E PL UR UM IB N U U S Congressional Record United States th of America PROCEEDINGS AND DEBATES OF THE 113 CONGRESS, FIRST SESSION

Vol. 159 WASHINGTON, TUESDAY, JULY 9, 2013 No. 97 Senate The Senate met at 10 a.m. and was RECOGNITION OF THE MAJORITY was a boy, we always looked at that called to order by the Honorable LEADER American dream as getting a college TAMMY BALDWIN, a Senator from the The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tem- education, which, from where I came State of Wisconsin. pore. The majority leader is recog- from, wasn’t going to happen very nized. often. Now the American dream is PRAYER more than just getting an associate’s f The Chaplain, Dr. Barry C. Black, of- degree or a bachelor’s degree. It in- fered the following prayer: KEEP STUDENT LOANS AFFORD- volves many other occupations, all of Let us pray. ABLE ACT OF 2013—MOTION TO the things available in health care Lord God almighty, recreate our PROCEED now, such as nursing, nursing assist- hearts to love You above all. Rule our Mr. REID. I move to proceed to Cal- ants, all of the technicians, the people lives, creating in us a passion to do endar No. 124, S. 1238, Senator REED’s who do physical therapy—not physical Your will. Give our lawmakers renewed student loan bill. therapists but people who help doctors strength and resilience to honor You in The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tem- do what they need to do. We have pro- their work. May they do their best pore. The clerk will report the bill by grams to become a physician’s assist- today as an expression of love and grat- title. ant. There are many programs that are itude to You. Lord, replace weariness The legislative clerk read as follows: important to be able to fulfill that with well-being, anxiety with assur- A bill (S. 1238) to amend the Higher Edu- American dream. There are all dif- ance, and caution with courage. cation Act of 1965 to extend the current re- ferent kinds of programs for computer We pray in Your great Name. Amen. duced interest rate for undergraduate Fed- training separate and apart from get- eral Direct Stafford Loans for 1 year, to f ting a bachelor’s degree. Those pro- modify required distribution rules for pen- grams are extremely important. The PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE sion plans, and for other purposes. reason they are important is we as The PRESIDING OFFICER led the SCHEDULE Americans have decided that with the Pledge of Allegiance, as follows: Mr. REID. Madam President, fol- cost of education skyrocketing as it is, I pledge allegiance to the Flag of the lowing my remarks and those of my students should get some help, whether United States of America, and to the Repub- Republican counterpart, the time until they are seeking a degree in engineer- lic for which it stands, one nation under God, 11 a.m. will be equally divided and con- ing or getting into a program to begin indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. trolled, with the majority controlling some computer training to have jobs f the first half and the Republicans con- they want for the rest of their lives. APPOINTMENT OF ACTING trolling the final half. College has never been more expen- At 11 a.m. the Senate will proceed to PRESIDENT PRO TEMPORE sive and further out of reach for Amer- executive session to consider the nomi- ican families. That is why it is critical The PRESIDING OFFICER. The nation of Jennifer Dorsey to be U.S. that we keep interest rates low on Fed- clerk will please read a communication district judge for the District of Ne- eral student loans so more promising to the Senate from the President pro vada. At noon there will be a rollcall students can realize their dream of an tempore (Mr. LEAHY). vote on confirmation of the Dorsey education. The legislative clerk read the fol- nomination. I would add that the Last month Republicans rejected the lowing letter: chairman of the Judiciary Committee Democrats’ plan to freeze student loan U.S. SENATE, has asked that we hold that vote open interest rates at current levels for 2 PRESIDENT PRO TEMPORE, until 12:30 p.m. today because they are years without adding a penny to the Washington, DC, July 9, 2013. having a confirmation hearing on the deficit. Because of this obstruction, To the Senate: new Director of the FBI, Mr. Comey. loan rates doubled on July 1, piling Under the provisions of rule I, paragraph 3, of the Standing Rules of the Senate, I hereby We will do that, and the vote will end thousands of dollars more on debt that appoint the Honorable TAMMY BALDWIN, a at 12:30 p.m. rather than 12:15 p.m. or more than 7 million students owe. Re- Senator from the State of Wisconsin, to per- 12:20 p.m. publicans are instead pushing a plan to form the duties of the Chair. Following that vote, the Senate will balance the budget on the backs of PATRICK J. LEAHY, recess from 12:30 p.m. to 2:15 p.m. for struggling students. But if either the President pro tempore. our weekly caucus meetings. legislation passed by House Repub- Ms. BALDWIN thereupon assumed In America, this great country of licans or the plan proposed by Senate the chair as Acting President pro tem- ours, a quality education is the surest Republicans becomes law, student loan pore. path to the American dream. When I rates will more than double over the

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

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VerDate Mar 15 2010 04:45 Jul 10, 2013 Jkt 029060 PO 00000 Frm 00001 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A09JY6.000 S09JYPT1 jbell on DSK7SPTVN1PROD with SENATE S5532 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE July 9, 2013 next few years as interest rates in- hold back the rising price of education. I am very impressed with her dedica- crease. Tomorrow the Senate will vote on tion to the State of Nevada, her com- Speaker BOEHNER says that the whether to even begin debate on our munity, and the legal profession. She House has acted and now the ball is in plan to keep loan rates low for an addi- will make an outstanding Federal the Senate’s court. We talked about tional year. judge for Nevada. I look forward to her that yesterday. What is he talking I very much admire the work done by confirmation. about—they have acted and now we Senator STABENOW, the chairman of RECOGNITION OF THE MINORITY LEADER should act? I guess we could talk about the Agriculture Committee. She is The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tem- what they didn’t do last year on the someone who is very effective in con- pore. The Republican leader is recog- farm bill. I guess we could talk about veying a message. She has led the mes- nized. what they didn’t do last year on post sage for Democrats as to why we STANDING FOR DEMOCRATIC RIGHTS offices. I guess we could talk about shouldn’t let these rates double, and Mr. MCCONNELL. Over the years we what they haven’t done this year on she will continue to do that. have seen repeated instances of indif- the farm bill. We could talk about what As I indicated earlier, we made a pro- ference to the rule of law on the part of they haven’t done that is so dev- posal to keep rates where they are for this administration. It is a consistent astating to small businesses around 2 years. We have made changes to our and worrisome path. The most recent America, and that is having people who proposal in an effort to meet Repub- example, of course, was last week’s an- are online and don’t build a single licans in the middle while protecting nouncement that the President had building, rent a single building—they students. Our plan shortens the exten- simply decided not to enforce a major get a different rate of return than do sion from 2 years to 1 year, and it piece of his health care law—that is, those in brick-and-mortar buildings. doesn’t add a penny to the debt. until after the midterm election. What They do that because they don’t have I spoke with the chairman of the Fi- the President was saying in effect was to pay sales tax. We could talk about nance Committee today. I said: MAX, that if he doesn’t want to implement why the Speaker is refusing to take up explain how we are paying for this. It the law he has signed, he doesn’t have something that is meaningful. is so simple. It is inherited IRAs, that to. As I say about this student loan people would pay after 5 years—they I agree it is a terrible law. I under- issue—and I just had a meeting that wouldn’t get the tax deduction after 5 stand why people harmed by it would ended a few minutes ago—if you can years. What our program does is it want it changed. In fact, I think we explain to me why these proposals the closes this obscure tax loophole that ought to repeal it altogether and opt Republicans have are better than just allows a few very wealthy individuals instead for real reforms that actually having the rates double, please do that. to avoid paying taxes on inherited re- would lower costs. But the fact is—for But they go into all these gyrations tirement accounts. This is why Senator now, at least—it is the law and it is the about whether it is a T-bill, overnight BAUCUS came up with this as a pay-for. President’s constitutional duty to en- T-bill, or 30 days or 6 months or—all So I hope Senate Republicans won’t force the law. Yet, instead of fulfilling this complicated stuff, and it is fac- block a second commonsense plan in this basic duty of his office, the Presi- tual. I met with someone from the investing in our economy by keeping dent seems to believe he gets to decide White House. I said, OK, tell me what college affordable. We have reduced it who is subject to the law. He gets to happens in 3 years. The response was, to 1 year from 2 years. It would be decide who is subject to the law and oh, well, the rates will be above 6.8 per- great if we had a long-term solution to who gets a pass. So last week busi- cent. That is appalling. If someone can this, but we can’t do something that nesses had their ObamaCare sentences show me how all these programs they hurts students very quickly. Some delayed. Maybe next week it will be are coming up with are better than just some other group, but it is his call. He have said: Well, it is going to be for a letting things double, tell me. will decide what the law is. He did it year or two, and there will be lower in- We have a better proposal. Instead of with immigration, he did it with wel- terest rates. Yes, but after that it will pushing a plan to balance the budget fare work requirements, and he did it be ‘‘Katy, bar the door.’’ We all know on the backs of struggling students, I with the NLRB when he took it upon think we should support a plan that interest rates are going to go up. himself to tell another branch of gov- would be better for students, not worse DORSEY NOMINATION ernment when it was in recess. He is for students. I repeat, we can’t support Before the lunch, as I have indicated, doing it again with his own signature a plan that would be worse for students we will consider the nomination of Jen- health care law. than doing nothing at all. nifer Dorsey to be U.S. district judge Imagine that the current occupant of They have to take action. The rising for the District of Nevada. She will be the White House was not President price of higher education means too a valuable addition to the Federal Obama but a Republican. Imagine that. many young people are deferring high- court system. She is a Las Vegas na- Pretend that this Republican had come er education. I hear all the stories. Col- tive. Her father was stationed at Nellis to office promising an era of inclusion lege education used to be cheaper. Air Force Base and after Vietnam de- and accountability, but as the years Well, because of what has happened cided that was where he wanted to wore on he simply had grown tired of here in Washington with the obstruc- make his home. He started his family the democratic process. tion, we have to help people. There has there. Imagine that this President, despite been less support of higher education Ms. Dorsey graduated from Chaparral securing confirmation for nearly every from the States. Tuition costs have High School and graduated cum laude nominee he submitted, couldn’t under- risen significantly because of this. Stu- from the University of Nevada, Las stand why the elected Senate didn’t dents need help. We have to take ac- Vegas. She was also the first member simply rush them all through even tion. The rising price of higher edu- of her family to graduate from college. quicker. He couldn’t understand why cation means too many young people She served as a congressional intern Senators insisted on fulfilling their are deferring higher education, and it for my friend and former colleague constitutional obligations to scrutinize has saddled many who do get a degree Senator Richard Bryan. She attended each nominee. with unsustainable debt—debt that Pepperdine University School of Law, Visualize for a moment that this causes them to delay buying their first where she was a member of the President decided to urge Members of home, having children, or starting a Pepperdine Law Review. his party to break the rules of the Sen- business. Americans have more than $1 After graduation she returned to Las ate so that he could appoint whomever trillion in student loan debt. The aver- Vegas and excelled, first as an asso- he wanted regardless of checks and bal- age graduate owes more than $25,000. In ciate and now as a partner, at the firm ances. Imagine the outrage in the fact, Americans have more student Kemp, Jones & Coulthard, a longtime media, online, and especially on the loan debt than credit card debt. They brave, proud Nevada law firm. She is other side of the aisle. They would simply can’t afford to pile on even the first and only female partner in claim the President was a dictator. more. that firm. She specialized in civil liti- They would say he was ripping the We are going to continue to fight to gation, complex commercial disputes, Constitution to shreds, basically every- keep the student loan rates low and appeals, and class actions. thing they said for so many years

VerDate Mar 15 2010 04:45 Jul 10, 2013 Jkt 029060 PO 00000 Frm 00002 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G09JY6.006 S09JYPT1 jbell on DSK7SPTVN1PROD with SENATE July 9, 2013 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S5533 about President Bush. But, of course, terness and the gridlock [would] only achieve their dreams. At a time when President Obama isn’t a Republican, get worse.’’ Boy, he was right about interest rates for everything else are at and so Washington Democrats seem that. historic lows, why in the world would just fine with it. In fact, it appears What I am saying to President we double the interest rates for young they are even ready to help this Presi- Obama and his friends on the far left is people or older people going back to dent—actually help him—in his par- this: The facts show you are getting school who are trying to get an edu- tisan power grab. treated pretty darn well on nomina- cation and the work skills they need? I know Washington Democrats are tions as it is. But if you would like Why would we allow that when we can getting a lot of pressure from big labor more confirmed, if, for instance, you get mortgage rates right now from 31⁄2 bosses and from other far-left elements want the Senate to confirm your nomi- to 4 percent or a car loan for about 4 of their base to do this. These folks nees to the NLRB, then don’t send us percent? I could go on and on. have told Democrats it is time to pay nominees who have already been de- Here is the shocking thing. If the up, and they do not have much time for clared illegal by the courts. We have rates are doubled—if in fact what things such as the democratic process already said that is not going to hap- kicked in on July 1 is allowed to or the rule of law. They have raised a pen. You know you can’t look Ameri- stand—it will mean a huge profit for ton of money for the Democrats and cans in the eye and say you would vote the Federal Government. That also now they want the special interest for such a thing if you were in the mi- makes no sense. It will mean some $50 treatment they believe is owed to nority so don’t expect us to. But if you billion for the Federal Government, ac- them. That is why we see the other send us fresh picks, we will happily cording to the Congressional Budget side cooking up phony nomination give them a fair hearing, just as we Office. Why should the government fights. They are cooking up a phony have been doing all along with all of profit off the backs of students who are nomination fight because they want to the rest of the President’s nominees. struggling to get an education so they go nuclear, but they know the facts Almost all of them have been con- can get ahead? simply aren’t on their side to justify firmed. Most have been confirmed al- We have a fundamental disagreement doing so. They know their core argu- most unanimously, because we in in this body between the majority of ment, that President Obama’s nomi- America know that majorities of either Democrats and the majority of Repub- nees are being treated less fairly than party will never get absolutely every- licans on that question. It is a funda- those of President Bush, is essentially thing they want. That push and pull is mental difference about what we at odds with reality. It is a complete the hallmark of a healthy democracy. should pick as a priority for our coun- fiction. They have gotten burned by And one day—maybe not in the too-dis- try. Frankly, for nearly 300,000 stu- the fact checkers already. President tant future—when our Democratic dents in Michigan who will be forced to Obama’s nominees for Secretary of friends in the majority are invariably pay an extra $1,000 on their loans this Transportation and Energy were unani- returned to the minority, they will year, it makes no sense. mously confirmed. Secretary of State? thank us for standing up for those I remember growing up in a little Confirmed. Treasury? Confirmed. Inte- democratic rights. town in northern Michigan, working rior, Defense, Commerce? Check, Madam President, I yield the floor. hard, getting good grades in my small check, check. RESERVATION OF LEADER TIME class of 93 people, being at the top of Already in this Congress the Senate The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tem- the class, and wanting to go to college. has approved 27 of President Obama’s pore. Under the previous order, the But my dad became very ill and we lifetime appointments. That compares leadership time is reserved. couldn’t afford for me to go to school. to just 10 at a comparable period in ORDER OF PROCEDURE I was the first one to get a college de- President Bush’s second term. And, by The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tem- gree in my family. I managed to go to the way, my party controlled the Sen- pore. Under the previous order, the school because the State of Michigan ate at this point in President Bush’s time until 11 a.m. will be equally di- and the Federal Government at that second term. He got 10, President vided and controlled between the two time placed a value on educating kids Obama has 27. In other words, Presi- leaders or their designees, with Sen- like me, who didn’t have a lot of money dent Obama has just settled back into ators permitted to speak for up to 10 but had worked hard and had good office and already he has secured near- minutes each, with the majority con- grades and thought we ought to have a ly three times—three times—more trolling the first half. shot. I had a tuition and fee scholar- comparable judicial confirmations. The Senator from Michigan. ship, and so I was able to go to college. Look, to justify doing something as Ms. STABENOW. Madam President, I I put that scholarship together with extreme as the left wants, you better rise today because tomorrow in the working on campus and with student be prepared to make a rock-solid case, Senate Chamber we will vote on wheth- loans and I was able to get a bachelor’s and this is the best they can come up er to let student interest rates double degree. I was then able to go on and get with, that we need to change the rules from 3.4 percent to 6.8 percent. This a master’s degree and came out of of the Senate because big labor bosses should not be controversial. This school having to pay off the student say so; that the left should be allowed should have been done before July 1. loans. But because some folks—who to fundamentally change our democ- Now we are trying to retroactively fix didn’t know this redheaded, freckle- racy because the President is only get- this. faced kid from Clare—decided this was ting nearly everything he wants—near- We have attempted to bring this to an important value for America, this ly everything he wants—rather than the floor and vote on it before on a was an important value for our State, everything he wants at the exact mo- number of occasions. We have seen a I had a chance to work hard and follow ment he wants it? Let’s get real here. Republican filibuster blocking us from the rules and make it. And who would This is not how a democracy functions. doing that. This week I am hopeful we have thought then I would have the op- If this were a Republican President can get the necessary bipartisan vote portunity to be here today? and the shoe were on the other foot, to overcome the filibuster and be able I want that same opportunity for does anyone seriously believe Wash- to send a very strong message to stu- every young person in Michigan and ington Democrats would be going along dents across the country that we un- every person going back to school in with something so utterly prepos- derstand this is a huge issue for them this country. Fundamentally that is terous? Of course not. Remember, the and their families, a huge cost, and what this is about. It is not about num- current majority leader once said the that raising the rates will only be an- bers. It is not about numbers. It is nuclear option would ‘‘ruin our coun- other barrier to creating opportunity about whether, when we subsidize all try.’’ That was said by the fellow who for students in the future and, frankly, kinds of other things—banks, and even sits right over here, the current major- having a middle class in this country. the farmers I fight for, to help them ity leader of the Senate. And a former What is happening to the students with their crop insurance, and sub- Senator from Illinois named Obama and the debt involved is very serious, sidizing rates for insurance to do said if the Senate broke the rules to and it is stopping many young people things because it is good for the econ- change the rules ‘‘the fighting, the bit- from being able to move ahead and omy—why in the world would we walk

VerDate Mar 15 2010 04:45 Jul 10, 2013 Jkt 029060 PO 00000 Frm 00003 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G09JY6.008 S09JYPT1 jbell on DSK7SPTVN1PROD with SENATE S5534 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE July 9, 2013 away from that most basic set of val- work is done we should keep interest dreams than to make sure that college ues when it comes to our students? rates low. We should keep them where is affordable. A big piece of that is the Colleagues on the other side of the they are. And I have great confidence interest rate on the loans that millions aisle say: Let’s do something where we in Chairman HARKIN and his com- of students are taking out right now peg a rate. It is like a credit loan teas- mittee, and Senator JACK REED, who and counting on us to make sure they er rate. Sign up now at zero interest or has taken so passionately the lead on are affordable. 3 percent, let’s put it there, and then this. Senator KAY HAGAN and Senator Tomorrow the question will be over time it balloons like crazy and REED are our leaders on the bill we will whether a filibuster continues on this you are stuck. Those are the kinds of be voting on tomorrow. Senator WAR- issue. I think folks probably scratch proposals we have gotten from the REN, and so many others—Senator their heads. We had a majority of peo- other side of the aisle. It sounds good BOXER I know has spoken out so many ple who voted—all Democrats—before now, but it is horrible later. I know a times, as has Senator SANDERS, and on to continue the interest rates at the lot of folks who signed up for variable and on, as well as the Presiding Officer. current level of 3.4 percent. Because of rate mortgages and balloon mortgages We all care passionately about creating the nature of the Senate and how who ended up in the same situation. We a long-term solution for students that things work, if there is an objection we are saying: No, we want a fixed rate. keeps costs low so we can keep dreams have to go through this process to be We want it low and we want to make high and success high in achieving able to overcome what is essentially a sure students are placed as a priority. those dreams. filibuster and we have to get 60 votes. So after all kinds of negotiations, we I wish to thank so many for signing So tomorrow we are going to have to have said: OK, you don’t want to con- petitions and sharing their stories with get 60 votes, which means we need a tinue the rate for 2 years. Let’s do this: us. I would urge folks to get involved handful of Republican colleagues to Let’s continue it for 1 year at the low in the conversation by joining us on join with us to make a statement that rate of 3.4 percent, and then let’s all Twitter, with the hash tag ‘‘don’t dou- we should continue interest rates at get together to figure out what to do ble my rate.’’ There is a lot of con- the low level while we work together in about helping out with this $1 trillion versation going on and information a bipartisan way to solve the long-term in student loan debt right now. That is that folks can find out about what we problem. the student loan debt across this coun- are doing. We have over $1 trillion in this coun- try. We need to help them figure out I want to read two e-mails from con- try in student loan debt. It is more how to refinance that lower rate and stituents of mine. Corey, a student at than credit card debt. I was surprised then we can deal with the long-term Central Michigan University, sent me to see that. We have to help families cost. That is what we are trying to do. an e-mail about how this would make tackle that debt. I would like to see re- It doesn’t make sense, when student it difficult for him to continue his edu- financing options when interest rates loan debt in the country is over $1 tril- cation. are so low, and many of those are much lion, when students are already sacri- As one of the taxpayers that you represent, higher interest rates. We need to tack- ficing and scraping together the money I am asking you to please not allow my stu- le that. We need to tackle the overall to get an education, to double the rates dent loan rates to be doubled. I am a hard- costs of going to college and what is on those student loans. working and respectful student. I make all of happening for low-income students as So when we look at this, we are look- my payments. I go to class and do well. I well as middle-class students. ing not only at today but over time. In work hard and am grateful for the chance to There is a lot to get done, but it has every proposal that has been put for- get a higher education, but if student loan to start by doing no harm. And that is rates go up I would be left to make a deci- ward—and there are a lot of folks sion whether or not school will be affordable. the vote tomorrow: Do no harm. Let’s working, and I know there are con- From the time we first start learning, we make sure we at least keep the rates versations going on with folks who are encouraged to attend college and get a low now. We know there is a philo- want to solve this problem—they all good job so that we can be a part of helping sophical difference about whether we end up with the rates going up higher this country grow. I am simply asking you to should actually help subsidize student than even doubling the rate to 6.8. Why help continue to make this an affordable op- loans. I think, of all the things we does that make any sense? Why would tion for me, and many others like me. could subsidize, I would start with edu- folks propose that? We have a funda- That story can be replicated all cation. mental difference in how we view this across Michigan and all across the Tomorrow the question is, Do we do issue of the cost of college and whether country: Will young people be able to no harm? Do we keep the interest rate there is a role for the Federal Govern- stay in school? Will they be able to where it is while we work out a long- ment. come out of school and get the job they term solution? Do we make a very Do we as a country have a stake in want versus aiming for a job that re- strong statement that if we are going keeping costs as low as possible, inter- lates to their ability to pay back their to set something as a priority for this est rates as low as possible? I would student loans? country, if we are going to outcompete argue, yes, we do. And if we want to Then an e-mail from Matthew in and outeducate in a global economy, it stop subsidizing things, I can think of Royal Oak: has to start with making sure ad- a whole long list of what we could stop Students are not asking for a bailout like vanced higher education is affordable subsidizing. We could stop subsidizing the one that Wall Street got, just an oppor- for everyone who wants to work hard the top five wealthiest oil companies in tunity to obtain an affordable education so and play by the rules and go to college? the country, which have more profits we can compete in the global economy. That is what the fight is about. That than anyone in the world. We could That is what this vote is about to- is what the vote is about tomorrow. I stop subsidizing them. We could stop morrow. The Keep Student Loans Af- hope we will have an overwhelming bi- the loopholes that are taking our jobs fordable Act simply says we are going partisan vote. If not, we are going to overseas. We could stop doing that. to tackle this very serious issue for continue to do everything possible to There are a lot of things we could stop families across the country in two tackle this issue because I think fami- that would save money. We should not steps: keep the interest rates low lies across America are counting on us. put all this on the backs of students. where it is for a year, and then make a I yield the floor. We should not say that somehow we commitment to work together to fix The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tem- should make a profit to pay down the the larger issue of the cost of college pore. The Senator from Vermont. debt on the backs of students, when in going forward. Mr. SANDERS. Madam President, fact there are so many other areas I don’t think there is a more impor- over the July 4th recess I had the op- where we should be asking people to tant issue for the future of maintaining portunity to talk with a number of chip in a little bit more, not those who or recreating a middle class in this young families about the crisis of stu- are already working hard to get a basic country than making sure we can allow dent debt. Without exception, this is education. everyone who wants to go on to college what they said: Please do not double We know we have to have a com- and get the skills they need to be suc- the interest rates on subsidized Staf- prehensive approach, but until that cessful in tackling and meeting their ford loans from 3.4 to 6.8 percent.

VerDate Mar 15 2010 04:45 Jul 10, 2013 Jkt 029060 PO 00000 Frm 00004 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G09JY6.009 S09JYPT1 jbell on DSK7SPTVN1PROD with SENATE July 9, 2013 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S5535 Please make college financing more af- ‘‘get ahead’’ and ‘‘make it’’ in spite of my term, we need a national solution to fordable, not more expensive. advantages. make sure college is affordable for all This is an issue which not only im- Allison LaFlamme from Johnson, VT Americans. pacts millions of families, it impacts writes: The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tem- our entire future as a nation and our I cannot refinance my house, because even pore. The Senator from Wyoming. economy. Right now, working-class though my cars, home, and credit cards are HEALTH CARE perfect on my credit score our debt to in- families all over this country are ask- Mr. BARRASSO. Madam President, ing themselves a very simple question: come is too high because of our student loans. last week our Nation celebrated Amer- Does it make sense for them to go ica’s Independence Day, and the Obama $40,000, $50,000, $100,000 in debt in order Melissa Weber from Rutland, VT writes: administration took advantage of the to get a college education? Many of holiday to slip out a couple of an- these young people and families are I have found myself struggling to survive independently as a 25 year old with a Mas- nouncements about its health care law. saying: No, it doesn’t make sense. ter’s Degree. Yes I have achieved a degree, of The first one came late one day as the So in a competitive global economy, which I am proud, but I have also accumu- media and most of the Nation were dis- we are saying to families all over this lated an immense amount of debt that will tracted by their plans for the Fourth of country that we do not want their kids likely haunt me for the majority of my life. July. The administration finally had to to get a college education. We don’t As a result of my daunting loan payments I admit to all of America that their want them to become doctors, nurses, find myself barely surviving on an income health care law is unraveling before that should easily support a small family. businesspeople, scientists, and teach- their eyes. Several months ago Senator Evan Champagne from St. Albans, ers. We don’t want them to expand BAUCUS predicted that the law was VT writes: their intellectual capabilities and headed for what he called a train make us a competitive nation in this My wife and I both have $50K–$60K of loan wreck, and last week we saw the train debt each. We both have good jobs, but a highly competitive global economy. go off the rails. What happened was the Now, if that makes sense to some- large percentage of our income is used to pay back student loans. There are no low inter- Treasury Department put out a blog body, it surely does not make sense to est consolidation options available. If there post, written by an assistant secretary me. The doubling of student loan inter- were, that would also help. The education late in the day on July 2, that said it est only makes an existing crisis even process should be rewarding and create op- would postpone the implementation of worse. According to a report by the portunities. For my wife and I, it did the op- the employer mandate part of the Consumer Financial Protection Agen- posite. health care law until 2015. cy, the total student loan debt in the The American people want us to This was one of the signature parts of United States now exceeds $1.1 trillion, come together and solve this problem the President’s health care law. Under which is nearly triple what it was in now, not make the situation worse. the law, every employer with more 2004. The average loan balance for When we tell people who are struggling than 50 people working 30 hours or American graduates has increased by with these horrendous debts that the more a week was going to have to offer 70 percent since 2004. Stafford subsidized loan rate is going expensive government-mandated Average student debt is near $27,000. to double and there are proposals out health insurance. Now we have a 1-year In Vermont, it is even higher—over there that make a bad situation worse, delay of this extremely unpopular and $28,000. they respond in disbelief. They remem- damaging Washington mandate. Any- The burden of student loans is mak- ber in 2009 when Wall Street collapsed time you see the Obama administra- ing it much harder for young people to because of their greed and illegal be- tion leak news like that late in the day get mortgages and buy homes. Home havior, we bailed them out. They un- right before a holiday with the Presi- ownership rates for young adults are derstand that today we are providing dent out of the country, you can bet it among the lowest in decades. Young large Wall Street institutions with in- is bad news for him and for them. people are putting off marriage and terest rates of less than 1 percent. Presidents do not delay things that are having children partly because of the They are asking: If you can bail out popular and that actually people want burden of student debt. Wall Street—people whose greed and like. When you see them try to Over the last several months I have caused the current recession—how hide it in a blog post, that is another asked Vermonters—and people, in fact, come you can’t protect working-class sign. Here is what the New York Times all over the country—to send me their and middle-class families and enable said, front page: experiences, to tell me what this crush- their kids to get an affordable college Crucial mandate delayed a year for health ing debt of student loans means to education? law. their lives. We received over 700 re- The Republicans in the House passed Large companies won’t need to offer plans sponses from all over America. What I a proposal. Unfortunately, it is a pro- until 2015. GOP seizes on shift. would like to do is very briefly read to posal which makes a bad situation The Washington Post ran a headline, you some of the responses I received worse. Under the House Republicans’ page 1: from the State of Vermont. proposal, all student loans would have Health-care rule is delayed a year. A set- Emily Decker from Colchester, VT variable interest rates, exposing grad- back for Obama law. writes: uates to market conditions. Even The Wall Street Journal said: Watching the interest eat away my savings though the House Republicans’ pro- every month is hard to swallow. To the point posal caps interest rates, the Congres- Health law penalties delayed. where we are not saving any money because sional Research Service estimates that The Obama administration has tried we put anything extra toward my loans so students who take out the maximum to hide its bad news, but it failed. It we can pay them back ASAP. This is putting subsidized student loan amount will also tried to spin the collapse of one of our plans for having a family on hold be- pay nearly $6,000 more over the life of the law’s most important features as cause we want to have our finances in better good news. But as we see it here, Wash- order before doing so. that loan than they would if rates are kept where they are today. ington Post, ‘‘A setback for Obama In other words, Emily writes they are The so-called bipartisan student loan law.’’ hesitating having kids because they bill being discussed in the Senate The Treasury Department’s blog post can’t afford to do so at the current would also be a terrible deal for stu- claimed it was implementing the law time. dents, especially in the coming years. ‘‘in a careful, thoughtful manner.’’ If Andrew Craft from Burlington, VT It provides no cap to protect students they were interested in careful and writes: for the first time in the history of the thoughtful, Washington Democrats I am a 25 year old full-time college student student loan program. If this proposal never would have pushed through this at Champlain College. I am a single mother. reckless law in the first place, a law I am already $20,000 in debt and I still have were to pass, according to CBO projec- one more year to go before I graduate. I am tions of interest rates, by 2018 student that many of them admit they never currently at an internship working part-time loan rates will go up significantly. even read. Using that much Wash- on top of school and parenting, but I often Short term, we have to keep student ington spin when it tries to sneak out feel like I am not ever going to be able to loan interest rates at 3.4 percent. Long bad news is another sure-fire sign that

VerDate Mar 15 2010 04:45 Jul 10, 2013 Jkt 029060 PO 00000 Frm 00005 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G09JY6.011 S09JYPT1 jbell on DSK7SPTVN1PROD with SENATE S5536 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE July 9, 2013 the White House is trying to hide the to delay the train wreck until after the tremendous example of government train wreck. The President and his sup- 2014 elections. This 1-year postpone- overreach and because Washington bu- porters have been bragging about this ment, in my opinion, is a cynical polit- reaucrats at the IRS and other agen- part of the law for years. Now here ical ploy to try to fool the voters one cies have shown they can’t be trusted they are quietly dropping it for a year more time. with that kind of information. The so- and pretending things are going well Don’t just take my word for it, be- lution now, apparently, is to scrap the for the law. cause CNBC asked Peter Orszag about verification system. We should be cut- What does this announcement mean? it the other day. People know he head- ting the cost of insurance. That is what First of all, this is a clear admission ed President Obama’s Office of Manage- people wanted. That is why we had that the President’s health care law is ment and Budget in the President’s health care reform, to get down the unaffordable, unworkable, and unpopu- first term. He was a big proponent and cost of care, not driving up the costs, lar. Second, it may be too late. Here is supporter of the law. He told CNBC giving subsidies to a select few people a headline from CNN Money yesterday. that White House officials ‘‘by defini- and giving Washington more power to They wrote: tion,’’ he said, thought that delaying watch over the whole system. The For Fatburger and others, Obamacare the employer mandate would help them American people do not need to put off delay came too late. politically ‘‘or they wouldn’t have done the wreck until the train goes around The article says for many small busi- it.’’ one more bend. They want to stop the nesses such as fast-foot franchises, ‘‘By definition,’’ therefore, they train wreck from happening at all. they have already begun adjusting to thought it would help them ‘‘or they The American people want more than the law’s burdensome requirements. wouldn’t have done it.’’ a temporary delay of one part of this One business owner said the delay If they didn’t expect it to help them terrible health care law. They want a won’t help his employees. He said: politically, ‘‘they wouldn’t have done permanent repeal of the whole thing. All it’s doing is causing confusion, anxiety, it.’’ That is an incredible admission by Now that the Obama administration and the workers are paying the price. a member of the Obama administra- has admitted its law is too complicated The workers are paying the price. Now the tion, his inside team. Just because the and would have too many negative side mandate’s a moving target. It’s very, very President thinks this is good for him effects, it is time for it to set aside the challenging. politically doesn’t mean it is good for political games and do what is best for For a lot of businesses, the adjust- the country. the country. It is time to repeal this ments they had to make included cut- On Friday, the Obama administra- bad law and replace it with health care ting back workers’ hours. Let’s look at tion also tried to sneak out another ad- reform that will work. the latest employment numbers re- mission that its health care law is not I yield the floor and suggest the ab- leased last Friday. In June, the number working. Remember, even though em- sence of a quorum. of people working part time—these are ployers have another year before their The PRESIDING OFFICER. The people who actually want to work mandate kicks in, all the people still clerk will call the roll. more—soared by over 322,000. There are have to buy expensive Washington-ap- The legislative clerk proceeded to now 8.2 million Americans working proved, Washington-mandated insur- call the roll. part-time jobs because their hours were ance and they have to do that by this Mr. ALEXANDER. Mr. President, I cut back or because they could not find upcoming January 1. To try to hide ask unanimous consent the order for full-time work. Republicans have been some of the costs, taxpayers are going the quorum call be rescinded. warning this would happen because of to subsidize the higher premiums some The PRESIDING OFFICER (Mr. the Democrats’ health care law and people have to pay. SCHATZ). Without objection, it is so or- that is exactly what has been hap- The Wall Street Journal just last dered. pening for months now. The White Monday: Mr. ALEXANDER. Mr. President, I House admitted as much when it said Insurance Costs Set For A Jolt. For the come to the floor to ask my Demo- employers needed relief from the healthy, rates could soar under new law. cratic colleagues to take another look logistical mess the law created. Insurance Costs Set For A Jolt. at the student loan issue that will be If the law makes it so bad for busi- To try to hide some of the cost, tax- before us tomorrow. We are playing nesses that they can’t handle it in 2014, payers are going to subsidize the high- with real lives here. These are about 11 I will tell you it is still going to be bad er premiums some people would have million students who are going to col- for them in 2015. If it is bad for employ- to pay, but the prices are going to go lege in the fall. They will be taking out ers, it is going to be bad for men and up so high subsidies may cover some 18 million loans for this year. Tax- women on the street, the hard workers but not all. If someone wanted the sub- payers will be loaning them over $100 of America. When do they get relief? sidy, the government, of course, will billion. The only proposal we are going Will the administration now postpone have to verify those people deserve the to be voting on tomorrow appears to be the requirements that every man, subsidy. one that will leave over 7 million mid- woman, and child in America has to Not anymore, because now, under the dle-income college students swinging buy expensive government-mandated administration’s new policy, buried in the wind, paying about twice as insurance? I hope they do. You can bet away in 606 pages of regulations, on much in interest rates as they should labor unions and other special interest Friday, they said nobody is going to be paying. groups are going to step up their lob- check those answers. At the same time, we have a proposal bying to postpone the parts of the law In an editorial yesterday, the Wall Street that is based upon a recommendation that hurt them. Even the Common- Journal called these ‘‘ObamaCare’s liar sub- by President Obama that is like legis- wealth of Massachusetts is asking for a sidies.’’ The paper agreed that managing the lation already passed by the Repub- waiver from portions of the law. law’s rules and regulations was complicated: lican House of Representatives that is Let me be clear. I think it is a good ‘‘Yet,’’ the editors of the Wall Street supported by an Independent and two thing for employers that they will not Journal wrote, ‘‘this is the system Democratic Senators and three Repub- have to face this job-killing mandate Democrats installed when they passed lican Senators that would lower stu- next year, but why should they have to the law, which is not supposed to be op- dent loan interest rates on every single face it at all? Is the Obama administra- tional due to administrative incom- one of the 18 million new loans that tion finally seeing the light on what a petence.’’ would be taken out next year and cut disaster it will be to implement or is it Administrative incompetence is ex- nearly in half the interest rates on another gimmick? Well, as Ronald actly what this is. It is also a recipe for loans for undergraduate students, Reagan once said: rampant waste, fraud, and abuse. And which make up two-thirds of the loans. They only come around on your side when it is an abuse in the taxpayer subsidies. I ask the question, why would we do they want to get their hands on your wallet. I have criticized the complicated a 1-year political fix that only helps This 1-year postponement is not a process the administration was setting students taking 40 percent of the loans, real solution. It is not designed to help up to verify people’s subsidy applica- when we have before us a bipartisan job creators or taxpayers. It is designed tions. That is because I think it is a proposal that is close to the idea of the

VerDate Mar 15 2010 04:45 Jul 10, 2013 Jkt 029060 PO 00000 Frm 00006 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G09JY6.013 S09JYPT1 jbell on DSK7SPTVN1PROD with SENATE July 9, 2013 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S5537 President and the House that would dle-income students of America twist- help my family and help us through help every single student, and espe- ing in the wind, paying higher interest hard times, those seven kids in my cially why would we do that when we rates than they should. family grew up to be a firefighter, a leave middle-income students twisting So let’s step back and look at the lawyer, a computer programmer, a in the wind, paying hundreds of mil- facts. Let’s look at the President’s pro- sports writer, a homemaker, a middle lions of dollars more in interest rate posal, look at what the House passed, school teacher, and a Senator. In my than they should be paying over the and look at the bipartisan Burr- book, that was a good investment by next 10 years? Manchin proposal. I respectfully urge our country and our government. The student loan issue is becoming the majority leader to allow us to vote My family’s story is far from unique. like what we call the doc fix, where on that. I urge my colleagues on the In fact, last week I traveled around my Congress, for political reasons, every other side to coalesce around that idea. home State of Washington listening to year rushes around and makes a tem- Let’s say to the students of America: student after student after student de- porary patch. There is no need to do As the Senate, we know a good idea scribe the real-life impact this rate that here, no need whatsoever. when we see one, and the Burr-Manchin hike would have on them. Students I ask my friends on the Democratic proposal is such an idea. such as Elizabeth from Vancouver, WA: side to look at what the President has f She is a sophomore at the University of proposed and the reasoning behind it. EXECUTIVE SESSION Washington. She comes from a family It was in his budget. Look at what the of five children with immigrant par- House of Representatives has done. ents who work hourly low-wage jobs. They actually passed a bill that lowers She told me growing up, the idea of rates. Then look at the proposal by NOMINATION OF JENNIFER A. DORSEY TO BE UNITED STATES paying for college was overwhelming, Senator MANCHIN, Senator CARPER, DISTRICT JUDGE FOR THE DIS- but thanks to scholarships and grants Senator KING, Senator BURR, Senator TRICT OF NEVADA and loans she is able to pursue her COBURN, and myself in the Senate. dream of becoming a broadcast jour- What our proposal would do is provide The PRESIDING OFFICER. Under nalist. However, her part-time work- a long-term solution: if you are an un- the previous order, the Senate will pro- study position barely covers her bills, dergraduate student at the University ceed to executive session to consider and she says she is constantly plagued of Tennessee, instead of your rate the following nomination, which the by stress as she worries about how she being 6.8 percent, it would be 3.66 per- clerk will report. is ever going to overcome what she cent. The Democratic proposal, I re- The legislative clerk read the nomi- calls her ‘‘debt sentence.’’ peat, does nothing for over 7 million nation of Jennifer A. Dorsey, of Ne- middle-income students who are going vada, to be United States District The reality is this is a simple issue. to be paying 6.8 percent when they Judge for the District of Nevada. College is already too expensive for should be paying, if they are under- The PRESIDING OFFICER. Under students such as Elizabeth, and Con- graduates, 3.66 percent under our pro- the previous order, there will be 1 hour gress shouldn’t make it worse. So I am posal. That is nearly half as much. for debate equally divided in the usual very proud to join my colleagues in There is no need for that. form. supporting the Keep Student Loan This is like other political situations, The Senator from Washington. Rates Affordable Act to extend the 3.4 we have some misinformation going Mrs. MURRAY. Mr. President, I ask percent interest rate, and I urge our back and forth across the aisle. I hope unanimous consent to speak as in friends on the other side of the aisle to my colleagues will take a look at the morning business. join us and pass it. Burr-Manchin proposal. The right The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without With student loan debt now exceed- thing for us to do is to say to these 10 objection, it is so ordered. ing $1 trillion, students and their fami- million students, all of them, every STUDENT LOANS lies deserve due process and thoughtful single one of them, that when you go Mrs. MURRAY. Mr. President, we are consideration of issues such as finan- to take out your 18 million loans this here today because, unfortunately, the cial aid. Students have already contrib- year you are going to be paying a rate financial burden on our Nation’s col- uted billions to deficit reduction, but that is fair to taxpayers and fair to lege students dramatically spiked over- the problem is the Senate Republican students. It is fair to taxpayers because night 8 days ago, including for over leadership has insisted in all of their it will not be costing the government 100,000 students across my home State proposals that we balance the budget any money and it is fair to students be- of Washington, where 56 percent of col- on the backs of struggling students and cause the government will not be mak- lege graduates leave school with a stu- their families. So far, they have re- ing any money. It will not be reducing dent loan debt, and the average fused to put the interest of students the deficit on the back of the students. amount they owe is more than $22,000. and tomorrow’s middle class ahead of That is the principle upon which we Just when they are getting started on Tax Code spending that benefits the can agree—fair to taxpayers, fair to their careers, instead of buying a house wealthy. students; doesn’t cost the taxpayers, or buying a car or just paying the bills, What they have introduced is a bill doesn’t balance the budget on the their student loan bills are piling up that includes no cap on how high stu- backs of students. On that basis we can with interest. dent loan rates could go—something say to students: Take advantage of Now interest rates for Federal stu- CBO tells us would mean students these low rates. You can get a 10-year dent loans, which have been kept at a could be locked in at rates over 8 per- loan if you are an undergraduate at 3.66 low rate of 3.4 percent, have doubled to cent in just a few short years. In effect, percent. There is no need to pretend we 6.8 percent. For these students and for it would be better to do absolutely are helping students when the alter- millions of students across the coun- nothing now than to take up and pass native proposal only addresses 40 per- try, that is a tax hike of $1,000. That is the Republican bill. cent of the students. These are the sub- not fair to students, and it is certainly I bet everybody listening knows a sidized loans. These are the loans for not good for our economy. Congress family member or a coworker who is up the low-income students, who already has to act to fix it. to their neck in student debt. It is a get, for the most part, Pell grants, who This isn’t just an abstract issue for weight that keeps them from helping already have their interest paid while me; it is very personal. Pell grants and to grow our economy or start a family they are in school—that is a big sub- student loans were what allowed my or take risks with their careers, and it sidy. It is over $50 billion in the next 10 six brothers and sisters and I to go to is a weight that is not easily shed. years. We leave the middle-income stu- college after my dad got sick and had We can’t continue to do this to gen- dents over 7 million of them—over the to leave his job. They are what made eration after generation of college stu- next 10 years paying hundreds of mil- college affordable, and they are what dents and expect to be able to compete lions of dollars they shouldn’t be pay- allowed each one of us to pursue a ca- in the 21st-century economy. We have ing. I don’t know why my friends on reer and give back to our communities. to do everything we can to remove bar- the other side want to leave the mid- Because our government was there to riers to education, not erect new ones.

VerDate Mar 15 2010 04:45 Jul 10, 2013 Jkt 029060 PO 00000 Frm 00007 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G09JY6.014 S09JYPT1 jbell on DSK7SPTVN1PROD with SENATE S5538 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE July 9, 2013 The clock has run out. We need to not just for the students borrowing 40 solution for 100 percent of the students. act now because for millions of Ameri- percent of the loans but for all middle- It reduces their rates. It cuts nearly in cans, affordable college has been the income students and graduate students half the interest rate for every single ticket to the middle class, and we can’t as well. Their rates would be lower undergraduate loan—every single one, allow it to slip away. We can’t allow than 6.8 percent. which is two-thirds of the loans—and it access to college to become unattain- What is good about a short-term po- is based on an idea that was in the able for so many of our families. litical fix that makes middle-income President’s budget, that has already I urge our Republican colleagues to students and graduate students pay been passed by the House of Represent- join us in investing in America’s future hundreds of millions of dollars more atives, and that has been introduced by by reversing this student loan increase over the next 10 years? What is good three on that side of the aisle and three and making college more affordable for about that? All it does is provide an op- on this side of the aisle. America’s middle class. portunity to make a well-rehearsed po- A Senate that is interested in a re- I yield the floor. litical speech about student loans. sult instead of political gamesmanship The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- We all want to encourage students to would be sitting down and trying to ator from Tennessee. go to college. We are looking for a way work that out. That is what we want to Mr. ALEXANDER. Mr. President, I to give them some predictability and do. am glad I stayed to hear the Senator some certainty so students don’t have We can play games, too, I suppose. I from Washington speak because I think to worry, when they graduate from can go get my statistics and come back this highlights the issue. That is a ter- Maryville High School in Tennessee to the floor and say those over on the rific political speech, but it bears no where I went, that Congress isn’t going Democratic side, when they passed the resemblance to what is actually hap- to do its job. All the other side is going health care bill, did it on the backs of pening in the student loan debate. to do is stand up and make political students. When they balanced the The distinguished Senator from speeches that have nothing to do with budget—which they haven’t done—they Washington talked about rates going the issue. tried to do it on the backs of students. up. Rates are going up for over 7 mil- In this case, the President has done And when they found some money for lion—7 million—middle-income stu- his job by recommending a long-term Pell grants, they overcharged the stu- dents in America who are going to be solution. The Republican House of Rep- dents to whom they were loaning taking out loans this year, and the resentatives has done its job. It passed money. That is true. I could do that, Democratic proposal does nothing for a long-term solution that lowers rates and I could say that, but I didn’t come them. Their proposal does nothing for for everybody. A group of six Senators here to spend all my time saying that. them. are doing our jobs. We have introduced I came here to get results. All the Democrats are trying to do is a bipartisan proposal that reduces So this is not a game for 11 million a political fix for 1 year for students rates for everybody, and it is a long- students across this country. They are taking out 40 percent of the loans who term solution, while a number of the trying to figure out how they are going are already the beneficiary of Pell Democratic Senators are playing polit- to pay for college. Just as the Senator grants, as she so ably expressed, who ical games. They are ignoring reality. from Washington said, it is not easy to have their interest paid while they are They are going to freeze for 10 years do. They expect us to come here with in college. These students are bor- higher interest rates on loans for over our backgrounds and say: We are going rowing subsidized loans. These stu- 7 million—7 million—middle-income to do the best we can. Instead of mak- dents may receive a Pell grant of up to students across this country who are ing this similar to what we call the $5,550. They have their interest paid headed to college—rates that are near- doctors fix, where every year we play a while they are in college. This account- ly twice as high as the bipartisan pro- little politics and add a little money to ing system used by the Congressional posal here, which is fundamentally like pay doctors who work with Medicare Budget Office is very generous to stu- the proposal by the President and the patients—that is a terrible thing to do, dents as opposed to taxpayers, because proposal by the House of Representa- but we do it every year—and now we it is done under the Federal Credit Re- tives. are going to treat student loans in the porting Act, which is more generous to What is the wisdom in that? I don’t same way. In a Presidential election students, in this case, than taxpayers. see it, and I don’t think the students year, everybody will make a big speech What about the over 7 million mid- will see it. dle-income students who are just As far as balancing the budget on the about it. Eleven million students will swinging in the wind under the Demo- backs of students, the only people sit around wondering how they are cratic proposal? It does nothing for around here who have done that are going to pay for college, waiting for them. the Democrats when they passed the the people in Washington to make a de- On the other hand, we have the Presi- health care law. They put in that law a cision about that. We should not be dent of the United States, a Democrat, takeover of the Federal student loan doing that. and we have the House of Representa- program and, according to the CBO, We have great promise here. We have tives, a majority of Republicans, and they had an amount of savings of $55 a President making a long-term solu- they fundamentally agree on one idea: billion, and they used part of it to re- tion, the House of Representatives of a Let’s have a permanent solution. Let’s duce the debt. different party agreeing with him, and figure out what it costs the taxpayer to So the CBO says these are savings be- six of us on both sides of the aisle pro- allow the government to issue loans— cause the Democrats took over student posing a solution that is a permanent the government is lending over $100 bil- loans and the Democrats said they will solution for 100 percent for the 11 mil- lion a year—and loan it to the students use it to reduce the debt, use it for the lion people who will be borrowing over at no profit—at no profit—so the stu- Pell grant program, and they used it to $100 billion this year. dents can use it—all of them, not 40 help pay for the health care law. Every Why would they on the other side of percent of them, not just low-income single year for the next several years, the aisle insist on a solution that students but middle-income students students are being overcharged to help forces 7 million mostly middle-income as well—and all of them will have their pay for the health care law. students to pay 6.8 percent when they rates lowered. So if we want to get into a big polit- could be paying 3.66 percent? Why So what will the effect be? Their pro- ical discussion about who is over- would you do that? Because you have posal would fix at 3.4 percent for 1 year charging students in order to reduce not thought about it, I think. the student loan interest rate on 40 the deficit or pay for the health care A lot has been going on. We have had percent of the loans. Our bipartisan law, we can have that. But that is not an immigration debate and a number of proposal would fundamentally—as does what we want to do. We want a result, other things, so maybe Senators have the President’s proposal and the pro- and we have suggested to the Senate— not taken a look at that. I have. I have posal passed by the House of Rep- and I am going to say it one more time: had a chance to do that. I have been resentatives—lower the rate to 3.66 per- Instead of a 40-percent political fix for the president of a university. I have cent for all undergraduates. It would be 1 year, we have suggested a long-term been the Education Secretary. I know

VerDate Mar 15 2010 04:45 Jul 10, 2013 Jkt 029060 PO 00000 Frm 00008 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G09JY6.015 S09JYPT1 jbell on DSK7SPTVN1PROD with SENATE July 9, 2013 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S5539 something about the student loan pro- just come around and play politics cause of the different approach in the gram. I did not like it when the Fed- with this every year to try to gain House and the inability on so many eral Government took it over. I admire some advantage with this student things we have passed here to go to the our U.S. Secretary of Education. I do group or that student group. conference committee to iron out the not think he ought to be the banker of So we have an opportunity before us. differences between the House and the the year. I think we have banks to The immigration bill passed before the Senate. make loans, but that is not the way it recess. It showed a good deal of the So I am very appreciative, and I have is. The taxpayers now make all the ability of people on both sides of the given my congratulations to all of government loans—over $100 billion a aisle to work together. We did that those who have participated in that year. with the farm bill. We did that with immigration bill. Students are making their plans. the water resources bill. I would sub- There is a huge flaw. It is a huge flaw They are going to be arriving at col- mit this is 100 times easier than any of in not recognizing that when we want leges in August and September. We those bills. to secure the border, as supposedly was have a bipartisan proposal that will When I went home to Tennessee be- done in order to gain 14 Republican lower interest rates for every single fore the Fourth of July recess, I said to votes to get us to the huge vote of 68 student taking out a student loan. Yet somebody who asked me: We are that votes for the bill, a major amount of our friends on the other side want to far apart and we have the President money was added for border security. leave middle-income students out of it, and the Republican House and a bipar- That is not the flaw. Some may ques- force them to pay twice as much as tisan group of Senators all in about the tion the amount of money. Indeed, they should be in interest rates for the same place. This ought to be easy to there was $6.5 billion in the initial next 10 years. That makes no sense. We do. Gang of 8 compromise for border secu- ought not do that. It is still easy to do, but I would im- rity. But when it came with the Tomorrow what we ought to do is plore my Senators to look at the Corker-Hoeven amendment, there was pass the Burr-Manchin proposal that is facts—those on the other side of the $46.3 billion more, of which over $44 bil- supported on both sides of the aisle. To aisle—and realize I do not think they lion was for border security. That is the extent it differs with the Presi- want to go home and explain why they not what is the flaw, although one can dent’s proposal—which is very slight— are leaving over 7 million middle-in- argue it. and with the proposal of the House of come students twisting in the wind, The flaw is that the amendment that Representatives—which is not much— paying twice as much on interest rates was offered by the Senator from Mis- we should then sit down, work some- for the next year as the proposal that sissippi and me was not even allowed to thing out over the next 3 days, pass it they are about to vote against tomor- be considered, which was to increase not some $50-plus billion for border se- and send it to the President and go on row. I think that will be pretty hard to curity—which was the land border—but to the next issue. Instead, we have po- explain, and I will bet there will be a to add a mere $1 billion for maritime litical speeches about how hard it is to lot of explaining to do if that is the end security. That is the flaw. As a matter go to college. We all know how hard it result. is to go to college. It is difficult to do. So I pledge—as I have been working of fact, if you want border security, it is a fatal flaw. Why? You put up an im- We all want to help. But if we have a with Secretary Duncan, with the White penetrable wall—whether it be a fence, solution, we ought to adopt it. House, with Democrats and Repub- an electric fence, an electronic fence, I could play politics too. I know how. licans—to try to get a result here. I whether it be UAVs, more Border Pa- Every one of us in this room knows think we can still do it in the next few trol agents—as a matter of fact, in the how, otherwise we would not be here. days. I would hope we can have a vote Corker-Hoeven amendment, $30 billion This is not a time for playing politics. on both proposals tomorrow. My guess of that additional border security was This is serious business; 11 million stu- would be both would fail at this point, just for Border Patrol agents—all of dents getting 18 million loans, $100 bil- but at least that would show we are se- which is going to make it fairly effec- lion-plus from the American taxpayers. riously working toward a solution, and We have a proposal before us that is tive in border security of not allowing we can sit down and merge these small people to pass, but it is the land bor- fair to the taxpayers—it will not cost differences that exist between the bi- them any money—it is fair to the stu- der. partisan group here, the Republican So what is going to happen? You go dents—it does not balance the budget House, and the President of the United right around the land border on the or pay for the health care program or States. maritime border. any other thing on the students’ I yield the floor. It is either going to be on the west backs—and it gives students, many of I suggest the absence of a quorum. coast, on the Pacific, or it is going to whom who have no credit rating, no The PRESIDING OFFICER. The be on the east coast, either the Gulf of other way to get money, a chance to clerk will call the roll. Mexico and all the Gulf States or the get several thousand dollars a year at The assistant legislative clerk pro- Atlantic, including Puerto Rico and one of the lowest possible rates avail- ceeded to call the roll. the Virgin Islands. Because if someone able in the country. The proposal that Mr. NELSON. Mr. President, I ask can be smuggled into one of them and is before the Senate that is bipartisan unanimous consent that the order for therefore get an identity, then they is a permanent solution. It says to the the quorum call be rescinded. have free access. Puerto Ricans are student going to the University of Ten- The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without American citizens. They have free ac- nessee or Alaska or Minnesota: If you objection, it is so ordered. cess to get to the rest of the United get a loan this year from the govern- IMMIGRATION States. ment and you are an undergraduate, Mr. NELSON. Mr. President, I wish So maritime security becomes para- the interest rate is 3.66 percent. Your to speak about the immigration bill we mount. But we could not get people rate on that loan won’t change. If you passed a couple weeks ago. It was a sig- here who wanted to spend over $50 bil- are a middle-income student, the nificant achievement. I have already lion on border security, which is the Democrats’ plan says it is 6.8 percent, congratulated all of those in the so- land border, which, in fact, is in the and they say: Wait. Wait for what? called Gang of 8 who put together the bill—they would not allow a Repub- Wait for rates to go up? initial draft. It was an example of bi- lican Senator, Mr. WICKER, and me to Why don’t we establish this program partisanship and recognizing that the add $1 billion for maritime security. for students at a time when rates are other fellow has a point of view—that Specifically, under our amendment, low? That is to their advantage. Let’s you respect that—and then you work it would have addressed just that part have a permanent solution at a time out your differences. That was an ex- of border security with regard to the when rates are low. They may go up ample of the Senate at its finest and Department of Homeland Security. But and, therefore, students may pay more, what we ought to be doing on every if we want an effective border security, but they will pay a lot less than they piece of legislation around here. we have to then get into a whole host would in the private market. They will The final result: 68 votes to 32 votes. of things other than Customs and Bor- have a lot more certainty than if we Its prospects we know not what be- der Patrol. We have to get additional

VerDate Mar 15 2010 04:45 Jul 10, 2013 Jkt 029060 PO 00000 Frm 00009 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G09JY6.017 S09JYPT1 jbell on DSK7SPTVN1PROD with SENATE S5540 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE July 9, 2013 resources for the Coast Guard. We have Those complaints are without founda- ‘‘unprecedented delays and obstruc- to consider not only UAVs being flown tion. I will quantify my answer to tion.’’ Yet that is the complaint we by the Department of Homeland Secu- prove my point. There is no crisis in hear over and over and over again from rity, through Customs, et cetera, over the manner in which we are confirming the other side. the maritime border, we have to put nominees. This is all part of a larger I wanted to set the record straight. It more Coast Guard out there. strategy to justify breaking the rules is a sad commentary that I have to I would suggest a new platform that of the Senate to change the rules of the spend so much time when figures speak would be very effective would be what Senate. for themselves. But I will set the the Navy is testing right now, which is The fact is that after today the Sen- record straight again before we vote on blimps. It is a very cost-effective, long ate will have confirmed 199 lower court the nomination of Ms. Dorsey. dwell time, that gives enormous cov- nominees. We have defeated two. That I have concerns with this particular erage at sea by one blimp. I have rid- is 199 to 2. Who can complain about nominee. I think all Members are den in those blimps. that record? The success rate happens aware of the press accounts of cam- The Navy is testing them. I went to be 99 percent for the nominees sent paign contributions which were made with the Navy out of Fernandina Beach by President Obama, considered on the at the time this nomination was under as they were doing the testing for floor of the Senate. consideration. We have not received a Mayport Naval Station. It is incredible We have been doing it at a very fast full explanation of what happened. what you can do on the dwell time of a pace as well. During the last Congress Nevertheless, I am concerned about the blimp. Of course, the fuel used is de we confirmed more judges than any appearances of these contributions and minimus. The cost of an entire mission Congress since the 103rd Congress. That how such actions might undermine the for a blimp, some 24 hours of fuel, is Congress sat from 1993 through 1994. public confidence that our citizenry the same as cranking up an F–16 taxing This year we have already confirmed must have in the judicial branch of our out to the runway. That amount of en- more judges than were confirmed in government. ergy, fuel spent is what would be spent the entire first year of President I also have concerns about Ms. on a blimp for an entire 24-hour period Bush’s second term. Dorsey’s qualifications to be a Federal as it is doing surveillance. So far this year we have confirmed 27 judge. She has no criminal law experi- So if we are going to be sincere about judges. If confirmed today, Ms. Dorsey ence. She has participated in only six border effectiveness, then, in fact, we will be the 28th confirmation this year. trials, one as a sole counsel, one as are going to have to pay attention to Let’s compare this with a similar first chair, and four as second chair. I the maritime border as well as the land stage, which would be President Bush’s am concerned that her lack of experi- border. Why are Senator WICKER and I second term, when only 10 judicial ence will be a problem when she gets to concerned about this? He comes from a nominees had been confirmed. So we the bench. Gulf Coast State, Mississippi. I come are now at a 28-to-10 comparison, with It is not surprising to me that the from the State that has the longest President Obama clearly ahead of American Bar Association’s Standing coastline of any State save for the where President Bush was. But some- Committee on the Federal Judiciary State of Alaska. how we are hearing complaints. gave her a partial ‘‘not qualified’’ rat- My State of Florida has over some As I said, we have already confirmed ing. I am also concerned with her un- 1,500 miles of coast. It is a place that more nominees this year, 28, than we derstanding of the proper role of a will be a haven for smugglers of people did during the entirety of the year 2005, judge. and drugs. If we think we are tight- the first year of President Bush’s sec- ening border security by over $50 bil- ond term, when 21 lower court judges While in law school, she wrote a note lion being applied to the land border, were confirmed. After today only three that praised the Justices who wrote where are the smugglers going to go? article III judges remain on the Sen- Roe v. Wade. She praised them for the They are going to go right around. It is ate’s Executive Calendar; two district willingness to ‘‘forge ahead to create a just like water will flow and it will nominees and one circuit nominee. just outcome without regard to the meet the place of least resistance. It Yet we hear the same old story. usual decisional restraints.’’ Then, she will continue to flow. So, too, will the Somehow our friends on the other side said, ‘‘The majority made the just deci- smugglers. of the aisle, the Senate majority, the sion and then forced history and stare I wish to say I am disappointed that Senate Democrats, cite this as evi- decisis to fit that decision.’’ people on that side of the aisle would dence of obstructionism. Compare that Ms. Dorsey praised judges who made not allow Senator WICKER’s and my to June 2004, when 30 judicial nomina- their decision—and I want to use her amendment to be considered in the last tions were on the calendar, 10 circuit, words—‘‘without regard to the usual minute. It obviously is not controver- 20 district. decisional restraints.’’ Those words are sial. Yet, for whatever reason, it was I do not recall any Senate Democrat not the kind of words judges should be denied. I hope as we proceed on the im- complaining about how many nomina- using. That is not the kind of judges we migration bill—and I hope we are able tions were piling up on the calendar, want, those who are activist judges to proceed if the House will act—I hope nor do I remember protests from my who impose their own policy pref- in the final product it will be consid- colleagues on the other side that judi- erences rather than in following en- ered and added so we can truly have a cial nominees were moving too slowly. acted law or precedent. secure border, a maritime border as Some of those nominees had been re- What do we want? We want judges well as a land border. ported out of committee more than 1 who will be restrained by precedent I yield the floor. year earlier and most were pending for and by the laws Congress passes. Al- The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- months. Some of them never did get an though Ms. Dorsey said she no longer ator from Iowa. up-or-down vote. The bottom line is supports what she once wrote, I am un- Mr. GRASSLEY. Mr. President, soon that the Senate is processing the Presi- convinced she will be able to lay her we will be voting on a district court dent’s nominees exceptionally fairly. I policy preferences aside when they con- nominee. I rise in opposition to the do not know why that message cannot flict with what the law dictates she nomination of Jennifer Dorsey. That is get through. It is an excuse to abuse ought to do. for the U.S. district judgeship for the the rules of the Senate to change the For all the reasons I mentioned District of Nevada. Before I outline the rules of the Senate. above, I cannot support the nominee. I basis for my opposition, I wish to in- President Obama certainly is being have two news articles that describe form my fellow Senators and the Amer- treated more fairly in the beginning of the campaign contribution issue I dis- ican public regarding facts on judicial his second term than Senate Demo- cussed earlier. I ask unanimous con- nominations. crats treated President Bush in the sent that those articles be printed in We continue to hear from my col- first year of his last term in office. It the RECORD. leagues on the other side of the aisle is not clear to me how allowing more There being no objection, the mate- about how we are obstructing nominees votes so far this year than President rial was ordered to be printed in the or treating this President differently. Bush got in an entire year amounts to RECORD, as follows:

VerDate Mar 15 2010 04:45 Jul 10, 2013 Jkt 029060 PO 00000 Frm 00010 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G09JY6.019 S09JYPT1 jbell on DSK7SPTVN1PROD with SENATE July 9, 2013 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S5541 [From the Las Vegas Review-Journal, May 3, lows unlimited corporate and labor money in District Court, and she was nominated by 2013] campaigns as independent expenditures. Reid President Barack Obama in September. DONATIONS TO REID-CONNECTED PACS LEGAL, called it one of the four or five worst deci- Reid in a statement said Dorsey’s ‘‘aca- BUT DON’T SEEM QUITE RIGHT sions in the history of the U.S. Supreme demic background and courtroom experience (By Jane Ann Morrison) Court. speak for themselves. She has great respect Reid said he abides by the rules and does from her peers and colleagues in Nevada and U.S. Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid not control the Senate Majority PAC. He I am confident she will serve the bench with didn’t break laws when he asked Las Vegas asked Kemp to donate, but PAC officials distinction.’’ attorney Will Kemp to donate to the Senate dealt with the lawyer after that. As Dorsey was being vetted by Reid, senior Majority PAC to help elect Democrats in the By my tally, based on the Open Secrets partners at her firm, Kemp, Jones & 2012 cycle. website, in 2012, Kemp and Jones between Coulthard, made contributions to Senate The senator, a lawyer himself, knew Kemp them gave $150,000 to the Senate Majority Majority PAC, a super PAC created by and Robert Eglet had won a huge verdict of PAC and $28,500 to the Democratic Party of former Reid strategists to elect Democrats $182 million from Teva Pharmaceutical In- Nevada, and Kemp gave an extra $2,500 to to the U.S. Senate. Reid, the Senate major- dustries in a case in which large vials of Friends of Reid, for a total of $181,000. ity leader, and other leading Democrats Propofol were partially blamed for a hepa- In previous years, Kemp and Jones had traveled extensively last year to raise money titis outbreak. given but not at that level. for the PAC, which is co-chaired by a former Kemp wasn’t new to donating to Reid. He In 2010, Kemp gave Reid $4,800; Jones gave Reid chief of staff. had been a donor to Friends for Harry Reid him $11,700. Kind of a big jump from $16,500 Founding partner Will Kemp made a in the past 2010 cycle and had given $4,800. to Friends for Reid in one cycle to $181,000 to $100,000 contribution on May 1, 2012, accord- According to opensecrets.org, Kemp’s largest Reid, the Majority PAC and the Democratic ing to campaign finance records. Founding donation in the past three years was for Party in the 2012 cycle. partner J. Randall Jones made a $50,000 con- $8,500 to the Democratic Party of Nevada. That’s a lot of Democratic lovin’. Espe- tribution on May 14, 2012. And while he leaned Democratic, he also cially for two lawyers who also pony up for Reid declined comment on the firm’s con- gave to some Republicans. Republicans. tributions to the political action committee. However, ethical questions abound about Reid mentioned the nearly $150 million His spokeswoman, Kristen Orthman, empha- whether Reid’s latest judicial nominee, Jen- that Las Vegas Sands Corp. boss Sheldon sized that Dorsey’s personal contribution to nifer Dorsey, a partner in Jones, Kemp and Adelson had given to elect Republicans in Reid’s campaign was returned as the senator Coulthard, could have seen—or hoped to 2012 and how a Rhode Island man made a fed- weighed her possible nomination and wanted see—her chances for an appointment en- eral judgeship though he and his wife do- to avoid an appearance of conflict. hanced by a series of contributions from nated $700,000 to Democrats since 1993. Dorsey did not respond to requests for Kemp and his partner, J. Randall Jones. While $150,000 sounds like a lot to me, Reid comment Thursday and Friday. A secretary It’s the time line and the size of the said it’s all relative because the Senate Ma- at her office said the attorney usually does amounts that are creating that sewage jority PAC raised more than $60 million. not comment to reporters. smell. Reid must be conflicted. He competes suc- Neither Kemp nor Jones responded to calls Despite that, Reid said Friday he believed cessfully at raising money, whether it’s for or to email queries made through their sec- she would be confirmed by the U.S. Senate. his own campaign, the party or various retaries on Friday. Check out what happened when: PACs. Yet he says, ‘‘I think this whole cam- October 2011: Kemp wins his big Teva case, Lawyers making contributions to politi- paign finance thing has gotten way out of cians and their causes is commonplace. Nor not his first big payday as a longtime trial hand.’’ attorney. is it unusual for lawyers to want to see Later he mused, ‘‘It may not corrupt peo- friends and legal partners ascend to the pres- Jan. 9, 2012: Kemp donates $8,500 to the ple, but it is corrupting.’’ Democratic Party of Nevada, generally con- tigious federal bench. Dorsey, 42, said she doesn’t talk to report- It’s when the two appear to mix that prob- sidered the party designed to elect Reid first ers. But if she knew her partners were donat- and foremost and other Democrats as an lems can arise, legal experts said. ing all this money at the time she was seek- ‘‘This feels problematic to me,’’ said afterthought. ing a judgeship (and how could she not Sometime in January or February 2012, ac- Charles Geyh, John F. Kimberling professor know), she should have stopped it. But then of law who teaches and writes on ethics at cording to Kemp’s statements to political she did donate $2,500 after asking for the job. analyst Jon Ralston, Reid asks Kemp and his the University of Indiana Maurer School of Maybe she thought it was expected. Or Law. ‘‘There’s no denying a perception prob- partners to donate to the Senate Majority maybe the judicial candidate’s judgment PAC. It’s unclear whether his donation to lem here. Politically it seems like a dan- about perception isn’t so keen. gerous thing to undertake.’’ the party fell before or after Reid’s request. When her partners had never donated in Kemp didn’t return a call Friday to clarify Carl Tobias, the Williams Professor of Law such large sums before, it smacks of old- at the University of Richmond, cautioned the time line. style payola. It may be legal, but it’s not March 31, 2012: Dorsey donates $2,500 to against jumping to conclusions. right. ‘‘I can’t draw a cause-and-effect relation- Friends for Harry Reid. Sometime that However, I suspect the canny Reid is cor- month she expressed her interest in a federal ship’’ between the partners’ donations and rect, Dorsey will get confirmed. Senators of Dorsey’s nomination, said Tobias, a former judgeship. The same day, Kemp contributes both parties won’t want to see their own do- $2,500 to the Friends of Harry Reid. professor at the Boyd School of Law at the nations restricted as they themselves race University of Nevada, Las Vegas. ‘‘I think April 30, 2012: Reid returns her money but for the almighty dollar. keeps Kemp’s. people could ask whether it appears that they were trying to promote one of their May 1, 2012: The day after Dorsey’s money [From www.reviewjournal.com, Apr. 26, 2013] is returned, Kemp donates $100,000 to the partners. You’d like to have the answers to JUDICIAL NOMINEE’S LAW FIRM GIVES $150,000 Senate Majority PAC, and law partner Jones those questions.’’ TO PAC LINKED TO HARRY REID donates $5,000 to the Democratic Party of Sen. Dean Heller, R–Nev., declined to com- (By Steve Tetreault, Stephens Washington Nevada. ment on Friday. In recent weeks he has de- May 14, 2012: Two weeks later, Jones do- Bureau) clined comment on Dorsey’s nomination, nates $50,000 to the Senate Majority PAC. WASHINGTON.—As U.S. Sen. Harry Reid was saying he prefers to let the confirmation June 12, 2012: Reid recommends Dorsey to considering Las Vegas attorney Jennifer process move forward before saying how he the White House. Dorsey for a federal judgeship in May, two would vote. Aug. 23, 2012: Jones donates $8,000 to the senior partners at her law firm made $150,000 This week Heller declined an invitation to Democratic Party of Nevada. in contributions to a political action com- appear at Dorsey’s confirmation hearing. Al- Sept. 19, 2012: She is nominated by Presi- mittee associated with the Nevada senator, though Dorsey was nominated in September, dent Barack Obama. records show. only last month did Heller return the cus- Oct. 23, 2012: Jones makes a $10,000 con- While apparently legal, the donations were tomary ‘‘blue slip’’ to the Senate Judiciary tribution to the Democratic Party of Ne- called ‘‘problematic’’ by a legal expert, who Committee, signalling that he did not object vada. said they could be perceived as attempting to a confirmation hearing. At a meeting at the Las Vegas Review- to buy a judicial appointment as Dorsey’s Heller and Reid clashed earlier over Clark Journal on Friday, I asked Reid to address confirmation is pending before the Senate. County District Judge Elissa Cadish, whom the perception that the donations were made Dorsey also made a personal contribution Reid had nominated to a federal judgeship for a purpose. of $2,500 to Reid’s campaign committee in but whom Heller had blocked over a gun He answered, ‘‘It’s too bad that her being a March 2012, shortly after they initially spoke rights dispute. Heller allowed Dorsey’s nomi- member of that law firm is causing some about her interest in becoming a federal nation to proceed a few weeks after Cadish problems for her.’’ He noted he had known judge, according to Senate records. Reid re- withdrew her nomination, leading to specu- Kemp for decades. ‘‘He’s one of the finest turned that contribution a month later, as lation that he and Reid had struck a deal. trial lawyers in the country, and that’s not he proceeded to check out her credentials Dorsey, who turned 42 on Friday, appeared just hyperbole, that’s true.’’ and experience as a litigator. Wednesday before the Senate Judiciary Com- Reid went on to condemn the Citizens In June, Reid agreed to recommend Dorsey mittee for her confirmation hearing. The Las United decision in January 2010, which al- to the White House for a post on the U.S. Vegas native obtained degrees from UNLV

VerDate Mar 15 2010 04:45 Jul 10, 2013 Jkt 029060 PO 00000 Frm 00011 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A09JY6.003 S09JYPT1 jbell on DSK7SPTVN1PROD with SENATE S5542 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE July 9, 2013 and Pepperdine University School of Law. source of guidance and comfort to of Kemp, Jones & Coulthard, LLP, She became a partner at Kemp, Jones and countless folks from Massachusetts in where she has been partner for the past Coulthard in 2004, where she has specialized the weeks and months that followed 9 years. She has diverse experience in in complex civil litigation. that horrific act of terrorism. civil and criminal matters, trial and Dorsey answered questions about her expe- rience and her approach to the law posed by During his short tenure, MO has dis- appellate work, and State and Federal Sens. Mazie Hirono, D–Hawaii, Charles tinguished himself in this body. First, courts, and has tried more than a dozen Grassley, R–Iowa, and Mike Lee, R–Utah. MO listens more than he talks. His trials to verdict. The committee has The senators seemed satisfied with her per- acute observation skills have made heard from Judge Deanell Tacha, who formance, said Tobias, who watched a him a trusted adviser to many. Equally was nominated by President Reagan to webcast of the session. important, MO’s observations are with- the Tenth Circuit and is now the dean Dorsey was introduced to the committee out judgment; rather, MO listens and of Pepperdine University School of by Reid, who called her a ‘‘fine woman who tries to understand how he can advance will be a great addition to the bench in Ne- Law, in support of Jennifer Dorsey. vada. She has really a sterling reputation the issue and not judge the speaker’s She wrote: among her peers.’’ motivations. I am well acquainted with Ms. Dorsey and Reid said Dorsey’s nomination was in line Mo is a serious thinker, always try- can say, with full confidence, that she is an with his desire to place more women on the ing to find a path forward to resolve outstanding candidate for the federal judici- federal bench. If confirmed, Dorsey would the important issues of our time. I can ary who would serve with great distinction join District Judges Miranda Du and Gloria only imagine the important and great . . . She is a distinguished lawyer, a highly respected member of her community, and a Navarro as Reid-backed Nevada federal court legislation MO would have advanced if true servant of the public good. appointees. he had more time here. In 1998, Reid backed attorney Johnnie Her qualifications notwithstanding, Rawlinson for a District Court judgeship in Although MO is a serious guy, he also loves to laugh—mostly at his own ex- Jennifer Dorsey has been the target of Nevada, and two years later promoted her a false controversy over political dona- confirmation to the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of pense. MO’s desk in the Senate was Appeals. often the gathering site for many tions made by her law firm colleagues. Dorsey has received a mixed rating from freshman Senators because everyone It is ironic that the same Senate Re- the American Bar Association’s Standing was just a little happier and a little publicans who have filibustered any at- Committee on the Federal Judiciary, a 15– smarter after spending time with MO. tempt to regulate or scrutinize polit- member panel that rates federal judge nomi- Mo is also an extraordinarily humble ical donations, and who objected to my nees on integrity, professional competence human being—not the false modesty of request during the Bush administra- and judicial temperament, and on a scale of tion to include political campaign con- ‘‘well qualified,’’ ‘‘qualified’’ and ‘‘not quali- a seasoned politician but the humility fied.’’ that comes from a deep faith and a life- tributions by nominees in the com- In Dorsey’s case, the ABA said a ‘‘substan- time of self-reflection. One should mittee questionnaire, are now using tial majority’’ (10–13 members) rated her never mistake that humility for a lack donations by a nominee’s colleagues to ‘‘qualified’’ while a minority rated her ‘‘not of self-confidence. MO is very sure- smear the nominee. These donations qualified.’’ footed and anchored in the one great that the ranking member claimed he Reid declined this week to comment on the belief that his job is and always will be was concerned about were not even rating, which matched ratings for Du and to make the world a more just place for known to the nominee until they were Navarro when they were under Senate con- reported in local newspapers. Ms. Dor- sideration. He had made no secret of his dis- his sons and for all the children of our dain for the ratings, which he said rely too country. sey has answered the ranking mem- heavily on prior judicial service as opposed So beyond the ritual of carving a ber’s questions on this issue under oath to ‘‘real world’’ qualifications. name in a desk and his recorded roll- and I consider it settled. Senate Repub- In 2010, Reid said the examiners should call votes on important issues like im- licans did not ask such questions of ‘‘get a new life and start looking at people migration, what will be MO COWAN’s President Bush’s nominees, even nomi- for how they are qualified and not whether Senate legacy? History may mark his nees who themselves made donations they have judicial experience.’’ time here in a footnote, but MO’s im- to President Bush or their home State Mr. GRASSLEY. I yield the floor and pact has been much greater. I cannot Republican Senators after they knew I suggest the absence of a quorum. speak for others in this body, but be- that they were being considered for a The PRESIDING OFFICER. The cause I served with MO COWAN, I will be judgeship. Perhaps now Senate Repub- clerk will call the roll. a better Senator. I will listen more and licans think we should look at dona- The assistant legislative clerk pro- talk less. I will always remember not tions made by nominees’ friends and ceeded to call the roll. to judge the motivations of others; in- neighbors? Ms. HEITKAMP. I ask unanimous stead, seek solutions with others. I will This is just one more example of Sen- consent that the order for the quorum redouble my efforts to make our great ate Republicans playing games with call be rescinded. country a more just place for our chil- President Obama’s judicial nominees, The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without dren. rather than actually looking at the objection, it is so ordered. I will miss you, Senator MO COWAN. nominees’ records. False controversies TRIBUTE TO WILLIAM M. ‘‘MO’’ COWAN You are a great Senator, but more im- about nominees like Paul Watford, Ms. HEITKAMP. Mr. President, I rise portantly, you are a wonderful and Patty Schwartz, Andrew Hurwitz, today to say a few words about my kind human being. Thank you for your Caitlin Halligan, and Jeffrey Helmick friend who is leaving the Senate this service to our country. over who they represented, or who they week, Massachusetts Senator MO I yield the floor, and I suggest the ab- clerked for, demean the confirmation COWAN. I have to admit that when he sence of a quorum. process. first arrived I was excited because I The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Jennifer Dorsey is one of the 33 judi- was no longer going to be 100th in se- clerk will call the roll. cial nominees who needed to be re- niority. That job went to MO, and I The assistant legislative clerk pro- nominated this year. Unfortunately, would be 99. However, quickly after he ceeded to call the roll. the Senate is not able to consider an- was sworn in, I realized he was one of Mrs. HAGAN. Mr. President, I ask other district of Nevada nominee, the nicest and smartest Members of unanimous consent that the order for Judge Elissa Cadish, whose nomination this body. During his recent farewell the quorum call be rescinded. was withdrawn after the Republican speech, MO referred to me as the North The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without Senator from Nevada refused to return Dakota sister he never knew he had. I objection, it is so ordered. his blue slip on her nomination. The already have six siblings, but I would Mr. LEAHY. Mr. President, today the concern with Judge Cadish seemed to welcome him into the Heitkamp family Senate will vote on the nomination of be that in 2008 she had accurately stat- any day. Jennifer Dorsey to be a judge on the ed existing Second Amendment juris- In all seriousness, MO was an excel- U.S. District Court for the District of prudence. Judge Cadish was originally lent addition to this body. After the Nevada. appointed to the Nevada bench by a Re- Boston massacre tragedy, he showed Jennifer Dorsey has spent her entire publican Governor, and in a 2011 judi- incredible leadership skills. He was a legal career at the Las Vegas, NV firm cial performance evaluation, conducted

VerDate Mar 15 2010 04:45 Jul 10, 2013 Jkt 029060 PO 00000 Frm 00012 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A09JY6.002 S09JYPT1 jbell on DSK7SPTVN1PROD with SENATE July 9, 2013 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S5543 by the Las Vegas Review-Journal, 88 Mr. DURBIN. I announce that the sion of my remarks, the Senator from percent of the lawyers who responded Senator from Alaska (Mr. BEGICH) is Utah be recognized. said she should be retained on the necessarily absent. The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tem- bench, which was among the highest of Mr. CORNYN. The following Senators pore. Without objection, it is so or- all judges evaluated. So I remain dis- are necessarily absent: the Senator dered. appointed that her nomination was from Indiana (Mr. COATS), the Senator Mr. REED. I wish to thank the Sen- withdrawn and that the Judiciary from Arizona (Mr. FLAKE), the Senator ator from Utah for graciously allowing Committee and the Senate were not from South Carolina (Mr. GRAHAM), me to proceed. permitted to consider it, especially and the Senator from Arizona (Mr. While the Republicans failed to join since the vacancy to which Judge MCCAIN). us in an effort to avert the doubling of Cadish was nominated is now a judicial The PRESIDING OFFICER (Ms. the interest rate on need-based student emergency vacancy. HEITKAMP). Are there any other Sen- loans, there is still time to act to make In addition to the 33 renominations ators in the Chamber desiring to vote? things right for students. On July 1, at the start of this year, President The result was announced—yeas 54, the interest rate on subsidized Stafford Obama has nominated another 28 indi- nays 41, as follows: loans doubled from 3.4 percent to 6.8 viduals to be circuit and district judges [Rollcall Vote No. 170 Ex.] percent. Instead of allowing us to take this year, and has now had more nomi- YEAS—54 up a vote on an extension of the lower nees at this point in his presidency Baldwin Hagan Murray rate, the other side continues to push a than his predecessor did at the same Baucus Harkin Nelson so-called long-term solution that would point. Senate Republicans are nonethe- Bennet Heinrich Pryor saddle students with even more debt in less criticizing President Obama for Blumenthal Heitkamp Reed Boxer Hirono Reid the future. making too few nominations while pro- Brown Johnson (SD) Rockefeller Students and advocates from across testing that the fact that many vacan- Cantwell Kaine Sanders the country have been very clear. On cies do not have nominees cannot pos- Cardin King Schatz June 21, they wrote to Senate leader- sibly be the fault of Senate Repub- Carper Klobuchar Schumer Casey Landrieu Shaheen ship, and in their words: ‘‘A bad deal licans. These Senators are saying that Collins Leahy Stabenow that is permanent for student bor- they have no role in the process. Of Coons Levin Tester rowers is worse than no deal at all.’’ course, only a few years ago, before Cowan Manchin Udall (CO) We need time to work together to de- Donnelly McCaskill Udall (NM) President Obama had made a single ju- Durbin Menendez Warner velop a good deal for students—one dicial nomination, all Senate Repub- Feinstein Merkley Warren that is comprehensive, one that touch- licans sent him a letter threatening to Franken Mikulski Whitehouse es not on just rates but on incentives filibuster his nominees if he did not Gillibrand Murphy Wyden to lower the costs of a college edu- consult Republican home State Sen- NAYS—41 cation and on ways in which students ators. They cannot have it both ways. Alexander Enzi Murkowski can refinance their existing debt and I take very seriously my responsi- Ayotte Fischer Paul their future debts. As we all under- bility to make recommendations when Barrasso Grassley Portman stand, we have reached a point where we have vacancies in Vermont, whether Blunt Hatch Risch Boozman Heller Roberts student debt has exceeded credit card the President is a Democrat or a Re- Burr Hoeven Rubio debt. It is the second largest household publican, and other Senators should do Chambliss Inhofe Scott debt—$1 trillion—and it is saddling this the same. After all, if there are not Chiesa Isakson Sessions Coburn Johanns generation and future generations with Shelby enough judges in our home States, it is Cochran Johnson (WI) Thune burdens they well might not be able to our own constituents who suffer. It Corker Kirk Toomey discharge. Cornyn Lee should be only a matter of weeks or Vitter In the meantime, at this moment, we months, not years, for Senators to Crapo McConnell Cruz Moran Wicker should take up and pass the Keep Stu- make recommendations. Republican NOT VOTING—5 dent Loans Affordable Act which I have Senators who demanded to be con- offered, along with Senator HAGAN and sulted on nominations should live up to Begich Flake McCain Coats Graham 41 of our colleagues, to ensure that stu- their responsibilities, and fulfill their dents with the greatest financial need constitutional obligation to advise the The nomination was confirmed. do not see the interest rate on their The PRESIDING OFFICER. Under President on nominations. They should loans double. Again, at the heart of our the previous order, the motion to re- follow the example of Democratic Sen- student lending program has been a consider is considered made and laid on ators: the administration has received special concern to allow young men the table. The President will be imme- recommendations for all current dis- and women with talent from low and diately notified of the Senate’s actions. trict vacancies in States represented moderate incomes to go to college. by two Democratic Senators. When f That is why we created the subsidized Senate Republicans refuse to make rec- LEGISLATIVE SESSION Stafford loan program. That is what we ommendations for nominees, and then have to keep our focus and emphasis on delay votes on consensus nominees, The PRESIDING OFFICER. Under today. Forty-nine organizations rep- they are not somehow hurting the the previous order, the Senate will re- resenting students, educators, colleges President, they are hurting the Amer- sume legislative session. and universities, and workers from ican people and our justice system. f across the country have asked us to do Mrs. HAGAN. Mr. President, I ask RECESS unanimous consent that all remaining this. These are the students, the uni- time be yielded back. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Under versities, and the people who have The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without the previous order, the Senate stands most at stake and they are telling us, objection, it is so ordered. in recess until 2:15 p.m. again, that a bad deal is worse than no Mrs. HAGAN. I ask for the yeas and Thereupon, the Senate, at 12:35 p.m., deal at all. nays. recessed until 2:15 p.m. and reassem- We should take a step back and re- The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there a bled when called to order by the Acting member why we offer student loans in sufficient second? There appears to be President pro tempore. the first place. When President Lyndon a sufficient second. f Johnson signed the Higher Education The question is, Will the Senate ad- Act into law in 1965, he said: ‘‘And it is vise and consent to the nomination of KEEP STUDENT LOANS AFFORD- a truism education is no longer a lux- Jennifer A. Dorsey, of Nevada, to be ABLE ACT OF 2013—MOTION TO ury. Education in this day and age is a United States District Judge for the PROCEED—Continued necessity.’’ District of Nevada? The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tem- His words are truer today than they The clerk will call the roll. pore. The Senator from Rhode Island. were in 1965. According to Georgetown The assistant bill clerk called the Mr. REED. Madam President, I ask University Center on Education and roll. unanimous consent that at the conclu- the Workforce, we will fall 5 million

VerDate Mar 15 2010 04:45 Jul 10, 2013 Jkt 029060 PO 00000 Frm 00013 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G09JY6.049 S09JYPT1 jbell on DSK7SPTVN1PROD with SENATE S5544 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE July 9, 2013 short of the workers with postsec- complete the complex task of looking previous chart. Here is the change in ondary credentials we will need by 2020. at several different aspects of this the daily yield for the 10-year T-note. We already know there is going to be a problem. This is the benchmark rate. We can see gap between the workers we need with However, we are blocked from doing where it begins on May 1 of 2013. It is advanced degrees and the jobs avail- so because our budget rules basically going from about 1.6 percent all the able by 2020. Nearly two-thirds of new require us to replace the revenue and way up to about 2.6 percent. This rate jobs will require a college degree or the other side has been unwilling to is rising dramatically. Why? Well, for similar credential. So by saddling this consider revenue from other sources. one reason, the Federal Reserve has in- generation with additional costs and We propose to offset the cost by closing dicated they are going to begin to thereby inhibiting those who may well a tax loophole. We have to look care- taper off their quantitative easing pro- have the talent but not the resources fully not only at what we will do to gram. One reason is as we see signs of to go to college, we are going to create make the student loan programs cheap- growth in the economy, interest rates an even bigger divergence between the er and more effective for students but will rise naturally. So what we could demand for skilled workers and the tal- also how we will pay for it. find is that this chart actually under- ent Americans need to develop to fill We also have to recognize that for estimates the potential growth in in- those jobs. many years our colleagues on the other terest rates and students could end up President Johnson again referred to side of the aisle have targeted some of paying maybe much more. the Higher Education Act as a promise these subsidized loans, wanting to In the Republican proposal, there is the Nation was making to its young make them more expensive. From the no cap on these rates. people for generations to come. The Contract With America in the 1990s to They talk about the fact that there promise was that this Nation was not the Ryan budgets, they have suggested is a consolidation process, but that going to allow financial barriers to things such as, for example, elimi- consolidation process can only be en- keep willing and able young people nating the in-school interest subsidy tered into after a student has gone from a college education. But, today, on student loans. For subsidized stu- through school, begun repayment, ac- that promise is at risk. dent loans, we pay the interest while cumulated interest at increasing rates As I have indicated, the job market the student is in college pursuing their each year, and then, indeed, when a increasingly demands postsecondary educational goals, and they have sug- student goes into the consolidation education simply to achieve middle- gested eliminating that. These are phase, all of the interest is capitalized class earnings. At the same time, col- some of the reasons why I think we and the loan is stretched out over lege is getting more and more expen- have to be skeptical of proposals that many years, meaning they end up pay- sive. As I said also, student loan debt is are being advanced in order to provide ing more. So it is not a rate cap at all. accelerating, second only to mortgage relief for students. Frankly, without a rate cap, I think we debt for American households. This is The so-called Bipartisan Student are exposing students and their fami- going to have a huge impact on the Loan Certainty Act would add nearly lies to vast uncertainty. In fact, the overall economy of this country. It is $1 billion in additional revenues from only thing that seems to be certain is not going to be just individual students student loans to the government cof- these rates are going up. We have to approach this problem in and families struggling. The Federal fers. It may be a short-term fix, but it a thoughtful way. That is why I intro- Reserve of New York and others have creates a much larger long-term prob- duced the Responsible Student Loan reported that this debt is dragging lem: The teaser rates in the first few Solutions Act with Senator DURBIN. It years mask the uncapped rates stu- down our economy especially for young is a long-term proposal. It would base dents would face in the following dec- families as they try to establish them- student loan interest rates on the ac- ades. selves. tual cost of running the student loan The primary tools in the Higher Edu- This chart is very revealing. This programs—not on arbitrary rate but cation Act to help students pay for col- demonstrates the undergraduate Staf- the actual cost to the government—and lege are grants, work study, and low- ford loan interest rates under the so- it will protect students by capping in- cost loans. The Pell grant, which I called Bipartisan Student Loan Cer- terest rates on each of the individual tainty Act. This green line is the grad- must say we are so proud of because it loan programs. Our proposal would, in uate Stafford loan, and this is the was authored and championed by our effect, pass on the savings to students PLUS loan for parents. As we can see, great Senator Claiborne Pell, is less that the Federal Government accrues they accelerate dramatically because and less able to fund a college edu- from the low cost of borrowing relative of the 10-year Treasury bill rate chosen cation. In the 1970s, it covered a large to other borrowers, our ability to ab- by supporters of the other proposal and part of tuition and fees for a year in sorb risk relative to others, and the because of the likely increase in that college. Today, the percentage of costs economies of scale for loan servicing it covers is shrinking, even as we try to rate. It reaches the point here where for students across this country. expand it. As a result, more and more interest rates exceed current law in Additionally, by increasing in this students have had to rely on loans, and 2016. So by 2016, these loans will be legislation the loan limits on sub- that is why we have seen this huge ex- much more expensive. This is a classic sidized loans, we will allow students of plosion of debt. case of enjoying 2 or 3 years of low in- low and moderate income to receive Today, instead of aiding students terest, but having to be prepared to more help and not require them to bor- with low-cost loans, the Federal Gov- pay a lot more for education in the fu- row unsubsidized loans at higher inter- ernment, ironically, is reaping profits ture. It is eerily reminiscent of those est rates and, as a result, I think, help from these students. We have to change proposals to refinance one’s house with bring down the whole cascading issue this. an adjustable rate uncapped mortgage of student debt. The Congressional Budget Office esti- and get rid of that old-fashioned fixed Finally, our legislation would pro- mates that between now and 2023, stu- rate which was so prevalent in the first vide relief to students with out- dent loans will generate $184 billion in decade of the 2000s and which caused so standing loans—that is upwards of $1 revenue for the Federal Government. much havoc, and still is causing so trillion nationally—by allowing them At a time when students are struggling much havoc. to refinance to a lower interest rate. and when they are seeing their debt ex- CBO estimates that if we look from These are some of the key elements plode, we are making money off of 2017 to 2023 alone, students will pay for a true long-term solution. them—not investing in them but put- $37.8 billion more under the so-called We also need to address the cost of ting them under a huge financial bur- Bipartisan Student Loan Certainty college, which is going up astronomi- den. Act. cally. The institutions have to have a As we seek to solve these complex Students are smart. They can figure lot more at stake. They have to be very problems, I think the most sensible and it out. But I think there is something careful that they are not only selecting the wisest thing to do is to keep the else we have to add to the mix. This well-qualified students, but also that subsidized loan rate at 3.4 percent and chart shows an estimate of the rates they are preparing them for the work- use the year to engage and successfully that was made a few weeks ago on the force of this century and that they can

VerDate Mar 15 2010 04:45 Jul 10, 2013 Jkt 029060 PO 00000 Frm 00014 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G09JY6.027 S09JYPT1 jbell on DSK7SPTVN1PROD with SENATE July 9, 2013 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S5545 have certainty, and the students can Now, luckily, we again have a win- student, youth, consumer, civil rights and have certainty, that the skills they dow of time to act before the doubling education organizations urge you to support master in college will be rewarded with causes any real harm. It doubled on S. 1238, the Keep Student Loans Affordable Act of 2013, put forth by Senators Jack Reed a job in our economy. July 1, but we had the Fourth of July (D–RI), Kay Hagan (D–NC) and 36 others, Finally, we have to establish a true week, so if we were to again extend the which will keep interest rates low for mil- Federal-State partnership. Federal 3.4 percent for another year, it would lions of students going to school this fall. If grants and loans can’t keep pace with do no harm. It would do no harm to Congress fails to act by July 1, interest rates these rising college costs. We have to anyone. on federally subsidized Stafford student work with every level of government to That is why I am urging my col- loans will double from 3.4 percent to 6.8 per- try to address these issues. leagues to support S. 1238, the Keep cent, and over 7 million students across the What I would suggest is that we work Student Loans Affordable Act of 2013. country will see the cost of college increase by $1,000 per student, per loan. together. First, we extend the 3.4-per- This responsible, fully paid for legisla- Considering the enormity of the student cent interest rate, then, consciously, tion, introduced by Senator REED of debt problem and the significant number of deliberately, and expeditiously, I hope, Rhode Island, Senator HAGAN, Senator students and borrowers impacted, it is clear move forward to fix these complex FRANKEN, myself, and many others, is a that we need a comprehensive overhaul of issues, protect our students, allow edu- viable solution to keeping student loan federal student loan policy. However, with cation to be once again the engine that rates affordable for our middle-class just 3 days left until the deadline, it is un- moves the country ahead, and allow likely that Congress can come to an agree- students and families struggling to af- ment on comprehensive reform that is better every American, regardless of their ford college. for student loan borrowers than if the rate wealth, to get aboard that train and go I might add that this bill is sup- doubled to 6.8 percent. forward. ported by 49 student, youth, consumer, We applaud this bill, which creates a work- Madam President, I ask unanimous civil rights, and educational organiza- able solution to maintain current low rates consent that Senators be permitted to tions across the country. Here is a let- while Congress seeks to reauthorize the Higher Education Act and to reach a com- speak for up to 10 minutes each and ter they sent to Leader REID and Sen- prehensive solution to the student loan crisis that Senator HATCH be permitted to ator MCCONNELL dated June 28 to sup- that is good for students. We expect a vote speak for up to 15 minutes. port S. 1238. They said: on S. 1238 on July 10, 2013, allowing the pro- The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tem- We applaud this bill, which creates a work- posal to take effect in time to protect in- pore. Is there objection? able solution to maintaining current low coming and returning students this fall. Without objection, it is so ordered. rates while Congress seeks to reauthorize the Many of the other proposals being dis- The Senator from Utah is recognized. Higher Education Act to reach a comprehen- cussed would result in even higher costs to Mr. HATCH. I thank the Chair. sive solution to the student loan crisis that students than if interest rates were simply (The remarks of Senator HATCH per- is good for students. We expect a vote on S. allowed to double. The Bipartisan Student taining to the introduction of S. 1270 1238 on July 10, 2013, allowing the proposal to Loan Certainty Act put forth by Senators take effect in time to protect incoming and Joe Manchin (D–WV), Richard Burr (R–NC), are printed in today’s RECORD under returning students this fall. Tom Coburn (R–OK), Lamar Alexander (R– ‘‘Statements on Introduced Bills and That is what is happening tomorrow. TN), Angus King (I–ME), and Tom Carper (D– Joint Resolutions.’’) DE), would drive up borrower costs by $1 bil- The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- Tomorrow we will vote on cloture on lion and tie interest rates to the market ator from Iowa. this bill—cloture, so that then we can without a cap to protect students. This pro- Mr. HARKIN. Madam President, I get an up-or-down vote on whether we posal would pay down the deficit on the take the floor today to follow up on are going to extend the 3.4-percent in- backs of students, trading national debt for what my good friend and colleague terest rates until next July. I will in a student debt. It is unacceptable to use stu- dent loans as a vehicle for deficit reduction, Senator REED from Rhode Island just moment say why that is so important. The letter goes on to say: especially when the federal government is spoke about; that is, the looming inter- projected to make $51 billion on student Many of the other proposals being dis- est rate hike on student loans that is loans this year alone. confronting us in this country. cussed would result in even higher costs to We continue to advocate for a long-term, To recap a little bit, in 2002 the Con- students than if interest rates were simply comprehensive solution that ensures afford- allowed to double. gress passed a fixed rate. We had vari- able rates for students. If Congress cannot able rates before, but it passed a fixed That is, to go to 6.8 percent. find an acceptable long-term solution before rate on student loans of 6.8 percent. In The bipartisan Student Loan Certainty students are forced to pay even more this Act put forth by Senators Manchin, Burr, fall, it must act to prevent subsidized Staf- 2007 it was lowered. That lasted for ford loan rates from doubling. about 5 years, and then it was going to Coburn, Alexander, King and Carper would drive up borrower costs by $1 billion and tie Sincerely, go back up to the fixed rate of 6.8 per- interest rates to the market without a cap to All Education Matters; AFL–CIO; Insti- cent last year. The Congress passed a 1- protect students. This proposal would pay tute for Asian Pacific American Lead- year extension of that at 3.4 percent. It down the deficit on the backs of students, ership & Advancement, AFL–CIO; is that 1-year extension which expired trading national debt for student debt. It is American Association of University on July 1 of this year. So if the Con- unacceptable to use student loans as a vehi- Professors (AAUP); American Associa- gress does nothing, the interest rates cle for deficit reduction, especially when the tion of University Women (AAUW); Federal Government is projected to make $51 American Federation of State, County, go back up to 6.8 percent. and Municipal Employees; American In the midst of all of this, a lot of billion on student loans just this year. So that will be the vote tomorrow. Federation of Teachers; Asian Pacific ideas have been floating around about American Labor Alliance; Center for what to do on student loans and the in- I ask unanimous consent that this Responsible Lending; Council for Op- terest rates. Well, I think we have to letter, along with the list of the orga- portunity in Education; Democracy for keep in mind that if we go from 3.4 per- nizations supporting the 1-year exten- America; Demos; Department for Pro- cent to 6.8 percent, that is a doubling. sion, be printed at this point in the fessional Employees, AFL–CIO; More than 7.2 million college students RECORD. Generational Alliance; Hispanic Asso- will be required to pay an average of There being no objection, the mate- ciation of Colleges and Universities rial was ordered to be printed in the (HACU); Leadership Conference for $1,000 more in interest per loan if we Civil and Human Rights; League of RECORD, as follows: let it go back to 6.8 percent. Again, United Latin American Citizens that is real money for our Nation’s stu- JUNE 28, 2013. (LULAC); Minnesota Public Interest dents. Support S. 1238, the Keep Student Loans Af- Group (MNPIRG); Minnesota State Student loan debt currently exceeds fordable Act of 2013. University Student Association; $1 trillion. It is second only to mort- Senator HARRY REID, MoveOn; National Association of State gage debt in the United States, and it Hart Senate Office Building, Student Grant and Aid Programs is higher than credit card debt. The av- Washington, DC. (NASSGAP); National Council for Senator MITCH MCCONNELL, LaRaza (NCLR); National Education erage student now graduates with more Russell Senate Office Building, Association; National Federation of than $26,000 in student loan debt. So Washington, DC. Federal Employees. now is really not the time to make DEAR MAJORITY LEADER REID AND MINOR- National Priorities Project; National them pay even more. ITY LEADER MCCONNELL: We the undersigned Urban League; New Jersey Students

VerDate Mar 15 2010 04:45 Jul 10, 2013 Jkt 029060 PO 00000 Frm 00015 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G09JY6.028 S09JYPT1 jbell on DSK7SPTVN1PROD with SENATE S5546 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE July 9, 2013 United; New York Public Interest Re- around, and no one really knows what ize the Higher Education Act. What is search Group (NYPIRG); Oregon Stu- is the best solution. it that we are willing to do to invest in dent Association; Our Time; One Wis- I pointed out the necessity for a cap this new generation of students in consin Now; Progress Now; Roosevelt on these loans. I think about my own terms of getting them an affordable Institute Campus Network; Sierra Stu- experience when I started college in dent Coalition; Student Debt Crisis; college education? The Education Trust; The Institute for 1958 when there wasn’t such a program. In moving forward, I appreciate the College Access & Success; The Univer- But in 1959 and after that we had what efforts of others who have come for- sity of California Student Association; was called the Eisenhower loan pro- ward with ideas, but there is still a di- UNCF; United Council of UW Students; gram, the National Defense Education vide here. Here is the divide. I think United States Public Interest Research Act. I went to a window at Iowa State those of us in our caucus, in the Demo- Group (USPIRG); United States Stu- University and I borrowed money. I cratic caucus, have said we have two dent Association (USSA); USAction; borrowed money at 2 percent. I re- key principles we want to uphold: Any Vote Mob; Working Families Organiza- cently looked up the interest rate dur- tion; Rebuild the Dream; Young Demo- deal on interest rates should not re- crats of America; Young Invincibles; ing that period of time, the 10-year duce the deficit on the backs of stu- YP4 Action. Treasury note at that time, in 1959, 4.43 dents. We should not trade national Mr. HARKIN. That is really the vote percent, 4.12 percent, 3.88, 3.95—all the debt for student debt. No. 2, we need to tomorrow. Are we going to keep 3.4 years I was in college. Yet I borrowed keep in place an interest rate cap—an percent or are we going to allow it to money at 2 percent. So our govern- interest rate cap—as a key consumer double? That is the essence of the vote ment, our representatives, decided it protection to shield students from ex- tomorrow. was worth it for America to subsidize orbitant rates in the future. There are a lot of different ideas the loans I had, not charging the 10- I have the highest respect for our floating around here about what to do year Treasury note but actually half of President. I served with him here; he and how to do this, but in just about that—almost half of that. Think about was on our committee. I only wish that every single case, every one of those that. perhaps they had talked to us a little bills, if you project out over the next Not only did our society, our govern- bit before they came out with their couple of years, will raise interest ment, say: We want to have a fixed rate proposal, but President Obama came rates higher than 6.8 percent. So, of 2 percent no matter what the mar- out with a proposal on student loans. again, that is why extending it for 1 ket rate is, all the time I was in col- He was the first President—not Demo- year is so important. lege—when I was a sophomore, junior, cratic, but the first President, Demo- The proper place to address this issue senior—there were no interest charges. crat or Republican—to propose going is in the reauthorization of the Higher The interest rate clock did not run. from a 91-day T-bill rate to a 10-year Education Act. That expires this year. Well, then I went in the military for 5 Treasury note. No other President ever Our committee will be having hearings. years. During the 5 years I spent in the suggested doing that. We have had some already. We are military, there was no interest rate Secondly, no President since 1958 has going to have more this fall. We expect clock. I then got out of the military advocated removing the cap. President to be able to put together a reauthor- and went to law school. I spent 3 years Obama, in his proposal, proposed re- ization bill for early next year. This is in law school—no interest rate clock. moving the cap. where it belongs. This is where the stu- Then after I got out of law school, I I believe it is safe to say our caucus dent loan provision belongs—in the had a 1-year grace period of no interest has said no, we are not going to do Higher Education Act. Here is why. rate. So add it up—almost 10 to 12 that. We are not going to lift this key College affordability is more than just years that I had no interest rate consumer protection of having an in- what your loans are costing you; col- charges. Not until after I was out of terest rate cap. If we are going to go to lege affordability also has to do with law school for 1 year did the interest a 10-year Treasury note, then what is it the tuitions being charged by colleges. rate clock start to run. Then I had to that we do? Do we do it as they did for Why are the tuitions what they are? It pay back the loans. me where they subsidize it below it? Do also has to do with the lack of trans- That is what our society, our govern- we add something onto it, and how parency from one college to another. ment, our people decided to do for me much do we add onto it? What do courses here cost? What do and for students of our generation in Again, we have, as I said, two key courses there cost? the late fifties and sixties and seven- items. Interest rates should not reduce What is built into that cost per ties. That is what they decided to do. the deficit on the backs of students, course hour, for study hour at this col- Now we hear, well, no, now we have to and we need to keep in place an inter- lege compared to this other college? go to a market rate. We have to go to est rate cap as a key consumer protec- There are a lot of other costs that go a Treasury note of 10 years plus some- tion. into college affordability other than thing. I might point out, this has happened just the cost of student loans. So to I only talk about this to show the before. We had an interest rate cap in separate out a student loan and treat it contrast between what our country was the 1990s when we had a variable rate. as some kind of a separate entity is to willing to do for students of my genera- The cap was at 8.25 percent. Five times kind of ignore all of the other things tion and what we are trying to do for in the 1990s interest rates went above that affect the cost of college edu- students of this generation. We are that. The cap protected students five cation. That is why it really needs to going to sock them with higher inter- times. be part of a comprehensive solution, in- est rates. That is why student debt is That is why the bill that has been cluding Pell grants. Maybe we want to so high. That is why it exceeds credit put up by the Republican side, S. 1241, change some of the structure of Pell card debt in this country—because we fails to meet both those principles. grants. Maybe we want to take a look got away from understanding that sub- Their bill, like the House GOP bill and at exactly what it is that we as a soci- sidized rate was an investment in the S. 1003, is worse for students over the ety want to do in terms of making col- future of our country. It was an invest- long term than if we let rates double. lege more affordable. What kind of in- ment in getting kids through college S. 1241 would raise nearly $1 trillion by terest rate base do we want? Do we and not putting a mountain of debt on charging students higher interest rates want a rate based on the 91-day T-bill, their heads so that when they got out, over 10 years, using net revenue for def- which we have had in the past, or, as they could get married and raise fami- icit reduction. This bill lacks an inter- others are proposing now, do we want lies, start to make money and buy good est rate cap, an essential protection for to go to a 10-year T-note rate? What consumer items such as cars and homes students, as I said, that has been in does that mean? That has never been and all kinds of things rather than pay- place since 1958. fully fleshed out. That only comes out ing back their debts for the next 10 to According to the CBO projections of through hearings conducted by the 20 years. So we have gotten away from the 10-year Treasury note—and that is committee. Should it be based on the 3- that. what we have to live with, the CBO month Treasury note? There are all These are the kinds of things we have projections—under the proposal of S. kinds of different ideas floating to kind of think about as we reauthor- 1241, which I think Senator ALEXANDER

VerDate Mar 15 2010 04:45 Jul 10, 2013 Jkt 029060 PO 00000 Frm 00016 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A09JY6.025 S09JYPT1 jbell on DSK7SPTVN1PROD with SENATE July 9, 2013 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S5547 and others have put forward, graduate ments will be lower, but the total year. We were gone a lot of time in the students relying on Stafford and PLUS amount I pay back will be three, four, fall for people to campaign for reelec- loans will see higher interest rates five times more than what it would be tion for both the House and the Senate, starting in 2016, right here. if I don’t consolidate. and it was a Presidential election year. I saw a card about this that said Consolidation may be useful to some Nothing was done, basically, from Oc- under this bill the graduate student students as a repayment mechanism, tober on. loans would be 5.21 percent. That is but it is not the same as a cap on inter- Then there was the whole deficit re- true here. Then it goes up in 2014, 2015, est rates. duction measure that had everybody and then in 2016 it goes above the fixed The bottom line is that an interest tied up in knots, and the sequester. We rate of 6.8 percent and keeps going up rate cap is the only way to ensure all were trying to work that out the first to 8.6 percent from then on. borrowers are shielded from exorbitant of the year, and the budget bill, getting Students understand this. They rates in the future, and consolidation that done. There are a lot of reasons looked at this and said: Well, gee, here, is simply not a substitute. why this was not high on the agenda. this is kind of like bait and switch. We Let’s take a look at the base rate in There was a lot of significant legisla- get a couple, 3 years here where they S. 1241. That is the 10-year Treasury tion going on here, plus, as I said, last are lower, and from then on everything note. I asked my staff to take the pro- year was an election year and a cam- is higher for us. We don’t want this. visions of the Alexander bill, S. 1241, paign year. By 2018, on the undergraduate loans, and let’s go back in time. What would What is different about next year is subsidized and unsubsidized loans, it is students have been paying in interest this: The Higher Education Act expires at 7.1 percent. It is even more than the rates? I looked at 1980, 1990, and 2000, this year. We need to reauthorize it. 6.8 percent that is in permanent law. every 10 years. Under S. 1241, under- We need to reauthorize it in a timely Again, I repeat, we have always had graduate Stafford is 13.31, graduate fashion. an interest rate cap. For as long as we Stafford is 14.86, and 15.86 on the PLUS As I said, this whole issue of student have had student loans, we have had an loans. For 1990, undergraduate Stafford loans is only one part of it. There are interest rate cap. Even when we had a is 10.4, graduate Stafford is 11.9, and a lot of other parts, such as college ac- variable interest rate from 1992 to 2006, PLUS loans are 12.9. In 2000, under- countability. What are their gradua- as I pointed out, five times we bumped graduate Stafford is 7.88, graduate tion rates? What is their charge for up against that cap, so students were Stafford is 9.43, and PLUS loans are per-course study hour? How do they protected. 10.43. All of them are above the 6.8 per- figure that amount of money? What are I have read in S. 1241 the authors stated there is a cap. Does this plan cent that is permanent law right now, colleges doing to keep tuition rates have a cap? It says yes. permanent in every single case because low? What are States doing to support There is a consolidation cap which there is no cap. We have seen in the higher education? we already have in law, by the way. We past 10-year Treasury notes as high as We have had a number of hearings in already have a consolidation cap in 14 percent. our committee already on the increas- law. They keep it. But a consolidation There is no cap, so you take the 10- ing cost of college education and what cap is not a substitute for an interest year Treasury note plus 1.85 percent or is causing it. There are a lot of dif- rate cap. It is apples and oranges. One 2 percent, and you can see where stu- ferent factors, but the one factor that is a repayment mechanism. That is a dents without a cap are going to be overrode them all, the one consistent, consolidation cap. The other is a con- paying a lot more money. The 10-year overriding factor of why college costs sumer protection called an interest Treasury note is already on the rise as are going up, Federal costs—why Fed- rate cap. A consolidation cap is not a the economy gets stronger. We know eral costs of college education are real cap. those interest rates are going up and going up—is because over the last 20 to Look at it this way. Let’s say inter- that is what CBO tells us. Without a 30 years States were reducing their est rates go to 10 percent, 11 percent, 12 cap in place, students are highly vul- support for higher education. percent. It is not unheard of. We have nerable to this. State legislatures have figured this had that in the recent past. A student Again, I want to go back to this out. They figured out that if our State is in college, and that student takes chart here. This is why consolidation is government doesn’t put more money out loans at 10 percent, 11 percent, or something students need to think into higher education, students are 12 percent when they are a freshman, a about. This is $41,000 in Stafford loans going to get Pell grants. They will get sophomore, junior, or senior. During borrowed over 2 years by a graduate these loans. The Federal Government the time they are in school, interest is student enrolling in 2018. Under cur- will back them up. What has happened accruing on their loan at 10 percent, 11 rent law, they would pay back $21,716 is States have reduced their support for percent, or 12 percent. They can’t con- in interest payments. Under S. 1241, higher education and shifted it to the solidate until after they graduate. they would pay more, $28,607. Federal Government. Then they say they can consolidate all But then they say: Well, you can con- What should be the States’ responsi- of their loans at an interest rate that solidate. If you consolidate, you are bility in higher education? What is equal to 8.25 percent or the weighted going to pay $69,185. Look at the dif- should be our partnership with the interest rate of their loans, whichever ference. States in supporting higher education? is lower. As I say, a consolidation cap is just a That is, again, an issue for the reau- I pointed out that under S. 1241, the way to stretch out your repayments, thorization of the Higher Education Republicans’ bill, if you took out a which means you are going to pay a lot Act, and what we are going to do about basic loan under the basic program we more money over time. I am not cer- student loans in the future is a part of have had for 10 years, at the maximum, tain that is what we wish to do to stu- that. under present law, you would pay back dents over the next 20 to 30 years, bur- That is why I argued for an extension about $21,000 in interest and payments. den them with even more debt for over for 1 year, because we can look at it in Under S. 1241 you would pay back 20 to 30 years. a comprehensive, systemic way as to $28,000, $7,000 more. Get this—for the Again, as I have said before, I think what we ought to do about college af- same loan under consolidation you pay S. 1241 is not good for our students, it fordability. This is why I say the best back $69,000. is not good for the middle class, and for course of action to follow right now, Consolidation—and that is why a lot America’s competitiveness in the fu- both for students, for middle-class fam- of students aren’t consolidating, be- ture. I think we ought to take the time ilies, and for our country, for getting a cause they know they are going to pay to do it right. better higher education bill that ad- a lot more in interest charges for a People say: Well, gee, we had an ex- dresses all of this—the best thing to do longer period of time. Think about a tension of this last year until this year is a 1-year-more extension. 15-year mortgage versus a 30-year and you didn’t do anything, so we As Senator REED said earlier, there is mortgage on your house. should not extend it again. There are a loophole in the law that deals with Maybe a student would say: OK, I probably a lot of reasons why Congress individual retirement accounts. IRAs will consolidate. My monthly pay- didn’t do it. Last year was an election were meant for retirement, but now

VerDate Mar 15 2010 04:45 Jul 10, 2013 Jkt 029060 PO 00000 Frm 00017 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G09JY6.031 S09JYPT1 jbell on DSK7SPTVN1PROD with SENATE S5548 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE July 9, 2013 there is a loophole in the law that al- college graduate who borrowed to fi- I want to read a couple of letters. We lows millionaires and billionaires to nance a bachelor’s degree this year is come to the floor of the Senate and take IRAs and give them to a younger nearly $30,000. talk about statistics, but we don’t generation, which they then take over My wife, who graduated some years often enough illustrate or recite notes a period of years—and a lot of times es- ago from Kent State University—the and letters and stories and discussions cape paying taxes for years and maybe first of her family to go to college— from people we meet or who write our even for decades. Everyone agrees it is graduated with just $1,200 in debt. Her office or we meet on college campuses a loophole. It was never intended to be father carried a union card, worked at or around our States. there for IRAs. By closing that loop- the local utility company in Ash- This is a letter from Chad, age 25 hole, we can pay for the 1-year exten- tabula. Her mother was a home care from Toledo. He is from the University sion at 3.4 percent. It seems to me the worker. They had no real money to put of Toledo: students need this loophole in IRAs into her education or the education of I am currently pursuing a Bachelor’s De- more economic-wise than the top one- her two younger sisters and younger gree in electrical engineering at the Univer- tenth of 1 percent in our country. So brother. Yet she graduated with only sity of Toledo. I live 15 minutes away from that is why I think we just need to $1,200 in debt, getting a 4-year degree there so I am a commuter living at home. take a deep breath and quit trying to from Kent State University and going My parents don’t have the funds to help me on to a very good career in journalism. pay for college, so in order to attend I must rush to judgment. work full time to cover expenses. The Fed- There has been more bad legislation For students such as the young man eral aid I receive helps me cover a good por- in my 39 years here that has happened named Amish Patel, who works two tion of the tuition costs. Increasing the in- because we wanted to rush to judgment jobs to pay tuition at that same uni- terest rate for my loans would be dev- on a deadline rather than taking the versity, Kent State, Stafford loans are astating to me on a financial level. It is hard time to go through the committee important. Stafford loans are essential enough to pay them at the rate they are structure, having the hearings, work- to helping students such as Amish now; increasing them would only make ing things out on both sides of the aisle achieve their goal of obtaining a col- things a lot worse. through our committee, and then lege degree. They are now at 3.4 percent. He wrote bringing decent legislation to the floor. Just 7 days ago, because of inaction this before it had gone up to 6.8. Quite frankly, I think we can point by Congress—as we know so well from Mr. Brown, if there is anything you can do to the immigration bill. That is what the comments of Senator HARKIN and to prevent this from happening please do so. was done there. This immigration bill others on the floor—the Stafford inter- I am not the only one that will feel the didn’t just pop up on the floor. It went est rate doubled from 3.4 percent to 6.8 major effects. through a long process in committee, percent. That is why this upcoming vote is so with hearings and witnesses and debate We have a chance to address this pri- important. and amendments. vate student loan market today also. Let me share one other letter from That is what we need to do here. My legislation, introduced not so long Oregon, OH, also near Toledo. It is Don’t rush to judgment. I am afraid if ago, helps those 2.9 million students from Mlynek: we rush to judgment the losers will be across the country with more than $150 I have been a single mother of twin boys the students and middle-class families billion in private student loan debt. since 1989. They were born October 1, 1986. I and, quite frankly, our economy in the Overall, student loan debt is $1 trillion. co-signed on loans for both of them so they future if we move to a system that is Most of that is with the direct lending could further their education in the field program—the Stafford loan program they love ‘‘music.’’ Jason Mlynek went to going to cause higher and higher inter- Ball State University for 2 years and then est rates way out into the future for from the Federal Government. But $150 transferred to Carnegie Mellon University students just entering college. billion, or about 15 percent, which bur- for his BA and obtained his Master’s Degree So I plead with my colleagues to sup- dens about 2.9 million students, is pri- in arts management. Jason is working in port the cloture vote tomorrow to give vate student loan debt. Private loans New York City for Distinguished Concerts us this 1-year extension. Let the com- typically have higher interest rates, International, but due to the loans he in- mittee do its work properly and bring a sometimes topping 15, 16, 17, 18 percent. curred and the cost of living barely has proper bill to the floor that will be They are more difficult to refinance, enough to buy food. He is paying $1,300 a and they offer fewer payment options month on his loans. open for amendment. People will be Shawn Mlynek received his BA from Car- able to amend it at that time. I believe than those loans administered by the negie-Mellon and then went to the Univer- that is the deliberate, thoughtful, and U.S. Department of Education. sity of Miami 1 year and then transferred the responsible way to address this Recent graduates with private loans, back to the University of Cincinnati Music issue—not just to vote something out such as Lynsay Spratlen of Macedonia, Conservatory and received his Master’s De- that is separate and apart from every- a community in northeast Ohio, are gree in vocal performance. He works as a thing else that adds to the burden of living with their parents because their singing waiter and has voice students but is student debt in this country. heavier debt burden often means they in the same situation. His income for 2012 So I plead with my colleagues to do are unable to buy a home, to start a was under $20,000, but he is paying over $900 a month on his loans. the responsible thing and extend the 3.4 business, to buy a car, or to go on to I work full time, have been at the same percent for 1 year, and we will address graduate school. So along with Senator company 19 years, make $35,000 a year, have this next year in the Higher Education HEITKAMP, I am introducing legislation good credit, own by own home . . . and want- Act. to help stop the fleecing of college ed to refinance. I was told I have too much With that, Mr. President, I yield the graduates who are stuck under a moun- outstanding debt due on the loans I cosigned floor. tain of private student loan debt. for my children. Too much debt to ratio so I The PRESIDING OFFICER (Mr. Often these banks will not refinance cannot refinance to lower my payments. MANCHIN). The Senator from Ohio. these loans. They are paying much So not only do these burdensome stu- Mr. BROWN. Mr. President, I want to higher interest rates. Sometimes they dent loans with interest rates too echo the words of my colleague from are cosigned, other times they are not high—if they double to 6.8 percent, but Iowa about the upcoming vote this cosigned, by a family member, by a with costs already too high—affect the week, which is so important. We know parent, typically. But either way they student when she or he graduates and a lot of what has happened with stu- are a huge burden, and a significantly wants to buy a house or start a busi- dent loan debt, which now exceeds $1 lower interest rate would be available ness, but they affect the whole econ- trillion—that is 1,000 billion dollars. It if they could refinance these loans. omy, and they also affect the debt bur- is more than credit card debt in this The legislation authored by Senator den of parents, such as this mother— country. It is more than auto loan HEITKAMP and myself—Refinancing Jason and Shawn’s mother—who debt. It is also second only to mortgage Education Funding to Invest for the couldn’t refinance her own mortgage debt of 300 million people of this great Future Act—addresses this problem by because of the debt burden she was car- country. authorizing the Treasury Department rying because she cosigned on student According to the Wall Street Jour- to make the private student loan mar- loans for her sons. nal, the average student loan debt for a ket more efficient. Finally, she writes this:

VerDate Mar 15 2010 04:45 Jul 10, 2013 Jkt 029060 PO 00000 Frm 00018 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G09JY6.032 S09JYPT1 jbell on DSK7SPTVN1PROD with SENATE July 9, 2013 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S5549 The American Way is to help our children not always be in the majority in the three of whom were unconstitutionally and they would not have been able to accom- Senate? As we know, what goes around recess-appointed by the President. And plish their dream of an education in the comes around, and the shoe will always don’t take my word for it. In the case music field if I hadn’t cosigned for their edu- be on the other foot. I can think of a of the National Labor Relations Board, cational loans. number of legislative proposals that the court of appeals held that those Mr. President, I think that sums it Republicans on this side of the aisle were unconstitutionally appointed in up. These two letters—the one from the would happily advance with a simple order to circumvent the Senate’s con- University of Toledo student and from majority—let’s say, for example, a full stitutional role. the mother of the twins—sum up in so repeal of ObamaCare. That would be a It is true that the U.S. Supreme many ways why this issue is so impor- good place to start. As the senior Sen- Court has taken those cases, and we tant and why the Senate needs to act, ator from Tennessee Mr. ALEXANDER will soon hear—perhaps by next sum- and act quickly, because the interest recently pointed out, we could finally mer—what the Supreme Court’s view of rates on student loans doubled last establish the Yucca Mountain nuclear the recess appointment authority of a week. waste facility in Nevada. But the truth President might be. But we know that I suggest the absence of a quorum. is that prudence and a healthy respect at least three of them—two at the Na- The PRESIDING OFFICER. The for the fleeting nature of power in the tional Labor Relations Board and the clerk will call the roll. Senate, as well as a healthy respect for so-called Consumer Financial Protec- The assistant legislative clerk pro- the voices represented by the minority tion Bureau nominee—were recess-ap- ceeded to call the roll. in the Senate, compel a different pointed and, I think it is pretty clear, Mr. CORNYN. Mr. President, I ask course of action because, as we know, in violation of at least the court of ap- unanimous consent that the order for the shoe will always be on the other peals’ view of what the President’s con- the quorum call be rescinded. foot at some day in the future. stitutional authority would and should The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without I think it is worth pausing to exam- be. objection, it is so ordered. ine the source of the majority leader’s We also have other nominees, some of NUCLEAR OPTION renewed interest in the so-called nu- whom are more controversial than oth- Mr. CORNYN. Mr. President, it seems clear option. On the heels of the Presi- ers. We have Gina McCarthy, who has as if the majority leader and some oth- dent’s judicial nominations, many of been nominated for the Environmental ers are rattling the cage once again in our friends across the aisle are renew- Protection Agency. We have James favor of the so-called nuclear option. ing their wayward cries of Republican Comey, who was this morning before For those who may not follow this obstructionism in the Senate, but the the Senate Judiciary Committee and topic closely, this is simply breaking facts simply don’t bear this out. The who I believe will enjoy broad bipar- the Senate rules in order to impose ma- facts do not support this conclusion. tisan support as the next FBI Director. jority will on the minority party by Indeed, as the Washington Post Fact We have other more controversial changing the procedures by which the Checker recently pointed out, from nominees, such as Thomas Perez to the Senate functions. In other words, it re- nomination to confirmation, President Department of Labor. That is in part fers to a process by which the rules of Obama’s district court nominees have due to his activities as head of the the Senate are broken in order to moved through the Senate at only a Civil Rights Division of the Justice De- change the rules themselves. marginally slower pace than his prede- partment, where he was harshly criti- As the distinguished majority leader cessors, while his appeals court nomi- cized by the inspector general for po- has pointed out in the past—right here nees have sailed through at a much liticizing what should be a nonpolitical on the Senate floor in front of his col- faster clip than President Bush’s. The position, enforcing the civil rights laws leagues and constituents and all the Senate has confirmed 28 of the Presi- of the United States. So we are going to have plenty to American people, Senator REID af- dent’s judicial nominees so far this talk about and a lot to do, but this firmed that the proper way to change year. By this point in President Bush’s should not be used as an excuse by the the Senate rules was through the pro- second term, this body had confirmed majority leader to break his word when cedure laid out in those rules. The ma- only 10. Twenty-eight under President it comes to changing the Senate rules jority leader, Senator REID of Nevada, Obama and 10 under President Bush at through this nuclear option process. went on to say that he would oppose this point in their second term. In That would be a disservice to the coun- any effort in this Congress or the next total, 199 of President Obama’s judicial try. It would certainly irreparably to change the Senate rules other than nominees have been confirmed and damage the Senate as a deliberative through the regular order, and he re- only 2 have been defeated. That doesn’t body. It would poison the well when we committed himself to this proposition sound like obstructionism to me. need to work together as much as we in a colloquy with the Republican lead- Meanwhile, the President has failed can to try to get other important work er earlier this year. to produce nominees for 65 percent of done. And it would be extremely short- So I would ask the majority leader: the vacant judicial seats, many of sighted because majorities can be fleet- Do you plan on keeping your word or which are in my home State in Texas. ing, and those who are in the majority are you going to resort to brute polit- As the distinguished Presiding Officer today will find themselves in the mi- ical force and break the Senate rules in knows and as the American people nority in the future. I think that rec- order to change the rules and fun- know, it is the President who nomi- ognition would caution prudence and damentally transform the nature of the nates Federal judges, and then it is the temper the political ambitions of the U.S. Senate? responsibility of the Senate to advise majority leader when it comes to jam- Should the majority leader break his and consent on those confirmations. promise, I believe he will inflict lasting ming through some of these nominees. That is in the Constitution. But if the Mr. President, I yield the floor and and perhaps irreparable damage to this President doesn’t nominate people for suggest the absence of a quorum. institution. And during a time when these vacancies, then the Senate’s role The PRESIDING OFFICER. The cooperation is very important—as it al- is never engaged on those 65 percent of clerk will call the roll. ways is—to try to actually solve some vacant judicial seats where the Presi- The assistant legislative clerk pro- of the Nation’s biggest problems, poi- dent has not even nominated an indi- ceeded to call the roll. soning the well by exercising this so- vidual to serve. I would argue that is Mr. BLUNT. Mr. President, I ask called nuclear option would be the op- the true reason for the majority of va- unanimous consent that the order for posite of what we ought to be doing, cancies and one that calls for the the quorum call be rescinded. which is coming together in a bipar- President’s immediate attention. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without tisan way to address some of the Na- So I hope that during the remaining objection, it is so ordered. tion’s biggest challenges. few weeks here in July before the Au- Mr. BLUNT. Mr. President, I would I would also ask my Democratic col- gust recess, we don’t see a manufac- ask unanimous consent to speak as if leagues, how do you reconcile your de- tured crisis over how the Senate oper- in morning business. sire for a filibuster-free Senate with ates on nominees. We have some very The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without the simple fact that Democrats will controversial nominees—for example, objection, it is so ordered.

VerDate Mar 15 2010 04:45 Jul 10, 2013 Jkt 029060 PO 00000 Frm 00019 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G09JY6.034 S09JYPT1 jbell on DSK7SPTVN1PROD with SENATE S5550 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE July 9, 2013 AFFORDABLE CARE ACT Then, as people are leaving health popular. In fact, many of the adminis- Mr. BLUNT. Mr. President, I would care behind and they are leaving their tration’s advocates are talking about like to talk about the Affordable Care obligation to help provide health care how politically smart it is to put off Act. I have long been concerned that behind, they keep getting different the implementation of this bill for em- this is an act that simply won’t work. messages from the Federal Government ployer-based insurance until after the I think the premise the bill was built itself. Not too long ago the supporters next election. You can hardly find a around is a premise that won’t work. of this act—and I have never been one story about this without it talking I know things like guaranteed insur- of them, I will admit that right up- about how shrewd it is, putting this off ance sound very popular—that you can front—but the supporters of this act until people have voted one more time get health insurance no matter what are saying we are going to stick with before they find out what is in it. your health condition is—but the prob- this, we are going to implement it, we There were no real rules that came lem with getting insurance after the are going to stay fully committed to it. out until after the 2012 election, and fact as one of the potentials is that it But while we were gone last week, the then suddenly after the 2012 election, discourages getting insurance before administration announced that in between then and the end of the year, the fact. Getting insurance after you fact—they did it on a blog post, which there are 20,000 pages of rules, rules are sick is like getting fire insurance I suppose is a way to announce some- that nobody saw before election day, after your house is on fire. You could thing that is as consequential as this. but suddenly the 20,000 pages of rules, probably get fire insurance after your 1 1 It certainly got a lot of attention. But 7 ⁄2 feet high—7 ⁄2 feet of rules that will house is on fire, but it would sure cost the blog posting said the insurance re- be challenging to comply with but, a lot more than it would have cost porting rules and penalties for employ- more importantly, nobody saw them under what we would see as traditional ers would be delayed for another year. before the 2012 election—now nobody insurance. So I have always thought Suddenly, one of the wheels on this has to have a penalty as an employer that premise was a problem. bicycle is gone. The employer who was until after the 2014 election. I have always thought the require- going to have to provide insurance or I think I am getting to see a pattern ments in the bill that depend heavily develop here and the pattern is when pay a penalty now does not have to do on young people who are healthy buy- people find out what is in this law they it. But apparently the individuals who ing insurance at higher rates than are not going to like it. If it was be- are going to have to buy insurance for young people have ever looked at be- lieved they were going to like it, I themselves, if it is not provided at fore—and remember, that is probably think we would be rushing to imple- the biggest uninsured component in work, have to. At the same time the administration ment the law before the 2014 election, this society because young and healthy announced the income verification to not after. I think we would be rushing people think they are young and have taxpayers help pay for a person’s to have the 20,000 pages of regulations healthy, and the truth is that they nor- out before the 2012 election, not after insurance would be waived. Remember, mally are young and healthy, and they it. They had 3 years to get the regula- the income verification for any person don’t need insurance like many mem- tions out before the 2012 election, 3 or family at less than 400 percent of bers of this body might need insurance years, but they all come out after No- poverty—which is a pretty big number; because they just simply don’t and vember. Now we are told we do not it is around $90,000 for a family of 4— they know it. have time to implement this. It has you get some taxpayer assistance to Frankly, now that the least likely to been 31⁄2 years since the bill was signed pay for your insurance. But now you do be healthy among us can’t pay more into law. If this is ever going to work, not even have to verify your income to than three times the most healthy—we how much time is it going to take to get that. You can just say here is my have never had that requirement be- implement it? fore—doesn’t mean the cost of insur- income and whatever it is I want to This is a determined effort to get fur- ance goes down for unhealthy people as have the taxpayer insurance based on ther and further down what I think much as it means it goes up in cost for what I believe my level of income may be the wrong road before people people who are healthy. And I think would be that I am willing to tell you find out what has happened to their in- those young healthy people will be about. surance, before people know what has smart enough to figure out that it is Suddenly the money the Government happened to their doctor, before people probably not in their best interests, ei- is spending is going to people who are know what has happened to their ther their health or their finances, to getting taxpayer-paid insurance. There health care. And when they find out, I buy the insurance they don’t need is no penalty for people who do not pro- think they are not going to like it. rather than to have the ability later to vide insurance at work as the law re- Since the passage of the bill, the law buy insurance if it turns out they need quires. So, for a law I have had prob- has had 8 interim final rules, 3 final it. It just never made much sense to lems with all along, I have even more rules, 20 requests for comment, 21 pro- me. problems with it now. It is like: Never posed rules—according to the Wall Meanwhile, as we see that happening, mind the employer mandate. Never Street Journal, 1 information collec- from insurers to doctors to employers, mind the individual income verifica- tion request, 2 amendments to the in- people are looking at this law and fig- tion to get taxpayer assistance. How terim final rules, 6 requests for infor- uring out if this is a place where they could you take those two principles out mation, and 1 frequently-asked-ques- still want to focus their energies. I met of that law and expect it to be imple- tions document. with a number of doctors this morning mented in a fair way? The administration announced about who talked about how doctors are sell- The new plan apparently is let the a year ago that the long-term care pro- ing their private practices to hospitals Government sign up as many new peo- visions of the bill, the so-called CLASS and how specialty doctors are not ple as they can for government-assisted Act, simply wouldn’t work. I remember going into specialty medicine because insurance. I understand why that when this was before the committee in the cost is too high for the reward they might be the most popular aspect of the House of Representatives, when it might get. this bill. One of the great principles of was said: Look, there is no way this I have talked to employer after em- society and people is when somebody is can possibly work. The advocates said ployer who said: We have done all we giving you something you are usually no, this is actually going to make could to provide the insurance we have more glad to get it than you are when money. But once the bill was signed provided, but we can’t meet these new somebody is taking something away into law and was out there for about a benefits and still stay in business. And from you. But in this case you are tak- year, the Department of Health and even more employers have said: We ing money away from taxpayers to give Human Services said this long-term may not let anybody go who is a full- to individuals to pay for their insur- care thing was not going to work; even time employee, but in the future we ance and not fulfilling the rest of the though it is in the law, we are not are going to hire more part-time em- commitments of the bill. going to implement it. ployees because we don’t have to cover The administration obviously be- Then they announced we are not those part-time employees under the lieves that paying the bill will make an going to have the small business ex- law. unpopular piece of legislation more change available in January 2015; it

VerDate Mar 15 2010 04:45 Jul 10, 2013 Jkt 029060 PO 00000 Frm 00020 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G09JY6.036 S09JYPT1 jbell on DSK7SPTVN1PROD with SENATE July 9, 2013 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S5551 will be at least another year for that. missiles beyond the Syrian border. Ad- that the world is somehow better off The very same week they said we are ditionally, the Dutch and Germans with a known quantity—even a known not going to have income verification, have deployed batteries to Turkey. quantity in the person of Bashar al- we are not going to have the employer American troops are working dili- Asad. I disagree. mandate, there is another 606 or so gently to strengthen our regional secu- Here are a few facts about the ‘‘ills’’ pages of new rules and regulations. The rity and protect innocent lives in we know regarding the Syrian dictator rules and regulations seem to come harm’s way. Our delegation was able to known as Bashar al-Asad: out, but nobody seems to want to im- meet and visit with troops in No. 1, Asad is supported by the ex- plement the law. There were 31⁄2 years Gaziantep last week. These highly edu- treme Islamist regime in Iran, with a to get ready. Now they can’t get ready cated and motivated men and women supply of Iranian Revolutionary until after the next election. are proudly serving American inter- Guards to embolden his rampage. If employers should have a delay, so ests, and I commend them for their No. 2, his grip on power has been should individuals and so should fami- dedication to a critical mission. serviced by Syria’s client-state rela- lies. In fact, I think what we should Turkey must have the support it tionship with Russia, which continues have is a permanent delay while we needs to defend its population and ter- to defend its military aid to him. Presi- look for a plan that works, that can be ritory from the raging civil war next dent Vladimir Putin refused to join implemented, that makes sense, that is door. Without robust cooperation other nations at last month’s G8 Sum- based on good health care and good among NATO allies, the stability of mit in explicitly calling for an end to health care decisionmaking. I hope this this entire region is at risk. the Asad regime. Senate and this Congress and this ad- During our visit to a refugee camp in No. 3, Asad has tolerated—if not ministration will try to find a plan the town of Killis near the Syrian- overseen—the killing of at least 36,000 that works instead of constantly say- Turkish border, roughly 40 miles from civilians in his own country, and this is ing: You know, we are not ready to Gaziantep, we saw firsthand the dire according to numbers from the Syrian make this plan—which has been out situation facing the countries that Observatory for Human Rights. More there for 31⁄2 years now—work and work have accepted Syrian refugees and the than 3,000 of these have been women to meet the needs of the American peo- challenges these individuals now face. and more than 5,000 were under the age ple. At the refugee camp, our delegation of 16. I suggest the absence of a quorum. met with a women’s group, children in No. 4, under Bashar al-Asad’s rule, The PRESIDING OFFICER. The school, and with the elected camp the number of refugees has topped 1.7 clerk will call the roll. council. Our conversations were in- million, with thousands more seeking The bill clerk proceeded to call the sightful—and heartbreaking. Over and safety every day. roll. over, the same question emerged: Why No. 5, Bashar al-Asad has targeted Mr. WICKER. Mr. President, I ask aren’t the Americans helping to bring the villages of his enemies in a merci- unanimous consent the order for the down Asad? Why are the nations of the less attempt to eradicate any who op- quorum call be rescinded. world allowing the slaughter of inno- pose him. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without cent people to continue? Is there no No. 6, following in his father’s ruth- objection, it is so ordered.] outrage over the displacement of more less footsteps, he has shown that he is SYRIA than 1.5 million people from their willing to use every tool at his disposal Mr. WICKER. Mr. President, last homes? to hang on to power, and that includes week I led a bicameral delegation that Frankly, these questions are very dif- the use of chemical weapons, a develop- visited the Syrian border with Turkey. ficult to answer. ment President Obama once called a What we witnessed on the ground high- So far, the Obama administration has red line, as well as rocket attacks on lighted the critical nature of events been reluctant to help in contrast to his own people. and the desperate need for American the aggressive military and humani- No. 7, we have every reason to con- leadership and eventually a negotiated tarian aid provided by some of our clude that Bashar al-Asad is a calcu- resolution to the Syrian civil war. NATO allies such as Britain, France, lating strategist and student of history This civil war is now in its 29th and Turkey. I wish to emphasize: No who has learned from what he views as month. More than 100,000 people have one is asking for American boots on the mistakes of Iraq’s Saddam Hussein been killed, including at least 36,000 ci- the ground. No one is asking President or Libya’s Muammar Qadhafi. vilians, and 1.7 million people have Obama to put troops in Syria. America With Russian and Iranian assistance been forced from their homes, fleeing is understandably war-weary from Iraq and arms, Asad has succeeded in stop- for their lives as the chaos escalates. and Afghanistan, but our hesitation to ping the momentum of the rebels. But To describe this conflict as anything provide adequate arms to the anti-Asad with sufficient military support, the less than a regional disaster is to ig- rebels is hard to justify, especially pendulum can, in fact, swing back to- nore the magnitude of its impact. when multiple red lines have been ward the rebels. According to the United Nations crossed. I strongly disagree with those who High Commissioner for Refugees, the Those who share President Obama’s suggest that the opposition rebels violence has pushed over 400,000 refu- reluctance to assist opposition forces could somehow turn out to be worse gees to Turkey, almost 500,000 refugees point to the uncertainty surrounding than the nightmare that has unfolded. to Jordan, 160,000 to Iraq, 587,000 to those who might assume control of Increasing America’s assistance to Lebanon, and 88,000 refugees to Egypt— Syria if the rebels win. They ask: Syrian rebels, short of boots on the a stunning development. The people of Which faction will emerge? The more ground, must be decisive and strategic Turkey and Jordan, including Prime moderate rebels under the Free Syrian in order to be effective. That does not Minister Erdogan and King Abdallah, Army or a radical Islamist band of op- mean we send arms freely to all rebels. should be specifically applauded for position rebels? I challenge the notion that in sending their generous support of these refu- While caution is definitely called for military aid, we forfeit the authority gees. in this dangerous and volatile situa- to choose which rebel leaders to sup- I also point out there are now secure tion, our reluctance to act reminds me port. I would also point out to Mem- locations inside Syria where refugees of Shakespeare’s Hamlet who once ob- bers that both the Chairman of the can be housed within their own coun- served that men ‘‘rather bear those ills Joint Chiefs of Staff, Martin Dempsey, try. we have, than fly to others that we and former Defense Secretary Leon Pa- There is noted international support know not of.’’ netta have testified before the Senate to prevent the spillover of violence. At I would remind Members—and the ad- Armed Services Committee that within the request of the Turkish Government ministration—that Hamlet’s hand the administration, they argued in and in fulfillment of our NATO obliga- wringing and indecision ultimately led favor of arming the rebels. tions, the U.S. Patriot missile bat- to his demise. In bowing to a fear of General Salim Idris, chief of staff of teries at Gaziantep are one example of uncertainty and choosing disengage- the U.S.-backed Supreme Military efforts to deter the threat of ballistic ment, the implication is essentially Council, has emerged as anything but a

VerDate Mar 15 2010 04:45 Jul 10, 2013 Jkt 029060 PO 00000 Frm 00021 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G09JY6.037 S09JYPT1 jbell on DSK7SPTVN1PROD with SENATE S5552 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE July 9, 2013 radical Islamist in presiding over the I invite the American press to visit enormous problem, and on July 1 it be- armed opposition and serving as a con- Gaziantep and the refugee camps near- came a more difficult burden for Amer- duit for military aid. A New York by. The American people are entitled ican families because of the higher in- Times profile described him as ‘‘soft- to know what is happening to 1.7 mil- terest rates. spoken and humble compared with lion people. After more than 100,000 Senator HARKIN, the chairman of the many military men.’’ He defected from deaths, with so many people left with- education committee, is absolutely the Syrian military after an attack on out a home, we should not stand by as correct that we should take up a revi- his village last year—the same village the horrors continue to mount. The ad- sion of how we charge students for where he and his eight siblings were ministration’s hesitation leaves the loans and the availability of loans and raised by a grain farmer. fate of Syria’s war-torn people to a re- the cost of education when we take up In a recent letter to the United Na- gime willing to kill and destroy to stay the Higher Education Act reauthoriza- tions Security Council, General Idris’s in power. tion. That committee will be taking it pleas for the Syrian people were clear In summary, we know too much up shortly. But in the meantime, we and simple: ‘‘Syria should not be al- about Bashar al-Asad to maintain the should take action to prevent the in- lowed to become the Rwanda of the status quo. Backed by Russia and Iran, crease in these student loans from 21st century.’’ he has overseen the massacre of inno- going forward. That is why I am a co- As I emphasized when speaking with cent lives, boldly crossed red lines, and sponsor and urge my colleagues to sup- Syrian refugees at the camp in Killis, a violently suppressed any who chal- port S. 1238, the Keep Student Loans negotiated settlement will ultimately lenged him. To suggest we cannot do Affordable Act of 2013. That act is pret- require reconciliation by representa- any better—that Asad is somehow ty simple. It just says we are going to tives of all factions of the Syrian soci- more acceptable than the opposition extend the 3.4 percent for another year. In other words, the government will ety—Alawites, Sunni, Shia, and Chris- forces—falls short of taking an honest, not make that money off the backs of tians. They must be prepared to nego- realistic look at what is happening. tiate with and eventually forgive their The question now is not whether our students. I hope all of us would agree that we need to get that done fellow Syrians who have made war America puts boots on the ground. We now so the increased burden, the in- against them. But I do not believe that should not and will not do that. The creased costs, and the unnecessary can happen as long as Asad and his question is whether the administration costs to students are avoided. Russian and Iranian backers see the will strengthen the capabilities of Now, because of our budget scoring momentum going their way. Russia Asad’s adversaries. The question is rules, S. 1238 needed to be paid for. It is will never agree to back a meaningful whether the administration will trade fully paid for. In other words, because peace negotiation if the Russian lead- its reluctance for resolve and—like current law would allow interest rates ership thinks Asad can win outright. A that of our NATO allies—respond with on subsidized loans to go up to 6.8 per- leading-from-behind strategy will not robust military aid. So far, efforts in cent, to take it back to 3.4 percent, the expedite the overthrow of the Asad re- Geneva have failed to bring about a budget scorekeepers say we have to pay gime. There is still an urgent need for consensus among major world powers the cost of that difference, even though American leadership. that outlines a lasting political transi- the government would be making There is no peaceful future for the tion. Without changing the momentum money at the 6.8 percent. So S. 1238 is Syrian people if Asad remains in back to the rebels, the current situa- fully paid for. We take a provision that power—only one of more violence, op- tion will not change, and the threat to the Senate Finance Committee has pression, and regional instability. regional stability and to American in- been looking at, known as the stretch Should he prevail, the impact could terests will continue. IRAs that basically deal with inherited have drastic implications on America’s Thank you, Mr. President. I yield the individual retirement accounts, and we national security interests, including floor. require that those funds be taxed in a the prospect of increased sectarian vio- The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- more timely way than they are today— lence in the region, the rise of al- ator from Maryland. a noncontroversial provision. It pro- Qaida-affiliated groups in Syria, and Mr. CARDIN. Mr. President, on July vides the money. the expansion of Iran’s extremist influ- 1, interest rates on subsidized Stafford I must tell you that I do not nec- ence. The United States must not shy loans rose from 3.4 percent to 6.8 per- essarily agree that the 3.4-percent con- away from our potential to make a cent. This means for students across tinuation should not be baselined. Why meaningful difference. the country, the annual cost of their do I say that? I hear so many of my Our Nation led an international coa- student loans will go up by as much as colleagues say, when we have a tax bill lition to act in Bosnia and Kosovo, and $1,000 a year. This makes no sense. The and we extend tax relief, that if we do we did so with success. We did not do cost to the government is not 6.8 per- not extend that tax relief, that is rais- so, regrettably, in Rwanda—a mistake cent. In other words, the government ing taxes on individuals. In other President Clinton has called his great- will be making money on the student words, what they are saying is that the est regret. loans. That was never our intent, and temporary tax relief is really baselined I do not suggest that one visit to a that makes absolutely no sense. and that if we do not extend that, we refugee camp is by any means a com- I hear many of my colleagues talk are increasing taxes. Well, here, for prehensive assessment of U.S. foreign about how we do not want to increase students, the 3.4 percent was the law. policy in Syria. Military assistance tax burdens on American families. Now Why now, just extending that, do we would be fraught with difficulties, and we are taking our most vulnerable— all of a sudden have to come up with a it produces a host of conflicting view- students who need affordable higher different standard on how we pay for points among people for whom I have education—and telling them they are it? That being said, S. 1238 is fully paid great respect. But my visit to the ref- going to have to pay more money for for. ugee camps does have a profound ef- their student loans. And, by the way, What I think is wrong is for us to fect, and my observations of what is the government is going to make allow interest rates to go up where the happening on the ground certainly money off of that? We have to do some- government is making money off the bring home the enormity of human suf- thing about that. backs of our students. We should not be fering and devastation this conflict has Let me talk a little bit about the size doing that. Higher education is already caused. of student loans today. Total student too expensive. We should be looking at Most of those unfairly caught in the debt passed the $1 trillion mark last ways to make college education more crossfire just want to get on with their year. There is more debt in student affordable for American families. For lives and protect their families. In- loans than there is in credit cards in generation after generation, we have stead, they have been forced from their America. Sixty percent of the students been telling our children that the homes and from their livelihoods— must borrow money in order to afford a American dream is achievable to those their entire way of life ripped apart by college education. Thirty-five percent individuals willing to pursue an edu- the bloodshed that no human should of America’s 35 million students are be- cation and work hard. Are we now pre- endure. hind on their loan payments. This is an pared to tell millions of students that

VerDate Mar 15 2010 04:45 Jul 10, 2013 Jkt 029060 PO 00000 Frm 00022 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G09JY6.039 S09JYPT1 jbell on DSK7SPTVN1PROD with SENATE July 9, 2013 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S5553 we are pushing the American dream be- the cost of student loans but the cost community over the onerous employer yond their grasp? of higher education, the transparency mandate that will result in fewer jobs Let me give one example. Amanda in the cost of higher education, the and employees working fewer hours. McIntosh wrote me a letter. She is a concerns we have about different types We have been listening as well. As first-generation college student who of schools and whether we are getting more employers have attempted to un- holds a college degree from Christopher value for the dollar. All that can be derstand the burdensome requirements Newport University, a master’s degree done as we reauthorize the Higher Edu- in the President’s health care law, the from Columbia University, and a grad- cation Act. But in the meantime we louder their outrage has become. In uate certificate from Johns Hopkins should keep the loan cost to students particular, small- to medium-sized University. Amanda is not from a at 3.4 percent and not allow it to in- businesses are simply drowning, drown- wealthy family, so she has over $100,000 crease as it did on July 1. We will have ing in their efforts to understand all of in student loan debt. Amanda would the opportunity to do that, I under- the regulations. like to earn her doctoral degree so that stand, tomorrow on the bill on the We are also listening to the views of she can conduct research that influ- floor. I would urge my colleagues to the American people. A recent Gallup ences policy regarding access to higher support that effort. poll from this week showed that a ma- jority of Americans still disapprove of education for historically underrep- TRIBUTE TO JODI SCHWARTZ resented populations, but she is buried On a personal note, let me point out the health care law. The survey showed under student loans and unable to con- that a very valuable member of my that 55 percent of respondents dis- tinue her education, unable to afford a staff, Jodi Schwartz, will be leaving us approve of ObamaCare. A Gallup sur- car or make a downpayment on a home at the end of this week. She is our edu- vey last month revealed for every one or otherwise invest in the economy. cation person in my office who has person who believes they will be better She simply cannot afford to take on been so helpful to me not just on the off under ObamaCare, two believe they more loans. student loan issue but on all edu- will be worse off. Opposition to the health care law is What is the message here? What are cational issues—affordability of edu- growing and it will continue to grow as we telling the future generations of cation, the quality of education, the more Americans realize the law is built Americans? We are saying: You need opportunity for everyone to have the upon broken promises and will result education in order to succeed. You great dream of America. She has been need education so we can have a com- in higher health care costs and more a very valuable asset to our staff. I will taxes. petitive workforce. And then we tell certainly miss her in my Senate office, them that the cost of education is out Under the individual mandate, the and I wish her only the best. IRS, which is still under multiple in- of their reach. And then we are going With that, I yield the floor and sug- vestigations for unfairly targeting con- to tell them that the loans are going to gest the absence of a quorum. servative groups, will play a central be more expensive. The PRESIDING OFFICER. The In Amanda’s case, she would like to role in the implementation of the clerk will call the roll. health care law in our country. Last do something with her future that The bill clerk proceeded to call the fall the Congressional Budget Office es- could be extremely helpful to our coun- roll. try and to herself. She may not be able Mr. THUNE. I ask unanimous con- timated nearly 6 million Americans, primarily in the middle class, will have to do that because of the cost of higher sent that the order for the quorum call to pay a tax under the individual man- education. And then so many students be rescinded. date, which was 2 million more than graduate with such large debt today The PRESIDING OFFICER (Ms. WAR- were initially estimated. REN). Without objection, it is so or- that they have to look at paying off When the Affordable Care Act is fully dered. their debt and it affects their career implemented, the average individual choice. These might be gifted scientists OBAMACARE mandate tax will be nearly $1,200, who could really do something to help Mr. THUNE. Last week on July 2, the which clearly—clearly—contradicts the discover the answer to dread diseases, Tuesday before the Fourth of July President’s previous statement that how we could cure them, but instead Independence Day on Thursday, the ad- the individual mandate is ‘‘absolutely they have to opt out for a short-term ministration made an announcement not a tax increase.’’ career decision to pay off their student that they were going to delay imple- Further, families are facing signifi- loans. mentation of a key component of the cant increases in premiums. The Wall We need to have a policy that makes ObamaCare law. I think that came as a Street Journal recently published an higher education more affordable, not surprise to a lot of people because the analysis of premiums and concluded more costly. Yet increasing the cost of expectation has been all along that in under the health care law some Ameri- the Stafford loans from 3.4 percent to January of this next year many of the cans will see their premiums double or 6.8 percent will make it more expensive provisions in that law were going to go even triple, which is the opposite of the for families to be able to afford a col- into effect. promise that was made by the Presi- lege education. Tomorrow, a majority of the Senate dent that premiums would go down by Obtaining a college degree is not a Republican conference will be sending $2,500 for American families. luxury; it is an economic imperative. a letter to President Obama asking for Given the widely held belief by the Affordable access to higher education a permanent delay of the employer American people the Affordable Care means more scientists, doctors, nurses, mandate. I say permanent delay be- Act will not fulfill its promises and engineers, computer programmers, and cause they talked about delaying it for will result in higher costs for American other highly skilled workers our econ- 1 year. In making the announcement families, I believe this law should be omy will need to fill the high-tech jobs about the delay of the employer man- permanently delayed. This law is un- of the future. A well-educated, highly date, the administration unilaterally workable, harmful to the economy and skilled workforce is vital to sustain acted and failed to work with Congress to American families, and action to our national security and prosperity in on what is a very significant decision. delay the employer mandate is an ac- a globalized 21st-century job market. This action finally acknowledges knowledgment of that very fact. So I urge my colleagues to support S. some of the many burdens this law will Public opinion about the Affordable 1238, the Keep Student Loans Afford- place on job creators. I believe the rest Care Act has been consistently low. able Act of 2013, as a commonsense ap- of this law should be permanently de- Perhaps Americans don’t like it be- proach to protecting students at no ad- layed for all Americans in order to cause it is affecting their jobs. Four in ditional cost to the taxpayer. As I said avoid significant economic harm to ten small business owners say they earlier, this bill would simply allow American families. have held back in hiring, and one in the 3.4 percent to remain in effect until In response to questions about the five owners says they have let employ- our committee has the time to pass re- administration’s decision, the Presi- ees go due to the health care costs as- authorization of the Higher Education dent’s senior adviser Valerie Jarrett sociated with the Affordable Care Act. Act, and they could then take into con- said, ‘‘We are listening,’’ while refer- As implementation of the law con- sideration not just the availability and ring to the concerns of the business tinues, the number of small business

VerDate Mar 15 2010 04:45 Jul 10, 2013 Jkt 029060 PO 00000 Frm 00023 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G09JY6.041 S09JYPT1 jbell on DSK7SPTVN1PROD with SENATE S5554 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE July 9, 2013 owners who take these steps could in- I would add that when policies com- The new law also says you can get in- crease. ing out of Washington, exemplified by surance after you get sick. It is called Employers are also cutting back on the ObamaCare mandates, are imposed the guarantee issue. No longer is there hours in anticipation of the mandate. on the American economy, it makes it any requirement to go out and get in- Even though enforcement of the em- harder for job creators and employers surance to protect yourself and prevent ployer mandate may be delayed, em- in this country to create the jobs nec- yourself from having to be in that situ- ployers still know this is coming down essary to affect these numbers in a ation when illness strikes. Now, if you the pike and will continue to make ad- positive way, to get Americans back to get sick, you can go out and buy insur- justments to their workforce in antici- work, and back to work in a full-time ance. pation of the new mandates. way and back to work in a way where It also requires community rating, A new mandate will also be imposed they are actually increasing their which changes the way in which health on individual Americans. On January 1, take-home pay rather than having it care costs are distributed across the Americans will be forced by their gov- decreased by higher costs for every- range of people who are covered by ernment to buy a product—health in- thing they have to spend their income health care premiums in this country, surance—for the first time ever. This on, including the cost of health insur- making it more expensive for younger mandate will be enforced by tax pen- ance coverage. people to get their health insurance alties administered through the Inter- We have been saying for a long time coverage. That is why we are seeing nal Revenue Service. The Obama ad- and there is study after study that these steep increases in the individual ministration has requested over $400 comes out that talks about how the market. million in funding and nearly 2,000 bu- health care law is going to cause Madam President, I ask unanimous reaucrats for the IRS to implement the health insurance premiums to rise, and consent to continue for a couple of individual mandate and 46 other statu- there have been a lot of people who minutes. tory provisions. have gotten up here in the Senate, oth- The PRESIDING OFFICER. Two The blizzard of ObamaCare rules and ers in the administration, in an at- minutes? regulations continues. Regulators have tempt to defend the ObamaCare law Without objection, it is so ordered. now written over 20,000 pages of who have said: Oh, no, no, no, that is Mr. THUNE. So when we look at all ObamaCare-related rules and notices in not going to be the case; it is actually the mandates, the new requirements in the Federal Register. And just this last going to drive premiums down. We con- the legislation, the new taxes in the week another 606 pages of new regula- tinue to hear that, but more and more legislation, and when we look at all the tions were released that were designed evidence comes in, and not just studies States trying to deal with and cope to assist in implementing this massive being done out there but real-life ex- with this, and all the small busi- law. It is no wonder the public outcry amples of the impact this law is having nesses—and small businesses, obvi- on insurance premiums. from employers was so loudly opposed ously, weighed in heavily, which is In fact, there are some actuarial to the employer mandate. why, as I mentioned earlier, the White American families are also strug- studies that have estimated premiums House said, look, we are listening, we gling to understand how this complex, in various States around the country got the message, and so they waived burdensome law will affect them. It is and what the impact on premiums this, they delayed this at least for 1 critical the President and his adminis- would be. For the State of Colorado, in year for the small businesses under the tration listen to the American people the individual market, the estimate by employer mandate—all we are simply and permanently delay this law. the actuaries is that the insurance pre- I would add that if we look at the im- mium rates are going to go up by 19 saying is: Look, there are lots of prob- pact on the economy, not only is this percent; the State of Indiana by 95 per- lems associated with this law. This was about higher premiums for middle- cent in the individual market, by 10 a bad law. It is based upon broken class families in this country, not only percent in the small group market; the promises. It promised lower premiums; is it about higher taxes that are going State of Maine, the estimates are the we are seeing higher premiums. It in- to be imposed upon medical device individual market premiums are going cludes higher taxes. We are going to manufacturers, on health insurance to go up by 40 percent, 9 percent in the see effects all across the economy when plans, pharmaceutical companies—all small group market; the State of Min- it comes to jobs as people cut back and of which, by the way, will be passed on nesota, in the individual market, a 42- start forcing people into part-time jobs to individual consumers—it is also percent increase in premiums and 20 so they are not hit with the employer about the impact this will have on jobs percent in the small group market; the mandates under this legislation. and the economy. If we look at the State of Wisconsin, a 30-percent in- So the law affects jobs and it affects numbers that came out last week and crease in the individual market. In the the economy. We have a sluggish eco- what they said about the impact of State of Ohio, last month the Depart- nomic growth rate that has now been policies coming out of Washington, DC, ment of Insurance announced the aver- adjusted down to 1.8 percent in the last and the impact they are having on jobs age individual market health insurance quarter, and we continue to sort of in this country, the number of people premium in 2014 will cost 88 percent muddle along. One of the reasons for working part time for economic rea- more. According to Ohio insurance reg- that is because we here in Washington, sons—sometimes referred to as invol- ulators, the department’s initial anal- DC, continue to pile more and more untary part-time workers—increased ysis of the proposed rate shows con- costs on employers trying to do busi- by 322,000 people to 8.2 million total sumers will have fewer choices and pay ness. So until we understand that to people in the month of June. These are much higher premiums for their health create jobs and grow the economy we people who are working part time be- insurance starting in the year 2014. have to make it less difficult and less cause their hours have been cut back Well, it shouldn’t be any big surprise expensive for employers and job cre- or because they were unable to find a when we look at the requirements in ators to create jobs, we will continue full-time job. the new health care law. The new to see this trend in the future. The real unemployment rate, or what health care law says you have to have I would simply say to my colleagues we call the U–6 rate, is 14.3 percent for a certain kind of coverage. You can’t here in the Senate, and to the adminis- June of 2013, which is an increase of continue to offer coverage available to tration, if we are going to delay imple- one-half percentage point over the pre- people who might want to have dif- mentation of the employer mandate for vious month. That is the total percent- ferent choices about what types of a year, let’s delay the individual man- age of unemployed and underemployed things they want covered, what they date as well, and let’s not just do it for workers, making the real number of want their copays or their deductibles a year, let’s permanently delay this. unemployed Americans in this country to be. Basically, the law says if you are Let’s start over and do this the right 22.6 million people. These are people going to offer a plan, you have to offer way, in a way that actually reduces who are unemployed, want work but this plan, it is a government-approved premiums and health care costs for have stopped searching for a job, or are plan, and it has to have these sorts of people in this country, that makes it working part time simply because they coverages and these sorts of things and less expensive and less difficult for can’t find full-time employment. these bells and whistles. small businesses to create jobs and

VerDate Mar 15 2010 04:45 Jul 10, 2013 Jkt 029060 PO 00000 Frm 00024 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G09JY6.043 S09JYPT1 jbell on DSK7SPTVN1PROD with SENATE July 9, 2013 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S5555 grow the economy, and to get Ameri- leave it where it is. We worked out a going to make any profit that will go cans back to work in good jobs that proposal along the lines of the Presi- to debt reduction. If there is a so-called pay well, that increase the take-home dent’s proposal. Also, we had the so- profit, it should go to reduce and give pay so they can provide in a better way called House Republican proposal. the lowest rate we could possibly offer. for their families. Our proposal is much different. This That is what we have agreed on. We Madam President, with that, I yield is not a Republican or Democratic agreed on fixing the rates for the life of the floor. piece of legislation. It is a bipartisan the loan. That is not what came from The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- piece. We looked at all aspects of what the House. ator from West Virginia. we have to deal with in today’s mar- So when I say it is a bipartisan bill, Mr. MANCHIN. Madam President, I ket. these are things we are agreeing on wanted to speak in a little detail on On July 1 the rates went up. If we are that make a better piece of legislation. another topic, and that is the direction able to come to agreement this week or People might say: But 4 years from we are going on the student loan crisis, maybe the first of next week, we can now it might go up higher than 6.9 per- I guess. It is a shame we have come to retroactively bring those back so that cent. In the 3 or 4 years that we know this. A year ago, I voted for the exten- when you go to school this fall you will we will have tremendous savings, there sion. We were told at that time that know exactly what your rates will be. is a difference of $36 billion versus due to the political atmosphere, we had We came to a bipartisan agreement maybe $8 billion if you just keep ex- the big election year coming up, that that those rates could be 3.66 percent, tending 1 year at a time. A $2 billion we couldn’t get into the details and fix and that is for all undergraduates. savings here, a $9 billion savings here. it the way it maybe needed to be fixed Now if you are getting a subsidized or It is not hard to do the math. and should have been fixed back then. unsubsidized loan, a 1-year extension Then, talk about a comprehensive So a lot of us went ahead and voted for goes from 3.4 percent to 6.8 percent. education bill, I pray to God that we the extension, and now we find our- Under our proposal, everything is at can get a comprehensive education bill, selves in the same position this year as 3.66 percent. That will save about $9 but I am not sure the American public we were last year. There will be an- billion this year in interest that stu- believes we are able to get any type of other election in 2014. So it seems as dents would be responsible for paying— a consensus on any type of comprehen- though we are always in an election $9 billion for the youth of this country sive bill. cycle, and if we allow that to continue trying to get a higher education. If we When I first got here, they told me to direct what we do and how we do it, just do the 1-year extension, that is we were trying to get our financial we would get little done here, which is only a savings of $2 billion. So there is house in order. Then we had the se- what the public is getting frustrated a $7 billion savings beyond what the 1- quester coming at us. The sequester ba- with. year extension would do. We are just sically was a penalty we voted on, but A few of us got together, myself, Sen- dealing with the facts that we have in no one ever thought we would let it get ators ALEXANDER, CARPER, and KING, front of us. that Draconian, to the point we and we decided maybe we could come So let’s say you are going to a grad- couldn’t come to an agreement and we together and work on something. There uate unsubsidized Stafford loan, which would have to have this type of a pun- is no perfect fix for anything here, I many people in graduate school get. ishment put on ourselves. So we put a have found, and this is complicated and Right now, that is at 6.8 percent. Under supercommittee together for the pur- confusing if you don’t delve into it. So our proposal, that goes to 5.21 percent. pose of getting a superdeal so we could I started looking into it more this year If you have a PLUS loan—that is par- get our financial house in order. It than I had before. ents and graduate students—today you wasn’t that super. It didn’t work. I think a lot of our colleagues, and a are paying 7.9 percent, and you have So then the sequester kicked in and lot of people in the country, believe the been paying 7.9 percent. Our bill takes the Draconian cuts across the board. so-called ‘‘doubling of the rates’’ from that to 6.21 percent. You can see the You don’t run your life that way, your 3.4 to 6.8 meant everybody’s rates had savings. business that way, whether it is small doubled. First of all, there was just a Some might say, well, the interest or large. You don’t cut everything. You small percentage of the loans we rates will go up after 3 or 4 years, and have your priorities and necessities loaned out that were getting the ad- then you will be at a higher rate. We you have to maintain in your life on a vantage of the 3.4 if we extend it. Sev- put also, the same as in the law right daily basis. Then you have excesses enty-five percent of the loans—75 per- now, an 8.25 percent cap. So if you bor- you can do without. So you make ad- cent of the money out there—is at the row money this year at 3.66 percent, justments and you pick and choose. higher rate of 6.8 or above. that is locked in for the life of the That is not working right now, and I have tried to understand, the best I loan. That is what you pay for the what is happening is people are suf- can, all the different aspects of the money you borrow this year for the life fering needlessly because we cannot loans we have out there. We have the of that loan. Now, next year it could be come to an agreement to get our finan- subsidized loans. Because of family in- 4.5 percent. It could go up with infla- cial house in order, to find a budget come and participation someone is able tion. that works for this country, to find a to get a subsidized loan. What that When I was in school, and later on, tax system that is fair and equitable means, if we break it down, is the first inflation kicked up to 16 or 17 percent. that people believe in. We haven’t been year you qualify for a subsidized loan That is outrageous. able to do that. you can borrow up to $3,500, and $3,500 In the Senate, Republicans and We are being told: Let’s go ahead and in today’s higher education world Democrats have come to an agreement extend the 3.4 percent for the smallest doesn’t go very far. You are also al- that we don’t think the policy of this portion of the amount of loans that we lowed to borrow $2,000 of unsubsidized country should be that we should make loan out, and everyone else can pay the money, which means you would have a profit on the loans that students are higher rate. been paying 3.4 percent on the $3,500 receiving to educate themselves to I am not willing to do that. I think and 6.8 percent on the unsubsidized. have a better quality of life and oppor- we can do better. I think we are better So as you can see, it is not all clear- tunity. We have come to that agree- than that—on both sides of the aisle. cut. Then, in the second year, you can ment. That is not the bill we got from Chastising each other and saying one borrow $4,500 subsidized and $2,000 in the House. They want to use profits to wants to raise rates and one is insensi- unsubsidized; and then it goes to $5,500 pay down debt. tive toward students, and it is a Repub- and stays at $5,500 for the fourth year. Now, I understand there is a lot more lican or Democrat plan, doesn’t fix The thing that happens is the unsub- that needs to be done on the profit end anything around here. It hasn’t since I sidized loans, if we are looking at the of it and how we get to the true cost. have been here, and I don’t think it is unsubsidized loans at 6.8 percent, they The Presiding Officer has been working going to. It will if we put our country are staying. We have had some say it is hard on that, and I am willing to work first. And we know one thing: By put- better to leave it alone, do nothing. with her. But the agreement we have in ting our country first, we put our stu- Let it go ahead and double at 6.8 and front of us today is that we are not dents first.

VerDate Mar 15 2010 04:45 Jul 10, 2013 Jkt 029060 PO 00000 Frm 00025 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G09JY6.044 S09JYPT1 jbell on DSK7SPTVN1PROD with SENATE S5556 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE July 9, 2013 Without educating the populous, we portunity to visit with many students, She is correct. It is indefensible, un- have nothing. We can’t compete in the many faculty and staff of our colleges, conscionable, unacceptable. Even at 3.4 world of economics. We can’t compete both private and public, all around the percent, as the Presiding Officer well in the world of science and technology. State of Connecticut. knows, our Federal Government profits We just can’t. I know the Presiding Officer has led from the student loan program. It prof- The best investment we can make is very strongly in this effort. What I its in the amount of $51 billion a year. in our youth. The best investment we found is that students and teachers of Doubling the interest rate simply can make is in education. We might Connecticut and around the country means more profits for the Federal buy a car and think that is a great in- absolutely understand how destructive Government. vestment. We might buy a piece of and lastingly harmful this doubling of There is a fundamental principle at property or a house and think that is a interest rates will be for people of all stake; that is, whether our Nation is great investment. The best investment ages in America. going to continue profiting from stu- we will ever make is in education. We Never before has higher education dent loans, which should be regarded want to make it as affordable and do- meant more to earning potential and not as a benefit to the students but an able as humanly possible, and that is employment, now and in the future. investment in our Nation, not as a what we have worked on together, on a Never before have the faculty, staff, charitable or eleemosynary program bipartisan basis. We are hoping we can and students of America been more but as a vital investment in the skills find common ground. united in their understanding of how and talents and the major resource our We have talked about caps. The caps critical higher education is—not only Nation has as a free and democratic so- are inherently built in. Let’s say you to them but to our economy. Our stu- ciety, the talents and skills of our peo- graduate, get a degree, and find a job dents are the ones who will buy homes, ple. that pays $40,000—which is not a lot in build families, start businesses, and Freedom from student debt should be today’s market for the money in- contribute to our economy. They will a fundamental national interest as im- vested—and get married and have a do more to give back and contribute if portant as any that this body address- child or two. With the system we have they have the great advantages of es. It is as vital to the future of the built in right now, you only pay 15 per- higher education spared from the fi- country as our national defense. cent of your disposable income. That nancially crippling debt that threatens I did not need to tell the students of breaks down to about $142 a month them now. Connecticut what this doubling of in- that you will pay on your student loan In fact, financially crippling debt is a terest rates would mean to them—$31 a to make it affordable. If you are not reality for more than 73,000 people who month, $1,000 a year. They know. They able to pay that off at the end of 25 owe an average of $29,000 in Con- do the math. They get it better than years, it is exonerated and wiped out. necticut alone. That debt is a burden people in this Chamber or in the House Pell grants. If a person is in need be- for our entire economy as much or of Representatives. They told me what cause of their income, they can get up more as it is for those individuals. So the $1,000 would mean to them. Eliza- to $5,645 a year free. Those are grants there is a strong societal and national beth Tomasco: ‘‘Textbooks and start we give out, which are excellent, help- interest in this issue. saving for my very own car.’’ I didn’t need to tell the students of ing students who don’t have an oppor- Gina: ‘‘I would use $1,000 to pay for Connecticut what the consequences are tunity or chance, with any support books. Don’t double my rate.’’ of doubling the interest rates, and I from their family, to be able to get a Across Connecticut, students are didn’t need to tell them what it would higher education. We are doing an telling us: Don’t double my rate. awful lot of things to help. The bottom mean for their future. They told me. I did not need to tell them as well They told me at Middlesex Commu- line is that we have come to an agree- that there are a lot of borrowers in this nity College, where I spoke to the com- ment that it shouldn’t be subsidized, country who get a pretty good rate, a munity college sector—I discussed the there shouldn’t be a profit made, and it lot better than 3.4 percent. In fact, issue with the president of that college, should be affordable—and it has to run those borrowers are the biggest finan- Anna Wasescha, along with public offi- efficiently. cial institutions, the big banks who I think $36 billion in savings over 4 cials, students, and financial aid peo- ple. borrow from the Federal Reserve at a years is pretty substantial compared to discount window at less than 1 per- us doing nothing. I also think those They told me at Northwestern Con- cent—.75 percent often. who say let the rates go up to 6.8 per- necticut Community College, where I spoke with the president Barbara They are angry about it; that they cent are misinformed. I don’t think are worth less in these financial mar- they have been told the facts or the Douglass and individuals there, stu- dents and faculty, who noted to me kets, in the view of our Federal Gov- truth. ernment that loans money, than the What we are asking for is basically a that 51 percent of their students re- big banks and big institutions that, in level playing field, looking at what we ceived some kind of financial aid, in- fact, are sometimes regarded as too big can do that is positive, getting more cluding Stafford loans. groups to sit down and sincerely work All around Connecticut I spoke to to fail. Students are failing to pay back toward what I think is going to be a faculty and students, such as Sam those debts, but the nation is failing good outcome and a good process. Chaney, who is a 2010 graduate of our students and it is failing itself be- Extending what we have doesn’t Quinnipiac. He said to me when stu- cause our national interest is in the work. Not being able to come together dents graduate: student loans and talents and skills to make sure our loans are affordable . . . you’re not just paying rent, you’re and opportunity it provides, not just in is not acceptable. I think if we con- paying as much or more in student loans. the next year or couple of years but for tinue to strive to work toward finding . . . I hope they’re not in the position I was a lifetime and for the long term of our a reasonable outcome, we will be able in, being told not to worry about the sticker Nation. price of college. to succeed. I am a proud supporter of the Bank Tomorrow we will have a vote, and I heard from Irene Mulvey, the presi- on Student Loan Fairness Act, which there will be more discussions about dent of the Connecticut chapter of the would give them the same kind of fair- student loans. The bottom line is we American Association of University ness, equivalent fairness that our big want rates to come down for every- Professors. Her organization is con- banks enjoy when they borrow from body. Every student in every category stantly in touch with student bor- the Federal Reserve. But in the mean- should have the benefit of the lower rowers and knows just how much sub- time, we need a solution for this next rates that are available to the public sidized Stafford loans mean to them. year, and it is the Keep Student Loans today. As she said to me, ‘‘As faculty mem- Affordable Act. It is a remedy of short Madam President, I yield the floor bers, we see the impact that student duration, I hope, that will in the end be The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- loan debt has on our students and their accompanied and followed by longer ator from Connecticut. families every day.’’ She called this term reforms that will give students Mr. BLUMENTHAL. Madam Presi- doubling of interest rates ‘‘indefen- the benefit of those lower rates, lower dent, over this past week I had the op- sible.’’ even than 3.4 percent, so our Federal

VerDate Mar 15 2010 04:45 Jul 10, 2013 Jkt 029060 PO 00000 Frm 00026 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G09JY6.045 S09JYPT1 jbell on DSK7SPTVN1PROD with SENATE July 9, 2013 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S5557 Government ceases to use students as a What if this is serious and we are inaugural said this American Govern- profit center and ceases to take advan- not? What if this is serious and we are ment was ‘‘the world’s best hope.’’ tage of them. sleepwalking when we should be What if we are, indeed, the last best I am not against smart cuts to re- awake? What if this is deadly serious hope of Earth, a hope which it is up to duce our debt and our deficit. These and we are reckless when we should be each American generation to, as Lin- kinds of burdens on students, using responsible? coln said, ‘‘nobly save or meanly lose’’? them as a deficit solution, is not a What if we are completely missing What if we in this generation of Ameri- smart cut. That is an understatement. this moment in history? Winston cans meanly lose such a measure of In the long term, we need to reduce the Churchill talked about ‘‘sharp agate that American light and hope in the cost of higher education, which has in- points upon which . . . destiny turns.’’ world? What if we, the children of the creased over the last few decades by What if our destiny will turn based ‘‘greatest generation,’’ were to blunder 1,000 percent. That is the result of year upon what we do about carbon? What if into history as the ‘‘vilest generation’’ after year overinflationary increases in we have been warned? What if we have because we failed so badly at this plain tuition which over time have managed been thoroughly and convincingly and and present duty? to make a college degree unaffordable reliably warned? What if we have been In sum, what if the deniers, the to all but the most well off unless they warned by virtually every climate sci- mockers, and the scoffers are wrong? use that kind of financially crippling entist—at least 95 percent of them—by What if they are wrong? Someone has debt to attend. the scientists who work for the United to be. There are two sides to this. What The age of supporting oneself States of America at the National Oce- if it is the deniers and the scoffers and through a 4-year college degree is past anic and Atmospheric Administration, the mockers who are wrong? What if for most. This unfortunate trend has at the National Aeronautics and Space the evidence keeps piling up and the been coupled with more and more em- Administration, by the vast majority tide of public opinion keeps going out ployers requiring a bachelor’s degree of scientific societies, such as the and the deniers are left stranded with for even consideration in the hiring American Association for the Advance- their inadequacies plainly visible? pool. So the doubling of interest rates ment of Science, the American Geo- is indeed indefensible, as Irene Mulvey physical Union, and the American Me- Please, let’s look at the two sides. On told me. It is indeed unacceptable in teorological Society, among others? the side of waking up and doing some- the greatest nation in the history of I ask unanimous consent to have a thing about carbon pollution: the the world—which must continue the letter from a great number of those or- President of the United States of quality and affordability of higher edu- ganizations printed at the conclusion America, the Joint Chiefs of Staff and cation if we are to remain the greatest of my remarks. our military leaders, the U.S. Con- nation in the history of the world. What if we have been thoroughly and ference of Catholic Bishops, the Na- I hope my colleagues will join the convincingly and reliably warned by tional Council of the Churches of Members of this Senate who have sup- thorough, convincing, and reliable sci- Christ, and many faith groups and ported the Keep Student Loans Afford- entists and have chosen instead to lis- leaders. On the side of waking up: icons able Act and will support a reasonable ten to the cranks and the polluters? of our American corporate community, measure keeping these rates at 3.4 per- Let’s play this out a bit. Foresight is including GM, Ford, Coke, Pepsi, Nike, cent. To allow variable rates and, in ef- supposed to be a capability of our spe- Apple, Walmart, and hundreds of oth- fect, teaser loan levels that can rise be- cies. What if it turns out the world will ers. Also on the side of waking up: the yond affordability, without caps, with- care about this? We Americans have property casualty insurance and rein- out protection is, in fact, against the held ourselves out as a beacon of light surance industry and many in the elec- national interest. This measure will to other nations. We have proclaimed tric utility industry and the vast ma- help us keep students in school and we are a shining city on a hill. What if jority of national scientific societies. spare them the kind of financially crip- that is true? What if President Clinton In particular, I wish to mention the pling debt that all too many of our was right; that the power of our Amer- scientists at NASA who right now are young people have when they leave col- ican example is, indeed, greater than driving an SUV-sized rover around on lege. any example of our power? What if the surface of Mars. That might be an I yield the floor. I suggest the ab- Daniel Webster was right; that if the organization whose scientists actually sence of a quorum. example of our great democratic exper- know what they are talking about. The PRESIDING OFFICER. The iment ever became an argument What if it turns out that the other clerk will call the roll. against that experiment, it would side of the argument is actually phony? The assistant legislative clerk pro- sound the knell of popular liberty What if it turns out that the other ceeded to call the roll. throughout the world? What if our po- side of the argument is a few cranks, a Mr. WHITEHOUSE. Madam Presi- litical and moral failure to address car- lot of people and organizations on the dent, I ask unanimous consent the bon pollution became, in fact, an argu- payroll of the polluters, and a cynical order for the quorum call be rescinded. ment against our American example, propaganda campaign intended to mis- The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without an argument against our American ex- lead and deceive? objection, it is so ordered. ample punctuated by the exclamation What if it is the argument that cli- Mr. WHITEHOUSE. I ask I be per- points of local climate change hap- mate change is a hoax—which we hear mitted to speak in morning business pening right there in towns and around here—what if it is that argu- for up to 20 minutes. barrios, hills and hamlets, on coasts ment that is the real hoax? The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without and farms all around the world? objection, it is so ordered. What if the world takes notice of What if the so-called climategate TIME TO WAKE UP that? What if the world takes notice of scandal was no fraud at all, but the Mr. WHITEHOUSE. Madam Presi- what is already happening all around whipped-up allegations were the fraud dent, I am here for my 38th weekly them and takes notice of how we blew and the so-called climategate was real- ‘‘Time to Wake Up’’ speech, and today it at dealing with carbon pollution and, ly climategate-gate? I want to ask the question: What if? as a result, turns away from our great What if that cynical, polluter-driven What if climate change is real? What American experiment because of this propaganda campaign is one of the big- if the 30-plus gigatons of carbon pollu- conspicuous and consequential failure gest and most successful frauds ever tion mankind is dumping into the at- of American democratic governance perpetrated on the public—a fraud mosphere every year makes a dif- and leadership? that, when it is ultimately exposed for ference? What if it is warming the Let’s really push it here. What if what it is, will change the way we planet and changing the weather? What Abraham Lincoln was right, was not think about political information and if it is warming the seas and raising just making it up when he said Amer- trust in corporations, just as my gen- their level and making them more ica was ‘‘the last best hope of Earth.’’ eration seeing the Cuyahoga River acidic? What then? What if this is seri- The last best hope of Earth. He was not burn changed the way we thought ous? alone. Thomas Jefferson too in his first about the environment?

VerDate Mar 15 2010 04:45 Jul 10, 2013 Jkt 029060 PO 00000 Frm 00027 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G09JY6.047 S09JYPT1 jbell on DSK7SPTVN1PROD with SENATE S5558 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE July 9, 2013 What if the great climate denial I submit that my denier colleagues in tion, adaptation will be necessary to address fraud will stand in the annals of Amer- their own personal lives would never those impacts that are already unavoidable. ican scandal beside Watergate and Tea- take the wild risks, the reckless risks Adaptation efforts include improved infra- pot Dome and the corruption leading they are asking us to take on carbon. If structure design, more sustainable manage- ment of water and other natural resources, up to the great crash of 1929 as a dark they went to 100 doctors and 95 or more modified agricultural practices, and im- smear across the pages of our Amer- of the doctors told them that their proved emergency responses to storms, ican history? child or grandchild needed treatment floods, fires and heat waves. There was an iconic recruiting poster and it was urgent, I doubt very much We in the scientific community offer our for World War I. I wish I had it with they would go with the three or four assistance to inform your deliberations as me, but I don’t. It is a picture of a fel- who didn’t. In fact, it would probably you seek to address the impacts of climate low sitting in his armchair with two be a matter for their State child wel- change. 1 The conclusions in this paragraph reflect little children, and they are asking fare services if they ignored that kind the scientific consensus represented by, for him: ‘‘Daddy, what did you do in the of warning about the health of a child example, the Intergovernmental Panel on Great War?’’ And he is looking sadly or a grandchild. But that is what they Climate Change and U.S. Global Change Re- out at the viewer of the poster because want us to do on carbon pollution. search Program. Many scientific societies clearly he had not done his part in the Many of the answers carry stakes so have endorsed these findings in their own great war. That was the message of high that they plead for prudent and statements, including the American Associa- that poster—‘‘Daddy, what did you do rational choices. The downside is so tion for the Advancement of Science, Amer- in the Great War?’’ What if we have to deep that the balance has to be toward ican Chemical Society, American Geo- physical Union, American Meteorological be asked by our children and grand- precaution if we are indeed a rational Society, and American Statistical Associa- children, when they are studying this species. We are talking about funda- tion. disgraceful episode in their history mental changes in the habitability of Alan I. Leshner, Executive Director, classes, ‘‘Mommy, what did you do in our planet, with considerable human American Association for the Advance- the great climate fraud? Grandpa, what dislocation and disorder a likely result. ment of Science; Timothy L. Grove, did you do in the great climate fraud?’’ We are talking about measurements of President, American Geophysical Why do I come every week to give basic planetary conditions veering out- Union; Keith Seitter, Executive Direc- these speeches? Because these ques- side the entirety of human experience, tor, American Meteorological Society; tions stick in my craw. These are the Tuan-hua David Ho, President, Amer- to measurements whose antecedents ican Society of Plant Biologists; Lu- questions that haunt me and that I are found only in geologic time and cinda Johnson, President, Association can’t shake. And upon the answer to which we find there in the geologic of Econsystem Research Centers; these questions, to these what-ifs, the record, associated with massive disrup- Thomas Lane, President, American future may depend, destiny may turn. I tions, upheavals, and die-offs. Chemical Society; May R. Berenbaurn, have asked them today as questions, The facts are clearly measured, the President, American Institute of Bio- but many of the answers are already principles are solid and sound, and the logical Sciences; Mark Alley, Presi- clear. Many of the answers are crystal stakes are very high. Yet we sleepwalk dent, American Society of Agronomy; clear. Many of the answers are so like- Sally C Morton, President, American on the precipice, refusing to listen, re- Statistical Association; Kent E. ly clear that no rational person would fusing to speak of it, refusing to act Holsinger, President, Botanical Society bet against them. And many of the an- when duty calls us to act. It is time to of America; Kenneth Quesenberry, swers carry stakes so high that they wake up—or perhaps I should say, what President, Crop Science Society of cry out for prudent choices to be made. if it really is time to wake up and we America; William Y. Brown, President, Many of the answers are crystal are just missing it, sleepwalking on the Natural Science Collections Alliance; clear—as clear as measurement. For at lip of the precipice, listening to the Douglas N. Arnold, President, Society least 800,000 years the concentration of lullabies of the polluters, and ignoring of Industrial and Applied Mathematics; Paul Bertsch, President, Soil Science carbon dioxide in the Earth’s atmos- the facts and consequences that are phere held between 170 and 300 parts Society of America; Mary Power, plain to our sight and reason, plain in President, Ecological Society of Amer- per million of carbon dioxide—for front of our faces? What then? ica; Brian D. Kloeppel, President, Orga- 800,000 years, always in that range. There being no objection, the mate- nization of Biological Field Stations; Now it is 400 parts per million and rial was ordered to be printed in the John Huelsenbeck, President, Society climbing. That is a measurement. RECORD, as follows: of Systematic Biologists; Richard A. Anthes, President, University Corpora- Oceans are already 30 percent more AMERICAN ASSOCIATION FOR THE tion of Atmospheric Research. acidic than before the Industrial Revo- ADVANCEMENT OF SCIENCE, lution and getting more so. That is a Washington, DC, October 21, 2009. The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- measurement. The winter water tem- DEAR SENATOR: As you consider climate ator from Michigan. perature of Narragansett Bay has risen change legislation, we, as leaders of sci- Ms. STABENOW. Madam President, 4 degrees since the 1960s. That is a entific organizations, write to state the con- before my friend from Rhode Island measurement. Millions of acres of sensus scientific view. leaves the floor, I wish to thank him Observations throughout the world make for coming to the floor of the Senate western pine forest, once protected by it clear that climate change is occurring, cold, have been ravaged by the pine and rigorous scientific research dem- every week to give a message that we beetle. That is a measurement. Thir- onstrates that the greenhouse gases emitted need to hear all the time about a seri- teen of the past 15 years are among the by human activities are the primary driver. ous worldwide crisis. I thank him for hottest 15 years on record. That is a These conclusions are based on multiple his passion and for calling on us to re- measurement. Being against science is independent lines of evidence, and contrary member that when it is time for our one thing. Being against measurement, assertions are inconsistent with an objective children and grandchildren to ask that takes us to a new extreme. assessment of the vast body of peer-reviewed where we were, I want to say I was science. Moreover, there is strong evidence Many of the answers are so likely with Senator SHELDON WHITEHOUSE and that ongoing climate change will have broad clear that no rational, prudent person impacts on society, including the global those of us who care deeply about solv- would bet against them. The principle economy and on the environment. For the ing these problems. So I thank the Sen- that carbon dioxide and water vapor in United States, climate change impacts in- ator from Rhode Island very much. the atmosphere create a greenhouse ef- clude sea level rise for coastal states, greater I thank all of our colleagues who fect that warms the planet goes back threats of extreme weather events, and in- have come to the floor today and have to the time of the American Civil War. creased risk of regional water scarcity, spoken on the issue of keeping student It is firmly established science. urban heat waves, western wildfires, and the loan rates low. I know Senator The head of the World Bank recently disturbance of biological systems throughout BLUMENTHAL was here a few minutes the country. The severity of climate change said, ‘‘If you disagree with the science ago. Our chairman, Senator HARKIN, impacts is expected to increase substantially of human-caused climate change, you in the coming decades 1 has come to the floor, as well as Sen- are not disagreeing that there is an- If we are to avoid the most severe impacts ator BROWN, Senator SANDERS, and thropogenic climate change; what you of climate change, emissions of greenhouse Senator REED, who has been such a are disagreeing with is science itself.’’ gases must be dramatically reduced. In addi- passionate advocate and leader on this

VerDate Mar 15 2010 04:45 Jul 10, 2013 Jkt 029060 PO 00000 Frm 00028 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G09JY6.050 S09JYPT1 jbell on DSK7SPTVN1PROD with SENATE July 9, 2013 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S5559 issue. I thank as well our Presiding Of- They want to go to college. We want again, remember, right now you can ficer from Massachusetts for her pas- them to go to college. We want them to get a car loan—you know, 15, 20 years, sion in keeping us on point. I thank get an education. We benefit as a coun- however long you finance your car: 10, Senator BOXER and Senator MURRAY try from making sure we can 15, 20 years—at 4 percent; have a 30- and others who have come to the floor, outcompete and outeducate the com- year mortgage at 3.5, 4 percent, 4.5 per- including Senator KAY HAGAN, who is petition around the world. Yet those cent, 5 percent—all less than what we leading this fight with Senator JACK who say they care about students are are talking about for a student to be REED in what we intend to do tomor- proposing options that would increase able to get a loan to be able to go to row, which is focus on a very simple costs for students and profits for the college, which we all say we want them issue: Let’s not do harm to students as Federal Government. We should not be to do. it relates to student loan rates going making profits on the backs of stu- We are lending to banks at a much up, while we fix the larger problem of dents who are trying to go to college. lower rate, as our Presiding Officer has affordability of college. So our proposal that we will be voting reminded us over and over. I do under- Let’s be very clear. The majority of on tomorrow would lock in the 3.4-per- stand it is a 24-hour lending rate. I do the Senate voted on June 6 to keep stu- cent interest rate on student loans to understand it is a different structure. dent loan rates at 3.4 percent—the ma- make sure students and families can But, still, if we can lend to banks at jority. When we run for office, if one afford college. 0.75 percent, we cannot even fix a rate person gets one more vote than the I would like to share a couple of e- of 3.4 percent for students, when we other person, that person wins the elec- mails I have received out of thousands. have a tremendous stake in their will- tion, and that is a majority. So it is I want to thank students and families ingness to go to school and work hard unfortunate that a majority could not all across Michigan who have engaged and be successful? have ruled here, but because of the in this effort, who have gone to So under the plans we are seeing on rules of the Senate, because of the DontDoubleMyRate to get information the other side of the aisle and the plan rights of the minority and the fili- and tell their story, who have come to we have seen in the House of Rep- buster and so on, there have been ob- my Facebook page and have called us resentatives, we would see rates go to jections from Republican colleagues, and e-mailed us to tell us how this im- 7, 8, 9 percent; some of them tapped out and we have had to now go through pacts them. at 10.5 percent—10.5 percent. It makes this other process to overcome a fili- Corey, a student right now at Central no sense. buster. Michigan University in Mount Pleas- Corey from Central continues with We had the vote, and the majority of ant, MI, wrote to me about this issue his e-mail: the Senate voted to keep rates low for and said: From the time we first start learning, we students. Let’s make that very clear. I am asking you to please not allow my are encouraged to attend college and get a However, in order to overcome a Re- student loan rates to be doubled. I am a good job so that we can be a part of helping publican filibuster, we need 60 votes to hard-working and respectful student. I make this country grow. I am simply asking you to all of my payments. I go to class and do well. block that filibuster. So tomorrow is help continue to make this an affordable op- I work hard and am grateful for the chance tion for me, and many others like me. about that vote. to get a higher education, but if student loan We all know that on July 1 the inter- rates go up I would be left to make a deci- Our country will not grow without a est rate for students jumped from 3.4 to sion whether or not school would be afford- strong middle class, and we will not 6.8 percent. Let’s all look at what is able. have a middle class if people cannot happening around in our communities Whether or not school would be af- get an education to get the skills they with our families right now as well. fordable—that is what this issue comes need, go to college, dream big dreams, Keep in mind, you can get a mortgage down to. and know they can be successful in at- or a car loan for about 4 percent. So we If we do not fix this, and fix it in a taining those dreams. are now seeing student loan interest responsible way that keeps costs low, We are saying we need to do every- rates higher than that. Under proposals students like Corey and 7 million stu- thing possible to make sure students we have seen predominantly coming dents across our country will have to can afford to go to college and that from the other side of the aisle that rethink their college plans. they do not come out with $20,000, would have those rates go up and up This issue should not be controver- $30,000, $50,000 of debt. I talk to medical based on ‘‘the market,’’ we could see sial. This is not a partisan issue. If I students coming out with $100,000, those rates go to 7, 8, 9, 10 percent in were to pick a partisan issue on the $150,000 of debt. You could buy a house the future. It makes no sense. floor of the Senate, it would not be stu- for that. Then, rather than making a If you can get a car loan, if you can dent loan interest rates and the cost of decision maybe to go into primary get a mortgage for about 4 percent, college. I would think this is one of the care, where we certainly need doctors, what about students? Why are we now areas on which we could come to- they have to decide to go into a spe- in a situation where college students gether. cialty because they have to pay off are seeing their interest rates on their Just last year we kept the interest their student loans. There are stories student loans double—double—or high- rate low. We passed, for a year, an ex- like that all across our country—judg- er, which has been proposed by many in tension of the 3.4-percent rate. It was ments being made. this body? good enough to do last year; I do not So I have a very different view in To add insult to injury, if we do not know why we cannot keep that going terms of how we go about this—not fix this the Federal Government will while we tackle the long-term solu- just in the short run but what we lock start to gain huge profits, as our Pre- tions. This should not be partisan. I in for the long term. The proposals on siding Officer has reminded us over and know there are people of goodwill on the other side lock in rates that will go over—more than $50 billion just this both sides of the aisle trying to figure up as interest rates go up. I do not year on the backs of students and fami- out something. But, unfortunately, be- think we should be doing that. lies. cause of the desire of the other side of Here is another e-mail from Matthew So what we are looking at right now the aisle and the desire of the House to in Royal Oak: is billions of dollars in profits on the have this market based and float with Students are not asking for a bailout like backs of students if the rate is doubled. the marketplace and go up with mar- the one Wall Street got, just an opportunity If it goes higher, if it goes to the 7 or ket interest rates, we find ourselves in to obtain an affordable education so we can 8 percent being talked about in the Re- the situation where it is even worse to compete in a global economy. publican proposals or the 8.5 percent pass one of the proposals that has been That is what we are talking about: that was passed in the House, we are made rather than just allow the rates Corey and Matthew and 7 million other looking at over $100 billion—more than to go back up to the fixed rate of 6.8 people. that—in profits by the Federal Govern- percent, which is really crazy. Let me conclude by saying that for ment on the backs of students and fam- Republicans, in what we see in the me, this is very personal because I ilies, right at a time when they are just House of Representatives, cap the rates would not have been able to go to col- trying to hold it together. at 8.5 percent and 10.5 percent. Now, lege, I would not have been able to be

VerDate Mar 15 2010 04:45 Jul 10, 2013 Jkt 029060 PO 00000 Frm 00029 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G09JY6.051 S09JYPT1 jbell on DSK7SPTVN1PROD with SENATE S5560 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE July 9, 2013 the first one to get a 4-year college de- students—and my understanding is Then, of course, there are already gree in my own family if people I did there are about 7 million of those—it two caps in the law that would be con- not know in Michigan and in Wash- stays right where it is: 6.8 percent. tinued under the bipartisan proposal. ington had not decided that an afford- Under the bipartisan proposal, their One says that any student at any time able education was important to have. rates would be 3.66 percent. In other can consolidate his or her loan at 8.25 My dad was very ill when I was in words, the bipartisan proposal would percent. So the loan cannot go higher high school. I had great grades, but we not only create a permanent solution, than that. did not have very much money. Be- but it would lower rates—it would The second says while you are paying cause of a tuition-and-fees scholarship lower rates almost half—for the 7 mil- off your loan, you will not pay more I received and student loans I was able lion middle-income students who oth- than about 10 percent of your income. to go to college. I want to make sure erwise would be twisting in the wind If after 20 years or so you have not paid that every young person who wants to for the next 10 years paying higher off your loan, it is forgiven. So these go to college can do that, and that rates—hundreds of millions of dollars are two caps that are already in the whether we know them or not—we of higher rates. law. know their name, we know where they So the number 7 million, I believe, is Ms. STABENOW. Do I understand live—it does not matter. Nobody knew correct, I would say to the Senator correctly, though, that for a student this red-headed, freckle-faced kid from from Michigan, but that is the number next year who took out a loan, it Clare, and yet because somebody put a of middle-income students who are might be higher? If a student took out value on education and its importance going to be paying higher interest a loan in year 3, it might be higher? It to our country, I have had the opportu- rates under her proposal. I am glad she is my understanding that over time, nities I have had in my life. brought up the number. If I am mis- over the next 3, 4, 5 years, we are look- I think that is what this vote is taken about that, I need to know it be- ing at rates at least of doubling, if not about. Tomorrow is about keeping the fore tomorrow’s vote because I believe more. The Senator is saying cap it at rates low, giving us time to address the there are 2 million students with sub- 8.25. That is a lot more than doubling broader issues around affordability. sidized loans. That is who the Senator of the rates that will happen right now. But is it accurate to say if the year There is a lot of work to do. We can do seeks to help. There are 7 million stu- in which you are taking out the loan, that on a bipartisan basis, but first we dents who are undergraduates who depending on whether it is next year, need to start by doing no harm. That is have loans that are unsubsidized. the year after, the year after, that it the vote tomorrow. Those are middle-income undergradu- would be in anticipation that the inter- I hope we will see a ‘‘yes’’ vote on the ates. They are going to be paying 6.8 est rate would rise? Keep Student Loans Affordable Act. percent under the Senator’s proposal. Mr. ALEXANDER. I would say to the Thank you, Madam President. They are going to be paying 3.66 per- Senator through the Chair, she is cor- The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- cent under the bipartisan proposal. rect. The idea of this is instead of Con- ator from Tennessee. Ms. STABENOW. Would my friend gress playing political ‘‘fix it’’ during Mr. ALEXANDER. Madam President, from Tennessee yield for a question? every election, we have turned this I wonder if I might ask, through the Mr. ALEXANDER. I would be happy to, Madam President. into a sort of doc fix where we are Chair, the Senator from Michigan a Ms. STABENOW. I thank the Sen- treating students the same way we question. I notice her chart on 7 mil- ator. First, in prefacing this in terms treat doctors who serve Medicare pa- lion students, and I wonder which 7 of the number the Senator asked me tients. We run in here and have a big million students she is talking about. about before, we will check. I do know political fight about what we should be My understanding is there are 11 mil- there are about 300,000 students in paying. Instead of doing that, we have lion students who will take out new Michigan affected, over 500,000 in Cali- a permanent solution that is based on student loans this year, I believe that 2 fornia. So that is almost 1 million. So what the market rate actually is. We million of them are low-income stu- the 2 million the Senator is talking say whatever it costs the government, dents who get subsidized loans, and about seems low if those two States to- whatever it costs the taxpayer, we loan that the Democratic Senator’s proposal gether have about 850,000. But cer- it to the students at that level. would help those 2 million students by tainly we will check. We want to make The Senator is correct; if it costs the keeping their rate at 3.4 percent in- sure the numbers are right. government more to borrow the money stead of 6.8 percent. So who are the 7 My question would be: The number because the rates are higher that year, million students the Senator from the Senator quotes as the interest rate the rate will be higher that year. But Michigan is talking about? in his proposal, is that a fixed rate or there is the 8.25-percent cap. Through- Ms. STABENOW. Madam President, will that go up? out the history of the student loan pro- if I might respond, this number comes Mr. ALEXANDER. It is a fixed rate gram, there have been caps in the past. from the Joint Tax Committee. I would for the students who borrow the money There was a 10-percent cap for about 15 be happy to follow up with the Senator this year. years. There was a 9-percent cap for on that, but that is where the number Ms. STABENOW. For next year, about 20 years. If the Senator is sug- comes from. though? gesting there be a cap on the loan at a Mr. ALEXANDER. I thank the Sen- Mr. ALEXANDER. Well, if you are 1 lower level than that, then the Senator ator from Michigan. of the 11 million students who borrow will have to raise a lot of money. It could be my numbers are wrong. I money under the bipartisan proposal— For example, if we had a 6.8-percent think the 7 million student figure is ac- let’s say you are an undergraduate, and cap on all loans going forward, my tually a very good billboard for why that is two-thirds of the loans—your guess would be that it would cost $50 not to support the Democratic proposal rate would be 3.66 percent this year, billion or $60 billion over a 10-year pe- but to support the bipartisan proposal next year, and for the next 10 years. riod of time. I do not know where we because what the proposal of the Sen- Next year it will be whatever it costs will get that money. So the President ator from Michigan will do is keep the government to borrow money. The made the proposal that we have a per- rates high for 7 million middle-income government will loan it to the student, manent solution. He suggested that we students whom her proposal does not without overcharging the student, in take the amount of money—ask the help. order to reduce the debt to pay for gov- Congressional Budget Office. This is There are 11 million students across ernment programs or any other reason. not some Republican or Democratic this country who are going to college So the formula would be that we would figure. Ask the Congressional Budget this fall. They will take 18 million not add any cost to the taxpayers, but Office: What does it cost to borrow the loans out. They will borrow over $100 we would not overcharge the students money and to make the loans? Let’s billion. What happened on July 1 was to reduce the debt or to pay for a pro- then loan it to the students. Let’s not that the rate went back up to 6.8 per- gram. Next year the interest rate overcharge them for any purpose. That cent for the loans that are for the might be higher. The next year it is the proposal. lower income students—only those. For might be higher. But those would be So my question would be, why would the loans that go to the middle-income for new loans. we do a short-term fix for 1 year that

VerDate Mar 15 2010 04:45 Jul 10, 2013 Jkt 029060 PO 00000 Frm 00030 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G09JY6.052 S09JYPT1 jbell on DSK7SPTVN1PROD with SENATE July 9, 2013 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S5561 benefits a small percent of students, their plans to go to college. It is not Revenue neutrality, particularly at and leave 7 million middle-income stu- easy to go. Many Senators have talked an artificially high baseline, 6.8 per- dents twisting in the wind, paying an about that. cent, does not help out families, does interest rate that is nearly twice as People might have $100,000 in loans, not make it worse than the present much as they would pay under the bi- but they cannot get it through the sub- baseline, does not make it better. I partisan permanent solution that is sidized loan program. You can only re- would like to make it better. based on the very same idea the Presi- ceive up to $23,000 that way. We can Second point. I have spent much of dent proposed, that the House of Rep- look at all of that at some point. But my time in the Senate helping middle- resentatives has passed, and that a bi- we need to pass this 8-page bill, set a class families pay for college. I am the partisan group here has proposed? fair rate, spare the taxpayers, spare the author of the American Opportunity I think the more Senators look into students. There is no need to deal with Tax Credit which gives every middle- this and understand the cost of it, they ‘‘some of the loans,’’ when we can class family up to $180,000. So I agree will agree the goal is to say, we do not lower rates for ‘‘all of the loans’’ and with my colleague’s point about the want to add any cost to the taxpayers, put it on a permanent fair basis, very middle class, gives them—I know he is and we certainly do not want to over- much in the way the President rec- going to want to ask me a question, charge the students on a loan, that ommended in his budget, very much in but I cannot. I will come back. I have they will come out with something the way the House of Representatives a meeting on this issue with some of about like what the bipartisan proposal passed it, and very much in the way the people from the White House right is and what the House passed and what the bipartisan group has suggested. now, so I am not going to be able to an- the President proposed. I yield the floor. swer a question. I do not want my col- If I could make one other comment, The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- league to stay. the Senator from Michigan was talking ator from New York. I believe in this strongly. The tax about large loans for students. I agree Mr. SCHUMER. Madam President, I credit is something I am proud of. That that is a problem. I am a former uni- am going to be brief, because things is on the books for 5 years, $2,500 in the versity president. I am a former Edu- went a little longer. First, I have a pockets of middle-class families to help cation Secretary. I have watched this great deal of respect for my good pay for college. But one of the prob- for a long time. I think a lot of stu- friend, and he truly is my good friend, lems we face is, every time we give the dents are borrowing too much money. the Senator from Tennessee. I under- students a break, the colleges raise tui- We need to think about ways to change stand what he is getting at. I certainly tion. So the family is not any easier off that. Right now, they are entitled to agree with one part of his comments paying for college. We need something borrow certain amounts, even if the that the unsubsidized and subsidized to deal with that issue. I do not know college thinks it is unwise for them to students should be given good treat- what it is, but it will not be in any plan do that. Maybe we need to change that. ment. We should not just aim at 2 mil- we are going to pass in the next week Maybe colleges need to have some skin lion when there are 7 million more. I or two. So my view, to extend the in the game when they make a loan, am on board with that. present 3.4-percent rate for 1 year, to whether they are a public, or nonprofit I would make three points in ref- keep the situation the way it was be- or a for-profit college. That is some- erence to my colleague’s comments fore July 1 for a year while we come up thing we ought to look into. and in reference to the bill, and why I with that type of solution, makes But what we are debating this week am a sponsor of the Jack Reed bill. sense, makes a good deal of sense. is a simple question of what is a fair First, the bottom line is, we here are in Third. We have another problem. A rate? What is a fair rate? The bipar- this mystical world of baselines. Under lot of these for-profit colleges have a tisan proposal is an 8-page bill that present law, the government actually high default rate. They raise the rates says: Let’s take what it costs the gov- will make about $180 billion from stu- for everyone else. What are we going to ernment to borrow the money, that is dents over the next 10 years. It is rev- do about those? Some of those are not whatever the Congressional Budget Of- enue neutral in the budgetary sense, for-profit. But any college that helps fice says it is, let’s loan it to the stu- but not in the family sense, in the students get a lot of loans, and then dents without any profit, and let’s have sense that families are actually going has a huge default rate, low graduation two caps on it going forward. One to end up paying more. rate, makes all the rest of us pay. It is would be 8.25 percent. Any student My good friend from Tennessee and a little like health care, where a few could consolidate any loans at that many on his side—and they are budget people are making the rest of us pay level if it goes higher. The other would hawks—say they do not want to see quite a bit. That was through no fault be a cap on how much you have to pay that baseline changed. So they have of their own. Who knows what this is. each year as you pay your loan back. I come up with a fine proposal if you be- What do we do about them? hope my friends on the other side rec- lieve that you should not change that I agree with my good friend from ognize that unless I am mistaken, their baseline. But if you believe, as I do, Tennessee, we do not want to keep proposal does help, for 1 year, 2 million that actually the government should doing this year to year, like the doc low-income students who already have not be making extra money from the fix. It would be a lot better, just like their interest paid by subsidy by the students as they pay, even if it means the doc fix, if we had a permanent solu- taxpayers, who also are eligible, for the dipping into our Federal accounts to tion that deals with these two issues most part, for Pell grants. But it does make that happen, then it is not such instead of brushes over them. A 1-year nothing for 7 million middle-income a fine proposal. But let’s not confuse extension keeping the present situa- undergraduates whose rates on new budget neutrality with neutrality be- tion, not raising anybody’s rates at all, loans will stay at 6.8 percent. tween what the government does and makes sense, because while students The bipartisan proposal would lower what students get. will gain some, not probably as much those rates to nearly half that level. The proposal is indeed budget neu- as under present law, under the Reed Why would we leave those middle-in- tral, as would be letting things expire. law, now they may lose a lot later, be- come students—those 7 million middle- The proposal is not family neutral. cause there are no caps except for the income students—twisting in the wind, Students end up paying more, more 8.25 percent when you refinance. But paying twice as much in interest rates than the government’s cost. That is otherwise, the caps are each year. You as they need to pay? That is the ques- point No. 1. I know my colleague un- can be 3.4 this year, and if interest tion. I hope after the vote tomorrow derstands, and that is the dilemma we rates go up 3 percent, you will be at 6.4 that we can sit down, talk this are in because there are different val- next year. If they go up 2 percent after through, and come to a result. We ues here. To me, if I had to do one that, you will be at 8.4. If they go up 2 should not be having political games- thing, one of my highest priorities and percent after that, you will be at 10.4 manship about this. We are talking where the Federal Government ought for your 4 years in college. about 11 million families here, 18 mil- to help out families, middle-class fami- We do not know what interest rates lion loans, over $100 billion. We are lies, is helping pay for the cost of col- will be. It is anybody’s guess. But that talking about people who are making lege. is why caps are a good thing, so when

VerDate Mar 15 2010 04:45 Jul 10, 2013 Jkt 029060 PO 00000 Frm 00031 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G09JY6.054 S09JYPT1 jbell on DSK7SPTVN1PROD with SENATE S5562 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE July 9, 2013 it gets too high, we have some limit. I principle, fair to taxpayers and fair to loan rates is because, as you have led am not sure a cap simply on consolida- students, but we are going to have to this argument, that is the discussion tion is a good enough cap. raise a lot of money to do it. I haven’t we should be having. Why on Earth do I respect my friend from Tennessee, heard anybody suggest where $50 or $60 we allow our student loan program to but I would argue there are two reasons million more is going to come from. make profits greater than any other that the proposal Senator STABENOW I think it is better to go ahead and American company makes today? Why talked about is better: One, it does not amend the House bill, get a better bill, are our students being asked, more so make money from students to pay the put the Senate’s imprint on it, and than almost any other population in government, which using the present send it to the President. Let’s let all of our country, to bear the burden of pay- baseline and being budget neutral we today’s students take advantage of to- ing down our deficit? It doesn’t make would have to continue to do. day’s low rates and pass a permanent any sense. No. 2, it doesn’t allow us to get to a solution that would reflect what the It is time then that in the context of long-term solution, which we must do actual cost is. It may go up; it may go the Higher Education Act, which we and should do, and maybe now that we down. That is the reality. are hopefully going to debate later this are in this dilemma we are importuned As we know, with low-income stu- year, we have that broader conversa- for doing. dents, those eligible for subsidized tion. This bill on the floor now, giving I wish to have a colloquy with my loans, the taxpayer already pays the us a 1-year freeze to keep students colleague from Tennessee. I will be interest on those loans while the stu- where they are today, paying a 3.4-per- back after this meeting if he is still dent is in college. That is about $50 bil- cent interest rate, just makes sense— around. I respect him, and I know he is lion over 10 years. Those students are both in the short term to try to make trying to come up with a fair and good also eligible for Pell grants, most of sure students don’t have to pay upward solution—one that ideologically or sub- them are, and that is about $350 billion of $5,000 over the course of the repay- stantively I might disagree with, but I over 10 years. This is a substantial sub- ment of their loan but then allows us hope we keep moving toward one an- sidy. to start to have a conversation with other so we can gain a good solution. The Senator mentioned the Federal ourselves as to whether we want to With that, I yield the floor. Credit Reform Act. The Federal Credit allow the student loan program to be The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- Reform Act is the way the Congress the most profitable company in the ator from Tennessee. has said the CBO should count when it United States on the backs of students. This matters to me because I am one Mr. ALEXANDER. I thank the Sen- is making these computations, so it of the millions of young Americans ator from New York. I understand he does that. It also does it according to a who is still paying back my student has a previous meeting. I don’t want to fair value method of accounting. loans. My wife and I are paying them make him late because maybe it will Maybe the simplest way to explain it is back as we speak. Of course, with two produce some result. I hope it will to say the Federal Credit Reform Act young little boys at home, we are also produce a result—I don’t see an issue actually favors students pretty heavily scurrying to save as much as we can to that benefits either political party or in this computation. The fair market pay for their future college costs. any Senator. value accounting is more realistic, and I am not going to stand here and The questions we who have been favors the taxpayers’ point of view. We complain because between my wife and working on this have asked the Con- are using the accounting system—or I we make a pretty good salary. We can gressional Budget Office are very sim- the CBO is—for this bill that is more afford to pay back our student loans, ple. We have said our goal is to create generous to students. and we can afford to squirrel a little a permanent solution along the lines I still, after listening respectfully to bit away for our two little kids. But the President recommended, that the all I have heard, don’t see why in the our story is not the reality for millions House of Representatives has now world we are going to insist that for of other young families who can’t af- passed, that neither costs the tax- the next year several million middle- ford to do both of those things. payers additional money or over- income students are going to have to The average college graduate in this charges the student. Please give us pay 6.8 percent when they could be pay- country has a much lower unemploy- what the interest rates would be and ing 3.66. This is what I can’t under- ment rate than other Americans, some- what the type of loan should be. stand. I hope we continue this debate where around 4 or 5 percent. Young col- The Congressional Budget Office, the and tomorrow we will have at least one lege graduates today stand at an 8.8- nonpartisan Congressional Budget Of- vote on it. I hope after that we have percent unemployment rate and an fice, goes through all of this and they more discussion and that we come to a 18.3-percent underemployment rate. suggest a variety of options that we result because there are a lot of fami- That is the stuff we don’t talk about have. lies waiting for us to make a decision. enough. There are a lot of young people What they have told us is that the The President has weighed in. The who are working part-time or tem- proposal of the bipartisan group comes House of Representatives has passed a porary jobs that don’t bring in enough as close to being equal as one can get. bill. We have a bipartisan bill on the money in order to pay back their stu- It is about nearly $1 billion over 10 floor. We need to come to a result, send dent loans, which on average today are years which, when you are loaning $100 it to the President so families can somewhere around $30,000. That is the billion a year, is sort of a rounding make their decisions about how they average. Everybody can point to a error. are going to pay the college bills. neighbor or a friend who is walking out The intention is to loan it to the stu- I yield the floor. of their undergraduate education today dents for what it costs the government The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- with $100,000 or more. to borrow the money, but we are not ator from Connecticut. The fact is there are millions of fami- going to overcharge the students and Mr. MURPHY. Last year the most lies in the position of my family. We we are not going to ask the taxpayers profitable company in America was are squeezed between paying back the to pay an additional subsidy. ExxonMobil. ExxonMobil made about debt we owe and trying to put away Within that, if you accepted that $44.9 billion in profit last year. Amer- money so our kids don’t have to have idea, then you could say there are a va- ica’s student loan program did better. the same kind of debt we do. That is riety of ways to do that. You could do America’s student loan program last money that doesn’t go into the main it as the bipartisan group has sug- year made a profit of right around $50 street of our economy, doesn’t go to fix gested or you could try to put a cap on billion, eclipsing the profit of up your house and put a carpenter to it. Whenever you put a cap on, it costs ExxonMobil, of Apple, of JPMorgan work, and doesn’t go to the local gro- a lot more to students. A cap at 10 Chase. In fact, of every U.S.-based com- cery store or to the restaurant around doesn’t cost very much because the in- pany, none of them ran a profit as the corner. Instead, it is money that terest rates aren’t estimated to be that high, as steep, as generous as the U.S. gets sent, by and large, to the big high for undergraduates especially. But student loan program did. banks. It doesn’t make sense. This bill as you go down to 9, 8, 7 or 6.8, it bal- Why I am coming down to the floor on the floor allows us to have this big- loons very rapidly. We could meet that to support a 1-year freeze on student ger, broader conversation.

VerDate Mar 15 2010 04:45 Jul 10, 2013 Jkt 029060 PO 00000 Frm 00032 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G09JY6.055 S09JYPT1 jbell on DSK7SPTVN1PROD with SENATE July 9, 2013 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S5563 I will say this though. We are fooling things work. It is not how the trend Under this bill, Keep Student Loans ourselves if we think the solution to line is going. Affordable Act, we are talking about our higher education affordability cri- Lastly, about 1 month ago I was sit- how to prevent making even more prof- sis is only the interest rate we pay on ting with a group of counselors at a its off our students—a short-term loans. It is not. Shame on us if coming local afterschool program in Danbury, patch to hold interest rates steady for out of the resolution of this debate, CT. They were all sort of working part- all of our students while we try to at- which I hope comes in the next couple time jobs and counseling kids at this tack the core problems. of weeks, we don’t step back and say afterschool program because they be- The problem we have as we deal with there is so much more that this Senate lieved in the program. These were com- this, and the problem with the Repub- and this Congress can be doing to take munity-minded kids. They were the lican proposal, is right now the new on the broader issue of affordability. salt-of-the-Earth kids who truly cared loans are scheduled to produce $184 bil- Students took out about $113 billion about trying to help out disadvantaged lion in profits for the U.S. Government in student loans this last year. That is youth in their neighborhood, but none over the next 10 years. double what they took out just 10 years of them were going to college. Let me say that again. At the cur- ago. We can’t afford to have the I asked them: Are you not going to rent interest rate of 6.8 percent, which amount of money being taken out in college because of the cost? is where it went as of July 1 since Con- student loans double on a decade-by- They looked at me as if I had three gress didn’t act, the U.S. Government decade basis. That will bankrupt not heads. They said: Of course, the reason will make $184 billion in profits off our only our students, but it will bankrupt we are not going to college is the cost. students over the next 10 years. our country no matter what interest We would love to be in college today, The Republicans have put forward a rate we put on these loans. but there is no way we can afford it. plan, and they have said in their plan In the context of the Higher Edu- The fact is we are looking at 4.4 mil- that they want to be ‘‘budget neutral’’ cation Act, we ought to start chal- lion students over the next 10 years or ‘‘deficit neutral.’’ They have used lenging schools to think out of the box who are likely to not be able to afford both terms. But understand what that college simply because of the cost. The when it comes to assessing the cost of means. The proposal they are putting difference between 3.4 and 6.8 percent education. Wesleyan University in Con- forward, in fact, produces $184 billion can be $5,000 for some students over the necticut has given the option to stu- in profits for the U.S. Government. In course of the repayment of their loan. dents to get a degree in 3 years instead fact, the Republican plan goes just a That is the difference maker for stu- of 4. More and more schools are moving little beyond that and produces an dents. We are kidding ourselves if we to cheaper but still high-value online extra $1 billion in profits for the U.S. don’t think that 18- and 19-year-old education. Government. That is what the Repub- kids aren’t doing the math when they It is probably time we stepped back licans are putting forward. are deciding whether they can afford to and asked even tougher questions How can you sell something that says go to college. They are much more so- about whether it makes sense to award we are going to make $185 billion off phisticated than people on this floor degrees based on a largely arbitrary the backs of our students? The answer think they are. They understand the number of credits, rather than an as- is, according to the Republicans, to deal we are potentially giving them on sessment of the skills you have gained, offer them a teaser rate. Tell them the floor of the Senate is one that will maybe over 4 years but, frankly, maybe that just next year we are going to make college unaffordable for tens, if even over 21⁄2 or 3 years. keep that interest rate low. The year not hundreds, of thousands of students. If college is about preparing students after that, well, it might be a little bit Shame on us if we don’t have a better for the workforce, then maybe we higher, and the year after that it might answer for those kids in Danbury, CT, should be awarding degrees and costing and millions of others similar to them just be a little higher than that, and out degrees based on whether you are across the country who just want a don’t ask any questions about the ready to enter the workforce, not just shot at college and wish to make sure years going forward. based on if you have gone the requisite But understand this: Senator ALEX- that they alone are not asked to pick ANDER, for whom I have deep respect, number of years or taken the requisite up the burden of paying down the def- number of courses. Maybe 50 years ago icit of the United States. made the point he just wanted to use we could afford the system we have, I yield the floor. the CBO’s scoring numbers. That is the but we can’t any longer. We can’t have The PRESIDING OFFICER (Mr. MUR- neutral arbiter of what things cost. that conversation if we don’t settle PHY). The Senator from Massachusetts. What does the CBO say about the Re- this one. Ms. WARREN. Mr. President, I rise publican plan? The answer is it will My hope is we will be able to extend this evening in support of Keep Stu- produce more—that is just a little bit the 3.4-percent interest rate for the dent Loans Affordable, the bill that has more—than the same $184 billion in time being and that we can have a seri- been introduced by Senators REED and profits that come from doubling the ous conversation about the issue of HAGAN. We have been talking a lot in student loan interest rate to 6.8 per- profitability in the long run. the last few hours about student loans, cent. Lastly, I will just say this. Senator about the cost of student loans, and we In other words, what the Republicans ALEXANDER has left the floor, but the have talked particularly about sub- are proposing is the same thing you got Republican proposal is temporary as sidized loans. in the mail when you got this zero per- well. He is right to point out that for a I just want to start this by pointing cent interest teaser rate credit card. certain subset of individuals who don’t out that ‘‘subsidized loans’’ is not the Boy, we will give you something cheap qualify today for the 3.4-interest rate, right term. No one is subsidizing any of up front, but don’t read the fine print, the Republican proposal may, in the our students. The lowest cost loans the and don’t see what is going to happen short run, provide a different lower in- U.S. Government issues today produce on down the line—or the same thing terest rate. But we know interest rates a profit for the government. In other that happened with the teaser-rate are going up. We know their proposal is words, who is doing the subsidizing? mortgages. They were nice low pay- no less temporary than the 1-year Our students are doing the subsidizing. ments at the beginning, until the freeze we offered, because ultimately in They are the ones who are creating the whole thing exploded later on. the long run or, frankly, in the medium profits for the U.S. Government. That is the Republican plan. It is not run, those students who today might Let’s talk about those profits. This a fix, it is just a different way to make qualify for a lower rate are going to be year those profits, as the Presiding Of- $184 billion in profits off the backs of paying a much higher rate in the not- ficer rightly pointed out, will be more our students. so-distant future. than $50 billion. Those are profits made What the Democrats are proposing is We are kidding ourselves if we think on the student loans that are already a plan that says: Don’t raise the inter- the benefit of the Republican proposal outstanding and the profits we are est rates on anybody. Just keep them is that in the long run students are all going to start making off the new loans where they are, including 3.4 percent of a sudden going to gain the benefit of when the interest rate doubles at 6.8 on our Stafford loans. Let’s keep it today’s interest rates, which is not how percent. there.

VerDate Mar 15 2010 04:45 Jul 10, 2013 Jkt 029060 PO 00000 Frm 00033 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G09JY6.057 S09JYPT1 jbell on DSK7SPTVN1PROD with SENATE S5564 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE July 9, 2013 Here is a point I want to make that The legislative clerk proceeded to their own recipes and share the gift of I haven’t heard anybody talking about. call the roll. healthy eating with their families and What the Democratic proposal has in it Ms. WARREN. Mr. President, I ask communities. is an acknowledgement that the U.S. unanimous consent that the order for f Government is going to make less the quorum call be rescinded. ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS money doing that because there is no The PRESIDING OFFICER (Mr. DON- back end to make this up. Because the NELLY). Without objection, it is so or- U.S. Government is going to lose dered. OUTSTANDING LAW money—it is not going to make as f ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS much money by doing that—this plan MORNING BUSINESS ∑ has something in it to pay for it, to off- Mr. COONS. Mr. President, Dela- set the cost to the budget. We have Ms. WARREN. Mr. President, I ask ware’s law enforcement officers do proposed closing a tax loophole, raising unanimous consent that the Senate their jobs day in and day out with ex- about $4 billion in new revenues so we proceed to a period of morning business ceptional courage and dedication. don’t make that $4 billion in revenues with Senators permitted to speak for When the worst happens in our com- off our kids immediately. up to 10 minutes each. munity, our emergency responders In other words, if we are going to re- The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without rush toward danger while everyone else duce the profits we are trying to make objection, it is so ordered. is rushing away. from our kids, there has to be a way to f It is my honor to congratulate four pay for it. The plan proposed by the outstanding law enforcement officers CONGRATULATING JOHN on receiving the Lieutenant Joseph L. Democrats is short term. It is a 1-year BREITFELDER fix, and it has a proposal to pay for it Szczerba Service Award, presented to because it actually proposes reducing Mr. BLUMENTHAL. Mr. President, Delawareans who go above and beyond the profits the U.S. Government today I wish to congratulate John the call of duty. makes. Breitfelder of New Canaan, who was se- It is hard to think of more deserving Take a look at the Republican plan. lected to represent Connecticut in this public servants than these four heroes: There is no pay in the Republican plan year’s Healthy Lunchtime Challenge Officer Justin Wilkers of the Wil- because it proposes to continue to contest hosted by First Lady Michelle mington Police Department and Offi- make that $184 billion over the next 10 Obama. cers Steven Rinehart, Michael Manley, years. Today, John joins 54 students, ages 8 and Arlene Redmond of the Capitol Po- So that is what this is about. We to 12, at the White House for a Kids’ lice. know what we need in the long term is State Dinner. These winners hailing Each of their stories is heroic. to solve two big problems: The first is from all 50 States, 3 U.S. territories, On February 3 of this year, Officer the $1 trillion in outstanding student and the District of Columbia will share Wilkers and his partner pulled over an loan debt. We have to find a better way a healthy lunch featuring their win- SUV for a motor vehicle violation. In to deal with it, a way that is not con- ning recipes. John’s creation, a quinoa what should have been a routine traffic tinuing to produce profits for the U.S. ‘‘risotto’’ with shrimp and kale was se- stop, the suspect instead raised a gun government. The second is the rising lected from over 1,300 recipes evaluated and fired at Officer Wilkers, hitting cost of college. We have to address by a panel of judges, which included him in the face. that, and it is going to be a hard prob- representatives from the First Lady’s Officer Wilkers was treated at lem to tackle. We can’t solve it in a Let’s Move!, the U.S. Department of Christiana Hospital for his injuries, matter of a few days. It takes time to Agriculture, the U.S. Department of and when he was released a week later, do it. Education, DC Central Kitchen, and Delaware police officers lined up out- So the Democrats propose: Don’t two student graduates of the Share Our side the hospital in applause. raise interest rates on anyone. Don’t Strength’s Cooking Matters Program. With typical modesty, he said, ‘‘’I double my rate. Keep them where they The contest ‘‘invited a parent or guard- don’t understand what the big deal is.’’ are, and let’s buy a year with a short- ian to work with their child ages 8–12 The truth is, this kind of service and term patch in order to address the sys- to create a lunchtime recipe that is sacrifice is a big deal. Just 3 days after temic problems we need to address— healthy, affordable, original, and deli- Officer Wilkers was injured in the line the outstanding student loan debt and cious.’’ The winning recipes adhere to of duty, we saw once again how our law the rising cost of college for all of our the USDA’s MyPlate guidelines, fea- enforcement officers give us their best students. turing each of the food groups. in the very worst of situations. This is our chance to help our stu- I applaud John for taking the initia- February 12 began like any other day dents. This is a small downpayment. It tive to enter this contest to explore at the New Castle County Courthouse, is a small help for some of our students how healthy foods can also be deli- but that morning, a suspect in the and a real commitment that we are cious, and the support of his family. lobby began shooting. Capitol police of- going to make a difference in the fu- This innovative competition not only ficers jumped into action and were im- ture. It is not a proposal that says we combats childhood obesity, but also mediately targeted by the shooter. are going to try to fool them, that we raises awareness of the importance of Officers Steven Rinehart and Michael are going to reduce prices just for a lit- cooking for overall health as well as Manley were hit in the chest. Thank- tle while and then sock somebody else success in the classroom. Children are fully they were wearing bullet-resist- on the back end. That is not what this taught personal responsibility, encour- ant vests that saved their lives. Along should be about. That is not what the aged to express their creativity, and with Officer Arlene Redmond, they U.S. Government should be doing. It is are inspired to continue to make re- showed courage when it counted the our responsibility, it is our oppor- sponsible choices and bring conscious- most. tunity to invest in our students. ness to each meal. I also thank the I will keep working to ensure Dela- The Democrats propose we get start- First Lady for hosting a Kids’ State ware’s law enforcement officers have ed on that and we get started on it to- Dinner to celebrate the importance of all of the tools they need to do their morrow. I support the Keep Student parents and guardians spending time jobs and stay safe, including the kind Loans Affordable Act, and I commend together in the kitchen and then sit- of bullet-resistant vests that saved the Senator REED and Senator HAGAN for ting around a table and sharing food lives of Officers Rinehart and Manley their work. I hope tomorrow this body with each other. This month, in the Wilmington courthouse that will come together and pass it for our Epicurious will offer a cookbook fea- day. students and for our country. turing these winning recipes free of These brave men and women put Mr. President, I yield the floor, and I charge. I invite my Senate colleagues their lives at risk every time they put suggest the absence of a quorum. to join me in recognizing John and his on a uniform to protect Delawareans. The PRESIDING OFFICER. The fellow junior chefs for inspiring count- Almost 2 years ago, my friend, Lieu- clerk will call the roll. less students across the country to try tenant Joe Szczerba, was taken from us

VerDate Mar 15 2010 04:45 Jul 10, 2013 Jkt 029060 PO 00000 Frm 00034 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G09JY6.059 S09JYPT1 jbell on DSK7SPTVN1PROD with SENATE July 9, 2013 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S5565 in a senseless crime, an act of cow- serve an integral role in the city’s de- gest war in the history of the world, ardice dwarfed by Joe’s extraordinary velopment for seven decades. and truly deserve such a great memo- courage and sacrifice. The 150th anniversary of Escanaba is rial in their honor. I appreciate the The Lieutenant Joseph L. Szczerba a celebration of the important place considerable good work Dr. Booth, and Service Award helps to ensure that his this proud community holds in the the rest of his team, have done to bring memory lives on for years to come. ever-evolving story of our great State these wonderful veterans to our Na- This year, there could be no recipi- of Michigan. It is, indeed, a tribute to tion’s Capital. ents more deserving than Officers the strength and perseverance of its Dr. Booth also helped develop the Wilkers, Rinehart, Manley, and citizens and emblematic of America’s Vietnam Veterans Memorial at the Redmond. They have my congratula- working families who form the founda- USS Alabama Battleship Memorial tions and my deepest gratitude for tion of sprawling and vibrant commu- Park. Because of this memorial, many their service and sacrifice.∑ nities across our Nation. I know my people in the Mobile region have had f colleagues in the Senate join me in sa- the opportunity to learn more about luting the residents of Escanaba as the sacrifices made by our Vietnam ESCANABA, MICHIGAN they celebrate the sesquicentennial an- veterans. This memorial will serve as ∑ Mr. LEVIN. Mr. President, the city niversary of this fine city. I wish them an important reminder of what these of Escanaba celebrates its sesqui- centuries more opportunity, advance- servicemembers endured. centennial anniversary this year. This ments, and individual achievement.∑ In addition, Dr. Booth was pivotal in great occasion will be marked by a the creation of the Alabama State Vet- f host of festivities. Escanaba, like many erans Memorial Cemetery. In addition cities and towns across the Upper Pe- TRIBUTE TO DR. BARRY L. BOOTH to his time and resources, he even do- ninsula in Michigan, has added greatly ∑ Mr. SESSIONS. Mr. President, today nated 3 acres of family land for the to our State’s rich history and cultural I wish to pay tribute to Dr. Barry L. now-active cemetery at Saluda Hill heritage. It is through active commu- Booth of Spanish Fort, AL. I have had near Historic Blakely State Park. For nities like Escanaba that the spark of the great fortune to work with Dr. 50 years before this, the State of Ala- innovation and ingenuity has been nur- Booth on a variety of projects in South bama had not had the space to bury tured for generations. Alabama, including the Honor Flight new veterans in a State veteran’s cem- Escanaba is a city with a natural South Alabama program, the Vietnam etery. The new cemetery provides charm that is impossible to miss. The Veterans Memorial at the USS Ala- South Alabama veterans a proper, dig- city is named after the Escanaba River, bama Battleship Memorial Park, and nified, and peaceful burial area. a 52-mile winding river that is central the creation of the Alabama State Vet- Lastly, Dr. Booth has contributed to to the formation and growth of the erans Memorial Cemetery in Spanish a number of veteran and service orga- city. Lured by the majestic river of flat Fort, AL. They have been remarkable nizations through his active member- rocks, travelers settled in this region successes, in great part through the ship. He is a member of the Vietnam to cultivate the area’s many natural leadership of Dr. Booth. Veterans of America Chapter 864, the features and to live alongside the Lit- Barry Booth was born and raised in Navy League, the Military Officers As- tle Bay de Noc. These waterways are humble conditions in West Virginia. He sociation of America, the Sons of the the lifeblood of this community. The worked hard, took care of his grades, American Revolution, and is a life city is full of wonder and opportunity and was admitted to Auburn Univer- member of both American Legion Post for the families who make this commu- sity. He hitchhiked to Auburn where he 199 and the Veterans of Foreign Wars. nity home. It is also a fertile ground says he arrived with ‘‘empty pockets.’’ For his commitment, he was named for wildlife and an inviting host for He enrolled in the Naval ROTC and was 2009 Veteran of the Year by the Mobile fishermen and outdoor enthusiasts commissioned as a lieutenant in the Bay Area Veterans Day Commission alike. U.S. Navy Reserve upon his graduation and Fairhope, Alabama’s Veteran of The first permanent settlement dates from the University of Alabama, the Year for 2011. For years I have enjoyed the kind- back to the 1830s to Louis Roberts, a School of Dentistry in 1966 and that ness and warmth of Barry’s friendship. fur trader. A steady stream of families same year he volunteered for active He has been critical to the success of a would follow Mr. Roberts to the area, duty, signed with the Marine Corps in number of projects we have worked on and soon after, sawmills would eventu- San Diego, and in 1967 volunteered to together. He is a true patriot, and a ally spring up along the river. The area go to Vietnam as a medical civil action good man who expects nothing in re- that would become Escanaba was sur- patrol dental officer with the 3rd Ma- turn for his efforts. He simply under- veyed by Eli P. Royce and formally es- rine Division and the U.S. Army 5th stands what our military personnel are tablished in 1863. It is from these hum- Special Forces. called upon to do for their country, he ble beginnings that this city by the Dr. Booth earned a Gold Parachutist has seen it first hand, he knows the river was formed. The sawmills fueled Device, the U.S. Navy Unit Commenda- pain of loss and injury, and his loyalty investment and industry, and the city’s tion, and the Vietnam Service Medal, to them compels him to do all he can population grew as a result. Today, the among others. He was honorably dis- to honor their service. I would like to area is home to manufacturing, lum- charged in July 1969. It is clear that his thank him for his service to his fellow bering, hardwood flooring, commercial patriotism has continued to grow since veterans, to the State of Alabama, and fishing, paper making, and more. As joining the Marine Corps. In fact, in to his country.∑ with many cities and towns in the the wake of the terrible events of Sep- Upper Peninsula, Escanaba’s history is tember 11, 2001, Dr. Booth attempted to f both fascinating and full of character. rejoin the Marine Corps, at age 60, and TRIBUTE TO MR. AND MRS. JOHN It is steeped in family, faith, and perse- had to be officially denied. VICK verance. Dr. Booth has been a busy and in- ∑ Mr. SESSIONS. Mr. President, I wish There are many reasons to visit this valuable servant to the veterans in today to recognize Mr. and Mrs. John part of Michigan and to enjoy what South Alabama. He was vital to the es- Vick of Andalusia, Alabama, and the makes this area special. In addition to tablishment of the Honor Flight South recent opening of the John & Faye the striking natural wonder that Alabama program. Honor Flight South Vick Collection of Alabama & Civil abounds, Escanaba also offers a number Alabama has brought over a thousand War Postal History at Auburn Univer- of historically significant landmarks, veterans and their companions to the sity’s Ralph Brown Draughon Library. including the House of Ludington, memorials they earned, including the This exhibit was unveiled on April 19th Ludington Park, William Bonifas Fine World War II Memorial, here in Wash- and will be on display through the Arts Center, and Sandy Point Light- ington, D.C. I have taken great pleas- month of August. house. The Sandy Point Lighthouse ure in having the chance to share in Mr. Vick has had a lifelong interest was built in 1867 to welcome travelers the fellowship of these veterans. They in Civil War, naval, and U. S. Postal to the city by boat. This vital struc- are truly a remarkable breed of patri- Service history. He developed his inter- ture predates the railroad and would ots. They endured and survived the big- est for these subjects while attending

VerDate Mar 15 2010 05:51 Jul 10, 2013 Jkt 029060 PO 00000 Frm 00035 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G09JY6.066 S09JYPT1 jbell on DSK7SPTVN1PROD with SENATE S5566 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE July 9, 2013 Auburn University, where he graduated mand in Albany, GA, a hub for the Court. He practiced law in Bir- in 1962. The items he has assembled service’s worldwide supply chain and mingham, AL, for a short time before over his lifetime represent a broad equipment maintenance efforts. This joining the faculty at the University of range of our country and Alabama’s hub helped with the logistical oper- Virginia. In 1965–66 he was a Fulbright history, and the exhibit represents the ation for as many as 25,000 Marines in lecturer in England, and from 1966 to finest items in the Vick collection. On Iraq’s Anbar province at the time of his 1970 was the dean of the University of display is a vast assortment of historic command. Alabama, School of Law, departing just American and international postal For his last assignment, the Com- as I was starting law school there. In stamps, marks, and correspondence, mandant of the Marine Corps, then 1970, he rejoined the University of Vir- and includes letters from Confederate Gen. James T. Conway, called General ginia law faculty as James Monroe Marine Corps Lt. Edward Crenshaw of Williams back to Washington in 2009 to Professor of Law, a position he held Butler County and Raphael Semmes, become the director of Marine Corps until his retirement in 1994. At the captain of the C.S.S. Alabama. These Staff. He was appointed by President University of Alabama, he was a true items, numbering in the thousands, Obama and pinned on his third star, reformer who wanted the school to be will be invaluable to researchers for placing him among the select group of one of national stature. He also was a years to come. only 16 lieutenant generals in the Ma- strong and principled leader for racial This exhibit is currently being dis- rine Corps. In this new capacity, Gen- progress during those difficult times of played in the Special Collections and eral Williams was the principal assist- discord. We can take pride in the fact Archives Department of the Ralph ant and advisor to the Commandant that his work paved the way for the Brown Draughon Library, and is a fan- and Assistant Commandant of the Ma- school to be one of the very best public tastic showcase of both the generosity rine Corps. Additionally, General Wil- law schools in America. of the Vicks and their love for Auburn liams also maintained influential com- Dean Meador’s major professional in- University. I encourage anyone with an munication with his counterparts in terest was the State and Federal appel- late courts, and he was involved in nu- interest in the history of Alabama to the Army, Navy and Air Force for the merous projects and studies designed visit the exhibition. Again, I thank crucial advancement of the Corps’ to strengthen and improve them. From John and Faye for their kind gift to point of view on matters in which all 1971 to 1975, he served on the Advisory Auburn University and the people of have vested interest. Alabama.∑ General Williams embodies every- Council for Appellate Justice and in f thing that it means to be a U.S. Ma- 1977–79 he was an assistant attorney general in the Department of Justice rine. The time he has spent in the Ma- TRIBUTE TO LIEUTENANT GEN- where, at the request of Attorney Gen- rine Corps has not only had a great im- ERAL WILLIE J. WILLIAMS, JR. eral Griffin Bell, he organized a new of- pact on the institution, but he also ∑ Mr. SESSIONS. Mr. President, I wish fice in the Department—the Office for helped professionally develop countless to recognize Lt. Gen. Willie Williams Improvements in the Administration of marines over his nearly 40 years of self- for his exceptional service to our Na- Justice. Its mission was to identify less service. Through his example, tion of over 39 years in the military problems in the Federal and State those marines have come to know and and to congratulate him on his retire- courts and develop solutions. In addi- appreciate that only by sacrifice will ment tomorrow from the U.S. Marine tion, he served on numerous boards and the freedoms of others, with honor, Corps. committees working to further im- General Williams has had nearly four courage and commitment be secured. prove the Court system in our Nation. Furthermore, General Williams has decades of distinguished and honorable He was a good writer. I enjoyed his been a tremendous asset to me and my service to our Nation’s defense. He novel, His Father’s House, set in staff. He was a reliable source of infor- joined the Marine Corps with a com- Marengo County, Alabama, and Ger- mation and advice in resolving a num- mission in 1974 from the Platoon Lead- many. ers Course after receiving his bachelor ber of issues that affected Alabama. I Few lawyers have been held in higher of arts degree in business administra- got to know him then and to learn of esteem, or have received more honors, tion from Stillman College in Tusca- his love for his home State and for her or participated in more projects for the loosa, AL. He started out as a supply people. I will miss his guidance and betterment of the profession than Dean officer with 11th Marines, an artillery leadership with the Marine Corps, but Meador. While Alabama has perhaps regiment, but would go on to serve in am very thankful that he will be bring- produced a few lawyers better known numerous command and staff positions ing his considerable talents to Hunts- than Dean Meador, few have given throughout his exemplary career in the ville, AL. more brilliant and sustained service in Marine Corps. On behalf of the State of Alabama so many ways to the nurturing and de- In the late 1980s, near the end of the and the U.S. Senate, I congratulate Lt. velopment of the law and the courts Iran-Iraq war, General Williams was General Willie J. Williams on his re- than he. The great American rule of handpicked to lead the logistics ele- tirement from the U.S. Marine Corps law system was enriched by him ment in the Marine air-ground task and wish General Williams only the throughout his life. force that was a part of Operation Ear- best as he takes off the uniform and be- He is best remembered by those who nest Will, the mission to escort and gins a new chapter in his life of service knew him as a masterful teacher with protect oil tankers in the Persian Gulf. in Huntsville.∑ a passion for history, friends and fam- Lessons learned from that operation f ily. He leaves behind his wife, Alice, laid the foundation for how the corps REMEMBERING DANIEL JOHN brother, three children, and seven would approach resupply into the re- MEADOR grandchildren. They have been given a gion during the first Persian Gulf war great legacy indeed. Dean Daniel John ∑ and later during the occupation of Iraq. Mr. SESSIONS. Mr. President, I Meador was a great Alabama native, General Williams once said that the would like to pay tribute today to Dan- one of its greatest servants of the law, assignment during the Iran-Iraq war iel John Meador, who was born in 1926 and I am honored to be able to pay defined him as an ‘‘operational logisti- in Selma, AL. Mr. Meador attended the tribute to his many contributions to cian.’’ He then went on to command Citadel and graduated from Auburn education, the law, and the courts.∑ University and the University of Ala- the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit’s f Service Support Group followed by Bri- bama Law School, and received a mas- gade Service Support Group 1, both ter of laws from Harvard Law School in TRIBUTE TO MAJOR GENERAL during the mid-1990s. Then, after serv- 1954. He served in the U.S. Army, first RAYMOND REES ing a year as the commanding general in artillery, then in the Judge Advo- ∑ Mr. WYDEN. Mr. President, today I of Camp Butler in Okinawa, General cate General’s Corps in Korea during wish to pay tribute to MG Raymond F. Williams took command of 3rd Force that conflict. Following the war, he re- Rees, one of Oregon’s most remarkable Service Support Group in 2001. turned to the United States and served military leaders. After 51 years of serv- From there, he was selected for the as a law clerk to Justice Hugo L. Black ice to our Nation and the State of Or- top job at Marine Corps Logistics Com- of Alabama, then on the U.S. Supreme egon, General Rees will retire from the

VerDate Mar 15 2010 05:51 Jul 10, 2013 Jkt 029060 PO 00000 Frm 00036 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A09JY6.027 S09JYPT1 jbell on DSK7SPTVN1PROD with SENATE July 9, 2013 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S5567 Oregon National Guard and the U.S. ship Program enjoyed no stronger sup- MEASURES REFERRED Army next week. I know I speak for Or- porter. Under this initiative, State The following bills were read the first egonians across the State in thanking Guard folks are partnering with more and the second times by unanimous him for his service. than 60 nations to improve regional consent, and referred as indicated: General Rees hails from the small and cultural awareness, increase secu- eastern Oregon town of Helix, which H.R. 1171. An act to amend title 40, United rity cooperation, and help prevent States Code, to improve veterans service or- boasts a proud population of 184. He threats from emerging. I am proud to ganizations access to Federal surplus per- learned the importance of hard work at say that under General Rees’ leader- sonal property; to the Committee on Home- an early age, putting in long hours on ship, Oregon has become one of the few land Security and Governmental Affairs. the family ranch. After graduating States to partner with two countries H.R. 1341. An act to require the Financial from West Point in 1966, he completed simultaneously: Bangladesh and Viet- Stability Oversight Council to conduct a airborne and Ranger training, pre- nam. study of the likely effects of the differences paring himself for a tour in Vietnam I could go on and on about the con- between the United States and other juris- with the 101st Airborne Division. Upon dictions in implementing the derivatives tributions General Rees made on behalf credit valuation adjustment capital require- leaving the active Army, he joined the of servicemembers, their families, our ment; to the Committee on Banking, Hous- Oregon National Guard where he com- citizens, and the State of Oregon. So ing, and Urban Affairs. manded at every level, serving both today I want to join folks across the H.R. 1564. An act to amend the Sarbanes- within the State and across the coun- State and the country to stand and Oxley Act of 2002 to prohibit the Public Com- try. offer our congratulations to General pany Accounting Oversight Board from re- Those who know him were not sur- Rees on his distinguished career. quiring public companies to use specific prised that General Rees held a number Whether as a cavalry troop com- auditors or require the use of different audi- of impressive titles over his long and tors on a rotating basis; to the Committee mander, a cobra gunship pilot, or the on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs. distinguished career. He served as the Adjutant General of the Oregon Na- director of the Army National Guard, tional Guard, General Rees always f the vice chief of the National Guard shouldered more than his share of the INTRODUCTION OF BILLS AND Bureau, and as the acting chief of the task. We will miss this dedicated sol- JOINT RESOLUTIONS entire National Guard. He also served dier, talented leader, and gifted dip- The following bills and joint resolu- as the chief of staff for U.S. Northern lomat—but his is a retirement well tions were introduced, read the first Command and the North American earned. I commend General Rees for his and second times by unanimous con- Aerospace Defense Command at Peter- service to our country, and I want sent, and referred as indicated: son Air Force Base in Colorado. This thank his wife, Mary Len, for her tire- month, he steps down as Oregon’s Ad- By Mr. HATCH: less support along the way. After dec- S. 1270. A bill to amend the Internal Rev- jutant General, a job he held twice be- ades of service, I wish Major General enue Code of 1986 to provide for reform of fore. In fact, General Rees is the long- Rees a long and relaxing retirement. public and private pension plans, and for est serving Adjutant General in the Well done!∑ other purposes; to the Committee on Fi- United States, with over 17 years of f nance. service to four different Oregon Gov- f ernors. MESSAGES FROM THE PRESIDENT General Rees has always been a Messages from the President of the ADDITIONAL COSPONSORS champion of the Guard, both locally United States were communicated to S. 234 and nationally. Policy decisions he the Senate by Mr. Pate, one of his sec- At the request of Mr. REID, the name helped shape in the early 1990s enabled retaries. of the Senator from Vermont (Mr. the National Guard to better respond f SANDERS) was added as a cosponsor of after the horrible attacks of September EXECUTIVE MESSAGES REFERRED S. 234, a bill to amend title 10, United 11, 2001. Under his leadership, the Or- States Code, to permit certain retired egon Guard deployed to Afghanistan As in executive session the Presiding members of the uniformed services who and Iraq. And Oregon units were able Officer laid before the Senate messages have a service-connected disability to to respond rapidly in the wake of Hur- from the President of the United receive both disability compensation ricane Katrina, sending nearly 2,000 States submitting sundry nominations from the Department of Veterans Af- servicemembers within 72 hours. which were referred to the appropriate fairs for their disability and either re- Nobody worked harder to strengthen committees. tired pay by reason of their years of the synergy between the Guard and (The messages received today are military service or Combat-Related communities across our State than printed at the end of the Senate pro- Special Compensation, and for other General Rees, or to make sure that our ceedings.) purposes. returning men and women receive the f S. 323 vital services they earned. He helped MESSAGE FROM THE HOUSE At the request of Mr. DURBIN, the establish the Yellow Ribbon Reintegra- name of the Senator from Missouri tion Program, providing critical, sus- At 2:18 p.m., a message from the (Mr. BLUNT) was added as a cosponsor taining support for Guardsmen and House of Representatives, delivered by of S. 323, a bill to amend title XVIII of their families before, during, and after Mrs. Cole, one of its reading clerks, an- the Social Security Act to provide for deployments. He led modernization ef- nounced that the House has passed the extended months of Medicare coverage forts across Oregon, providing Guards- following bills, in which it requests the of immunosuppressive drugs for kidney men with the best equipment and fa- concurrence of the Senate: transplant patients and other renal di- cilities. He opened or improved H.R. 1171. An act to amend title 40, United alysis provisions. projects across the State, including States Code, to improve veterans service or- readiness centers in Pendleton, La ganizations access to Federal surplus per- S. 325 sonal property. Grande, Hermiston, Klamath Falls, On- At the request of Mr. TESTER, the H.R. 1341. An act to require the Financial name of the Senator from Rhode Island tario, The Dalles, St. Helens, Stability Oversight Council to conduct a Clackamas, Gresham, Dallas and study of the likely effects of the differences (Mr. REED) was added as a cosponsor of Salem. He was instrumental in helping between the United States and other juris- S. 325, a bill to amend title 38, United us sign a new lease for the Portland Air dictions in implementing the derivatives States Code, to increase the maximum National Guard Base, allowing the Air credit valuation adjustment capital require- age for children eligible for medical Guard to train and keep the skies safe ment. care under the CHAMPVA program, H.R. 1564. An act to amend the Sarbanes- and for other purposes. along the west coast. Oxley Act of 2002 to prohibit the Public Com- S. 327 Building bridges between the Guard pany Accounting Oversight Board from re- and foreign militaries is another leg- quiring public companies to use specific At the request of Mr. BARRASSO, the acy that General Rees will leave be- auditors or require the use of different audi- name of the Senator from Idaho (Mr. hind, and the Guard’s State Partner- tors on a rotating basis. CRAPO) was added as a cosponsor of S.

VerDate Mar 15 2010 04:45 Jul 10, 2013 Jkt 029060 PO 00000 Frm 00037 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G09JY6.003 S09JYPT1 jbell on DSK7SPTVN1PROD with SENATE S5568 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE July 9, 2013 327, a bill to authorize the Secretary of more effective implementation and co- S. 999 Agriculture and the Secretary of the ordination of clinical care for people At the request of Mr. CARDIN, the Interior to enter into cooperative with pre-diabetes and diabetes. name of the Senator from Ohio (Mr. agreements with State foresters au- S. 541 BROWN) was added as a cosponsor of S. thorizing State foresters to provide At the request of Ms. LANDRIEU, the 999, a bill to amend the Older Ameri- certain forest, rangeland, and water- names of the Senator from Rhode Is- cans Act of 1965 to provide social serv- shed restoration and protection serv- land (Mr. REED) and the Senator from ice agencies with the resources to pro- ices. New Hampshire (Mrs. SHAHEEN) were vide services to meet the urgent needs S. 346 added as cosponsors of S. 541, a bill to of Holocaust survivors to age in place At the request of Mr. TESTER, the prevent human health threats posed by with dignity, comfort, security, and name of the Senator from Colorado the consumption of equines raised in quality of life. (Mr. BENNET) was added as a cosponsor the United States. S. 1068 of S. 346, a bill to amend title 10, S. 557 At the request of Mr. BEGICH, the United States Code, to permit veterans At the request of Mrs. HAGAN, the name of the Senator from Oregon (Mr. who have a service-connected, perma- name of the Senator from Rhode Island MERKLEY) was added as a cosponsor of nent disability rated as total to travel (Mr. REED) was added as a cosponsor of S. 1068, a bill to reauthorize and amend on military aircraft in the same man- S. 557, a bill to amend title XVIII of the the National Oceanic and Atmospheric ner and to the same extent as retired Social Security Act to improve access Administration Commissioned Officer members of the Armed Forces entitled to medication therapy management Corps Act of 2002, and for other pur- to such travel. under part D of the Medicare program. poses. S. 395 S. 569 S. 1072 At the request of Mr. DURBIN, the At the request of Mr. BROWN, the At the request of Ms. KLOBUCHAR, the name of the Senator from Rhode Island name of the Senator from Rhode Island name of the Senator from New Hamp- (Mr. REED) was added as a cosponsor of (Mr. REED) was added as a cosponsor of shire (Ms. AYOTTE) was added as a co- S. 395, a bill to amend the Animal Wel- S. 569, a bill to amend title XVIII of the sponsor of S. 1072, a bill to ensure that fare Act to provide further protection Social Security Act to count a period the Federal Aviation Administration for puppies. of receipt of outpatient observation advances the safety of small airplanes S. 403 services in a hospital toward satisfying and the continued development of the general aviation industry, and for At the request of Mr. CASEY, the the 3-day inpatient hospital require- name of the Senator from Alaska (Mr. ment for coverage of skilled nursing fa- other purposes. S. 1158 BEGICH) was added as a cosponsor of S. cility services under Medicare. 403, a bill to amend the Elementary S. 629 At the request of Mr. WARNER, the and Secondary Education Act of 1965 to At the request of Mr. PRYOR, the names of the Senator from Illinois (Mr. address and take action to prevent bul- name of the Senator from Nebraska DURBIN) and the Senator from Texas lying and harassment of students. (Mr. JOHANNS) was added as a cospon- (Mr. CORNYN) were added as cosponsors sor of S. 629, a bill to amend title 38, of S. 1158, a bill to require the Sec- S. 415 United States Code, to recognize the retary of the Treasury to mint coins At the request of Ms. LANDRIEU, the service in the reserve components of commemorating the 100th anniversary name of the Senator from North Da- the Armed Forces of certain persons by of the establishment of the National kota (Mr. HOEVEN) was added as a co- honoring them with status as veterans Park Service, and for other purposes. sponsor of S. 415, a bill to clarify the under law, and for other purposes. S. 1166 collateral requirement for certain S. 642 At the request of Mr. ISAKSON, the loans under section 7(d) of the Small name of the Senator from New Hamp- Business Act, to address assistance to At the request of Mr. ENZI, the name shire (Ms. AYOTTE) was added as a co- out-of-State small business concerns, of the Senator from New Mexico (Mr. sponsor of S. 1166, a bill to amend the and for other purposes. HEINRICH) was added as a cosponsor of S. 642, a bill to amend the Public National Labor Relations Act to pro- S. 424 Health Service Act and title XVIII of vide for appropriate designation of col- At the request of Mr. BROWN, the the Social Security Act to make the lective bargaining units. name of the Senator from Rhode Island provision of technical services for med- S. 1171 (Mr. REED) was added as a cosponsor of ical imaging examinations and radi- At the request of Mr. MORAN, the S. 424, a bill to amend title IV of the ation therapy treatments safer, more name of the Senator from Kansas (Mr. Public Health Service Act to provide accurate, and less costly. ROBERTS) was added as a cosponsor of for a National Pediatric Research Net- S. 783 S. 1171, a bill to amend the Controlled work, including with respect to pedi- At the request of Mr. WYDEN, the Substances Act to allow a veterinarian atric rare diseases or conditions. name of the Senator from Rhode Island to transport and dispense controlled S. 462 (Mr. WHITEHOUSE) was added as a co- substances in the usual course of vet- At the request of Mrs. BOXER, the sponsor of S. 783, a bill to amend the erinary practice outside of the reg- names of the Senator from Indiana Helium Act to improve helium stew- istered location. (Mr. DONNELLY) and the Senator from ardship, and for other purposes. S. 1181 North Carolina (Mrs. HAGAN) were S. 913 At the request of Mr. ENZI, the name added as cosponsors of S. 462, a bill to At the request of Mrs. SHAHEEN, the of the Senator from Pennsylvania (Mr. enhance the strategic partnership be- name of the Senator from Minnesota TOOMEY) was added as a cosponsor of S. tween the United States and Israel. (Mr. FRANKEN) was added as a cospon- 1181, a bill to amend the Internal Rev- S. 535 sor of S. 913, a bill to amend the Na- enue Code of 1986 to exempt certain At the request of Mr. RUBIO, the tional Oilheat Research Alliance Act of stock of real estate investment trusts name of the Senator from Texas (Mr. 2000 to reauthorize and improve that from the tax on foreign investments in CORNYN) was added as a cosponsor of S. Act, and for other purposes. United States real property interests, 535, a bill to require a study and report S. 971 and for other purposes. by the Small Business Administration At the request of Mr. WYDEN, the S. 1229 regarding the costs to small business name of the Senator from Minnesota At the request of Mr. WHITEHOUSE, concerns of Federal regulations. (Mr. FRANKEN) was added as a cospon- the name of the Senator from Oregon S. 539 sor of S. 971, a bill to amend the Fed- (Mr. MERKLEY) was added as a cospon- At the request of Mrs. SHAHEEN, the eral Water Pollution Control Act to ex- sor of S. 1229, a bill to amend the Truth name of the Senator from New Hamp- empt the conduct of silvicultural ac- in Lending Act to empower the States shire (Ms. AYOTTE) was added as a co- tivities from national pollutant dis- to set the maximum annual percentage sponsor of S. 539, a bill to amend the charge elimination system permitting rates applicable to consumer credit Public Health Service Act to foster requirements. transactions, and for other purposes.

VerDate Mar 15 2010 04:45 Jul 10, 2013 Jkt 029060 PO 00000 Frm 00038 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A09JY6.035 S09JYPT1 jbell on DSK7SPTVN1PROD with SENATE July 9, 2013 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S5569 S. 1238 call the pension debt crisis, for some Despite numerous legislative initia- At the request of Mr. REED, the time. Two years ago, I stood before this tives enacted at the State and local names of the Senator from Washington Senate and described the financial level, the public pension debt crisis has (Ms. CANTWELL), the Senator from Mas- challenge public pension plans pose to gotten worse, not better. In my report, sachusetts (Mr. COWAN) and the Sen- Americans. I described how the gap be- I warned that examples such as ator from Colorado (Mr. BENNET) were tween the pensions that have been Prichard, AL, Vallejo, CA, and Central added as cosponsors of S. 1238, a bill to promised to workers by State and local Falls, RI, were only the beginning. amend the Higher Education Act of governments and the money set aside Sadly, I was right. Since that time, we 1965 to extend the current reduced in- was as much as $4.4 trillion short by have witnessed the pension debt crisis terest rate for undergraduate Federal some estimates, more than the total descend on much larger cities such as Direct Stafford Loans for 1 year, to amount of municipal bond debt nation- San Jose, CA, Stockton, CA, San modify required distribution rules for wide. Bernardino, CA, and Detroit, MI. Does pension plans, and for other purposes. I explained that the problem of pub- anyone doubt that a State could be S. 1241 lic pension underfunding existed before next? How many times does the credit At the request of Mr. MANCHIN, the the 2008 recession and any attempt to rating of Illinois have to be down- name of the Senator from Alaska (Ms. lay blame for the problem at the feet of graded before we act? How long can MURKOWSKI) was added as a cosponsor Wall Street or big business or some Rhode Island hold out when it is ex- of S. 1241, a bill to establish the inter- other group was just blame shifting. pected to save its struggling cities est rate for certain Federal student I observed how the business world while it struggles with its own State loans, and for other purposes. long ago recognized that traditional pension crisis? pension plans—defined benefit plans— S. 1251 The problem is getting more serious had become unsustainable for most pri- every day, and the four goals I outlined At the request of Mr. REED, the name vate companies and that most had of the Senator from Vermont (Mr. in my report cannot be reached merely moved toward 401(k)-style plans—or de- by fine-tuning the existing pension SANDERS) was added as a cosponsor of fined contribution plans—because costs S. 1251, a bill to establish programs structures available to public employ- are lower and more predictable and with respect to childhood, adolescent, ers. A new public pension design is they fit well within an increasingly and young adult cancer. needed, one that provides cost cer- mobile and dynamic workforce. As tainty for State and local taxpayers, S. RES. 151 usual, governments have been slow to retirement income security for State At the request of Mr. CASEY, the innovate, slow to adapt, and when they and local employees, and does not in- name of the Senator from Texas (Mr. have acted, their actions have been too clude an explicit or implicit govern- CORNYN) was added as a cosponsor of S. limited to solve the problem. ment guarantee. Res. 151, a resolution urging the Gov- I said at the time I had not settled on I am pleased to say I believe I have ernment of Afghanistan to ensure the best solution, but that I was work- designed such a plan. Title I of the transparent and credible presidential ing hard and talking to the experts SAFE Retirement Act creates a new and provincial elections in April 2014 about the best way to proceed. That is pension plan called an annuity accu- by adhering to internationally accept- what we did. mulation retirement plan. I call it the ed democratic standards, establishing a Last year, after extensive study, I de- SAFE Retirement Plan. transparent electoral process, and en- livered a report about the public pen- The concept of the SAFE Retirement suring security for voters and can- sion debt problem titled ‘‘State and Plan is simple: take advantage of the didates. Local Government Defined Benefit lifetime income that fixed annuities S. RES. 191 Plans: The Pension Debt Crisis that can provide while mitigating the vola- At the request of Mr. ENZI, the name Threatens America.’’ The study showed tile effect of interest rates on pension of the Senator from North Dakota (Mr. that public pension underfunding is a levels by purchasing an annuity con- HOEVEN) was added as a cosponsor of S. longstanding problem and that tract for each worker every year dur- Res. 191, a resolution designating July thecurrent pension debt crisis goes ing their career so a worker builds a 27, 2013, as ‘‘National Day of the Amer- back more than a decade, if not fur- solid pension year by year during their ican Cowboy’’. ther. The report explained why public entire working life. f pension debt is a Federal concern, re- With a SAFE Retirement Plan, em- viewed previous Federal attempts at ployees receive a secure pension at re- STATEMENTS ON INTRODUCED legislation and more recent State leg- tirement for life that is 100-percent BILLS AND JOINT RESOLUTIONS islative measures focused almost exclu- vested, fully portable, and cannot be By Mr. HATCH: sively on new employees and the at- underfunded. Employers and taxpayers S. 1270. A bill to amend the Internal tempt by the Government Accounting receive stable, predictable, and afford- Revenue Code of 1986 to provide for re- Standards Board to restore a level of able pension costs. Underfunding is not form of public and private pension discipline to public pension account- possible. The life insurance industry plans, and for other purposes; to the ing. pays the pensions and bears all of the Committee on Finance. At the end of the report, I laid out investment risk. Unlike current public Mr. HATCH. Mr. President, I rise to four essential goals for public pension pension plans, the SAFE Retirement speak about the pension reform legisla- reform. First, public pension plans Plan will be protected by a robust and tion I am introducing today. I am tak- must be affordable for public employ- multi-faceted State insurance regu- ing this step for a simple reason: Amer- ers and taxpayers. Second, plans must latory system built to ensure financial ica cannot continue sleepwalking into be structured so taxpayers in the fu- strength and solvency and backed by a the financial disaster that awaits us if ture have no liability for past years of State law-based consumer safety net. we do not get the public pension debt employee service. Third, public plans Rather than repairing their pension crisis under control. should provide retirement income secu- plans, States that adopt the SAFE Re- The bill I introduce today is called rity for employees. Finally, fourth, a tirement Plan will be upgrading their The Secure Annuities for Employee Re- Federal bailout of the States must he pension plans. tirement Act of 2013—the SAFE Retire- avoided at all costs. Remember, there is no Pension Ben- ment Act, for short. In addition to pub- As you will see, I listened to people efit Guaranty Corporation backing lic pension underfunding, the SAFE on all sides of the public pension de- State and local pension plans, and Retirement Act addresses two other bate, including employee groups who there never will be. Corporations that critically important aspects of retire- want public plans to provide lifetime sponsor pension plans pay premiums to ment policy: 401(k) plan coverage and income. I could have merely rec- the PBGC, and their workers and retir- access to professional investment ad- ommended that State and local govern- ees receive a level of insurance in the vice for workers and retirees. I will ments move to a 401(k)-style plan, but event the plan does not have assets suf- briefly address each part in turn. I settled instead on a policy of trying ficient to pay promised benefits. I have been working on the public to achieve retirement income security State and local workers enjoy no pension underfunding problem, which I as well. such protection, so another solution is

VerDate Mar 15 2010 05:51 Jul 10, 2013 Jkt 029060 PO 00000 Frm 00039 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A09JY6.037 S09JYPT1 jbell on DSK7SPTVN1PROD with SENATE S5570 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE July 9, 2013 needed. The SAFE Retirement Plan, in startup companies that must devote all transaction rules governing investment my opinion, is the answer. It is sup- of their resources to building their advice. The 1978 order transferred ported by a well-regulated, highly sol- business in the early years. Treasury’ s jurisdiction to the DOL. vent State insurance system and has a The Finance Committee has received The SAFE Retirement Act restores built-in financial backstop that does evidence in hearings that access to a jurisdiction for IRA prohibited trans- not rely on State or Federal taxes. retirement plan at work is the best action rules to the Treasury Depart- Honestly, regardless of which side of way to ensure that individuals save for ment. In addition, Treasury will be re- the debate Senators have been on to retirement. The policy goal of Con- quired to consult with the Securities date, they must acknowledge that from gress, therefore, should be to encourage and Exchange Commission when pre- a solvency perspective, this is a big im- employers to establish and maintain a scribing rules relating to the profes- provement over the current public pen- workplace retirement plan. The cor- sional standard of care owed by brokers sion system. ollary is that Congress should not and investment advisers to IRA own- I know some will argue my bill will adopt policies that discourage employ- ers. give too much new business to the life ers from maintaining a retirement The 1978 Executive Order also trans- insurance industry. That is not how I plan. ferred to the DOL some of the Treasury look at it. The way I see it, my bill The Starter 401(k) is a winner on all Department’s joint jurisdiction over takes advantage of the life insurance counts. It is targeted at businesses the prohibited transaction rules appli- industry to help Americans solve a se- that do not already have a plan for cable to retirement plans. The bill I in- rious pension problem. After all, the their employees, it allows employers to troduce today restores joint jurisdic- life insurance industry is the only in- help employees save their own money tion to Treasury and the DOL. dustry in the world designed from the in amounts greater than they could on Joint jurisdiction makes sense in ground up to manage longevity risk. their own, and it has none of the expen- light of the DOL proposal to expand Annuity contracts purchased through sive and burdensome testing and con- the 1975 regulation because Treasury a SAFE Retirement Plan will be com- tribution obligations for employers as- must enforce prohibited transaction petitively bid upon, on a group con- sociated with other retirement plans. violations through the assessment of tract basis, so the workers receive the As one of the many supporters of this excise taxes. Treasury should have a highest possible pension in retirement. bill told me: ‘‘ [T]he Starter 401(k) is role to play in any expansion of the Government finance officers will be in- an idea whose time has come.’’ rules because expanded rules will mean volved in the bidding process to ensure In addition to the Starter 401(k), the more excise tax cases for the IRS to best practices, and life insurance com- private pension reforms I introduce process. panies will be supervised by their re- today will help employers by simpli- If the Acting Secretary of Labor be- spective State insurance departments. fying reporting rules, easing discrimi- lieves that the 1975 fiduciary regula- The life insurance industry is reliably nation testing safe harbor rules, allow- tion that has governed retirement in- solvent because State insurance regu- ing modernized electronic disclosure vestment advice for nearly four dec- lations are strict, with stringent re- options, and encouraging the provision ades should be revisited, then the 1978 serve requirements and conservative of lifetime income options for employ- decision to grant the Secretary of investment standards. In fact, State-li- ees. These are commonsense and long- Labor additional ERISA regulatory au- censed life insurance carriers survived overdue reforms to our Nation’ s retire- thority also should be revisited. the 2008 stock market meltdown in far ment savings laws, especially with re- After all, we do not know that the better condition than any other part of gard to small-and mid-sized employers. DOL would have been granted addi- the financial sector. Last but not least, title III of the leg- tional authority in 1978 if the sensible The status quo is no longer accept- islation I introduce today will ensure 1975 regulations had not been issued. able. In fact, maintaining the status that retirees continue to have afford- Make no mistake, the position I take quo comes with a very high cost. In able access to professional investment today regarding IRA investment advice 2011, S&P downgraded the United advice. is not a partisan position. In the last States in part because of the enormous The Acting Secretary of Labor is set Congress, 124 Members from both sides debt represented by underfunded State to rewrite a 1975 regulation and dra- of the aisle and from both Chambers— and local pension plans. The credit rat- matically expand the ERISA fiduciary including 75 Democrats, I might add— ing agencies have downgraded Illinois duty and prohibited transaction rules wrote to the Labor Secretary asking multiple times, and Moody’s has begun applicable to 401(k) plans. The Acting her not to take this course of action. scrutinizing State and local pension Secretary also intends to apply the The Secretary finally withdrew the obligations more closely. What will new and restrictive rules to IRAs, proposal last year. But now that the happen when the credit rating agencies which will cause investment advisers Acting Secretary is again threatening see that most State and local govern- to stop providing advice to many IRA to introduce this ill-conceived rule, ments have no serious plan to address owners. dozens of Members of Congress have the crisis? I have written to the Secretary of again written the Acting Secretary A pension is insurance against out- Labor in the past about the issue, but asking that IRAs be protected. living the money you have available to my concerns have not been addressed. I ask unanimous consent that I be pay your monthly bills. It cannot be In fact, there have been a number of able to complete my remarks. denied that people are living longer. As letters from Members in both Houses of The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without wonderful as that is, it also means we Congress and on both sides of the aisle objection, it is so ordered. need to find new ways to stretch our imploring the Department of Labor to Mr. HATCH. I would like to submit monthly pension dollars over longer reconsider the issuance of the expan- for the RECORD two letters written in lifetimes. The SAFE Retirement Plan sive and burdensome regulations. March and June of this year by a total can meet the test. Forty Members of Congress have writ- of 40 Members of the House Democrat In addition to public pension reform, ten the Labor Secretary on this issue caucus once again asking the DOL to title II of the legislation I introduce just since February, to no avail. In avoid the mistake it is about to make. today has several important private light of the DOL’s—the Department of There being no objection, the mate- pension reforms. The centerpiece is the Labor’s—intransigence, my bill in- rial was ordered to be printed in the Starter 401(k), a new type of 401(k) plan cludes a legislative solution to the RECORD, as follows: that allows employees to save for re- problem. CONGRESS OF THE UNITED STATES, tirement while placing minimal bur- The IRA prohibited transaction rules Washington, DC, March 15, 2013. dens on employers. Starter 401(k) plans are codified solely in the Internal Rev- Hon. SETH D. HARRIS, allow employees to save up to $8,000 enue Code and address transactions Acting Secretary, U.S. Department of Labor, Washington, DC. each year but do not require employer that involve self-dealing and conflicts DEAR SECRETARY HARRIS: As Members of contributions. This plan will be espe- of interest. Prior to the issuance of a the Congressional Black Caucus and the cially useful to small companies that 1978 Executive Order, Treasury had ju- House Financial Services Committee, we are do not have a retirement plan and risdiction over the IRA prohibited following-up on the Department of Labor’s

VerDate Mar 15 2010 04:45 Jul 10, 2013 Jkt 029060 PO 00000 Frm 00040 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A09JY6.039 S09JYPT1 jbell on DSK7SPTVN1PROD with SENATE July 9, 2013 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S5571 progress on a re-proposal defining the term yet another barrier to accessing qualified re- broaden plan coverage among small employ- ‘‘fiduciary’’ under the Employment Retire- tirement planning services. As you know, ers, including an enhanced credit for estab- ment Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA). studies have shown that even savers with lishing a plan. We believe these proposals are We appreciate the Department’s efforts to small IRA and 401k balances benefit greatly important to further strengthening the pri- examine this issue and protect investors from the ability to sit with a trusted adviser vate employer-sponsored retirement system from misleading investment advice. How- to help plan for their future. We believe the and helping workers obtain personal finan- ever, we maintain concerns that if the re- Department should adopt policies that ex- cial security. proposal reflects the Department’s initial fi- pand access to advice, particularly in light of We applaud your leadership and we look duciary proposal it could disparately impact the racial and gender disparities that cur- forward to the opportunity to work with you retirement savers and investment represent- rently exist in retirement savings. on this bill. atives in the African American community. We cannot overstate our desire to ensure Sincerely, The African American community has that this re-proposed rule enhances investor LYNN D. DUDLEY, been hurt to a larger degree by the economic protection without reducing investor access Senior Vice President, Retirement crisis and the challenge of day-to-day ex- to affordable retirement advice, products and International Benefits Policy. penses is making long-term saving difficult. and services. As many of us have expressed The service that an investment representa- to the Department, any attempt to change ALLIANCE BENEFIT GROUP— tive provides to these traditionally under- the existing regulatory structure governing ROCKY MOUNTAIN, served families is critical for them to feel the fiduciary standard should be executed June 24, 2013. confident to understand and invest in the carefully, prudently, and in conjunction with Hon. ORRIN HATCH, long-term retirement vehicles intended by the SEC to avoid uncertainty and disruption Senate Finance Committee, Congress to help them. In fact, a Prudential in the marketplace. We encourage the De- Washington, DC. study finds that for those African Americans partment to learn from its earlier experience DEAR SENATOR HATCH: On behalf of the Al- who use a financial advisor, ‘‘product owner- by ensuring that the reproposal addresses liance Benefit Group (ABG), Alliance Benefit ship and detailed financial planning in- the concerns raised by a bipartisan, bi- Group—Rocky Mountain (ABGRM), and our crease, and confidence in meeting key finan- cameral Congress that caused the Depart- affiliates, we hereby would like to offer our cial goals typically doubles.’’ ment to withdraw the original proposal in sincere support of the SAFE Pension Act of We are particularly concerned about the September 2011. 2013. effects these regulations will have on savers Thank you for consideration of our con- ABG is a national association of record in individual retirement accounts (IRAs). If cerns, and we look forward to closely work- keepers, third party administrators, and fi- brokers who serve these accounts are subject ing with you on this issue. nancial advisors dedicated to the goal of to ERISA’s strict prohibitions on third-party Sincerely, helping Americans securely retire through a compensation, they may choose to exit the Frederica S. Wilson; Corrine Brown; Bar- strong system of public and private retire- market rather than risk the potentially se- bara Lee; Wm. Lacy Clay; Danny K. ment programs. Alliance Benefit Group vere penalties under ERISA for violations. If Davis; Donna M. Christensen; Cedric L. works with over 14,000 Defined Contribution that occurs, it could cause IRA services to be Richmond; Emanuel Cleaver; James E. and Defined Benefit plans across the country unattainable by many retirement savers in Clyburn; Bobby L. Rush; Hakeem representing over $51 Billion in retirement the African American community. Jeffries; Gregory W. Meeks; Scott savings and 1 million plan participants. We Due to these concerns, we urge the Depart- DesJarlais; Maxine Waters; Sanford D. have been serving retirement and welfare ment to take full consideration of the rule’s Bishop, Jr.; Bennie G. Thompson. plan participants in Utah since our founda- impact on African American communities in Hank Johnson; Robin L. Kelly; Marcia L. tion locally in 1980. its economic impact study. Also, it is crit- Fudge; Karen Bass; Joyce Beatty; Jim As a trusted service provider we deal first- ical that the Department continue to work Costa; Elijah E. Cummings; David hand with the challenges facing plan spon- together with appropriate agencies and Scott; G.K. Butterfield; Yvette D. sors, plan fiduciaries, and plan participants stakeholders on a balanced approach to both Clarke; Charles B. Rangel; Eleanor H. across a wide spectrum. Many of these con- protect investors and maintain affordable Norton; Pedro R. Pierluisi; Ed Pastor; cerns are addressed by your legislation. We access to retirement savings products during Terri Sewell; Tulsi Gabbard. are especially encouraged by the provisions this time of economic uncertainty. of the Act designed to increase auto enroll- Thank you for your consideration of our Mr. HATCH. These letters are proof positive that opposition to the Labor ment and auto escalation, allow for new tim- concerns. We look forward to continue work- ing allowances designed to increased adop- ing with you on this critical issue. Department’s fiduciary regulation con- tion of qualified plans, increase portability, Sincerely, tinues to be both bipartisan and bi- address longevity risks, and provide for a Gregory W. Meeks; Gwen Moore; Eman- cameral. more flexible safe harbor 401k environment. uel Cleaver; Al Green; Maxine Waters; As I close, I also wish to have printed Thank you for supporting the retirement Wm. Lacy Clay; Terri Sewell; David in the RECORD copies of the many let- system that all Americans depend on for Scott. ters I have received in support of the their future to come. Sincerely, CONGRESS OF THE UNITED STATES, SAFE Retirement Act of 2013. There being no objection, the mate- W. JEFFREY ZOBELL, QPA, QKA, Washington, DC, June 14, 2013. Chief Executive Officer, Hon. SETH HARRIS, rial was ordered to be printed in the Alliance Benefit Group—Rocky Mountain. Acting Secretary, U.S. Department of Labor, RECORD, as follows: Washington, DC. AMERICAN BENEFITS COUNCIL, ACLI, DEAR SECRETARY HARRIS: We are writing to July 8, 2013. discuss the Department of Labor’s proposed July 3, 2013. Re SAFE Retirement Act of 2013. rule to amend the definition of ‘‘fiduciary’’ Re Safer Pension Act of 2013. for purposes of the Employee Retirement In- Hon. ORRIN G. HATCH, Hon. ORRIN G. HATCH, come Security Act of 1974 (ER1SA). We ap- Hart Senate Office Building, U.S. Senate, Hart Senate Office Building, plaud the Department’s efforts to engage on Washington, DC. Washington, DC. this important subject, but we arc concerned DEAR SENATOR HATCH: On behalf of the DEAR SENATOR HATCH: We want to express that the re-proposal will disadvantage those American Benefits Council, I am writing to our appreciation for your leadership on re- it aims to help. thank you for your leadership regarding the tirement security issues. ACLI member com- One of our goals as Members of Congress is critical challenges facing our private em- panies offer insurance contracts and other to work together on issues that affect the ployer-sponsored retirement plan system. investment products and services to quali- minority communities we represent. We Your bill, the SAFE Retirement Act of 2013, fied retirement plans, including defined ben- write this letter because of our joint concern includes many provisions that would address efit pension, 401(k) and 403(b) arrangements, the re-proposed fiduciary definition could re- important private retirement plan issues and and to individuals through individual retire- strict our constituents’ access to profes- builds on the success of the current system. ment arrangements (IRAs) or on a non-quali- sional financial advisors. Your bill contains provisions that would fied basis. For many years our members and At a time when many Americans arc strug- broaden coverage, increase retirement ade- their products have helped Americans accu- gling to ensure a secure retirement, we have quacy, and make plan delivery of informa- mulate retirement savings and turn those concerns that the Department’s re-proposal tion more effective. In particular, the bill savings into guaranteed lifetime income. could severely limit access to low cost in- provision facilitating electronic communica- Our members will be eager to study the vestment advice. After years of hard work, tion would allow employers to use forms of provisions of the Safer Pension Act of 2013. often for long hours and at low wages, many disclosure that are far more effective in com- We support enhancements to the current em- of our constituents face the challenge of municating with participants. Your bill ployer sponsored system with the goal of in- planning for their retirement without access would also facilitate greater use of auto- creasing simplification, coverage, and facili- to professional investment advice and serv- matic enrollment, which is critical to in- tating lifetime income options. We look for- ices. We are concerned that a new, more re- creasing the level of retirement savings. ward to working with you on a number of en- strictive definition of fiduciary would add There are also many provisions that would hancements including:

VerDate Mar 15 2010 05:51 Jul 10, 2013 Jkt 029060 PO 00000 Frm 00041 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A09JY6.045 S09JYPT1 jbell on DSK7SPTVN1PROD with SENATE S5572 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE July 9, 2013 Facilitating electronic delivery of partici- Taxation, it seems self-evident that this sec- The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without pant statements; tion alone makes the SAFE Retirement Act objection, it is so ordered. Expanding the ability of employers to offer a net tax cut for American families and em- COMMITTEE ON THE JUDICIARY annuities in defined contribution plans; ployers. Encouraging multiple employer defined The SAFE Retirement Act is good public Mrs. MURRAY. Mr. President, I ask contribution plans; and policy for state and local taxpayers. Title I unanimous consent that the Com- Expanding autoenrollment/autoescalation of the bill allows states to opt into an annu- mittee on the Judiciary be authorized opportunities for workers. ity-based alternative (a ‘‘SAFE Retirement to meet during the session of the Sen- As Congress considers tax reform, we ap- Plan’’) to today’s under-funded legacy de- ate on July 9, 2013, at 10 a.m., in room preciate your continued support of the cur- fined benefit pension regime. A state wisely SD–226 of the Dirksen Senate Office rent retirement security system. ACLI and choosing to do so would give taxpayers the its member companies look forward to work- assurance that government employees won’t Building, to conduct a hearing entitled ing with you and your staff to improve re- strain state government funding obligations ‘‘Nominations.’’ tirement security for all Americans. into perpetuity—the harsh reality facing The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without Sincerely, many states today as they struggle with objection, it is so ordered. WALTER C. WELSH. meeting the pension promises of an earlier SELECT COMMITTEE ON INTELLIGENCE era. Mrs. MURRAY. Mr. President, I ask The SAFE Retirement Act builds upon the ASPPA—WORKING FOR unanimous consent that the Select AMERICA’S RETIREMENT, modernization efforts of the Pension Protec- June 24, 2013. tion Act of 2006. This bill gives ordinary em- Committee on Intelligence be author- Re Letter of Support for the SAFE Retire- ployers what they’ve been looking for—a ized to meet during the session of the ment Act of 2013 cost-effective, easy to administer, and lower- Senate on July 9, 2013, at 2:30 p.m. Hon. ORRIN HATCH, hassle retirement planning structure they The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without Ranking Member, Senate Finance Committee, can work with. Common sense reforms like objection, it is so ordered. extending elective dates, providing safe har- Washington, DC. f DEAR RANKING MEMBER HATCH: On behalf bors, and simplifying paperwork should be of the American Society of Pension Profes- able to get broad support. In particular, the EXECUTIVE SESSION sionals & Actuaries (ASPPA) and its affili- ‘‘Starter 401(k)’’ is an idea whose time has ates, we hereby express our strong support come. for the SAFE Retirement Act of 2013. The ‘‘Secure Annuities for Employees EXECUTIVE CALENDAR ASPPA is a national organization of more (SAFE) Retirement Act of 2013’’ is a great than 15,000 retirement plan professionals who example of good, solid legislative blocking Ms. WARREN. Mr. President, I ask provide consulting and administrative serv- and tackling. I look forward to working with unanimous consent that the Senate ices for qualified retirement plans covering you on this legislation as it winds its way proceed to executive session to con- millions of American workers. ASPPA mem- through the lawmaking process. sider the following nominations: Cal- bers are retirement professionals of all dis- Sincerely, endar Nos. 192, 193, 194; that the nomi- GROVER NORQUIST. ciplines including consultants, investment nations be confirmed en bloc, the mo- advisors, administrators, actuaries, account- Mr. HATCH. These letters come from tions to reconsider be considered made ants, and attorneys. The large and broad- businesses and organizations rep- and laid upon the table, with no inter- based ASPPA membership gives it unusual resenting employers, life insurance insight into current practical problems with vening action or debate; that no fur- companies, State insurance commis- ther motions be in order to any of the the Employee Retirement Income Security sioners, State guarantee associations, Act and qualified retirement plans with a nominations; that any related state- particular focus on the issues faced by small- and tax policy groups. These letters ments be printed in the RECORD; that to medium-sized employers. ASPPA mem- demonstrate that the SAFE Retire- the President be immediately notified bership is diverse and united by a common ment Act is good policy and will make of the Senate’s action and the Senate dedication to the private retirement plan good law. America’s retirement system then resume legislative session. system. deserves no less. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without The private retirement system provisions f in Title II of the SAFE Act will dramatically objection, it is so ordered. simplify the operation of qualified retire- NOTICE OF HEARING The nominations considered and con- ment plans by eliminating unnecessary pa- firmed are as follows: COMMITTEE ON INDIAN AFFAIRS perwork and traps for the unwary, as well as Ms. CANTWELL. Mr. President, I DEPARTMENT OF STATE providing new approaches to expanding the Daniel R. Russel, of New York, to be an As- availability of workplace savings through would like to announce that the Com- mittee on Indian Affairs will meet dur- sistant Secretary of State (East Asian and qualified retirement plans, especially small Pacific Affairs). business retirement plans. These common ing the session of the Senate on July Geoffrey R. Pyatt, of California, a Career sense proposals will go a long way toward 17, 2013, in room SD–628 of the Dirksen Member of the Senior Foreign Service, Class improving the retirement security of mil- Senate Office Building, at 2:30 p.m., to of Minister-Counsler, to be Ambassador Ex- lions of working Americans. conduct a legislative hearing to receive traordinary and Plenipotentiary of the ASPPA commends your offering of these testimony on the following bills: S. 235, United States of America to Ukraine. proposals, and applauds your commitment to to provide for the conveyance of cer- Tulinabo Salama Mushingi, of Virginia, a enhancing the private retirement system and Career Member of the Senior Foreign Serv- the retirement security of our nation’s work- tain property located in Anchorage, Alaska, from the United States to the ice, Class of Counselor, to be Ambassador Ex- ers. traordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Sincerely, Alaska Native Tribal Health Consor- United States of America to Burkina Faso. BRIAN H. GRAFF, ESQ., APM, tium and S. 920, to allow the Fond du ASPPA Executive Director/CEO. Lac Band of Lake Superior Chippewa in f the State of Minnesota to lease or ELECTIONS IN AFGHANISTAN AMERICANS FOR TAX REFORMS, transfer certain land. Ms. WARREN. Mr. President, I ask JUNE 26, 2013. Those wishing additional information Hon. ORRIN HATCH, unanimous consent that the Senate may contact the Indian Affairs Com- United States Senate, proceed to the immediate consider- mittee at (202) 224–2251. Washington, DC. ation of Calendar No. 94, S. Res. 151. DEAR SENATOR HATCH: On behalf of Ameri- f The PRESIDING OFFICER. The cans for Tax Reform, I write today in sup- clerk will report the resolution by port of your new bill, the ‘‘Secure Annuities AUTHORITY FOR COMMITTEES TO for Employees (SAFE) Retirement Act of MEET title. The legislative clerk read as follows: 2013.’’ I would urge all senators to support COMMITTEE ON HOMELAND SECURITY AND this common-sense, job-creating legislation. GOVERNMENTAL AFFAIRS A resolution (S. Res. 151) urging the Gov- The SAFE Retirement Act provides net tax Mrs. MURRAY. Mr. President, I ask ernment of Afghanistan to ensure trans- relief for retirement savings. Title II of the unanimous consent that the Com- parent and credible presidential and provin- legislation spells out a host of common-sense cial elections in April 2014 by adhering to and long-overdue reforms to our nation’s re- mittee on Homeland Security and Gov- internationally accepted democratic stand- tirement savings laws, especially with regard ernmental Affairs be authorized to ards, establishing a transparent electoral to small- and mid-sized employers. Pending a meet during the session of the Senate process, and ensuring security for voters and final score from the Joint Committee on on July 9, 2013, at 10:30 a.m. candidates.

VerDate Mar 15 2010 05:51 Jul 10, 2013 Jkt 029060 PO 00000 Frm 00042 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A09JY6.044 S09JYPT1 jbell on DSK7SPTVN1PROD with SENATE July 9, 2013 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S5573 There being no objection, the Senate partners in the NATO International Security with the Constitution of Afghanistan, to in- proceeded to consider the resolution, Assistance Force (ISAF), and Afghanistan’s clude maintaining the quota for women’s which had been reported from the Com- neighbors; and parliamentary participation; ø mittee on Foreign Relations with an Whereas the most critical milestone for ø(4) honors the sacrifice of United States, amendment to strike all after the re- Afghanistan’s future stability is a peaceful coalition, and Afghan servicemembers who and credible transition of power through have been killed or injured since October 2001 solving clause and insert the part presidential elections in 2014: Now, therefore, in defense of the democratic rights of the Af- printed in italic and strike the pre- be it¿ ghan people; amble and insert the part printed in Whereas Afghanistan’s Independent Election ø(5) recognizes the substantial investment italic. Commission has affirmed that Afghanistan will made by the United States taxpayers in sup- S. RES. 151 hold presidential and provincial elections in port of stability and democracy in Afghani- øWhereas Afghanistan’s Independent Elec- April 2014 and parliamentary elections in 2015; stan; Whereas Afghanistan’s current electoral proc- tion Commission has affirmed that Afghani- ø(6) recognizes the contributions made by ess was established in 2004 by the Constitution stan will hold presidential and provincial the government of President Hamid Karzai of Afghanistan; to the democratic progress of Afghanistan, elections in April 2014 and parliamentary Whereas the Tokyo Mutual Accountability elections in 2015; including statements by President Karzai Framework conditions some international assist- øWhereas Afghanistan’s current electoral committing to hold presidential elections in ance to Afghanistan on the holding of credible, process was established in 2004 by the Con- 2014 and not seek a third term; inclusive, and transparent elections in 2014 and stitution of Afghanistan; ø(7) recognizes that transparent and cred- 2015, among other measures to improve govern- øWhereas the Tokyo Mutual Account- ible elections will safeguard the legitimacy ance; of the next Afghan government and will help ability Framework conditions some inter- Whereas Afghanistan lacks a comprehensive prevent future violence by groups that may national assistance to Afghanistan on the and accurate voter registry, and previous voter be ready to contest a process perceived as holding of credible, inclusive, and trans- registration drives have resulted in duplicate or rigged or dishonest; parent elections in 2014 and 2015, among fraudulent registrations, according to a report ø(8) recognizes that a democratically elect- other measures to improve governance; by the National Democratic Institute; øWhereas Afghanistan lacks a comprehen- Whereas security concerns and voter intimida- ed and legitimate government is as impor- sive and accurate voter registry, and pre- tion have impeded the ability of people in Af- tant to ensuring the long-term stability of vious voter registration drives have resulted ghanistan to cast votes reliably and safely in Afghanistan as the successful training and in duplicate or fraudulent registrations, ac- past elections; fielding of the Afghan National Security cording to a report by the National Demo- Whereas Afghan women in particular are pre- Forces; ø cratic Institute; vented from meaningful participation in the (9) urges the Government of Afghanistan øWhereas security concerns and voter in- electoral process due to the security environ- to recognize the independence and impar- timidation have impeded the ability of peo- ment, the scarcity of female poll workers, and tiality of the Independent Electoral Commis- ple in Afghanistan to cast votes reliably and lack of awareness of women’s political rights sion (IEC) and an elections complaints mech- safely in past elections; and opportunities, according to the Free and anism with clear jurisdiction over the final øWhereas Afghan women in particular are Fair Election Foundation of Afghanistan; results, and urges all parties not to interfere prevented from meaningful participation in Whereas Afghanistan’s 2009 presidential elec- with their deliberations; the electoral process due to the security en- tion was characterized by inadequate security ø(10) urges the Parliament of Afghanistan vironment, the scarcity of female poll work- for voters and candidates, low voter turnout, to pass legislation that will establish a con- ers, and lack of awareness of women’s polit- and widespread fraud, according to the Na- sultative and inclusive process for appoint- ical rights and opportunities, according to tional Democratic Institute; ing elections commissioners and allowing the Free and Fair Election Foundation of Af- Whereas Afghan officials disputed the results election disputes to be resolved trans- ghanistan; of Afghanistan’s 2010 parliamentary elections parently and fairly; øWhereas Afghanistan’s 2009 presidential and established a Special Election Tribunal to ø(11) urges the IEC to adopt measures to election was characterized by inadequate se- investigate allegations of fraud; better mitigate fraud, include marginalized curity for voters and candidates, low voter Whereas, following the 2010 parliamentary groups, and improve electoral transparency turnout, and widespread fraud, according to elections, Democracy International’s Afghani- of the polling and counting process and com- the National Democratic Institute; stan Election Observation Mission concluded municate these measures clearly and con- øWhereas Afghan officials, including Presi- that comprehensive electoral reform is necessary sistently to the people of Afghanistan; dent Karzai and Attorney General Moham- to ensure a free, fair, and credible election proc- ø(12) urges the Government of Afghanistan mad Ishaq Aloko, disputed the results of Af- ess in 2014; to support a credible and effective electoral ghanistan’s 2010 parliamentary elections and Whereas the current president of Afghanistan complaints mechanism whereby its members established a Special Election Tribunal to is serving a second elective term and the Con- are perceived as impartial, it is given the ul- investigate allegations of fraud; stitution of Afghanistan states, ‘‘No one can be timate authority on deciding whether a bal- øWhereas, following the 2010 parliamentary elected as president for more than two terms.’’; lot or candidate is disqualified, and it has elections, Democracy International’s Af- Whereas the current president of Afghanistan the time and resources to do its work; ghanistan Election Observation Mission con- has committed to not seeking another term in of- ø(13) urges close and continuing commu- cluded that comprehensive electoral reform fice; nication between the IEC and the Afghan Na- is necessary to ensure a free, fair, and cred- Whereas, on several occasions since the late tional Security Forces to identify and pro- ible election process in 2014; 1970s, civil war has broken out in Afghanistan vide security for vulnerable areas of the øWhereas the Honorable Hamid Karzai is over the legitimacy of the Afghan government; country during the election period; Whereas United States taxpayers have in- the first democratically elected president of ø(14) urges the Afghan National Security vested more than $89,500,000,000 in reconstruc- modern Afghanistan and has served two Forces to make every necessary effort to en- tion and humanitarian assistance to Afghani- terms in that position; sure the safety of voters and candidates; stan since October 2001, according to the Special øWhereas the Constitution of Afghanistan ø(15) expresses its support for the full par- Inspector General for Afghanistan Reconstruc- states, ‘‘No one can be elected as president ticipation of Afghan civil society in the elec- tion (SIGAR); for more than two terms.’’; tion process; and Whereas a democratically-elected and legiti- øWhereas President Karzai stated on Janu- ø(16) urges the Secretary of State to condi- mate government that reflects the will of the Af- ary 11, 2013, alongside President Barack tion financial, logistical, and political sup- ghan people is in the vital security interests of Obama, ‘‘The greatest of my achievements port for Afghanistan’s 2014 elections based on Afghanistan, the United States, its partners in [. . .] will be a proper, well-organized, inter- the implementation of reforms in Afghani- the NATO International Security Assistance ference-free election in which the Afghan stan including— Force (ISAF), and Afghanistan’s neighbors; and ø people can elect their next president.’’; Whereas one of the most critical milestones for (A) increased efforts to encourage wom- ø Whereas, on several occasions since the Afghanistan’s future stability is a peaceful and en’s participation in the electoral process, late 1970s, civil war has broken out in Af- credible transition of power through presidential including provisions to ensure their full ac- ghanistan over the legitimacy of the Afghan elections in 2014: Now, therefore, be it cess to and security at polling stations; ø government; Resolved, øThat the Senate— (B) the implementation of measures to øWhereas United States taxpayers have in- ø(1) affirms that the electoral process in prevent fraudulent registration and manipu- vested more than $89,500,000,000 in recon- Afghanistan should be determined and led by lation of the voting or counting processes, struction and humanitarian assistance to Af- Afghan actors, with support from the inter- including— ghanistan since October 2001, according to national community, and should not be sub- ø(i) establishment of processes to better the Special Inspector General for Afghani- ject to internal and external interference; control ballots; stan Reconstruction (SIGAR); ø(2) expresses its strong support for cred- ø(ii) vetting of and training for election of- øWhereas a democratically elected and le- ible, inclusive, and transparent presidential ficials; and gitimate government that reflects the will of and provincial elections in April 2014; ø(iii) full accreditation of and access for the Afghan people is in the vital security in- ø(3) urges the Government of Afghanistan international and domestic election observ- terests of Afghanistan, the United States, its to conduct the elections in full accordance ers; and

VerDate Mar 15 2010 05:51 Jul 10, 2013 Jkt 029060 PO 00000 Frm 00043 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G09JY6.063 S09JYPT1 jbell on DSK7SPTVN1PROD with SENATE S5574 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE July 9, 2013 ø(C) prompt passage of legislation through (17) urges the Secretary of State to condition Whereas Afghan officials disputed the re- the Parliament of Afghanistan that codifies financial, logistical, and political support for sults of Afghanistan’s 2010 parliamentary the authorities and independence of the IEC Afghanistan’s 2014 elections based on the imple- elections and established a Special Election and an independent and impartial election mentation of reforms in Afghanistan includ- Tribunal to investigate allegations of fraud; complaints mechanism.¿ ing— Whereas following the 2010 parliamentary That the Senate— (A) increased efforts to encourage women’s elections, Democracy International’s Af- (1) affirms that the electoral process in Af- participation in the electoral process, including ghanistan Election Observation Mission con- ghanistan should be determined and led by Af- provisions to ensure their full access to and se- cluded that comprehensive electoral reform ghan actors, with support from the inter- curity at polling stations; is necessary to ensure a free, fair, and cred- national community, and should not be subject (B) the implementation of measures to prevent ible election process in 2014; to internal or external interference; fraudulent registration and manipulation of the Whereas the current president of Afghani- (2) expresses its strong support for credible, in- voting or counting processes, including— stan is serving a second elective term and clusive, and transparent presidential and pro- (i) establishment of processes to better control the Constitution of Afghanistan states, ‘‘No vincial elections in April 2014; ballots; one can be elected as president for more than (3) urges the Government of Afghanistan to (ii) vetting of and training for election offi- two terms.’’; conduct the elections in full accordance with cials; and Whereas the current president of Afghani- the Constitution of Afghanistan, to include (iii) full accreditation of and access for inter- stan has committed to not seeking another maintaining the constitutionally-mandated allo- national and domestic election observers; and term in office; cation of seats for women’s parliamentary par- (C) prompt passage of legislation through the Whereas, on several occasions since the ticipation; Parliament of Afghanistan that codifies the au- late 1970s, civil war has broken out in Af- (4) honors the sacrifice of United States, coali- thorities and independence of the IEC and an ghanistan over the legitimacy of the Afghan tion, and Afghan service members who have independent and impartial election complaints government; been killed or injured since October 2001 in de- mechanism. Whereas United States taxpayers have in- fense of the democratic rights of the Afghan vested more than $89,500,000,000 in recon- people; Ms. WARREN. I further ask that the (5) recognizes the substantial investment made committee-reported substitute amend- struction and humanitarian assistance to Af- by the United States taxpayers in support of ment be agreed to; the resolution, as ghanistan since October 2001, according to stability, democracy, and the rule of law in Af- the Special Inspector General for Afghani- amended, be agreed to; the committee- stan Reconstruction (SIGAR); ghanistan, including efforts to end public cor- reported amendment to the preamble ruption; Whereas a democratically-elected and le- (6) recognizes the commitment of the Govern- be agreed to; the preamble, as amend- gitimate government that reflects the will of ment of Afghanistan to hold presidential elec- ed, be agreed to; and the motions to re- the Afghan people is in the vital security in- tions in 2014 and the current president’s commit- consider be considered made and laid terests of Afghanistan, the United States, its ment not to seek a third term; upon the table, with no intervening ac- partners in the NATO International Security (7) recognizes that transparent and credible tion or debate. Assistance Force (ISAF), and Afghanistan’s elections will help safeguard the legitimacy of The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without neighbors; and the next Afghan government and will help pre- objection, it is so ordered. Whereas one of the most critical mile- stones for Afghanistan’s future stability is a vent future violence by groups that may be The committee amendment in the ready to contest a process perceived as rigged or peaceful and credible transition of power dishonest; nature of a substitute was agreed to. through presidential elections in 2014: Now, (8) recognizes that a democratically-elected The resolution (S. Res. 151), as therefore, be it and legitimate government is important to en- amended, was agreed to. Resolved, That the Senate— suring the long term stability of Afghanistan, as The committee amendment in the (1) affirms that the electoral process in Af- is the successful training and fielding of the Af- nature of a substitute to the preamble ghanistan should be determined and led by ghan National Security Forces; was agreed to. Afghan actors, with support from the inter- (9) urges the Government of Afghanistan to The preamble, as amended, was national community, and should not be sub- respect and support the independence and im- agreed to. ject to internal or external interference; partiality of the Independent Electoral Commis- (2) expresses its strong support for cred- sion (IEC) and the need for an independent and The resolution, as amended, with its preamble, as amended, reads as follows: ible, inclusive, and transparent presidential impartial elections complaints mechanism with and provincial elections in April 2014; clear jurisdiction over the final results, and S. RES. 151 (3) urges the Government of Afghanistan to urges all parties not to interfere with their delib- Whereas Afghanistan’s Independent Elec- conduct the elections in full accordance with erations; tion Commission has affirmed that Afghani- the Constitution of Afghanistan, to include (10) urges the Parliament of Afghanistan to stan will hold presidential and provincial maintaining the constitutionally-mandated pass legislation that will establish a consultative elections in April 2014 and parliamentary allocation of seats for women’s parliamen- and inclusive process for appointing elections elections in 2015; tary participation; commissioners and allowing election disputes to Whereas Afghanistan’s current electoral (4) honors the sacrifice of United States, be resolved transparently and fairly; process was established in 2004 by the Con- coalition, and Afghan service members who (11) urges the IEC to adopt measures to better stitution of Afghanistan; have been killed or injured since October 2001 mitigate fraud, include marginalized groups, Whereas the Tokyo Mutual Accountability in defense of the democratic rights of the Af- and improve electoral transparency of the poll- Framework conditions some international ghan people; ing and counting process and communicate assistance to Afghanistan on the holding of (5) recognizes the substantial investment these measures clearly and consistently to the credible, inclusive, and transparent elections made by the United States taxpayers in sup- people of Afghanistan; (12) urges the Government of Afghanistan to in 2014 and 2015, among other measures to port of stability, democracy, and the rule of support a credible and effective electoral com- improve governance; law in Afghanistan, including efforts to end plaints mechanism whereby its members are per- Whereas Afghanistan lacks a comprehen- public corruption; ceived as impartial, it is given the ultimate au- sive and accurate voter registry, and pre- (6) recognizes the commitment of the Gov- thority on deciding whether a ballot or can- vious voter registration drives have resulted ernment of Afghanistan to hold presidential didate is disqualified, and it has the time and in duplicate or fraudulent registrations, ac- elections in 2014 and the current president’s resources to do its work; cording to a report by the National Demo- commitment not to seek a third term; (13) urges close and continuing communica- cratic Institute; (7) recognizes that transparent and cred- tion between the IEC and the Afghan National Whereas security concerns and voter in- ible elections will help safeguard the legit- Security Forces to identify and provide security timidation have impeded the ability of peo- imacy of the next Afghan government and for vulnerable areas of the country during the ple in Afghanistan to cast votes reliably and will help prevent future violence by groups election period; safely in past elections; that may be ready to contest a process per- (14) urges the Afghan National Security Whereas Afghan women in particular are ceived as rigged or dishonest; Forces to make every necessary effort to ensure prevented from meaningful participation in (8) recognizes that a democratically-elect- the safety of voters and candidates; the electoral process due to the security en- ed and legitimate government is important (15) expresses its support for the full partici- vironment, the scarcity of female poll work- to ensuring the long term stability of Af- pation of Afghan civil society in the election ers, and lack of awareness of women’s polit- ghanistan, as is the successful training and process; ical rights and opportunities, according to fielding of the Afghan National Security (16) urges the President of the United States the Free and Fair Election Foundation of Af- Forces; to ensure that all United States Government ef- ghanistan; (9) urges the Government of Afghanistan to forts in Afghanistan are well-coordinated and Whereas Afghanistan’s 2009 presidential respect and support the independence and are fully consistent with the American tax- election was characterized by inadequate se- impartiality of the Independent Electoral payers longstanding commitment to stability, de- curity for voters and candidates, low voter Commission (IEC) and the need for an inde- mocracy, and the rule of law in Afghanistan, turnout, and widespread fraud, according to pendent and impartial elections complaints including efforts to end public corruption; and the National Democratic Institute; mechanism with clear jurisdiction over the

VerDate Mar 15 2010 04:45 Jul 10, 2013 Jkt 029060 PO 00000 Frm 00044 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A09JY6.030 S09JYPT1 jbell on DSK7SPTVN1PROD with SENATE July 9, 2013 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S5575 final results, and urges all parties not to DAVY E. FOGLER, OF VIRGINIA minutes each; further, that at 12 p.m. RAPHAEL A. GARCIA, OF FLORIDA interfere with their deliberations; the Senate proceed to vote on the mo- JENNIFER K. GORMAN, OF VIRGINIA (10) urges the Parliament of Afghanistan to tion to invoke cloture on the motion to KEVIN GRIFFITH, OF MARYLAND pass legislation that will establish a consult- LEKISHA R. GUNN, OF ALABAMA proceed to S. 1238, the student loan ERIC C. HAMMARSTEN, OF OKLAHOMA ative and inclusive process for appointing KINGSPRIDE HAMMOND, OF VIRGINIA elections commissioners and allowing elec- bill. BRETT ETHAN HANSEN, OF VIRGINIA tion disputes to be resolved transparently The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without JOSHUA D. HATCH, OF TEXAS CALVIN HAYES, OF FLORIDA and fairly; objection, it is so ordered. GABRIEL LAVON HURST, OF NEW YORK (11) urges the IEC to adopt measures to BRIAN JEFFREY HUSAR, OF ILLINOIS f CHEN-TZE GEORGE HWANG, OF VIRGINIA better mitigate fraud, include marginalized GREGORY A. JENTZSCH, OF OREGON groups, and improve electoral transparency PROGRAM DAMION R. JOHNSON, OF NEW YORK of the polling and counting process and com- Ms. WARREN. At noon tomorrow, BRANDON W. KAPPUS, OF VIRGINIA municate these measures clearly and con- KEVIN J. KELLENBERGER, OF VIRGINIA there will be a cloture vote on the mo- KATHERINE KIGUDDE, OF CALIFORNIA sistently to the people of Afghanistan; CAITLYN KIM, OF NEW YORK (12) urges the Government of Afghanistan tion to proceed to the student loan bill. AMY ELIZABETH KORNBLUTH, OF FLORIDA JULIE A. LABORDE, OF NEVADA to support a credible and effective electoral f MARIANNE E. LEE, OF FLORIDA complaints mechanism whereby its members ADAM A. LUND, OF OREGON are perceived as impartial, it is given the ul- ADJOURNMENT UNTIL 10 A.M. JESSE LYNCH, OF FLORIDA NICHOLE L. MADDEN, OF PENNSYLVANIA timate authority on deciding whether a bal- TOMORROW TIMOTHY A. MILLER, OF VIRGINIA lot or candidate is disqualified, and it has Ms. WARREN. If there is no further CAROLYN I. MOORE, OF MISSOURI the time and resources to do its work; KARA M. MOORE, OF VIRGINIA business to come before the Senate, I JESSICA A. MORRIS, OF NEW YORK (13) urges close and continuing commu- ask unanimous consent it adjourn KENT MULLEN, OF VIRGINIA nication between the IEC and the Afghan Na- STEVEN MULLEN, OF MARYLAND under the previous order. EMILY M. R. NELSON, OF NEW YORK tional Security Forces to identify and pro- PHOEBE J. NEWMAN, OF MAINE vide security for vulnerable areas of the There being no objection, the Senate, BRUNO E. NOJIMA, OF VIRGINIA country during the election period; at 7 p.m., adjourned until Wednesday, LAUREN FORBES O’DOHERTY, OF NORTH CAROLINA ALEXANDER JOZEF PARCAN, OF PENNSYLVANIA (14) urges the Afghan National Security July 10, 2013, at 10 a.m. WILLIAM HAIGH PAYNE, OF VIRGINIA Forces to make every necessary effort to en- MARY JO ANN PHAM, OF MASSACHUSETTS f sure the safety of voters and candidates; ROBYN A. PUCKETT, OF GEORGIA GREGORY W. QUICK, OF PENNSYLVANIA (15) expresses its support for the full par- NOMINATIONS SEONG HEON RA, OF VIRGINIA ticipation of Afghan civil society in the elec- VALERIE M. REED, OF VIRGINIA tion process; Executive nominations received by EILEEN R. REQUENA, OF VIRGINIA the Senate: NATHAN W. RHOADS, OF VIRGINIA (16) urges the President of the United AMANDA J. RIVERS, OF VIRGINIA States to ensure that all United States Gov- EXPORT-IMPORT BANK OF THE UNITED STATES SARAH K. G. ROGERS, OF CALIFORNIA ernment efforts in Afghanistan are well-co- JOSEPH AARON ROZENSHTEIN, OF NEW YORK WANDA FELTON, OF NEW YORK, TO BE FIRST VICE PATRICK RUMLEY, OF FLORIDA ordinated and are fully consistent with the PRESIDENT OF THE EXPORT-IMPORT BANK OF THE WILBER N. SAENZ, OF VIRGINIA American taxpayers longstanding commit- UNITED STATES FOR A TERM EXPIRING JANUARY 20, 2017. SARA E. SAUKAS, OF VIRGINIA ment to stability, democracy, and the rule of (REAPPOINTMENT) ROBERT ALLEN SCOTT, OF IOWA DEPARTMENT OF STATE JOSEPH J. SENCHYSHYN, OF NEW YORK law in Afghanistan, including efforts to end JOSEPH F. SKRTIC, OF VIRGINIA public corruption; and MARK BRADLEY CHILDRESS, OF VIRGINIA, TO BE AM- JOSEPH B. SOLLENBERGER, OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUM- (17) urges the Secretary of State to condi- BASSADOR EXTRAORDINARY AND PLENIPOTENTIARY OF BIA THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA TO THE UNITED RE- SUSAN SKODA SOLLENBERGER, OF THE DISTRICT OF CO- tion financial, logistical, and political sup- PUBLIC OF TANZANIA. LUMBIA port for Afghanistan’s 2014 elections based on TOMASZ P. MALINOWSKI, OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUM- ANDREA R. STARKS, OF MARYLAND the implementation of reforms in Afghani- BIA, TO BE ASSISTANT SECRETARY OF STATE FOR DE- JOEL STEWART, OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA MOCRACY, HUMAN RIGHTS, AND LABOR, VICE MICHAEL DANIEL STREITFELD, OF TEXAS stan including— H. POSNER, RESIGNED. ELLEN TAMARKIN, OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA (A) increased efforts to encourage women’s CARLOS ROBERTO MORENO, OF CALIFORNIA, TO BE AM- KIMBERLY S. TIGHEARNAIN, OF VIRGINIA JEFFERY ALAN TOMASEVICH, OF THE DISTRICT OF CO- participation in the electoral process, in- BASSADOR EXTRAORDINARY AND PLENIPOTENTIARY OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA TO BELIZE. LUMBIA cluding provisions to ensure their full access EVAN RYAN, OF VIRGINIA, TO BE AN ASSISTANT SEC- VALERIE L. ULLRICH, OF NEW HAMPSHIRE to and security at polling stations; RETARY OF STATE (EDUCATIONAL AND CULTURAL AF- LAURA J. VERBISKY, OF MICHIGAN ERIC WASHABAUGH, OF VIRGINIA FAIRS), VICE JUDITH ANN STEWART STOCK, RESIGNING. (B) the implementation of measures to pre- RYAN MICHAEL WAYE, OF GEORGIA vent fraudulent registration and manipula- DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE MICHAEL A. WELCH, OF VIRGINIA tion of the voting or counting processes, in- MARK A. WELLS, OF VIRGINIA DENNIS V. MCGINN, OF MARYLAND, TO BE AN ASSIST- REBECCA R. WHITE, OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA cluding— ANT SECRETARY OF THE NAVY, VICE JACKALYNE JOHN F. WIEDOWER, OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA (i) establishment of processes to better PFANNENSTIEL, RESIGNED. DAVID LEE WILLEY, OF SOUTH DAKOTA TIARA WILLIAMS, OF VIRGINIA control ballots; FOREIGN SERVICE ODESSA M. WORKMAN, OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA (ii) vetting of and training for election offi- THE FOLLOWING-NAMED PERSONS OF THE DEPART- HAENIM YOO, OF CALIFORNIA cials; and MENT OF STATE TO BE CONSULAR OFFICERS AND SECRE- SEAN YOUNG, OF VIRGINIA (iii) full accreditation of and access for TARIES IN THE DIPLOMATIC SERVICE OF THE UNITED IN THE COAST GUARD STATES OF AMERICA: international and domestic election observ- THE FOLLOWING OFFICER FOR APPOINTMENT TO THE KATHLEEN M. ADAMS, OF FLORIDA GRADE INDICATED IN THE U.S. COAST GUARD PURSUANT ers; and CHARLES J. ADDISON, OF VIRGINIA TO THE AUTHORITY OF SECTION 271(D), TITLE 14, U.S. (C) prompt passage of legislation through STERLING K. AINSWORTH, OF VIRGINIA CODE: the Parliament of Afghanistan that codifies CLAUDIA A. ALVAREZ, OF VIRGINIA NAVDEEP AUJLA, OF WASHINGTON To be rear admiral the authorities and independence of the IEC ROBERT N. BADENHOP, OF VIRGINIA and an independent and impartial election BETHANY BARRIENTEZ, OF VIRGINIA RICHARD T. GROMLICH complaints mechanism. KATHRYN M. BOSWELL, OF MARYLAND IN THE AIR FORCE ANNA MARIE BOULOS, OF NEW HAMPSHIRE f DORCAS D. BRANNOCK, OF VIRGINIA THE FOLLOWING NAMED OFFICER FOR APPOINTMENT DAVID BYRNES, OF VIRGINIA IN THE UNITED STATES AIR FORCE TO THE GRADE INDI- ORDERS FOR WEDNESDAY, JULY JUAN C. CACERES, OF VIRGINIA CATED WHILE ASSIGNED TO A POSITION OF IMPORTANCE KARN L. CARLSON, OF TEXAS AND RESPONSIBILITY UNDER TITLE 10, U.S.C., SECTION 10, 2013 CARRINGTON R. CARTER, SR., OF MARYLAND 601: Ms. WARREN. Mr. President, I ask FLACELIA CELSULA, OF VIRGINIA To be lieutenant general TAMARA SAITO CHAO, OF CALIFORNIA unanimous consent that when the Sen- CHRISTOPHER M. CLOSE, OF VIRGINIA LT. GEN. JAMES M. KOWALSKI KEVIN M. COATS, OF FLORIDA ate completes its business today, it ad- IN THE NAVY CHIANA N. COLEMAN, OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA journ until 10 a.m. on Wednesday, July KATHLEEN L. COLGAN, OF VIRGINIA THE FOLLOWING NAMED OFFICER FOR APPOINTMENT 10, 2013; that following the prayer and STEVEN CUPIC, OF VIRGINIA IN THE UNITED STATES NAVY TO THE GRADE INDICATED MATTHEW T. DAVIS, OF VIRGINIA WHILE ASSIGNED TO A POSITION OF IMPORTANCE AND pledge, the morning hour be deemed MICHAEL DAVIS, OF VIRGINIA RESPONSIBILITY UNDER TITLE 10, U.S.C., SECTION 601: expired, the Journal of proceedings be BYRON H. DENNEY, OF VIRGINIA MICHAEL R. DISNER, OF VIRGINIA To be vice admiral approved to date, and the time for the SEAN DOHERTY, OF VIRGINIA VICE ADM. KURT W. TIDD two leaders be reserved for their use COCO DOWNEY, OF VIRGINIA LEON PAUL D’SOUZA, OF VIRGINIA IN THE ARMY later in the day; that the majority KEVIN Q. DUONG, OF VIRGINIA THE FOLLOWING NAMED OFFICER FOR REGULAR AP- FRANZ W. DURDLE, OF VIRGINIA leader be recognized and that following POINTMENT IN THE GRADE INDICATED IN THE UNITED STACEY C. DUVALL, OF MARYLAND STATES ARMY UNDER TITLE 10, U.S.C., SECTION 531: the remarks of the two leaders, the KATHRYN EDWARDS, OF PENNSYLVANIA time until 12 p.m. be equally divided KURT M. EILHARDT, OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA To be lieutenant colonel THOMAS ELFMONT, OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA and controlled between the two leaders RANDALL T. EVERS, OF MARYLAND DEAN C. ANDERSON or their designees, with Senators per- KAYLAN M. FILLINGHAM, OF MARYLAND THE FOLLOWING NAMED OFFICER FOR APPOINTMENT JACOB K. FISHER, OF FLORIDA IN THE GRADE INDICATED IN THE RESERVE OF THE mitted to speak therein for up to 10 SARAH LINDSEY FLEWELLING, OF MAINE ARMY UNDER TITLE 10, U.S.C., SECTION 12203:

VerDate Mar 15 2010 04:45 Jul 10, 2013 Jkt 029060 PO 00000 Frm 00045 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 9801 E:\CR\FM\A09JY6.029 S09JYPT1 jbell on DSK7SPTVN1PROD with SENATE S5576 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE July 9, 2013 To be colonel SHAWN R. BURTON AMBROSE U. MBONU WOODWARD H. CALDWELL MICHAEL D. MCBRIDE CHRISTOPHER D. PERRIN LAWRENCE F. CAMACHO MICHAEL R. MCBRIDE THE FOLLOWING NAMED OFFICERS FOR APPOINTMENT CHAD M. CARLSON JEFFREY A. MCCARTNEY TO THE GRADE INDICATED IN THE UNITED STATES ARMY ROGER D. CARROLL, JR. PATRICK J. MCCLELLAND MATTHEW P. CASHDOLLAR DENTAL CORPS UNDER TITLE 10, U.S.C., SECTIONS 624 WADE M. MCCOLLIN ANTHONY J. CASSINO ERIC A. MCCOY AND 3064: GLOVER H. CASTRO CHRISTOPHER M. MCCREERY To be major SANDRA L. CHAVEZ JAMES T. MCDONALD EDWIN L. CHILTON II TIMOTHY D. MCDONALD SHEENA L. ALLEN MICHAEL J. CHRISTIANSEN BEN P. MCFALL III MICHAEL M. ARMSTRONG STEVEN M. CLARK KYLE A. MCFARLAND DAVID A. AYALA NILE L. CLIFTON, JR. MARK T. MCGOVERN ANDREW M. BAKER KEVIN R. CLINE SHAWANA J. MCKNIGHT-BRAZZLE MICHAEL D. BARNO SCOTT T. CLUTTER CHARLES W. MCPHAIL MICHAEL J. BEKE PATRICK L. COBB IVAN K. MCPHERSON BRENT H. BETHERS OCTAVIA T. COLEMAN ROBB A. MEERT BERNARDO F. BIANCO MANUEL COLON ADAM MELNITSKY JENNIFER D. BRITT JASON R. CONDE LUKE J. MEYERS MICHAEL J. BROWNING TRENTON J. CONNER BURR H. MILLER AARON G. CAMPBELL STEPHEN D. COOK DOUGLAS M. MILLER STEVEN W. CAMPBELL DOUGLAS W. COPELAND ERIN C. MILLER CHRISTOPHER K. CHANG MYRTA I. CRESPO SAMUEL S. MILLER MILES R. CONE MARTIN L. CROUSE DANIEL MISIGOY MATTHEW J. COZBY FRANKIE J. CRUZ JARRETT S. MOFFITT PETER K. CUDJOE HERMINIO N. CRUZ ERIC J. MOLFINO KIRK R. DAHLKE SHANE R. CUELLAR ROBIN W. MONTGOMERY MINDY M. M. DAUGHERTY BRADLEY T. CULLIGAN GORDON R. MOON EDUARDO A. DECARDONAJULIA PAUL J. CURRY LATASSHA R. MOORE CANDACE K. DEVEAUX BENJAMIN K. DENNARD JAMES J. MORGAN JEFFRY D. FLETCHER JOEL L. DILLON COLETTE M. MOSES GREGORY S. FURDEK KEVIN S. DIXON JARRETT R. MOSES JOHN O. GREEN GARRY DODARD CHAD M. NANGLE KYLE R. GRIFFITH STEVEN M. DOWGIELEWICZ, JR. GEORGE G. NASIF JONATHAN M. HARDY SARA E. DUDLEY DAVID L. NELSON, JR. MICHAEL A. HOFFMAN FELICIA R. EADDY PATRICK NIESTZCHE FREDWIN R. HOLOMON JAMES S. EDWARDS ALTHERIA M. NILES, JR. BRYAN L. HORSPOOL DANIELLE L. ELEY DONNIE NOWLIN MIGUEL A. JUSINOPEREZ LUKE E. EMERSON MICHAEL T. NUCKOWSKI YONG S. KIM CHRISTOPHER ENDERTON RYAN P. OQUINN MITCHELL P. KREUZE MELISSA R. ESLINGER DENNIS J. ORTIZ KWAME O. KWATENG MICHAEL E. FELLURE LESLEY G. ORTIZ KHAI Q. LE MICHAEL P. FITZGERALD ROBERT M. OVERGAARD, JR. DONG S. LEE TEVINA M. FLOOD ADALBERTO PAGANFIGUEROA MEGAN E. LICHTWARDT RUSSELL J. FOSTER CHRISTOPHER L. PAONE NATHAN R. LUND JACOB H. FREEMAN MICHAEL N. PARENT MATTHEW D. MORRIS DANIEL P. FRESH JONATHAN M. PATRICK JADELIN M. S. MORTON KIMBERLY K. FUHRMAN JASON D. PEREZ RUTH A. NELSON JOHN R. GAIVIN LETSY A. PEREZ-MARSDEN RYAN L. OLSON TIMOTHY M. GALLAGHER RICHARD H. PFEIFFER, JR. BRETT R. POTTER JAMES E. GANNON WAYNE N. PICKETT JENNIFER S. PRITTS SAFIYYA GAYTON JASON D. PIKE DEMARCIO L. REED JOEL A. GEGATO, JR. JOHN S. PIRES ALEXANDRA M. RIHANI MILES T. GENGLER REGINA PISTONE RYAN P. ROMERO ANTHONY R. GIBBS WILLIAM J. PONTES SHETEKA K. ROSSGOODLETT PETER L. GILBERT MICHAEL P. POST MATTHEW D. SCHAFER JASON D. GOOD JOHN W. PRATT RUSSELL K. SEARLE SETH C. GRAVES JOHN E. PRICE REZA J. SHARIFI LACHER M. GREEN CLYDELLIA S. PRICHARD ALLEN CLINT T. SHELLEY RONNARD GREEN CLYDEA M. PRICHARD-BROWN AARON D. SIMMONS GYLES E. GREGORY III GARY J. PRUIETT, JR. JONATHAN D. SPENN JEREL R. GRIMES BRUCE R. PULVER MARY S. STUART MICHAEL J. HALLEY RYAN L. RAYMOND NATHAN R. THOMPSON TODD W. HANDY MARK D. REA II STEVEN J. TODD JASON J. HANIFIN SCOTT M. REED ERNESTO M. VERA, JR. DIANA B. HARE ERIN D. REEDER NAM T. VO CURTIS N. HARPER RYAN L. REID DOUGLAS N. WATERMAN ALFRED L. HARRIS, JR. DARIN S. REILING LEAH M. WIGER FREDERICKA R. HARRIS NICOLE U. REINHARDT GARRETT G. WOOD JON C. HAVERON CHRISTINE H. RICE MIAO X. ZHOU TIMOTHY W. HAYLETT TRINA RICE PRESTON J. HAYWARD DANNY L. ROBINSON THE FOLLOWING NAMED OFFICERS FOR APPOINTMENT JASON H. HEARN PERNELL A. ROBINSON TO THE GRADE INDICATED IN THE UNITED STATES ARMY ROY E. HEFFNER ROBERT B. ROCHON UNDER TITLE 10, U.S.C., SECTION 624: RAPHAEL S. HEFLIN HECTOR ROMAN To be lieutenant colonel MARK P. HENDERSON CHRISTINE D. RONEY CARL L. HENNEMANN EVANGELINE G. ROSEL COURTNEY L. ABRAHAM JUSTIN S. HERBERMANN JOHN P. T. ROUB ROBERT S. ADCOCK WAYNE F. HIATT EDWARD K. ROWSEY ANDREW J. AIELLO III RALPH G. HILLMER III JAY C. SAWYER AMANDA B. AKERS-VORNHOLT GREGORY J. HIRSCHEY BRYANT L. SCHUMACHER EVERARDO ALANIS RUSSELL V. HOFF RICARDO L. SIERRAGUZMAN TROY V. ALEXANDER SCOTT E. HOLDEN ROBERT W. SLEASMAN TODD J. ALLISON JONATHAN R. HOLLAND JACQUELINE A. SMITH LUIS M. ALVAREZ JOEL R. HOLMSTROM CHRISTOPHER W. SNIPES JASON M. ALVIS WANDA I. HUDDLESTON BRIAN E. SOUHAN MATTHEW K. ANASTASI IAN W. HUMPHREY GREGORY S. SOULE CHRISTIAN O. ANDERSON ROBERT W. HUMPHREYS LYNNA M. SPEIER BRANDY M. ANDREWS DAVINA L. HUNT JONATHAN W. SPURLOCK JUDY C. ANTHONY CURTIS L. JOHNSON MICHAEL D. STEALEY AUGUST A. ARDUSSI LEE M. JOHNSON KELLY K. STEELE JOHN L. ARGUE KEITH JONES, JR. TONEY R. STEPHENSON WILLIAM C. ARNOLD LATONYA N. JORDAN JAYSON L. STEWART CARLA J. AUGUSTINE LOUIS J. KARNES MARK W. SUSNIS CARMEN M. AVILESECHEVARRIA GLEN P. KEITH LARRY A. SWINTON MICHAEL A. BAKER CHRISTOPHER S. KENNEDY MATTHEW D. TATMAN ROBERT E. BAKER RYAN R. KING STEPHEN R. TAUTKUS BRAD A. BANE TROY T. KIRBY MARK R. TAYLOR MARCUS L. BATES RUSSELL W. KLAUMAN CHESLEY D. THIGPEN LOYD BEAL III JOHN W. KREDO DOUGLAS C. THOMPSON BRIAN D. BEINER BRIAN D. KUHN HERB L. THOMPSON CHICO D. BENNETT MICHAEL F. LABRECQUE KENNETH D. THOMPSON DEREK A. BIRD KEIRYA R. LANGKAMP FRANCIS P. TOBIN CATHERINE M. BLACK STACEY L. LEE ANNA C. TRUESDALE SETH T. BLAKEMAN ROBERT L. LEIATO JASON A. TUCKER KENYA M. BOOKER MICHAEL L. LINDLEY MICHAEL K. J. TYLER FREDA V. BOUCHELAGHEM BENJAMIN M. LIPARI BRIAN T. UNGERER KEVIN D. BOUREN TODD R. LITTLE LAURA C. UPDEGRAFF TERRY D. BRANNAN STEVEN S. LITVIN ERIC J. VANDEHEY GARY W. BROCK, JR. MICHAEL E. LUDWICK ERIC D. VANDEWEG CHRISTOPHER M. BROWN RYAN P. LUEDERS CHAD E. VAUGHN CAPRISSA S. BROWNSLADE SCOTT A. MADDRY STEPHEN F. VENSOR LAHAVIE J. BRUNSON SCOTT J. MADORE MATTHEW H. VINING THOMAS A. BUCHHOLZ JOHN J. MAHER DEREK M. VINSON ZACHARY J. BUETTNER TRAHON T. MASHACK WAYNE A. VORNHOLT JAMES M. BUNYAK, JR. CARL E. MASON TRACY L. WADLE PETER Q. BURKE CHRISTINE A. MASSEY RONALD D. WALCK

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LISA K. WALSH JOHNNY A. DIAS MATTHEW B. MOTE JASON B. WAMSLEY JEFFREY M. DIFFENDERFER MARVIN S. MOUL SHAWN P. WARD MICHAEL S. DIGBY RITA P. MUNSON MARIO A. WASHINGTON MICHAEL A. DIMEOLA KRISTEN E. NATALE JASON WEHRMAN PETER Q. DINH JESS T. NELSON JAMES R. WILEY MARY S. DOELLMAN MARSHALL S. NICKEL ARCHIE L. WILLIAMS, JR. JOSEPH W. DOMBROWSKY MICHAEL D. NICKERSON HURCHEL L. WILLIAMS MICHAEL S. DONOVAN CHRISTOPHER M. NOVAK JAY J. WILLIAMS DANIEL R. DOUCE BENNETT J. OBERG JOHN M. WILLIAMS MARIT C. DUFFY ARTHUR C. OKWESILI ONEAL A. WILLIAMS, JR. SEAN P. DUFFY RYAN T. OLESZEWSKI SCOTT L. WILLIAMS CHRISTOPHER R. ENGLAND JONATHAN R. OLIVA BRIAN N. WITCHER GRANT H. EVANS MICHAEL I. ORESTES AARON M. WOLFE J R. L. EVANSON NICHOLAS H. ORR BRIAN P. WOLFORD JAMES A. FALCON PATRICK D. OWSIAK AUDREY S. L. WOO CHRISTOPHER A. FARABAUGH NATHALIE D. PAOLINO JUSTIN M. ZIMMER ALLYSON E. FEWELL JAMES R. PASCUAL ANTHONY E. ZUPANCIC KELLY V. FITZPATRICK JEANNE C. PATZKOWSKI D003084 CHRISTOPHER M. FORBUSH MICHAEL S. PATZKOWSKI D003915 JILLIAN M. FRANKLIN ZAAL H. PAYMASTER D010505 TRACY L. FRANZOS SAMUEL M. PEIK D010567 DEREK M. FRAZIER JENNIFER M. PENA D010658 ESTEPHAN J. GARCIA DANIEL L. PERRAULT D010859 BRANDON I. GARDNER SHANNA B. PETTIE D010897 JENNIFER M. GARRISON TYLER A. PEZALSKI ROBERT B. GAYLE D010955 NATALIE W. PHILBRICK SARAH K. GIBBONS D011115 BRANDON N. PHILLIPS JOSEPH E. GILLHAM D011386 BRUCE D. PIER JOHN L. GLOMSET III D011394 RICHARD A. PIERRE RONALD P. GOODLETT D011398 JUSTIN D. PILGRIM CHASE A. GRAMES D011476 WALDA S. PINN RACHEL A. GRAVEL ZACHARY J. PLOTZ THE FOLLOWING NAMED OFFICERS FOR APPOINTMENT KATHLEEN A. GREEN DANIEL R. POSSLEY TO THE GRADE INDICATED IN THE UNITED STATES ARMY RICHARD N. GREENE, JR. AARON M. PROFFITT MEDICAL CORPS UNDER TITLE 10, U.S.C., SECTIONS 624 JESSE D. GREER AND 3064: LAUREN T. GREER JASON S. RADOWSKY To be major LESTER L. GREER UMA E. RAMADORAI SAMUEL L. GRINDSTAFF ENRIQUEZ E. RAMIREZ CHRISTOPHER L. AARON BRIAN GROGAN RICHARD H. RAWSON ROMAN A. ACIERTO KELLY L. GROOM JASON M. REESE JOSHUA A. ADAMS ROBERT J. GRUMBO ELIZABETH A. RHYNE ATIF U. AHMED LOUIS K. HAASE MARK L. RIDDLE TROY W. AKERS JOSH E. HANSEN JULIE A. RIZZO JASON B. ALISANGCO MEGAN M. HANSON RYAN L. ROBERTS DAVID M. ANDERSON CHRISTOPHER B. HARTNESS SCOTT H. ROBINSON MARK R. ANDERSON FREDERICK A. HAUSER ERIK Q. ROEDEL ALLAN A. ANDRES KATHERINE M. HETZ LUIS O. ROHENA PETER S. ARMANAS CATON L. HILL IVAN R. ROHENAQUINQUILLA JUSTIN M. ATKINS CHAD A. HILLS NATHAN J. ROHLING SARKIS BABIKIAN ELIZABETH C. HINES PHILIP A. ROSEN MEGAN L. BARNWELL ZACHARY S. HOFFER CLARK M. ROSENBERRY ROBERT M. BARNWELL JASON L. HOKE MARK J. ROSENGREN KATE L. BARRONMICHEL LINCOLN A. HOLDAWAY KEVIN D. ROWLEY NATHAN S. BECKERMAN CARL F. HOOGESTEGER LAURA RUBINATE KELLY E. BEEKEN MARK E. HOOSTE DAWN M. RUMINSKI ADRIANE E. BELL MICHELLE B. HORNBAKERPARK CHRISTOPHER A. RUMSEY JAIME L. BELLAMY SONYA B. HORWELL RYAN C. RUSNOK CHRISTOPHER J. BERMUDEZ DAVID C. HOSTLER SCOTT R. SANDERSON JOHN C. BERRY JOHN E. HOUK KENT A. SAUNDERS ADAM J. BEVEVINO CHARLES T. HOUNSHELL ANDREW T. SCHLUSSEL TODD A. BIALOWAS AICHA M. HULL DONALD A. SCHULTZ MARK A. BLACK DAVID W. HUMPHREY WILLIAM F. SCULLY III JAMES A. BLAIR APRIL J. HURLSTON ALAN K. SEARS BRITTONY L. BLAKEY MARIAN N. HYATT AARON A. SEE ANDREW F. BOGNANNO DMITRI IGONKIN REBECCA M. SEIFRIED LESLIE B. BOOTHBY BENJAMIN J. JABARA JERRY P. SEILER DANTAE L. BOWIE KEITH L. JACKSON DANIEL J. SESSIONS JOSEPH M. BOYER POOJA B. JASANI OMAR SHAMI JACQUELINE BRADEN JOSEPH D. JENKINS JAMES R. SHAUBERGER SAMANTHA L. BRANDON LESLIE A. JETTE RICHARD SHERIDAN DEAN M. BREWER GABRIEL H. JOHNSON MICHAEL J. SHIGEMASA RACHEL M. BREWSTER LYNNETTE M. JOHNSON EMILY H. SHIN ANDREW T. BRIGG SYLVIA B. JOHNSON TERRY SHIN JOEL R. BROCKMEYER WARREN P. JOHNSON RYAN N. SIEG STERLING L. BRODNIAK CHRISTOPHER P. JORDAN EMILY A. SIMMONS JIM A. BROOKS CONOR M. KAIN TYSON J. SJULIN JOHN A. BROOKS JOSEPH H. KAMERATH JASON M. SMALLEY GREGORY S. BROWN DANIEL G. KANG JENNIFER M. SMITH KRISTEN P. BUNCH MADEERA KATHPAL JONATHAN K. SMITH SCOTT R. BUNKER MICHAEL J. KELLY MORI S. SPEAKMAN KRISTINA G. BURGERS DIANA L. KENYON JAY M. STANLEY JASON M. CAGE JESSICA J. KEPCHAR JUSTIN P. STERNE DAVID M. CALLENDER OWEN R. KIERAN CHRISTOPHER B. SUGALSKI ANTHONY P. CARDILE JONATHAN K. KIM RACHEL M. R. SULLIVAN PAUL A. CAREY JAMES W. KOCH JONATHAN P. SWISHER MICKEY S. CHABAK MONIKA A. KRZYZEK ROBERTO TAAREA DAVID M. CHAMBERS GINA D. KUBICZ MELINDA A. THIAM CHRISTOPHER P. CHANEY EDWARD Y. KWON DIMITRI M. THOMAS WILLIAM T. CHANG CHRISTIAN A. LABRA DUSTIN M. THOMAS ANDREW W. CHAPMAN MARIO D. LAGIGLIA KENDRA L. THOREN LISA M. CHAPMAN SHERRELL T. LAM JEFFREY THORMEYER GRIGORY CHARNY MILES C. LAYTON JOHN S. THURLOW TONY T. CHOI DARA S. LEE EVAN T. TRIVETTE SCOTT R. CHRISTENSEN EARL LEE SANDRA A. VANHORN VITO V. CIRIGLIANO JOSEPH S. LEE KRISTEN E. VINES GREGORY C. CLAIBORN THERESA M. LONG DRUMMOND G. VOGAN JACOB R. CLAWSON AMBER A. LOVELACE MARC R. WALKER BRIAN M. COHEE LUIS E. LOZADAMARRERO JONATHAN M. WALSH JOHN C. COLEMAN MYRO A. LU ROBERT J. WALTER SUSAN M. COLLA JASON A. MACDONNELL MATTHEW A. WESTHOFF DHRUTI CONTRACTOR CRISTIAN S. MADAR AARON B. WICKLEY DANIEL G. CONWAY HOWARD K. MAHONEY DOUGLAS B. WIDENER STEVEN C. CORDERO ANNA MAKELA INDY M. M. WILKINSON DANIEL J. CORREA JULIAN G. MAPP MOLLY E. WILLIAMS LUIZ F. CORREA KEVIN D. MARTIN NICOLE A. WILLIAMSON DEVEN D. COX DEANNA L. MASCHOCAWLEY CHRISTOPHER E. WILSON JAMES A. COX RYAN M. MASCIO KRISTOPHER C. WILSON JERIS M. COX AARON G. MATLOCK BRIAN P. WINSTON MICHAEL J. CRIMMINS JENNIFER L. MCCAIN WAYNE O. WOLVERTON BETHANY S. CUNNINGHAM JOHN P. MCCALLIN III MATTHEW S. WRIGHT BENJAMIN D. DAGGETT KAREN M. MCGRANE AHMAD H. YASSIN CASY A. DANIELSEN ADAM B. MEHRING CHONG K. YI MIA D. DEBARROS JASPER K. MESARCH JOSHUA C. ZINNER ERIK A. DEDEKAM MATTHEW E. MILLER NATHAN P. ZWINTSCHER MICHAEL A. DEMARCANTONIO CHRISTOPHER A. MITCHELL THE FOLLOWING NAMED OFFICERS FOR APPOINTMENT KATHERINE L. DENGLER JUSTIN S. MITCHELL TO THE GRADE INDICATED IN THE UNITED STATES ARMY LAURA L. DESADIER JACQUELINE D. MOORE UNDER TITLE 10, U.S.C., SECTION 624:

VerDate Mar 15 2010 04:45 Jul 10, 2013 Jkt 029060 PO 00000 Frm 00047 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 9801 E:\CR\FM\A09JY6.009 S09JYPT1 jbell on DSK7SPTVN1PROD with SENATE S5578 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE July 9, 2013 To be lieutenant colonel COURTNEY L. HENDERSON GREG C. REESON CORA D. HENRY SHANE R. REEVES RICHARD R. ABELKIS RANDAL E. HICKMAN RANDALL L. ROCKROHR JEFFREY W. ADAMS TIMOTHY M. HILL ALFREDO RODRIGUEZ III CHRISTOPHER G. ALESHIRE WILLIAM R. HOGAN MICHAEL J. RODRIGUEZ ERIC A. ANDERSON BRYAN E. HOOPER MATTHEW A. ROSS TERRI L. ANDREONI JONATHAN W. HUGHES ROBERT K. ROSS GREG W. ANK CAROLYN E. HUNT DAVIDMICHAEL P. ROUX VALERO R. AQUINO, JR. EARL J. HUNTER CHADDRICK L. RUSSELL DAVID C. ASHCRAFT II PAMELA S. HUNTER DARCY R. SAINTAMANT CHARLES L. ASSADOURIAN TERENCE M. HUNTER NATHAN T. SAMMON ROBERT L. ATIENZA GUY C. HUNTSINGER SCOTT M. SANFORD, SR. CHRISTOPHER A. BACHL AMANDA L. IDEN BRIAN J. SCHMANSKI STEPHANIE A. BAGLEY JAMES D. JACKSON MATTHEW J. SCHREIBER TAMIKA B. BAILEY KEE Y. JEONG CHRISTOPHER L. SCHREINER JAMES W. BAKER ALTON J. JOHNSON THOMAS A. SCOTT ERIK S. BARKEI MARK H. JOHNSON SCOTT B. SEIDEL TIMOTHY S. BEAN DIKILA L. JONES JESSE T. SESSOMS TIA L. BENNING ROBERT L. JONES III MICHAEL T. SHAW JAMES K. BJERKAAS ROBERT M. KAM COREY N. SHEA ERIC R. BJORKLUND GALEN R. KANE JEFFREY A. SHEEHAN BRIAN S. BLACKSTONE DEXTER J. KELLY NICHOLAS R. SIMONTIS JAMES N. BLAIN, JR. EDWARD W. KENDALL WILLIAM L. SKIMMYHORN REX L. BLAIR, JR. MARVIN L. KING III BRENT O. SKINNER CRAIG M. BLANDO JOSEPH A. KLING JONATHAN P. SLOAN MICHAEL A. BONURA NED A. KRAFCHICK ACETRION L. SMALLWOOD MARIA C. BORBON JACOB M. KRAMER CHARLES D. SMITH RANDY BOUCHER JOHN P. KUNSTBECK CHRISTOPHER M. SMITH ALEXANDER BRASZKO, JR. DAVID C. LAMBERT, JR. DENNIS A. SMITH SEAN M. BRATTON GARRETT L. LANDERS JAY B. SMITH CHRISTOPHER T. BRIDGES MICHAEL E. LEE MICHAEL L. SMITH CARL R. BROOKS SHANE E. LEE TRACEY E. SMITH JAMES D. BROWN, JR. KURTIS A. LEFFLER TRAVIS A. SMITH STEPHEN C. BROWNE ANDREW M. LEONARD WALLACE N. SMITH TIMOTHY T. BRUCE DENE R. LEONARD III THOMAS W. SPAHR MICHAEL C. BURGOYNE MICHAEL LEWCZAK CHRISTOPHER J. SPRINGER MICHAEL L. BURGOYNE JORIN C. LINTZENICH WILLIAM J. STARR, JR. LISA J. LIVINGOOD JONATHAN D. BURNETT HUBERT L. STEPHENS ERIC D. BUTLER JONATHAN E. LONG SHARON STEPHENS CHRISTOPHER J. BYRD CHRISTOPHER J. LONGO KEVIN C. STEYER KEVIN G. CAHILL JEFFREY T. LOPEZ KIM A. STONE ADISA O. CARTER DIANA C. LOUCKS DANIEL A. STRODE CARL T. CARTER, JR. GARY A. LOUCKS WILLIAM E. SUMNER BRIAN D. CASTELLANI CRAIG R. LOVE AARON C. SWAIN CHRISTOPHER B. CHAMBLISS GARY A. LOVE JAMES M. SWARTZ PETER H. CHAPMAN SETH T. LUCENTE CHRISTOPHER R. SYBERT JAMES M. CHASTAIN FERNANDO M. LUJAN MOMOEVI S. TAWAKE JOSEPH B. CHESTNUT II CHARLES C. LUKE MATTHEW A. TEMPLEMAN JOHN A. CHISOLM RODOLFO U. LUNASIN CHRISTIAN G. TEUTSCH ARI A. CLAIBORNE KIRK E. MACDONALD GINA A. THOMAS JASON P. CLARK BRIGHAM J. MANN MICHAEL S. TOKAR RONALD H. COHEN CHRISTOPHER D. MARCHETTI ERNEST TORNABELL IV KACI H. COLE CRAIG A. MARTIN STEVEN J. TOTH PAUL B. COLE IV MICHAEL W. MARTIN JOHN S. TRANSUE, JR. ALEXANDER D. CORBIN RODOLFO MARTINEZ, JR. JOHN J. TRYLCH JACULYN R. COSEY LATASHA M. MATTHEWS RONALD E. TURNAGE JEFFREY A. COULON RANDALL D. MCCAULEY MELANIE C. VINTON DAVID F. COY HEATH L. MCCORMICK BRIAN D. VOGT MICHAEL P. CULLINANE KEVIN M. MCKIERNAN JOSEPH C. WALCHKO BRIAN H. CUNNINGHAM MATTHEW L. MCMILLEN ERIC M. WALTHALL NICOLE H. CURTIS WILLIAM S. MCNICOL CHRISTOPHER D. WASHINGTON ANDREW J. CYCKOWSKI PATRICIA E. MCPHILLIPS AARON S. WELCH LAN T. DALAT ALEXANDER S. MENTIS BRIAN K. WELCH WILLIAM R. DANIEL II SHAWN E. MERGES RICHARD D. WELLMAN, JR. MARC D. DANIELS DANIEL R. MILLER EDWIN B. WERKHEISER II BRANDON J. DARBY JOHN T. MILLER CHRISTIAN L. WERNER BENJAMIN A. DAWSON BRADLEY W. MILLS II JOHN F. WHITFIELD, JR. KEITH W. DEGREGORY ROGER MIRANDA ROBERT S. J. WHITTINHAM MATTHEW A. DELOIA JAMES F. MONTGOMERY ANNE M. R. WIERSGALLA MICHAEL F. DEROSIER SHON R. MOORE KENNETH J. WILKINSON THOMAS M. DEVEANS JARROD P. MORELAND DEMITRA L. WILLIAMSON GARRETT S. DEWITT GREGORY MORRIS JAMES E. WINLAND JERRY W. DIAMOND, JR. ANDREW A. MORRISON JASON P. WRIGHT ROBERT T. DIXON STEVEN D. MOSELEY CHRISTOPHER M. YOUNG DANIEL K. DORADO SHANE A. MOYER WALTER D. ZACHERL ROBERT F. DUFFY, JR. JEFFREY A. MUIR MARK M. ZAIS BRIAN E. DUGAN DAVID J. MULACK SEAN L. ZINN JONATHAN S. DUNN JOHN J. MYERS LORI L. P. ZUBIETA REGINAL K. DYKES THOMAS J. NAGLE, JR. D001295 PAMELA L. DZIEDZIC JOSHUA R. NAGTZAAM D001743 MATTHEW D. EBERHART TODD A. NAPIER D010096 ERIC J. EBERLINE ERIC P. NEBEKER D010156 BRIT K. ERSLEV ANTHONY W. NELSON D010175 BENTON J. FABER KEVIN M. NEUMANN D010330 ADAM T. FAIN ANTHONY J. NEWTSON D010347 JEFFREY J. FAIR CHI K. NGUYEN D010728 TYLER K. FAULK THO D. NGUYEN D010910 CARLOS K. FERNANDEZ SEAN C. NOWLAN D011007 EFRAIN FERNANDEZANAYA CHRISTY L. H. NYLAND D011232 MARCUS M. FERRARA PAUL S. H. OH D011293 JAY D. FINE GREGORY G. ORRELL D011311 MICHAEL J. FLENTIE GARY S. OSCAR D011392 DOUGLAS M. FLETCHER TIMOTHY R. OSULLIVAN D011397 MARC J. FRANCISZKOWICZ JONATHAN A. OTTO D011530 JAMIE GARCIA DAVID P. OWEN D011694 BENJAMIN A. GARDNER IVAN A. PALACIOS D011712 RICHARD E. GARNER, JR. RONNIE PARK G001129 JIMMY T. GAW MICHAEL D. PARKER G001133 DOUGLAS F. GIBSON STEPHEN M. PARRISH, SR. G001316 BRIAN C. GOINGS STACEY D. PATTERSON G001345 JEREMY J. GRAY LIVIA A. PAYNE G001407 THOMAS D. GREENE JASON B. PERIATT JASON P. GRESH STEPHEN J. PETERS THE FOLLOWING NAMED OFFICERS FOR APPOINTMENT MARCUS W. GRIMES DWIGHT E. PHILLIPS, JR. TO THE GRADE INDICATED IN THE UNITED STATES ARMY JACQUELINE A. GUILLORY SHAW S. PICK UNDER TITLE 10, U.S.C., SECTION 624: CHRISTIAN A. HAFFEY WILLIAM L. PLATTE To be lieutenant colonel MICHAEL L. HALL JAMES J. POCHOPIEN ROBERT E. HAMILTON GEORGE POLOVCHIK III JOSEPH H. ALBRECHT STEPHEN S. HAMILTON DALLAS A. POWELL, JR. JOSEPH M. ALBRIGHT KURT A. HAMMOND THOMAS S. PUGSLEY JAMES G. ALDEN JOSEPH A. HARRIS, JR. DOUGLAS M. PULLEY JORDAN A. ALEXANDER CHRISTOPHER W. HARTLINE JORN A. PUNG MATTHEW S. ALLISON HEATH D. HARTSOCK CHAD B. QUAYLE CHRISTOPHER T. ALTAVILLA ERIC HARTUNIAN KAREN F. RADKA EDGAR J. ALVAREZ CHRISTOPHER J. HEATHERLY FRANCISCO J. RANEROGUZMAN RICHARD F. AMADON ROBERT M. HEFFINGTON PETER J. RASMUSSEN MICHAEL T. ANDERS RYAN C. HELLERSTEDT STANLEY M. REED, SR. MARK C. ANDRES

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AARON ANGELL MARK J. DEROCCHI WILLIAM R. KEATING MATTHEW T. ARCHAMBAULT RYAN C. DICKERSON JAMES D. KEMTER LUIS R. ARZUAGAMALAVE NICHOLAS J. DICKSON WALTER E. KENT III JAMES M. ASHBURN HANNON A. DIDIER GARY A. KERR ARIEYEH J. AUSTIN TIMOTHY J. DILEY DON M. KING MICHAEL S. AVEY NATHAN T. DIVELBESS PHILLIP J. KINIERY III MICHAEL T. BAILEY HANSJORG W. DOCHTERMANN BRYAN G. KIRK MICHAEL D. BAJEMA JAYSON B. DODGE SPRING A. KIVETT RODNEY S. BAKER ROBERT J. DUCHAINE JAMES S. KLEAGER MATTHEW S. BALINT ANTWAN L. DUNMYER THEODORE W. KLEISNER JULIE A. BALTEN WILLIAM M. DUNN MICHAEL F. KLOEPPER ELLIS H. BARNES IV JAMES R. DUNWOODY VANCE J. KLOSINSKI DALE E. BARNETT, JR. RAFAEL A. DURANMARIOT JASON M. KNIFFEN SAMUEL L. BATTAGLIA SONJA G. DYER TIMOTHY G. KNOTH JEFFREY R. BAVIS JASON A. EDDY ERIK K. KOBER MARC P. BECKAGE THOMAS P. EHRHART AARON T. KOHLER CALMER R. BEESON RYAN R. EHRLER STEPHEN J. KOLOUCH MARK D. BELINSKY ROBERT C. ELDRIDGE KEITH A. KRAMER SUNSET R. BELINSKY KIMBERLY A. ELNIFF PETER N. KREMZAR JEREMY D. BELL JAMES R. EMBRY MICHAEL R. KUHN LAWSON F. BELL JASON S. ENYART TIMOTHY D. LABAHN ANDREW T. BELLOCCHIO GEORGE S. EYSTER V ROBERT B. LACKEY DEREK J. BELLOWS CHRISTOPHER T. FAHRENBACH JASON A. LACROIX BENJAMIN A. BENNETT STEPHEN A. FAIRLESS MARK A. LASTORIA MICHAEL A. BERDY BRIAN K. FEDDELER DAVID LAW LARRY J. BERGERON, JR. MARK D. FEDEROVICH GERALD S. LAW AUGUSTO J. BERNARDO LEE S. FENNEMA AYODELE O. LAWSON STEVEN A. BESEDA RICHARD M. FINFERA CLINTON L. LEE, JR. STEPHEN M. BESINAIZ DEREK S. FINISON EDDY J. LEE JOSEPH B. BETHEL BRADLEY C. FOOSE RANCE A. LEE ANDREW M. BEYER SHEFFIELD F. FORD III BRENT L. LEGREID DANIEL D. BLACKMON CHAD R. FOSTER JOHN C. LEMAY MATTHEW R. BOCKHOLT LAWRENCE E. FOULKS II RICHARD D. LENCZ LEE E. BOKMA PAUL A. FOWLER AARON M. LEONARD ROY L. BOLAR ADAM B. FREDERICK HEATHER A. LEVY JOSHUA R. BOOKOUT WILL B. FREDS MATTHEW P. LILLIBRIDGE JARED D. BORDWELL ALEXANDER S. FUERST BRENT W. LINDEMAN KENRIC F. BOURNE JOHN A. GAGAN RAFAEL E. LINERARIVERA DAVID D. BOWLING BRADY A. GALLAGHER GARY L. LLOYD SILAS R. BOWMAN ROBERT M. GAMBRELL, JR. JOSEPH E. LONG RYAN P. BOYLE MANUEL R. GARCIA THOMAS C. LONG JEFFREY A. BRACCO THOMAS M. GENTER MICHAEL S. LONGACRE JAMES A. BRADY JOSEPH C. GERACI III ERIC D. LOPEZ KENNETH J. BRAEGER JOHN E. GIANELLONI JOHN LOPEZ JEFFERY J. BRAGG JEREMY A. GILKES BRIAN F. LOVE KARST K. BRANDSMA JUDSON B. GILLETT CHRISTOPHER T. LOWMAN BRUCE A. BREDLOW RYAN R. GILLOGLY KAREN LUGODEAN MATTHEW P. BREWSTER KELVIN L. GLASS KURT W. LUMBERT CHRISTOPHER D. BRINGER PETER C. GLASS MATTHEW W. LUZZATTO KIRK E. BRINKER PETER F. GODFRIN, JR. JOHN D. LYBARGER WENDY E. BRINSON TIMOTHY A. GODWIN LARRY J. LYLE, JR. BRIAN D. BROBECK ANDREW R. GRAHAM DOUGLAS LYNCH MICHELLE B. BRONELL CHARLES B. GRAY CHRISTOPHER S. MAHAFFEY COLIN N. BROOKS JOSEPH E. GRAY RICHARD W. MALTBIE, JR. MERVIN G. BROTT ROBERT E. GRAY WINSTON M. MARBELLA ALAN S. BROWN DEMETRIUS A. GREEN AARON M. MARTIN WADE D. BROWN STUART C. GREER ANGEL M. MARTINEZRODRIGUEZ ELDRIDGE D. BROWNE MICHAEL E. GRISWOLD ALICIA M. MASSON COREY A. BRUNKOW JEANMICHEL T. GUERIN DAVID N. MAYO, JR. ROBERT K. BRYANT EDDIE J. GUERRERO PETER P. MAZZELLA III FRANK M. BUCHHEIT ROBERT K. GUNTHER RYAN D. MCAFEE TERRENCE H. BUCKEYE TRAVIS M. HABHAB JAMES S. MCCULLAR MICHAEL E. BUGAJ SAMUEL HALL KERNAA D. MCFARLIN III ALEXANDER L. BULLOCK ERIC R. HANES MATTHEW A. MCGREW MATHEW F. BUNCH MICHAEL A. HARDING KEVIN E. MCHUGH DAVID R. BUNKER MATTHEW J. HARDMAN TRAVIS L. MCINTOSH JASON T. BURGESS MATTHEW F. HARMON WILLIAM B. MCKANNAY JEFFREY T. BURGOYNE REGINALD R. HARPER JOSEPH P. MCLAINE JOHN M. BUSHMAN DAMON K. HARRIS JOHN A. MCLAUGHLIN DARREN W. BUSS MATTHEW B. HASH DONALD R. MEEKS, JR. JEFFREY S. BUTLER DAVID J. HASKELL TROY A. MEISSEL TODD S. BZDAFKA IRVIN R. HAWKINS JUSTIN T. MEISSNER TYLER G. CANTER DAVID L. HAYNES BILLY MEREDITH, JR. STEPHEN E. CAPEHART SHAWN M. HEBERT JOHN D. MILLAY BRIAN F. CARLIN DANIEL K. HEDMAN BRYAN M. MILLER JASON A. CARR RALPH R. HEIDEL, JR. DANIEL G. MILLER BRUCE J. CARTER TODD W. HEINTZELMAN FRED W. MILLER DANIEL A. CASTRO ROBERT J. HELLNER III HAROLD E. MILLER WILLIAM C. CAVIN BRIAN J. HENDERSON JABARI M. MILLER ADAM M. CHALMERS MARK E. HEROLD JEFFREY S. MILLER CHRISTOPHER N. CHAPMAN BRIAN L. HERZIK YVONNE C. MILLER JEREMY J. CHAPMAN WILLIAM O. HICKOK KENNETH D. MITCHELL CARL A. CHASTEEN AARON T. HILL, JR. JACOB A. MONG FRITZ B. CHERILUS JOHN E. HILL JASON G. MONTGOMERY DANIEL V. CHERRY MARK R. HIMES FERNANDO MONTOYA VARMAN S. CHHOEUNG JOSEPH E. HISSIM ALLEN T. MOORE, JR. CURRAN D. CHIDESTER RUSSELL G. J. HOGAN, JR. CLAY A. MORGAN CRAIG S. CHILDS CARSON S. HOKE CORNELIUS L. MORGAN KYUNGHO CHO TODD W. HOOK MATTHEW T. MORGAN DOMINIC J. CIARAMITARO BARRY L. HORSEY RYAN J. MORGAN WILLIAM C. CLARK, JR. BRIAN C. HOWARD JAMERSON W. MOSES BRENT A. CLEMMER MATTHEW R. HOWELL KELVIN E. MOTE MICHAEL K. COLE JAMES D. HOYMAN JAMES A. MOYES BRENNAN F. COOK ANTHONY W. HUDSON MATTHEW W. MULARONI KATRINA S. COOLMAN JOSEPH A. HUGH III CHRISTOPHER J. MULLIGAN AARON K. COOMBS JEFFREY M. HUSTON JOSEPH D. MUNGER EDWARD C. COONEY MATTHEW L. INGRAHAM ALEXANDER C. MURRAY GEORGE I. CORBARI DANIEL L. ISABELL CHAD T. MURRAY ELVIS CORONADO MARK IVEZAJ JEREMY S. MUSHTARE SEAN D. COULTER JOEL S. JACKSON DARREN E. MUSICO WILLIAM N. CRAIG III JOSEPH A. JACKSON WILLIAM B. NELSON JAMES R. CRANE RATASHA L. JACKSON JEFFREY J. NERONE MICHAEL P. CRANE ROBERT G. JENKINS, JR. ROBERT P. NESBIT JESSICA L. CRANFORD ROBERT L. JENKINS MICHAEL C. NICHOLSON KENNETH T. CRAWFORD MICHAEL C. JENSIK DAVID W. NOBLE ERIC D. CRISPINO JENEEN G. JOHNSON DENNIS E. NUTT LARRY J. CROUCHER MATTHEW K. JOHNSON JEREMY J. ODONNELL PAUL B. CULBERSON MICHAEL S. JOHNSON RICHARD N. OJEDA II JOHN K. CURRY JASON A. JOHNSTON JONATHAN L. OLSON MATTHEW W. DALTON MICHAEL A. JOHNSTON NATHANIEL J. ORLOWSKI JASON S. DAVIS LARRY R. JORDAN, JR. CHRISTOPHER T. OWEN JASON W. DAVIS MELVIN D. JUAN STEPHEN W. OWEN MICHAEL E. DAVIS JACKIE K. KAINA MICHAEL D. OWENS ANDREW J. DEATON THEODORE J. KAISER IAN C. PALMER BRIAN E. DECKER JENNIFER J. KASKER JOSEPH H. PARKER TONY L. DEDMOND, JR. SUNG K. KATO NEIL T. PARKS SCOTT M. DELLINGER CHARLES W. KEAN GITTIPONG PARUCHABUTR

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DAVID J. PASQUALE SCOTT M. VIRGIL TROY W. BROOKS SEBASTIAN A. PASTOR MICHAEL P. WAGNER JEFFREY D. DOMARK RYAN W. PATNODE FOY S. WALDEN MARTIN E. EVERS CHRISTOPHER D. PAYANT EUGENE M. WALDENFELS JENNIFER E. FERREIRA CHRISTOPHER A. PAYEUR LELAND W. WALDRUP II MICHAEL D. FERREIRA BRANDON Y. PAYNE GREGORY H. WALL BRIAN M. GILLEN MIKE L. PEARCE BRIAN L. WALLACE JAMES L. HARRIS III JEREMY L. PEIFER CHRISTOPHER L. WALLS JEFFREY L. HOCKETT ROBERT S. PERRY EDWARD S. WALTON JOHN B. HOYOS STEPHEN T. PETERSON WILLIAM J. WARD BRADLEY E. JONES MATHIEU N. PETRAITIS CHRISTOPHER A. WASHINGTON NIMA A. KHORASSANI STEPHEN C. PHILLIPS MATTHEW W. WEBER ROBERT M. LAUGHLIN GARY L. PINA RYAN K. WELCH THU N. LUU MICHAEL G. POIRIER STEVEN B. WELIVER JAMES H. MACDOWELL JOHN M. POOLE GABRIEL D. WELLS MICHAEL T. MOONEY WILLIAM H. POOLE IV MICHAEL R. WEST ZHENGSHI SONG SANTEL H. POWELL II JOHN T. WETTACK JAMES M. THOMPSON, JR. WILLIAM R. PRAYNER, JR. ANDREW D. WHISKEYMAN JOYCE Y. TURNER CHARLES E. PRICE JOSHUA D. WHITE THE FOLLOWING NAMED OFFICERS FOR APPOINTMENT MATTHEW K. PROHM JASON M. WHITTEN TO THE GRADE INDICATED IN THE UNITED STATES NAVY JAYSON H. PUTNAM SCOTT R. WHITTENBURG UNDER TITLE 10, U.S.C., SECTION 624: CASEY M. RANDALL DAVID C. WILLETTE LYNN W. RAY EDWIN A. WILLIAMS IV To be commander JAMES V. RECTOR JOHN D. WILLIAMS JAMES ALGER KENNETH J. REED SEAN P. WILLIAMS JAMES C. REESE WILLIAM R. BUTLER STEVEN M. WILLIAMS JASON CHUNG JUSTIN Y. J. REESE TROY A. WILLIAMS MONICA M. REID JASON A. CROSBY JAMES WILLS BOBBY D. DASHER, JR. JACQUELINE M. REINI JOHN M. WILSON DANIEL T. REMPFER STEPHEN J. FICHTER KEITH W. WILSON JOSHUA J. GAMEZ JENNIFER A. REYNOLDS JEFFERY E. WINEGAR PHILIP W. REYNOLDS LUKE B. GREENE MATTHEW H. WINTERS LUIS A. HOLKON, JR. JASON R. RIDGEWAY JEFFREY L. WITHERS II BRIAN G. RIDLEY JEFFREY D. JASINSKI CHRISTOPHER L. WONG KURT D. RITTERPUSCH DAVID M. JAYNE ADLAI B. WOOD BENJAMIN RIVERAOTERO CARL V. KIRAR STEVEN A. WOOD ROBERT A. ROBINSON II JASON G. KRANZ EARL D. WRIGHT, JR. PATRICK M. RODDY, JR. WARREN R. LEBEAU RYAN B. WYLIE CHAD M. ROEHRMAN BENJAMIN D. LEPPARD JASON A. YANDA JAMES J. ROGERS, JR. BRIAN J. LONGBOTTOM JAMES R. YASTRZEMSKY MATTHEW B. ROGERS MICHAEL W. MENO, JR. PHILIP A. YOUNG CURTIS L. ROWLAND, JR. NATHAN R. PAUKOVITS TIMOTHY M. ZAMORA MICHAEL S. RUPPERT BRENT C. PAUL JUAN C. ZAPATA JAMES D. RYE ANGEL L. SANTIAGO MARK C. ZIMMERMAN ROY C. SABALBORO, JR. JESUS M. SANTIAGO MICHAEL A. ZOPFI JASON M. SABAT GRIFFIN K. STAUFFER D001284 IVAN SALGADO JOEL R. STRAUS D001378 CHRISTOPHER A. SAMPLES OMARR E. TOBIAS D002253 JANE W. SANDER SUSANNE M. WIENRICH D005492 ERIC F. SAUER MARCUS E. WILLIAMSON D005731 DEAN S. SCALETTA WILLIAM E. WINDUS D006286 JAMES N. SCHAFER JASON N. WOOD D010055 JEFFREY S. SCHMIDT D010251 THE FOLLOWING NAMED OFFICERS FOR APPOINTMENT MICHAEL D. SCHOENFELDT D010369 TO THE GRADE INDICATED IN THE UNITED STATES NAVY BRYAN D. SCHOTT D010537 UNDER TITLE 10, U.S.C., SECTION 624: JOE M. SCHOTZKO D010675 BRADD A. SCHULTZ To be commander D010975 CONRAD A. SCHUPAY D011309 CHRISTOPHER W. ABBOTT MICHAEL S. SCIOLETTI ZIAD T. ABOONA SEAN A. SCOTT IN THE NAVY MARIA L. BAREFIELD JAMES D. SCROGIN KEITH M. BASS RYAN D. SEAGREAVES THE FOLLOWING NAMED OFFICERS FOR APPOINTMENT DANIEL E. BIBLE JOHN R. SEGO TO THE GRADE INDICATED IN THE UNITED STATES NAVY KELLY M. BOARDWAY JOHNNY D. SELLERS, JR. UNDER TITLE 10, U.S.C., SECTION 624: JORI S. BRAJER DARON L. SETTLES To be commander DAVID M. BURKE MATTHEW J. SHEIFFER THOMAS F. BURKE III WILLIAM C. SHEPHERD, JR. PHILIP B. BAGROW JOHN H. CALLAHAN CHADWICK W. SHIELDS CARL M. BARNES SCOTT D. COON RICHARD K. SHOWALTER CARLA M. BARRY KATHLEEN K. COOPERMAN BENJAMIN F. SIEBOLD JOSEPH S. BLAIR MICHAEL J. GREGONIS THOMAS J. SIEBOLD LYNN W. CHRISTENSEN JAMES R. HAGEN PETER M. SITTENAUER BRYAN K. CRITTENDON BRIAN C. HATCH BRIAN S. SMITH MICHAEL E. FOSKETT HEATHER D. HELLWIG KENNETH E. SMITH TIMOTHY D. GAULT MARC D. HERWITZ KENRIC M. SMITH BRANDON S. HARDING S. J. KENTON NIEL A. SMITH PATRICK S. JOYNER MICHAEL J. KLEMANN RANDALL M. SMITH JOSEPH KOCH ANGELICA A. KLINSKI THOMAS B. SMITH STEVEN D. MILLS DAVID G. LANG NEIL N. SNYDER IV RICHARD H. RYAN, JR. COREY J. LITTEL BRIAN L. SPEARS BENNETT C. SANDFORD JOHN L. MELTON GARY J. SPIVEY CLIFFORD A. STUART JAIME L. MONTILLA NATHAN R. SPRINGER DAVID B. THAMES RAYMOND C. NAIRN PAUL W. STAEHELI DAVID M. TODD MARCELLA R. ODEN KURT N. STEPHAN THE FOLLOWING NAMED OFFICERS FOR APPOINTMENT NICHOLE A. OLSON JEREMY A. STERMER TO THE GRADE INDICATED IN THE UNITED STATES NAVY HENRY L. PHILLIPS IV DAVID C. STEVENSON UNDER TITLE 10, U.S.C., SECTION 624: MARY A. PILIWALE DONALD E. STEWART MARGARET M. READ RUSSELL C. STEWART To be commander LESLIE E. RIGGS, JR. CHAD A. STOVER TANYA CRUZ THOMAS E. SATHER JOSHUA U. STRINGER KATHLEEN A. ELKINS LORENZO TARPLEY, JR. MICHAEL C. STULL NELL O. EVANS STEPHEN A. SUHR THE FOLLOWING NAMED OFFICERS FOR APPOINTMENT BRIAN J. HALLIDEN JOSEPH A. SULLIVAN TO THE GRADE INDICATED IN THE UNITED STATES NAVY JAMES R. HOFFMAN DARREN A. SUNDYS UNDER TITLE 10, U.S.C., SECTION 624: JASON L. JONES ERIC R. SWENSON THERON R. KORSAK To be commander PATRICK D. SYLVESTRE JASON M. LEVY ANDREW S. TACKABERRY MARY R. ANKER JEROD L. MARKLEY FRED W. TANNER JESSICA S. BAIN ANNE Y. MARKS SHANE L. TARRANT ERIC J. BOPP WAYNE A. MIANI, JR. RHETT A. TAYLOR GARRY P. CLOSAS MEGAN K. SMITH TIMOTHY A. TERESE CATHERINE B. CORBETT SARAH A. STANCATI ROBERT M. THELEN LAURI T. DEWITT SCOTT W. THOMAS PHILLIP W. THOMAS TIMOTHY S. DRILL JEFFREY G. TRANSTROM RHETT D. THOMPSON MELINDA R. EWING WILLIAM H. WEILAND SONNY A. THOMPSON, JR. TRACY L. FAHEY DANIEL WERNER JUSTIN L. TICKNOR KEITH L. FERGUSON EDWARD K. WESTBROOK II KEVIN R. TONER JOHN A. FLEMING CHRISTOPHER M. WILLIAMS MICHELLE G. TOPE CHRISTINA E. FRIX JEANINE B. WOMBLE KEVIN L. TURPIN MARIA P. FUENTEBELLA EDWARD S. TWADDELL III THE FOLLOWING NAMED OFFICERS FOR APPOINTMENT URSULA V. GALVEZ SHAWN M. UMBRELL TO THE GRADE INDICATED IN THE UNITED STATES NAVY RALPH J. GARGIULO SHAWN P. UNDERWOOD UNDER TITLE 10, U.S.C., SECTION 624: KAREN M. GRAY ERIC A. VANEK To be commander STEPHEN L. GUIDRY JOSE M. VASQUEZ ANNE S. H. HOLLIS BENEFSHEH D. VERELL RENE J. ALOVA JEREMY M. KILDAY TONY K. VERENNA PETER R. BARNDT BRIAN A. KING GREGORY S. VINCIGUERRA THOMAS E. BERCHTOLD ROBERT W. KREJCI

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RICHARD B. LAWRENCE MICHAEL J. ARNOLD JOSHUA P. MOSS JOHN E. LENAHAN ANGELA M. BACHMANN JUSTIN R. MOY JEANNE M. LEWANDOWSKI TIMOTHY W. BARKDOLL DAVID P. MULLIN LORRIE L. MEYER RHETT A. BARRETT ANDREW D. MULLINS TARA K. MOORE MARGARET A. BAYARD JAMES C. NEDEROSTEK JAMES R. MORRIS ERIKA S. BEARDIRVINE MATTHEW NEEDLEMAN ERLINA P. NAVAL BRENT R. BECKER CORMAC J. OCONNOR REBECCA L. NAVARRETE MONTE K. BELL JOSEPH A. ODANIEL, JR. KATHERINE E. NOEL RANDY S. BELL ROWENA E. PAPSON THOMAS OLIVERO RYAN A. BELL BRETT J. PARTRIDGE JASON T. PENFOLD WILLIAM E. BENNETT JOHN A. PAYTON MARY E. PHILLIPS CATHERINE A. BORJA LISA A. PETERSON PROTEGENIE REED STEPHANIE A. BRAGG JULIO PETILON DORA O. REID MATTHEW L. BRECKENRIDGE THOMAS A. PLUIM BRENDA K. RESETER KIMBERLY L. BROOM SUNEIL R. RAMCHANDANI MATTHEW D. SEYMOUR COLEMAN J. BRYAN, JR. JEFFREY C. RICKS DETRIK F. SIMMON CYNTHIA M. BRYANT BENJAMIN RODRIGUEZ VORACHAI SRIBANDITMONGKOL CHRISTOPHER J. BURNS SHERRI L. RUDINSKY ANDREW D. TARRANT CRAIG G. CARROLL NEIL N. S. SALDUA MARK A. THOMAS JONATHAN L. CHADWICK KRISTIAN E. SANCHACK CRAIG T. VASS RICHARD C. CHILDERS MICHAEL G. SANTOMAURO ALLECIA V. WEBSTER CHONG H. CHOE PAUL D. SARGENT WALTER D. WILLIAMSON JEAN CHRETIEN CRAIG I. SCHRANZ JENNIFER M. ZICKO DOUGLAS J. CRAGIN RICHARD H. SCHRECKENGAUST GEORGINA L. ZUNIGA KANTI R. CRAIG ROBERT M. SELVESTER COLIN V. CRICKARD TARA M. SHERIDAN THE FOLLOWING NAMED OFFICERS FOR APPOINTMENT SAMYA V. CRUZ PETER D. SNYDER TO THE GRADE INDICATED IN THE UNITED STATES NAVY JENNIFER A. CURRY ROBERT A. STATEN UNDER TITLE 10, U.S.C., SECTION 624: ANJA DABELIC JOHN H. STEELY JASON G. DAILY To be commander GEORGIA A. G. STOKER RUPA J. DAINER THEOPHIL A. STOKES LILLIAN A. ABUAN MARK N. DAMIANO DARYL J. SULIT DON N. ALLEN, JR. ERIC C. DEUSSING MATTHEW D. TADLOCK CIELO I. ALMANZA HAMMA A. DIALLO MICHAEL S. TERMINI SEAN M. ANDREWS GLENN A. DOWLING KATHY D. TIEU AARON K. AYERS JOSH L. DUCKWORTH MICHAEL M. TILLER SPENCER L. BAKER ERIN E. DUFFY BRENDAN T. TRIBBLE WILLIAM J. BARICH JASON M. DURBIN MICHAEL S. TRIPP WILLIAM T. BENHAM KENDALL M. EGAN DAVID L. TROWBRIDGE PAUL R. BENISHEK KELLY O. ELMORE DANIEL J. TRUEBA, JR. MATTHEW L. BOLLS CHRISTOPHER S. ENNEN TOMMY H. TSE DANIEL D. BROWN GORDON L. FIFER PAULETTE R. TUCCIARONE MICHAEL S. CARL DAVID B. FOX IAN L. VALERIO VICTOR J. CINTRONNATAL GREGORY H. FREITAG, JR. HEATHER J. VENTURA DOYNE D. CLEM CORY P. GACONNET BINH V. VO ANTHONY R. COCA ROGER M. GALINDO SCOTT C. WALLACE ROBERT M. CORLEY SAM W. GAO BENJAMIN D. WALRATH JAYSON L. CRAMER WENDY C. GAZA BRUCE A. WATERMAN RUSSELL A. CZACK HAROLD J. GELFAND REBECCA M. WEBSTER MARTIN L. EDMONDS THERESA M. GILLE JONATHAN S. GLASS DANIEL R. WEIS JASON W. ENDRESS CHRISTINA J. GONDUSKY DYLAN E. WESSMAN MATTHEW J. FAHNER JUSTIN S. GREEN SHARESE M. WHITE MATTHEW GEISER MIGUEL A. GUTIERREZ MICHAEL E. WILLIAMS LA H. A. GRAHAM ROBERT J. HACKWORTH EUGENE K. WILSON III MATTHEW J. JACOBS KENT S. HANDFIELD TARA B. WILSON CHRISTOPHER T. KOVACK JOHN D. HARRAH, JR. LUKE A. ZABROCKI MICHELE M. LAPORTE NATHAN C. HAWKES ROBERT S. MCMASTER DANIEL B. HAWLEY JEFFREY S. MILLS f AMY E. HENNING ERNUEL MIRANDAROSARIO CAMILLE A. HENNINGER THOMAS P. MOORE MARION C. HENRY CONFIRMATIONS RYAN M. PERRY DAVID D. HESSERT SAMUEL T. RISER JOHN A. HODGSON Executive nominations confirmed by CAMERON W. ROGERS MERLENE V. HORAN DAVID M. ROZZELL the Senate July 9, 2013: NICOLE D. HURST AARON B. SIKES ADNAN A. JAIGIRDAR SCOTT D. STAHL THE JUDICIARY ELLIOT M. JESSIE JOSEPH B. SYMMES, JR. MICHAEL G. JOHNSTON JENNIFER A. DORSEY, OF NEVADA, TO BE UNITED PHOEBE U. TAMAYO JEFFREY M. KANG STATES DISTRICT JUDGE FOR THE DISTRICT OF NE- RONALD K. TERRY MICHEL J. KEARNS VADA. ELIZABETH A. TRAVIS MICHAEL L. KENT NOLASCO L. VILLANUEVA DEPARTMENT OF STATE BUDDY G. KOZEN MICHELLE M. WILLIAMS DAVID A. LALLI DANIEL R. RUSSEL, OF NEW YORK, TO BE AN ASSIST- MICHAEL R. WILSON MATTHEW W. LAWRENCE ANT SECRETARY OF STATE (EAST ASIAN AND PACIFIC JAMES Y. WONG JEFFREY L. LESTER AFFAIRS). GLENN A. WRIGHT NELLE A. LINZ GEOFFREY R. PYATT, OF CALIFORNIA, A CAREER MEM- JEFFERY S. YOUNG PETER N. LOMBARD BER OF THE SENIOR FOREIGN SERVICE, CLASS OF MIN- CHRISTOPHER R. ZEGLEY JOSEPH R. LYNCH ISTER–COUNSELOR, TO BE AMBASSADOR EXTRAOR- THE FOLLOWING NAMED OFFICERS FOR APPOINTMENT MARCEL A. MACGILVRAY DINARY AND PLENIPOTENTIARY OF THE UNITED STATES TO THE GRADE INDICATED IN THE UNITED STATES NAVY VINH Q. MAI OF AMERICA TO UKRAINE. UNDER TITLE 10, U.S.C., SECTION 624: MAUREEN F. MCCLENAHAN TULINABO SALAMA MUSHINGI, OF VIRGINIA, A CAREER To be commander SEAN A. MCKAY MEMBER OF THE SENIOR FOREIGN SERVICE, CLASS OF EUGENE A. MILDER COUNSELOR, TO BE AMBASSADOR EXTRAORDINARY AND ERIN G. ADAMS JEFFREY H. MILLEGAN PLENIPOTENTIARY OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA AFSHIN K. AFARIN ANDREW G. MORTIMER TO BURKINA FASO.

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