November 13, 2012 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S6721 Martinez, who are ready to contribute VETERANS’ COMPENSATION COST- Chelsey, who is currently expecting their talents to getting our economy OF-LIVING ADJUSTMENT ACT OF their second child, and a 1-year-old son, back on track, support will build for 2012 Paxton. Mr. President, it is people such as passing the DREAM Act and com- Mr. DURBIN. Mr. President, I ask Jason Swindle who are the true Amer- prehensive immigration reform. Presi- unanimous consent that the Veterans’ ican heroes. I ask my colleagues to dent Obama has given temporary pro- Affairs Committee be discharged from keep his wife, children, and the rest of tection to DREAMers. Now let’s pass further consideration of H.R. 4114 and his family in their thoughts and pray- the law. Let’s do the right thing for that the Senate proceed to its consider- ers during this very difficult time. I ation. people just like Carlos all over the humbly offer my sincerest gratitude to The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tem- United States. Jason for his selfless sacrifice in the pore. Without objection, it is so or- Mr. President, I have listened care- service and defense of this great Na- dered. The clerk will report the bill by fully to some of the statements made tion. title. after the elections by those on the The PRESIDING OFFICER (Mr. The legislative clerk read as follows: other side of the aisle, many of whom FRANKEN). The Senator from Kansas. A bill (H.R. 4114) to increase, effective as of Mr. MORAN. Mr. President, first I have opposed the DREAM Act from the December 1, 2012, the rates of compensation start, and I have been heartened and would like to add my condolences and for veterans with service-connected disabil- sympathy to the family in honor of encouraged that so many are now ities and the rates of dependency and indem- Sergeant Swindle. I appreciate what speaking out in favorable terms about nity compensation for the survivors of cer- the Senator from Arkansas had to say, doing something finally for young peo- tain disabled veterans, and for other pur- poses. and I join all my colleagues in recog- ple like Carlos. Let’s get this done. nizing the sacrifice of this soldier and There being no objection, the Senate This used to be a very bipartisan meas- many others who have made such a tre- proceeded to consider the bill. ure, but filibusters have stopped it year mendous sacrifice and have created op- Mr. DURBIN. I ask unanimous con- after year. We can pass it, and we portunities for us as Americans. sent that the bill be read three times should pass it. In 2007, the first time GLOBAL ENTREPRENEURSHIP WEEK and passed, the motion to reconsider be the DREAM Act came to a vote on the Mr. President, we have just come laid upon the table, with no inter- floor of the Senate, 52 Senators—a bi- through a divisive and expensive cam- vening action or debate, and that any partisan majority—voted for it, but paign. Hopefully that divisiveness and statements related to the bill be print- still the Republican filibuster stopped that expense is a thing of the past, and ed in the RECORD. us. We didn’t get the 60 votes we need- I come to the floor today—during Glob- The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tem- ed. Three years later, in December of al Entrepreneurship Week—to ask my pore. Without objection, it is so or- 2010, the DREAM Act was again consid- colleagues to now work together to dered. ered on the floor of the Senate. The pursue policies that are guaranteed to The bill (H.R. 4114) was ordered to a gallery was filled with DREAMers in improve our economy. There have been third reading, was read the third time, too many opportunities in the past their caps and gowns. It was an inspir- and passed. ing sight to look up and see them in year to pursue issues and policies that those seats. That day 55 Senators voted f divide us. Now we must come together around something that can unite us— for the DREAM Act. It was a majority SPORTSMEN’S ACT OF 2012— entrepreneurship, innovation, and but not enough; we needed 60 to over- MOTION TO PROCEED—Continued come another Republican filibuster. startup businesses. The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tem- The story of America is really a The President and the vast majority of pore. The Senator from Arkansas. story of entrepreneurs. Our history is Democrats continue to support the HONORING OUR ARMED FORCES filled with examples of determined in- DREAM Act and comprehensive immi- dividuals who risked their livelihoods gration reform. SERGEANT JASON M. SWINDLE Mr. BOOZMAN. Mr. President, at a to pursue ideas they believed could Let me add that the DREAM Act is time when we are seeing reports of vio- solve problems and improve the quality very important to me, but equally if lence in areas all around the world, we of life of people around the world. not more important is comprehensive must never forget that the men and These entrepreneurs built the founda- immigration reform to help not only women of the U.S. military are out tion of the American economy from its Carlos but many like him—their par- there fighting on our behalf day in and earliest days, pushing forward innova- ents and members of their family—who day out so we can live in a safe envi- tive solutions to some of our most may not qualify under the DREAM Act ronment here at home. Our service- complex problems. They pursued success, and that suc- but deserve a chance as well. members are well aware of the risks cess built the American economy and they face as they serve this Nation, I believe most of my Republican col- the jobs it provides. leagues understand that immigration and it is our duty to do all we can to Entrepreneurs have continued to be is good for America. Immigration is honor those who fight and pay the ulti- the driving force in the U.S. economic America. We are all immigrants but for mate price for our freedoms. growth and expansion in recent times the Native Americans who welcomed to Today I am here to pay my respects as well. Data from the Kauffman Foun- the shores the occupants of the to SGT Jason M. Swindle, an Arkansan dation shows that between 1980 and who, at 24 years of age, laid down his Mayflower. Former President George 2005, companies less than 5 years old life for our country while supporting W. Bush led the attempt to reform leg- accounted for nearly all new jobs cre- Operation Enduring Freedom. Sergeant islation, and he said, ‘‘Family values ated in the United States. Since 1977— Swindle attended Cabot High School in don’t stop at the Rio Grande.’’ I dis- the first year data was collected—new Cabot, AR, and joined the Army in 2005. businesses have created an average of 3 agree with George W. Bush on many He was assigned to B Company, 1st things, but on the issue of immigra- million jobs each year. Battalion, 64th Regiment, 3rd Infantry At a time when millions of Ameri- tion, he was genuine and committed, Division at Fort Stewart, GA. He was cans remain out of work and our coun- and I agree with what he said. I have serving his third combat deployment. try is mired in debt, we need to do been heartened by comments from He was posthumously awarded the more to support the entrepreneurs who Speaker BOEHNER and others in the last Bronze Star and a Purple Heart. create American jobs and hold the week. I believe Democrats and Repub- His family and friends describe him promise of our growing economy. licans of good will can come together as being a fun-loving guy who was very Started in 2008 by the Kauffman across the aisle, roll up our sleeves, patriotic and very proud of the work he Foundation, Global Entrepreneurship and do something good for America and was doing in the Army. Week is a worldwide celebration of en- fix our broken immigration system so In addition to being a soldier, Ser- trepreneurs and like-minded individ- that it is true to our American values geant Swindle was also a husband and uals. Since its founding, Global Entre- as a nation of immigrants. a father. He leaves behind his wife preneurship Week has grown to include

VerDate Mar 15 2010 23:33 Feb 08, 2013 Jkt 029060 PO 00000 Frm 00007 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\RECORD12\NOVEMBER\S13NO2.REC S13NO2 mmaher on DSK5VPTVN1PROD with CONG-REC-ONLINE S6722 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE November 13, 2012 129 countries with some 35,000 activi- Kansas entrepreneurs are excited about es critical needs facing entrepreneurs ties that engage millions of people. Google’s decision to make Kansas today. The legislation provides new op- In the United States, more than 1,300 home to a new fiber project. portunities for highly educated and en- partners are planning events in all 50 Google Fiber is equipping Kansas en- trepreneurial immigrants to stay in States this week. These events allow trepreneurs for innovation that few the United States where their talent participants to interact with entre- places in the United States have. With can fuel economic growth and create preneurs and share their passion for in- Google Fiber, Kansans now have an op- jobs for Americans. By making new novation and creativity. In my home portunity to innovate on Google’s ultra visas available for foreign students who State of Kansas, 35 events are taking high-speed network, which is 100 times graduate with an advanced degree in a place this week. Last Friday, Novem- faster than typical high-speed Internet. STEM field from an American univer- ber 9, I participated in one of these Kansas City, which has set the goal sity, Startup Act 2.0 will provide a events at the University of Kansas. of becoming America’s Most Entrepre- much needed way for fast-growing To kick off this week, the University neurial City, is building what they call startups and businesses in America to of Kansas Schools of Business, Engi- the Digital Sandbox, in partnership get the talent they need to continue to neering, and Journalism organized a with many Kansas businesses. The goal grow and to create jobs. This is a crit- half-day event to expose students to of the Digital Sandbox is to signifi- ical and growing challenge. entrepreneurship as a career path, in- cantly accelerate the development of The Partnership for a New American troduce students to startup companies information technology startups in Economy projects that the United in the region, and to learn the role of Kansas City, where IT is already a States will face a shortfall of more government in enabling entrepreneur- major economic engine. than 223,000 workers with advanced de- ship, innovation, and company cre- These developments are empowering grees in STEM areas by 2018. If the cur- ation, as well as the importance of our the next generation of Kansas entre- rent trend holds, there will only be free market economy. preneurs with new tools to innovate 550,000 American workers with the While most of us think first of Sil- and build successful businesses. needed skills—far short of the pro- icon Valley as a hotbed of entrepre- Today’s entrepreneurs may use dif- jected demand. Without these workers, neurship in our country, entrepreneurs ferent technology to develop products American businesses will be at a dis- are found everywhere. In Kansas, we and reach potential markets than their tinct disadvantage and unable to grow have a rich tradition of entrepreneur- predecessors, but the work ethic and in our country. ship. It is a place where innovators passion to do something new remains Startup Act 2.0 also makes changes have felt free to pursue their ideas, the same. to the Tax Code that will help startups start businesses, and pursue dreams. This week, I encourage my colleagues grow and create jobs. By exempting This tradition includes many stories of to explore the impact of entrepreneurs capital gains taxes on investments held risk and reward—of entrepreneurs in their communities and to engage in startups for 5 years or more, the bill whose businesses succeeded when oth- with startup companies working to would unlock $7.5 billion in new invest- ers were betting against them. make the lives of Americans better. ment in startup. The legislation will Kansas’s great entrepreneurs include I met with entrepreneurs in Kansas also help universities bring good ideas Cleyson Brown, who founded Brown and across the country during the last to market by redirecting current grant Telephone Company—now the Sprint 18 months. The passion and creativity dollars to support innovative univer- Corporation—in the town of Abilene, of these entrepreneurs has encouraged sity initiatives to accelerate commer- KS; Walter Chrysler, of Chrysler Cor- me. One refreshing observation is that cialization. poration, who began his career as a ma- these entrepreneurs, while competi- Finally, Startup Act 2.0 will make chinist in Ellis, KS; Clyde Cessna, who tive, want to see their fellow entre- changes to the Federal regulatory left the booming automobile industry preneurs succeed. They are also build- process so the costs of new regulations to explore the exciting field of avia- ing new tools that empower others to do not outweigh the benefits and will tion. He founded Cessna Aircraft Cor- make their businesses better. encourage State and local policies that poration in Wichita in 1927; and, Dan But in conversation after conversa- make starting businesses easier in and Frank Carney, who borrowed $600 tion, I have also learned there are com- their States. from their mother to open their first mon challenges these entrepreneurs As our economy continues to strug- Pizza Hut in Wichita in 1958. face—some of which can be solved by gle, Congress is left with two options: With persistence and hard work, Congress if we follow the entre- We can remain in gridlock, maintain these entrepreneurs and their busi- preneur’s example of seizing an oppor- the status quo, continue to leave nesses created thousands of jobs and tunity, rolling up our sleeves, and Americans under- and unemployed, and grew into some of the world’s most suc- working together. spend away our future or we can work cessful companies. Now a new genera- Entrepreneurs in America are finding together to support the American en- tion of Kansas entrepreneurs is con- it increasingly difficult to start a busi- trepreneur and businessperson. tinuing that tradition. ness and to grow that business. Con- This week, during Global Entrepre- In Atwood, KS, SureFire Ag Systems sider the following: neurship Week, I urge my colleagues to has built products that specialize in In 2010, there were approximately join in the latter—in coming together the control and application of fer- 394,000 new businesses started in the behind commonsense legislation such tilizer, seed, and chemicals. These United States. This, unfortunately, is as the Startup Act 2.0 to unleash the products have been delivered to cus- the lowest number of new businesses power of entrepreneurship in America. tomers in 42 of our States and inter- since 1977. While these new businesses The result will be more new businesses, nationally as well. created more than 2.3 million jobs, that more new jobs, innovation that allows In Leewood, KS, a company called number is well below the historical av- the United States to aggressively com- Instin reimagined how students and erage and represents the third fewest pete in a global economy, and the em- teachers managed homework assign- number of jobs created by new busi- powerment of every American to pur- ments by using mobile apps. Their app, nesses in more than 30 years. At the sue the American dream. myHomework, has been downloaded same time, at least seven other coun- I suggest the absence of a quorum. over 100,000 times in the Google Play tries during this Congress have ap- The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Store alone. proved legislation to welcome and bet- clerk will call the roll. In Olathe, KS, Lantern Software is ter support entrepreneurs while Amer- The legislative clerk proceeded to connecting homegrown businesses to ica has done nothing. call the roll. new markets through high-value, real- To help more entrepreneurs start a Mr. LAUTENBERG. Mr. President, I time, location-based deals delivered to business and to help those new busi- ask unanimous consent that the order mobile devices. nesses grow more quickly, I introduced for the quorum call be rescinded. In today’s high-tech economy, the fu- Startup Act 2.0 with my colleagues The PRESIDING OFFICER (Mr. ture of Internet-based applications Senator WARNER, Senator COONS, and COONS). Without objection, it is so or- such as these is limitless, which is why Senator RUBIO. Startup Act 2.0 address- dered.

VerDate Mar 15 2010 23:33 Feb 08, 2013 Jkt 029060 PO 00000 Frm 00008 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\RECORD12\NOVEMBER\S13NO2.REC S13NO2 mmaher on DSK5VPTVN1PROD with CONG-REC-ONLINE November 13, 2012 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S6723 SUPERSTORM SANDY nothing but timbers and concrete, ev- we are tough people in New Jersey. We Mr. LAUTENBERG. Mr. President, erything else gone. will fight our way back from this we have come back here from a few We saw devastation across our State, storm. turbulent weeks, and not the least of not just at the seashore. I went to Ho- I saw that spirit in emergency shel- which is the continuation of President boken—one of our most attractive ters in our State. Families whose lives Obama with his work and his respon- communities in northern New Jersey— were upended by the storm were wel- sibilities. For most of us, I would say, in the days after the storm. Half of comed into a safe, warm place by that was a very positive thing. But that city was underwater, and the Na- strangers, given a hot meal, and had something else happened during these tional Guard had to rescue those who camaraderie during these very difficult very difficult weeks, and that was in were trapped in their homes without moments. Nurses and EMTs evacuated my home State of New Jersey and the heat or supplies. babies from hospitals. They were car- east coast. We were hit by storms We also saw train stations that were rying these children out so they would never, never before seen in our State flooded and inoperable. Water levels not be overwhelmed by flooding. Fire- and maybe never ever to be seen in our reached more than 6 feet. Can you fighters went from house to house sav- country in terms of the volume of de- imagine a room that seated people ing lives as the water rose. struction. waiting for their trains 6 feet high in Gas station owners who had lost My home State of New Jersey is water? power pumped gasoline by hand so peo- known for a number of things: being New Jerseyans depend on our public ple could run their generators and keep the home of innovators, such as Thom- transportation and rail systems. Com- their families warm. At one point, the as Edison; the place where Alexander muters in our State take nearly 1 mil- lines were hours long waiting to get Hamilton—at my birthplace, Paterson, lion trips per day, including going back gas. One of the people from my office NJ—helped start the industrial revolu- and forth to New York and into Penn- got up at 4:30 in the morning to go to tion; and it is also known as a State sylvania. And the entire country de- a gas station and wound up 4 hours with a beautiful seashore, recreation pends on the goods that come into our later before he could get gas. It was a areas. Unfortunately, the wrath of ports and go out by rail. terrible period. Superstorm Sandy 2 weeks ago de- Our transportation system was torn We saw the worst of Mother Nature stroyed so much of our shore. Its storm apart. Tunnels were flooded, critical in this storm, but we also saw the best surge wrecked boats, homes, and even equipment was ruined, and rail lines of the American people. One thing was took trains—whole trains—off the were warped or buried by debris. established, that there is a place in tracks. Its winds reached 89 miles an Here in this picture we see an exam- government, in our country, for gov- hour, uprooting trees across our State, ple of what took place. This is of a rail ernment service when it is needed. We destroying everything in its path, and line, New Jersey Transit. cannot simply say: We will turn it over leaving millions—21⁄2 million—without Each one of our 21 counties in New to the private sector and let them take electricity and staying in the dark. Jersey was declared a major disaster, care of what FEMA does. FEMA was The force of this storm is so hard to but the seashore communities were hit critical in salvaging whatever we could describe in words, so I point out a pic- especially hard. The boardwalk is the have saved there. There is no doubt in ture here of one of our beachside com- defining image of the New Jersey my mind that there is an under- munities, showing what was left of a shore. Many of us remember walking standing now that did not exist before. house. The destruction was so total. on that boardwalk in wonderment of We saw the fiber and the character of And it was not just the possessions the attractions. The boardwalk has our people in these terrible moments. that were lost, it was the memorabilia, been a constant in the lives of those It was wonderful. This is a town not on it was the pictures, it was the precious who live there or visit the shore. But the seashore. This is one of the commu- moments that were identified with for communities such as Belmar, Sea- nities in New Jersey where a lot of peo- trinkets or mementos. It was a terrible side Heights, Atlantic City, and others, ple commute to or work in the various period. I am here to say that we are much of that boardwalk no longer ex- industries around. This is where they going to stand with those who have ists—just the pillars where the board- had to go in order to save themselves lost so much, and we are going to help walk used to be, as we see it shown from a worse situation than that which them recover and rebuild their lives. here in this picture. It was a magnifi- already existed. Superstorm Sandy was one of the cent boardwalk that had people in wag- People reached out to save people. It most powerful storms in American his- ons that were pushed along, and you was under the supervision of FEMA tory, and it was the largest Atlantic would view the sea and the attractions and our emergency facility organiza- hurricane on record, with wild winds on the other side. It was painful to see tions. We have a lot of important busi- that stretched more than 1,100 miles. the destruction of the part of the nesses to address before the end of this We are aware of at least 119 Americans boardwalk in Atlantic City firsthand Congress. But our agenda must include who lost their lives as a result of this that day. helping to rebuild and restore the com- storm, including 33 in my home State I joined President Obama in his visit munities destroyed by Sandy. We are of New Jersey. to the area. For many people in my going to need a lot of money, a lot of The human toll of this storm defies State, the boardwalk is not just a money. We cannot turn our backs on description. Roughly 8 million homes source of pride, it is a source of critical them. We cannot turn our backs. I lost power during this storm, including income to our State. In 2008, tourism know the Presiding Officer had similar more than 21⁄2 million in my home brought in $38 billion and supported situations in his State of Delaware. State. Food rotted in refrigerators, more than 300,000 jobs in the State of The destruction was all over. We had water treatment plants closed down, New Jersey. Families came from all no ability to stop what was going on. and when temperatures dropped, thou- over the country to walk the board- We face serious fiscal challenges in our sands were left cold and hungry and walk in Atlantic City or take a fishing country, but nothing is more impor- forced into hotels and temporary shel- boat out of one of our ports, Port tant than keeping our communities, ters. Many families slept in their cars Pleasant or one of the others, or ride our families, and our economy safe. We to get out of the bad weather. They had the roller coaster at a pier in Seaside in New Jersey have been there for our no choice. When people finally re- Heights. fellow Americans from other States turned home, many found nothing This is what Sandy did to that roller who suffered disasters. I am reminded there. Imagine seeing the home you coaster. Look. This is almost impos- that New Jersey was the first State to worked for your whole life—the place sible to conceive that this roller coast- sign the Bill of Rights. It started the you raised your children and created so er sits in the water. It is a terrible end road to freedom that exists in New Jer- many memories—gone. to a lot of thoughts and pleasant sey. Now we ask all Americans to join If we look at this picture, we see a memories. People in New Jersey have us in rebuilding and recovering from depiction of despair, as it was por- lost their homes, their belongings, and this terrible storm. I am sure it will trayed by this person who obviously their jobs. Much of that public infra- get even the most disbelieving people stood in front of a destroyed home— structure has also been destroyed. But in our community to see that it might

VerDate Mar 15 2010 23:33 Feb 08, 2013 Jkt 029060 PO 00000 Frm 00009 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\RECORD12\NOVEMBER\S13NO2.REC S13NO2 mmaher on DSK5VPTVN1PROD with CONG-REC-ONLINE S6724 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE November 13, 2012 have been a good idea to fund FEMA about time, would the Senator agree laws not only in my State but in other and the other agencies that do so with me, that we looked at what it is States as well. I wish to thank the much. that is creating the frequency and the chairman of the Judiciary Committee I went to Alaska when the Exxon ferocity of those storms. They are ac- because he and his subcommittee, Valdez was floundering and saw our celerated almost in geometric terms. headed by Senator DURBIN, came to people, brave people, on islands This is a good reminder, hey, get off Tampa to take testimony. stretched around Alaska, our people the stick and on the job. I commend A professor from the University of who were on the shore wiping off the the Senator from Florida for his splen- Florida gave his study and pointed out ducks and the seals and all that. It did victory. We knew the Senator was who used—in the experience of Florida says: America is not an accounting coming home, we just wanted to make for a decade, who used the Sunday firm. America is a democracy with a sure he had a nice reception. early voting? It was two demographic heart and a soul. That is what we have Mr. NELSON of Florida. Thanks to groups, African Americans and His- to keep in mind as we deliberate what the Senator for his big heart, his big panics. They cut out the Sunday of we have in the future. heart toward his people. early voting before the Tuesday elec- I yield the floor. VOTER SUPPRESSION tion. The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- Mr. NELSON of Florida. Mr. Presi- Yet with the constricted times and ator from Florida. dent, I wish to make a few comments with others being forced to shoehorn in Mr. NELSON of Florida. Mr. Presi- before the chairman of the Judiciary between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. on election dent, before the Senator from New Jer- Committee addresses the Senate. I am day, we see the result. As the Miami sey leaves the floor, I just wish to say very happy he is here because he knows Herald said, some people waited 7 hours this Senator’s heart goes out to the about what I am going to talk about, to vote. They were determined that the Senator and his people. We take hurri- which were the attempts at sup- Governor and the legislature of Florida canes more as a part of our lifestyle in pressing the vote in the State of Flor- were not going to take away their Florida. But when we combine a hurri- ida, done a year and a half ago by the right to cast that ballot. And we see cane in the Northeast at this time of State legislature and the Governor. again, we had again a close Presi- year, during the full Moon, at high They did a number of things to try to dential election in Florida. The Presi- tide, in one of the most densely popu- suppress the vote. dent won by 74,000 votes. What if a lated coastal areas of the United The first thing they did was to make number of people—such as the lady States, then we definitely have a prob- it much more difficult to register peo- who waited and waited and she had lem. ple to vote. The League of Women Vot- babysitter problems and after 3 hours This Senator wants to help Senator ers has been registering people for 72 she left—what if that had happened to LAUTENBERG with what is going to be years in Florida. They stopped because a lot of people? necessary for the additional funding of of the onerous provisions of up to a Well, maybe that was the design of FEMA and so forth. I want the Senator $1,000 fine that would be upon their some people in constricting the laws in to think about an idea that we imple- members if they did not turn it in an America of 2012. We went through mented in Florida, to create, in effect, within 48 hours. That was thrown out this in the civil rights era. The right to a reinsurance fund against this kind of in court as unconstitutional. But it vote—as the Senator, our chairman, catastrophe. We call it the Florida was a year and a half later, with all can tell us, has been said over and over by the courts—it is absolutely essen- Hurricane Catastrophe Fund. those registrations not having been tial in a democracy that we have the This was done when I was the elected done. insurance commissioner—prior to me, But then what they did, they con- right to cast our ballot. That is what and then I had to implement it in the stricted the number of early voting Dr. King said as well. Mr. LEAHY. Does the distinguished aftermath of the monster hurricane in places, constricted the number of early Senator yield? the 1990s, Hurricane Andrew. I have voting days, constricted the number of Mr. NELSON of Florida. Of course I talked to our colleagues in the Senate early voting hours. What do you think will. about a national catastrophic fund. was the result? It is what we have seen Mr. LEAHY. I join my colleagues in People in other parts of the country do on TV—the long lines. welcoming him back to this body, in not think hurricanes are their problem. I wish to read a passage from the which he has served with distinction But what they do not realize is that Miami Herald of November 6: from his very first day here as he did in their taxpayers are picking up the When the polls officially closed at 7 p.m., the other body. load. Whereas, if we reinsured against hundreds of people were still waiting to cast It tears my heart apart to hear of this kind of tragedy in a catastrophic ballots in precincts around South Florida in this kind of suppression. In Vermont, an election that was marked by long lines fund that would be paid in over time, a we have pride in our ability to vote. We little bit from each of the policy- and the occasional snafu. Even after the net- works called the race for President Obama, have Town Meeting Day. I think we holders, then there would not be—there people in South Florida remained in line. had 65 or 70 percent turnout this time. would be this fund that would become From Hialeah to Country Walk and to We expect people to be able to vote. a cushion for such a disaster that the Brickell, people waited as long as 7 hours to The distinguished Senator has re- Northeastern United States is experi- vote. In Broward County, voting at some pre- ferred to the civil rights era. Do we, in encing at this time and of which we cincts came to a halt when the ballots ran this great country—a signal of democ- have so often experienced on the gulf out. racy to so much of the world—want to coast and the Atlantic coast in the This is the result of the voter sup- go back there? I am sure the distin- Southeastern United States. pression by lessening the number of guished Senator has had, as I have had, I just wanted to throw that idea out early voting days. When this Senator the honor of being an observer of elec- there for the Senator as he speaks so asked the Governor, because of the tions in other countries where, finally, movingly and so eloquently about the long lines during early voting, to ex- a country that has overcome a dicta- suffering of his people. One can just tend early voting on the Sunday before torship or overcome a civil war, they imagine what are going to be the ex- the Tuesday election, since it shut off finally can vote, and the people are lin- penses of all the infrastructure that is on Saturday, there were long lines then ing up and saying: Thank God we have going to have to be replaced. in early voting, the Governor would a chance to vote and it is open for the Mr. LAUTENBERG. If I may respond, not do it. We see the result. The Miami first time. They would say: You Ameri- I wish to say the Senator from Florida Herald continues: cans would never have to experience presents a very good idea because we At the South Kendall Community Church, this. I don’t want to go to these coun- now know that to deal with catas- 1,000 people were in line at closing time, and tries that we ask to come into the fold trophes which are inevitable, we live in at least 200 still remained three hours later. of democracy and ask them to have nature. We live in places where volca- That is a determination to vote, and free and open voting and have them— noes can destroy an economy, earth- the people do not want their right to those that do not want free and open quakes. We had the Katrina catas- cast their ballot taken away. Yet this voting—say: What about what you have trophe in the Southern States. It is was the result of voter suppression done in your country?

VerDate Mar 15 2010 23:33 Feb 08, 2013 Jkt 029060 PO 00000 Frm 00010 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\RECORD12\NOVEMBER\S13NO2.REC S13NO2 mmaher on DSK5VPTVN1PROD with CONG-REC-ONLINE November 13, 2012 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S6725 This is not a Democratic or Repub- first time that anybody can remember Members of different regions and dif- lican issue. This is an American issue. in either body, the farm bill has ex- ferent parties do. But we knew we had We fought a revolution. We fought pired. This is dangerous for dairy farm- to work together. We did, and America world wars. We worked to make this ers in Vermont and for farmers across benefited from that. Certainly our country of over 300 million people great the country. farmers did too. because everybody’s voice is supposed This delay threatens our rural com- The need to work together is as true to be heard. I think it is shameful and munities. We all have rural commu- today as it was then. It is going to take I think it is illegal. Those who try to nities in our States. The farmers not real leadership in the House and Senate stop it, they should be exposed. They only need but also deserve the cer- to pass a farm bill. We have seen that should be punished. I don’t care if the tainty that a 5-year farm bill provides. leadership and bipartisanship in the person voting is a Republican or Demo- We pass farm bills in 5-year segments Senate. Having served as chairman of crat or Independent. They should have so that farmers, who have to plan way the Senate Agriculture Committee for the right to vote. If we lose that right, in the future, know how to plan. We 8 years, I can say without any doubt we lose our soul as Americans. I thank can’t say: Wait a minute, put your that Chairwoman DEBBIE STABENOW the distinguished Senator for bringing farming on hold while we try to get our has been one of the finest chairs we this up. act together. Don’t milk those cows for have had of that committee. I have Mr. NELSON of Florida. Amen to a few months while we try to figure out watched how hard she has worked and those comments. I would conclude by what we are going to do. Don’t plant or how hard Ranking Member PAT ROB- saying we ought to be making it easier don’t harvest that crop while we are ERTS has worked. He brought his tre- to vote, not harder to vote. Then, when trying to figure out what we are going mendous experience and knowledge we get down to conducting an election, to do. through his time as chairman of the we definitely need to do something It doesn’t work that way. The farm- House agriculture Committee. In fact, about the Citizens United Supreme ers already confront enough uncer- in the debate over the Senate farm Court 5-to-4 decision, and we can, tainty running their businesses. When bill—and I commend Senator STABE- statutorily. We almost did, lacking one we let farm programs expire without NOW on this—seated around that table vote breaking the filibuster 3 years ago enacting a new farm bill, it needlessly we had several people who had pre- because it would require the disclosure compounds that uncertainty and it is viously been chairman or ranking of those corporations giving the irresponsible. Decisions must by made member of the Senate Agriculture money. If the public knew who was giv- today to determine what is going to be Committee or the House Agriculture ing the money, then they would be planted next spring. But now they have Committee, both Republicans and very reluctant. Whereas under the to make that decision with uncertainty Democrats. In fact, even one Senator guise, the mask of secrecy, they can about what may be in the farm bill. who had been Secretary of Agriculture. give money and try to influence the The essential nutrition programs in We all said: We can play games, we can outcome of an election—as they tried the farm bill provide healthy food for talk, we can posture, we can sloganeer this year. vulnerable populations, such as chil- or we can sit down like grownups and It has gone out of control, and I know dren and pregnant and nursing women. put together a real farm bill. the chairman is going to be at the Vermonters, like tens of millions of It took a nanosecond to decide we point of the spear on trying to pass the people across the country, depend upon can be grownups and put together a DISCLOSE Act. these programs where they are strug- real farm bill. Republicans and Demo- I yield the floor. The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- gling to put enough food on their table crats sat down. We wrote a deficit-re- ator from Vermont. during these very tough economic ducing, meaningful farm bill, and it times. passed in a Senate which is often dead- THE FARM BILL Some of these program benefits will Mr. LEAHY. Mr. President, I think locked. It passed 64–35. It passed over- continue. But it is such a tenuous posi- the distinguished senior Senator from whelmingly—from all parts of the tion. How does a State plan? How does Florida has done the Senate and the country and across the political spec- a community plan? We need the House country a service in what he has said. trum. We each represent our own States. leadership to allow the farm bill to Senator JOHANNS, former Secretary We have matters of interest in our proceed so we can move this country of Agriculture during the Bush admin- States, but also so many times they forward, giving farmers the certainty istration, sat around that table and are national interests. During this past and vulnerable citizens the security helped us write it. That shows how bi- recess, I was in just about every part of they deserve. partisan the approach to reauthorizing Vermont. I was stopped time and time The Senate farm bill is a good, bipar- the farm bill was in the Senate. We did again by Vermont farmers who asked tisan bill. But more than that, it is a not let political labels get in the way me why Congress left town without deficit reduction bill. It has $23 billion of what was best for the country. passing a farm bill. They knew we had in cost savings as well as crucial policy The elections are over. We know who passed it in the Senate, but why hadn’t reforms for dairy farmers facing the has won or lost. We hope our friends in we finished? challenges of the 21st century. It also the other body, in the House of Rep- Similar to my fellow Vermonters, I maintains a safety net for millions of resentatives, will set aside their ob- have been frustrated by the refusal of hungry Americans. structionism and pass this bill. I am the leadership of the House of Rep- The wealthiest, most powerful Na- pleased by the fact that our State’s resentatives to consider the legislation tion on Earth has people going hungry. Congressman, PETER WELCH, is a mem- sent to them by the Senate to extend In a nation that spends billions of dol- ber of that committee. He has been the farm bill. In fact, they blocked con- lars on fad diet programs or billions of urging both Republicans and Demo- sideration of a bipartisan farm bill, one dollars to dispose of waste food, we crats to pass the bill, and I agree with that mirrors the legislation passed in should not have hungry people. Not in him because it is a bill that directly af- their own body by the House Agri- this country. fects every farm family’s budget. It culture Committee. I also point out the farm bill has al- helps farmers decide which crops to I have been here nearly 38 years. I ways been bipartisan. I remember the plant, where to sell, how much to bor- have served on the Senate Agriculture hard work, mutual respect, and spirit row. It allows farmers to make their Committee all that time. I have never of cooperation that Senator DICK decisions—which are hard enough to seen a case where the House Agri- LUGAR and I shared. We worked to- make without this delay—with some culture Committee—whether it is led gether as Agriculture Committee kind of certainty. by Democrats or by Republicans— chairman and ranking member. We put The farm bill affects Vermonters and passed a bipartisan farm bill only to American farmers and families first Americans across the country where see it blocked from a final vote by its and politics last. My good friend from there is food insecurity and uncer- own leadership. Indiana and I were able to accomplish tainty in these difficult times. One of The Senate has done its work, but as amazing things together. Obviously, we the things people lose sight of is that a result of the House’s inaction, for the had some differences of opinion as the farm bill is also a disaster relief

VerDate Mar 15 2010 23:33 Feb 08, 2013 Jkt 029060 PO 00000 Frm 00011 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\RECORD12\NOVEMBER\S13NO2.REC S13NO2 mmaher on DSK5VPTVN1PROD with CONG-REC-ONLINE S6726 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE November 13, 2012 bill. We need the new farm bill to help cus, I made it my goal to do something waterfowl population. It funds new farmers in the Garden State and across significant, something historic, some- shooting ranges while encouraging the entire Nation to recover from the thing responsible that will help this Federal land agencies to cooperate nonstop floods of 2012. We need it to country’s hunters and anglers. with State and local authorities to help those across the Nation who are Mr. President, this week we have maintain existing ranges. This is a re- stuck on the other side of the weather that opportunity. This Sportsmen’s sponsible bill. It takes into account the spectrum, with drought. Act is the biggest package of sports- needs of the entire sportsmen’s com- That is all in this bill. Because we men’s bills in a generation. It combines munity. know, as much as we wish there would nearly 20 different bills, all important Why is this important? It is impor- never be floods, as much as we wish to those who know we must never take tant because hunting and fishing and there would never be droughts, they our outdoors for granted. hiking is a way of life in places such as occur. We have written that into this These bills increase access for rec- Montana. bill. Why in heaven’s name would any- reational hunting and fishing. They One in three Montanans hunt big body, from any part of the country— support land and species conservation, game and more than half of us fish. An and we are all vulnerable at one time and they protect our hunting and fish- outdoor recreation economy across this or another—want to hold it up? ing rights. Most importantly, they country contributes some $646 billion The fact is things are going to get take ideas from both sides of the polit- in direct spending to this U.S. econ- worse very quickly if we begin the new ical aisle. This bill isn’t about Demo- omy. Fishing and hunting is not just year without a farm bill. Outdated par- crats and it isn’t about Republicans or recreation, it is a critical part of our ity price systems will multiply the Independents. This bill is about Ameri- economy. In Montana, hunting and price of milk on store shelves. It will cans and the great outdoors we all fishing alone brings $1 billion a year to destroy household pocketbooks and the share as a nation. This bipartisan bill our economy, nearly as much as the milk market nationally. is supported by nearly 50 different con- State’s cattle industry. It drives and Let me reiterate that. Certainly in servation wildlife groups ranging from sustains jobs. With hunting season in my State this is very important. If we the Nature Conservancy, the National full swing and thousands of Montanans don’t pass the bill, we will have out- Wildlife Federation, to the NRA. It headed out to hunt in Montana’s back dated parity price systems that will earned their endorsement because it in- country over Thanksgiving weekend, multiply the price of milk on the store cludes responsible provisions that are this bill is as timely as ever. shelves and will destroy household important to sportsmen and women The Sportsmen’s Act of 2012 is bal- pocketbooks and the milk market na- across America. anced, it is bipartisan, and it is widely tionally. Ask anybody who lives pay- In my role as the chairman of the supported. It is also fiscally respon- check to paycheck what that would be Congressional Sportsmen’s Caucus, sible. The bill has no cost. Before the like. outdoorsmen and women constantly Senate went out of session, we voted to So I urge the leadership in the House tell me about the importance of access move forward with this bill by a vote of of Representatives to allow open de- to public lands. What good does it do to 84 to 7—84 to 7. It was a resounding ap- bate on the Senate-passed farm bill. protect land for hunting, fishing, and proval to conserve some of our most They don’t have to have a bill that is hiking if folks are unable to get to it? productive habitat to pass on our hunt- word for word what we passed here in Right now there are some 35 million ing and fishing tradition to future gen- the Senate, but I point out that the acres of public land that sportsmen erations and to entrust them with the Senate bill saves billions of dollars, it can’t access. That is why this bill re- land and water we share. does have a dairy program, and it does quires 1.5 percent of annual funding Now it is time to get this bill across speak to disaster, drought, and flood from the Land and Water Conservation the finish line, to approve a bill with relief. We need it now. Let us stand Fund that is set aside to increase pub- widespread support that preserves our with our dairy farmers in Vermont, our lic access to public lands, ensuring outdoor economy and secures our out- eggplant growers in New Jersey, and sportsmen access to some of the best door heritage for our kids and our our hungry families across the coun- places to hunt and fish in the country. grandkids. try. Let’s set the political gamesman- Right now, the Congress delegates all We need to take some good Demo- ship aside, help America’s farmers, power to determine land and water cratic ideas and some good Republican families, and rural communities that conservation priorities to the execu- ideas and pass them. We need to do all rely on the farm bill. The people in tive branch. We can add or subtract something for the more than 90 million these communities, the farmers in money from the President’s budget re- sportsmen and sportswomen in this these communities, do not care wheth- quest, but Congress cannot determine country and for our economy. er there is a Democrat or Republican’s how that money gets spent. This provi- The time is now. I urge all Members name on the bill. All they know is they sion ensures that this administration to support this bill. want a good farm bill that allows them and the next one must authorize, must I yield the floor and suggest the ab- to stay in farming. prioritize access to public lands. sence of a quorum. Farming is hard enough as it is. None My bill also reauthorizes the North The PRESIDING OFFICER. The of us has to do the farming. We ought American Wetlands Conservation Act. clerk will call the roll. to stand up and help—that we can do. This voluntary initiative provides The assistant legislative clerk pro- Mr. LEAHY. I suggest the absence of matching grants to landowners who set ceeded to call the roll. a quorum. aside critical habitat for migratory The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Mr. ROCKEFELLER. Mr. President, I birds such as ducks. Over the past 20 clerk will call the roll. ask unanimous consent that the order The bill clerk proceeded to call the years, volunteers across America have for the quorum call be rescinded. roll. completed more than 2,000 conserva- The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without Mr. TESTER. Mr. President, I ask tion projects. They protected more objection, it is so ordered. unanimous consent that the order for than 26 million acres of habitat under Under the previous order, all time the quorum call be rescinded. this successful initiative. The North has expired. The PRESIDING OFFICER (Mr. American Wetlands Conservation Act The question is on agreeing to the WHITEHOUSE). is a smart investment in both our lands motion to proceed to S. 3525. Without objection, it is so ordered. and our wildlife, and it needs to be re- Mr. ROCKEFELLER. I ask for the Mr. TESTER. Mr. President, I rise authorized. yeas and nays. today to urge support on the motion to This widely supported bill also reau- The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there a proceed to my bipartisan Sportsmen’s thorizes the Secretary of the Interior sufficient second? There appears to be Act. Outdoor traditions are a deep and to reevaluate the price of duck stamps a sufficient second. There is a suffi- important part of our heritage in Mon- to keep up with inflation. Revenue cient second. tana and across our Nation. from duck stamps has been used to pur- The clerk will call the roll. Two years ago, when I became chair chase and release more than 6 million The assistant legislative clerk called of the Congressional Sportsmen’s Cau- acres of wetlands, preserving a viable the roll.

VerDate Mar 15 2010 23:33 Feb 08, 2013 Jkt 029060 PO 00000 Frm 00012 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\RECORD12\NOVEMBER\S13NO2.REC S13NO2 mmaher on DSK5VPTVN1PROD with CONG-REC-ONLINE November 13, 2012 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S6727 Mr. DURBIN. I announce that the outrageous response back, as if we are language proposed to be stricken by amend- Senator from Alaska (Mr. BEGICH) and still in the Presidential election, say- ment No. 2875. the Senator from Rhode Island (Mr. ing we want this many amendments. The amendment is as follows: REED) are necessarily absent. We are not going to have that many At the end, add the following new section: I further announce that, if present amendments. This is a bipartisan bill. SEC. lll. and voting, the Senator from Rhode Is- People are going to have an oppor- This title shall become effective 5 days land (Mr. REED) would vote ‘‘nay.’’ tunity to vote for or against the bill. If after enactment. Mr. KYL. The following Senator is they want to kill the bill, they can. It Mr. REID. I ask for the yeas and nays necessarily absent: the Senator from is one of the most popular bills we did on that amendment. Illinois (Mr. KIRK). all last Congress. We didn’t do many, The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there a The PRESIDING OFFICER (Mr. BEN- but this is one that was popular. sufficient second? There appears to be NET). Are there any other Senators in I cannot imagine why we are trying a sufficient second. the Chamber desiring to vote? to refight an election that took place 1 The yeas and nays were ordered. The result was announced—yeas 92, week ago. The clerk is going to report AMENDMENT NO. 2879 TO AMENDMENT NO. 2878 nays 5, as follows: the substitute amendment. Mr. REID. I have a second-degree [Rollcall Vote No. 201 Leg.] AMENDMENT NO. 2875 amendment at the desk. YEAS—92 (Purpose: In the nature of a sub- The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Akaka Graham Mikulski stitute.) clerk will report. Alexander Grassley Moran Mr. REID. I have a perfecting amend- The legislative clerk read as follows: Ayotte Hagan Murkowski ment at the desk. EID Barrasso Harkin Murray The Senator from Nevada [Mr. R ] pro- Baucus Hatch Nelson (NE) The PRESIDING OFFICER. The poses an amendment numbered No. 2879 to Bennet Heller Nelson (FL) clerk will report. amendment No. 2878. Bingaman Hoeven Portman The legislative clerk read as follows: The amendment is as follows: Blumenthal Hutchison Pryor The Senator from Nevada [Mr. REID], for Blunt Inhofe Reid In the amendment, strike ‘‘5 days’’ and in- Mr. TESTER, proposes an amendment num- Boozman Inouye Risch sert ‘‘4 days’’. Brown (MA) Isakson bered 2875. Roberts MOTION TO COMMIT WITH AMENDMENT NO. 2880 Brown (OH) Johanns Rockefeller The text of the amendment is printed Burr Johnson (WI) Mr. REID. I have a motion to commit Rubio Cantwell Johnson (SD) in today’s RECORD under ‘‘Text of Sanders the bill with instructions. Cardin Kerry Amendments.’’ Schumer The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Carper Klobuchar Mr. REID. I ask for the yeas and Casey Kohl Shaheen clerk will report. Chambliss Kyl Shelby nays. The legislative clerk read as follows: Snowe The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there a Coats Landrieu The Senator from Nevada [Mr. REID] moves Cochran Lautenberg Stabenow sufficient second? There appears to be Tester to commit the bill (S. 3525) to the Committee Collins Leahy a sufficient second. Conrad Lee Thune on Energy, with instructions to report back Coons Levin Toomey The yeas and nays were ordered. with the following amendment numbered Corker Lieberman Udall (CO) AMENDMENT NO. 2876 TO AMENDMENT NO. 2875 2880. Udall (NM) Cornyn Lugar Mr. REID. I now have a first-degree The amendment is as follows: Crapo Manchin Vitter Durbin McCain Warner amendment at the desk. At the end, adding the following new sec- Enzi McCaskill Webb The PRESIDING OFFICER. The tion: Feinstein McConnell Whitehouse clerk will report. SEC. lll. Franken Menendez Wicker This Act shall become effective 3 days Gillibrand Merkley Wyden The legislative clerk read as follows: The Senator from Nevada [Mr. REID] pro- after enactment. NAYS—5 poses an amendment numbered No. 2876 to Mr. REID. I ask for the yeas and nays Boxer DeMint Sessions amendment No. 2875. on that motion. Coburn Paul The amendment is as follows: The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there a NOT VOTING—3 At the end, add the following new section: sufficient second? There appears to be Begich Kirk Reed SEC. lll. a sufficient second. The motion was agreed to. This Act shall become effective 7 days The yeas and nays were ordered. after enactment. VOTE EXPLANATION AMENDMENT NO. 2881 Mr. REID. I ask for the yeas and nays ∑ Mr. REED. Mr. President, I was nec- Mr. REID. I have an amendment to on that amendment. essarily absent for this vote due to a the instructions that is also at the The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there a flight delay caused by mechanical desk. sufficient second? problems. Had I been present, I would The PRESIDING OFFICER. The There appears to be a sufficient sec- have voted no.∑ clerk will report. ond. The PRESIDING OFFICER. The ma- The legislative clerk read as follows: The yeas and nays were ordered. jority leader. The Senator from Nevada [Mr. REID] pro- AMENDMENT NO. 2877 TO AMENDMENT NO. 2876 poses an amendment numbered 2881 to the f Mr. REID. I have a second-degree instructions to commit S. 3525. SPORTSMEN’S ACT OF 2012 amendment at the desk. The amendment is as follows: Mr. REID. Mr. President, on behalf of The PRESIDING OFFICER. The In the amendment, strike ‘‘3 days’’ and in- Senator TESTER, I have a substitute clerk will report. sert ‘‘2 days’’. amendment which is at the desk. The legislative clerk read as follows: Mr. REID. I ask for the yeas and nays The PRESIDING OFFICER. The The Senator from Nevada [Mr. REID] pro- on that amendment. clerk will report the bill by title. poses an amendment numbered 2877 to The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there a The assistant legislative clerk read amendment No. 2876. sufficient second? There appears to be as follows: The amendment is as follows: a sufficient second. A bill (S. 3525) to protect and enhance op- In the amendment, strike ‘‘7 days’’ and in- The yeas and nays were ordered. portunities for recreational hunting, fishing, sert ‘‘6 days’’. AMENDMENT NO. 2882 TO AMENDMENT NO. 2881 and shooting, and for other purposes. AMENDMENT NO. 2878 Mr. REID. I have a second-degree Mr. REID. Mr. President, it is a Mr. REID. I have an amendment at amendment. shame. We have a bill that is bipar- the desk to the language that is pro- The PRESIDING OFFICER. The tisan. Cloture has already been invoked posed to be stricken. clerk will report. on it. We are on the bill. Why in the The PRESIDING OFFICER. The The legislative clerk read as follows: world can’t we just finish this bill, clerk will report. The Senator from Nevada [Mr. REID] pro- have a couple amendments and go on? The legislative clerk read as follows: poses an amendment numbered 2882 to I am going to go ahead. I am going to The Senator from Nevada [Mr. REID] pro- amendment No. 2881. fill the tree. I am sure I will get some poses an amendment numbered 2878 to the The amendment is as follows:

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