Floor Statements

Madam President, I ask unanimous consent that the pending amendment be set aside, and to call up amendment No. 1162.

Madam President, I suggest the absence of a quorum.

I ask unanimous consent that the order for the quorum call be rescinded.

Madam President, I withdraw my earlier request.

Madam President, I suggest the absence of a quorum.

I shall be honored and privileged to join the Senator in his mission. It is a valid one and I hope one this full Senate can approve at some later date. I will be most pleased to join him in any sort of letter he will be writing to the authorities. I can assure my colleague that the full impact of my office will be at his disposal.

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

I thank the gentleman from Oregon for his request. I appreciate his concerns and look forward to working with him on this matter.

MRAP-All Trerrain Vehicle

I appreciate that comment from my good friend and colleague, the senior Senator from Vermont. The MRAP-all-terrain- vehicle is very important to protecting our forces in Afghanistan. Since 2005, the Defense Appropriations Subcommittee has allocated well over $25 billion to purchase MRAP vehicles, which have a V-shaped bottom and several unique features that deflect energy from roadside bomb blasts, prevent fragments from penetrating, and, in turn, save people from attack.

The original versions of the MRAP have saved thousands of lives in Iraq; however, they are very large, and this array of vehicles does not fully suit the more rugged environment our deployed forces faces in Afghanistan. There, we see very few paved roads. Many are simple dirt roads, slit through the sides of mountains at higher altitudes. Our forces need a vehicle that possesses a lower center of gravity and that can go off-road, but possesses the same level of protection as the original version of the MRAP.

We have seen a rise in roadside bomb attacks in Afghanistan this year, and it was very clear that, as we went through the request, we had to accelerate this critical force protection program. The administration's request in the fiscal year 2009 supplemental includes $1.5 billion for approximately 1000 vehicles. The fiscal year 2010 overseas contingency operations budget request included roughly $1.5 billion for about the same number of vehicles. The Defense Subcommittee added $1.55 billion for the MRAP ATV to accelerate the procurement of these critical vehicles.

Madam President, I rise today to discuss the Guantanamo amendment which I offered along with Senator Inhofe. As all of my colleagues know, the amendment would strip the funding from the supplemental that was requested to begin the process of closing Guantanamo.

Let me say at the outset that despite some of the rhetoric concerning this issue, this amendment is not a referendum on closing Guantanamo. Instead, it should serve as a reality check since, at this time, the administration has not yet forwarded a coherent plan for closing this prison.

In the committee markup, I included language which would have delayed the obligation of funding for Guantanamo until the administration forwarded such a plan. I also included provisions which would not have allowed prisoners to be relocated to the United States or released if they still pose a threat to our Nation. But after listening to the debate and reading media reports, it became clear that this message was not getting through. Rather than cooling the passions of those who are justifiably concerned with the ultimate disposition of the prisoners, the funding which remained in the bill became a lightning rod far overshadowing its impact and dwarfing the more important elements of this critically needed bill.

Instead of letting this bill get bogged down over this matter, as chairman of the committee, I determined that the best course was to eliminate the funds in question. The fact that the administration has not offered a workable plan at this point made that decision rather easy.

But let me be very clear: We need to close the Guantanamo prison. Yes, it is a fine facility, state of the art, and I too have visited the prison site. Yes, the detainees are being cared for, with good food, good service, and good medical care. Our service men and women are doing great work. But the fact is that Guantanamo is a symbol of the wrongdoings that have occurred, and we must eliminate that connection.

Guantanamo serves as a sign to many in the Arab and Muslim world of the insensitivities that some under our command demonstrated at the Abu Ghraib prison. It is a constant reminder that what we call ``enhanced interrogation techniques'' is referred to nearly universally elsewhere in the world as torture. Yes, we should not kid ourselves; the fact that Guantanamo remains open today serves as a powerful recruiting tool for al-Qaida.

We Americans have short memories, but that is not so in other cultures. For example, when the Japanese Prime Minister visited Yasukini shrine, which commemorates Japanese soldiers from World War II, the Chinese were outraged. This controversy was for events that are now more than 65 years old.

In Korea, the name of the dictator Toyotomi Hideyoshi is still remembered today for the thousands of ears and noses which were cut off Koreans and sent to him to prove to him how many Koreans his soldiers had killed. That atrocity is still remembered today by millions of Koreans, even though it occurred more than 400 years ago.

The dehumanizing photographs of detainees at Abu Ghraib are no longer fresh in our minds, but that is not true in the Middle East, where the populace remembers the degradation with disgust. When they think of Guantanamo, they remember those photos. Those images are still crystal clear to them. The wrongdoing has not been forgotten.

The closure of Guantanamo is a requirement for this country to help overcome some of the ill will still felt by Muslims around the world. To many, Guantanamo is considered an affront to the Muslim religion. Stories of improper respect for the Koran by prison officials, even though inaccurate, serve as a reminder to millions of Muslims that this prison must be closed.

Many of our colleagues are justifiably concerned about how the terrorists at Guantanamo will be handled. They deserve answers. But so too we must begin planning to close this prison. That work needs to begin soon for the good of our Nation and the men and women still serving in harm's way.

It is up to the administration to fashion a plan that can win the support of the American people and its congressional representatives. As we approach the fiscal year 2010 budget, this will be a key element of our continued review of this matter.

I support the amendment for the reasons I have stated and urge its adoption.

I yield the floor.

Madam President, I ask for the yeas and nays.

I move to reconsider the vote, and I move to lay that motion on the table.

The motion to lay on the table was agreed to.

Madam President, I suggest the absence of a quorum.

Mr. President, I am for it.

I yield back the remainder of my time.

Mr. President, I certify that the information required by Senate rule XLIV, related to congressionally directed spending has been available on a publicly accessible congressional Web site in a searchable format at least 48 hours before a vote on the pending bill.

Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs be authorized to meet during the session of the Senate on May 20, 2009, at 9:30 a.m., to conduct a hearing entitled ``Oversight of the Troubled Asset Relief Program.''

Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation be authorized to meet during the session of the Senate on Wednesday, May 20, 2009, in Russell 253, at 2 p.m.

Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the Committee on Finance be authorized to meet during the session of the Senate on Wednesday, May 20, 2009, at 10 a.m., in room 215 of the Dirksen Senate office building.

Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the Committee on Foreign Relations be authorized to meet during the session of the Senate on Wednesday, May 20, 2009, at 9 a.m.

Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the Committee on Foreign Relations be authorized to meet during the session of the Senate on Wednesday, May 20, 2009, at 11 a.m.

Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the Committee on Foreign Relations be authorized to meet during the session of the Senate on Wednesday, May 20, 2009, at 1:30 p.m., to hold a hearing entitled ``Foreign Policy Priorities in the President's FY10 International Affairs Budget.''

Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions be authorized to meet during the session of the Senate on Wednesday, May 20, 2009, at 2:30 p.m. in room 430 of the Dirksen Senate office building.

Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs be authorized to meet during the session of the Senate on Wednesday, May 20, 2009, at 9:30 a.m.

Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the Ad Hoc Subcommittee on Disaster Recovery of the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs be authorized to meet during the session of the Senate on Wednesday, May 20 2009, at 2:30 p.m. to conduct a hearing entitled, ``The Role of the Community Development Block Grant Program in Disaster Recovery.''

Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the Personnel Subcommittee of the Committee on Armed Services be authorized to meet during the session of the Senate on Wednesday, May 20, 2009, at 2:30 p.m.

Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the Senate Committee on the Judiciary, Subcommittee on Crime and Drugs, be authorized to meet during the session of the Senate to conduct a hearing entitled ``Criminal Prosecution as a Deterrent to Health Care Fraud'' on Wednesday, May 20, 2009, at 2:30 p.m., in room SD-226 of the Dirksen Senate office building.

Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the Subcommittee on Strategic Forces of the Committee on Armed Services be authorized to meet during the session of the Senate on Wednesday, May 20, 2009, at 2 p.m.

Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the Special Committee on Aging be authorized to meet during the session of the Senate on Wednesday, May 20, 2009, from 2 p.m.-4 p.m. in Russell 432 for the purpose of conducting a hearing.

Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the Senate Committee on the Judiciary, Subcommittee on Immigration, Refugees and Border Security, be authorized to meet during the session of the Senate, to conduct a hearing entitled ``Securing the Borders and America's Points of Entry, What Remains to Be Done'' on Wednesday, May 20, 2009, at 10 a.m., in room SD-226 of the Dirksen Senate office building.

Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that Mr. Robert Berschinski, a detailee with the Defense Appropriations Subcommittee, be granted floor privileges during the consideration of this measure.

Mr. President, I ask for the yeas and nays.

Mr. President, I wish to thank both leaders of the Senate for their gracious remarks.

Today, the Senate will begin to consider the request for supplemental appropriations for fiscal year 2009. As we all know, the President has requested $84.9 billion in new budget authority, first, to cover the costs of ongoing operations in Iraq and Afghanistan, and it includes funds for the supporting costs to those operations, and to prepare for natural disasters, including wildfires and the swine flu. In addition, last Tuesday, the administration requested proposals to increase the borrowing power of the International Monetary Fund. This proposal would cost $5 billion under the scoring of the Congressional Budget Office.

After reviewing the President's request, the proposals made by the committee and included in the recommendation before you total $91.3 billion, $1.3 billion above the President's estimate. This amount is $5.4 billion below the measure just passed by the House. I would point out that the House did not consider the $5 billion request for the IMF by the administration.

The President requested funding in four basic areas: national defense, international affairs, protection against swine flu, and funding in response to natural disasters, all of which I will briefly discuss.

The President's request included $73.7 billion for items under the jurisdiction of the Defense Subcommittee. The committee has provided $73 billion for this purpose. The remaining $700 million was requested for programs that more appropriately are funded by other subcommittees, such as Military Construction; Commerce, Justice, State; and Homeland Security. So in this mark, we recommend transferring these funds to the relevant subcommittees.

I would note there are several differences between the specific items requested and the amounts recommended by the committee. For example, the committee recommended $1.9 billion to cover the costs of higher military personnel retention and other necessary personnel bills.

We provide an additional $1.55 billion for the purchase of the all- terrain MRAP vehicle and $500 million for equipment for our National Guard and Reserve forces. The committee also addressed the readiness needs of the Navy and provides for an increase in the enhancement of our intelligence surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities.

For the Department of State and other international affairs funding, including the IMF, the committee recommends $11.9 billion, nearly the same as the amount requested. The committee recommendation is similar to that requested, but I would note that additional funding has been allocated for Jordan and for the Global AIDS Program within the overall total.

For military construction, the committee is recommending $2.3 billion, about the same as that sought by the administration.

The committee has recommended $1.5 billion, as requested, for the swine flu, and has worked with the administration to identify the best allocation of these resources among the relevant Federal agencies.

Funding of $250 million is recommended for fighting wildfires, and $700 million is provided for international food assistance under PL- 480.

The committee has responded to damage caused by natural disasters by adding nearly $900 million to the amount requested for damage from flooding in the Midwest and in response to Hurricane Katrina.

Each subcommittee was tasked with reviewing the President's request in their jurisdiction and recommending funding both for items in the request and other items necessary to meet legitimate emergency needs.

The vice chairman, Senator Cochran, and I also offered each subcommittee the opportunity to recommend earmarks or other nonemergency increases so long as the costs were offset within existing funding.

As the Senate considers this bill, I would point out that under the budget resolution, any item which seeks to add funding to the bill will be subject to a Budget Act point of order unless it is offset.

This is an important bill which responds to the requirements of our men and women in uniform and to members of our population who have been ravaged by natural disasters. It also seeks to protect our people and our country with funding to deter wildfires and the swine flu, in addition to terrorists.

This is a good bill. It is necessary to deal with a myriad of problems. We should act expeditiously to pass it, get it to conference, and on to the President for his signature. Therefore, I join my leaders in urging my colleagues to help us attain quick passage of this very important measure.

Mr. President, I yield to the vice chairman of the committee.

Mr. President, I send an amendment to the desk on behalf of Senator Cochran and myself and ask for its immediate consideration.

Mr. President, I am pleased to yield.

Amendment No. 1133

No question about that. Is it the pending amendment at this moment, the Inouye-Inhofe amendment?

Mr. President, this amendment has been discussed rather fully by our two leaders.

I now yield to Senator Inhofe.

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

Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the pending amendment be set aside to allow me to call up a technical amendment, which I send to the desk.

Mr. President, this technical amendment clarifies the treatment of a rescission proposal included in the bill, and has been cleared by both sides.

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

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

I object momentarily.

Madam President, I suggest the absence of a quorum.

Madam President, I suggest the absence of a quorum.

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

Madam President, I ask unanimous consent that the pending amendment be set aside and that the Senate return to the consideration of amendment No. 1137. This technical amendment has been cleared by both sides.

Madam President, I suggest the absence of a quorum.

Mr. President, today, I rise in support of a Senate resolution commemorating the 150th anniversary of the arrival of the Sisters of the Sacred Hearts in Hawaii. I am pleased to have Senators Daniel Akaka and John Kerry as original cosponsors of the resolution.

The first Catholic missionaries to the Hawaiian Islands were members of the Congregation of the Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary and of Perpetual Adoration of the Most Blessed Sacrament of the Altar.

The Congregation was founded by Pierre Coudrin and Henriette Aymer de la Chevalerie in Poitiers, France, on Christmas Eve 1800.

In 1825, the Congregation responded to a request of Pope Leo XII for missionaries to the Pacific Rim, then known as Oceania.

The Sacred Hearts Priests and Brothers arrived in Hawaii in 1827; the Sisters, in 1859.

Today, through the missionary zeal of its members, of which a noteworthy exemplar in Hawaii is Blessed Damien de Veuster, the Brothers and Sisters of the Congregation of the Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary are present in 40 countries and on all continents.

The Sisters of the Sacred Hearts Pacific Province is the administrative center of communities of Sisters currently serving in Hawaii, New Mexico, and Massachusetts. In observance of the 150th anniversary of the Sisters' arrival to Hawaii, I urge my colleagues to support this resolution recognizing the Sisters' dedication through these years to the education of the children of Hawaii, Massachusetts, California, and New Mexico.

Mr. President, the Halekulani is, without question, one of

the signature hotels of Hawaii. It is synonymous of the interweaving of luxury hospitality and Hawaii's unique history and local culture. Its roots trace back some 200 years when Princess Likelike and ancient Hawaiian fishermen named its Waikiki beachfront location Halekulani, or the ``house befitting heaven.''

This year, the Halekulani is celebrating the 25th anniversary of its reopening in 1984, following a grand property-wide renovation by its current owners, Mitsui Fudosan, USA, Inc., a branch of one of Japan's leading companies.

This new chapter for the Halekulani builds on its fabled history, and strengthens and expands its international reputation for excellence and community involvement. The Halekulani is more than a unique visitor experience with open courtyards, lush gardens, ocean breezes, and a spa that offers the healing touch of Polynesian traditions; it is also an enthusiastic promoter of Hawaii's history and the arts, sponsoring the Honolulu Symphony's ``Halekulani Masterworks'' and offering guests special access to Hawaii's leading museums and historic buildings.

In 1907, the original Halekulani opened as a residential hotel owned by Robert Lewers that was called the Hau Tree with a beachfront home and five bungalows. Ten years later, Juliet and Clifford Kimball bought the hotel, renamed it the Halekulani, and began catering to well-do-to travelers. In 1962, the Norton Clap family of Seattle bought the hotel, and sold it 39 years later to Mitsui Fudosan, USA.

While each owner of the Halekulani sought to enhance the hotel's distinctiveness in different ways, all four shared a common goal: a commitment to excellence that remains unwavering.

I congratulate the Halekulani as it celebrates the 25th anniversary of its reopening, and as it looks forward to a bright future. I am certain its owners will continue their best efforts to maintain the Halekulani as a landmark hotel, a leader in the international travel and visitor industry, and an icon of Hawaii.

Mr. President, I would like to recognize Mr. Jesse Kuhaulua, renowned sumo wrestler and stablemaster. June 6, 2009, marks Mr. Kuhaulua's 65th birthday, and official retirement from the sport of sumo. It is with warm aloha that I congratulate Mr. Kuhaulua on these milestones.

The traditions of sumo span centuries. During the 8th century, sumo wrestling matches were integrated into the ceremonies of the Imperial Court. With the support of the Imperial Court, sumo evolved and developed rules and techniques that closely resemble the sumo of today. In the 12th century, under a military dictatorship, intense warfare ensued, and sumo was used to improve fighting skills. When peace was restored in the early 17th century, professional sumo groups were organized to entertain the rapidly expanding mercantile class, and sumo came into its own as the national sport of Japan. The present day Japan Sumo Association has its origins in these groups. An amalgamation of Shinto ritual, skill, and entertainment, sumo is more than a practice of strength and combat. Sumo epitomizes Japanese culture and its affinity for tradition.

Mr. Kuhaulua was born and raised in Hawaii on the Island of Maui, and in 1964 left the islands to pursue the sport of sumo in Japan. Over the course of nearly 45 years, as both a wrestler and stablemaster, Mr. Kuhaulua has been a pioneer and a legend. As an individual athlete, his achievements are outstanding. Mr. Kuhaulua holds almost every all-time individual sumo record of endurance or in the iron-man category. As a trail blazer, he has earned a place in sumo history that will never be forgotten, as the first foreigner to win a tournament championship, and to open a sumo stable. His coaching skills helped develop the skills of Mr. Chad Rowan, the first foreigner to achieve the rank of Yokozuna. The legacy Mr. Kuhaulua leaves the world of sumo wrestling will continue to be an inspiration for generations to come.

I applaud Mr. Kuhaulua for his hard work and perseverance that has led to his great achievements in sumo, and wish him the best in the bright years ahead.

Mr. President, for the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation I report favorably the following nomination lists which were printed in the Records on the dates indicated, and ask unanimous consent, to save the expense of reprinting on the Executive Calendar that these nominations lie at the Secretary's desk for the information of Senators.

Mr. President, I rise today to introduce a bill that would authorize the Secretary of the Interior to conduct a Special Resources Study of the Honouliuli Gulch and associated sites located in the State of Hawaii in order to determine the suitability and feasibility of designating these sites as a unit of the National Park System.

During World War II, over 1,000 Japanese Americans were incarcerated in at least eight locations on Hawaii. In a report completed in 2007, the Japanese Cultural Center of Hawaii documented these sites that include Honouliuli Gulch, Sand Island, and the US Immigration Station on Oahu, the Kilauea Military Camp on the Big Island, Haiku Camp and Wailuku County Jail on Maui, and the Kalaheo Stockade and Waialua County Jail on Kauai. These camps also held approximately 100 local residents of German and Italian ancestry.

Those detained included the leaders of the Japanese immigrant community in Hawaii, many of whom were taken from their homes and families in the hours after the attack on Pearl Harbor. The forced removal of these individuals began a nearly four year odyssey to a series of camps in Hawaii and on the continental US. Over 1,000 immediate family members of these men joined their husbands, fathers and relatives in mainland camps. The detainees were never formally charged and granted only token hearings. Many of the detainees' sons served with distinction in the US armed forces, including the legendary 100th Battalion, 442nd Regimental Combat Team and Military Intelligence Service.

This report found that both the Kilauea Military Camp and the Honouliuli sites feature historic resources and recommended that the sites be nominated for listing on the National Register for Historic Places. In 2008, the Japanese Cultural Center of Hawaii published a more detailed archeological reconnaissance of the Honouliuli site. This report found that there were numerous historic features that would qualify the site for National Historic Register and further recommended that the site be conserved. The Japanese Cultural Center of Hawaii is currently working with Monsanto, the landowner, to nominate the Honouliuli Gulch site to be listed on the National Historic Register.

So far I have received letters in support of this legislation from a range of local, regional and national organizations, including the Japanese American National Museum, Hawaiian Historical Society, Go For Broke National Education Center, Japan America Society of Hawaii, Honolulu Chapter of the Japanese Citizens League, Japanese Cultural Center of Hawaii, Honolulu Japanese Junior Chamber of Commerce, MIS Veterans Club of Hawaii, the United Japanese Society of Hawaii, Japanese American Citizens League, The Conservation Fund, Densho, National Trust for Historic Preservation, Japanese American National Heritage Coalition and the Friends of Minidoka.

This legislation will enable the National Park Service to study these important sites in my state and make recommendations to Congress regarding the best approach to conserve and manage these sites to tell this chapter in our Nation's history to current and future generations.

I would urge my colleagues to support this legislation.

Mr. President, I rise today to introduce a bill that would authorize the Secretary of the Interior to conduct a Special Resources Study of the Honouliuli Gulch and associated sites located in the State of Hawaii in order to determine the suitability and feasibility of designating these sites as a unit of the National Park System.

During World War II, over 1,000 Japanese Americans were incarcerated in at least eight locations on Hawaii. In a report completed in 2007, the Japanese Cultural Center of Hawaii documented these sites that include Honouliuli Gulch, Sand Island, and the US Immigration Station on Oahu, the Kilauea Military Camp on the Big Island, Haiku Camp and Wailuku County Jail on Maui, and the Kalaheo Stockade and Waialua County Jail on Kauai. These camps also held approximately 100 local residents of German and Italian ancestry.

Those detained included the leaders of the Japanese immigrant community in Hawaii, many of whom were taken from their homes and families in the hours after the attack on Pearl Harbor. The forced removal of these individuals began a nearly four year odyssey to a series of camps in Hawaii and on the continental US. Over 1,000 immediate family members of these men joined their husbands, fathers and relatives in mainland camps. The detainees were never formally charged and granted only token hearings. Many of the detainees' sons served with distinction in the US armed forces, including the legendary 100th Battalion, 442nd Regimental Combat Team and Military Intelligence Service.

This report found that both the Kilauea Military Camp and the Honouliuli sites feature historic resources and recommended that the sites be nominated for listing on the National Register for Historic Places. In 2008, the Japanese Cultural Center of Hawaii published a more detailed archeological reconnaissance of the Honouliuli site. This report found that there were numerous historic features that would qualify the site for National Historic Register and further recommended that the site be conserved. The Japanese Cultural Center of Hawaii is currently working with Monsanto, the landowner, to nominate the Honouliuli Gulch site to be listed on the National Historic Register.

So far I have received letters in support of this legislation from a range of local, regional and national organizations, including the Japanese American National Museum, Hawaiian Historical Society, Go For Broke National Education Center, Japan America Society of Hawaii, Honolulu Chapter of the Japanese Citizens League, Japanese Cultural Center of Hawaii, Honolulu Japanese Junior Chamber of Commerce, MIS Veterans Club of Hawaii, the United Japanese Society of Hawaii, Japanese American Citizens League, The Conservation Fund, Densho, National Trust for Historic Preservation, Japanese American National Heritage Coalition and the Friends of Minidoka.

This legislation will enable the National Park Service to study these important sites in my state and make recommendations to Congress regarding the best approach to conserve and manage these sites to tell this chapter in our Nation's history to current and future generations.

I would urge my colleagues to support this legislation.

Mr. President, as Hawaii celebrates its 50th anniversary of statehood, I would like to recognize Mr. Peter Fithian for his illustrious career of 50 years and invaluable service as founder and director of the Hawaiian International Billfish Tournament.

Peter has been a dear friend of mine for many years, and I am honored to have this opportunity to share with you the profound impact he has had on my home State of Hawaii. His tremendous commitment to the people of Hawaii has led to the establishment of the internationally renowned Billfish Tournament, which truly put Hawaii on the map of sport fishing, drawing both spectators and competitors from all over the world. I commend him for his tireless efforts in building a longstanding tradition while promoting tourism and marine conservation in our island community. Through Peter's unwavering passion in cultivating Hawaii's proud heritage of recreational fishing, he has founded not only an event that encourages warm fellowship, but has created an educational opportunity that deserves our highest praise.

Mr. President, I ask my colleagues to join me in acknowledging the great service and accomplishments of Mr. Peter Fithian.

Mr. President, at this moment, if you are trying to get an earmark in the bill, you have to have it posted on your Web site 30 days before markup to give the public an opportunity to look at the Web site.

Secondly, there is much transparency, much more than ever before.

Thirdly, we have reduced earmarks to less than 1 percent. And now that, as our Senator has indicated, on March 11, the President spoke on the earmarks, it went something further.

The President said:

I recognize that Congress has the power of the purse, and I

believe that individual Members of the Congress understand

their districts best. They should have the ability to respond

to the needs of the communities.

Yes, all of us were elected to represent our districts and our States. We were not elected to be rubberstamps of anyone.