A resolution honoring the life of Johnny Carson.

Mr. President, today I offer a resolution celebrating the December 26 election in Ukraine. I am pleased that Ukraine has dominated newspaper headlines and media broadcasts all over the world for the last sixty days. In that time, extraordinary events have occurred. A free press has revolted against government intimidation and reasserted itself. An emerging middle class has found its political footing. A new generation has found its hope for the future. A society has rebelled against the illegal activities of its government. It is in our interests to recognize and protect these advances.

I congratulate the people of Ukraine in their undeniable quest for freedom and democracy. Furthermore, I would also like to congratulate President Viktor Yushchenko, who was inaugurated last Sunday, for his victory.

The December 26 election in Ukraine was a tribute to Ukraine's maturing democracy and places Ukraine on a path to join the community of European democracies. A fraudulent and illegal election would have left Ukraine crippled. The new president would have lacked legitimacy with the Ukrainian people and the international community.

With the stakes so high, I commend President Bush, his Administration, and the international community for providing the people of Ukraine with the support they needed to withstand the threats to free and fair elections. Even in the face of repeated attempts to end any hope of a free and fair election, I was inspired by the willingness and courage of so many citizens of Ukraine to demonstrate their passion for free expression and the building of a truly democratic Ukraine.

I am hopeful that the momentum to foster democratic freedom around the world will continue. In his inaugural speech last week, President Bush stated his unequivocal support for democracy and put securing individual freedom at the forefront of America's foreign policy. I agree with the President. We must be prepared to play an active role in ensuring that democracy and basic freedoms are promoted and preserved around the world.

The future of Ukraine rests with its leaders and its people, but the United States and Europe must continue to support a foundation of democracy, rule of law, and a market economy, which will allow Ukraine to prosper and reach its full potential. I urge my colleagues to lend their support to U.S. policy in Ukraine and ask their support for this resolution.

Mr. President, today I rise to submit a concurrent resolution on behalf of myself, Senators Allard, Allen, Ben Nelson of Nebraska, Sessions and Enzi expressing the sense of the Congress that the Department of Defense should continue to exercise its statutory authority to support the activities of the Boy Scouts of America, in particular the periodic national and world Boy Scout Jamborees.

I ask unanimous consent that, the attached letter from Secretary of Defense Rumsfeld be printed in the Record.

Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the Senate proceed to the immediate consideration of S. Res. 10, submitted earlier today by Senator Nelson of Nebraska.

Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the resolution and preamble be agreed to en bloc, the motion to reconsider be laid upon the table, and that any statements relating thereto be printed in the Record, without intervening action or debate.