Floor Statements

Mr. President, I rise today to pay tribute to a good friend and great Nebraskan, former U.S. Representative Peter Hoagland, who passed away Tuesday at the age of 66. Peter was a very special friend to all who knew him. His tenure in Congress coincided with my first 4 years serving as Governor of the State of Nebraska, and I will always remember Peter's thoughtful advice and advocacy on issues important to our mutual constituents.

Peter worked to do what he believed was right for his district and our state. An Omaha native and alumnus of Omaha Central High School, Peter represented the good people of Nebraska's largest metropolitan area in one capacity or another for 14 years through two terms in the Nebraska Legislature and three representing Nebraska's Second District in the U.S. House of Representatives.

Elected to the Nebraska Unicameral in 1978, Peter later assumed a leadership role as chairman of the Judiciary Committee. This role suited him well, as he was a Yale-educated attorney, having completed his law degree in 1968 after serving our country as a U.S. Army intelligence officer. Peter was active on important topics such as ground water protection, and he spearheaded the passage of landmark drunk-driving legislation.

Peter was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in 1988, where he served three terms. He focused his efforts on the inner workings of his committees. Peter was a workhorse, not a show horse; and he made his presence felt on many issues, particularly those pertaining to banking and the environment.

Peter Hoagland was a true leader; and while he may have left public service, he never left public life. As a tribute to his immense legacy, Nebraska Democrats honored Peter with the Hall of Fame Award at the Morrison-Exon Dinner earlier this year. I am grateful we had that opportunity to let Peter know how much he meant to all of us.

I offer my most sincere condolences to Peter's wife Barbara and their family. Peter's passion for service, his dynamic leadership, and his unwavering dedication will remain a source of inspiration to all who knew him.

Mr. President, I rise today to try to bring the focus of the debate about Iraq back to Iraq, specifically the Iraqi Government's continuing failures to meet benchmarks for progress on political, military, and security matters.

For the past several weeks, the news out of Iraq has been consumed by coverage of the Blackwater security transgressions. To be sure, the allegations against Blackwater are serious and need to be addressed. Oversight needs to be tightened, actions should be taken to ensure that security needs are being met, and force is used only when necessary.

By no means do I believe we should do anything but hold Blackwater and its Government overseers responsible for their actions. But what is happening is the Iraqi Government has successfully shifted the focus of the debate from their failures in meeting benchmarks for progress to the Blackwater security matter.

We need to refocus. Everyone here remembers, and the American people remember, this past spring, during the debate on the supplemental, the U.S. Troop Readiness, Veterans' Care, Katrina Recovery, and Iraq Accountability Appropriations Act, that during the deliberations on that debate, Congress codified into law 18 benchmarks that were identified by the Iraqi Government and the Bush administration.

As a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, I pushed to include benchmarks in this bill. Since returning from Iraq, having spent Thanksgiving there with the troops in 2004, my second visit to our troops in Iraq, I began to call for the Iraqi Government and U.S. military leaders to establish a method of measuring progress on the stated goals of standing up the military and security forces and establish a functioning government.

During my third visit to our troops in Iraq, in April of this year, I delivered a strong message to Iraqi leaders that they needed to show progress on an oil agreement, quelling sectarian violence, and building a functioning government very quickly or the United States would continue to lose patience with the war.

This supplemental presented an opportunity to send that message and codify it into law. It was the hope of the Senate to provide measurable benchmarks that could provide an outline on progress in Iraq. As part of the benchmarks requirement, Congress asked the White House to provide an assessment in July and September. Congress also directed the GAO to provide its own assessment on the Iraqi benchmarks. In July, Congress received an assessment from the White House on the status of the 18 benchmarks. At that time the White House indicated that satisfactory progress on eight of the benchmarks had been made. On the remaining 10 benchmarks, the White House indicated that the Iraqi Government had failed to make satisfactory progress. In September, the GAO review indicated that 3 benchmarks had been met, 4 had been partially met, and 11 had not been met at all.

In September, the White House provided its final assessment of the 18 benchmarks. Of the benchmarks, satisfactory progress had been made on 10, 2 more than in July, and 8 benchmarks still received an unsatisfactory rating, 2 less than July.

Everyone remembers that this is an important issue because of the importance of making positive gains by the Iraqi Government. I visited Iraq for a fourth time in September, just after General Petraeus testified before the Senate Armed Services Committee but before the benchmark reports were issued. Little had changed. Iraq's political leaders were still entrenched. There was still very little hope for progress on the benchmarks. I delivered the message that time was running out on the blank check policy the administration seems to have implemented in Iraq. At this critical juncture of U.S. policy toward Iraq, the Iraqi policy toward the United States seems disjointed, disconnected, and disassociated. The level of progress on the benchmarks is debatable, but what is undeniable is the fact that progress is needed on some of the most urgent issues to bring peace and stability in Iraq.

The Iraqi Government has failed to enact a debaathification law, a law on equitable distribution of hydrocarbon resources and revenues-- that is essentially the oil and the revenues they have collected--and to provide three trained and ready brigades to support Baghdad operations and the disarmament of the militias. The level of progress is undebatable. The Iraqi Government has failed to deliver on these three important benchmarks. These are fundamental failures by a government that continues to expect the United States to invest in Iraq with our soldiers and our dollars, and these failures are unacceptable. We cannot continue on this path and cycle of Iraqi dependence on the United States.

As we prepare to deal with another supplemental, bringing the total off-budget additional war spending this year to just under $200 billion, making total off-budget spending on the war in Iraq nearly $500 billion--off-budget spending in Iraq of nearly half a trillion dollars--we need to refocus on what is happening in Iraq. We need to reexamine these benchmarks and others. Those who called for another 6 months to allow more progress got what they wanted. The question is, when will we get what we want? When will Iraq step up and take over? When will we be able to bring most of our troops home? When will the cycle of dependence end?

The answers to these questions lie in the benchmarks we established. Progress on the benchmarks can give us a timeframe for the future. Lack of progress on the benchmarks could only extend our commitment indefinitely, if we allow it to continue.

Finally, we do need to focus on the Iraqi Government's progress on the benchmarks and the lack thereof. If they had made more rapid progress, we would not need private security outfits protecting American assets and personnel. If they continue to fail to make progress and meet the benchmarks, we will need to fundamentally reassess what our future role might be in Iraq. We can't sustain this pace forever. Our soldiers deserve better. Our taxpayers deserve better. The Iraqi people deserve better from their own Government than the failed leadership they have been shown to date.

I yield the floor.

I suggest the absence of a quorum.

Mr. President, I wish to pay tribute to one of America's finest military leaders, Air Force MG Roger P. Lempke, on the occasion of his retirement as adjutant general of the Nebraska National Guard.

The National Guard has been tested by the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan more than any period since World War II. Nationally, it has been a true test of the Guard to maintain strength at home and abroad during a time of lengthy deployments, mounting casualties, declining recruitment, and a shortage of equipment. Yet, in Nebraska during this period, under the competent leadership of General Lempke, the Nebraska National Guard has continued to thrive, pulling in record numbers of recruits, increasing retention, and establishing an active family support program.

General Lempke instills confidence, not only in the troops he commands and their families but in the elected officials he serves. Since the tragic attacks of September 11, 2001, and during the time of war that has followed, we are fortunate to have had his very capable leadership as he oversaw the National Guard's changing role into an active duty combat force. The American people have seen vividly that the National Guard is no longer a supplemental force; it serves in seamless fashion with the active duty.

As past president of the National Association of State Adjutants General, General Lempke has been a vocal advocate for the National Guard, working with the Pentagon to help shape policies on issues ranging from base closures to troop strength. A graduate of the Air Force Academy, this even-tempered Nebraska farm boy and devoted husband and father rose through the ranks to become a respected military leader, not only in Nebraska but among his peers nationally. He and I have worked closely together on many projects which benefited not only Nebraska but helped our Nation's military as a whole.

I will miss that close association with the general as our professional relationship comes to a close, but on a personal level, I will always be proud to call Roger P. Lempke a trusted and respected friend.

Mr. President, I rise today to honor Army CPT Scott Shimp of Bayard, NE.

Captain Shimp's love for the military was obvious to his mother, who said ``even when he was little, he wanted to be a soldier, running around in his camouflage.'' He graduated from Bayard High School in 1998 as the salutatorian of his class. He was also quite active in many activities: football, wrestling, 21st Century Singers, choir, and the National Honor Society. In addition, Captain Shimp received his Eagle Scout Award, the highest honor bestowed by the Boy Scouts of America, in 1998. Upon his graduation from high school, he pursued his dream of becoming a pilot by enrolling in the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, graduating in 2002.

Following his commission as a second lieutenant, Captain Shimp served two tours of duty in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom I and III. After graduating from the Aviation Captain's Career Course at Fort Rucker, AL, he reported to Company C, 4th Battalion, 101st Aviation Regiment, 159th Combat Aviation Brigade, 101st Airborne Division, at Fort Campbell, KY, to serve as company commander.

A highly decorated soldier, Captain Shimp's leadership qualities were unmistakable. He was a rare example in the 101st Airborne Division, as evidenced by taking over a command soon after graduating from the Aviation Captain's Career Course, thereby demonstrating the respect and trust afforded him by his superiors. On September 11, 2007, Captain Shimp, along with two crew members, passed away when the Black Hawk helicopter he was piloting during a training exercise crashed due to fog near the town of Skyline, AL. He was 28 years old.

Captain Scott Shimp is survived by his parents Curtis and Teri Shimp of Bayard, NE; his older brother Chad and his younger sister Misty. I offer my most sincere condolences to the family and friends of Captain Shimp. He made the ultimate and most courageous sacrifice for our Nation. I join all Americans in grieving the loss of this remarkable young man and know that Captain Shimp's passion for serving, his leadership, and his selflessness will remain a source of inspiration for us all.

I move to lay that motion on the table.

The motion to lay on the table was agreed to.

Mr. President, I wish to congratulate a radio legend in my home State of Nebraska. Paul Wice, who has been a talk show host, news reporter, and news director at KGFW Radio in Kearney, NE, for nearly 40 years, is retiring and will broadcast his final show on September 28, 2007.

Paul got his start in radio working part time, while earning a bachelor's degree in 1966 in speech and music from what was then known as Kearney State College. His first full-time radio job was at KWBE in Beatrice, NE, where he served as news director.

In 1967 Paul returned to Kearney as the afternoon announcer and news director at KGFW. Deciding to try something other than radio, he left the station just a year later to join the Kearney Hub newspaper. He quickly found that his heart was in radio and returned to KGFW as its news director in 1969. Paul has been there ever since and is now in his 38th consecutive year of broadcasting on KGFW to the people of central Nebraska.

While working full time, Paul went on to earn a master's degree in speech communication in 1988 and has served as an adjunct instructor at the University of Nebraska-Kearney since then. He is responsible for KGFW receiving the coveted Mark Twain Award from the Nebraska Associated Press five times, including three consecutive years from 1997 to 1999.

A past president of Nebraska Associated Press Broadcasters, Paul was also the first recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Nebraska AP. He currently serves on the Freedom of Information Committee of the Nebraska Broadcasters Association. He has covered it all for KGFW, including riding on the Robert F. Kennedy train in 1968, just months before the Presidential contender was assassinated. On the other end of the political spectrum, Paul attended a White House Radio- Television News Directors Association luncheon with then-President Ronald Reagan. He also served as the Nebraska Broadcasters Association's official witness to the first execution in Nebraska in decades.

Paul made his mark serving the people of Kearney and central Nebraska, not only as a successful broadcaster but as a dependable source of news year after year. It is highly unusual in this day and age for someone to be able to say they have worked for the same employer for nearly four decades, especially in the highly competitive field of broadcasting.

At every turn in my own political career, from my days as State insurance director to my terms as Governor to my present role as a U.S. Senator, Paul has been there to cover the news, and I will miss interviewing with him in the future.

Paul Wice has definitely been ``The Talk of the Town,'' as his radio program is called. His absence from the airways will leave a void that will be tough to fill, but I am sure I join all Nebraskans in wishing him well in retirement as he signs off the air for the very last time.

Mr. President, I wish to commemorate the 70th anniversary of historic Summit Road, a significant highway which remains in use to this day as a popular tourist attraction and historic site within the State of Nebraska.

It was Sunday, September 19, 1937, that the Summit Road leading to the top of Scotts Bluff National Monument in the Nebraska Panhandle was completed. The Summit Road is believed to be the oldest existing concrete road in the State of Nebraska. The road allows visitors to drive to the top of the bluff through three tunnels for a spectacular view of the valley 800 feet below.

Summit Road was built entirely by the Civilian Conservation Corps, CCC, at a time when dry winds and dust storms were blowing across the western High Plains. The CCC was created by President Franklin D. Roosevelt when the entire country was in the grip of the Great Depression to employ jobless men who were struggling to earn enough money to buy food for their families.

Scotts Bluff National Monument is named for a fur trapper by the name of Hiram Scott, who was wounded and deserted by his companions in 1828. He gained immortality by making his way to a magnificent formation of bluffs along the North Platte River before succumbing to his wounds. It was for Hiram Scott that Scotts Bluff National Monument, Scotts Bluff County, and the city of Scottsbluff have been named.

Scotts Bluff National Monument, which rises 4,649 feet above sea level, was an imposing landmark, guiding wagon trains along the Oregon, Mormon, California, and Pony Express Trails. Native Americans originally called this natural formation Ma-a-pa-te, which translates into ``hill that is hard to go around.''

Today, Scotts Bluff National Monument is home to an excellent museum providing information about the historic pioneer trails, together with an impressive collection of art from William Henry Jackson, a photographer and painter, best known as the first person to photograph the wonders of Yellowstone National Park.

It was reported that 550 cars drove to the top of Scotts Bluff National Monument when the Summit Road was opened 70 years ago. Since then, thousands of vehicles have made the trip and are still able to do so today, thanks to the efforts of the CCC which built it and the National Park Service which now maintains the road.

Mr. President, I rise today to honor Army SPC Eric M. Holke, of Riverside, CA.

Specialist Holke's father describes him as an avid outdoorsman, a committed student of history, and someone with a keen eye for the arts. From a young age, Specialist Holke pursued his hobbies with zeal. His passion for the outdoors was matched only by his passion for film, which he discovered after he took a class on sports photography at Rim of the World High School in Lake Arrowhead, CA, where he was a graduate. After high school, he continued his studies in film and photography, and also worked at radio and television stations at San Bernadino Valley College.

Ready for a new challenge, Specialist Holke left San Bernadino Valley College to join the California Conservation Corps, where he spent the next 2 years backpacking through the wilderness of California. When he returned from this service, he became active in Renaissance fairs, where his specialty was demonstrating how the German military lived in the 1400s through 1600s, according to Pat Long, a cousin and producer of Renaissance fairs. Those who watched his performances remembered them for his passion and his enthusiasm.

Specialist Holke enlisted in the Army in 2000 in order to learn new skills as well as to save money to return to school. He served with the 82nd Airborne, like one of his grandfathers, a much-decorated World War II veteran. He went to Afghanistan, then to Iraq before being honorably discharged from the Army in 2005. He returned to Riverside, CA, where he became active again with the San Bernadino Valley College, performing re-enactments as well as studying film and business there. He also enlisted in the California National Guard at this time.

Specialist Holke and his wife Cassidhe were married in January of 2007. He was eager to earn his degree in business so he could start a new life in the film industry with his wife and their 16-year-old son, Steven.

In June of 2007, Specialist Holke began serving his second tour of duty in Iraq. He was serving with the 1st Battalion, 160th Infantry, California Army National Guard stationed in Kuwait. On July 15, 2007, Specialist Holke passed away in a noncombat-related incident in Talil. At his funeral, he was posthumously awarded five medals, including the Bronze Star. He was 31 years old.

In addition to his wife Cassidhe and son Steven, both of Riverside, CA, he is survived by his mother Monika Holke of Lincoln, NE, and father Jack Holke, of Las Vegas, NV. Today, I join all Americans in mourning the loss of a talented soldier, an active outdoorsman, and a loving husband, father, and son. He made the ultimate sacrifice through his service to our country. He will be remembered for his hunger for adventure. His memory will be honored by future generations of soldiers and civilians alike.

Explosive Ordinance Disposalman 1st Class Jeffrey Chaney

Mr. President, I also rise today to honor Navy Explosive Ordinance Disposalman First Class Jeffrey Chaney of Omaha.

Petty Officer Chaney was a 1990 graduate from Bellevue West High School. In 1993, he joined the Navy. His first ambition was to be a Navy SEAL; however, due to eyesight problems, he worked instead as a recruiter for the Navy. His success as a recruiter was a direct result of his enthusiasm and his dedication to his work, evidenced also by his brother Jim, whom he helped recruit. His sister April describes commitment to his work: ``[He] loved the Navy; he just loved everything about his job. He was always talking about it,'' she said.

Before his tour in Iraq, Chaney served in the Secret Service, where he had the opportunity to meet President George H.W. Bush, as well as Mikhail Gorbachev while he was on security detail at the President's 80th birthday party. His sister recalls that while that was a momentous occasion in his life, his proudest moment was the birth of his daughter Brianna, now 14.

Chaney was assigned to Explosive Ordinance Disposal Mobile Unit 11, stationed in Whidbey Island, WA. On July 17, 2007, after serving in Iraq for about 2 months, ED01 Chaney passed away during combat operations in Salahuddin Province. He was 35 years old.

In addition to his brother and sister, he is survived by his daughter Brianna Chaney, 14, of Omaha; his mother Connie Chaney also of Omaha, his father Jim Eckert of Oakland, IA and another brother Jim Eckert, also of Oakland. Today, I join all Americans in mourning the loss of a truly great sailor, proud father, and loving son. His service and his sacrifice will be remembered for generations to come.

Sergeant Jacob Schmuecker

Mr. President, I rise today to honor Nebraska Army National Guard Sergeant Jacob Schmuecker of Atkinson, NE.

Sergeant Schmuecker was a 1999 graduate of West Holt High School in Atkinson, NE, and attended Northeast Community College in Norfolk. He joined the Nebraska Army National Guard in 2001, after serving the city of Atkinson as a police officer.

He and his wife Lisa were married for more than 4 years, and lived in Norfolk with their three children; Dylan, 4, Kierstan, 3, and Bryce, 19 months. Lisa describes her husband as someone who was deeply committed to his service, and someone who volunteered for a mission to make the world a safer place for his children. She knows her children will remember their father for being a loving husband to her, a dedicated father, and an outstanding soldier.

A member of the 755th chemical company based out of O'Neill, NE, Sergeant Schmuecker had proudly served in the Army National Guard for 6 years. Having previously served in Afghanistan, he was 10 months into his first tour in Iraq when he passed away in Balad, after an improvised explosive device detonated near his armored vehicle. He was 27 years old.

In addition to his wife, Sergeant Schmuecker is survived by his parents Rodney and Patricia of Atkinson, and his brother Chris Shepperd of Norfolk. Today, I mourn the loss of a true American patriot, a devoted husband, and a loving father of three. He and his family have made the ultimate sacrifice to make our country a safer place to live.

Corporal Ryan A. Woodward

Mr. President, I rise today to speak about a critical issue regarding Iraq and Afghanistan veterans' health care needs. America's Armed Forces are sustaining attacks by rocket- propelled grenades, improvised explosive devices, and land mines almost daily in Iraq and Afghanistan. These injured soldiers require specialized care from providers experienced in treating their unique health challenges. These blast injuries result from the complex pressure waves generated by an explosion. Air-filled organs such as the ear, lung, and other organs surrounded by fluid-filled cavities such as the brain and spinal cord are especially susceptible.

Earlier this year, I visited with a soldier named Mack Richards who sustained blast wounds to his wrist and ankle in Iraq, as well as traumatic brain injury, or TBI. This soldier recounted to me his difficulty and frustration in receiving treatment for his brain injury. He was left at an army base far from home for months before he was sent back to his family and finally received therapy from our local rehabilitation facility.

Congress has been assured that veterans with brain and other complex injuries are able to access the specialized treatment they need. However, Mack's story is not unique, and I think the time has come to question what role the underutilized capacity in civilian rehab can play. That is not to devalue VA efforts and the great facilities the VA has to offer, but to ask how civilian providers can complement VA facilities and improve the care afforded our veterans returning from Iraq and Afghanistan.

The large numbers of traumatic brain injury survivors returning home from war highlights the need to leverage all of the resources available to us for the successful treatment and rehabilitation of our injured troops. Tapping into existing civilian TBI research and treatment capacity can help improve outcomes and supplement the care systems being developed at both the Department of Defense and the Department of Veterans Affairs.

This is an issue which I know can stir up sensitivities given the diversity of our veteran population. I want to make it clear that I am fully committed, as are many of my colleagues, to ensuring the VA has the resources and strength to offer sustainable and top quality care for every American veteran. That said, the public and civilian sectors must come together to meet the needs of our newest generation of wounded warriors. This is not unprecedented. In the past, the Department of Defense and the Department of Veterans Affairs have contracted with civilian clinicians and providers to make up the TBI continuum of care.

The VA has shown tremendous effort in addressing the needs of our returning troops, given the enormous challenges we face. However, I believe the large volume of returning veterans with increasingly complex health care needs require an increasingly dynamic approach to better serve those who have given so much for our country. The need for timely treatment and immediate rehabilitation expertise and capacity requires additional resources and flexibility for the VA to form partnerships to ensure top notch care for

our service personnel. And, if this care can be provided closer to veterans' community and family support networks, then it is a win-win as families can be kept together and servicemembers can more easily transition back into their daily routines.

I have included language in this bill requesting the Department of Veterans Affairs to report to Congress on the conditions and criteria used for contracting with civilian rehabilitation providers, and outreach efforts being conducted to inform veterans and those who advocate on their behalf about such treatment options. I look forward to working with the VA and my colleagues to make sure our veterans have access to the care their sacrifices and personal injuries require.

Mr. President, today I celebrate the life of a beautiful Nebraskan on her 80th birthday.

Phyllis Schroeder Dunn was born on August 18, 1927, in Grand Island, NE. She has called Grand Island her home ever since.

With some help from her late husband Joseph Dunn, she gave birth to nine children, all at St. Francis Medical Center in Grand Island. A graduate of the St. Francis School of Nursing, her career as an emergency and operating room nurse spanned five decades.

Even as Phyllis Dunn celebrates her 80th birthday, she remains very active and is heavily involved in St. Leo's Catholic Church, her weekly quilting group at St. Mary's Cathedral, and following the exploits of her 16 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren.

Her story is typical of lifelong Nebraskans who are known for living long, healthy, happy and productive lives.

Nebraska is famous for being an agriculture state that helps feed the world but it is the people of Nebraska, like Phyllis Dunn, who are its heart and soul.

Mr. President, I rise today, along with my colleague from Arkansas, my friend Senator Lincoln, to speak on a separate but overlapping issue related to the challenge of providing health care coverage for the 9 million uninsured American children. Our colleagues Senators Baucus, Grassley, Rockefeller, and Hatch have forged a bold agreement to cover millions of children through the SCHIP program, the health program for our kids.

However, another problem remains. These children, by definition, live in households that have not been adequately covered by the private market. In fact, of the 45 to 46 million Americans who are currently uninsured, over 80 percent are employed. These people get up every day and work hard to support their families and keep our economy moving forward but are left praying their family doesn't face a bankrupting health crisis. Fifty percent of these Americans work for small businesses with fewer than 24 employees. The small business workforce is especially important in my State, and I know it is critical for many of my colleagues from other States as well.

I applaud the hard work which has gone into SCHIP, and I intend to vote for this important package. But I am also glad we have the opportunity to show our commitment toward providing market-based relief, which will afford additional coverage for the remaining uninsured Americans.

This is indeed one of our country's greatest challenges. I look forward to turning our focus to solutions for small business, alongside the leaders of the Finance and HELP Committees who have joined us today. I thank the floor managers for affording us this time. I am encouraged by the progress made today.

Mr. President, today I honor Army CPL Dustin Lee Workman II.

Upon his graduation in 2005 from Ashland-Greenwood High School in Ashland, Nebraska, Corporal Workman joined the Nebraska National Guard. His friends and family describe him as an iron-willed person, and as someone who was deeply in touch with his faith. One of his former teachers described him as a talented and creative writer. In fact, Corporal Workman, who was not yet 20 years old, composed a poem, which was set to music by one of his friends and sang at his funeral. I attended the funeral, and it was a moving rendition. The poem follows:

I am from God whose

Hand molded me with only his will.

Conceiving my innocence

As I lay dormant and still.

I am from God who knew

No limits nor fear.

Who gave up his son

Without shedding a tear.

I am from God who granted

Me my soul.

Never to be Hell's among

The others it stole.

I am from God who's my

Shepherd and Lord.

Guiding others and myself

In our herds and our hordes.

I am from God whose

Power and blessing is given as mine

Endowed into me by his hand so divine.

On June 28, 2007, Corporal Workman passed away due to combat injuries sustained from an improvised explosive device while serving in Iraq. He was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 12th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division, based in Fort Carson, CO.

Corporal Workman is survived by his father, Dustin, Sr.; mother, Valerie; and two younger siblings, Korey and Krysta. I join all Americans in grieving the loss of a patriot and a beloved friend, brother, and son.

Sergeant Nathan L. Winder

Mr. President, I rise alongside my colleague and friend, Senator Burr from North Carolina, on an issue of great importance to America's middle class; that is, the affordability of higher education.

I call up amendment No. 2337.

Mr. President, even at the University of Nebraska, which offers a quality and cost-effective education, the average graduate holds over $16,000 in debt as they enter the working world. That is the equivalent for many starting out of a near mortgage, although they don't own a house. For many students across the Nation, the picture is even more bleak, as students graduate with the equivalent of a home mortgage, in many instances. Over the last 10 years, the problem has grown worse. Average tuition and fees at 4-year public and private institutions have increased by 38 percent.

The class of 2008 will be the largest high school class in U.S. history, with nearly 3.2 million high school graduates facing the decision of whether they can afford to go to college. A key part of that calculation will be the financing options at their disposal, including grants, Federal loans, and private financing.

I applaud Senator Kennedy for leading the charge, investing additional Federal dollars in Pell grants which provide need-based aid to 5.3 million Americans each year. An estimated 90 percent of Pell grant recipients considered to be dependent upon their parents had family income below $40,000. This provides essential support for many underprivileged families but only starts to address student need as loans are often required to supplement this aid and many middle-class families ineligible for Pell grants are left searching for financing solutions.

In a time of mounting challenges for America's middle class, I urge caution and moderation in cutting funding for the Federal Family Education Loan Program, known as FFEL, on which 8 out of 10 schools rely to serve their students' financial needs at the present time. Eight out of ten schools rely on these private financing situations for students' financial needs.

The Federal Government partners with loan providers to ensure that the student loan marketplace is fully capitalized and students have access to affordable higher education financing options. This market- based approach has solidified access for student loans, preserved attentiveness to the needs of borrowers and schools, while providing valuable discounts to middle-class families.

That said, our amendment preserves significant cuts to the student loan industry. However, it does so in a tempered and moderate manner which bridges the desires of Members on the one hand to increase need- based aid for low-income families and on the other hand to avoid increasing loan costs for millions of families and doing significantly irreparable harm to the public-private FFEL Program. In addition, our amendment preserves the maximum Pell grant levels established in the Higher Education Access Act and does not reduce financial aid for students.

Many will come and speak about past grievances in which a select few in the student loan industry have been involved. I am as troubled as anyone by these past actions, and I applaud the HELP Committee for taking action in the higher education reauthorization bill to make sure these problems do not occur again.

That said, the Federal Family Education Loan, FFEL, has afforded young Americans the opportunity to attend college for over 40 years and is a critical part of making college a reality for many in the middle class. Over the life of a loan, the FFEL Program delivers on average $2,800 in discounts and savings to middle-class Americans. Amazingly often, we speak about the magnitude of student loan cuts as if they will cost nothing. Americans rely on the FFEL Program, and I encourage Members to ask their FFEL schools how valuable the program is for students in their State. Our amendment tempers the FFEL cut, preserving $15.65 billion in reductions to lenders.

Reports are circulating that the Nelson-Burr amendment would set aside less money for Pell grants. What has not been relayed accurately is that the Nelson-Burr amendment increases grant aid to the exact same funding levels as the Higher Education Access Act. The amendment does not degrade the amount dedicated to Pell grants; rather, it uses a different baseline from which the CBO cost calculations are made. We assume the $4,600 Pell grant appropriation which was accommodated in the budget resolution--the same budget resolution which created these reconciliation instructions. This assumption is less than the House of Representatives' Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education appropriations bill which funds it as $4,700 for Pell grant maximum.

Our focus is on the end result for students. A vote for Nelson-Burr not only assures that the most needy families see the same increases in Pell grants but also helps mitigate the damage to competitive student loans that deliver savings to middle-class families and students, many of whom are ineligible for Pell grants and other aid.

Let me make the point clear.

No. 1, 8 out of 10 schools rely on the FFEL Program.

No. 2, we must proceed with caution and moderation in making these cuts because this will reduce the amount of capital available for student loans for middle-class families.

No. 3, these cuts directly impact students' and middle-income Americans' pocketbooks, those who have to rely on loans for higher education.

No. 4, our amendment does not reduce student aid or the maximum Pell grant set out in this bill, as some have said.

I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting the Nelson-Burr amendment. I ask that my colleague, Senator Burr, have whatever remaining time might be required for his remarks.

Mr. President, I rise to urge support for the Nelson-Burr amendment which is next in line for voting.

In a time of mounting challenges for America's middle-class families, I am urging caution and moderation in cutting funding for the Federal Family Education Loan Program which 8 out of 10--80 percent of the schools--rely on to serve their students' financial needs.

The Nelson-Burr amendment does preserve significant cuts of $15.65 billion to the student loan industry, but it does so in a tempered and moderate manner which bridges the desires of Members on the one hand to increase need-based aid for low-income families and on the other hand to avoid increasing loan costs for millions of families and doing irreparable, significant harm to the public-private FFELP program.

In addition, our amendment preserves the maximum Pell grant levels established in the Higher Education Access Act. There is information that says it is not doing it that way. That information is incorrect.

I thank the Chair.

Mr. President, I rise today to honor CPL Matthew L. Alexander, of Gretna, NE.

Corporal Alexander, age 21, was a recent graduate of Gretna High School. He married his high school sweetheart, Kara, on Valentine's Day this year. He is remembered by all who knew him as someone who believed deeply in what he fought for and someone who made it his life's work to care for his loved ones. Kara recalls her husband as ``the most gracious man I knew. He was a loving husband, devoted son, caring brother and the best friend you could ever ask for.''

Enlisting in the Army in the spring of 2004, Corporal Alexander was well decorated with awards, including the Army Achievement Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Army Service Ribbon, and Expert Infantry Badge. He was stationed to A Company, 5th Batallion, 20th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade, 2nd Infantry Division, based out of Fort Lewis, WA. He passed away on May 6, 2007, in Baqubah, Iraq, due to injuries sustained from an improvised explosive device detonated near his military vehicle. This was the corporal's first deployment.

Corporal Alexander is survived by his wife Kara, his parents Melvin and Monica, and his brother Marshall, all of Gretna. I offer my sincere condolences to CPL Matthew Alexander's family and friends. Our Nation will remember Corporal Alexander as a true hero for his selflessness and his passion as he made the ultimate sacrifice for the good of our Nation.

Chief Warrant Officer Three Christopher M. Allgaier

Mr. President, I rise today to honor CWO3 Christopher M. Allgaier, of Omaha, NE.

Chief Warrant Officer Allgaier loved to fly. His father, Bob Allgaier of Omaha, said his son's love of flying arose in early childhood, as he was ``always picking up little model airplanes and aviation books when he was a kid.'' After graduating from Omaha Creighton Preparatory High School in 1991 with a 4.0 grade-point average, he studied aeronautical administration. In 1995 after graduating from college, he joined the Army to fly helicopters.

On May 30, 2007, while serving in support of Operation Enduring Freedom as a helicopter pilot with the 3rd Battalion, 82nd General Support Aviation, 82nd Airborne Division, based at Fort Bragg, NC, Chief Warrant Officer Allgaier passed away when his CH-47 Chinook transport helicopter received rocket-propelled grenade and small arms fire and crashed. Four other soldiers were killed in this attack. Allgaier's deployment to Afghanistan in January was his second tour of duty in the country and came about a year after he returned from a mission flying helicopters in Iraq. He had also previously served in South Korea. He was 33 years old.

In addition to his father, Chief Warrant Officer Allgaier is survived by his wife Jennie and three daughters, Natalie, Gina, and Joanna, of Spring Lake, NC, and his sister Sharon, of Omaha.

I would like to offer my sincere condolences to the family and friends of CWO3 Christopher Allgaier. His noble service to the United States of America and his leadership are to be respected and appreciated by all. And while the loss of this remarkable Airman is felt by all Nebraskans, his courage to follow his dreams will remain as an inspiration for his survivors.

Specialist William Lee Bailey, III

Mr. President, I rise today to honor Army National Guard SPC William Lee Bailey, III, of Bellevue, NE.

A valued member of his community, Specialist Bailey served as a soldier, a medical dispatcher, and a volunteer firefighter. As a firefighter, he worked as a medical helicopter dispatcher in the metropolitan area. As a soldier, he served with the Nebraska National Guard's 755th Chemical Company based in O'Neill, NE.

As part of this chemical company within the Army National Guard, Specialist Bailey was involved in entering areas which may have been chemically infected and performing detection and evacuation in those areas. He was part of a group providing security convoys for Iraq; and his unit had been trained to perform security missions, according to MG Roger Lempke, commander of the Nebraska National Guard.

Specialist Bailey is remembered as a kind and caring member of his community and as someone who was eager for duty. He was a rugged outdoorsman who loved hunting, motorcycles, and firefighting, but loved his wife ``Dee'' the most. His friend and colleague from the fire department, Paul Prewitt, remarked, ``He loved his family and worked hard for them. He had a lot of integrity and was a real stand-up guy. He would go out of his way for his friends. He will be missed.''

Specialist Bailey passed away in Taji, Iraq, on May 25, 2007, due to injuries he sustained from an improvised explosive device. He had been serving in Operation Iraqi Freedom since November 2006 and was due for leave in June 2007. He was laid to rest with cherished firefighter funeral traditions, complementing his full military honors. There were more than 700 people in attendance at his funeral, including over 100 soldiers. His funeral procession included 35 fire trucks, ambulances, and utility trucks representing at least 11 area departments.

Specialist Bailey's wife Deanna accepted on his behalf his Purple Heart, his Bronze Star, and his Army National Guard meritorious service medal, in addition to other awards. His ``bunker'' gear--the fireproof clothing firefighters use as protection--was strapped to the rear of a firetruck in the procession. His coat, pants, and boots faced forward-- his helmet, backward.

Specialist Bailey is survived by his wife Deanna; their five children, Cody, Maquala, Katlynn, Billy, and Logan; and his parents Terry and Margaret Denike, all of Bellevue. I offer my most sincere condolences to the family and friends of SPC William Bailey. He will be remembered as a compassionate member of his community, who had a real passion for serving his country. His bravery will inspire future generations of Americans to live a life of service.

Specialist David Behrle

Mr. President, I rise today to honor Army SPC David Behrle of Tipton,

Mr. President, today I wish to honor Army PFC Jonathan N. McCart Peterson.

Private First Class Peterson was born September 11, 1987, in Liberal, KS. He graduated from McCook High School in May 2005 and joined the Army on July 26 of that year. He attended basic training at Fort Jackson, SC, and was then stationed at Fort Lewis, WA. He later transferred to Rose Barracks Army Base near Vilseck, Germany, where he was an information systems operator and maintainer and worked specifically as a local area network manager.

On Friday, May 25, 2007, Private First Class Peterson passed away at Good Samaritan Hospital in Kearney as a result of an automobile accident. He was 19 years old. He is survived by his mother, Valery A. McCart, of Cambridge; two sisters, Jessica M. Peterson and her son, Nikolas Malleck, of McCook, and Jayme L. Peterson of Kearney.

I offer my sincere condolences to the family and friends of PFC Jonathan Peterson during this time of heartbreak. Even in death, his selfless service to our country was evident. As an organ donor, he undoubtedly saved many lives. Few Americans ever achieve as much as Private First Class Peterson did in such a tragically short life. He will be forever remembered as a hero.