Floor Statements

Mr. President, I appreciate the words of my friend from Florida as I rise today and say my farewell to this body. I do it with some sadness, but I also do it with some great pride. I also do it with a great appreciation for the Senate and for the people who serve here.

It has always been one of my personal honors and privileges to serve the State of Montana and the country for the last 18 years, and with such distinguished and honorable men and women.

We have seen a lot of changes. I want to answer my good friend from Florida, before he leaves the floor: We have seen some changes come over the body, and I would suggest that we turn off that eye that surrounds this body, turn it off and turn the Senate back into the debating body it was once known for, with collegiality, because the best I have ever seen the Senate operate is in executive session. When you turn off the television and we get to the issues--and we have some marvelous people, dedicated, on both sides of an issue, who can argue the issue--some of us who may not be as disciplined in that particular issue as others could learn and vote more intelligently. I suggest that, but I doubt that will ever happen, being that that is out in the public today. I thank the Senator for his observation. We need to get back to the great debates that were held on the floor of the Senate many years ago.

It was back on January 3, 1989, when I was sworn in the Senate. It was a proud day in my life and, of course, for my wife and our family. I got to thinking during that day that only in America could something like this happen. I was fortunate and, of course, we had both my wife's family, who are Nebraska folks, and my family, who are Missouri folks, in attendance that day. They are just folks, but they are emblematic of those people who were born of the land and in the heart of America-- ranchers and farmers.

It was on the prairies of Missouri where I was born and raised on a little old bitty farm of 160 acres--what I call ``2 rocks and 1 dirt''--not a very good farm. But I have fond memories of that place. I give thanks every day that I was born to that family and in that old house that still stands on that 160 acres. Of course, in my younger years I gained most of my philosophy in life. I was born of folks who weren't very wealthy, as you would define wealthy. They were a product of the Great Depression and the terrible droughts of the 1930s. They survived by hard work and great pride. The values they passed on to most of us in my generation were the love of this country first, community pride and loyalty to that community, and honesty to the core. Russell and Mary Francis were married 59 years on that day when I was sworn in. And I will tell you, when they witnessed proudly their son sworn into the most prestigious body in the world, only in America can that happen. It is truly the miracle of our country. It was also a proud day for all of our family.

I will say right now that we could not do well in this body without the true support of a wife and family because it is from that source that we draw our strength and, yes, our wisdom, as long as they are by our side. Phyllis, of course, and Keely and Garrett were all here. What blessings God has bestowed upon me personally. One was missing and that was Kate. God called her home back in 1985, but she remains in our memories and hearts forever. Again, one cannot do this job without the support and sacrifice of our family.

We have seen a lot of positive things happen in Montana. Montana has just begun to grow in new directions. Montana is a resource State, with timber, mining, oil, and agriculture. But we have new opportunities now, and they have opened. I am proud to say that it was me and my office that led the way on most of those changes. It is said that it is not bragging if you have done it. I was fortunate enough to attract a staff that shared the same vision of change, and change we did. Montana is not short of visionaries. It was my privilege to know them, work with them, and to move our State forward.

There is one thing about Montanans: They are not afraid to dream. As you know, dreams never die; dreamers do. Our colleges and universities now are national leaders in research and development, agriculture, engineering, and communications. We have telemedicine and distance learning where none existed before. We have seen a real leap forward in our infrastructure and transportation and rural utilities. We have watched an elevated vocational educational system grow. Tribal colleges on our seven reservations are

growing and now offer opportunities that have never been available to our Native Americans in the history of our State. More Montanans are working today and owning their own homes than at any other time in the history of our State.

I had the honor of serving with three Presidents, and one could say four, as it was in the closing days of President Reagan's term. They are all honorable men and dedicated to this Nation. I know what it is like to be in the minority, and I know what it is like to be in the majority. One great statement was made: ``The majority is more funner.''

I have enjoyed my work with some of the best men and women in the Senate who represented both sides of the aisle, from different regions of our country and diverse cultures of our country. I will miss them. But we have welded some friendships that will last forever. The same could be said of nations to which we have traveled and met national and international leaders on all continents.

During my tenure here, we have witnessed the crash of the Berlin Wall, freedom in the market base come to the Eastern block in Europe, and the electricity that was in the House of Representatives when a newly elected President of Poland made his historical speech in a joint session. I will tell you what: It brought joy, tears, and pride to all of us in that Chamber.

Like every Member of Congress, I wept when two of our Capitol policemen died on that summer day protecting this Capitol and us who live and work here. Still, our hearts go out to their families. They will never be forgotten.

I leave with many memories. I ask the Senate to return to the deliberative and collegial body it was designed to be. I know it has that ability because I have seen it firsthand. But the challenges ahead are tremendous for this Government. I can only list about six of them: taxation, regulation, energy, health care, education, and litigation. We must face those challenges if we are to live in this free entrepreneurial and economic country. I suggest that we don't just dwell on the national interests first and all others separate.

Members of this body are just average men and women, but they have the capabilities of rising to any occasion of crisis. They are just average, but they also have a higher degree of dedication to our country. I never underestimated any Member of the Senate, and I regard them as quiet heroes in a time of peace and in a time of turmoil and even in the most stressful time in the process of developing legislation that sets policy for our land.

I shall miss all of you. It has been my great privilege to serve with you. As I leave, I say God bless you all.

I yield the floor and suggest the absence of a quorum.

Mr. President, as the chairman of the Interior and Related Agencies Appropriations Subcommittee, I wish to speak for a few moments about the coming retirement of one of the most dedicated public servants I have had the pleasure of knowing. Shortly after the first of the year, John Trezise will be leaving the Department of the Interior after 35 productive years..

Since 1998, John has served as the Director of the Interior Department's Office of Budget and for the 5 years before that as the Chief of the Office's Division of Budget. In short, John has been ``running the numbers'' at the Interior Department for the past 13 years. And I can vouch for the fact that during those years, no one has known more about the Department's budget than John. He is, to put it bluntly, a walking ledger.

John first got his start with the Department in 1971 when he hired on as a young attorney in the Office of the Solicitor. For a number of years, he was Assistant Solicitor for administrative law and General Legal Services, specializing in appropriations law issues.

It is this legal background that has made John such an important asset to those of us on the Appropriations Committee. The guidance and counsel John has been able to offer our Members and our staff has been invaluable. It is no exaggeration to say that without his help, we would have been, if not lost, at least temporarily delayed in getting our appropriations bill done each year on time and within our budget.

As he prepares to leave the Department, I wish to take this opportunity to say thank you to John Trezise for all he has done and to let him know that he will be sorely missed by the members of the Senate Appropriations Committee.

No, thank you. I appreciate the Senator asking.

Mr. President, I don't know of anything more frustrating to all of us who come from farm and ranch country than to try to get this taken care of. We tried to take care of it last year and didn't get it done. There was no urgency. We had a fairly good crop this year. We were not the epicenter of the drought. We have been in that bull's- eye now for 6, going on 7 years. It takes its toll not only on wells but reservoirs and streams.

I am here in support of this because I will tell you that the Dakotas were the epicenter, and they helped us out when we needed it. We are going to try to help them out the best we can and do something.

This year in range country, we probably had more range fires burning--over 800,000 acres in Montana alone. We had a lot of growth to our grass in the first part of the year. We hit July when it was terribly hot, and it became crisp. When August came, we got the fires. They were devastating, taking out fall pastures, hayfields, fences, even livestock, and we had to move a lot of livestock.

We need to boost this legislation. We have it back down to where I think it is a pretty commonsense approach where nobody is getting rich. The only thing we are trying to do is just get the folks to next spring, get them into next year. That is what this piece of legislation is all about. There is nothing excessive in this piece of legislation or the money we will spend. There is not. All of that has been taken out. This is barebones. This is the basics to their operations. We need to pass it this afternoon. I call on the leadership from both sides of the aisle to urgently take a look at this and make sure we get it done before we go home.

Mr. President, I heartily support this, and I know the man in the chair right now, who probably knows his State about as good as anybody--he was raised ``west of the river,'' as we call it, in South Dakota. I have never seen an area as devastated by drought as this area was. You could not raise a fence.

So I would call on the leadership to take a look at this, pass it this afternoon, and get them some money before next spring rolls around.

I thank my good friends from North Dakota for their leadership.

I yield the floor.

Mr. President, today I wish to honor a man that has worked his way to and excelled in the highest level of athletic competition, Mr. Bill Zadick. Bill competed in the wrestling world championship in Gaungzhu, China, where he won the gold medal in the 66 kilogram weight class. The wrestling world championship brings together the top wrestlers from around the world, and to win a gold medal is evidence of determination, dedication, and elite talent. The semifinal match that Bill won exemplified these characteristics as he fought for every point in a weight class deemed to be the most difficult of all. Not to be overlooked was the silver medal victory achieved by Mr. Mike Zadick, brother to Bill, in the 60 kilogram weight class. As did Bill, Mike represented the fine qualities of a champion and the honor in his achievement will be long celebrated.

Growing up in Great Falls, Bill excelled in wrestling during high school and later at the University of Iowa. His hard work ethic, adopted from his father, helped shape Bill into a world-class wrestler. After the 2001 world championships where Bill placed seventh, his desire for perfection landed him in Colorado Springs where he developed a training program that would eventually earn him a gold medal. Not only has Bill set an example for athletic excellence, but he has acted as a role model for fellow Montanans. Montana has enjoyed recognition on the world platform before, and it is because of men like Bill that we have the opportunity to continue this great honor.

Considered to be a part of the greatest wrestling family in Montana, Bill and Mike Zadick deserve the praise and recognition given to them. We are proud as well as fortunate to have men such as Bill and Mike Zadick from Montana, demonstrating their amiable work ethic and acting as role models to younger generations of athletes and students alike.

Mr. President, I want to take this moment to call the Senate's attention to a historic agreement that was signed today between the Federal Highways Administration and the Assiniboine & Sioux tribes at the Fort Peck Reservation in Montana.

Today, Fort Peck entered into an agreement with FHWA to directly manage highway funds for the reservation, allowing increased focus on the local needs of tribal members. Fort

Peck is one of five tribes that were selected for this new partnership. By empowering the tribes to administer these funds directly, FHWA is recognizing the critical need for improved transportation infrastructure on tribal lands. From increased safety to economic development, tribal authorities are best suited to direct this funding in a manner that will serve the needs of their communities.

In the recently passed highway bill, the Indian reservation roads account was substantially increased, which also demonstrates the Federal commitment to tribal transportation needs. I was pleased to support this increase, and even more pleased that Montana is leading the way in this new era of government-to-government cooperation in administering these funds.

I am a firm believer that empowering folks on the ground to address the specific needs of their communities generally yields the best results, and no where is that more true than in Indian Country. Montana's tribes are working tirelessly to improve the quality of life for their people, and investing in basic infrastructure, like roads, is the foundation of economic growth in these rural areas. Safe, reliable roads are needed to get kids to school, people to work, and products to market. This is a basic need we are talking about here, and I am confident that the leaders at the Fort Peck reservation are best suited to tackle these challenges.

I would like to congratulate Fort Peck and FHWA for this groundbreaking partnership. I am hopeful that we can build on this initiative and expand the ability of tribal leaders to shape the future of their people.

Mr. President, today, September 19, 2006, I join with my colleague from Montana, Senator Baucus, in cosponsoring a resolution to designate September 24, 2006 as National Good Neighbor Day. I am proud to promote positive, meaningful friendships between citizens as part of a long-established tradition begun in 1971 by one of Montana's own citizens.

National Good Neighbor Day was started by Becky Mattson of Lakeside, MT with the intent of fostering a strong community of friendship and interaction between neighbors. This day also serves to facilitate communication between senior citizens and children. So often the communications between America's greatest generation and our youngest citizens is not as strong as it could be, yet, Ms. Mattson has found a way to help encourage that important dialogue.

Ms. Mattson began this tradition by doing what so many Montanans and Americans do: she wrote a letter to her Senator. That letter, to Senator Mike Mansfield, was met with great enthusiasm and as result, the National Good Neighbor Day has become an annual event, taking place on the fourth Sunday of September. Her efforts have been recognized by countless individuals, and have even been recognized through proclamations by three United States Presidents: Carter, Ford and Nixon. In addition, governors of many States have issued proclamations of Good Neighbor Day as well.

In the spirit of Ms. Mattson, I encourage my colleagues in the Senate and in our communities to reach out and be a good neighbor. I urge children to visit with senior citizens and to share their life experiences. The efforts of each person matters, not just on this day, but everyday, and will make our communities stronger. I am proud of Ms. Mattson, and thank her for her contribution in making us all good neighbors.

Mr. President, I am very supportive of the Senator from Nebraska on this issue. I wish we could have gotten a vote and not have to deal with a point of order. I don't think the fires we have had in Montana and the dry weather we have had in Montana yield to a point of order. We do have people hurting.

I appreciate the work done by the Senator from Nebraska. We will continue this exercise, passing an emergency disaster package for agriculture before we go home. I appreciate him allowing me some time.

I pass along to the Senate and Montanans we are having a drought. In fact, our water is only testing 85 percent moisture.

I thank the Senator.

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

Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that Senator Dorgan and I be added as cosponsors to amendment No. 4914.

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

Mr. President, I thank the Senator from Alaska. I thank Senator Bingaman for his work on this amendment. We heartily approve the amendment. It has strong support on this side of the aisle.

Mr. President, I rise today to join Senator Grassley and other distinguished Senate colleagues in cosponsoring S. Con. Res. 97. Under this concurrent resolution, the United States sets a goal to provide at least 25 percent of the total energy consumed in the United States from renewable resources by January 1, 2025.

I have said many times and very firmly believe that our energy future will be grown on our farms, ranches, and forests.

In my State of Montana, our farmers are already producing food and fiber for our country. Before long, they will be producing food, fiber, and fuel as agriculture will become part of the energy business. It is important we have the technology available so we do not have to choose between producing food or fuel. In Montana and elsewhere, technology is already being developed to produce cellulosic ethanol. Unlike traditional corn-based ethanol, cellulosic ethanol will use materials such as wheat straw and barley straw. These materials, once discarded as waste, can now be turned into energy.

On August 8, 2005, this Congress passed one of the most comprehensive energy research, development, and conservation bills this country has seen in decades: the Energy Policy Act of 2005. Now, just 1 year later, the initial outcomes are impressive. Twenty-seven new ethanol plants have broken ground. Over 400 E85 pumps have been installed. New wind power production has spurred over $3 billion in economic activity and generated 2,000 megawatts of new usable wind power online. These figures are staggering but pale in comparison to the accomplishments that are possible in the next 20 years.

We have set an ambitious goal. I am pleased this resolution does not include mandates for how to achieve this energy vision. The combination of American ingenuity and widespread public support for this initiative will move the free market toward achieving this attainable goal.

Mr. President, I rise today because, despite the heroic efforts of law enforcement agencies in Montana and elsewhere around the country, the use of methamphetamine continues to rise. In the Senate, we have passed legislation to fund efforts to go after domestic production of meth--from provisions of the USA PATRIOT Act, which restricted the sale of pseudoephedrine, to funds for the cleanup of meth labs. While law enforcement officials report that these efforts are in fact reducing the production of meth within our borders, they also tell me that foreign-produced meth is being imported to fill the supply void.

For this reason, I have introduced the ``Methamphetamine Trafficking Prevention Act of 2006'' in order to bring additional Federal resources to bear on this problem. I want to thank my colleagues, Senate Majority Leader Frist, Senator DeWine, Senator Allard, Senator Coleman, Senator Allen and Senator Smith for joining me in sponsoring this legislation. The United States shares around 4,000 miles of border with Canada and almost 2,000 miles with Mexico. Controlling what comes across these borders must be a top priority for national security.

A report recently released by the President's Office of National Drug Control Policy, the Department of Justice, and the Department of Health and Human Services had this to say:

The most urgent priority of the Federal Government toward

reducing the supply of methamphetamine in the Untied States

will be to tighten the international market for chemical

precursors, such as pseudoephedrine and ephedrine, used to

produce the drug. Most of the methamphetamine used in

America--probably between 75 and 85 percent--is made with

chemical precursors that are diverted at some point from the

international stream of commerce . . . Although domestic

enforcement continues to be a priority, the impact of State

laws controlling retail access to precursors, together with

Federal, State, and local enforcement efforts, has had a

significant impact on the domestic production of

methamphetamine. As a result, a larger proportion of the

methamphetamine consumed in the United States is now coming

across the border as a final product . . .

Meth trafficking has quickly adapted to increased domestic efforts to stem production and the need for an international solution is clear.

This legislation will provide an additional $15 million for the Department of Justice's Meth Hot Spots Program for the creation of ``Border Technology Grants'' to support technology used to detect meth and substances used to make meth on the border through aerial surveillance and to find meth labs around the border with hyperspectral sensors. Another $5 million will be provided to the Drug Enforcement Agency for trace chemical detectors to be used

on U.S. borders. These sensors will also assist in locating explosive devices.

The international nature of meth trafficking makes Federal action necessary, but the United States cannot act alone. This legislation will also coordinate Federal drug enforcement efforts with foreign counterparts in order to devise a strategy to fight meth production across national borders. Officials from the U.S. Trade Representative will discuss meth trafficking with trading partners in multi- and bi- lateral negotiations in order to curb the shipment of this dangerous substance.

The impacts of the meth crisis are felt nationwide. In Montana, I have seen first-hand the consequences of meth addiction on individuals, their families, and communities. Nowhere are these problems more serious than on Indian Reservations. In Montana, there are several reservations on or near the Canadian border. While Montana's law enforcement has done a good job shutting down meth labs in Montana, the flow of meth from Canada and Mexico has more than replaced domestic meth production. This bill would require the Department of Justice to report to Congress the problems faced on these reservations with respect to meth abuse and trafficking.

It is time to take the response to this crisis to a new-- international--level and I encourage my colleagues to support these efforts.

Mr. President, I rise today because, despite the heroic efforts of law enforcement agencies in Montana and elsewhere around the country, the use of methamphetamine continues to rise. In the Senate, we have passed legislation to fund efforts to go after domestic production of meth--from provisions of the USA PATRIOT Act, which restricted the sale of pseudoephedrine, to funds for the cleanup of meth labs. While law enforcement officials report that these efforts are in fact reducing the production of meth within our borders, they also tell me that foreign-produced meth is being imported to fill the supply void.

For this reason, I have introduced the ``Methamphetamine Trafficking Prevention Act of 2006'' in order to bring additional Federal resources to bear on this problem. I want to thank my colleagues, Senate Majority Leader Frist, Senator DeWine, Senator Allard, Senator Coleman, Senator Allen and Senator Smith for joining me in sponsoring this legislation. The United States shares around 4,000 miles of border with Canada and almost 2,000 miles with Mexico. Controlling what comes across these borders must be a top priority for national security.

A report recently released by the President's Office of National Drug Control Policy, the Department of Justice, and the Department of Health and Human Services had this to say:

The most urgent priority of the Federal Government toward

reducing the supply of methamphetamine in the Untied States

will be to tighten the international market for chemical

precursors, such as pseudoephedrine and ephedrine, used to

produce the drug. Most of the methamphetamine used in

America--probably between 75 and 85 percent--is made with

chemical precursors that are diverted at some point from the

international stream of commerce . . . Although domestic

enforcement continues to be a priority, the impact of State

laws controlling retail access to precursors, together with

Federal, State, and local enforcement efforts, has had a

significant impact on the domestic production of

methamphetamine. As a result, a larger proportion of the

methamphetamine consumed in the United States is now coming

across the border as a final product . . .

Meth trafficking has quickly adapted to increased domestic efforts to stem production and the need for an international solution is clear.

This legislation will provide an additional $15 million for the Department of Justice's Meth Hot Spots Program for the creation of ``Border Technology Grants'' to support technology used to detect meth and substances used to make meth on the border through aerial surveillance and to find meth labs around the border with hyperspectral sensors. Another $5 million will be provided to the Drug Enforcement Agency for trace chemical detectors to be used

on U.S. borders. These sensors will also assist in locating explosive devices.

The international nature of meth trafficking makes Federal action necessary, but the United States cannot act alone. This legislation will also coordinate Federal drug enforcement efforts with foreign counterparts in order to devise a strategy to fight meth production across national borders. Officials from the U.S. Trade Representative will discuss meth trafficking with trading partners in multi- and bi- lateral negotiations in order to curb the shipment of this dangerous substance.

The impacts of the meth crisis are felt nationwide. In Montana, I have seen first-hand the consequences of meth addiction on individuals, their families, and communities. Nowhere are these problems more serious than on Indian Reservations. In Montana, there are several reservations on or near the Canadian border. While Montana's law enforcement has done a good job shutting down meth labs in Montana, the flow of meth from Canada and Mexico has more than replaced domestic meth production. This bill would require the Department of Justice to report to Congress the problems faced on these reservations with respect to meth abuse and trafficking.

It is time to take the response to this crisis to a new-- international--level and I encourage my colleagues to support these efforts.

Mr. President, today I rise in support of S. 3711, the Gulf of Mexico Energy Security Act.

This energy bill will open more than 8.3 million acres on the Outer Continental Shelf for oil and gas leasing. This area is estimated to produce 1.26 billion barrels of oil and 5.8 trillion cubic feet of natural gas. I expect as new technologies are developed this estimate of recoverable resources will only grow.

As oil and natural gas prices fluctuate, many Americans, especially Montanans, are feeling the strain of increased prices for energy use in their homes and businesses. The natural gas supply made available by this bill will heat and cool nearly 6 million homes for 15 years.

Additionally, an increased supply of natural gas will greatly benefit Montana's agriculture producers who are particularly hard hit by skyrocketing costs of fuel and fertilizer. Natural gas is the primary feedstock in virtually all fertilizer manufactured in the United States. Increased production of domestic natural gas will help stabilize prices and decrease our dependence on foreign suppliers of natural gas such as Venezuela and Russia.

In order to strengthen American energy security, it is our obligation to use our own domestic resources whenever we can. Offshore drilling has proven to be safe, reliable, and environmentally responsible for oil and gas production. While this bill is limited in scope, it is an important first step to increasing our energy supply to meet our country's demands. Lease area 181 is a phenomenal resource, and time after time in energy committee hearings when we ask expert witnesses for their opinions on how to best stabilize and lower natural gas prices, the answer is: Open lease area 181.

I applaud the leadership of Chairman Domenici and the bipartisan groups of Senators that hammered out this compromise. I urge my fellow Senators to support this bill and pass this important piece of our energy security.

Mr. President, I rise today to pay tribute to the Galt family from my home State of Montana. The Galt family first came to Montana in 1910 settling in Judith Basin County. They have been leaders in their communities ever since.

One member of the Galt family paid the ultimate sacrifice for his country at the young age of 24. U.S. Army CPT William Wylie Galt was awarded the Medal of Honor posthumously for his brave actions in 1944. The Medal of Honor is the highest award for valor in action against an enemy force that can be bestowed upon an individual serving in the armed services of the United States.

Captain Galt's citation reads:

For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity above and beyond

the call of duty. Capt. Galt, Battalion S3, at a particularly

critical period following 2 unsuccessful attacks by his

battalion, of his own volition went forward and ascertained

just how critical the situation was. He volunteered, at the

risk of his life, personally to lead the battalion against

the objective. When the lone remaining tank destroyer refused

to go forward, Capt. Galt jumped on the tank destroyer and

ordered it to precede the attack. As the tank destroyer moved

forward, followed by a company of riflemen, Capt. Galt manned

the .30-caliber machinegun in the turret of the tank

destroyer, located and directed fire on an enemy 77mm. anti-

tank gun, and destroyed it. Nearing the enemy positions,

Capt. Galt stood fully exposed in the turret, ceaselessly

firing his machinegun and tossing hand grenades into the

enemy zigzag series of trenches despite the hail of sniper

and machinegun bullets ricocheting off the tank destroyer. As

the tank destroyer moved, Capt. Galt so maneuvered it that 40

of the enemy were

trapped in one trench. When they refused to surrender, Capt.

Galt pressed the trigger of the machinegun and dispatched

every one of them. A few minutes later an 88mm shell struck

the tank destroyer and Capt. Galt fell mortally wounded

across his machinegun. He had personally killed 40 Germans

and wounded many more. Capt. Galt pitted his judgment and

superb courage against overwhelming odds, exemplifying the

highest measure of devotion to his country and the finest

traditions of the U.S. Army.

In 2005, the Base Realignment and Closure Commission, BRAC, decided to permanently close Galt Hall U.S. Army Reserve Center on Gore Hill in Great Falls, MT, and relocate units to a new Armed Forces Readiness Center near Malmstrom Air Force Base across town. The U.S. Army Reserve Center on Gore Hill was dedicated to Captain Galt in 1958.

I believe it is a fitting tribute to name the U.S. Armed Forces Readiness Center in Great Falls, MT, ``The Captain William Wylie Galt Great Falls Armed Forces Readiness Center'' to carry on the history of this brave Montanan.

Captain Galt may be gone, but with the naming of the Armed Forces Readiness Center in Great Falls after him, the memory of this true hero will live on and remind us that freedom is never free.

Mr. President, I rise today to pay tribute to the Galt family from my home State of Montana. The Galt family first came to Montana in 1910 settling in Judith Basin County. They have been leaders in their communities ever since.

One member of the Galt family paid the ultimate sacrifice for his country at the young age of 24. U.S. Army CPT William Wylie Galt was awarded the Medal of Honor posthumously for his brave actions in 1944. The Medal of Honor is the highest award for valor in action against an enemy force that can be bestowed upon an individual serving in the armed services of the United States.

Captain Galt's citation reads:

For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity above and beyond

the call of duty. Capt. Galt, Battalion S3, at a particularly

critical period following 2 unsuccessful attacks by his

battalion, of his own volition went forward and ascertained

just how critical the situation was. He volunteered, at the

risk of his life, personally to lead the battalion against

the objective. When the lone remaining tank destroyer refused

to go forward, Capt. Galt jumped on the tank destroyer and

ordered it to precede the attack. As the tank destroyer moved

forward, followed by a company of riflemen, Capt. Galt manned

the .30-caliber machinegun in the turret of the tank

destroyer, located and directed fire on an enemy 77mm. anti-

tank gun, and destroyed it. Nearing the enemy positions,

Capt. Galt stood fully exposed in the turret, ceaselessly

firing his machinegun and tossing hand grenades into the

enemy zigzag series of trenches despite the hail of sniper

and machinegun bullets ricocheting off the tank destroyer. As

the tank destroyer moved, Capt. Galt so maneuvered it that 40

of the enemy were

trapped in one trench. When they refused to surrender, Capt.

Galt pressed the trigger of the machinegun and dispatched

every one of them. A few minutes later an 88mm shell struck

the tank destroyer and Capt. Galt fell mortally wounded

across his machinegun. He had personally killed 40 Germans

and wounded many more. Capt. Galt pitted his judgment and

superb courage against overwhelming odds, exemplifying the

highest measure of devotion to his country and the finest

traditions of the U.S. Army.

In 2005, the Base Realignment and Closure Commission, BRAC, decided to permanently close Galt Hall U.S. Army Reserve Center on Gore Hill in Great Falls, MT, and relocate units to a new Armed Forces Readiness Center near Malmstrom Air Force Base across town. The U.S. Army Reserve Center on Gore Hill was dedicated to Captain Galt in 1958.

I believe it is a fitting tribute to name the U.S. Armed Forces Readiness Center in Great Falls, MT, ``The Captain William Wylie Galt Great Falls Armed Forces Readiness Center'' to carry on the history of this brave Montanan.

Captain Galt may be gone, but with the naming of the Armed Forces Readiness Center in Great Falls after him, the memory of this true hero will live on and remind us that freedom is never free.