April 23, 2012 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S2587 Harkin Lugar Rockefeller mail processing facilities would have up, benefits continue to slip away, Hatch Manchin Rubio on their communities. I have heard hours are getting cut, and job security Heller McCaskill Sanders Hoeven McConnell Schumer from State and local leaders about the is eroding. That is why I was very glad Hutchison Menendez Sessions impact of closing the mail processing that at the end of last year, the NLRB Inhofe Merkley Shaheen facilities in Duluth and Bemidji. I have voted to adopt modest commonsense Isakson Mikulski Shelby heard from farmers who actually get rules that would make it easier for Johanns Moran Snowe Johnson (SD) Murkowski workers to fight for fair treatment in Stabenow their goods and ship their products Johnson (WI) Murray Tester through those mail processing centers. the workplace and help bring NLRB Kerry Nelson (NE) Thune That is why I have worked with Sen- into the 21st century. Klobuchar Nelson (FL) Kohl Paul Udall (CO) ator SANDERS and roughly 25 of my col- These new rules aren’t going to solve Kyl Portman Udall (NM) leagues in the Senate, including Sen- every problem, but they are a step in Warner Landrieu Pryor URBIN the right direction and will help work- Webb ator D —one-fourth of the entire Lautenberg Reed ers and families across the country. Leahy Reid Whitehouse Senate—to negotiate changes to this Levin Risch Wicker original bill. I thank Chairman LIEBER- The new NLRB rules will strengthen Lieberman Roberts Wyden MAN and Senators COLLINS and CARPER and streamline the voting process by NAYS—1 for their great leadership. I am glad reducing unnecessary litigation and in- tentional delays. It will streamline Lee about some of the changes they have made. pre- and postelection procedures, and it NOT VOTING—7 The substitute amendment would, in will facilitate the use of electronic Casey Kirk Vitter fact, keep at a minimum 100 mail proc- communications and document filing. DeMint McCain Those are all commonsense steps that Inouye Toomey essing plants that are currently sched- uled to close, and they would remain should not be controversial. The nomination was confirmed. open for at least 3 years. Overnight de- I am extremely disappointed that The PRESIDING OFFICER. Under livery standards in regional areas will Senate Republicans want to now elimi- the previous order, the motion to re- be protected. A large number of rural nate these rules and roll back the clock consider is considered made and laid post offices that are being studied for on worker protections. The resolution upon the table, and the President will closure will remain open. we are going to vote on would elimi- be immediately notified of the Senate’s I am a cosponsor of the amendment nate steps to standardize and add action. to the legislation that would provide transparency to the employee election f important safeguards before closing process. It would eliminate steps that LEGISLATIVE SESSION mail processing facilities, and I have reduce frivolous litigation and create a also cosponsored the McCaskill- more cohesive and productive work- The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- Merkley amendment that would estab- place for workers and businesses. It ate will now resume legislative session. lish a 2-year moratorium on closing will fundamentally weaken NLRB proc- The Senator from Minnesota. rural post offices and recognize the esses and procedures that workers and f concerns of rural residents. businesses rely on when they are try- VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN REAU- There is no doubt that changes need ing to settle disputes. It is bad for business, bad for working THORIZATION ACT OF 2011—MO- to be made to the Postal Service to families, and it should not pass. Work- TION TO PROCEED—Continued make it more competitive in the dig- ital world. I think a lot of those ers across this country deserve a fair POSTAL REFORM changes are contained in the substitute process in the workplace. The NLRB Ms. KLOBUCHAR. Madam President, amendment. We can even make it rule this resolution would eliminate re- I rise to discuss the importance of ad- stronger. I strongly believe we can moves some of the unfair and unneces- dressing the financial challenges now reach a balance that makes necessary sary roadblocks so many workers face facing the U.S. Postal Service and our reforms, while maintaining the quick every day. I have to say that while we critical need to ensure that it remains service on which Americans have come are discussing this issue, I want to ex- a strong and reliable resource for the to rely. press my disappointment and anger at people of our country. I yield the floor. the recent report from the inspector The American Postal Service was The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- general about improper and politicized created over two centuries ago as a ator from Washington. activities by a current Republican function of the Federal Government, NLRB RULES member of the NLRB board, an indi- acknowledged in the U.S. Constitution. Mrs. MURRAY. Madam President, I vidual who previously worked for an- In those last 220 years, the way we send come to the Senate floor this evening other board member who is a former mail and exchange correspondence has to express my strong opposition to the staffer for a Republican Member of the changed dramatically. We no longer resolution of disapproval filed by Sen- Senate. That report details multiple need a stamp or an envelope; we can ate Republicans that seeks to overturn instances of ethics misconduct, includ- just shoot an e-mail or sign onto critical new NLRB rules that will pro- ing the sharing of confidential infor- Facebook. tect workers across America. I strong- mation with outside parties. I am hope- But even with all these changes, the ly urge my colleagues to oppose it. ful that issue will be fully investigated. fact remains that no matter who you Some of our colleagues on the other I am deeply worried about the actions are or where you live, odds are that the side of the aisle frequently complain some people will take to undermine an post office plays a vital role in your about how we spend our time on the agency with a mission to protect the daily life. Seniors rely on the Postal Senate floor. Today, I have to say I am rights of workers and employers. And Service to receive their medications, disappointed that we are being forced honestly, I find it to be a sad state- businesses rely on it to ship and re- to spend valuable time on this issue. ment about the nature of our politics ceive goods, and countless jobs hinge Middle-class families across America today, because the NLRB is doing a lot on its services, both directly and indi- are continuing to struggle in this very of good work for workers in America rectly. tough economy, and it is hard to un- and it shouldn’t be tarnished with this No matter how far we have come derstand why Senate Republicans want sort of ethics issue. with technology in this digital age, to spend time attacking an agency’s This agency has borne the brunt of there are some things that simply can- mission to protect workers and em- political attacks over the last year not be sent by e-mail. That is why reli- ployers and is critical to protecting ac- from special interest groups and elect- able timely mail service is something cess to the middle class for workers ed officials trying to score political all Americans should be able to count and families. points at the expense of workers and on. Thankfully, as we all know, our econ- families. Many of these attacks have I have heard from numerous people in omy seems to be stepping back from been inaccurate; many have been un- my State about the negative impact the precipice. But for so many workers fair. Some have used the case involving the closure of certain post offices or today paychecks still have not caught Boeing and workers in my home State

VerDate Mar 15 2010 05:17 Apr 24, 2012 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00029 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A23AP6.035 S23APPT1 jbell on DSK7SPTVN1PROD with SENATE S2588 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE April 23, 2012 of Washington to weaken the agency, specific time period and it does not Thunman, one of my neighbors in even while the NLRB work is what al- deny companies the opportunity to ex- Springfield, was a graduate of Spring- lowed the two sides to come together press their opinion about union rep- field High School and enlisted in the and find a solution to that challenge. resentation. The only real impact of Navy. He worked his way up to the So I think this is wrong and these at- the rule changes will be to better pro- rank of vice admiral in the U.S. Navy tacks should end. tect workers’ right to make a deter- and at one point commanded our sub- The NLRB election rules are modest, mination for themselves through a rea- marine fleet. To think of this young they are commonsense steps toward a sonable fair timely election. man from the middle of the Midwest fairer system for workers and busi- The NLRB rules create a uniform ending up in charge of our submarine nesses and will help us move toward a process for resolving pre- and post-elec- fleet is a great testament to his ability system that works for everyone, and tion disputes to provide consistency and to the opportunity the Navy gave they will help make sure our workers and remove unnecessary obstacles to him to serve his country. can simply exercise their rights to bar- workers’ right to vote. When Admiral Thunman got up to re- gain for fair wages, for benefits and eq- NLRB hearing officers will be em- ceive his award—this Lincoln Award— uitable treatment under the law. That powered to dismiss claims that would he said: I stand here humbled by the is what our workers expect, it is what not impact the election. At the pre- memory of my father who was an ille- they deserve, and it is what the NLRB election hearing, employers and unions gal immigrant to this country from is working to deliver. can raise their concerns about the peti- Norway, who came here jumping off a Once again, I urge our colleagues to tion, but they can’t play games to stall ship as a sailor and lived in the United vote against that resolution of dis- the election. States illegally until the time he was approval. It is the wrong way to go for The rules consolidates the pre-elec- prepared to volunteer to serve our Na- workers. It is the wrong way to go for tion and post-election appeals into a tion in World War II. businesses and for the middle class. single postelection procedure, which Admiral Thunman tells that story Madam President, I yield the floor. saves the parties from having to file over and over. What a reminder it is The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- and brief appeals that may be costly that the sons and daughters of immi- ator from Illinois. and useless based on the outcome of grants to this country, as well as those Mr. DURBIN. Madam President, let the election. immigrants themselves, literally made me join in the remarks by the Senator The new rules make Board review of America what it is today. from Washington. This National Labor the regional directors’ decisions discre- One hundred one years ago, my Relations Board rule which will be tionary. This change will require par- mother arrived on a boat from Lith- voted on by the Senate tomorrow is ties to identify compelling reason for uania. Her boat came to Baltimore, one that was needed. The rule change Board review, allowing the Board to de- MD, and my grandmother took herself, was needed and the attempt on the vote its limited time to cases where its her sister, and brother, to East St. floor, of course, is to undo this decision review is warranted. Louis, IL, where I grew up many years by the National Labor Relations Board. The new rules apply to both elections later. That is my story. It is an Amer- If they say justice is denied, look at seeking to certify a union and elections ican story that is repeated over and the current situation when it comes to seeking to decertify a union. Further, over. Immigrants are part of America. a vote by workers on collective bar- the new rules do not alter in any way It is the diversity of America that gaining. If delayed at every potential an employer’s ability to communicate gives us our strength. opportunity, and sometimes it hap- with workers during the election pe- Those who hate and loathe immi- pens, workers have to wait, on aver- riod and do not require that elections grants have always been here. Probably age—average—198 days—that is 61⁄2 be held within a certain period of time. as soon as the Mayflower landed, they months—to have a simple vote deciding In the view of organized labor, these looked over their shoulder and said, We if they would be represented by the rules, even in their scaled back form, hope nobody else is coming. But the union. In some extreme cases they are one of few positive actions taken fact is people have been coming from have been forced to wait 13 years for by Congress or the administration in all over the world, and they still would the right to vote on collective bar- the last year. Unions argue that the old rather come to this country than leave gaining. rules are subject to manipulation, it, which is quite a testament to this One in five workers who openly advo- causing significant pre-election delay Nation. Senator LIEBERMAN made that cate for unions during an election cam- and leading to petitions being with- point on the floor the other day. paign is fired. As a result of these tac- drawn prior to an election or avoidance This week, the Supreme Court is tics, 35 percent of workers give up and of Board processes altogether. If an em- going to take up an important question withdraw from the election before a ployer takes advantage of every oppor- on immigration—the Arizona law. vote is held. The proposed NLRB rule tunity for delay, the average time be- Under the Arizona law, any undocu- changes will remove unnecessary fore workers vote is 198 days. mented immigrant can be arrested and delays to the process, cut down on un- Business groups are opposed to the charged with a State crime—an Ari- necessary litigation, and provide work- new NLRB rules arguing it will limit zona crime—solely on the basis of their ers a meaningful vote in a reasonable their ability to present their side in an immigration status. It is a crime for an period of time. The proposed rules will election. Most of their points against illegal immigrant in Arizona to fail to apply the same way to workers at- the rule relate to provisions of the pro- carry documents proving their legal tempting to decertify a union as they posed rule that were not included in status under this law. Under our Con- do to workers trying to form a union. the final rule. Their position also stitution, States don’t have the right So from the business side, if they think stems from general opposition to the to pass their own laws preempting Fed- workers no longer wish to belong to a NLRB for the now settled Boeing issue, eral laws on immigration. That is why union, there will be a timely vote on new worker rights posting require- the Justice Department filed the case that as well. It applies the same way to ments, the President’s NLRB recess ap- the Supreme Court will hear this week. unions and employers. pointments, and other NLRB decisions. Let us be clear. It is wrong to crim- This rule is fundamentally fair, and IMMIGRATION inalize people because of their immi- that is why I encourage my colleagues Mr. DURBIN. Madam President, this gration status. That is not the way we to join with me and Senator MURRAY Wednesday the Supreme Court will treat immigrants in America. It is not and many others in voting against this hear a challenge to Arizona’s con- right to make criminals of people who effort by Senator ENZI to overturn the troversial immigration law. I thought go to work every day, cook our food, proposed National Labor Relations about this law over the weekend in clean our hotel rooms, care for our Board rule. Springfield, IL. There is an annual aging parents in nursing homes, and As I said earlier, Madam President, event where a special award is given to care for our children as well. It is not the rule applies the same way to those sons and daughters of Illinois right to make criminals of those who unions and employers. But it does not who have given great service to our worship with us in our churches, syna- require that elections be held within a State and Nation. Admiral Ron gogues, and mosques, and people who

VerDate Mar 15 2010 03:23 Apr 24, 2012 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00030 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G23AP6.055 S23APPT1 jbell on DSK7SPTVN1PROD with SENATE April 23, 2012 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S2589 send their children to the same schools the inappropriate actions of a few, who ceived an internship to work on the as our children. engage in racial profiling, create mis- NASA space station. But after she Here is the reality. This approach trust and suspicion, and that hurts all graduated, reality set in. Because that Arizona law suggests will not help police officers. The evidence clearly Dulce is undocumented—one of the combat illegal immigration. Law en- demonstrates that racial profiling Dreamers—she can’t work as an engi- forcement doesn’t have the time or re- doesn’t solve crimes, it doesn’t work, neer in America. She can’t become li- sources to prosecute and incarcerate and that is what Chief of Police Ron censed in any State. She has no coun- millions of people. Making undocu- Davis told us as well. That is why so try. mented immigrants into criminals will many law enforcement leaders strongly In 2008, Dulce cofounded the Arizona simply drive them farther into the oppose racial profiling and the Arizona DREAM Act Coalition, an organization shadows. The Arizona Association of immigration law. of more than 200 DREAM Act students Chiefs of Police took a look at the new Instead of measures that harm law in predicaments like hers. She con- Arizona law and came out in opposition enforcement and promote racial tinues to volunteer at the high school to it. They said it makes it more dif- profiling, such as the Arizona immigra- she attended. Today, Dulce is 27 years ficult for them to maintain order and tion law, we need to support practical old. Last week, this amazing young enforce law in Arizona. Immigrants, solutions to fix America’s broken im- woman was named one of the hundred because of this law, the chiefs of police migration system. And if I could say most influential people in the world by have said, will be much less likely to one word in defense of Arizona, it is the Time magazine. cooperate, and they need their coopera- fact that our failure—Congress’s fail- Time published a profile of Dulce tion to continue to fight crime. ure, Washington’s failure—to deal with written by the actress Eva Longoria. There is another troubling aspect of immigration has brought on this effort Here is what the profile said: the Arizona immigration law. Accord- by many States and localities. We have Dulce represents the finest of her genera- ing to experts, the law encourages ra- our own responsibility. tion, an undocumented Latina confronted cial profiling. I chair the Senate Judi- Let me tell you where I think we with legal barriers to pursuing her engineer- ciary Committee’s Subcommittee on should start. We should start our re- ing dream. She chose to fight for the right to Constitution, Civil Rights, and Human form on immigration with the DREAM contribute to the country she has called Rights. Last week, at a hearing on ra- Act. Eleven years ago, I introduced home since she was very young. Dulce takes cial profiling, we had the first hearing this bill, legislation that allows a se- on powerful opponents with grace and con- viction, saying, ‘‘We are Americans, and on the subject since 9/11/2001. One of the lect group of immigrant students with Americans don’t give up.’’ subjects we examined at the hearing is great potential to contribute to Amer- Dulce is right. Americans don’t give the state of Federal, State, and local ica. The DREAM Act would give these up. We have been fighting for the measures in recent years under the students a chance to earn legal status, DREAM Act now for 11 years. We are guise of combating illegal immigration and ultimately citizenship, if they not going to give up until it is signed that have subjected Hispanic Ameri- came to the United States as children into law by a President of the United cans to an increase in racial profiling. or have been long-term U.S. residents States. I am honored that this Presi- The Arizona immigration law is a with good moral character, have grad- dent, President Barack Obama, when prime example, and let me explain uated from high school and have com- he was a Senator was a cosponsor of why. pleted 2 years of college or military Arizona’s law requires police officers service in good standing. my legislation. I know where his heart to check the immigration status of any Russell Pearce, the author of the Ari- is when it comes to the DREAM Act. individual if they have ‘‘reasonable zona immigration law, had this to say Unlike the Arizona immigration law, suspicion’’ the person is undocu- about the DREAM Act, and I quote: the DREAM Act is a practical solution to a serious problem with our broken mented. What is the basis for reason- The DREAM Act is one of the greatest leg- able suspicion? Arizona’s guidance on islative threats to America’s sovereignty, immigration system. I hope the Su- the law tells police officers to consider national security and economic future. preme Court will strike down the Ari- factors such as how someone is dressed Well, I see it differently, and so do zona immigration law, and I again beg and their ability to communicate in people such as GEN Colin Powell and my colleagues to support the DREAM English. former Defense Secretary Robert Act. It is the right thing to do, and it Two former Arizona attorneys gen- Gates. They support the DREAM Act will make America a stronger nation. eral, joined by 42 other former State because it would make America a Madam President, I yield the floor. attorneys general, filed a brief in the stronger Nation, giving these talented The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- Arizona case and they said ‘‘applica- immigrants a chance to serve our mili- ator from Ohio. tion of the law requires racial tary and to improve and contribute to Mr. BROWN of Ohio. Madam Presi- profiling.’’ our economy. Tens of thousands of dent, I ask unanimous consent to speak One of the witnesses in our hearing highly qualified, well-educated young as if in morning business for up to 10 was Ron Davis, chief of police at East people would enlist in the armed serv- minutes. Palo Alto, CA. Chief Davis, along with ices if the DREAM Act becomes law. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without 16 other current and former chief law Studies have found DREAM Act par- objection, it is so ordered. enforcement officers, the Major Cities ticipants would contribute literally GI BILL CONSUMER AWARENESS Chiefs of Police Association, and the trillions of dollars to the U.S. economy Mr. BROWN of Ohio. Madam Presi- Police Executive Research Forum, filed during their working lives. dent, late last month I brought to a brief in the Arizona case. Here is The best way to understand the need Washington 55 or so college presidents what the brief filed by the chiefs of po- for the DREAM Act is to meet the from Ohio—presidents of 2-year and 4- lice in the Arizona case before the Su- Dreamers. Today I want to introduce year private and public colleges and preme Court said: you to a Dreamer from Arizona. Here universities—to discuss a whole host of The statutory standard of ‘‘reasonable sus- she is. Her name is Dulce Matuz. She issues. One subject that always comes picion’’ of unlawful presence in the United was brought to the United States by up when you talk about young people, States will as a practical matter produce a her parents from Mexico as a young when you talk about college, when you focus on minorities, and specifically Latinos. child. At Carl Hayden High School in talk about universities, is access to Let me be clear: I believe—and I Phoenix, AZ, Dulce became a dedicated higher education, that far too many of think most Americans share this be- member of the school’s robotics club our young people simply can’t afford to lief—the vast majority of law enforce- where she found her true love—engi- go to college. ment officers in America perform their neering. My wife, a graduate of Kent State jobs admirably and courageously. When She went on to graduate from Ari- some 30 years ago, was privileged in they wake up in the morning and put zona State University, and we see her those days even though nobody in her that badge on, they literally put their standing here with the mascot. She family had ever gone to college. Her lives on the line for you, for me, and earned a bachelor’s degree in electrical dad carried a union card, was a utility for all of us in America. Unfortunately, engineering. As a senior, Dulce re- worker in Ashtabula, OH, working as a

VerDate Mar 15 2010 03:23 Apr 24, 2012 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00031 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G23AP6.056 S23APPT1 jbell on DSK7SPTVN1PROD with SENATE S2590 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE April 23, 2012 maintenance worker in a local power- Senate passed I believe 3 years ago, has Stafford loan and avoiding the interest plant. She was able to go to school be- begun to help large numbers of vet- rate jump that is scheduled to take cause in those days college was more erans again. Unfortunately, service- place. And I would point out that had accessible—Pell grants, some loans, members and veterans are often ag- we passed the so-called Buffett rule bill tuition was significantly lower—and gressively recruited by some edu- so that Americans who earn well over she was able to be the first in her fam- cational institutions that use mis- $1 million a year would actually all pay ily to go to college, and she went to leading information. For instance, if a fair share of taxes, that would have Kent State University. Today it is you visit the Web site gibill.com, it di- created somewhere between $47 billion much harder. Tuition is far too high. rects a veteran to enter his or her per- and $163 billion in revenues, and that Pell grants haven’t kept up with the sonal and contact information to ob- would readily pay for keeping the stu- cost of education the way they might tain information about the GI bill’s dent loan rate down. So I hope we can have 30 years ago. educational benefits. It looks just like find another way to do it, but that One of the options we have, the sub- a government Web site, but it is not. It would have been one good way. sidized Stafford loan, which is avail- turns around and sells that veteran’s The reason I am on the floor this able to students based on need and is information, often to for-profit col- evening is because I was at Wickford often the main pathway to college for a leges. Junction in Rhode Island earlier today, number of them, is under stress, if you Earlier today, I was welcomed at a where a new commuter rail station has will. If we do nothing, if Congress VFW post in Cleveland by Jason been built, largely through the energy doesn’t do anything, the interest on Plezko, the commander of that post. I and effort of my senior Senator, JACK these critical loans will double for bor- met with Brad Sonenstein, a U.S. Air REED, over many years. Secretary rowers beginning July 1, 2012. So the Force veteran now studying at Kent LaHood, the U.S. Secretary of Trans- interest rates will actually double on State, and Joshua Rider, the assistant portation, came to be present at that those students if Congress does noth- director of the Center for Adult and event, and that reminded me, of course, ing. The interest rate right now is 3.4 Veteran Services at Kent State Univer- of the highway bill, which is probably percent. That is why they are called sity. Brad explained how he was inun- the biggest jobs bill we could pass here subsidized Stafford loans. dated with offers and letters when he in Congress. We know that investing in our young was exploring how to utilize his well- We tend to talk a good game on jobs. people this way, giving them an oppor- earned GI benefits. Those offers over- Recently, we even referred to a bill as tunity to go to college, which they whelmingly came from for-profit col- a JOBS bill. It had kind of a trick: It couldn’t otherwise, could make such a leges. He said they were more inter- was actually called Jumpstart Our difference in their lives. A number of ested in their own bottom line than Business Startups, J-O-B-S. They made people don’t want to go to college. helping those who served in the front an acronym so that it sounded like a That is fine. Those who want to go lines. That is simply not right. jobs bill when what it really did was to should have that opportunity. No one is in a better position to allow people to market stocks without Student debt in this country has make a decision as to what is best for the usual safeguards that protect in- reached about $870 billion, exceeding them as a veteran than the veteran vestors and consumers. credit cards and auto loans. As more herself or the veteran himself. We can So we do a lot to try to convince peo- and more students continue to enroll play a role in assisting them. The GI ple we are working on jobs here in Con- in higher education, balances are ex- Bill Consumer Awareness Act provides gress, but the one bill that indis- pected to continue climbing. This veterans with more and better informa- putably is really going to be helpful to means fewer of our young adults will tion about their benefits, calls for im- the American economy to provide jobs be able to buy a home, start a business, proved education counseling, and gives would be the highway bill that the Sen- or continue on to graduate school. Al- colleges new resources to hire people ate passed—2.9 billion jobs protected or ready, students graduate from 4-year such as Joshua Rider to help returning created. In my State of Rhode Island, colleges and universities in Ohio with, veterans. It requires all institutions of it is 9,000 jobs, and I promise you we on average, about $27,000 in student higher education to disclose critical in- could use those 9,000 jobs in Rhode Is- loan debt. If the interest rates double, formation, such as the average student land right now. The bill passed the it will add another $2,000 in debt for the loan debt, the transferability of cred- Senate with flying colors, with every average borrower and as much as an its, and accurate job-placement data. kind of credit you could associate with additional $5,000 for the neediest bor- We do that at our State universities. a piece of legislation. It passed 74 to 22. rower on subsidized Stafford student We do that at most of our not-for-prof- A 75th Senator indicated that he would loans. A number in this institution in it private schools. We do that at our 2- have supported it but he was called out the Senate on the Democratic side are year community colleges. of town for a funeral. And obviously, trying to convince our colleagues how Those using the GI bill tend to be with a 74-to-22 lopsided vote, his vote important it is that we stop this inter- older than the average student popu- was not necessary. But, in effect, 75 est rate from doubling. We must act be- lation. They choose to serve our Na- Senators are on record supporting that fore July 1. tion, often right out of high school bill, which in this Senate, as everybody Just as we have an obligation to keep rather than going straight to college. knows, is a considerable landslide of a college affordable for middle-class Because of this many have families and majority. Americans and working-class Ameri- careers and other challenges their Now, 2.9 million jobs is a serious cans, we have as great an obligation to classmates don’t have. Giving our vet- thing in this economy, with 9,000 in keep college accessible to American erans the tools to make the best pos- Rhode Island that we desperately need. veterans. This year more than 500,000 sible decisions benefits all of them. And the bill left not only with the sup- servicemembers and veterans are ex- That is the importance of the GI Bill port of a unanimous Environment and pected to take advantage of the post-9/ Consumer Awareness Act. Public Works committee, where it 11 GI bill, a bill we passed out of the I particularly thank Senator MUR- came from originally—and I commend Veterans’ Affairs Committee to ensure RAY, chair of the Veterans’ Committee, both Senator BOXER and Senator that all veterans could afford the rising for her work on this legislation. This INHOFE, the chair and the ranking cost of college. The VA is expected to body should pass it immediately. member, for pulling that together. As spend some $11 billion in education Madam President, I yield the floor. people who watch the Senate know, benefits and other GI bill benefits this The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- Senator BOXER and Senator INHOFE year alone. ator from Rhode Island. come from rather different political We know in the 1940s and 1950s what SURFACE TRANSPORTATION ACT persuasions, and yet they were able to the first GI bill did—signed near the Mr. WHITEHOUSE. Madam Presi- agree on this and bring a bill out of end of World War II—how it created a dent, I would like to first express my committee unanimously. whole generation of prosperity and a appreciation to the Senator from Ohio It then came to the floor and went strong middle class. We know that the for his work on these education issues, forward. We had 5 weeks of floor de- GI Bill of Rights, which the House and particularly the importance of the bate. We added 40 amendments either

VerDate Mar 15 2010 03:26 Apr 24, 2012 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00032 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G23AP6.058 S23APPT1 jbell on DSK7SPTVN1PROD with SENATE April 23, 2012 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S2591 by vote or agreement. It was very bi- This is important to Rhode Island. As These statistics mean domestic vio- partisan, it was very transparent, and I said, we desperately need these high- lence and sexual assault and stalking we ended up with that 75-to-22 expres- way jobs. So I am going to continue, are still problems in America. As far as sion of support by the Senate for that along with many of my colleagues, we have come, we can still do better. bill. coming to the Senate floor to put the That is why it is such a good thing that There was a rather different story on pressure on to do something that is we passed the Violence Against Women the House side. They knew the March very simple: pass a highway bill. This Act reauthorization out of our Judici- 31 deadline was approaching—it had is not complicated. We have been doing ary Committee and the bill now has been a matter of law for a long time— it since Eisenhower was President, and the support of 61 Senators, including 8 and they blew the deadline. They had the fact that we can’t do it now says a Republicans. I am hopeful we will be no bill going into it. They tried several lot about the capacity for governance able to pass this bill quickly after we times to come up with something, and of the House of Representatives under take it up later this week. It has taken they couldn’t do a thing. They had no this Speaker. too long. bill at all. Madam President, I yield the floor. Combating domestic violence and So without a bill, one would hope The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- sexual assault is an issue on which we they could have passed the Senate bill. ator from Minnesota. should all be able to agree. Many of the They certainly had the votes. All they POSTAL SERVICE REFORM provisions in the reauthorization bill had to do was call it up and pass it. Ms. KLOBUCHAR. Madam President, make important changes to the current Democrats and Republicans would have after our work on this important bill law. The bill consolidates duplicative voted for it, and we would be getting to reform the Postal Service is com- programs and streamlines others. It those jobs out there right now. Instead, plete, we will be turning to another im- provides greater flexibility in the use they had no bill, and they chose to pass portant bill, one that has a long his- of grant money by adding more ‘‘pur- an extension. The extension is actually tory of bipartisan support. That bill, pose areas’’ to the list of allowable pretty harmful. They actually passed the Violence Against Women Act, is a uses. It has new training requirements two, and they are both harmful. law that has literally changed the way for people providing legal assistance to The first short-term extension—I we think about violence against women victims, and it takes important steps spoke to my DOT director in Rhode Is- in the United States. to address the disproportionately high land. He was at Wickford Junction as The Violence Against Women Act is domestic violence rates in the Native well, and we have done a couple of one of the great legislative success sto- American communities. other events in the past week or so to ries of this generation. Since it was The bill also fills some gaps in the try to bring attention to this. He has a first passed in 1994—and I will tell you system. I am pleased to say it includes list of roughly 95 or 96 projects they that then-Senator BIDEN was involved legislation I introduced with Senator want to get done in Rhode Island in the in drafting that legislation and led HUTCHISON to address high-tech stalk- summer building season, the highway that effort, he and someone we miss ing, cases where the stalker uses tech- construction season. He estimates that very dearly in Minnesota, Paul nology such as the Internet, video sur- probably 40 of those jobs are going to Wellstone. He and his wife Sheila were veillance, and bugging to stalk their fall off the list because they don’t also involved in getting this important victims. Sadly, we are seeing more of know what their long-term funding is, bill passed. Since that time, annual do- this. This bill will give law enforce- and they can’t commit to those jobs mestic violence rates have fallen by 50 ment better tools for cracking down on until this gets settled. So these short- percent as communities nationwide stalkers. term extensions are very harmful. have stopped looking at these issues as Just as with physical stalking, high- They cost jobs. They are job killers. family issues and started treating do- tech stalking may foreshadow more se- Yet the House has passed two of them. mestic violence and sexual assault as rious behavior down the road. It is an To make it even more complicated, the serious crimes they are. issue to take seriously, and we in law they threw on the last one—a require- Before I came to the Senate I spent 8 enforcement must be as sophisticated ment that the Keystone Pipeline be years as chief prosecutor for Min- as those who are breaking the law. bulldozed through all the regulatory nesota’s largest county, Hennepin That is why we need to update this law. and environmental reviews that are County. During that time, both preven- We also should not lose sight of the necessary. Say what you want about tion and the prosecution of domestic fact that the VAWA reauthorization the Keystone Pipeline, it is a com- violence were one of my top priorities. has strong support from law enforce- pletely contentious, controversial issue We were very proud of the Domestic ment. The Fraternal Order of Police, here in Congress. They did not make an Violence Service Center, which was the Federal Law Enforcement Officers effort to resolve it on the House side. cutting edge in the Nation, a one-stop Association, the National Sheriffs’ As- This was not something where they shop where people could go when they sociation, and the International Asso- brought people together, came to a res- were victims of domestic violence, a ciation of Chiefs of Police support this olution on the Keystone Pipeline, and place for their kids; shelters, prosecu- bill. then added it to the bill. No. They just tors would be able to charge out com- Recent events in my State have took their Republican version of it plaints, police would be there for pro- shown me and the entire population of without any effort to be bipartisan and tective orders. It was a way to help Minnesota in the worst possible way stuffed it into the highway extension. people who were at the point where just how closely domestic violence is So they have missed the chance to they thought no one was there for linked with the safety of our law en- pass really good bipartisan legislation them, for women to be able to come in forcement officers. I don’t think people out of the Senate, they have passed a and find one place that was safe for always think about that. They realize job-killing extension that is very them. when police officers are out driving on harmful to folks doing highway work As we all know, there is still a lot of the road, drunk drivers are out driving around the country, and they have work to be done. According to a recent on the road—that it is risky. Because complicated it further by throwing a survey conducted by the Centers for the police are constantly on the road. controversial issue on top. Disease Control and Prevention, 24 peo- What they don’t realize is one of the If you are serious about jobs—and I ple per minute are victims of rape, leading causes of death of officers is know we talk a lot about it in the Sen- physical violence, or stalking. Approxi- domestic violence-related incidents. ate—if you are serious about jobs, we mately one in four women has experi- A couple of months ago I attended should stop that nonsense and take up enced severe physical violence by an the funeral of Shawn Schneider, a the Senate bill and pass it in the House intimate partner at some point in their young police officer from Lake City, and get everybody to work. In the ab- lifetime, and 45 percent of the women MN. Officer Schneider died responding sence of that, we need to make sure killed in the United States every year to a domestic violence call—a 17-year- that we move to conference very quick- are killed by an intimate partner. old girl who was being abused by her ly, that we appoint conferees, and that Every year close to 17,000 people lose boyfriend. When Officer Schneider ar- we get going. their lives to domestic violence. rived at the scene, he was shot in the

VerDate Mar 15 2010 03:26 Apr 24, 2012 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00033 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G23AP6.059 S23APPT1 jbell on DSK7SPTVN1PROD with SENATE S2592 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE April 23, 2012 head. The girl survived, but Officer this raid on crime victims’ funding. I April is also Sexual Assault Aware- Schneider literally gave his life to save wish to commend Senators MIKULSKI ness Month and our bill takes the im- another. I attended that funeral, and I and HUTCHISON, the chair and ranking portant step of focusing increased at- will never forget the heartbreaking member of the Subcommittee on Com- tention on sexual assaults, including scene of his two young sons walking merce, Justice, Science of the Com- those against the most vulnerable down the church aisle with the little mittee on Appropriations for their im- among us. girl, his daughter, in a blue dress cov- portant efforts in this regard in the ap- As I listened to Senator MURRAY, ered with stars. I think it reminds all propriations bill we reported to the Senator FEINSTEIN, Senator SHAHEEN, of us that domestic violence just Senate last week. and Senator GILLIBRAND—and, as a doesn’t hurt the immediate victim, it The Senate Appropriations Com- matter of fact, I spoke with Senator hurts entire families, entire commu- mittee, on which I serve, has reported HAGAN last week about the pending nities. a bill that preserves the Crime Victims motion to proceed to the VAWA reau- This has never been a partisan bill. It Fund, and we succeeded in increasing thorization legislation—I thought how is crucial to pass this bill. We have the funding next year for victims’ com- fortunate we all are to serve with them made a lot of progress over the years, pensation and assistance to $775 mil- and with Senators MIKULSKI, BOXER, and we have been able to work across lion. To be able to increase Federal as- SNOWE, LANDRIEU, COLLINS, STABENOW, the aisle to build on VAWA’s success. sistance by $70 million from last year’s CANTWELL, MURKOWSKI, MCCASKILL, That is something that means a lot to cap is extraordinary in these economic KLOBUCHAR, and AYOTTE. In fact, 16 me, and it certainly means a lot to the times, and it is an indication here in women senators are cosponsors of our millions of people who are victims of the Senate of our commitment to Violence Against Women Reauthoriza- domestic abuse and sexual assault crime victims. This is a matter on tion Act, and their input has strength- every single year. which I have worked with Senator ened this critical legislation. I appre- I urge my colleagues to support our CRAPO as well as Senator MIKULSKI ciate their strong bipartisan support efforts to bring this bill to the floor over the years. I appreciate their lead- for this measure and their willingness quickly. We can pass it this week. We ership in this effort. to speak out time and again on the can provide desperately needed help to The Crime Victims Fund is not tax- need to pass this bill without delay. victims of domestic assault, domestic payers’ money. It comes from penalties We recently honored the senior Sen- violence, and other such crimes. and fines. It comes from wrongdoers. ator from Maryland for her services as I yield the floor. I suggest the ab- We designed it to help victims of the longest-serving woman Senator and sence of a quorum. crime. We created it as a trust fund for as the woman who has also served the The PRESIDING OFFICER. The crime victims’ needs and services. I longest in Congress. I can remember clerk will call the roll. have tried to respect the trust fund and back before 1993, when Senator Carol The assistant legislative clerk pro- to protect it, to ensure that it is used Mosely Braun became the first woman ceeded to call the roll. and available for crime victims and to serve as a member of the Senate Ju- Mr. REID. Mr. President, I ask unan- their families who depend on its sup- diciary Committee. We are fortunate imous consent that the order for the port in times of need. We all know the now to have both Senator FEINSTEIN quorum call be rescinded. States are being forced to tighten their and Senator KLOBUCHAR as active The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without belts, and when they do, victims’ serv- members of our Committee. objection, it is so ordered. ices are being cut all over the country. I remember when nine women Sen- Mr. REID. Mr. President, I ask unan- Without the Federal assistance from ators joined together to contribute to imous consent that upon disposition of this trust fund, victims’ compensation the book ‘‘Nine and Counting’’ about S. 1789 but no earlier than Wednesday, programs and victims’ assistance pro- their paths to the U.S. Senate. These April 25, the Senate adopt the motion grams and services will be unavailable women have served as role models for to proceed to Calendar No. 312, S. 1925. to many. many other young women and young The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there Another important law that girls. Even as Senator Clinton has gone objection? strengthens crime victims’ rights and on to become our Secretary of State, Without objection, it is so ordered. improves crime victims’ services is there have been other changes. Six of f currently pending before the Judiciary the nine Senators who were subjects of Committee. The Justice For All Reau- the book in 2001 still serve in this insti- MORNING BUSINESS thorization Act strengthens the rights tution today. They have been joined by Mr. REID. Mr. President, I ask unan- guaranteed to crime victims in the nine additional women Senators from imous consent that the Senate now criminal justice process and ensures around the country. This book, ‘‘Nine proceed to a period of morning business that basic services, like the rapid test- and Counting,’’ was a title for looking with Senators permitted to speak for ing of rape kits, help victims receive to the future. Today, 17 women serve in up to 10 minutes each. the justice, safety, and closure they de- the U.S. Senate. That is a great step The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without serve. I look forward to working with forward. They have farther to go, of objection, it is so ordered. Senators from both sides of the aisle to course, but it is a lot better than when Mr. LEAHY. Mr. President, today move that legislation forward as well. I came to the Senate when we had no marks the beginning of the 31st annual Currently pending before the Senate women serving. Sixteen of them have National Crime Victims’ Rights Week. is the majority leader’s motion to pro- joined from both sides of the aisle to It is a time to recognize the losses ceed against the Violence Against bring their leadership and their strong faced by victims of crimes and their Women’s Act, S. 1925. I introduced this support, but also their experience, to families and to acknowledge the efforts legislation with Senator CRAPO last the Violence Against Women Reauthor- being made to help them recover and year. We have 61 bipartisan cosponsors ization Act. rebuild their lives in the wake of trag- from both parties. When we enacted Our bill includes a number of provi- edy. It is a time to reflect on all we the Violence Against Women Act near- sions they have championed and sug- have accomplished and focus on what ly 18 years ago, it sent a powerful mes- gested. To will give one example, our we have to yet do to help victims. sage that we will not tolerate crime bill includes the provisions that Sen- Of course, one of the best tools for against women and forever altered the ator KLOBUCHAR and Senator delivering that help is the Crime Vic- way our Nation combats domestic and HUTCHISON suggested and introduced as tims Fund. Unfortunately, in recent sexual violence. Our legislation offers the Stalkers Act of 2011. That provision months, some have sought to violate support to the victims of these terrible is new to VAWA. It would not have the Victims of Crime Act. They want crimes and helps them find safety and been included if we had simply intro- to take money out of the trust fund for rebuild their lives. The bill we will de- duced a one-sentence reauthorization purposes and programs not authorized bate this week is based on the rec- of VAWA rather than a comprehensive by the Victims of Crime Act. I have ommendations of victims and the tire- bill. I thought it was a good provision, worked with Senators from both sides less professionals who work with them intended to update the Federal of the aisle. We have been able to stop every day. antistalking statute to capture the

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