A resolution expressing outrage at the recent terrorist atrocities in Beslan, Russian Federation, and condolences to the victims of the families.

Mr. President, this year marks the 50th anniversary of Brown v. The Board of Education of Topeka, Kansas, easily one of the most significant legal decisions in American history. But today I want to talk about another anniversary that is rapidly approaching, and that is an anniversary that flows directly from the Brown decision. I am speaking of the Little Rock Central High desegregation crisis which occurred in 1957. The 50th anniversary will be here in a couple of years, 2\1/2\ years, in 2007.

I come to the floor today to speak on behalf of the so-called Little Rock Nine and to share their story of determination and opportunity. I come to the floor also to urge my colleagues to join me in this effort to help fully support the planned Little Rock Central High Museum and Visitors Center and get it back on track so it will be up and running to host the 50th anniversary of the Little Rock Central High crisis.

Let me remind my colleagues that it is just as important today that we spend time understanding the civil rights struggle and the civil rights movement in this country as it was in 1957. I am thrilled to have the support, the encouragement, and the assistance of the Congressional Black Caucus chairman, Elijah Cummings.

As you know, Brown did not erase the hatred and the prejudice that Black families face in this country. One of the most dramatic examples of that occurred on September 24, 1957, when President Dwight Eisenhower ordered Federal troops to Little Rock, AR, to allow nine Black children to attend the all-White Little Rock Central High School.

In fact, if one looks back on 1957, the two largest world news stories that year were Sputnik and the events surrounding Central High School in Little Rock. The Little Rock Nine changed the course of American history by claiming their right to receive an equal education.

These students were Ernest Green, Elizabeth Eckford, Gloria Ray Karlmark, Carlotta Walls Lanier, Minnijean Brown Trickey, Terrence Roberts, Jefferson Thomas, Thelma Mothershed Wair, and Melba Pattillo Beals.

Of her experience, Melba Pattillo Beals recalls:

I had to become a warrior. I had to learn not how to dress

the best, but how to get from that door to the end of the

hall without dying.

These are very serious times. Another one of the Little Rock Nine, Ernest Green, explains why the Little Rock Nine sacrificed their innocence for a chance at a better education. He said:

We wanted to widen options for ourselves and later for our

children.

Well, Mr. Green went on to become the first black student to graduate from Arkansas Central High. He later served as Assistant Secretary of Housing and Urban Affairs under President Jimmy Carter and as vice president of Lehman Brothers.

Without his courage and determination and those of the Little Rock Nine in 1957, those opportunities would never have been available to him.

Turning opportunity into achievement is what civil rights pioneer Daisy Bates had in mind for the Little Rock Nine when she encouraged them to do the unthinkable. As a story, Little Rock Central High has all the elements of a great story, starting with the premise in the Declaration of Independence where it says all men are created equal.

Those words, penned by Thomas Jefferson, resonate throughout American history, but in 1954 the U.S. Supreme Court came down with the Brown decision where it said that separate but equal is not constitutional, and we need to change our American educational system ``with all deliberate speed.''

There was a Governor in my State who was committed to States rights, and he was determined to stop any changes at Little Rock Central. There was a President who was seeing his duty as one of having to enforce Federal law even against a State's will. There was a nation torn apart by race and searching for a new and sound public policy and public philosophy for civil rights for all Americans. There was a city, a State, and a region that got caught up in the events, and the emotions ofttimes, and there were dozens of local leaders who were working at odds and at cross-purposes, many with their own personal and political agendas, some trying to build and some trying to destroy.

Then, of course, in the center of the hurricane there were the nine black children, showing superhuman courage, facing incalculable odds but striking a severe blow at one of the worst injustices in American history.

I recommend to my colleagues that if they want to read more about this crisis, they can read Harry Ashmore's history of Arkansas, or Roy Reed's ``Faubus.'' Both give an excellent coverage.

Little Rock Central High School today is a symbol. It at the same time symbolizes the best and the worst in American history. It simultaneously stands as a living monument to our dark past and to our bright future. It also stands for progress because Little Rock Central High School has been a remarkable school since 1957. It is consistently acknowledged as one of the best American high schools that we have in this country today.

In fact, I had the privilege in the late 1970s of attending Little Rock Central High School. I think I am the only Member of Congress who actually went to that school. I am very proud of being there and proud of all of the things that school stands for.

Little Rock Central High was designated as a unit of the National Park Service in 1998. In fact, in 2002 more than 24,000 people visited this historic site. They expect probably 60,000 by the year 2007. Unfortunately, the interim visitors center is only 500 square feet. One can slice it or dice it however they want to say it, but it is simply too small to house the significant history there and tell all the stories. In fact, if it was jam packed, it would only have room for about 35 people.

I was there for the 40th anniversary of the Central High crisis when President Bill Clinton and Governor Mike Huckabee symbolically opened the door for the Little Rock Nine. We are going to have another commemoration in 2007, the 50th anniversary of the crisis. I want to invite my colleagues to help join me in making sure we get the extra $5.8 million necessary to make this museum and visitors center a reality.

The last thing I would like to say is it took nine young high school students to prove to our Nation that all men are created equal and that the rule of law is paramount in democracy of the United States. Today, children all over America have the right to learn because of the courage and sacrifice the Little Rock Nine made, and I am here today asking for my colleagues to help us all recognize what

the Little Rock Nine did and acknowledge them by allowing this visitors center to be built.

I am submitting a resolution as we speak, and I ask my colleagues to sign on if they would like to. Also, I ask unanimous consent that Senator Lincoln be added as the first original cosponsor.

Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the Senate proceed to the immediate consideration of S. Res. 421, which was submitted earlier today by Senators Daschle, Talent, Frist, and Santorum.

Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the resolution be agreed to, the preamble be agreed to, the motion to reconsider be laid upon the table, and that any statements relating to this matter be printed in the Record as if read.

I very much appreciate the comments made by the assistant Democratic leader, especially in light of the real tragedy that played out before our eyes not too long ago, several days ago.

The resolution we passed is a resolution that addresses the brutal terrorist attacks that occurred in Beslan, Russia. We all, through this resolution, offer our condolences to the families who have lost loved ones, and the people of Russia who continue to mourn beside them.

It was only last week we all watched as terrorists took control of that School No. 1 in Beslan, Russia, a small southern town near the Chechen border, and the horror, the slaughter that went on, as 1,200 students, teachers, and parents--because it was the first day of school--were held hostage and were denied food and medicine and water. In the horrific video, we saw individuals trying desperately to escape and they were simply shot. During the final massacre itself--and it was a massacre--we saw the fear and desperation in people's faces. It captured this war on terror that we talk about a lot; it captured the face of terrorism.

The Beslan massacre stands as the most monstrous, most despicable act of terrorism since the catastrophic events of 9/11. More than 300 people, many of whom were children, were murdered, and, as we know, hundreds more were critically wounded and missing. If there was any doubt, there is no doubt any more. Our enemy is willing to commit any barbarity to achieve its twisted aims. Our enemy is capable of shooting toddlers and destroying a schoolhouse, lacing it with bombs. As we saw on 9/11, our enemy rejoiced in the murder of innocent people.

The purpose of the resolution is to express the ache in our hearts for the Russian people, for those dark days they must endure, and it also reflects the importance of us renewing our commitment to resolve to defeat these forces of terror and to strengthen our determination to crush those who would bring calamity upon the civilized world.

I want to commend President Bush for his compassion and steadfastness as he reaches out to President Putin and the Russian people in their hour of need, providing appropriate assistance and moral support from all of us, from the American people, as the Russian people bury their dead and search for meaning amid what is incomprehensible horror. We stand by them as reflected in the resolution. America is with the Russian people, and together we will eventually defeat terrorism.

For the information of all Senators, on Monday, following

morning business, the Senate will resume consideration of the Homeland Security appropriations bill. The chairman and ranking member will be here on Monday to work through the remaining amendments. There are currently four amendments pending. Additional amendments will be offered on Monday.

Under the previous order, we will vote in relation to the Schumer HAZMAT truck amendment at 5:30 p.m. Any other votes ordered during Monday's session will be stacked to occur immediately after the vote in relation to the Schumer amendment. Therefore, Senators should expect more than one vote on Monday afternoon.

Again, I remind my colleagues that next week the Rosh Hashanah holiday begins Wednesday. It is imperative that we finish the bill prior to that time. Senators should expect busy days during next week with numerous rollcall votes.

Finally, I thank every one for their hard work this week. Earlier this week we were able to expedite and pass an emergency supplemental appropriations bill to help fund FEMA's efforts in Florida. Last night we passed S. 1368 relating to awarding a Congressional Gold Medal to the Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., and Coretta Scott King. Chairman McCain secured passage of H.R. 361, the Sports Agent Responsibility and Trust Act.

Yesterday the Senate passed S. Res. 421, which condemned the terrorist attack in Beslan, Russia, and sent condolences, on behalf of the leaders and the U.S. Senate, to the families of those victims.

Earlier this week we confirmed three additional district judges, and I hope we will continue that pattern of considering judicial nominations before we conclude our work this year.

Finally, on a personal note, our colleague, Senator Smith of Oregon, who is occupying the chair now, was on the floor of the Senate last night to ensure that the Senate passed S. 2634, the Garrett Lee Smith Memorial Act, which the Democratic leader, our leadership, and both sides of the aisle joined together to unanimously support.

Mr. President, if I may take a moment at this late hour, I reflect back on the relations between the Soviet Union and United States. One day--I don't remember the exact day--they had a book out there, and there was someone from the Russian Embassy here, and Senators walked out there and wrote their heartfelt feelings about what had taken place in Russia. I was so moved by that. The man who was there from the Embassy was speaking very broken English, but he was so glad we were there. I was so glad to be able to write in that book, recognizing the tremendous progress that has been made between the United States and Russia.

I applaud the leader for submitting this resolution. We have come such a long way. We stand in this war on terror with former enemies who are now our friends. Again, I applaud and commend the leaders for bringing this forth. This will be sent to the Russian Government so they will know the Senate's sentiments representing the United States, and that we speak for all Americans. We send our condolences for the brutal acts of these evil men in taking the lives of children and many other innocent people.