Floor Statements

Mr. President, thank you.

I first offer my congratulations to the new chairman of the Senate Agriculture Committee. We are pleased about Senator Chambliss's new assignment and responsibilities. I very much appreciate his taking on these new responsibilities at a time that will be critical for American agriculture as we work our way toward the reform bill, as well as central issues that will face our country directly connected to American agriculture.

I rise this afternoon to add my congratulations to the President's nominee for Secretary of Agriculture, the Nebraska Governor, Mike Johanns. I have known Mike Johanns for many years. We have worked very closely over the last few years. He has ably served the State of Nebraska during a difficult time.

As the Agriculture Committee noted in its hearings for Governor Johanns, he is eminently qualified. His background is well known. He is prepared, and he will be a very effective Secretary.

I might add, one of the reasons many of us are so enthusiastic about Mike Johanns doing this job is that he understands not only American agriculture but he understands trade. He understands geopolitical strategic issues that are connected to our agriculture, our economy, and trade.

He understands that these great issues of our time are woven into the same fabric. They are within the great arc of national interest for America. He has the kind of stature and the kind of character that we never see enough of in Washington.

For those reasons, and for many others, I am enthusiastic, as are so many of us, about Mike Johanns taking on the job of Secretary of Agriculture.

We will miss him in Nebraska. His steady leadership has brought Nebraska through a difficult time of deficits, not unlike other States. He has performed not only well but he has built a value-added system not only in our economy but in our government in Nebraska. He will be succeeded by a very able Lieutenant Governor, Dave Heineman, whom we also wish well.

As I conclude, I add my thanks to Secretary Veneman's service to our country and to American agriculture over the last 4 years. She too has had to deal with many of the uncontrollables that are part of that portfolio--a difficult job. She deserves recognition for the kind of job she has done. She has done it just as Mike Johanns will do his job--with class, with dignity, always reaching out to others, as well as working closely with the Congress.

The last point I will make is whatever was said by the Senator from Kansas about Nebraska football is not to be taken seriously.

Other than that, I think my time is up. Thank you, Mr. President. I yield the floor.

Mr. President, I rise to express my sympathy over the loss of Aaron Holland of Columbus, NE, a lance corporal in the U.S. Marine Corps. Lance Corporal Holland was killed in a car accident on December 17, 2004 near Richfield, UT, while returning home to Columbus from his second tour of duty in Iraq. He was 21 years old.

Lance Corporal Holland graduated from Columbus High School and is survived by his mother Becky and stepfather Paul Knopick; two stepbrothers, Silas and Paul Knopick; grandparents, Lois and Edmund Mueller; and uncle, Mark Mueller; all of Columbus. Our thoughts and prayers are with them at this difficult time. The United States of America is proud of Aaron Holland's service and mourns his loss.

The 9/11 terrorist attacks on the U.S. fostered Holland's interest in a military career and after graduating in 2002, he enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps. After completing his training, he served with the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing stationed at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar in San Diego, CA. Holland served two tours in Iraq, from February to July 2003 and from February to August 2004. Lance Corporal Holland will be remembered as a loyal marine who had a strong sense of duty, honor, and love of country. Thousands of brave Americans like Lance Corporal Holland are currently serving in Iraq.

For his service, bravery and sacrifice, I ask my colleagues to join me and all Americans in honoring LCpl Aaron Holland.

Private First Class Joshua A. Ramsey

Mr. President, I rise to express my sympathy over the loss of Nick Nolte of Falls City, NE, a sergeant in the United States Marine Corps. Sergeant Nolte died November 24, 2004 at the Walter Reed Army Medical Center from wounds he received on November 9 when his Humvee drove over a bomb near Baghdad, Iraq. He was 25 years old.

Sergeant Nolte graduated from Falls City Sacred Heart High School in 1998. After graduating, he enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps and became a member of the Presidential Helicopter Squadron HMX-1, guarding Presidents Clinton and Bush. In June 2004, Nolte joined Operation Iraqi Freedom as a rifleman, Marine and personal security expert. Sergeant Nolte will be remembered as a loyal Marine who believed in his mission and who had a strong sense of duty, honor and love of country. Thousands of brave Americans like Sergeant Nolte are currently serving in Iraq.

Sergeant Nolte is survived by his mother, Anita Nolte; his wife, Melina and 3-year-old daughter, Alanna of Cherry Point, NC and sister, Jessica Nolte of Omaha. Our thoughts and prayers are with them at this difficult time. The United States of America is proud of Nick Nolte's service and mourns his loss.

For his service, bravery and sacrifice, I ask my colleagues to join me and all Americans in honoring Sergeant Nick Nolte.

Staff Sergeant Robert S. Doughty

Mr. President, I rise to express my sympathy over the loss of Shane Kielion of Omaha, NE, a lance corporal in the U.S. Marine Corps. Lance Corporal Kielion was killed while supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom on November 15, 2004, in Iraq's Al Anbar Province. He was 23 years old.

Lance Corporal Kielion attended Omaha South High School where he was a leader both on the football field and in the classroom. After graduating in 1999, he briefly attended Peru State College on a football scholarship before joining the U.S. Marine Corps. He was assigned 3rd Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, I Marine Expeditionary Force, Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, CA. Lance Corporal Kielion will be remembered as a loyal marine who had a strong sense of duty, honor, and love of country. Thousands of brave Americans like Lance Corporal Kielion are currently serving in Iraq.

Lance Corporal Kielion is survived by his parents, Patricia and Roger Kielion; his wife, April, and their newborn son. Our thoughts and prayers are with them at this difficult time. The United States of America is proud of Shane Kielion's service and mourns his loss.

For his service, bravery and sacrifice, I ask my colleagues to join me and all Americans in honoring LCpl Shane Kielion.

lcpl kyle burns, USMC

I rise to express my sympathy over the loss of Edward Iwan of Albion, NE, a 1LT in the United States Army. First Lieutenant Iwan was killed on November 12, 2004 in Fallujah, Iraq when a rocket- propelled grenade hit his Army vehicle. He was 28 years old.

First Lieutenant Iwan grew up on his family's farm in Albion and enlisted in the U.S. Army upon graduation from Albion High School in 1994. After serving 3 years, he joined the Army Reserve Officers' Training Corps at the University of Nebraska--Lincoln where he earned a degree in criminal justice and received a commission in the U.S. Army. At Lincoln, he was a leader in the ROTC program. First Lieutenant Iwan was a platoon leader in the Army's 2nd Infantry Division who will be remembered as a loyal soldier who had a strong sense of duty, honor, and love of country. Thousands of brave Americans like 1LT Iwan are currently serving in Iraq.

Lieutenant Iwan is survived by his parents, Donna and Kenneth Iwan of Albion and two sisters, Ginger and Kate. Our thoughts and prayers are with them at this difficult time. The United States of America is proud of Edward Iwan's service and mourns his loss.

For his service, bravery and sacrifice, I ask my colleagues to join me and all Americans in honoring 1LT Edward Iwan.

Mr. President, I rise today in support of a resolution recognizing the landmark Presidential elections that took place in Afghanistan on Saturday, October 9, 2004.

My colleagues Senators Lugar, Biden, Leahy, McCain, Sununu and Dodd join me as original co-sponsors of this resolution.

The Government and people of Afghanistan deserve our praise and recognition for their achievements since the emergency Loya Jirga of June 2002. The process leading to this historic election has not always been easy. Warlords and Taliban members have sought to intimidate voters and disrupt the process. But the government of President Hamid Karzai and the people of Afghanistan have not been deterred. More than 10.5 million Afghan citizens have been reported registered to vote, reflecting the courage and commitment of Afghans to a democratic future. Over 40 percent of those registered are women.

The Afghanistan Freedom Support Act of 2002, P.L. 107-327, expressed the U.S. Congress's support for the development of democratic institutions and a fully representative government in Afghanistan that respects religious freedom and the rights of women. The Presidential election this week is a critical benchmark for America's commitment to a long-term partnership with Afghanistan for responsible governance and a more peaceful future.

America's interests in Afghanistan are linked to our wider regional objectives in the war on terrorism, and in promoting security and more open political and economic systems throughout the greater Middle East and Central Asia.

Presidnet Bush said on June 15, 2004, that ``the world and the United States stand with [the people of Afghanistan] as partners in their quest for peace and prosperity and stability and democracy.''

I ask the Senate to recognize the historic achievement of the Afghan people in holding Presidential elections this past Saturday, and to join the co-sponsors of this resolution and me in expressing our continued support for the people of Afghanistan.

Mr. President, I rise today to submit a resolution recognizing the landmark Presidential elections that will take place in Afghanistan this Saturday, October 9, 2004.

My colleagues Senators Lugar, R-IN, Biden, D-DE, Leahy, D-VT, McCain, R-AZ, Sununu, R-NH and Dodd, D-CT, join me as original co-sponsors of this resolution.

The Government and people of Afghanistan deserve our praise and recognition for their achievements since the emergency Loya Jirga of June 2002. The process leading to this historic election has not always been easy. Warlords and Taliban members have sought to intimidate voters and disrupt the process. But the government of President Hamid Karzai and the people of Afghanistan have not been deterred. More than 10.5 million Afghan citizens have been reported registered to vote, reflecting the courage and commitment of Afghans to a democratic future. Over forty per cent of those registered are women.

The Afghanistan Freedom Support Act of 2002, PL 107-327, authorized the United States Government to provide $3.3 billion in political, economic and security assistance to Afghanistan. It also expressed the U.S. Congress's support for the development of democratic institutions and a fully representative government in Afghanistan that respects religious freedom and the rights of women. The presidential election this week is a critical benchmark for America's commitment to a long- term partnership with Afghanistan for responsible governance and a more peaceful future.

America's interests in Afghanistan are linked to our wider regional objectives in the war on terrorism, and in promoting security and more open political and economic systems throughout the Greater Middle East and Central Asia.

President Bush said on June 15, 2004, that ``the world and the United States stand with [the people of Afghanistan] as partners in their quest for peace and prosperity and stability and democracy.''

I ask the Senate to recognize the historic achievement of the Afghan people in holding presidential elections this week, and to join the co- sponsors of this resolution and me in expressing our continued support for the people of Afghanistan.

Mr. President, I rise today to introduce the ``Military Death Gratuity Improvement Act of 2004.'' This legislation would raise the military death gratuity paid to the families of military personnel killed while on active duty from $12,000 to $50,000. This increase would also be applied retroactively to all service members on active duty who have died since September 11, 2001.

The military death gratuity is money provided within 72 hours to families of service members who are killed while on active duty. These funds assist next-of-kin with their immediate financial needs.

As we face the challenges of the 21st Century, servicemen and women sacrificing for their country in a time of war should be assured that their families will be taken care of. The loss of a loved one is a tremendous emotional hardship for families. Congress must do what it can to ensure that it does not cause devastating financial hardship as well.

This bill will help alleviate some of the financial hardships faced by the families of our brave servicemen and women who give their lives in service to our country. It will send a message to our brave young men and women and their families that their Nation appreciates their service and sacrifice. I urge my colleagues in the Senate to join me in cosponsoring this legislation.

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

Mr. President, I rise today to introduce the ``Military Death Gratuity Improvement Act of 2004.'' This legislation would raise the military death gratuity paid to the families of military personnel killed while on active duty from $12,000 to $50,000. This increase would also be applied retroactively to all service members on active duty who have died since September 11, 2001.

The military death gratuity is money provided within 72 hours to families of service members who are killed while on active duty. These funds assist next-of-kin with their immediate financial needs.

As we face the challenges of the 21st Century, servicemen and women sacrificing for their country in a time of war should be assured that their families will be taken care of. The loss of a loved one is a tremendous emotional hardship for families. Congress must do what it can to ensure that it does not cause devastating financial hardship as well.

This bill will help alleviate some of the financial hardships faced by the families of our brave servicemen and women who give their lives in service to our country. It will send a message to our brave young men and women and their families that their Nation appreciates their service and sacrifice. I urge my colleagues in the Senate to join me in cosponsoring this legislation.

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

Mr. President, the Office of Federal Housing Enterprise Oversight's, OFHEO, findings-to-date report on its ``Special Examination of Fannie Mae'' is deeply troubling. It raises serious doubts about the ability of Fannie Mae's management to correct the safety and soundness problems at Fannie Mae. What is most troubling is that OFHEO had to use subpoenas in order to conduct its congressionally authorized investigation of Fannie Mae. Fannie Mae's resistance to cooperate with this investigation is unacceptable.

Based on the findings in OFHEO's report, it is clear why OFHEO's requests were repeatedly rebuffed by a stonewall of silence and why Fannie Mae's management insisted on keeping its financial operations in a black box. OFHEO's report shows among other things that Fannie Mae's top management indulged in a windfall of bonuses after it improperly manipulated the company's annual earnings. If these actions are found to be deliberately linked, then the board of Fannie Mae needs to take appropriate action and address the problem, just as the board of Freddie Mac did last year.

The boards of both GSEs have a fiduciary responsibility to their shareholders and the public to ensure that

any improper actions by management are dealt with swiftly and accordingly. The confidence in the GSEs has a direct impact on the stability of the American economy. The American people and the markets must have confidence in the operations of the congressionally chartered Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac.

We need to build upon legislation that several of my colleagues and I introduced last year. The Senate Banking Committee passed a watered down version of our legislation, but it is clear from OFHEO's findings that it is not adequate. To prevent these serious actions from occurring, the new GSE regulator must have at a minimum the same powers and resources as those of other financial regulators such as the Federal Reserve System, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation and the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency.

House Banking Subcommittee Chairman Richard Baker has scheduled a hearing next week to examine the problems at Fannie Mae. There are still too many unanswered questions and I look forward to seeing the results of the House hearing. Given the frequency of the accounting problems, pattern of manipulation and questionable management actions at both Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae, Congress can no longer look the other way.

Mr. President, I rise today to introduce the G.I. Bill Enhancement Act of 2004. My legislation would waive the Montgomery G.I. bill program's $1,200 enrollment fee for active duty members of our Nation's military.

This legislation covers any member of the United States military, including Reserve and National Guard members, serving on active duty during the period after President Bush's November 2001 Executive order that placed the military on a wartime footing. This legislation would: waive the G.I. bill enrollment fee until President Bush's November 2001 Executive order is rescinded; allow all servicemen and women to opt into the G.I. bill with no penalty or enrollment fee; and reimburse those servicemen and women covered by this bill who have already paid the $1,200 enrollment fee prior to the enactment of this legislation.

The current Montgomery G.I. bill is tailored to serve members of our military in a time of peace. Upon enlistment, recruits are given the option of enrolling in the G.I. bill. If they choose to participate, they are charged a $1,200 enrollment fee which is deducted from their monthly pay over 12 months. However, we are now in a time of war and the demands on our service members and their families have been transformed and increased. To that end, changes must be made to the G.I. bill to ensure that it continues to provide realistic and relevant educational opportunities to those who are defending our country.

This is an issue of fundamental fairness. The men and women serving our country in wartime should not have to choose between the long-term benefits of the G.I. bill and the short-term demands of their paycheck. The G.I. bill is one of the great legacies of military service to our country. Men and women sacrificing for their country in a time of war need to be assured that access to higher education is in their future. Congress must do all it can to ensure that education options for our veterans are accessible and real.

The year 2004 marks the 60th anniversary of the Servicemen's Readjustment Act of 1944, better known as the G.I. bill. This bill has long been recognized as one of the most important congressional acts of post World War II America. The G.I. bill ensured that all who served their Nation would not be penalized as a result of their time away from their careers and communities in service to their country. The G.I. bill helped members of our ``greatest generation'' upon their return home by providing them with the educational tools necessary to pursue the opportunities enjoyed by all Americans.

Over the last 60 years, the Federal Government has invested billions of dollars in education benefits for our Nation's veterans. Over 17.6 million men and women have benefitted from the G.I. bill, resulting in a workforce that transformed American society. The bill's far-reaching impact can be seen here today, as Members of this body, including this Senator, have prospered as a result of the benefits of the G.I. bill.

Every American should be proud of how we have responded to the challenges of terrorism following September 11, 2001. We owe much to the men and women who have fought professionally and bravely in Afghanistan and Iraq and who have kept guard around the world. This bill recognizes these sacrifices. I hope that my Senate colleagues will give serious consideration to this legislation.

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

Mr. President, I rise today to introduce the G.I. Bill Enhancement Act of 2004. My legislation would waive the Montgomery G.I. bill program's $1,200 enrollment fee for active duty members of our Nation's military.

This legislation covers any member of the United States military, including Reserve and National Guard members, serving on active duty during the period after President Bush's November 2001 Executive order that placed the military on a wartime footing. This legislation would: waive the G.I. bill enrollment fee until President Bush's November 2001 Executive order is rescinded; allow all servicemen and women to opt into the G.I. bill with no penalty or enrollment fee; and reimburse those servicemen and women covered by this bill who have already paid the $1,200 enrollment fee prior to the enactment of this legislation.

The current Montgomery G.I. bill is tailored to serve members of our military in a time of peace. Upon enlistment, recruits are given the option of enrolling in the G.I. bill. If they choose to participate, they are charged a $1,200 enrollment fee which is deducted from their monthly pay over 12 months. However, we are now in a time of war and the demands on our service members and their families have been transformed and increased. To that end, changes must be made to the G.I. bill to ensure that it continues to provide realistic and relevant educational opportunities to those who are defending our country.

This is an issue of fundamental fairness. The men and women serving our country in wartime should not have to choose between the long-term benefits of the G.I. bill and the short-term demands of their paycheck. The G.I. bill is one of the great legacies of military service to our country. Men and women sacrificing for their country in a time of war need to be assured that access to higher education is in their future. Congress must do all it can to ensure that education options for our veterans are accessible and real.

The year 2004 marks the 60th anniversary of the Servicemen's Readjustment Act of 1944, better known as the G.I. bill. This bill has long been recognized as one of the most important congressional acts of post World War II America. The G.I. bill ensured that all who served their Nation would not be penalized as a result of their time away from their careers and communities in service to their country. The G.I. bill helped members of our ``greatest generation'' upon their return home by providing them with the educational tools necessary to pursue the opportunities enjoyed by all Americans.

Over the last 60 years, the Federal Government has invested billions of dollars in education benefits for our Nation's veterans. Over 17.6 million men and women have benefitted from the G.I. bill, resulting in a workforce that transformed American society. The bill's far-reaching impact can be seen here today, as Members of this body, including this Senator, have prospered as a result of the benefits of the G.I. bill.

Every American should be proud of how we have responded to the challenges of terrorism following September 11, 2001. We owe much to the men and women who have fought professionally and bravely in Afghanistan and Iraq and who have kept guard around the world. This bill recognizes these sacrifices. I hope that my Senate colleagues will give serious consideration to this legislation.

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

Mr. President, I rise to express my sympathy over the loss of a dear friend, Donald G. Brotzman, distinguished former Colorado Congressman who represented Boulder in the U.S. House of Representatives. Congressman Brotzman passed away on September 15 at the age of 82 in Alexandria, VA.

Don Brotzman was a friend to all who knew him. Highly respected and a man of immense character, he always had time for everyone. His wise counsel was constantly sought by leaders and friends.

Don served in the Colorado State House of Representatives from 1952 to 1954 and in the State Senate from 1954 to 1956. In 1959, President Dwight D. Eisenhower appointed Don as U.S. attorney for Colorado. Congressman Brotzman served in the U.S. House of Representatives from 1963 to 1965 and again from 1967 to 1975. In 1975, President Gerald R. Ford appointed him Assistant Secretary of the Army for Manpower and Reserve Affairs. He served 2 years in that position and was credited with helping lead the way for the implementation of the ``all-volunteer army.''

Don was born on a farm near Sterling, CO. He served in the U.S. Army in the Pacific theater during World War II. He graduated from the University of Colorado Schools of Business and Law where he had begun his undergraduate work before the war on a football scholarship. He was an All Big Eight middle linebacker for the Colorado Buffaloes.

Don Brotzman was preceded in death by his wife of 51 years, Louise Reed Brotzman, who died in 1995. He leaves behind his wife, Gwendolyn Davis Brotzman of Alexandria, whom he married in 1996; two children from his first marriage, Kathy Caldwell of Longmont, CO, and Donald G. ``Chip'' Brotzman Jr. of Carbondale, CO; a stepson, Robert Higgins of Philippi, WV; a brother; and six grandchildren.

We will miss this good man, Don Brotzman. I ask my colleagues to join me and all Americans in honoring World War II veteran and Congressman Donald G. Brotzman.

Mr. President, I rise to express my sympathy over the loss of Eric Knott of Grand Island, NE, a Petty Officer 3rd Class in the U.S. Navy. Petty Officer Knott was killed in Iraq on September 4 in a mortar attack while working at a construction site. He was 21 years old.

Petty Officer Knott will be remembered as a proud individual dedicated to serving his country. He joined the U.S. Navy in 2001 after graduating from Grand Island Senior High School and became a Navy Seabee so he could learn specialty welding and help others. Petty Officer Knott spent about 9 months in Iraq last year and was recently redeployed in August. He had just been promoted and was overseeing a three-person unit.

Petty Officer Knott is survived by his parents Randy Knott of Grand Island and Vera Thorpe of Hastings; step-mother, Teri Knott of Grand Island; step-father Steve Thorpe of Hastings; brothers William and Tim of Seward; sister Angela of Lincoln; and grandparents Lyle and Arlene Knott and Masel Anderson, all of Grand Island. Our thoughts and prayers are with them at this difficult time. America is proud of Eric Knott's service and mourns his loss.

For his service, bravery, and sacrifice, I ask my colleagues to join me and all Americans in honoring Petty Officer 3rd Class Eric Knott.

Mr. President, I want to briefly recognize the distinguished guest Chaplain this morning from Omaha, NE. Reverend Longbottom is a very important part of our community in Nebraska. His spiritual guidance, his involvement in so many civic activities has set him apart over the years, in part because he is one of those individuals who actually gets down into the universe of areas of concern and applies the spiritual to the practical. For that, our State has benefited greatly. I also wish to recognize Reverend Longbottom's wife Lori who accompanied him to Washington as well. We in Nebraska are very proud of the Longbottoms. I am very proud to say a few words about him. I particularly appreciated the President pro tempore allowing me to open the Senate to recognize my constituent and friend, Reverend Longbottom.

I yield the floor.