Floor Statements

Mr. President, on behalf of Senator Levin, I call up his substitute amendment, which is at the desk.

Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the reading of the amendment be dispensed with.

Mr. President, I wish to begin my comments on this year's National Defense Authorization Act by thanking the members of the Personnel Subcommittee, and I would especially like to thank Senator Lindsey Graham. He and I have worked together for several years on the Personnel Subcommittee.

Yes.

Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that Senator Webb be recognized after Senator Warner for Senator Webb's comments.

Mr. President, as I was saying, Senator Graham and I have worked together over these past several years--he has been chairman and I have been the ranking member--and I have always found our time on the subcommittee to be decidedly nonpartisan. All members of the Personnel Subcommittee have tried to do what is right by the servicemembers and their families. We are always focused on how best to serve those who serve us. So I say to Senator Graham: Thank you very much.

This year, as in past years, the Personnel Subcommittee focused on improving the quality of life of the men and women in the armed services, including Active-Duty, National Guard and Reserve personnel and their families. There is an old axiom in the military that you recruit the soldier, sailor, airman or marine, but you retain the family. In the wake of the difficulties exposed at Walter Reed, we felt especially compelled this year to focus not just on the servicemember but also on his or her family and I am pleased with the bill and recommend it to my fellow Senators.

The bill before us authorizes $135 billion for military personnel, including pay, allowances, bonuses, death benefits, and permanent change of station moves. The bill contains many important provisions that will improve the quality of life of our men and women in uniform and their families.

First and foremost, the bill authorizes a 3.5 percent across-the- board pay raise, which is half a percent higher than the average pay raise in the private sector as measured by the Employment Cost Index. It is also half a percent higher than the administration's proposal of a 3-percent increase in pay. This increased pay raise recognizes the outstanding service and the sacrifice of the men and women of the armed services and their families.

The bill also addresses the administration's request to increase the end strength of the Army and the Marine Corps. The committee supports the requested increases in end strength for the coming fiscal year but funds the entire authorized end strength in the base budget rather than in a combination of the base budget and the war-related supplemental. The committee believes the increases in end strength are no longer uniquely tied to the war effort. The bill authorizes fiscal year 2008 end strengths of 525,400 for the Army and 189,000 for the Marine Corps.

The bill would expand combat-related special compensation to all servicemembers eligible for retirement pay who have a combat-related disability. This special compensation is currently denied to our wounded warriors who are medically retired with less than 20 years of service.

The bill would also reduce below age 60 the age at which reservists may begin to receive their retired pay by 3 months for every aggregate of 90 days of active duty performed under certain mobilization authorities.

The bill authorizes all servicemembers to carry up to 90 days of leave from one fiscal year to the next and allows certain servicemembers to sell back up to 30 days of leave under special leave accrual provisions affecting deployed servicemembers.

The bill would change the death gratuity and survivor benefit plan to allow servicemembers to choose to leave death benefits to a guardian or a caretaker of their minor child or children.

The bill also amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to make it easier for spouses and children accompanying servicemembers assigned overseas to qualify for citizenship.

The bill includes provisions that would allow the Department of Defense to continue to provide top quality health care to servicemembers and their dependents. The bill authorizes $24.6 billion for the Defense Health Program and takes steps to ensure that TRICARE is available to beneficiaries who desire to use it.

The bill enhances the ability of the services to attract critically short health care personnel by authorizing a new bonus for referring to military recruiters an individual who is commissioned in a health profession, by authorizing an increase from $50,000 to $75,000 in the maximum incentive special pay and multiyear retention bonus for medical officers and by authorizing the Secretary of Defense to pay an accession bonus of up to $20,000 to participants in the Armed Forces Health

Professions Scholarship and Financial Assistance Program.

The committee rejected the administration's proposal to give DOD broad authority to increase the cost of TRICARE for military retirees and their families and authorized the use of Federal pricing to reduce the cost of pharmaceuticals dispensed through the TRICARE retail pharmacy program.

Finally, the bill authorizes $50 million in Impact Aid to local school districts, including $5 million for educational services to severely disabled children and $10 million for districts experiencing rapid increases in the number of students due to rebasing, activation of new military units or base realignment and closure.

Before closing, I would like to say a few words about the Dignified Treatment of Wounded Warriors Act. The committee unanimously reported out this legislation on the 14th day of June as a stand-alone bill. It is very important to ensure that our wounded heroes and their families are provided the very best in medical care and transition services the Government can provide. I understand the Dignified Treatment of Wounded Warriors Bill will be offered as an amendment to this bill, so I encourage all my colleagues to support this extremely important and timely piece of legislation.

Again, I would like to thank Senator Graham and all the members of the Personnel Subcommittee. I look forward to working with our colleagues to pass this important legislation as promptly as possible.

Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that Mark Carlton, a Marine Corps Fellow in Senator Kennedy's office, be granted the privilege of the floor during the consideration of H.R. 1585, the Defense Authorization bill for fiscal year 2008.

Mr. President, I wish to recognize the City of Hastings, NE, for being named ``America's Greenest City'' by Yahoo, Inc., the online search engine. During a time when people around the world are concerned about energy security and environmental quality, they need look no further than the city of Hastings as a perfect example of what a community can do to help clean up the environment.

Hastings, with a population of 25,000, located in south-central Nebraska, has just won Yahoo's ``Be a Better Planet--

Greenest City in America'' challenge, beating 350 other cities across the Nation which had entered the competition. Some of the environmental projects accomplished by the city of Hastings include conversion of methane to energy at its pollution control center, production of E85 ethanol, installation of energy-efficient street lighting, and creation of an extensive network of parks and hiking and biking trails.

Hastings, NE, the birthplace of Kool-Aid, is in the heart of farm country, which most certainly contributed to its environmentally sound policies. Farmers have always been leaders when it comes to being good stewards of the land, water, and air.

For its efforts, Yahoo offered the city of Hastings its choice of either a fleet of hybrid taxi cabs, similar to those donated to New York City during the campaign's kickoff on May 14, 2007, or the equivalent cash donation. Hastings, which has signed the U.S. Mayor's Climate Protection Agreement, selected the latter in order to further its environmental programs and become an even greener city. In addition to the top prize awarded to Hastings, the top five cities are being rewarded with deliveries of thousands of energy-efficient compact fluorescent lightbulbs, compliments of Yahoo.

Hastings mayor Matt Rossen plans to solicit ideas from residents for future projects, and Global Green USA will also work with the city of Hastings to identify potential city greening projects, such as expansion of renewable energy programs and energy-efficient renovations for city buildings.

As Nebraska's Senator, I am extremely proud of Hastings, NE, which has shown an outstanding commitment to the development of renewable and sustainable energy solutions for protecting the environment, improving health, and saving money. In commending the city of Hastings, NE, for being named America's Greenest City, I wish to highlight the sentiments expressed by Yahoo's cofounder, David Filo, who said, ``The determined green spirit demonstrated by the people of Hastings, Nebraska, underscores Yahoo's belief that individual actions can add up to significant change.''

Madam President, I rise today to acknowledge the United States' crucial relationship with Russia. The fate of U.S.- Russia relations rests on key agreements regarding security, trade, and energy policies.

The annual G8 Summit taking place this week in Germany comes at a crucial time in our relationship with Russia, a key international trade, military, and security partner to the United States.

For decades after World War II, our military and national security policies focused mostly on the Soviet Union. At that time, both nations pursued a foreign policy dubbed ``Mutually Assured Destruction.''

In the early 1990s, with the support of the United States, new Russian leaders began instituting democratic reforms. As the political landscape in the Soviet Union improved, so did our relationship with Russia. Instead of destruction, our countries have pursued cooperation, though the Russians still have work to do on human rights. Certainly, recent actions by the Russian Government to limit freedoms, crack down on journalists, and inflict economic damage on its neighbors are cause for concern for the United States. Some of these concerns can and should be addressed through engagement and diplomacy with Russia.

Recently, relations between the United States and Russia have become strained, with the rhetoric between the nations exacerbating the problem. As the G8 meetings commence, it is imperative that the U.S. Government engage Russia on the vital security, trade, and energy policies important to both nations.

Last week, as cochairman of the U.S. Senate-Russia interparliamentary working group, I held 3 days of meetings in Moscow with legislators and top Russian officials, including Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, to discuss our mutual economic and security interests.

The Russians were united on key matters. First, they question U.S. intent with regard to deployment of missile and radar systems in Poland and the Czech Republic. Second, they would prefer an extended timetable on independence for Kosovo. They also identified vital security matters where they and we Americans can work together, specifically, halting Iran's nuclear program and the spread of global terrorism. While we may have disagreed on the appropriate manner in which to address the emerging threat of Iran's nuclear program and the amount of time in which we have to do so, Russian officials were clear that, like me, they believe Iran's ultimate goal in developing nuclear power is to produce a nuclear weapon.

Our delegation's message to the Russians was clear as well: we can work out differences over missile defense, Kosovo and other issues, but the Russians need to step up and assist the global community with Iran and terrorism in Iraq. Cooperation is critical to the success of our relationship.

In addition, Russia has tremendous economic potential. They have registered 5 percent or better economic growth in each year since 1999 and 6.7 percent in 2006. Personal income grew 10 percent in 2006. However, this growth has impacted mostly urban areas such as Moscow or St. Petersburg, and more needs to be done to improve economic conditions in rural areas.

U.S. exports to Russia for the first 11 months of 2006 totaled $7.8 billion. U.S. foreign direct investment in Russia in 2005 was $5.5 billion, up from $3.8 billion in 2004. Russians are buying American products and services--it seemed that every fifth car in Moscow was a Ford. But we can do better by helping to raise the standard of living in Russia to advance democratic reforms.

Russia is now working to join the World Trade Organization, WTO. The United States maintains an obscure trade law, known in Washington-speak as ``Jackson-Vanik,'' that would limit U.S. business trade and investment in WTO-member Russia because the law prevents normalized trade relations between the two countries. While the original intent of this trade law was admirable, it is now widely believed to be antiquated and remains only as yet another Cold War relic, this time hindering future progress in opening permanent normal trade relations between Russia and the United States. If Jackson-Vanik remains in place, Russian businesses would not suffer alone upon Russia's accession to the WTO; U.S. businesses would also suffer while businesses from around the globe prosper in Russia's increasingly valuable markets. Congress needs to ``graduate'' Russia from this trade provision so U.S. firms can compete with foreign firms on the economically fertile ground in Russia.

Finally, as with other allies, important and controversial matters between the United States and Russia will continue to arise. Energy production and supply, for example, is an important national security matter for the United States and its allies. Russia's state-controlled energy company, Gazprom, is building an intricate pipeline system which will control natural gas flow to European countries. It currently supplies about 25 percent of Europe's natural gas, with higher percentages to some former Soviet European states. About 40 percent of crude oil exports move to Europe through a pipeline system. They plan to expand to North America. Russia has already exploited the dependence of Ukraine, Moldova, Belarus, and Georgia on its energy resources. Without cooperation and understanding between our countries, this system could leave the United States vulnerable in the future to gas supplies controlled by the Russians.

Mikhail Margelov, my Russian counterpart in the working group, said that the U.S.-Russia alliance must be strong for the future of both countries. He is right. Collaboration can bring about change for the good. Negotiation can resolve conflicts. Strong relations can solidify Russia's democracy.

The administration should use the G8 Summit as an opportunity to engage Russia on these key security, trade and energy policy matters. It is in the national security interests of the United States to have a strong relationship with a democratic Russia.

Madam President, today I wish to recognize a man who died in the service of his country 64 years ago but never received the proper recognition he was due.

Harold George Danley was one of four brothers from Lincoln, NE, who joined the armed services during World War II. Three of those brothers returned home to their families; Sergeant Danley, who was 22 years old, did not.

Sergeant Danley was serving in the 18th Army/Air Force Anti-Submarine Squadron aboard a B-24D Bomber, which crashed while patrolling the east coast of the United States somewhere

near the Virginia/North Carolina shoreline on April 21, 1943. Despite the efforts of search parties, his body was never recovered; therefore, no memorial service was ever performed on his behalf. It was some time later that the family was notified that Sergeant Danley was officially listed as FOD, ``Finding of Death.''

Sergeant Danley left behind his wife Thelma; his daughter Merriam, who was born several months after her father's death; his father Harrison, and stepmother Anna; three brothers, Lieutenant Colonel Earl E. Danley, Sergeant Bob E. Danley and Sergeant Lloyd K. Danley, now deceased; and three half-siblings, Marvin, Delores and Betty. His mother Ella preceded him in death.

On May 18, 2007, a memorial service was held at Arlington National Cemetery to honor Harold G. Danley as a son, brother, husband, and father, as well as a man who made the ultimate sacrifice in the service of his country. My thoughts are with the Danley family as they honor the memory of Staff Sergeant Danley, a Nebraska hero from the second World War.

Mr. President, I thank my colleague from Alabama. It is true that we did have a very eventful trip to Iraq to talk about what needs to be done there.

But today the opportunity arises to discuss the concern that I have with the latest attempt by some of my colleagues to push forward with a ``comprehensive'' immigration reform bill.

We have been here before. Last year, the Senate pushed through a mammoth bill that sought to reform our immigration laws on a comprehensive basis. Yet, as predicted, that bill failed. It was a ``do everything'' bill that ended up doing nothing.

Well, here we are again this year watching efforts to push through another ``do everything'' bill. What is more, this year the language has yet to be finalized, and certainly no Member of this body has been given the kind of time needed to review the proposal and analyze its provisions.

Our immigration system is broken. But, apparently, so is our system for fixing it. That is why last year I tried to change the debate on immigration reform. Along with my colleague, Senator Sessions, and our colleague, Senator Coburn, we introduced a bill that focused solely on the most important component of immigration reform, and the first component of immigration reform, border security.

Last year during this debate, I tried time and time again to convince my colleagues that a comprehensive bill would get nothing accomplished and that we needed to concentrate on securing the border first. Today we find ourselves right back where we were last year: debating a comprehensive bill that has not been finalized, has not been given proper consideration, and that, again, will not achieve any of the goals we had. So, again this year, I emphasize to my colleagues we must concentrate on border security first.

We can only hope to solve our immigration problems if we take it one step at a time. There are three steps to resolving this problem: First is border security; second is fixing legal immigration and the process of legal immigration; and third is addressing those who are here illegally.

Now, we can take steps 1 and 2 at the same time. So we made some progress on the first step last year. We passed the Secure Fence Initiative, and the folks at DHS have made some progress on fixing and securing the border. We should give the border security provisions a chance to prove that they will work and can effectively slow and stop illegal immigration. But instead we are being asked to jump to step 3 before steps 1 and 2 are completed.

We need to concentrate on accomplishing border security first, as the first step for the first leg of this stool. We still have a lot of work to do to fix our current system of legal immigration. Why would we jump this step and reward these who are here illegally and effectively punish those trying to enter this country legally, the right way?

The current immigration process has left so many people frustrated with trying to do the right thing and enter this country legally. Clearly, we should make sure to help those individuals first. As I have said time and again, we need to close the back door to illegal immigration while we open the front door to legal immigration. Instead, this bill adds more complications and more complexity to our legal immigration system that is currently overworked with backlogs and long wait times for people who want to enter this country the right way.

We cannot change the letters for a visa from H to Y or Z and expect it to work better. We cannot add some complicated and difficult point system and expect it to work. We have to fix the system for legal immigration, not make it more complicated and even more unworkable. This bill will add more problems onto a broken system. We are digging ourselves deeper.

Therefore, I believe only after we have accomplished the first two steps, which we can do, and can demonstrate that we have made considerable progress toward solving those problems, only then can we proceed to the third step and turn our attention to handling 10 or 12 or more million people who are here illegally.

We must secure the borders so we do not have millions more illegal immigrants. If we do not, we will only encourage millions more to cross the border illegally in the hopes of being part of the amnesty offered under this legislation.

From what I have seen and read thus far, I think this bill is only about half right. Since it has a series of so-called triggers, the current compromise certainly seems to recognize that we have to do border security first. So if we recognize we cannot solve our immigration problems without first securing the border, then why do we continue to insist on mixing in the comprehensive provisions at the same time?

If we can understand the need for triggers based on border security and workplace enforcement, then we should understand that we cannot solve this problem all at once. Why do we continue to rush to pass some ``comprehensive'' measure when we can approach this problem one step at a time?

I propose that instead of triggers, we should consider only passing those provisions dealing with border security and enforcement and those provisions dealing with worksite and interior enforcement. Instead of pushing through everything at once, we need to start solving the problem at the border and working from there.

In conclusion, I will vote for cloture on the motion to proceed, but not because I support the underlying bill. I will support cloture only because I hope we can significantly improve this bill so that it addresses the problem properly: at the border first and then fixing the legal immigration system. If we do not come up with a bill that properly addresses the issue the way I believe it needs to be addressed, then I will not be able to support the final product.

I will vote to give us a chance to create a bill that focuses on securing the border first and that fixes our broken system for legal immigration. I will not, however, support a comprehensive amnesty-based bill that creates more problems and that fails to secure our borders first.

Madam President, I yield the floor and suggest the absence of a quorum.

Mr. President, I wish to recognize a man who died in the service of his country 64 years ago, but never received the proper recognition he was due.

Harold George Danley was one of four brothers from Lincoln, NE, who joined the armed services during World War II. Three of those brothers returned home to their families; Sergeant Danley, who was 22 years old, did not.

Sergeant Danley was serving in the 18th Army/Air Force Anti-Submarine Squadron aboard a B-24D Bomber, which crashed while patrolling the East Coast of the United States somewhere near the Virginia/North Carolina shoreline on April 21, 1943. Despite the efforts of search parties, his body was never recovered; therefore, no memorial service was ever performed on his behalf. It was some time later that the family was notified that Sergeant Danley was officially listed as FOD, ``Finding of Death.''

Sergeant Danley left behind his wife Thelma; his daughter Merriam, who was born several months after her father's death; his father Harrison and stepmother Anna; three brothers, LTC Earl E. Danley, SGT Bob E. Danley, and SGT Lloyd K. Danley, now deceased; and three half- siblings, Marvin, Delores, and Betty. His mother Ella preceded him in death.

On May 18, 2007, a memorial service was held at Arlington National Cemetery to honor Harold G. Danley as a son, brother, husband, and father, as well as a man who made the ultimate sacrifice in the service of his country. My thoughts are with the Danley family as they honor the memory of Staff Sergeant Danley, a Nebraska hero from the Second World War.

Mr. President, today I join House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer in introducing legislation seeking to strengthen our local communities through coordinated school-based efforts. The Full- Service Community Schools Act establishes an important grant program supporting a variety of community services, ranging from early childhood education and family literacy efforts to job training and nutrition services. Our schools have long served as the bedrock of local communities; and in a time when Federal dollars have been used as an invasive hand, I believe additional resources should be allocated to local areas supporting enterprising instruction, public health, job training and overall community and parental engagement.

The Full-Service Community Schools Act will direct the Department of Education to award grants to local educational agencies and one or more community-based organizations, nonprofit organizations, or other public/private entities. These full-service community school dollars will improve the coordination, delivery, effectiveness, and efficiency of services provided to our children and families. Funds will be awarded to those grantees coordinating at least 3 services at a school site, including early childhood programs; literacy and reading programs for youth and families; parenting education activities; community service; job training and career counseling services; nutrition services; primary health and dental care; and preventive mental health and treatment services.

Priority will be given to grantees demonstrating a record of effectiveness and serving at least two schools in which at least 40 percent of the children are from low-income families. These targeted efforts will support a more efficient use of Federal, State, local, and private-sector dollars serving the needs of children and families. A synergy of community engagement, parental enthusiasm, and local leadership is what America needs to address the growing challenges of our time; and I will continue working with my colleagues to ensure such efforts have the support of Congress. I encourage Senators to join me by cosponsoring the Full-Service Community Schools Act of 2007.

Mr. President, I wish to honor U.S. Navy Petty Officer 1st Class Joseph Adam McSween of Oak Harbor, WA.

Petty Officer McSween will be remembered as a loving husband and father, a dedicated friend and sailor, and a strong leader. After graduating from Georgia Christian High School, he received a track scholarship to York College in York, NE, where he would later graduate in 2001 with an associate degree. While there, Petty Officer McSween was recognized as a natural leader and participated in campus leadership activities. He also met and fell in love with his wife Erin Hammitt while they were students together. They later had two daughters: Lily, age 5, and Gwyneth, age 2.

On April 6, 2007, while serving near Kirkuk, Iraq, as a demolition specialist with the Navy Explosive Ordnance Disposal Unit 11, based at Whidbey Island, WA, Petty Officer McSween and two others passed away when a rocket hit their humvee. McSween was 26 years old. He was awarded the Bronze Star ``V'', Combat Distinguished Device, the Purple Heart, and the Combat Action Ribbon at his military service.

Adam was not a Nebraska resident, but he chose to be buried in York, NE. His very close friend, Petty Officer Randy Leppell, U.S. Navy, had this to say at the funeral: ``One thing I remember about Adam, one story he told was that he called back to some crazy little town called York, Nebraska, which I'd never heard of, and he told me he hadn't been to the school for a while. But the admissions officer still remembered his name. He said, `This is Adam.' The Admissions Officer said `Adam McSween?' He couldn't believe it. I couldn't believe it. I think it speaks volumes for the people of York.''

Hundreds of people from York and many other areas of Nebraska and surrounding States, people who never even knew a young college student named Adam McSween, came to his funeral and lined the streets, proudly displaying the American Flag as the procession made its way to Adam's final resting place in Greenwood Cemetery in York, NE.

In addition to his wife and two daughters, Petty Officer McSween is survived by his parents Bob and Florence McSween; his two brothers Robert and Kyle; and his sister Angela. I offer my sincere condolences to the family and friends of Petty Officer McSween. 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 Petty Officer McSween's passion for serving, his leadership, and his selflessness will remain a source of inspiration for us all.

Mr. President, today I pay tribute to the Potter family, who are being honored with the Family Tree Alumni Award from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, UNL. This award was established in 1995 for families having at least three generations of UNL graduates and at least two family members with a record of outstanding service to the university, the alumni association, their community and/or their profession.

This legacy finds its roots in Herb ``Cub'' Potter, Sr., who began attending the University of Nebraska in 1910. Herb lettered as a quarterback on the dominating ``Stiehm Rollers'' Nebraska football teams of 1911, 1912, and 1914. The latter of those teams finished with 7 wins, 0 losses and 1 tie, which was said to be deserving of the mythical national title. At the university, Herb met his wife, Carrie Coman, a fellow student and an Alpha Omicron Pi member.

The two sons of Herb and Carrie Potter, Herb, Jr., and younger brother Brooks, became the next generation of Huskers during the early 1940s. Herb, Jr., graduated in 1943 with a degree in business administration and soon married a fellow graduate, Lois Ballantyne, class of 1940. Brooks attended the University of Nebraska until he enlisted in the U.S. Navy at the onset of World War II. Unfortunately, Brooks passed away while serving his country as a member of the ``greatest generation.''

Herb, Jr.'s close ties to Nebraska did not end with his graduation. He embarked on a career spanning 30 years at the University of Nebraska Foundation as secretary/treasurer and later vice president. Upon his retirement in 1982, Herb's tenure spanned a period during which the foundation grew from a staff of 5 employees and assets of $1 million to a staff of 22 and assets of $80 million.

Herb and Lois passed on the Husker tradition to their two daughters, Barbara and Carol. Barbara, class of 1967, met and married Robert Reynolds, class of 1971, at Nebraska. Robert went on to serve in the U.S. Department of the Interior with distinction for 33 years. In recognition of his outstanding contributions to the National Park Service, Robert was given the Meritorious Service Award in 1991, the second highest award given in the Department of the Interior. Then in 2000, he was awarded the Distinguished Service Award, which is given to only 4 out of 20,000 each year.

Carol, class of 1973, M.S. 1975, also met her husband, Paul Lou, class of 1973, M.S. 1976, at the university. Paul has spent the past 25 years as an instructor teaching a broad range of computer classes at Diablo Valley Community College in Pleasant Hill, CA, where he is considered one of the most popular teachers.

From the Ballantyne family, there have been several other Nebraska graduates, with the latest being Kevin Zimmerman, a lawyer who is currently serving his country in the armed services. Other graduates have gone on to become doctors--Doug Peter--teachers--Sandra Peter, Pat Kahre and Frank Daily--artists--Joyce Ballantyne and Beverly Ballantyne--and business professionals--Byron Ballantyne and Jim Peter.

Finally, current marching band member Kyle Peter represents the fifth generation of the Potter family tree to attend the University of Nebraska.

In addition to this legacy being deep in its years, it is also wide in its spread. From 1910 up to the present, there has been a member of either the Potter or Ballantyne families affiliated with the University of Nebraska during every single decade. What a rich tradition at Nebraska.

Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the order for the quorum call be rescinded.

Mr. President, I suggest the absence of a quorum.

Mr. President, I was unable to attend rollcall vote No. 121. Had I been present, I would have voted in the negative.

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Mr. President, I rise today to honor Army SGT Wayne R. Cornell of Holstein, NE.

Sergeant Cornell will be remembered as a dedicated husband and father.

Having been deployed to Iraq earlier this year, Sergeant Cornell made certain he would be allowed to take his 2 weeks' leave in July. He was determined to make it home to Holstein, NE, in time to see his wife Patricia give birth to their third child.

With both his father and grandfather having served in the military, enlisting had always been a top priority for Sergeant Cornell. While at Silver Lake High School in Roseland, no matter what branch of service was making a recruiting visit to his school, Sergeant Cornell was always the first in line to meet with the military recruiter. In addition to his desire to enlist, Sergeant Cornell was also a skilled martial arts student and is remembered by his teachers as a kindhearted and well-meaning individual.

Shortly after graduating from high school in 1999, Sergeant Cornell chose to enlist in the Nebraska Army National Guard. During 4 years with the Guard, he served twice in Bosnia and once in Afghanistan. In addition to his service to his country, Sergeant Cornell also served his community as a volunteer firefighter. Last year he enlisted in the Army; he was deployed to Iraq when called up in February. On March 20, 2007, while serving with the Army's 1st Battalion, 28th Infantry, 4th Brigade, 1st Infantry Division, based out of Fort Riley, KS, Sergeant Cornell passed away when the vehicle he was traveling in was struck by a roadside bomb in Baghdad.

``He did it all for his family,'' said his wife Patricia. ``He was an awesome father, and he just made every sacrifice for us.'' In addition to his wife Patricia, Sergeant Cornell is survived by his two children, Dameion, 5, and Zoie, 3, of Holstein; mother Patricia Perrie of Holstein; father Larry Cornell of Fairmont, NE; and sisters Jadeen Cornell of Blue Hill, NE, and Janalle Gowlovech, of Sioux Falls, SD.

I offer my sincere condolences to Sergeant Cornell's family. Not only did he sacrifice for his family, he made the ultimate and most courageous sacrifice for his Nation. Every American and all Nebraskans are proud of the service of brave military personnel such as SGT Wayne Cornell.

Mr. President, I send an amendment to the desk and ask for its immediate consideration.

President, this amendment provides a fiscally sound alternative for estate tax reform. It represents a fiscally sound approach to protecting family farms, ranches, and small businesses from the onerous estate tax. It is cosponsored by Senators Lincoln, Baucus, Landrieu, Stabenow, Salazar, Bill Nelson, and Mark Pryor.

The amendment provides for an estate tax reform initiative; the necessary next step to improving the estate tax component of the Baucus amendment adopted by an overwhelming margin of 97 to 1. This amendment gets us to a $5 million exemption and a 35 percent rate.

I hope the day will come when we can fully repeal the estate tax forever, but unfortunately today is not that day. Unfortunately, the fiscal realities we face do not at this time allow for a permanent solution. That is why we must adopt this amendment to provide peace of mind for thousands of families who are planning to pass their business, farm, or ranch on to the next generation.

Like the Kyl amendment, our amendment will allow us to accommodate the Landrieu proposal of a $5 million and 35 percent with a surcharge for the largest estates. Unlike the, Kyl amendment, this amendment is fiscally responsible and deficit neutral.

I look forward to working with the cosponsors of this amendment and my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to enact meaningful estate tax reform this session, and eventually finding a permanent solution.

I urge my colleagues to support this amendment, and join me in following through on the promise made in this amendment to extend estate tax relief with an exemption of $5 million and a top rate of 35 percent.

Mr. President, I yield the floor to Senator Lincoln from Arkansas.