Hurricane Katrina Emergency Health Workforce Act of 2005

President, I rise today to introduce, with my colleague Senator Martinez, a bill that will balance the needs of fishermen with the needs of some of our most precious and vulnerable ocean resources: deep sea corals and sponges. Fishing and fishing communities are an important part of our culture, our history, and our economy. Deep sea corals and sponges are an important suite of species with wide economic potential extreme valuable ecologically. It is imperative that we protect the needs of both.

Deep sea corals are similar to tropical shallow-water corals, but are found in the deep cold waters near seamounts, ridges, undersea canyons, and the margins of the continental shelf. Like shallow-water corals, deep sea corals and sponges can form deepreefs and gardens that are essential to numerous marine species. For example, more than 1,300 species live among the Lophelia coral reefs in the northeastern Atlantic Ocean. These animals rely on complex coral and sponge habitats for spawning, food, and shelter from predation.

Deep sea corals and sponges are also important to humans. They provide habitat that commercially and recreationally important fish can use, and many are under study as sources of new biomedical compounds to fight various diseases.

Scientists around the world believe that these newly discovered deep sea corals and sponges are as important as, if not more important than, their tropical cousins. The U.S. Commission on Ocean Policy suggested that the biodiversity of deep sea coral communities may rival that of shallow-water coral reefs. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration stated in 2002 that deep sea coral ecosystems are ``much more extensive and of more widespread economic importance than tropical coral reefs.''

Unfortunately, some types of fishing gear are detrimental to deep sea coral and sponge habitat. Today there is a serious risk that these precious deep sea corals, sponges, and their complex habitats will be inadvertently destroyed before they can be properly assessed by the scientific community. A single pass with a bottom trawl can wipe out a swath of this habitat that, because these species are extremely slow- growing, can remain bare for decades if not centuries. The U.S. Commission on Ocean Policy's 2004 report emphasizes that deep sea corals need action for protection. Five of the eight Regional Fisheries Management Councils agree, and have recently set aside many of their coral habitat areas as no-bottom-trawling zones.

The Bottom Trawl and Deep Sea Coral Habitat Act builds on actions of these Councils, providing protection for deep sea corals and sponges while also preserving fishermen's access to areas that have traditionally been trawled. The bill establishes three types of zones. Areas that are known to contain deep sea corals and sponges are set aside as Coral Habitat Zones, granting these species immediate protection. Areas that have been trawled at any time in the past seven years are established as Bottom Trawling Zones, where bottom trawling is permitted. Areas that fit neither category are defined Undesignated Zones, available at any time to be assigned as either Coral Habitat or Bottom Trawling Zones with results of research activities. Fishermen play a large role, through the Regional Councils, in defining how large these zones will be, and other types of fishing that do not use bottom gear are not impacted.

The process of zone designation is designed not to shrink the area of existing bottom trawling but to limit the opening of new grounds to bottom trawling until after scientists discover the extent of deep sea corals and sponges. The intent is to preserve access to all areas that do not contain deep sea coral and sponge and that have been part of the fishing community's traditional grounds. These are not small areas. Traditional bottom trawl grounds include a large proportion of the U.S. Exclusive Economic Zone: 10 percent according to National Research Council data. In some regions, 75 percent of the shelf within 50 miles of shore in is trawled with bottom gear.

We must act quickly, and our legislation provides a balanced approach to protection of fishing and protection of the environment. I call on my colleagues on the Commerce Committee, and the Senate leadership to take up, consider, and pass this bill as soon as possible.

I ask unanimous consent that the text of the bill be printed in the Record.

Mr. President, earlier this week I traveled with former Presidents Bush and Clinton to Houston and met countless hurricane survivors who shared heart-wrenching stories about their experiences. Too many of the hurricane survivors have lost their jobs, their homes, and for some, beloved friends and family members.

Hurricane Katrina served as another important reminder of man's inability

to control the wrath of Mother Nature. Yet, our response to such calamitous events is completely within our control. Hurricane Katrina was the first disaster, the Nation's emergency response to Hurricane Katrina was the second disaster.

We have all watched TV reports of residents stranded, abandoned really, without food or water and medical care, while those charged with emergency response delayed and fumbled their duties. Many of the sick and elderly were left behind at the makeshift hospital inside the New Orleans airport, and others faced uncertainties regarding their own medical care while staying at temporary shelters in Houston.

The Nation's generous outpouring of support for the survivors of Hurricane Katrina is heart-warming. Yet, many of those who would volunteer their services have been thwarted by bureaucratic red tape from antiquated laws and regulations. My own office has received numerous complaints from constituents whose offers of service were refused. In particular, medical professionals, which are still so desperately needed in affected areas, were turned away from FEMA and not informed about alternative mechanisms for volunteering. These doctors also expressed concerns relating to licensure, liability, and their ability to take leaves of absence from their jobs.

The Federal Government should be doing everything possible to streamline the process by which trained medical personnel around the country can volunteer their services in Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, and any of the States where evacuees have been relocated. I have introduced legislation today, entitled the Hurricane Katrina Emergency Health Workforce Act of 2005, that will start this process.

There are five components to this bill. It would create a national emergency health professional volunteer corps, so that we will have a ready pool of volunteer doctors and nurses who are willing, trained, and certified to serve in times of disaster. My bill would provide liability protections to qualified health professionals and provide the same job protections that many Federal employees and members of the National Guard already have. Requirements for State licensure would be lifted for licensed doctors who travel to disaster stricken areas outside of their home States. In addition, the CDC would establish a national and easily accessible database with the names and contact information of doctors and nurses, as well as their specialties and licensures, around the Nation. Finally, recognizing that emergencies are often unpredictable, this legislation would grant the Secretary broad authority to suspend rules and regulations in order to get health professionals where they are needed and when they are needed.

Although we live in a changing and uncertain world, one constant remains--whether it be earthquakes, hurricanes, tornadoes, or sadly even terrorist attacks, the nation will surely face future devastating and cataclysmic events. We know now that the Nation's preparedness for such events in no way matches our ability to respond and mitigate human suffering and economic collapse. We must do better. I urge each of my colleagues to join me in passing this legislation.

Mr. President, earlier this week I traveled with former Presidents Bush and Clinton to Houston and met countless hurricane survivors who shared heart-wrenching stories about their experiences. Too many of the hurricane survivors have lost their jobs, their homes, and for some, beloved friends and family members.

Hurricane Katrina served as another important reminder of man's inability

to control the wrath of Mother Nature. Yet, our response to such calamitous events is completely within our control. Hurricane Katrina was the first disaster, the Nation's emergency response to Hurricane Katrina was the second disaster.

We have all watched TV reports of residents stranded, abandoned really, without food or water and medical care, while those charged with emergency response delayed and fumbled their duties. Many of the sick and elderly were left behind at the makeshift hospital inside the New Orleans airport, and others faced uncertainties regarding their own medical care while staying at temporary shelters in Houston.

The Nation's generous outpouring of support for the survivors of Hurricane Katrina is heart-warming. Yet, many of those who would volunteer their services have been thwarted by bureaucratic red tape from antiquated laws and regulations. My own office has received numerous complaints from constituents whose offers of service were refused. In particular, medical professionals, which are still so desperately needed in affected areas, were turned away from FEMA and not informed about alternative mechanisms for volunteering. These doctors also expressed concerns relating to licensure, liability, and their ability to take leaves of absence from their jobs.

The Federal Government should be doing everything possible to streamline the process by which trained medical personnel around the country can volunteer their services in Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, and any of the States where evacuees have been relocated. I have introduced legislation today, entitled the Hurricane Katrina Emergency Health Workforce Act of 2005, that will start this process.

There are five components to this bill. It would create a national emergency health professional volunteer corps, so that we will have a ready pool of volunteer doctors and nurses who are willing, trained, and certified to serve in times of disaster. My bill would provide liability protections to qualified health professionals and provide the same job protections that many Federal employees and members of the National Guard already have. Requirements for State licensure would be lifted for licensed doctors who travel to disaster stricken areas outside of their home States. In addition, the CDC would establish a national and easily accessible database with the names and contact information of doctors and nurses, as well as their specialties and licensures, around the Nation. Finally, recognizing that emergencies are often unpredictable, this legislation would grant the Secretary broad authority to suspend rules and regulations in order to get health professionals where they are needed and when they are needed.

Although we live in a changing and uncertain world, one constant remains--whether it be earthquakes, hurricanes, tornadoes, or sadly even terrorist attacks, the nation will surely face future devastating and cataclysmic events. We know now that the Nation's preparedness for such events in no way matches our ability to respond and mitigate human suffering and economic collapse. We must do better. I urge each of my colleagues to join me in passing this legislation.

Mr. President, I rise today to introduce the Narco- Terrorism Prevention Act of 2005. This bill confronts the new reality and very real danger of the deadly mix of drug trafficking and terrorism.

Many of the State Department's designated Foreign Terrorist Organizations are involved in the trafficking of illegal drugs--that is, illegal drugs that end up on the streets of cities throughout our country and other countries and poison the fabric of our society, our children, our families, and our neighbors. Terrorists, like the old organized crime syndicates from the past, have recognized that illegal drug trafficking is a valuable source of financing and another way to threaten our country.

The evidence linking these two criminal activities is overwhelming: terrorists in Afghanistan have been infiltrating and controlling the cultivation of poppies, and ultimately heroin; media reports indicate that the deadly Spain bombings were financed by drug money; the Hezbollah has been linked to drug trafficking; and of course, the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia, or the FARC, has long-standing drug trafficking operations which fund their deadly activities.

Narco-terrorism takes many forms, all of which are deadly. Before September 11, the term called to mind Pablo Escobar, the classic cocaine trafficker who used terrorist tactics against citizens and officials to protect his drug trade. Post 9/11, governments now find themselves combating classic terrorist groups that participate in, or otherwise receive funds from, drug trafficking in order to further their agenda. But whether narco-terrorists are actual drug traffickers who use terrorism against civilians to advance their agenda, or are principally terrorists who out of convenience or necessity use drug money to further their cause, the label of narco-terrorist may be equally applicable to both groups, and the full force of U.S. law should be brought to bear on these organizations.

My State is experiencing the collateral effects of a drug war being carried out by modern day narco-terrorists in Nuevo Laredo, Mexico. News reports have described an ongoing battle between rival drug cartels over drug smuggling routes from Mexico into the United States. These organizations assassinate police officers and other government officials in a clear attempt to force the local government in Nuevo Laredo to allow these organizations to carry on their illegal activity, unimpeded. Our government needs every available tool at its disposal to combat this activity.

The legislation I introduce today creates a new Federal crime designed to punish the trafficking of controlled substances which are intended to benefit a foreign terrorist organization or any one else planning a terrorist attack. It also carries a stiff, mandatory-minimum penalty of 20 years for anyone convicted. Importantly, the Narco- Terrorism Prevention Act provides for extraterritorial jurisdiction which allows law enforcement to reach beyond our borders to arrest and deter those who intend to carry out a crime of this nature.

This bill says that whether you are a member of or assisting a drug cartel along the border that employs terrorist tactics to protect its drug trade, or you are assisting international terrorists with the proceeds from drug transactions, this bill targets you. This bill puts you on notice that our government has the authority to arrest you and, when apprehended, you will face a lengthy, and perhaps permanent, stay in prison.

Mr. President, I rise today to introduce a bill for the City of Saco, ME that concerns the town's ability to allow the mooring of boats on the Saco River. The bill changes the turning basin into an anchorage while managing a 50-foot channel within the anchorage. The town was not aware that it was in violation because of 21 moorings located in the Saco River Federal Navigational Project. In an effort to eliminate this encroachment, city officials have requested a modification or deauthorization of the Federal Navigational Project to resolve the issue.

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has suggested language that re- designates the maneuvering basin into an anchorage area that will meet the needs of the community. The language, which I hope will be included in the Water Resources Development Act in this Congress, will allow for the legal moorage of boats, the fairway for which would be maintained by the City of Saco as is customary for towns with Federal anchorages. It is my understanding that the two mayors of the cities involved along with the Saco Yacht Club have agreed to the Corps' language.