To designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 508 East Main Street in Seneca, South Carolina, as the "S/Sgt Lewis G. Watkins Post Office Building".

Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs be authorized to meet during the session of the Senate on August 1, 2007, at 9:30 a.m., to mark up S. 1677, the Currency Reform and Financial Markets Access Act of 2007; S. 1518, the Community Partnership to End Homelessness Act of 2007; an original bill entitled the FHA Modernization Act of 2007; an original bill entitled the Housing Assistance Authorization Act of 2007; an original bill entitled the Private Student Loan Transparency and Improvement Act of 2007; and an original bill entitled the Commission on National Catastrophe Risk Management and Insurance Act of 2007.

Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation be authorized to hold a hearing during the session of the Senate on Wednesday, August 1, 2007, at 2:30 p.m., in room 253 of the Russell Senate Office Building.

The U.S. Department of Commerce and its component bureaus are responsible for the stewardship, protection, and scientific understanding of our ocean environment and its resources, effective use and growth of the Nation's technological resources, and promoting U.S. trade and tourism. The oversight hearing will examine the Department's effectiveness in implementing these goals.

Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources be authorized to hold a hearing during the session of the Senate on Wednesday, August 1, 2007, at 9:30 a.m. in room SD-366 of the Dirksen Senate Office Building.

The purpose of this hearing is to receive testimony on recent advances in clean coal technology, including the prospects for deploying these technologies at a commercial scale in the near future.

Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the Committee on Foreign Relations be authorized to meet during the session of the Senate on Wednesday, August 1, 2007, at 9:30 a.m. to hold a hearing on Africa.

Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions be authorized to meet in executive session during the session of the Senate on Wednesday, August 1, 2007 at 10 a.m. in the LBJ Room, S-211, of the Capitol building. We will be considering the following:

1. S. 625, Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control Act

2. S. 1183, Christopher and Dana Reeve Paralysis Act

3. S. 579, Breast Cancer and Environmental Research Act of 2007

4. S. 898, Alzheimer's Breakthrough Act of 2007

5. S. 1858, Newborn Screening Saves Lives Act of 2007

6. The Following Nominations: Diane Auer Jones, of Maryland, to be Assistant Secretary for Postsecondary Education, Department of Education; David C. Geary, of Missouri, to be a member of the Board of Directors of the National Board for Education Sciences; Miguel Campaneria, of Puerto Rico, to be a member of the National Council on the Arts; and any nominations ready for action.

Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs be authorized to meet on Wednesday, August 1, 2007, at 10 a.m. in order to conduct business meeting to consider pending committee business.

Agenda

Nominations: The Honorable James A. Nussle to be Director, Office of Management and Budget; Dennis R. Schrader to be Deputy Administrator for National Preparedness, Federal Emergency Management Agency, U.S. Department of Homeland Security.

Legislation: S. 680, Accountability in Government Contracting Act of 2007; H.R. 1254, Presidential Library Donation Reform Act of 2007; S. __, an original bill to provide for the flexibility of certain disaster relief funds, and for improved evacuation and sheltering during disasters and catastrophes; S. 1000, Telework Enhancement Act of 2007; S. 1446, National Capital Transportation Amendments Act of 2007; S. 547, Effective Homeland Security Management Act of 2007; S. 1245, a bill to reform mutual aid agreements for the National Capital Region; S. 597, a bill to extend the special postage stamp for breast cancer research for 2 years.

Post Office Naming Bills: H.R. 2570/S. 1732, a bill to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 301 Boardwalk Drive in Fort Collins, Colorado, as the ``Dr. Karl E. Carson Post Office Building''; S. 1772, a bill to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 127 South Elm Street in Gardner, Kansas, as the ``Private First Class Shane R. Austin Post Office''; S. 1781, a bill to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 118 Minner Avenue in Bakersfield, California, as the ``Buck Owens Post Office''; H.R. 2127, a bill to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 408 West 6th Street in Chelsea, Oklahoma, as the ``Clem Rogers McSpadden Post Office Building''; H.R. 2563/S. 1539, a bill to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 309 East Linn Street in Marshalltown, Iowa, as the ``Major Scott Nisely Post Office''; S. 1596, a bill to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 103 South Getty Street in Uvalde, Texas, as the ``Dolph S. Briscoe, Jr., Post Office Building''; H.R. 1722, a bill to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 601 Banyan Trail in Boca Raton, Florida, as the ``Leonard W. Herman Post Office''; H.R. 1425, a bill to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 4551 East 52nd Street in Odessa, Texas, as the ``Staff Sergeant Marvin `Rex' Young Post Office Building''; H.R. 2078, a bill to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 14536 State Route 136 in Cherry Fork, Ohio, as the ``Staff Sergeant Omer `O.T.' Hawkins Post Office''; H.R. 2077, a bill to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 20805 State Route 125 in Blue Creek, Ohio, as the ``George B. Lewis Post Office Building''; H.R. 1617, a bill to designate the facility of the United States Postal service located at 561 Kingsland Avenue in University City, Missouri, as the ``Harriet F. Woods Post Office Building''; H.R. 2025, a bill to designate the facility of the United States Postal service located at 11033 South State Street in Chicago, Illinois, as the ``Willye B. White Post Office Building''; H.R. 1335, a bill to designate the facility of the United States Postal service located at 508 East Main Street in Seneca, South Carolina, as the ``S/Sgt Lewis G. Watkins Post Office Building''; H.R. 1260, a bill to designate the facility of the United States Postal service located at 6301 Highway 58 in Harrison, Tennessee, as the ``Claude Ramsey Post Office''; H.R. 1434, a bill to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 896 Pittsburgh Street in Springdale, Pennsylvania, as the ``Rachel Carson Post Office Building.''

Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship be authorized to meet during the session of the Senate in order to conduct a roundtable entitled ``Reauthorization of the Small Business Innovation Research Programs: National Academies' Findings and Recommendations,'' on August 1, 2007, at 10 a.m. in room 428A of the Russell Senate Office Building.

Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the Select Committee on Intelligence be authorized to meet during the session of the Senate on August 1, 2007, at 2:30 p.m. to hold an open hearing.

Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the Committee on Homeland Security and Government Affairs' Subcommittee on Oversight of Government Management, the Federal Workforce, and the District of Columbia be authorized to meet on Wednesday, August 1, 2007, at 2:30 p.m. in order to conduct a hearing entitled Building a Stronger American Diplomatic.

Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the Subcommittee on Water and Power of the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources be authorized to hold a hearing during the session of the Senate on Wednesday, August 1, 2007, at 2:30 p.m. in room SD-366 of the Dirksen Senate Office Building.

The purpose of the hearing is to receive testimony on the following bills: S. 1054 and H.R. 122, to amend the Reclamation Wastewater and Groundwater Study and Facilities Act to authorize the Secretary of the Interior to participate in the Inland Empire regional recycling project and in the Cucamonga Valley Water District recycling project; S. 1472, to authorize the Secretary of the Interior to create a Bureau of Reclamation partnership with the North Bay Water Reuse Authority and other regional partners to achieve objectives relating to water supply, water quality, and environmental restoration; S. 1475 and H.R. 1526, to amend the Reclamation Wastewater and Groundwater Study and Facilities Act to authorize the Bay Area Regional Water Recycling Program, and for other purposes; H.R. 30, to amend the Reclamation Wastewater and Groundwater Study and Facilities Act to authorize the Secretary of the Interior to participate in the Eastern Municipal Water District Recycled Water

System Pressurization and Expansion Project; H.R. 609, to amend the Reclamation Wastewater and Groundwater Study and Facilities Act to authorize the Secretary of the Interior to participate in the Central Texas Recycling and Reuse Project, and for other purposes; and H.R. 1175, to amend the Reclamation Wastewater and Groundwater Study and Facilities Act to increase the ceiling on the Federal share of the costs of phase I of the Orange County, California, Regional Water Reclamation Project.

I want to comment briefly about what I consider the disintegration of the standing of the Senate as the world's greatest deliberative body. There was a time, when someone wanted to filibuster, that they had to stand up and speak. The Democrats brought to the floor legislation to alter the Supreme Court decision which cut short the statute of limitations on women's pay. I voted for cloture to take up that issue. The issue came and went in the course of a few hours one day. Under the traditional rules of the Senate, when a matter is raised, it is presented. It is argued. If someone opposes and wants to object and filibuster, they have to speak.

The cost of a filibuster today is very cheap. All you have to do is say: I am going to filibuster. Then there is a cloture vote, and 60 votes are not obtained, and the issue goes away.

That is not the way the Senate has traditionally functioned. If the Democrats had been serious about trying to change the rule that the Supreme Court handed down, which I thought was a bad decision--bad on the law, and it certainly can be changed by legislation--they would have argued the matter. They would have compelled opponents to come to the Senate floor and oppose the matter. There would have been a public debate. Had there been an extended debate, the American people would have understood the wrong Supreme Court decision and insisted the Congress take corrective action.

Similarly, we have found the Senate has now been overwhelmed by procedural motions on filling the tree which preclude any meaningful, traditional Senate approach to our function where Senators should be able to offer amendments at any time on any issue. Senator Reid, who now has the distinction of having the record on filling the tree the most times, has it in heavy competition. Senator Mitchell established a new record in the 103rd Congress with nine. Senator Lott tied him in the 106th Congress with nine. Senator Frist tied him in the 109th Congress with nine. But Senator Reid is now the champion.

The problem with filling the tree is that Senators are precluded from coming to the floor and offering amendments. The American people do not understand what is happening in the Senate because nothing is happening in the Senate. Last week we had one cloture vote at 5:30 on Monday. We didn't vote on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, or Friday--one vote, and not a peep in the news media about the inactive Senate. So what we are seeing--and I intend to speak at length on this at a later date--is the disintegration of what the Senate is supposed to be.

If legislation is needed to change the statute of limitations on enforcing women's employment rights for equal pay, let the Senate take it up and debate. If we are on the FAA Act, let's have Senators come forward and consider it.

It is time we declared a truce on the judge issue. It has been exacerbated continuously over the last 20 years. It is time for a truce because the American people are caught in the crossfire.

Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that a survey of the filling of the tree, compiled by CRS, be printed in the Record. I urge my colleagues to study it to see how the business of the Senate has been thwarted, stymied, and eliminated by this procedural, inappropriate activity.

I again call on the Rules Committee to take up my pending rule change which would stop this abhorrent practice.

I yield the floor.

Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from Georgia for yielding and also for Representative Davis today.

I would also like to thank Chairman Henry Waxman and Ranking Member Tom Davis of the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee for facilitating such swift consideration of this bill that recognizes such an honorable man.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 1335, a bill that honors the life and sacrifices of Staff Sergeant Lewis Watkins who gave his life for his country in the Korean War. Lewis Watkins was born on June 6, 1925, in Seneca, South Carolina. He graduated from Greenville High School in South Carolina in 1949.

He was a member of the Greenville Police Department where he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps on September 12, 1950. After training at Parris Island, South Carolina, he served at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, and Camp Pendleton, California, before being deployed to Korea.

On October 7, 1952, Sergeant Watkins' platoon was assigned to retake an outpost from the enemy. Even though Sergeant Watkins had been wounded during the fight, he continued to lead his men and return gunfire on the enemy machine gun position holding up the assault. At one point, an enemy grenade landed among his men. Selflessly and without thinking, he pushed his men out of harm's way and picked up the grenade. While attempting to throw the grenade back toward the enemy, it exploded in his hand, fatally wounding him.

Sergeant Watkins heroically sacrificed his life to save the lives of his fellow marines under his command, and in doing so, helped contribute to the overall success of his unit's mission during the Korean War.

I thank Sergeant Watkins and his family for his service. Every American owes a debt of gratitude for his service and his sacrifice.

In addition, every member of the South Carolina delegation cosponsored this legislation as a way to say thank you and honor a man who gave his life for his country.

Mr. Speaker, Staff Sergeant Lewis Watkins is the only known native Oconee County resident to receive a Medal of Honor. To designate the post office facility located at 508 East Main Street in Seneca, South Carolina, as the S/Sgt Lewis G. Watkins Post Office Building is one way we can pay tribute to his life. It will allow all who enter the post office and view the dedication plaque a unique opportunity to be

mindful of the sacrifices our military have made and continue to make today.

In addition to the Medal of Honor, Watkins' decorations include the Purple Heart Medal; Korean Service Medal with two bronze stars; and the United Nations Service Medal.

Lewis Watkins made the ultimate sacrifice for his country, and I am honored that this country is about to bestow upon his memory and his family yet another recognition.

There is a verse that says, ``No greater love hath he,'' and Lewis Watkins proved that.

Mr. Speaker, I urge swift passage of H.R. 1335.

Mr. Speaker, I yield myself as much time as I may consume.

We often come to the floor to talk about our brave soldiers fighting in Iraq and Afghanistan; but today I am proud to speak about a hero, a highly decorated Korean War veteran, Lewis G. Watkins.

Staff Sergeant Lewis G. Watkins was born in Seneca, South Carolina, on June 6, 1925. After graduating from Greenville High School, he joined the Greenville Police Department. Furthering his public service, he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps in 1950. After his training in Camp Lejeune and Camp Pendleton, he was sent to serve in Korea.

Staff Sergeant Watkins fought valiantly during his only tour of duty. On October 7, 1952, his unit was attempting to take an outpost from the enemy. While leading his men up a hill and fighting off heavy small- arms fire and grenades, he was severely injured. Pushing through the pain, he successfully led his team further up the hill.

It was then that he noticed a grenade had landed nearby. Pushing his comrades aside to protect them, he instinctively grabbed the grenade to throw it out of harm's way. Unfortunately, the bomb exploded in his hand and he was mortally wounded. His heroic actions on that hill saved the lives of his fellow soldiers; and it was for this act of bravery and courage he deservedly, albeit posthumously, was awarded the Nation's highest military decoration, the Medal of Honor. His other awards include the Purple Heart, the United Nations Service Medal, and the Korean War Service Medal with two bronze stars.

Staff Sergeant Lewis G. Watkins' life and military achievements are to be commended. He fought and died for his country; and today we honor his heroism, his self-sacrifice, and his inspiring leadership by naming this post office after him.

I commend my colleague Mr. Barrett for bringing this to our attention.

Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I yield as much time as he may consume to my very distinguished colleague from the great State of South Carolina (Mr. Barrett).

Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 1335) to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 508 East Main Street in Seneca, South Carolina, as the ``S/Sgt Lewis G. Watkins Post Office Building''.

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks.

Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I might consume.

As a member of the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, I am pleased to join my colleague in consideration of H.R. 1335, which names a postal facility in Seneca, South Carolina, after Lewis G. Watkins.

H.R. 1335, which was introduced by Representative J. Gresham Barrett on March 6, 2007, was reported from the Oversight Committee on May 1, 2007, by a voice vote. This measure has been cosponsored by the five members of the South Carolina congressional delegation, which represents the delegation indeed.

Staff Sergeant Lewis G. Watkins served in action during the Korean conflict. He heroically sacrificed his life in combat on October 7, 1952, in Korea. He was a recipient of the Congressional Medal of Honor for his conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life beyond the call of duty while serving as a guide of a rifle platoon of Company I, 3rd Battalion, 7th Marines, 1st Marine Division.

Staff Sergeant Watkins' extraordinary heroism, inspiring leadership, and resolute spirit of self-sacrifice reflected the highest credit upon himself and enhances the finest traditions of the U.S. naval service. He gave his life for his country.

So, Mr. Speaker, I commend my colleague Representative Barrett for introducing this legislation and urge swift passage.

Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Let me say that it has, indeed, been a pleasure to work with the gentleman from Georgia (Mr. Westmoreland) and I thank him, and I urge swift passage of this resolution.

Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of our time.