Daniel K. Inouye

Mr. President, today I would like to honor the legacy and service of my colleague and dear friend, Senator Daniel K. Akaka.

My brother, Senator Daniel Akaka, has been my friend and partner in Washington for 36 years.

During that time, he has fought hard for Native Hawaiians, veterans, and the needs of Hawaii.

I am sad at the thought of the Senate without him and I am sorry I am unable to join him on the floor today.

Dan Akaka is the spirit of Aloha.

I have always relied on his even keel and hard work to help me represent the people of Hawaii. And I have never, ever heard him utter a harsh word or do anything to harm another person.

There are few words to describe a kind man of his stature, but I assure you, Hawaii and this Nation are better because of his work.

On behalf of the people of Hawaii, thank you Danny. There will never be another like you.

Mr. President, today the United States Senate is considering a resolution to provide its advice and consent with respect to the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, CRPD. At its heart, the Convention is a non-discrimination treaty, which requires that persons with disabilities have the same general rights as those without disabilities.

I am grateful for the opportunities this Nation provided me as a young man who returned from World War II as an amputee. Those opportunities included a college and law degree, eventually serving the Territory and State of Hawaii. I was fortunate my injury did not hinder my dream to work for, and serve the people of Hawaii. Throughout my years in the Senate, I joined with my colleagues to advance non- discrimination initiatives that protect all Americans. In 1989, I was proud to join with my good friend Senator Harkin as an original cosponsor of the Americans with Disabilities Act, ADA, in the Senate, and vote for its passage in 1990. The ADA, established in law, our Nation's dedication to ensure those born with disabilities, or those who suffer life changing disabilities, are individuals with dignity. Furthermore, that those individuals enjoy the same rights and opportunities all Americans are guaranteed under the Constitution. Unfortunately, this is not necessarily the case around the world.

The ADA and its goals served as the model for the treaty resolution before us today. This Convention will help move countries toward protecting the rights of disabled individuals. Practically, it will allow the U.S. to engage other countries in the international arena to work toward the standards and accessibility here in the United States, which will benefit disabled Americans who work, live, and travel the world. We are fortunate U.S. law meets or exceeds the obligations of the CRPD, and that no implementing legislation is required. Our country stands up to protect the rights of the most vulnerable in our society. We cannot comprehend the mistreatment or simply the disregard of the lives of those with disabilities. Ratifying this treaty will reaffirm our country's leadership and commitment to the basic human rights of disabled men, women, and children. I am pleased to join my colleagues in support of the ratification of the CRPD.

Mr. President, today I rise to recognize all of the advanced practice nurses who work in Nurse-Managed Health Clinics in a resolution to designate November 26, 2012 through November 30, 2012 as National Nurse Managed-Health Clinic Week. National Nurse-Managed Health Clinic Week will provide a national platform from which to promote the pivotal services offered by the more than 200 nurse-managed health clinics in the United States. Led by advanced practice nurses, these clinics are a unique model for delivery of primary and preventive care.

Within Nurse-Managed Health Centers, nurse practitioners and other advanced practice nurses deliver high quality and cost-effective services to diverse populations of all age groups and ethnicities. A substantial share of the patients are uninsured or on Medicaid. As safety net providers, Nurse-Managed Health Clinics provide care regardless of a person's ability to pay. In addition to the provision of health care services, Nurse-Managed Health Centers play an important role in the health profession's education. Most Nurse-Managed Health Centers are affiliated with colleges of nursing and provide clinical education opportunities to over 3,100 students annually from the fields of nursing, medicine, pharmacy, social work, and public health.

A Senate Resolution will recognize the key role Nurse-Managed Health Centers play. I ask my colleagues to join me in supporting this tribute to Nurse-Managed Health Clinics.