member of the Senior have asked each of these persons to inform 32,400, 2/28/2013, Democratic Senatorial Cam- Foreign Service, Class of Minister-Counselor, me of the pertinent contributions made by paign Committee; 5,200, 5/19/2014, Alison to be an Assistant Secretary of State (Con- them. To the best of my knowledge, the in- Lundergan Grimes for US Senate; 5,000, 7/15/ sular Affairs). formation contained in this report is com- 2014, Democratic Congressional Campaign * Sarah Elizabeth Mendelson, of the Dis- plete and accurate.) Committee; 15,000, 2/20/2014, Democratic Na- trict of Columbia, to be Representative of Contributions, amount, date, and donee: tional Committee; 10,000, 8/07/2014, Minnesota the United States of America on the Eco- 1. Self: None. Democratic Farmer-Labor Party; 1,000, 9/11/ nomic and Social Council of the United Na- 2. Spouse: None. 2014, Minnesota Democratic Farmer-Labor tions, with the rank of Ambassador. 3. Children and Spouses: Derin Berk Dogu Party (transferred to nonfederal account on * Sarah Elizabeth Mendelson, of the Dis- (son), none; Adem Akin Dogu (son) none. 10/18/2014); 10,000, 10/17/2014, Minnesota Demo- trict of Columbia, to be an Alternate Rep- 4. Parents: Patricia F. Farnsworth, none; cratic Farmer-Labor Party (transferred to resentative of the United States of America David Lee Farnsworth (deceased). nonfederal account on 10/18/2014); 5,000, 6/27/ to the Sessions of the General Assembly of 5. Grandparents: Agnes Fanning (deceased), 2014, Ready for Hillary PAC; 1,000, 7/8/2014, the United Nations, during her tenure of Wallace Fanning (deceased). Tim Waltz for US Congress; 5,000, 7/7/2014, service as Representative of the United 6. Brothers and Spouses: Andrew Win Minnesota Federal PAC. States of America on the Economic and So- Farnsworth (brother), none; Jennifer Stacey Mills Heins, 2,500, 10/20/2011, Barnes cial Council of the United Nations. Farnsworth (spouse), none. for Congress; 10,000, 8/12/2011 ($5,000 refunded * Gayle Smith, of Ohio, to be Adminis- 7. Sisters and Spouses: Katherine on 2/24/2013 from portion of contribution allo- trator of the United States Agency for Inter- Farnsworth (sister), none. cable to Midwest Values PAC), Franken national Development. MVPS; 200, 2/2/2011, Klobuchar for Minnesota * Thomas O. Melia, of Maryland, to be an * Samuel D. Heins, of Minnesota, to be Am- 2012; 1,400, 2/2/2011, Klobuchar for Minnesota Assistant Administrator of the United bassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary 2012; 300, 4/30/2011, Klobuchar for Minnesota States Agency for International Develop- of the United States of America to the King- 2012; 2,300 4/30/2011 ($200 refunded on 5/11/2011), ment. dom of Norway. Klobuchar for Minnesota 2012; 1000, 7/27/2011 Mr. CORKER. Mr. President, for the Nominee: Samuel D. Heins. (refunded 2/11/2013,) Minnesota Democratic Committee on Foreign Relations I re- Post: U.S. Ambassador to the Kingdom of Farmer-Labor Party; 30,800, 10/11/2011, Obama port favorably the following nomina- Norway. Victory Fund 2012; 9,200, 12/16/2011, Swing Nominated: May 14, 2015. State Victory Fund; 2,500, 8/31/2011, Tim Walz tion list which was printed in the (The following is a list of all members of For US Congress; 300, 9/30/2012 (refunded on 4/ RECORD on the date indicated, and ask my immediate family and their spouses. I 30/2013), Democratic Party of Wisconsin; unanimous consent, to save the ex- have asked each of these persons to inform 2,500, 5/31/2012, Jim Graves for Congress; 2,500, pense of reprinting on the Executive me of the pertinent contributions made by 9/24/2012, Jim Graves for Congress; 5,000, 3/19/ Calendar that this nomination lie at them. To the best of my knowledge, the in- 2012, Obama Victory Fund 2012; 30,800, 3/19/ the Secretary’s desk for the informa- formation contained in this report is com- 2012, Obama Victory Fund 2012; 2,500, 6/15/ tion of Senators. plete and accurate.) 2012, Tim Walz for US Congress; 5,000, 1/24/ Contributions, Amount, Date, Donee: 2013 (refunded 2/24/2013), Midwest Values The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without 1. Samuel D. Heins Please see continuation PAC; 500, 3/11/2013, Minnesota Democratic objection, it is so ordered. pages. Farmer-Labor Party; 5,000, 1/14/2013, Presi- * Foreign Service nominations beginning 2. Stacey Mills Heins Please see continu- dential Inaugural Committee 2013; 5,000, 1/2/ with Maura Barry Boyle and ending with An- ation pages. 2013, Presidential Inaugural Committee 2013; thony Wolak, which nominations were re- 3. Children and Spouses: Madeleine Sarah 500, 6/18/2014, Minnesota Democratic Farmer- ceived by the Senate and appeared in the lsraelson (Heins): None; Brody Israelson: Labor Party. Congressional Record on June 10, 2015.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 05:22 Jul 30, 2015 Jkt 049060 PO 00000 Frm 00047 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A29JY6.027 S29JYPT1 SSpencer on DSK4SPTVN1PROD with SENATE S6136 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE July 29, 2015 (minus 3 nominees: Jeffries Blunt de S. 1887. A bill to protect and preserve inter- By Mr. BLUNT: Graffenried, Jr.; Debbie Patrice Jackson; national cultural property at risk due to po- S. Res. 234. A resolution to authorize the Christopher Nairn Steel) litical instability, armed conflict, or natural printing of a collection of the rules of the By Mr. INHOFE for the Committee on En- or other disasters, and for other purposes; to committees of the Senate; considered and vironment and Public Works. the Committee on Foreign Relations. agreed to. * Kristen Marie Kulinowski, of New York, By Mr. MCCAIN (for himself and Mr. By Mr. RUBIO (for himself and Mr. to be a Member of the Chemical Safety and ENZI): NELSON): Hazard Investigation Board for a term of five S. 1888. A bill to reduce waste and imple- S. Res. 235. A resolution designating Sep- years. ment cost savings and revenue enhancement tember 2015 as ‘‘National Spinal Cord Injury * Eric Martin Satz, of Tennessee, to be a for the Federal Government; to the Com- Awareness Month’’; considered and agreed Member of the Board of Directors of the Ten- mittee on Environment and Public Works. to. nessee Valley Authority for a term expiring By Ms. MIKULSKI: f May 18, 2018. S. 1889. A bill to make supplemental appro- * Vanessa Lorraine Allen Sutherland, of priations for fiscal year 2015; to the Com- ADDITIONAL COSPONSORS Virginia, to be a Member of the Chemical mittee on Appropriations. S. 30 By Mr. HATCH (for himself, Mr. COONS, Safety and Hazard Investigation Board for a At the request of Ms. COLLINS, the Mr. FLAKE, Mr. DURBIN, Mr. TILLIS, term of five years. name of the Senator from Arizona (Mr. * Vanessa Lorraine Allen Sutherland, of and Ms. BALDWIN): S. 1890. A bill to amend chapter 90 of title MCCAIN) was added as a cosponsor of S. Virginia, to be Chairperson of the Chemical 30, a bill to amend the Internal Rev- Safety and Hazard Investigation Board for a 18, United States Code, to provide Federal ju- risdiction for the theft of trade secrets, and term of five years. enue Code of 1986 to modify the defini- for other purposes; to the Committee on the * Gregory Guy Nadeau, of Maine, to be Ad- tion of full-time employee for purposes Judiciary. ministrator of the Federal Highway Admin- of the employer mandate in the Pa- By Mr. WYDEN (for himself and Mr. istration. tient Protection and Affordable Care UDALL): By Mr. JOHNSON for the Committee on S. 1891. A bill to amend the Mineral Leas- Act. Homeland Security and Governmental Af- ing Act to improve coal royalties, and for S. 31 fairs. other purposes; to the Committee on Energy At the request of Ms. KLOBUCHAR, the * Denise Turner Roth, of North Carolina, to and Natural Resources. name of the Senator from Wisconsin be Administrator of General Services. By Mr. HATCH (for himself and Mr. (Ms. BALDWIN) was added as a cospon- * Nomination was reported with rec- WARNER): sor of S. 31, a bill to amend part D of ommendation that it be confirmed sub- S. 1892. A bill to provide for loan repay- ment for teachers in high-need schools; to title XVIII of the Social Security Act ject to the nominee’s commitment to to require the Secretary of Health and respond to requests to appear and tes- the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions. Human Services to negotiate covered tify before any duly constituted com- By Mr. ALEXANDER (for himself, Mrs. part D drug prices on behalf of Medi- mittee of the Senate. MURRAY, Mr. ENZI, Mr. FRANKEN, Mr. care beneficiaries. f ISAKSON, Mr. BENNET, Mr. KIRK, Ms. S. 141 BALDWIN, Mr. ROBERTS, Mr. MURPHY, INTRODUCTION OF BILLS AND At the request of Mr. CORNYN, the Ms. AYOTTE, Mr. BLUMENTHAL, Mr. name of the Senator from Arizona (Mr. JOINT RESOLUTIONS WICKER, Mr. CASEY, Mr. UDALL, Mr. MCCAIN) was added as a cosponsor of S. The following bills and joint resolu- DURBIN, Ms. MIKULSKI, Ms. HEITKAMP, and Mr. CASSIDY): 141, a bill to repeal the provisions of tions were introduced, read the first S. 1893. A bill to reauthorize and improve the Patient Protection and Affordable and second times by unanimous con- programs related to mental health and sub- Care Act providing for the Independent sent, and referred as indicated: stance use disorders; to the Committee on Payment Advisory Board. Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions. By Mr. CARDIN (for himself and Mr. S. 149 KIRK): By Mrs. FEINSTEIN (for herself and At the request of Mr. HATCH, the S. 1882. A bill to support the sustainable re- Mrs. BOXER): covery and rebuilding of Nepal following the S. 1894. A bill to provide short-term water name of the Senator from Arizona (Mr. recent, devastating earthquakes near supplies to drought-stricken California; to MCCAIN) was added as a cosponsor of S. Kathmandu; to the Committee on Foreign the Committee on Energy and Natural Re- 149, a bill to amend the Internal Rev- Relations. sources. enue Code of 1986 to repeal the excise By Mr. REED (for himself and Mrs. By Mr. MCCAIN: tax on medical devices. S. 1895. A bill to amend the Radiation Ex- CAPITO): S. 258 S. 1883. A bill to maximize discovery, and posure Compensation Act for purposes of making claims under such Act based on ex- At the request of Mr. ROBERTS, the accelerate development and availability, of name of the Senator from Arkansas promising childhood cancer treatments, and posure to atmospheric nuclear testing; to the for other purposes; to the Committee on Committee on the Judiciary. (Mr. COTTON) was added as a cosponsor Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions. By Mr. CASEY (for himself, Mr. of S. 258, a bill to amend title XVIII of By Mr. DURBIN (for himself, Mr. FRANKEN, Mrs. MURRAY, Ms. WARREN, the Social Security Act to remove the WHITEHOUSE, Mr. REED, Mr. BROWN, Mr. BROWN, and Mr. MERKLEY): 96-hour physician certification require- S. 1896. A bill to amend the Fair Labor Ms. BALDWIN, Mr. KING, and Ms. Standards Act of 1938 to ensure that employ- ment for inpatient critical access hos- HIRONO): pital services. S. 1884. A bill to amend title XVIII of the ees are not misclassified as non-employees, S. 330 Social Security Act to deliver a meaningful and for other purposes; to the Committee on benefit and lower prescription drug prices Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions. At the request of Mr. HELLER, the under the Medicare program; to the Com- By Mr. SCOTT (for himself, Mr. GRA- name of the Senator from Arkansas mittee on Finance. HAM, and Mr. BOOKER): (Mr. COTTON) was added as a cosponsor S. 1897. A bill to help keep law enforcement By Mr. BLUMENTHAL (for himself, of S. 330, a bill to amend the Internal officers and communities safer by making Mr. SANDERS, Mr. BROWN, and Ms. grants to purchase body worn cameras for Revenue Code of 1986 to make perma- HIRONO): use by State, local, and tribal law enforce- nent the special rule for contributions S. 1885. A bill to amend title 38, United ment officers; to the Committee on Home- of qualified conservation contribu- States Code, to improve the provision of as- land Security and Governmental Affairs. tions, and for other purposes. sistance and benefits to veterans who are By Mr. CASSIDY: S. 621 homeless, at risk of becoming homeless, or S. 1898. A bill to establish a program to as- occupying temporary housing, and for other At the request of Mrs. FEINSTEIN, the sist in the importation and care of abused, name of the Senator from Oregon (Mr. purposes; to the Committee on Veterans’ Af- injured, or abandoned nonhuman primates; fairs. to the Committee on Health, Education, MERKLEY) was added as a cosponsor of By Mr. WICKER (for himself and Ms. Labor, and Pensions. S. 621, a bill to amend the Federal CANTWELL): f Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to en- S. 1886. A bill to reauthorize the Integrated sure the safety and effectiveness of Costal and Ocean Observation System Act of SUBMISSION OF CONCURRENT AND medically important antimicrobials 2009 and for other purposes; to the Com- SENATE RESOLUTIONS mittee on Commerce, Science, and Transpor- approved for use in the prevention and tation. The following concurrent resolutions control of animal diseases, in order to By Mr. CASEY (for himself, Mr. GRASS- and Senate resolutions were read, and minimize the development of anti- LEY, and Mr. PERDUE): referred (or acted upon), as indicated: biotic-resistant bacteria.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 06:45 Feb 23, 2016 Jkt 049060 PO 00000 Frm 00048 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\RECORD15\JUL 15\S29JY5.REC S29JY5 bjneal on DSK2TWX8P1PROD with CONG-REC-ONLINE July 29, 2015 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S6137 S. 637 Mexico (Mr. HEINRICH) was added as a Rights Act of 1965 to revise the criteria At the request of Mr. CRAPO, the cosponsor of S. 1144, a bill to amend for determining which States and polit- name of the Senator from Wisconsin title 5, United States Code, to provide ical subdivisions are subject to section (Ms. BALDWIN) was added as a cospon- for a corporate responsibility invest- 4 of the Act, and for other purposes. sor of S. 637, a bill to amend the Inter- ment option under the Thrift Savings S. 1760 nal Revenue Code of 1986 to extend and Plan. At the request of Mrs. GILLIBRAND, modify the railroad track maintenance S. 1212 the name of the Senator from New credit. At the request of Mr. CARDIN, the York (Mr. SCHUMER) was added as a co- S. 700 name of the Senator from Michigan sponsor of S. 1760, a bill to prevent gun At the request of Mr. DURBIN, the (Mr. PETERS) was added as a cosponsor trafficking. name of the Senator from Oregon (Mr. of S. 1212, a bill to amend the Internal S. 1789 MERKLEY) was added as a cosponsor of Revenue Code of 1986 and the Small At the request of Mr. RUBIO, the S. 700, a bill to amend the Asbestos In- Business Act to expand the availability names of the Senator from Virginia formation Act of 1988 to establish a of employee stock ownership plans in S (Mr. KAINE), the Senator from West public database of asbestos-containing corporations, and for other purposes. Virginia (Mrs. CAPITO), the Senator products, to require public disclosure S. 1312 from New Hampshire (Mrs. SHAHEEN) of information pertaining to the manu- At the request of Ms. MURKOWSKI, the and the Senator from Delaware (Mr. facture, processing, distribution, and name of the Senator from Arkansas COONS) were added as cosponsors of S. use of asbestos-containing products in (Mr. COTTON) was added as a cosponsor 1789, a bill to improve defense coopera- the United States, and for other pur- of S. 1312, a bill to modernize Federal tion between the United States and the poses. policies regarding the supply and dis- Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan. S. 709 tribution of energy in the United S. 1812 At the request of Mr. ROBERTS, the States, and for other purposes. At the request of Mr. GRASSLEY, the name of the Senator from Arizona (Mr. S. 1345 name of the Senator from South Caro- MCCAIN) was added as a cosponsor of S. At the request of Mrs. SHAHEEN, the lina (Mr. SCOTT) was added as a cospon- 709, a bill to amend the Internal Rev- name of the Senator from Michigan sor of S. 1812, a bill to protect public enue Code of 1986 to repeal the amend- (Ms. STABENOW) was added as a cospon- safety by incentivizing State and local ments made by the Patient Protection sor of S. 1345, a bill to amend title law enforcement to cooperate with and Affordable Care Act which dis- XVIII of the Social Security Act to im- Federal immigration law enforcement qualify expenses for over-the-counter prove access to diabetes self-manage- to prevent the release of criminal drugs under health savings accounts ment training by authorizing certified aliens into communities. and health flexible spending arrange- diabetes educators to provide diabetes S. 1832 ments. self-management training services, in- At the request of Mr. SANDERS, the S. 804 cluding as part of telehealth services, name of the Senator from Ohio (Mr. BROWN) was added as a cosponsor of S. At the request of Ms. COLLINS, the under part B of the Medicare program. 1832, a bill to provide for increases in name of the Senator from West Vir- S. 1382 the Federal minimum wage. ginia (Mrs. CAPITO) was added as a co- At the request of Mrs. GILLIBRAND, sponsor of S. 804, a bill to amend title the name of the Senator from Ohio S. 1833 At the request of Mr. CASEY, the XVIII of the Social Security Act to (Mr. BROWN) was added as a cosponsor specify coverage of continuous glucose of S. 1382, a bill to prohibit discrimina- name of the Senator from Maryland monitoring devices, and for other pur- tion in adoption or foster care place- (Ms. MIKULSKI) was added as a cospon- poses. ments based on the sexual orientation, sor of S. 1833, a bill to amend the Rich- ard B. Russell National School Lunch S. 925 gender identity, or marital status of Act to improve the child and adult care At the request of Mrs. SHAHEEN, the any prospective adoptive or foster par- food program. name of the Senator from Rhode Island ent, or the sexual orientation or gender S. 1834 (Mr. REED) was added as a cosponsor of identity of the child involved. At the request of Mr. BLUMENTHAL, S. 925, a bill to require the Secretary of S. 1465 the name of the Senator from Rhode Is- the Treasury to convene a panel of citi- At the request of Mr. KIRK, the name land (Mr. REED) was added as a cospon- zens to make a recommendation to the of the Senator from South Dakota (Mr. sor of S. 1834, a bill to amend title 18, Secretary regarding the likeness of a THUNE) was added as a cosponsor of S. United States Code, to protect more woman on the twenty dollar bill, and 1465, a bill to amend title XVIII of the victims of domestic violence by pre- for other purposes. Social Security Act to expand access to venting their abusers from possessing stroke telehealth services under the S. 1110 or receiving firearms, and for other Medicare program. At the request of Mr. ENZI, the name purposes. S. 1489 of the Senator from Oregon (Mr. S. 1872 MERKLEY) was added as a cosponsor of At the request of Mr. RUBIO, the At the request of Mr. BOOKER, the S. 1110, a bill to direct the Secretary of name of the Senator from Georgia (Mr. name of the Senator from Michigan Agriculture to publish in the Federal PERDUE) was added as a cosponsor of S. (Mr. PETERS) was added as a cosponsor Register a strategy to significantly in- 1489, a bill to strengthen support for of S. 1872, a bill to amend the Higher crease the role of volunteers and part- the Cuban people and prohibit financial Education Act of 1965 to require the ners in National Forest System trail transactions with the Cuban military, Secretary to provide for the use of data maintenance, and for other purposes. and for other purposes. from the second preceding tax year to S. 1121 S. 1555 carry out the simplification of applica- At the request of Ms. AYOTTE, the At the request of Ms. HIRONO, the tions for the estimation and deter- name of the Senator from Michigan name of the Senator from Illinois (Mr. mination of financial aid eligibility, to (Ms. STABENOW) was added as a cospon- DURBIN) was added as a cosponsor of S. increase the income threshold to qual- sor of S. 1121, a bill to amend the Horse 1555, a bill to award a Congressional ify for zero expected family contribu- Protection Act to designate additional Gold Medal, collectively, to the Fili- tion, and for other purposes. unlawful acts under the Act, strength- pino veterans of World War II, in rec- S. 1875 en penalties for violations of the Act, ognition of the dedicated service of the At the request of Mr. MENENDEZ, the improve Department of Agriculture en- veterans during World War II. name of the Senator from Florida (Mr. forcement of the Act, and for other S. 1659 RUBIO) was added as a cosponsor of S. purposes. At the request of Mr. LEAHY, the 1875, a bill to support enhanced ac- S. 1144 name of the Senator from Michigan countability for United States assist- At the request of Mr. WHITEHOUSE, (Mr. PETERS) was added as a cosponsor ance to Afghanistan, and for other pur- the name of the Senator from New of S. 1659, a bill to amend the Voting poses.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 03:21 Jul 30, 2015 Jkt 049060 PO 00000 Frm 00049 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A29JY6.020 S29JYPT1 SSpencer on DSK4SPTVN1PROD with SENATE S6138 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE July 29, 2015 S. 1877 tion from being taken into account for isn’t working, or if other major med- At the request of Mr. INHOFE, the purposes of determining the employers ical events occur during the course of a name of the Senator from Georgia (Mr. to which the employer mandate applies particular treatment. It is critical that PERDUE) was added as a cosponsor of S. under the Patient Protection and Af- doctors, nurses, and other providers are 1877, a bill to require the Attorney fordable Care Act. able to effectively communicate infor- General to appoint a special prosecutor AMENDMENT NO. 2456 mation about the disease, the treat- to investigate Planned Parenthood, At the request of Mr. MORAN, the ment process, and what other health and for other purposes. names of the Senator from Nevada (Mr. and development impacts children can S. 1881 HELLER) and the Senator from Oregon expect to experience. At the request of Mrs. ERNST, the (Mr. MERKLEY) were added as cospon- As such, the STAR Act reauthorizes names of the Senator from Georgia sors of amendment No. 2456 intended to the Caroline Pryce Walker Conquer (Mr. PERDUE), the Senator from North be proposed to H.R. 22, a bill to amend Childhood Cancer Act to help create a Carolina (Mr. BURR), the Senator from the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to comprehensive children’s cancer bio- Arkansas (Mr. COTTON), the Senator exempt employees with health cov- repository for researchers to use in from Arizona (Mr. MCCAIN), the Sen- erage under TRICARE or the Veterans searching for biospecimens to study ator from Louisiana (Mr. CASSIDY), the Administration from being taken into and would improve surveillance of Senator from Ohio (Mr. PORTMAN), the account for purposes of determining childhood cancer cases. Senator from North Carolina (Mr. the employers to which the employer Additionally, this legislation in- TILLIS), the Senator from Florida (Mr. mandate applies under the Patient Pro- cludes provisions dealing with issues RUBIO), the Senator from Louisiana tection and Affordable Care Act. that arise for survivors of childhood (Mr. VITTER), the Senator from South f cancer. Unfortunately, even after beat- Dakota (Mr. ROUNDS), the Senator from ing cancer, as many as two-thirds of STATEMENTS ON INTRODUCED Mississippi (Mr. WICKER), the Senator childhood cancer survivors are likely BILLS AND JOINT RESOLUTIONS from Idaho (Mr. CRAPO) and the Sen- to experience at least one late effect of ator from Utah (Mr. LEE) were added as By Mr. REED (for himself and treatment; as many as one-fourth expe- cosponsors of S. 1881, a bill to prohibit Mrs. CAPITO): rience a late effect that is serious or Federal funding of Planned Parenthood S. 1883. A bill to maximize discovery, life-threatening, including second can- Federation of America. and accelerate development and avail- cers and organ damage. S. RES. 230 ability, of promising childhood cancer We must do more to ensure that chil- At the request of Mr. KING, the name treatments, and for other purposes; to dren survive cancer and any late ef- of the Senator from Connecticut (Mr. the Committee on Health, Education, fects so they can live a long, healthy, BLUMENTHAL) was added as a cosponsor Labor, and Pensions. and productive life. This legislation of S. Res. 230, a resolution designating Mr. REED. Mr. President, I am would enhance research on the late ef- September 25, 2015, as ‘‘National Lob- pleased to be joined by Senator CAPITO fects of childhood cancers, improve col- ster Day’’. in the introduction of the Childhood laboration among providers so that Cancer Survivorship, Treatment, Ac- AMENDMENT NO. 2279 doctors are better able to care for this cess, and Research, STAR, Act of 2015. population as they age, and establish a At the request of Mrs. FEINSTEIN, the This legislation is an extension of on- names of the Senator from Pennsyl- new pilot program to begin to explore going bipartisan efforts in the Senate improved models of care for childhood vania (Mr. CASEY), the Senator from Il- over the past decade to get us closer to cancer survivors. linois (Mr. DURBIN), the Senator from the goal of hopefully one day curing This legislation also provides some Connecticut (Mr. BLUMENTHAL), the cancers in children, adolescents, and clarity for patients and their physi- Senator from Maryland (Ms. MIKULSKI) young adults. Representatives MCCAUL, and the Senator from New Mexico (Mr. cians attempting to access new drugs VAN HOLLEN, and SPEIER are intro- and therapies from pharmaceutical UDALL) were added as cosponsors of ducing the companion legislation in amendment No. 2279 intended to be pro- companies. When a patient has run out the other body. posed to H.R. 22, a bill to amend the In- of other options, the last thing they I first started working on this issue ternal Revenue Code of 1986 to exempt and their families need is to spend after meeting the Haight family from employees with health coverage under months being given the run-around Warwick, RI, in June of 2004. Nancy TRICARE or the Veterans Administra- trying to access a potential treatment. and Vincent lost their son, Ben, when Lastly, this bill will ensure more pe- tion from being taken into account for he was just 9 years old to neuro- diatric expertise at the National Insti- purposes of determining the employers blastoma, a very aggressive tumor in tutes of Health to better leverage the to which the employer mandate applies the brain. research investment to improve pedi- under the Patient Protection and Af- The heart-wrenching story of Ben atric cancer research by requiring the fordable Care Act. Haight highlights the importance of inclusion of at least one pediatric AMENDMENT NO. 2416 this legislation. It is my hope that one oncologist on the National Cancer Ad- At the request of Mrs. MURRAY, the day Ben’s story, and thousands of other visory Board and improving childhood name of the Senator from Alaska (Ms. children like him, will be one of sur- health reporting requirements to in- MURKOWSKI) was added as a cosponsor vival. With the strong support of fami- clude pediatric cancer. of amendment No. 2416 intended to be lies like the Haights for increased re- I am pleased that the Childhood Can- proposed to H.R. 22, a bill to amend the search into the causes of childhood cer STAR Act has the support of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to ex- cancers and improved treatment op- American Cancer Society Cancer Ac- empt employees with health coverage tions, I introduced bipartisan legisla- tion Network, St. Baldrick’s Founda- under TRICARE or the Veterans Ad- tion that eventually was signed into tion, and Children’s Oncology Group, ministration from being taken into ac- law in 2008 as the Caroline Pryce Walk- among others. I look forward to work- count for purposes of determining the er Conquer Childhood Cancer Act. ing with these and other stakeholders, employers to which the employer man- This was an important step. Yet, as well as Senator CAPITO to urge the date applies under the Patient Protec- more work remains. With the STAR rest of our colleagues to join us in sup- tion and Affordable Care Act. Act, we would take the next needed porting this crucial legislation. AMENDMENT NO. 2419 steps to advance pediatric cancer re- At the request of Ms. CANTWELL, the search and child-focused cancer treat- By Mr. DURBIN (for himself, Mr. name of the Senator from Illinois (Mr. ments, while also improving childhood WHITEHOUSE, Mr. REED, Mr. DURBIN) was added as a cosponsor of cancer surveillance and providing re- BROWN, Ms. BALDWIN, Mr. KING, amendment No. 2419 intended to be pro- sources for survivors and those im- and Ms. HIRONO): posed to H.R. 22, a bill to amend the In- pacted by childhood cancer. S. 1884. A bill to amend title XVIII of ternal Revenue Code of 1986 to exempt If a treatment is working, doctors the Social Security Act to deliver a employees with health coverage under elsewhere should know immediately. meaningful benefit and lower prescrip- TRICARE or the Veterans Administra- The same should happen if a treatment tion drug prices under the Medicare

VerDate Sep 11 2014 05:22 Jul 30, 2015 Jkt 049060 PO 00000 Frm 00050 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A29JY6.021 S29JYPT1 SSpencer on DSK4SPTVN1PROD with SENATE July 29, 2015 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S6139 program; to the Committee on Fi- ‘‘(2) SUPPLEMENTAL PRESCRIPTION DRUG ‘‘(IV) Step therapy. nance. COVERAGE.—Insofar as a Medicare operated ‘‘(V) Medication therapy management. Mr. DURBIN. Mr. President, I ask prescription drug plan offers supplemental ‘‘(VI) Generic drug substitution. unanimous consent that the text of the prescription drug coverage, the Secretary ‘‘(iii) FLEXIBILITY.—In applying such for- may adjust the amount of the premium mulary incentives the Secretary may decide bill be printed in the RECORD. charged under paragraph (1). not to impose any cost-sharing for a covered There being no objection, the text of ‘‘(e) USE OF A FORMULARY AND FORMULARY part D drug for which— the bill was ordered to be printed in INCENTIVES.— ‘‘(I) the elimination of cost sharing would the RECORD, as follows: ‘‘(1) IN GENERAL.—With respect to the oper- be expected to increase compliance with a ation of a Medicare operated prescription S. 1884 drug regimen; and drug plan, the Secretary shall establish and Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Rep- ‘‘(II) compliance would be expected to apply a formulary (and may include for- produce savings under part A or B or both. resentatives of the United States of America in mulary incentives described in paragraph Congress assembled, ‘‘(3) LIMITATIONS ON FORMULARY.—In any (2)(C)(ii)) in accordance with this subsection formulary established under this subsection, SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. in order to— the formulary may not be changed during a ‘‘(A) increase patient safety; This Act may be cited as the ‘‘Medicare year, except— Prescription Drug Savings and Choice Act of ‘‘(B) increase appropriate use and reduce ‘‘(A) to add a generic version of a covered 2015’’. inappropriate use of drugs; and part D drug that entered the market; ‘‘(C) reward value. SEC. 2. ESTABLISHMENT OF MEDICARE OPER- ‘‘(B) to remove such a drug for which a ‘‘(2) DEVELOPMENT OF INITIAL FORMULARY.— ATED PRESCRIPTION DRUG PLAN safety problem is found; and OPTION. ‘‘(A) IN GENERAL.—In selecting covered ‘‘(C) to add a drug that the Secretary iden- (a) IN GENERAL.—Subpart 2 of part D of part D drugs for inclusion in a formulary, tifies as a drug which treats a condition for title XVIII of the Social Security Act is the Secretary shall consider clinical benefit which there has not previously been a treat- amended by inserting after section 1860D–11 and price. ment option or for which a clear and signifi- (42 U.S.C. 1395w–111) the following new sec- ‘‘(B) ROLE OF AHRQ.—The Director of the cant benefit has been demonstrated over tion: Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality shall be responsible for assessing the clinical other covered part D drugs. ‘‘MEDICARE OPERATED PRESCRIPTION DRUG benefit of covered part D drugs and making ‘‘(4) ADDING DRUGS TO THE INITIAL FOR- PLAN OPTION recommendations to the Secretary regarding MULARY.— ‘‘SEC. 1860D–11A. (a) IN GENERAL.—Not- which drugs should be included in the for- ‘‘(A) USE OF ADVISORY COMMITTEE.—The withstanding any other provision of this mulary. In conducting such assessments and Secretary shall establish and appoint an ad- part, for each year (beginning with 2017), in making such recommendations, the Director visory committee (in this paragraph referred addition to any plans offered under section shall— to as the ‘advisory committee’)— 1860D–11, the Secretary shall offer one or ‘‘(i) consider safety concerns including ‘‘(i) to review petitions from drug manufac- more Medicare operated prescription drug those identified by the Food and Drug Ad- turers, health care provider organizations, plans (as defined in subsection (c)) with a ministration; patient groups, and other entities for inclu- service area that consists of the entire ‘‘(ii) use available data and evaluations, sion of a drug in, or other changes to, such United States and shall enter into negotia- with priority given to randomized controlled formulary; and tions in accordance with subsection (b) with trials, to examine clinical effectiveness, ‘‘(ii) to recommend any changes to the for- pharmaceutical manufacturers to reduce the comparative effectiveness, safety, and en- mulary established under this subsection. purchase cost of covered part D drugs for eli- hanced compliance with a drug regimen; ‘‘(B) COMPOSITION.—The advisory com- gible part D individuals who enroll in such a ‘‘(iii) use the same classes of drugs devel- mittee shall be composed of 9 members and plan. oped by the United States Pharmacopeia for shall include representatives of physicians, ‘‘(b) NEGOTIATIONS.—Notwithstanding sec- this part; pharmacists, and consumers and others with tion 1860D–11(i), for purposes of offering a ‘‘(iv) consider evaluations made by— expertise in evaluating prescription drugs. Medicare operated prescription drug plan ‘‘(I) the Director under section 1013 of the The Secretary shall select members based on under this section, the Secretary shall nego- Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement, their knowledge of pharmaceuticals and the tiate with pharmaceutical manufacturers and Modernization Act of 2003; Medicare population. Members shall be with respect to the purchase price of covered ‘‘(II) other Federal entities, such as the deemed to be special Government employees part D drugs in a Medicare operated prescrip- Secretary of Veterans Affairs; and for purposes of applying the conflict of inter- tion drug plan and shall encourage the use of ‘‘(III) other private and public entities, est provisions under section 208 of title 18, more affordable therapeutic equivalents to such as the Drug Effectiveness Review United States Code, and no waiver of such the extent such practices do not override Project and State plans under title XIX; and provisions for such a member shall be per- medical necessity as determined by the pre- ‘‘(v) recommend to the Secretary— mitted. scribing physician. To the extent practicable ‘‘(I) those drugs in a class that provide a ‘‘(C) CONSULTATION.—The advisory com- and consistent with the previous sentence, greater clinical benefit, including fewer safe- mittee shall consult, as necessary, with phy- the Secretary shall implement strategies ty concerns or less risk of side-effects, than sicians who are specialists in treating the similar to those used by other Federal pur- another drug in the same class that should disease for which a drug is being considered. chasers of prescription drugs, and other be included in the formulary; ‘‘(D) REQUEST FOR STUDIES.—The advisory strategies, including the use of a formulary ‘‘(II) those drugs in a class that provide committee may request the Agency for and formulary incentives in subsection (e), less clinical benefit, including greater safety Healthcare Research and Quality or an aca- to reduce the purchase cost of covered part D concerns or a greater risk of side-effects, demic or research institution to study and drugs. than another drug in the same class that make a report on a petition described in sub- ‘‘(c) MEDICARE OPERATED PRESCRIPTION should be excluded from the formulary; and paragraph (A)(i) in order to assess— DRUG PLAN DEFINED.—For purposes of this ‘‘(III) drugs in a class with same or similar ‘‘(i) clinical effectiveness; part, the term ‘Medicare operated prescrip- clinical benefit for which it would be appro- ‘‘(ii) comparative effectiveness; tion drug plan’ means a prescription drug priate for the Secretary to competitively bid ‘‘(iii) safety; and plan that offers qualified prescription drug (or negotiate) for placement on the for- ‘‘(iv) enhanced compliance with a drug reg- coverage and access to negotiated prices de- mulary. imen. scribed in section 1860D–2(a)(1)(A). Such a ‘‘(C) CONSIDERATION OF AHRQ RECOMMENDA- ‘‘(E) RECOMMENDATIONS.—The advisory plan may offer supplemental prescription TIONS.— committee shall make recommendations to drug coverage in the same manner as other ‘‘(i) IN GENERAL.—The Secretary, after tak- the Secretary regarding— qualified prescription drug coverage offered ing into consideration the recommendations ‘‘(i) whether a covered part D drug is found by other prescription drug plans. under subparagraph (B)(v), shall establish a to provide a greater clinical benefit, includ- ‘‘(d) MONTHLY BENEFICIARY PREMIUM.— formulary, and formulary incentives, to en- ing fewer safety concerns or less risk of side- ‘‘(1) QUALIFIED PRESCRIPTION DRUG COV- courage use of covered part D drugs that— effects, than another drug in the same class ERAGE.—The monthly beneficiary premium ‘‘(I) have a lower cost and provide a greater that is currently included in the formulary for qualified prescription drug coverage and clinical benefit than other drugs; and should be included in the formulary; access to negotiated prices described in sec- ‘‘(II) have a lower cost than other drugs ‘‘(ii) whether a covered part D drug is tion 1860D–2(a)(1)(A) to be charged under a with the same or similar clinical benefit; and found to provide less clinical benefit, includ- Medicare operated prescription drug plan ‘‘(III) have the same cost but provide ing greater safety concerns or a greater risk shall be uniform nationally. Such premium greater clinical benefit than other drugs. of side-effects, than another drug in the for months in 2017 and each succeeding year ‘‘(ii) FORMULARY INCENTIVES.—The for- same class that is currently included in the shall be based on the average monthly per mulary incentives under clause (i) may be in formulary and should not be included in the capita actuarial cost of offering the Medi- the form of one or more of the following: formulary; and care operated prescription drug plan for the ‘‘(I) Tiered copayments. ‘‘(iii) whether a covered part D drug has year involved, including administrative ex- ‘‘(II) Reference pricing. the same or similar clinical benefit to a drug penses. ‘‘(III) Prior authorization. in the same class that is currently included

VerDate Sep 11 2014 03:21 Jul 30, 2015 Jkt 049060 PO 00000 Frm 00051 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A29JY6.023 S29JYPT1 SSpencer on DSK4SPTVN1PROD with SENATE S6140 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE July 29, 2015 in the formulary and whether the drug (4) Section 1860D–16(b)(1) of the Social Se- American taxpayers are getting should be included in the formulary. curity Act (42 U.S.C. 1395w–116(b)(1)) is ripped off by coal companies under the ‘‘(F) LIMITATIONS ON REVIEW OF MANUFAC- amended— current, broken coal royalties system. TURER PETITIONS.—The advisory committee (A) in subparagraph (C), by striking ‘‘and’’ I raised concerns about this 2 years shall not review a petition of a drug manu- after the semicolon at the end; facturer under subparagraph (A)(i) with re- (B) in subparagraph (D), by striking the pe- ago, and today, Senator UDALL and I spect to a covered part D drug unless the pe- riod at the end and inserting ‘‘; and’’; and are introducing legislation to get the tition is accompanied by the following: (C) by adding at the end the following new public every penny owed by companies ‘‘(i) Raw data from clinical trials on the subparagraph: that may be taking advantage of a safety and effectiveness of the drug. ‘‘(E) payments for expenses incurred with loose system. Instead of subsidizing ‘‘(ii) Any data from clinical trials con- respect to the operation of Medicare oper- private coal companies, it is time to ducted using active controls on the drug or ated prescription drug plans under section put this money back where it belongs— drugs that are the current standard of care. 1860D–11A.’’. into rural communities and the pock- ‘‘(iii) Any available data on comparative (5) Section 1860D–41(a) of the Social Secu- effectiveness of the drug. rity Act (42 U.S.C. 1395w–151(a)) is amended ets of taxpayers. ‘‘(iv) Any other information the Secretary by adding at the end the following new para- Our bill will require the Interior De- requires for the advisory committee to com- graph: partment to collect royalties based on plete its review. ‘‘(19) MEDICARE OPERATED PRESCRIPTION the actual market value of coal, not ‘‘(G) RESPONSE TO RECOMMENDATIONS.—The DRUG PLAN.—The term ‘Medicare operated the below-market price they charge Secretary shall review the recommendations prescription drug plan’ has the meaning their own companies. of the advisory committee and if the Sec- given such term in section 1860D–11A(c).’’. Our bill will also bring some much- retary accepts such recommendations the SEC. 3. IMPROVED APPEALS PROCESS UNDER needed transparency to the Federal Secretary shall modify the formulary estab- THE MEDICARE OPERATED PRE- lished under this subsection accordingly. SCRIPTION DRUG PLAN. coal program by requiring the Interior Nothing in this section shall preclude the Section 1860D–4(h) of the Social Security Department to publish more informa- Secretary from adding to the formulary a Act (42 U.S.C. 1305w–104(h)) is amended by tion and calling for Government Ac- drug for which the Director of the Agency adding at the end the following new para- countability Office to review the pro- for Healthcare Research and Quality or the graph: gram every 3 years. advisory committee has not made a rec- ‘‘(4) APPEALS PROCESS FOR MEDICARE OPER- I urge my colleagues to join Senator ommendation. ATED PRESCRIPTION DRUG PLAN.— ‘‘(A) IN GENERAL.—The Secretary shall de- UDALL and me by cosponsoring and ul- ‘‘(H) NOTICE OF CHANGES.—The Secretary timately passing this important bill. shall provide timely notice to beneficiaries velop a well-defined process for appeals for and health professionals about changes to denials of benefits under this part under the Mr. President, I ask unanimous con- the formulary or formulary incentives. Medicare operated prescription drug plan. sent that the text of the bill be printed Such process shall be efficient, impose mini- in the RECORD. ‘‘(f) INFORMING BENEFICIARIES.—The Sec- mal administrative burdens, and ensure the retary shall take steps to inform bene- There being no objection, the text of timely procurement of non-formulary drugs the bill was ordered to be printed in ficiaries about the availability of a Medicare or exemption from formulary incentives the RECORD, as follows: operated drug plan or plans including pro- when medically necessary. Medical necessity viding information in the annual handbook shall be based on professional medical judg- S. 1891 distributed to all beneficiaries and adding in- ment, the medical condition of the bene- Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Rep- formation to the official public Medicare ficiary, and other medical evidence. Such ap- resentatives of the United States of America in website related to prescription drug coverage peals process shall include— Congress assembled, available through this part. ‘‘(i) an initial review and determination SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. ‘‘(g) APPLICATION OF ALL OTHER REQUIRE- made by the Secretary; and This Act may be cited as the ‘‘Coal Roy- MENTS FOR PRESCRIPTION DRUG PLANS.—Ex- ‘‘(ii) for appeals denied during the initial alty Fairness Act of 2015’’. cept as specifically provided in this section, review and determination, the option of an SEC. 2. VALUATION OF COAL ROYALTIES. any Medicare operated drug plan shall meet external review and determination by an Section 7 of the Mineral Leasing Act (30 the same requirements as apply to any other independent entity selected by the Sec- U.S.C. 207) is amended— prescription drug plan, including the require- retary. (1) in subsection (a), by striking the fourth ments of section 1860D–4(b)(1) relating to as- ‘‘(B) CONSULTATION IN DEVELOPMENT OF sentence; and suring pharmacy access.’’. PROCESS.—In developing the appeals process (2) by adding at the end the following: under subparagraph (A), the Secretary shall (b) CONFORMING AMENDMENTS.— ‘‘(d) ROYALTIES.— consult with consumer and patient groups, (1) Section 1860D–3(a) of the Social Secu- ‘‘(1) DEFINITIONS.—In this subsection: as well as other key stakeholders to ensure rity Act (42 U.S.C. 1395w–103(a)) is amended ‘‘(A) ASSESSMENT VALUE.— the goals described in subparagraph (A) are by adding at the end the following new para- ‘‘(i) IN GENERAL.—The term ‘assessment achieved.’’. graph: value’, with respect to Federal coal, means— ‘‘(4) AVAILABILITY OF THE MEDICARE OPER- By Mr. WYDEN (for himself and ‘‘(I) the price of Federal coal paid by the ATED PRESCRIPTION DRUG PLAN.—A Medicare purchaser at final sale; or operated prescription drug plan (as defined Mr. UDALL): ‘‘(II) a price imputed by the Secretary in section 1860D–11A(c)) shall be offered na- S. 1891. A bill to amend the Mineral based on the coal price index. tionally in accordance with section 1860D– Leasing Act to improve coal royalties, ‘‘(ii) EXCLUSIONS.—The term ‘assessment 11A.’’. and for other purposes; to the Com- value’ does not include, as determined and to (2)(A) Section 1860D–3 of the Social Secu- mittee on Energy and Natural Re- the extent determined to be appropriate by rity Act (42 U.S.C. 1395w–103) is amended by sources. the Secretary— adding at the end the following new sub- Mr. WYDEN. Mr. President, today, I ‘‘(I) transportation costs, as determined in section: am proud to stand up for fairness by in- accordance with the transportation cost ‘‘(c) PROVISIONS ONLY APPLICABLE IN 2006 troducing legislation with my Senate index; or THROUGH 2016.—The provisions of this sec- colleague, Senator TOM UDALL of New ‘‘(II) the cost of coal washing. tion shall only apply with respect to 2006 Mexico, to ensure American taxpayers ‘‘(B) BROKER.—The term ‘broker’ means a through 2016.’’. receive the full value of coal produced person that resells Federal coal. (B) Section 1860D–11(g) of such Act (42 ‘‘(C) COAL PRICE INDEX.—The term ‘coal U.S.C. 1395w–111(g)) is amended by adding at on public lands. price index’ means the schedule of average the end the following new paragraph: The Coal Royalty Fairness Act would market prices of Federal coal (in United ‘‘(8) NO AUTHORITY FOR FALLBACK PLANS require the Interior Department to col- States dollars) paid by the purchaser at final AFTER 2016.—A fallback prescription drug lect royalties for coal mined on Fed- sale, based on the quality and type of the plan shall not be available after December eral lands based on the actual market Federal coal, as determined by the Sec- 31, 2016.’’. value of coal. This bill is based on cur- retary, in consultation with the Adminis- (3) Section 1860D–13(c)(3) of the Social Se- rent successful practices in Montana— trator of the Energy Information Adminis- curity Act (42 U.S.C. 1395w–113(c)(3)) is the Nation’s second largest Federal tration. amended— coal-producing State. Currently, some ‘‘(D) PURCHASER.— (A) in the heading, by inserting ‘‘AND MEDI- ‘‘(i) IN GENERAL.—The term ‘purchaser’ private mining companies sell coal to CARE OPERATED PRESCRIPTION DRUG PLANS’’ means a person that— after ‘‘FALLBACK PLANS’’; and their own affiliated companies at a ‘‘(I) purchases or contracts to purchase (B) by inserting ‘‘or a Medicare operated lower cost than market value, and pay Federal coal— prescription drug plan’’ after ‘‘a fallback pre- Federal royalties based on the cheaper, ‘‘(aa) directly from a coal mine operator; scription drug plan’’. first point of sale. or

VerDate Sep 11 2014 03:21 Jul 30, 2015 Jkt 049060 PO 00000 Frm 00052 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A29JY6.023 S29JYPT1 SSpencer on DSK4SPTVN1PROD with SENATE July 29, 2015 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S6141 ‘‘(bb) indirectly from a broker; and ‘‘(i) use the price of coal free on board the the 15-year period beginning on that date of ‘‘(II) uses that Federal coal in any indus- marine vessel used to transport the coal enactment, the Comptroller General of the trial or energy conversion process. overseas at the port of origin; and United States shall submit to Congress a re- ‘‘(ii) EXCLUSION.—The term ‘purchaser’ ‘‘(ii) limit any deductions that apply to the port that describes a review of the Federal does not include— assessment value of the Federal coal to costs coal program, including the administration ‘‘(I) a coal broker; or incurred prior to being free onboard the ves- of this subsection. ‘‘(II) any other third-party intermediary. sel. ‘‘(B) CONSULTATION.—In conducting a re- ‘‘(E) QUALITY.—The term ‘quality’, with re- ‘‘(C) UNCERTAIN EXPORT PRICE.—If the Sec- view under this paragraph, the Comptroller spect to Federal coal, means the quality of retary cannot determine the value of ex- General shall consult with— Federal coal measured in British thermal ported coal in accordance with subparagraph ‘‘(i) the Secretary; units, sulfur, moisture, and other criteria de- (B), the Secretary shall— ‘‘(ii) the Director of the Bureau of Land termined to be appropriate by the Secretary. ‘‘(i) assess royalties under this subsection Management; ‘‘(F) SECRETARY.—The term ‘Secretary’ based on the coal price index for coal of a ‘‘(iii) the Secretary of Transportation; and means the Secretary of the Interior. similar quantity and type; and ‘‘(iv) the Secretary of Energy. ‘‘(G) TRANSPORTATION COST INDEX.—The ‘‘(ii) limit any deductions that apply to the ‘‘(C) INCLUSIONS.—A review under this term ‘transportation cost index’ means the assessment value of the Federal coal to costs paragraph shall include a review of— transportation cost index established under incurred within the contiguous United ‘‘(i) the total volume of coal production paragraph (7). States. from Federal land; ‘‘(H) TYPE.—The term ‘type’, with respect ‘‘(7) TRANSPORTATION COST INDEX.— ‘‘(ii) the total volume of remaining coal re- to Federal coal, means a general category of ‘‘(A) IN GENERAL.—Subject to the other serves on Federal land; coal, such as metallurgical coal or steam provisions of this paragraph, the Secretary, ‘‘(iii) the total revenues generated from coal, as determined by the Secretary. in consultation with the Secretary of Energy the Federal coal program, itemized by type ‘‘(2) PAYMENT RATE.— and the Secretary of Transportation (in con- of revenue, including lease bonus payments ‘‘(A) IN GENERAL.—Except as provided in sultation with the Surface Transportation and royalties; subparagraph (B), a lease shall require pay- Board and others), shall— ‘‘(iv) market prices for coal; ment of a royalty in such amount as the Sec- ‘‘(i) compile in a transportation cost index ‘‘(v) market prices for transportation costs retary shall determine of not less than 12.5 the average costs of transporting coal; and and any other deductible costs; and percent of the assessment value of Federal ‘‘(ii) determine the amount of any trans- ‘‘(vi) the appropriateness of royalty rates. coal, as determined under paragraph (3). portation cost deduction under this sub- ‘‘(D) FORMAT.—The Comptroller General ‘‘(B) EXCEPTION.—In lieu of the royalty section, on the basis of the transportation shall report information in a review under payment rate described in subparagraph (A), cost index. this paragraph— the Secretary may establish such lower roy- ‘‘(B) UNIT OF MEASUREMENT.—The transpor- ‘‘(i) in the aggregate for the United States; alty payment rate as the Secretary deter- tation cost index shall be based on the aver- and mines to be appropriate in the case of Fed- age transportation costs per ton of coal or ‘‘(ii) categorized by State for at least the eral coal recovered by an underground min- another unit of measurement determined by top 10 Federal coal-producing States, as de- ing operation. the Secretary. termined by the Comptroller General. ‘‘(3) VALUATION FOR ROYALTIES.—Not later ‘‘(C) DIFFERENCES IN TRANSPORTATION ‘‘(9) APPLICATION.—This subsection— than 1 year after the date of enactment of COSTS.—The transportation cost index shall ‘‘(A) applies to coal mined from Federal this subsection, the Secretary shall estab- take into consideration differences in the land; and lish, as the valuation for Federal coal royal- costs of transportation, as determined by the ‘‘(B) does not apply to coal mined from ties, the assessment value of Federal coal. Secretary, based on— tribal land.’’. ‘‘(4) ADMINISTRATION.— ‘‘(i) the mode of transportation; ‘‘(A) REPORTING.—The purchaser of Federal ‘‘(ii) the geographic region, and By Mrs. FEINSTEIN (for herself coal shall annually submit to the Secretary ‘‘(iii) other characteristics of the transpor- a report containing such information as the tation industry that the Secretary considers and Mrs. BOXER): Secretary determines to be necessary to to be necessary to calculate a fair, trans- S. 1894. A bill to provide short-term carry out this subsection. parent, and accurate transportation cost water supplies to drought-stricken ‘‘(B) AUDITS.—To carry out this subsection, index. California; to the Committee on En- the Secretary may examine the records of ‘‘(D) EXCLUSIONS.—The transportation cost ergy and Natural Resources. any person engaged in the purchase, sale, index shall not include costs associated with, Mrs. FEINSTEIN. Mr. President, I transportation, or marketing of Federal as determined by the Secretary— rise today to speak about the historic coal. ‘‘(i) take-or-pay contract penalties; drought that is devastating California ‘‘(5) COAL PRICE INDEX.— ‘‘(ii) liquidated damages; ‘‘(A) IN GENERAL.—The Secretary shall ‘‘(iii) the speculative aspects of transpor- and much of the West and to introduce compile the assessment values of coal by tation transactions; or the California Emergency Drought Re- type and quality of coal in a coal price index. ‘‘(iv) any other costs that are not directly lief Act along with Senator BOXER. ‘‘(B) PUBLICATION.—Not less frequently associated with moving Federal coal from 1 The toll on some of our most vulner- than quarterly, the Secretary shall publish location to another location. able communities is mounting. the coal price index, along with a methodo- ‘‘(E) PUBLICATION.—Not less than twice an- As of July, 2,091 wells are already dry logical description, including— nually, the Secretary shall publish the trans- or will soon run out of water. This puts ‘‘(i) the method of calculation; portation cost index, along with a methodo- more than 10,000 people in jeopardy. ‘‘(ii) the data used to calculate the coal logical description, including— Rural and disadvantaged commu- price index in an aggregate manner that does ‘‘(i) the method of calculation; not reveal proprietary information; and ‘‘(ii) the data used to calculate the trans- nities are some of the hardest hit. ‘‘(iii) any other information the Secretary portation cost index, in an aggregate manner Just this month, the Washington considers appropriate to ensure trans- that does not reveal proprietary informa- Post reported that arsenic had been parency. tion; and found in wells serving St. Anthony’s ‘‘(C) OTHER INFORMATION.—If a person be- ‘‘(iii) any other information the Secretary mobile home park in the Coachella lieves that the coal price index significantly considers to be appropriate to ensure trans- Valley at twice the safe concentration. deviates from the assessment value of the parency. In Porterville, Californians are bath- coal produced by the person, the person may ‘‘(F) OTHER INFORMATION.—If a person be- ing themselves with bottled water. petition the Secretary to use information lieves that the transportation cost index sig- California is also suffering a massive supplied by the person in lieu of the coal nificantly deviates from the transportation price index, including all information the costs of the person, the person may petition loss of agriculture production. Secretary requires to accurately determine the Secretary to use information supplied by A study from UC Davis estimates the assessment value and audit the records the person (other than costs descried in sub- that farmers will fallow 563,000 acres in of the person. paragraph (D)) in lieu of the transportation 2015, a 35 percent increase from last ‘‘(6) EXPORTS.— cost index, including all information the year when farmers fallowed 410,000 ‘‘(A) IN GENERAL.—In assessing royalties Secretary requires to accurately determine acres. for the export of Federal coal under this sub- cost and audit the records of the person. The State’s agriculture sector stands section, the Secretary may obtain from the ‘‘(8) REVIEWS.— to lose $1.8 billion in direct agricul- exporter of the Federal coal such informa- ‘‘(A) IN GENERAL.—To ensure a transparent, tural costs this year, on top of $1.5 bil- tion as the Secretary determines to be nec- fair, and efficient administration of the Fed- essary to carry out this subsection. eral coal program, and to ensure that citi- lion last year. ‘‘(B) ASSESSMENT VALUE OF EXPORTED zens of the United States receive a fair re- The San Joaquin Valley is at the epi- COAL.—Subject to subparagraph (C), in deter- turn on Federal coal, not later than 3 years center of the drought, and the possible mining the assessment value of Federal coal after the date of enactment of this sub- damage to our nation’s food supply is that is exported, the Secretary shall— section and every 3 years thereafter during dire.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 03:21 Jul 30, 2015 Jkt 049060 PO 00000 Frm 00053 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A29JY6.029 S29JYPT1 SSpencer on DSK4SPTVN1PROD with SENATE S6142 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE July 29, 2015 The Valley is home to 90 percent of Let me briefly discuss how this bill create additional spawning habitat for the country’s tomatoes, 74 percent of will help. endangered and threatened species; and our lettuce, and 95 percent of our broc- Federal policy will be most effective improving how water systems are man- coli. The drought’s effects on the Val- if it is aligned with the State’s goals aged using the latest science and tech- ley will extend far beyond California’s and the State water bond. nology. borders. This means expanding Federal efforts The bill’s short-term provisions build But the devastating consequences of to include long-term solutions such as on legislation that unanimously passed this drought aren’t limited to a single desalination, recycling and storage. We the Senate in 2014, with added protec- region. also must look at ways to help commu- tions for environmental and water UC Davis also reports that Califor- nities that are running out of water. rights and the removal of several provi- nia’s economy will lose an estimated To help those communities, the bill sions to address environmental con- $2.7 billion in 2015, along with 18,600 includes a new program to assist areas cerns. jobs. that have suffered the brunt of the The bill’s short-term provisions will That is on top of $2.2 billion last year drought, communities like Porterville help move water efficiently to those and 17,100 jobs lost. and others in Tulare County. areas where it is most needed. Effects on the environment are also Providing emergency supplies like Let me be clear—this language was destructive. bottled water is a no-brainer, but it is carefully drafted to remain consistent Groundwater reserves in underground a short-term fix. aquifers are being depleted, which is with environmental laws, including the We need to look beyond this emer- Endangered Species Act and the Clean causing the surrounding land to sink. gency at ways we can shift these com- Delta smelt are at their lowest levels Water Act, as well as all biological munities from vulnerable water opinions. since surveys first began in 1959, while sources like wells to more sustainable Chinook salmon are imperiled by Here are some examples of how the and resilient water systems. short-term section works. warmer water in the Sacramento We also need to take a close look at River. First, by operating the water sys- desalination and water recycling. tems with more precision, we will be Saltwater from the San Francisco These are two of the most promising Bay threatens to contaminate fresh- able to monitor for endangered species technologies that may offer long-term like the Delta Smelt and adjust pump- water in the Delta, imperiling an en- solutions. tire ecosystem, not to mention the ill ing levels to avoid harming fish. By The bill identifies 26 desalination doing this, more water can be moved to effects on drinking water supplies and projects capable of producing more farmland. the communities that need it while than 330,000 acre-feet of water. protecting endangered and threatened Finally, we can’t ignore the increas- It also identifies 105 recycling species. ing threat of wildfires. Since January projects with the potential to produce The bill also directs agencies to open 1, the U.S. Forest Service reports more about 854,000 acre-feet of water. the Cross-Channel Gates on the Sac- than 5,000 fires have burned on state That is a total of 1.2 million acre-feet ramento River during times when and federal lands, a 10 percent increase of clean water per year, enough for 2.4 salmon are not migrating. This would over last year. million households. Despite the high likelihood of a allow thousands of acre feet of water to But these projects aren’t cheap. That strong El Nin˜ o this year, one wet sea- be moved without harming fish or is why the bill funds a loan-guarantee son won’t fix the problems. Experts es- water quality. program and other financing mecha- timate that California needs at least nisms to help make these projects a re- For water transfers in the Delta— three above-average precipitation ality. where water sellers and buyers can years to cover the current 37 million Another area we should focus on is help get water where it’s needed—we acre-foot deficit. storage. This drought has showed that included many additional protections. Doing nothing is simply not an op- our reservoir capacity is insufficient. Every transfer will be reviewed to en- tion. Given the consensus that droughts sure it is consistent with environ- In drafting the bill we’re introducing mental laws. The transfers, which can today, we started with the bill that will grow more severe, we have to in- crease how much water we can hold only occur in April and May, must in- unanimously passed the Senate in 2014. clude only additional water pumped We then modified that bill, adding from wet to dry years. The bill positions the Federal Gov- into the Delta on top of the regular significant environmental protections river flow. and removing controversial provisions. ernment as a partner with California to build new reservoirs and expand exist- Moving water more efficiently will We also included a range of provi- help supply water to millions of Cali- sions to protect and restore threatened ing reservoirs. Conservation and groundwater re- fornians in urban areas, from Silicon and endangered species, as well as a Valley to Southern California. number of programs to support long- charge are two more promising areas. While cities and towns are doing their It will also increase water allocations term infrastructure projects like de- for family farms in the San Joaquin salination, water recycling and stor- part, the bill also identifies areas where the Federal, state and local gov- Valley. More than 15,000 small farms age. served by the Friant Water Author- My staff and I have taken dozens of ernments and the ag sector can do ity—with an average size of just 83 meetings since January. more. We have met with Congressional Re- Finally, the Federal Government can acres—would benefit. publicans and Democrats, environ- play a significant role in supporting re- I have introduced many bills during mental groups, water districts, and search on promising technologies, from my years in the Senate, and this may State and local officials. recapturing energy and improving be the most difficult. My California staff has visited water membranes used in desalination to de- Nevertheless, the goal has remained projects throughout the State to col- veloping strategies to minimize envi- constant: a bill that can get signed lect ideas, and my staff in Washington ronmental effects of smart-water strat- into law that benefits all regions of the has consulted closely with Federal egies. State. agencies to ensure the bill adheres to The bill also includes a number of Congress worked together after Hur- environmental law. short-term, low-cost proposals to pro- ricanes Katrina ravaged the Gulf Coast By releasing a bill this summer, tect and assist in the recovery of fish and Hurricane Sandy devastated the months before the rainy season, Con- populations, including salmon and East Coast. gress and the public will have ample smelt. I think we now have a bill that will time to review, debate and, where nec- This includes authorizations to im- help the West survive this historic essary, suggest improvements. plement the Endangered Species Act drought. I expect the bill will receive a com- recovery plan for salmon; trap-and- I look forward to a committee hear- mittee hearing, allowing every member barge fish and address predator species, ing on this bill and to public input to of Congress and the public to weigh in. two ways to reduce mortality rates; make it even better.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 05:22 Jul 30, 2015 Jkt 049060 PO 00000 Frm 00054 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G29JY6.055 S29JYPT1 SSpencer on DSK4SPTVN1PROD with SENATE July 29, 2015 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S6143 By Mr. MCCAIN: SUBMITTED RESOLUTIONS The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without S. 1895. A bill to amend the Radiation objection, it is so ordered. Exposure Compensation Act for pur- COMMITTEE ON COMMERCE, SCIENCE, AND SENATE RESOLUTION 234—TO AU- TRANSPORTATION poses of making claims under such Act THORIZE THE PRINTING OF A Mr. CORNYN. Mr. President, I ask based on exposure to atmospheric nu- COLLECTION OF THE RULES OF unanimous consent that the Com- clear testing; to the Committee on the THE COMMITTEES OF THE SEN- mittee on Commerce, Science, and Judiciary. ATE Transportation be authorized to meet Mr. MCCAIN. Mr. President, I am Mr. BLUNT submitted the following during the session of the Senate on pleased to introduce legislation that resolution; which was considered and July 29, 2015, at 10:30 a.m., in room SR– would amend the Radiation Exposure agreed to: 253 of the Russell Senate Office Build- Compensation Act, RECA, by adding S. RES. 234 ing to conduct a hearing entitled ‘‘Wireless Broadband and the Future of Mohave County, AZ, to the list of Resolved, That a collection of the rules of the committees of the Senate, together with Spectrum Policy.’’ counties eligible for downwinder com- related materials, be printed as a Senate The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without pensation. A similar proposal was in- document, and that there be printed 250 addi- objection, it is so ordered. troduced today by Congress PAUL tional copies of such document for the use of COMMITTEE ON ENERGY AND NATURAL the Committee on Rules and Administration. GOSAR. I am hopeful this bill will help RESOURCES close a painful chapter for those Arizo- f Mr. CORNYN. Mr. President, I ask nans who were arguably the most af- SENATE RESOLUTION 235—DESIG- unanimous consent that the Com- fected by nuclear weapons testing dur- NATING SEPTEMBER 2015 AS mittee on Energy and Natural Re- ing the Cold War. ‘‘NATIONAL SPINAL CORD IN- sources be authorized to meet during JURY AWARENESS MONTH’’ the session of the Senate on July 29, In 1990, Congress enacted the Radi- 2015, at 10:30 a.m., in room SD–366 of ation Exposure Compensation Act to Mr. RUBIO (for himself and Mr. NEL- the Dirksen Senate Office Building. compensate victims or their survivors SON) submitted the following resolu- tion; which was considered and agreed The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without who suffered certain illnesses caused to: objection, it is so ordered. by fallout exposure ‘‘down wind’’ of at- S. RES. 235 COMMITTEE ON ENVIRONMENT AND PUBLIC mospheric nuclear weapons testing WORKS Whereas the estimated over 1,275,000 indi- during the 1950’s and 1960’s. Among viduals in the United States who live with a Mr. CORNYN. Mr. President, I ask other requirements, eligibility is lim- spinal cord injury cost society billions of unanimous consent that the Com- ited to individuals who can prove their dollars in health care costs and lost wages; mittee on Environment and Public physical presence in one of several af- Whereas an estimated 100,000 of those indi- Works be authorized to meet during viduals are veterans who suffered a spinal the session of the Senate on July 29, fected counties. Astonishingly, despite cord injury while serving as members of the its close proximity to the Nevada Test 2015, at 10 a.m. United States Armed Forces; The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without Site, the original RECA law and its Whereas work-related accidents are the objection, it is so ordered. subsequent amendments never listed leading cause of spinal cord injuries; COMMITTEE ON FOREIGN RELATIONS Mohave County proper as an affected Whereas motor vehicle crashes are the sec- ond leading cause of spinal cord injuries and Mr. CORNYN. Mr. President, I ask area. I believe the people of Mohave traumatic brain injuries; unanimous consent that the Com- County deserve to see righted this un- Whereas 70 percent of all spinal cord inju- mittee on Foreign Relations be author- just policy which has obstructed their ries that occur in children under the age of ized to meet during the session of the ability to qualify for compensation. 18 are a result of a motor vehicle accident; Senate on July 29, 2015, at 10 a.m., to Whereas every 48 minutes a person will be- I understand that several of my col- come paralyzed, underscoring the urgent conduct a hearing entitled ‘‘The Joint leagues have proposed similar RECA need to develop new neuroprotection, phar- Comprehensive Plan of Action.’’ amendments in previous years. I would macological, and regeneration treatments to The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without reduce, prevent, and reverse paralysis; and objection, it is so ordered. hope that these various RECA pro- Whereas increased education and invest- COMMITTEE ON HEALTH, EDUCATION, LABOR, posals give additional consideration to ment in research are key factors in improv- AND PENSIONS an April 2005 report by the National ing outcomes for victims of spinal cord inju- Mr. CORNYN. Mr. President, I ask ries, improving the quality of life of victims, Academy of Sciences, NAS, that as- unanimous consent that the Com- sessed, among other things, whether and ultimately curing paralysis: Now, there- fore, be it mittee on Health, Education, Labor, additional geographic areas should be Resolved, That the Senate— and Pensions be authorized to meet added to the RECA program. The NAS (1) designates September 2015 as ‘‘National during the session of the Senate on study revealed a much wider area of ra- Spinal Cord Injury Awareness Month’’; July 29, 2015, at 9 a.m., in room SH–216 dioactive fallout then originally identi- (2) supports the goals and ideals of Na- of the Hart Senate Office Building, to tional Spinal Cord Injury Awareness Month; fied when the RECA law was first writ- conduct a hearing entitled ‘‘Reauthor- (3) continues to support research to find izing the Higher Education Act: Com- ten. The report also recommended re- better treatments and therapies, and a cure placing the geographic area criteria for spinal cord injuries; bating Campus Sexual Assault.’’ The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without with a new science-based process for (4) supports clinical trials for new thera- pies that offer promise and hope to individ- objection, it is so ordered. determining compensation eligibility, uals living with paralysis; and COMMITTEE ON HOMELAND SECURITY AND a method similar to what’s used in the (5) commends the dedication of national, GOVERNMENTAL AFFAIRS Radiation Exposed-Veterans Com- regional, and local organizations, research- Mr. CORNYN. Mr. President, I ask pensation Act and the Energy Employ- ers, doctors, volunteers, and people across unanimous consent that the Com- ees Occupational Illness Compensation the United States that are working to im- prove the quality of life of people living with mittee on Homeland Security and Gov- Program Act. I believe it is worthwhile spinal cord injuries and their families. ernmental Affairs be authorized to meet during the session of the Senate for policy makers to consider the rec- f ommendations of the NAS report. on July 29, 2015, at 10 a.m. AUTHORITY FOR COMMITTEES TO The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without This bill is an expansion of the RECA MEET objection, it is so ordered. program and thus I will be working COMMITTEE ON ARMED SERVICES COMMITTEE ON INDIAN AFFAIRS with my colleagues to find funding off- Mr. CORNYN. Mr. President, I ask Mr. CORNYN. Mr. President, I ask sets to ensure there is no net increase unanimous consent that the Com- unanimous consent that the Com- in government spending if this legisla- mittee on Armed Services be author- mittee on Indian Affairs be authorized tion were enacted. I encourage my col- ized to meet during the session of the to meet during the session of the Sen- leagues to support this bill. Senate on July 29, 2015, at 9:45 a.m. ate on July 29, 2015, in room SD–628 of

VerDate Sep 11 2014 05:22 Jul 30, 2015 Jkt 049060 PO 00000 Frm 00055 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A29JY6.031 S29JYPT1 SSpencer on DSK4SPTVN1PROD with SENATE S6144 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE July 29, 2015 the Dirksen Senate Office Building, at ment Support of the Committee on lution be agreed to, the preamble be 2:15 p.m., to conduct a hearing entitled Armed Services be authorized to meet agreed to, and the motions to recon- ‘‘Examining the True Costs of Alcohol during the session of the Senate on sider be laid upon the table with no in- and Drug Abuse in Native Commu- July 29, 2015, at 2:30 p.m. tervening action or debate. nities.’’ The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered. objection, it is so ordered. objection, it is so ordered. f The resolution (S. Res. 234) was COMMITTEE ON SMALL BUSINESS AND agreed to. PRIVILEGES OF THE FLOOR ENTREPRENEURSHIP The preamble was agreed to. Mr. CORNYN. Mr. President, I ask Mr. ENZI. Mr. President, I ask unani- (The resolution, with its preamble, is unanimous consent that the Com- mous consent that Budget Committee printed in today’s RECORD under ‘‘Sub- mittee on Small Business and Entre- interns Flora Lipsky and Hannah be mitted Resolutions.’’) preneurship be authorized to meet dur- given floor privileges for the rest of the f ing the session of the Senate on July week. 29, 2015, at 10 a.m. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without NATIONAL SPINAL CORD INJURY The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered. AWARENESS MONTH objection, it is so ordered. f Mr. MCCONNELL. Mr. President, I COMMITTEE ON VETERANS’ AFFAIRS EXECUTIVE SESSION ask unanimous consent that the Sen- Mr. CORNYN. Mr. President, I ask ate proceed to the consideration of S. unanimous consent that the Com- Res. 235, submitted earlier today. mittee on Veterans’ Affairs be author- EXECUTIVE CALENDAR The PRESIDING OFFICER. The ized to meet during the session of the clerk will report the resolution by Mr. MCCONNELL. Mr. President, I Senate on July 29, 2015, at 2:30 p.m., in title. ask unanimous consent that the Sen- room SR–418 of the Russell Senate Of- The senior assistant legislative clerk ate proceed to executive session for the fice Building, to conduct a hearing en- read as follows: consideration of Executive Calendar titled ‘‘Ending Veteran Homelessness.’’ A resolution (S. Res. 235) designating Sep- No. 224; that the nomination be con- The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without tember 2015 as ‘‘National Spinal Cord Injury firmed, the motion to reconsider be objection, it is so ordered. Awareness Month.’’ considered made and laid upon the There being no objection, the Senate SUBCOMMITTEE ON EUROPE AND REGIONAL table with no intervening action or de- SECURITY COOPERATION proceeded to consider the resolution. bate; that no further motions be in Mr. MCCONNELL. Mr. President, I Mr. CORNYN. Mr. President, I ask order; that any statements related to ask unanimous consent that the reso- unanimous consent that the Com- the nomination be printed in the mittee on Foreign Relations Sub- lution be agreed to, the preamble be RECORD; that the President be imme- agreed to, and the motions to recon- committee on Europe and Regional Se- diately notified of the Senate’s action, sider be laid upon the table with no in- curity Cooperation be authorized to and the Senate then resume legislative tervening action or debate. meet during the session of the Senate session. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without on July 29, 2015, at 2 p.m., to conduct a The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered. hearing entitled ‘‘Financial Crisis in objection, it is so ordered. The resolution (S. Res. 235) was Greece—Implications and Lessons The nomination considered and con- agreed to. Learned.’’ firmed is as follows: The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without The preamble was agreed to. IN THE MARINE CORPS objection, it is so ordered. (The resolution, with its preamble, is The following named officer for appoint- SUBCOMMITTEE ON FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS printed in today’s RECORD under ‘‘Sub- ment as the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of AND CONSUMER PROTECTION mitted Resolutions.’’) Staff and appointment to the United States Mr. CORNYN. Mr. President, I ask Marine Corps to the grade indicated while f unanimous consent that the Com- assigned to a position of importance and re- mittee on Banking, Housing, and sponsibility under title 10, U.S.C., sections UNANIMOUS CONSENT Urban Affairs Subcommittee on Finan- 152 and 601: AGREEMENT—H.R. 3236 cial Institutions and Consumer Protec- To be general Mr. MCCONNELL. Mr. President, I tion be authorized to meet during the Gen. Joseph F. Dunford, Jr. ask unanimous consent that if the Sen- session of the Senate on July 29, 2015, f ate receives the papers for H.R. 3236, at 10 a.m., to conduct a hearing enti- that at 1:45 p.m. on Thursday, July 30, tled ‘‘The Role of Bankruptcy Reform LEGISLATIVE SESSION the Senate proceed to the immediate in Addressing Too-Big-To Fail.’’ The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- consideration of H.R. 3236; that the bill The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without ate will now resume legislative session. be read three times and the Senate objection, it is so ordered. f vote on passage of the bill with no in- SUBCOMMITTEE ON OVERSIGHT, AGENCY ACTION, tervening action or debate; that there FEDERAL RIGHTS, AND FEDERAL COURTS AUTHORIZING THE PRINTING OF A be a 60-affirmative-vote threshold for Mr. CORNYN. Mr. President, I ask COLLECTION OF THE RULES OF passage of the bill; and that following unanimous consent that the Com- THE COMMITTEES OF THE SEN- passage of the bill, the motion to re- mittee on the Judiciary, Sub- ATE consider be considered made and laid committee on Oversight, Agency Ac- Mr. MCCONNELL. Mr. President, I upon the table. tion, Federal Rights, and Federal ask unanimous consent that the Sen- The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without Courts be authorized to meet during ate proceed to the consideration of S. objection, it is so ordered. the session of the Senate on July 29, Res. 234, submitted earlier today. f 2015, at 2 p.m., in room SD–106 of the The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Dirksen Senate Office Building, to con- clerk will report the resolution by ORDERS FOR THURSDAY, JULY 30, duct a hearing entitled ‘‘Revisiting IRS title. 2015 Targeting: Progress of Agency Reforms The senior assistant legislative clerk Mr. MCCONNELL. Mr. President, I and Congressional Options.’’ read as follows: ask unanimous consent that when the The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without A resolution (S. Res. 234) to authorize the Senate completes its business today, it objection, it is so ordered. printing of a collection of the rules of the adjourn until 10 a.m., Thursday, July SUBCOMMITTEE ON READINESS AND committees of the Senate. 30; that following the prayer and MANAGEMENT SUPPORT There being no objection, the Senate pledge, the morning hour be deemed Mr. CORNYN. Mr. President, I ask proceeded to consider the resolution. expired, the Journal of proceedings be unanimous consent that the Sub- Mr. MCCONNELL. Mr. President, I approved to date, and the time for the committee on Readiness and Manage- ask unanimous consent that the reso- two leaders be reserved for their use

VerDate Sep 11 2014 05:22 Jul 30, 2015 Jkt 049060 PO 00000 Frm 00056 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A29JY6.035 S29JYPT1 SSpencer on DSK4SPTVN1PROD with SENATE July 29, 2015 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S6145 later in the day; that following leader MARY M. MEADE THE FOLLOWING NAMED OFFICERS FOR APPOINTMENT BRADLEY C. NINDL TO THE GRADE INDICATED IN THE RESERVE OF THE remarks, the Senate resume consider- MICHAEL J. PRESCOTT ARMY UNDER TITLE 10, U.S.C., SECTION 12203: ation of H.R. 22, postcloture; further, JAMES R. ROBERTSON CINDY M. SALADIN MUHAMMAD To be colonel that the time following leader remarks JANE F. SCHILLACI JENNIFER M. AHRENS until 12 p.m. be equally divided in the CHRISTOPHER P. WILLARD DEIDRE M. ANDERSON THE FOLLOWING NAMED OFFICERS FOR APPOINTMENT JERALD N. CHESTER usual form; finally, that all time dur- TO THE GRADE INDICATED IN THE RESERVE OF THE BRENDA L. HAVELKA ing the adjournment of the Senate ARMY UNDER TITLE 10, U.S.C., SECTION 12203: GERALD D. HOLLEGER count postcloture on H.R. 22. TODD W. TRAVER To be colonel THE FOLLOWING NAMED OFFICERS FOR APPOINTMENT The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without DAVID B. ANDERSON TO THE GRADE INDICATED IN THE UNITED STATES ARMY objection, it is so ordered. MATTHEW J. BARRY DENTAL CORPS UNDER TITLE 10, U.S.C., SECTIONS 624 STEVEN E. BATTLE AND 3064: f STEVEN J. BAUER To be lieutenant colonel GLORIA Y. BROWNE ADJOURNMENT UNTIL 10 A.M. CHRISTINA CAWLEY RAMIE K. BARFUSS SHEMROCK O. CORDOVA DAVID A. BELTRAN TOMORROW IVONNE M. DALY GUZMAN JOHN F. DECKER TIMOTHY J. DICKASON WALTER G. DIMALANTA Mr. MCCONNELL. Mr. President, if S. FOLLEY DUNNA WILLIAM A. GILBERT there is no further business to come be- FRANK P. FAUSTUS KEVIN R. GILLESPIE MICHAEL Q. FITE JEFFERY B. HAMBRICE fore the Senate, I ask unanimous con- ALEXANDER G. GARZA JOSEPH W. IVORY sent that it stand adjourned under the BRIAN L. GLADWELL HARRY J. JACKSON TODD G. GOTTSCHALK HWAHOON JEONG previous order. DAVID M. GOURLAY ANITA M. KIMBROUGH There being no objection, the Senate, LYLE B. HAM JOSEPH R. LOWE GERALD D. HAUTMAN EDWARD W. LUMPKINS at 6:28 p.m., adjourned until Thursday, VICTOR R. HERNANDEZPILLICH DAVID R. MAXWELL July 30, 2015, at 10 a.m. FOSTER C. KORDISCH III AMANDA R. NELSON DUANE LUKE JOEL M. NICHOLS f DEBORAH S. LYON NATHAN C. PARRISH ROBERT F. MARINO RACHELLE A. RETOMA NOMINATIONS MATTHEW L. MASTERSON CHRISTOPHER L. ROWE PETER MAZOLEWSKI CURTIS D. SCHMIDT Executive nominations received by CRAIG C. MCFARLAND BRIAN W. STANCOVEN CECILIA P. MIKITA MICHAEL J. STEWART the Senate: JAMES E. MILLER RUSSELL D. TAYLOR DENTONIO WORRELL IN THE AIR FORCE TERRY L. MILLS WILLIAM D. MURRELL THE FOLLOWING NAMED OFFICERS FOR APPOINTMENT THE FOLLOWING NAMED OFFICER FOR APPOINTMENT RICHARD A. NAHOURAII TO THE GRADE INDICATED IN THE UNITED STATES ARMY IN THE UNITED STATES AIR FORCE TO THE GRADE INDI- PAZ C. NUANEZ MEDICAL CORPS UNDER TITLE 10, U.S.C., SECTIONS 624 CATED WHILE ASSIGNED TO A POSITION OF IMPORTANCE BIDEMI Y. OLANIYILEYIMU AND 3064: AND RESPONSIBILITY UNDER TITLE 10, U.S.C., SECTION WILLIAM H. PAULL 601: CLAUDE C. PERKINS To be lieutenant colonel MARK D. PORTER DAVID J. ADAM To be lieutenant general LUIS J. RAMOS SANTIAGO BRIAN L. ADAMS ALAN L. RIVERA LT. GEN. SAMUEL D. COX ERIC P. AHNFELDT LAWRENCE M. ROBERMAN MICHAEL V. ARNETT THE FOLLOWING NAMED OFFICER FOR APPOINTMENT NORMAN A. SABIO FARHAN S. AYUBI IN THE UNITED STATES AIR FORCE TO THE GRADE INDI- DON J. SARMIENTO BRIAN C. BELDOWICZ CATED WHILE ASSIGNED TO A POSITION OF IMPORTANCE RICHARD A. SCHEURING BROCK A. BENEDICT AND RESPONSIBILITY UNDER TITLE 10, U.S.C., SECTION FRANK L. SCHMID PAMELA BLAND 601: RAFAEL G. SEMIDEI JOHN H. BODEN DOUGLAS G. SMITH To be lieutenant general ANTHONY C. BONFIGLIO ANN M. STRAIGHT EDWARD E. BRIDGES II CARL W. THURMOND MAJ. GEN. GINA M. GROSSO SAMUEL E. BURKETT IN THE NAVY THE FOLLOWING NAMED OFFICERS FOR APPOINTMENT TRAVIS C. BURNS TO THE GRADE INDICATED IN THE RESERVE OF THE CRAIG M. BUSH THE FOLLOWING NAMED OFFICER FOR APPOINTMENT ARMY UNDER TITLE 10, U.S.C., SECTION 12203: ROBERT W. BYRNE IN THE UNITED STATES NAVY TO THE GRADE INDICATED MICHAEL S. CAHILL WHILE ASSIGNED TO A POSITION OF IMPORTANCE AND To be colonel BRIAN J. CARR RESPONSIBILITY UNDER TITLE 10, U.S.C., SECTION 601: JERRY G. BAUMGARTNER LAUDINO M. CASTILLOROJAS To be vice admiral JOSE E. COLON MATTHEW S. CHAMBERS CARLOS J. MIRO MARCUS H. COLYER VICE ADM. PAUL A. GROSKLAGS JOSEPH ROSENWALD ROBERT J. S. CORNFELD MAURI M. THOMAS MARK S. CRAIG IN THE AIR FORCE STEVEN H. CRAIG THE FOLLOWING NAMED OFFICERS FOR APPOINTMENT KEVIN L. CUMMINGS THE FOLLOWING NAMED OFFICER FOR APPOINTMENT TO THE GRADE INDICATED IN THE RESERVE OF THE LAURENCE DAVIDSON TO THE GRADE INDICATED IN THE UNITED STATES AIR ARMY UNDER TITLE 10, U.S.C., SECTION 12203: RACHEL S. DAWSON FORCE UNDER TITLE 10, U.S.C., SECTION 624: To be colonel MATTHEW L. DRAKE To be colonel DOUGLAS M. DUDEWICZ ELIZABETH A. ANDERSON MATTHEW J. ECKERT RICHARD H. FILLMAN, JR. MICHELLE M. BEACH EDUARDO ESCOBAR MASSIMO D. FEDERICO IN THE ARMY SCOTT L. BORCHARDT JAMIE P. CHERRY DORI M. FRANCO THE FOLLOWING NAMED OFFICERS FOR APPOINTMENT KATHLEEN A. CLARY MATTHEW D. GIVENS TO THE GRADE INDICATED IN THE RESERVE OF THE ONDINE CRABTREE CHRISTINE M. GOULD ARMY UNDER TITLE 10, U.S.C., SECTION 12203: LACONNIA Y. DANDY YOLANDA N. GRAYDAVIS ZANDRA M. DAY ARTHUR F. GUERRERO To be colonel RANDY A. ESTES JORDAN M. HALL LINDA S. FISHER NATHAN E. HARTVIGSEN DEAN R. KLENZ ANGELA S. GARNER JODY N. HEFNER SYLVIA A. B. MILLER ALEXANDER GILSON CHRISTOPHER C. HIGGINS JAMES J. RICHE SHARON A. GREENAWAY HEATHER L. HIGGINS THE FOLLOWING NAMED OFFICERS FOR APPOINTMENT OK S. HODGES MICAH HILL TO THE GRADE INDICATED IN THE RESERVE OF THE WILLIAM R. KOGL THOMAS N. HOFFMANN ARMY UNDER TITLE 10, U.S.C., SECTION 12203: TERESA M. LONG LUKE J. HOFMANN To be colonel ALEXIOS A. LOUKAS JOHN D. HORTON JOHN M. RINEHART JAMES T. T. HSU RICHARD L. BAILEY CARLISS L. TOWNS STEVEN J. HUDAK KENNETH S. SHEDAROWICH KAREN H. WILLIAMS KATHRYN JOHNSON RONALD D. WOODARD OWEN N. JOHNSON THE FOLLOWING NAMED OFFICERS FOR APPOINTMENT MARGARET L. YOUNG NATHAN D. JONES TO THE GRADE INDICATED IN THE RESERVE OF THE ANDREW KAGEL THE FOLLOWING NAMED OFFICERS FOR APPOINTMENT ARMY UNDER TITLE 10, U.S.C., SECTION 12203: ESTHER KIM TO THE GRADE INDICATED IN THE RESERVE OF THE YOUNG W. KIM To be colonel ARMY UNDER TITLE 10, U.S.C., SECTION 12203: MEGAN K. KLOETZEL WILLIAM ANDINO To be colonel NICHOLAS J. LANGE ROBERT J. BLAESING RYAN J. LARSON FREDA W. BREDY TONIA M. CROWLEY DAVID S. LIDWELL ELESS D. BROWN CHRISTOPHER FOWLER JEFFREY R. LIMJUCO FORREST E. CHASE CLIFFORD D. GEHRKE NICK M. LY BETTY J. DEMUS JAMES R. HILL ANDREW W. MACK ELIZABETH A. ENGLISH DONALD B. JONES EDWARD W. MALIN IV RUSSELL A. FREEMAN ERIK J. KIRCHEN ERIK S. MANNINEN ROSEANN E. GROB BONNIE S. LOWE BRIAN P. MARKELZ JEFFREY E. HAFNER DOUGLAS R. MEDD JOSEPH W. MAY SANDRA I. HERSH ROBERTO J. NOGUERAS ALEX J. MCKINLAY THOMAS S. HYSLIP DENNIS J. RATLIFF DANIEL F. MCLAUGHLIN NATHAN G. LEWANDOSKI PEDER SWANSON MARIA M. MOLINA LARRY J. LUEDEMAN CHERYL M. K. ZEISE PATRICK D. MUNSON

VerDate Sep 11 2014 05:22 Jul 30, 2015 Jkt 049060 PO 00000 Frm 00057 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 9801 E:\CR\FM\G29JY6.090 S29JYPT1 SSpencer on DSK4SPTVN1PROD with SENATE S6146 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE July 29, 2015 KUWONG B. MWAMUKONDA YANG XIA To be colonel DARIUSZ G. MYDLARZ VICTOR Y. YU DAYNE M. NELSON THE FOLLOWING NAMED OFFICERS FOR APPOINTMENT LAVETTA L. BENNETT BURTON T. NEWMAN TO THE GRADE INDICATED IN THE RESERVE OF THE TIMOTHY J. DECKERT PHU T. NGUYEN ARMY UNDER TITLE 10, U.S.C., SECTION 12203: ERIC E. GAMES VU Q. NGUYEN MICHAEL P. HANNON ANTHONY A. D. NOYA To be colonel ROBERT G. HILL III NKEMAKONAM OKPOKWASILI THOMAS S. IVESTER APRIL CRITELLI PAULA S. OLIVER JEFFREY B. LOUGHLIN PETER W. HUNT JOSHUA C. PACKARD ZOE M. OLLINGER BENJAMIN N. PALMER EDWARD A. JOHNSON THERESA A. MELTZ PATRICK J. SHANNON JOSEPH R. PARK VON L. MILLER RICHARD L. STITZER, JR. CARL R. PAVEL SCOTT E. SALLAWAY CRAIG W. STRONG MICHAEL D. PERREAULT GREGG A. VIGEANT JASON T. PERRY JAMES D. PHILLIPS THE FOLLOWING NAMED OFFICERS FOR APPOINTMENT f BRIAN L. PIENKOS TO THE GRADE INDICATED IN THE RESERVE OF THE SAMUEL L. PRESTON III ARMY UNDER TITLE 10, U.S.C., SECTION 12203: CONFIRMATIONS LISA K. PRINCE To be colonel JEREMY T. REED Executive nominations confirmed by AMANDA B. REEDMALDONADO THOMAS F. CALDWELL SEAN C. REILLY VALPERSIA D. GAINERSHASUGLUW the Senate July 29, 2015: AMBER E. RITENOUR DAN C. GODBEE JOSHUA S. RITENOUR SCOTT M. HOVIS FEDERAL MEDIATION AND CONCILIATION ROMAN D. ROSARIO JOHN M. MADDOX SERVICES ANNE T. SALADYGA MICHAEL PIESMAN JASON E. SAPP LAURIE A. SPRAGA ALLISON BECK, OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, TO BE RHIANA D. SAUNDERS JAMES G. WAKEFIELD FEDERAL MEDIATION AND CONCILIATION DIRECTOR. SEBASTIAN R. SCHNELLBACHER BRONSON B. WHITE DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE DAVID C. SEMERAD II THE FOLLOWING NAMED OFFICERS FOR APPOINTMENT ANDREW SENCHAK TO THE GRADE INDICATED IN THE RESERVE OF THE JEFFREY MICHAEL PRIETO, OF CALIFORNIA, TO BE DANIEL C. SESSIONS ARMY UNDER TITLE 10, U.S.C., SECTION 12203: GENERAL COUNSEL OF THE DEPARTMENT OF AGRI- JEFFREY E. SHERWOOD CULTURE. JARETT T. SKINNER To be colonel GENERAL SERVICES ADMINISTRATION BENJAMIN H. SMITH CAROL L. COPPOCK GEORGE J. SMOLINSKI III REBECCA L. GIESE CAROL FORTINE OCHOA, OF VIRGINIA, TO BE INSPEC- VANCE Y. SOHN MARIE N. WRIGHT TOR GENERAL, GENERAL SERVICES ADMINISTRATION. BRONWYN R. STALL THEODORE R. STEFANI THE FOLLOWING NAMED OFFICERS FOR APPOINTMENT IN THE MARINE CORPS TO THE GRADE INDICATED IN THE RESERVE OF THE JUSTINE E. TRIPP ARMY UNDER TITLE 10, U.S.C., SECTION 12203: CHRISTOPHER J. TUCKER THE FOLLOWING NAMED OFFICER FOR APPOINTMENT EVELYN R. VENTO To be colonel AS THE CHAIRMAN OF THE JOINT CHIEFS OF STAFF AND AMY E. VERTREES APPOINTMENT IN THE UNITED STATES MARINE CORPS MAURA WATSON NORMAN S. CHUN TO THE GRADE INDICATED WHILE ASSIGNED TO A POSI- THOMAS A. WEBSTER FRANK A. DEQUATTRO TION OF IMPORTANCE AND RESPONSIBILITY UNDER JENNIFER A. WHERLEY HARRY W. HATCH TITLE 10, U.S.C., SECTIONS 152 AND 601: SCOTT A. WHITWORTH THE FOLLOWING NAMED OFFICERS FOR APPOINTMENT To be general SCOTT G. WILLIAMS TO THE GRADE INDICATED IN THE RESERVE OF THE DAVID A. WONDERLICH ARMY UNDER TITLE 10, U.S.C., SECTION 12203: GEN. JOSEPH F. DUNFORD, JR.

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