Floor Statements

Madam President, on Monday, May 26, our Nation will pause to remember all those who paid the ultimate price while serving in the U.S. Armed Forces. It is a solemn day on which we recognize these brave heroes for their valor, their courage, and their commitment to our country.

As we honor and remember those who died fighting for our freedom, Congress must also remember we still have a promise to fulfill to the veterans who thankfully returned home--many with visible and invisible wounds of war. Our Nation has a proud history of caring for its wounded and disabled servicemembers and their families.

When these men and women volunteered their service, the United States guaranteed they would be cared for. As a member of the Senate Veterans' Affairs Committee, I believe that promise has not been kept.

It is no secret the Department of Veterans Affairs is facing a significant challenge with accountability at all levels of their agency. This failure of responsibility has an impact on the hundreds of thousands of veterans in my home State of Nevada.

Last month I was honored to have a number of veterans join me for a roundtable in Las Vegas. This was an opportunity for me to listen and hear their concerns. By far, nearly every veteran in attendance expressed frustrations with the VA's claims backlog and the health care they are receiving. These veterans told me they feel discouraged and hopeless, that the VA does not and will not keep its promise.

They told me about the negative impact delays in benefits and care have on veterans and their families. Such comments should come as no surprise given the difficulties Nevada veterans are facing. Look no further than the problem of the claims backlog here in Nevada.

Although the Secretary of the VA promised there would be changes to address this problem, Nevada veterans are still waiting the longest in the Nation--up to 352 days on average--for their disability benefits claims to be processed. This is nearly three times the VA's deadline of 125 days to complete a claim.

These issues in Nevada and the allegations raised across the country are causing veterans to lose faith in the VA, and I have raised all these concerns to the Secretary in a letter I sent 2 weeks ago. I asked for immediate answers about the lack of accountability on the local level and whether VA leadership finally plans to do something about it. Although I requested a response by Wednesday, May 21, the VA still has not responded. What these problems ultimately amount to is a lack of accountability in the VA leadership.

When I questioned the Secretary at a Senate Veterans' Affairs Committee hearing last week, he agreed he was ultimately responsible for the problems with VA care and health benefits. Despite this admission and admitting that veterans are not receiving the care they were promised, he said he does not plan to resign. So my question is: If the Secretary does not plan to resign, who is held accountable in the VA?

The VA has been given enough chances to change and do better, but these were empty promises that have not produced any results. It is now up to Members of Congress to take action. That is why I have already taken a number of steps to exert oversight, demand transparency, and develop solutions to the problems facing the VA.

During last week's hearing I asked the Secretary for assurances that the audits being conducted by the VA at its medical facilities would include all of Nevada's hospitals and clinics and the results would be shared with me and the rest of our delegation. As promised by the Secretary, I look forward to receiving these results as soon as possible, and I expect substantive immediate action should Nevada have any reports of mistreatment or delayed care of veterans.

I also visited again with Las Vegas hospital officials last Friday to ensure veterans at this facility are receiving the care they have earned and that the facility is properly handling its appointment waiting times.

It is critical that the Las Vegas VA hospital constantly work to improve its services and follows recommendations from the VA inspector general so that patients do not endure long waits--like the blind female VA veteran who waited for 5 hours before being seen in the emergency room.

I believe the Senate Veterans' Affairs Committee should continue to exert

oversight and hold hearings to keep VA officials accountable and transparent to Congress, veterans, and the American public.

Furthermore, I believe, now more than ever, it is time for Congress to take legislative action to fix one of the biggest challenges at the VA--the disability claims backlog.

Despite opportunities for improvement, 293,000 veterans Nationwide and 3,700 veterans in Nevada have waited over 125 days for their claims to be processed so they can get the compensation they have earned and the VA medical care they desperately need.

To address this issue I introduced the VA Backlog Working Group March 2014 Report, along with a bipartisan group of Senators, including Senators Casey, Moran, Heinrich, Vitter, and Tester. This report outlines the claims process, explains the history of the VA's claims backlog, and offers targeted solutions to help the VA develop an efficient and accurate benefits delivery system that will ensure our veterans will never again have to wait more than 125 days to receive a decision on their claims.

What our working group found was that the process is not only complex, but the backlog has been a consistent problem for more than two decades, largely because the VA is using a 1945 process in the 21st century. I sent every Member of this Chamber a copy of this report and encourage my colleagues to take a look at it to understand how we got to where we are today and what it will take to fix the claims process permanently.

To put this report's targeted solutions into action, our working group introduced the 21st Century Veterans Benefit Delivery Act. This comprehensive, bipartisan piece of legislation addresses three areas of the claims process: claims submission, VA regional office practices, and Federal agency responses to VA requests.

I thank my colleagues--Senators Casey, Moran, Heinrich, Vitter, Tester, Murkowski, Cardin, Warren, Klobuchar, Warner, Toomey, Thune, Roberts, and Pryor--for joining me to address this very critical issue.

I recognize because the claims process is complex and there is no silver bullet that is going to solve this problem overnight, the VA's current efforts will not eliminate this backlog. It is commonsense, targeted solutions from Congress that will address some of the inefficiencies keeping veterans from receiving a timely decision.

That is why this bill has been endorsed by a number of veterans service organizations, including the American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars, Disabled American Veterans, Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America, Military Officers Association of America, and the Association of the United States Navy. I thank these VSOs for their support and collaborating with the working group to develop solutions to fix this problem.

Time and again we have asked our men and women in uniform to answer the call of duty, and they do so without hesitation. Ensuring veterans receive disability benefits and quality VA medical care in a timely manner is the least we can do to thank them for their service.

As a member of the Senate Veterans' Affairs Committee, it is my role and responsibility to get answers for Nevada's veterans, and I will uphold that commitment to oversight.

In the coming weeks I will be watching the VA closely for changes and improvements to mitigate the very serious lapse in care and services that have occurred. If the VA continues on the course it is currently on, then I think it is time to look for changes at the highest level.

Again, I thank all of our veterans--including the nearly 300,000 that call Nevada home--for defending this country and for preserving Americans' liberties. Their commitment and sacrifice will not be forgotten nor taken for granted.

I yield the floor.

Madam President, today I wish to recognize and congratulate the Las Vegas-Clark County Library District for receiving the National Medal for Museum and Library Service, the highest community service honor a museum or library can earn. Nevada is proud to have one of its institutions dedicated to the education and betterment of the community be chosen for such a prestigious award.

In its 20th-anniversary year, the National Medal is celebrating institutions that have made a significant impact on individuals, families, and communities across the Nation. Nevada is honored to have the Las Vegas-Clark County Library District selected as one of only 10 institutions to receive this award. The library has long served as a home to community members looking to further their education and entertain themselves through the joys of reading. More recently, recognizing the growing needs within the community, the library has become a haven for those who need a retreat from their homes or as a destination for Internet that they cannot afford.

As Nevada's unemployment rate remains one of highest in the Nation and as our national economy continues to struggle, I recognize the unique role the Las Vegas-Clark County Library has played in working to address the needs of its local community by carefully crafting a strategic plan to address the unemployment problems in Nevada. By adding more computers so users could fill out job applications online and creating programs about managing stress and dealing with bankruptcy, the library is able to assist Nevadans during this tough time. While our economy continues to recover, vulnerable Nevadan's rely on a variety of resources to help them find employment, especially those provided by the Las Vegas-Clark County Library District.

The importance of libraries is exemplified through their community engagement, support for afterschool programs, and ability to act as learning tools for students. Nowhere is this more apparent than in the Las Vegas-Clark County District. As a father of four children who attended Nevada's public schools and the husband of a lifelong teacher, I understand the important role that libraries play in educating Nevada's students. Ensuring that America's youth are prepared to compete in the 21st century is critical for the future of our country. The State of Nevada is fortunate to be home to a library district that offers a large variety of assistance to the members of the community.

I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating the Las Vegas-Clark County Library District and know that they serve as an example for the rest of the Silver State.

Madam President, I wish to congratulate Mrs. Raymonde Fiol for being named the 2014 Nevada Senior Citizen of the Year, an honor that is well deserved by this truly remarkable Nevadan.

Every year in May, Nevada celebrates Older Americans Month to recognize senior citizens for their contributions to our communities and to bring awareness on ways to continue a healthy, safe, and mobile lifestyle. Thirteen percent of Nevada's population is over the age of 65, and these individuals like Mrs. Fiol, who are dedicated to strengthening our communities, are why our State has much to celebrate this month.

The Nevada Delegation of the National Silver Haired Congress, in partnership with the Aging Services Directors Organization, established this award in 2013 to honor individuals who have selflessly worked to improve their community. Given Mrs. Fiol's remarkable life story and dedication during her many years of work to preserve the memory of the Holocaust, it is easy to see why she has been chosen. At the age of 3 years old, she was saved and sheltered when the Nazis invaded Paris. Both of her parents were murdered at the concentration camp in Auschwitz. Against all odds, Mrs. Fiol is now living in Las Vegas, NV, and using her days to spread a message of tolerance through her role as the president of the Holocaust Survivors Group of Southern Nevada and board member of the Governor's Advisory Council on Education Relating to the Holocaust. She also serves on the Coordinating Council of Generations of the Shoah International, the largest Holocaust survivor family organization in the world, and works to arrange social events for the Las Vegas community survivors.

When she is not volunteering on these boards, you can find Mrs. Fiol in the classroom sharing her story with Nevada's youth or with UNLV's documentary filmmakers capturing her life and story, all with the noble goal of ensuring that the world will never again turn a blind eye to state-operated genocide of a culture. Mrs. Fiol is dedicated to making this world a better place and educating our youth about the hardships that people have had to endure and about a time in our world's history that we must never forget. Her strength serves as an example not only to the Silver State but to the entire Nation.

Mrs. Fiol's mission and commitment to helping all of those who were affected by the Holocaust and to educating Nevada's youth about one of the darkest times in international history is commendable, and I am both honored and humbled to congratulate her today. She is a remarkable woman who deserves our utmost praise and respect. It is with great honor that I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating this extraordinary Nevadan.

Mr. President, today I wish to honor Major Susan Aller-Schilling, a devoted and history-making member of the Nevada Highway Patrol, NHP.

Major Aller-Schilling has served with Nevada's Department of Public Safety for more than 16 years. Rising to the rank of lieutenant before transferring to the NHP, Major Aller-Schilling is the first female trooper in the agency's history to achieve the ranking title of major.

Supporting Nevada's citizens through a tireless dedication to their safety, Major Aller-Schilling has served a vast majority of the State from Las Vegas to Reno, where she has diligently performed as an operations commander since last year. As a major, she will oversee more than 2,560 sworn and civilian personnel.

Today, the NHP boasts well over 300 commissioned officers, each dedicated to ensuring safe, economical, and enjoyable use of the highways. Protecting citizens and assisting law enforcement agencies throughout our State and the Nation are just a few of the services these servicemen selflessly provide.

Aligned with the NHP's mission of protecting safety, Major Aller- Schilling's loyalty and dedication to community well-being has been described as exceptional. Her example of hard work and dedication to a cause greater than herself is demonstrated by this elevation of her rank--the first of its kind. I am grateful for Major Aller-Schilling's character and the role model she is for our State.

I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring Major Aller-Schilling for her steadfast loyalty and dedication to the Great State of Nevada.

Mr. President, today we honor the life and service of Hale Bennett, whose passing signifies a great loss to Nevada. I send my condolences and prayers to his wife Kay and all of Hale's family in this time of mourning. Hale was a man committed to his country, his State, and community. He will be sorely missed.

Hale was a true patriot and served his country in the U.S. Army Air Corps during World War II. He flew combat missions over France, Germany, and the Low Countries. Through the course of the war in Europe, he flew 68 bombing missions and went out on an additional 100 that returned without dropping bombs due to bad weather. Hale's unit, the 553rd Squadron of the 386th Bomb Group, 9th Air Force, was so highly respected that on D-day they were chosen to fly the final bombing runs over the Germans on Utah Beach as our troops were landing on the beach below. After the war, Hale was called once again to serve our Nation by training bomber pilots for the Air Force during the Korean conflict. As one of our Nation's servicemembers, he made exceptional sacrifices for our country and deserves our deepest gratitude. I am both humbled and honored by not only his, but his family's service to our great Nation.

Hale and his wife were upstanding Nevadans and a huge asset to their community. His dedication to serving others extends far beyond our Nation's military. Hale worked as the Department of Motor Vehicles chief of Registration and Titling and often represented his department in the Nevada State Legislature. His work as chairman of the board of the Carson-Tahoe Hospital showcased his commitment to the betterment of the community and led him to meeting his wife, Kay. The couple, both on the hospital board of trustees and pilots, spent their time having many adventures together and contributing their community. The Bennett's love for aviation and community service led them to Silver Springs, where they took on the daunting task of turning an abandoned airstrip into a thriving airport. His hard work and contributions to his community will remain a lasting legacy in the Silver State.

As a World War II veteran, Hale's commitment to his country, as well as his dedication to his family and community, exemplified why the legacy of all World War II veterans must be preserved for generations to come. These veterans truly are the greatest generation--selflessly serving not for recognition, but because it was the right thing to do. As a member of the Senate Veterans' Affairs Committee, I recognize that Congress has a responsibility not only to honor these brave individuals, but to ensure they are cared for when

they return home. I remain committed to upholding this promise for our veterans and servicemembers in Nevada and throughout the Nation.

I extend my deepest sympathies to Kay and all of Hale's family. We will always remember Hale for his courageous contributions to the United States of America and to freedom-loving nations around the world. His service to his country and his bravery and dedication to his family and community earn him a place among the outstanding men and women who have valiantly defended our Nation.

Throughout his life, Hale maintained a dedication to the preservation of justice and integrity, which I am honored to commend. Today, I join the Silver Springs community and citizens of the Silver State to celebrate the life of an upstanding Nevadan.

Mr. President, I congratulate Duke Brunelli of Sparks, NV, on his recent retirement from Southwest Airlines. I am proud to honor a Nevadan who has dedicated his life to serving our country.

As an attendee of the U.S. Naval Academy, Mr. Brunelli was deployed all over the world, including Vietnam, where the love of his country and the want to serve began. After graduation, he attended flight school in Pensacola, earning his Navy pilot wings. Duke then went on to complete jet transition training in San Diego and completed eight assignments aboard aircraft carriers. Through his accomplishments, Duke was promoted to commanding officer of the Golden Eagles, which were designated the safest jet-setting squadron in the Navy, while also graduating more pilots than any other squadron.

After completing his tour as commanding officer, Duke was ordered aboard the USS Midway, where he was involved in combat operations during Operation Desert Storm. He also successfully brought the Navy's oldest fleet carrier back to San Diego for decommissioning, where today it stands as a museum. Returning to Japan, Duke finished out his naval career as Assistant Chief of Staff for Operations for Commander Fleet Air Western Pacific, where he retired from the Navy in 1994. Upon his retirement from the Navy, Mr. Brunelli started work as a commericial pilot, flying for Polar Air Cargo and Southwest Airlines for the past 20 years.

I extend my deepest gratitude to Duke Brunelli for his courageous contributions to the United States of America and to freedom-loving nations around the world. His service to his country, and his bravery and dedication earn him a place among the outstanding men and women who have valiantly defended our nation. As a member of the Senate Veterans' Affairs Committee, I recognize that Congress has a responsibility not only to honor these brave individuals who serve our Nation, but also to ensure they are cared for when they return home. I remain committed to upholding this promise for our veterans and servicemembers in Nevada and throughout the nation.

Throughout his tenure, Duke has demonstrated professionalism, commitment to excellence, and dedication to the highest standards of the U.S. Navy. I am both humbled and honored by his service and am proud to call him a fellow Nevadan. I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Mr. Brunelli for all of his accomplishments and wish him well in all of his future endeavors.

Mr. President, today I wish to recognize four of Nevada's brightest students--Erika Carrera, Miguel Gonzalez, Jose Solorio, and Mary Tatlock--for being awarded the coveted Gates Millennium Scholarship.

There are only 1,000 recipients of the Gates Millennium Scholarship throughout the United States each year, and the Silver State has been fortunate to be the home to four of them. Erika Carrera, who attends the Veterans Tribute Career and Technical Academy; Miguel Gonzalez of Chaparral High School; Jose Solorio of Hug High School; and Mary Tatlock of Las Vegas Academy will represent Nevada in this esteemed program. Each of these students have been awarded the opportunity to continue learning through higher education institutions, and I expect great things to come from each of them.

These students' academic accomplishments serve to reinforce the important role of education in our State. As the father of four and husband to a lifelong teacher, ensuring that all of Nevada's students have access to a high-quality education is important to me. Higher education opens the door to more job opportunities and professional fulfillment, as well as increased earning power.

I am proud to congratulate Erika, Miguel, Jose, and Mary on this incredible opportunity and wish them the best of luck in their future endeavors. I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating these exceptional young Nevadans.

Mr. President, as has been discussed much this week, I believe our Nation needs a comprehensive energy policy that allows us to develop our own domestic resources and use existing resources more efficiently. The United States is blessed with an abundance of natural resources and we have to act to ensure an affordable, stable supply of energy needed to power our economy by developing them responsibly. Democrats and Republicans must work together to develop concrete policies that will lower prices, expand domestic production, and reduce our dependence on foreign sources of energy and minerals.

That is why the debate we are having in the Senate this week is so important. As a member of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, I have seen how much work has gone into the Energy Savings and Industrial Competitiveness Act so far and have enjoyed being part of that process. This committee also has oversight over many of the other important, responsible energy policies we have been debating this week. That is why I was disappointed to see a procedural step taken by the majority yesterday blocking consideration of any amendments--even amendments related to the very legislation we are considering today. I sincerely hope that prior to the cloture vote on this bill we can find a bipartisan path forward to vote on related amendments such as the Keystone XL Pipeline.

Earlier this week I filed two commonsense amendments that I hoped could be and would be included in the debate this week. These initiatives would expand renewable energy development across the West and put the brakes on job-killing regulations that threaten to drastically increase our constituents' electric bills at a time when middle-class families across this country have already been forced to tighten their belts. Both of these amendments are consistent with the goals of the legislation before us today and are worthy of consideration, I believe, by this body.

My first amendment, No. 2987, mirrors legislation I introduced in the Senate last December, the Energy Consumers Relief Act. This initiative would help protect Americans from new billion-dollar EPA regulations that may increase energy prices and, of course, destroy jobs.

The United States, and especially my home State of Nevada, continues to grapple with high unemployment, with record numbers of Americans underemployed, and with families struggling to make ends meet. Instead of advocating for policies that would put people back to work, the Obama administration continues to develop rules that will increase Americans' utility costs, causing companies to lay off employees and stifle economic growth.

Just last month the EPA and the Army Corps of Engineers put forth a new rule that will significantly expand Federal regulatory authority under the Clean Water Act. This rule would have a chilling effect, particularly out West where our water resources are scant and hydropower plays a significant role in our energy portfolio. Just this week I visited with local irrigation managers and our rural electric cooperatives in my office, and they expressed strong concerns that the substantial regulatory costs associated with changes in jurisdiction and increased permitting requirements will result in bureaucratic barriers to economic growth, infrastructure development, and energy production.

These are the types of administrative actions Congress must rein in. My amendment would specifically require the EPA to be transparent when proposing and issuing energy-related regulations with an economic impact of $1 billion or more. Additionally, it would prohibit the EPA from finalizing a rule if the Secretary of Energy, in consultation with other relevant agencies, determines the rule would cause significant adverse effects to the economy.

All we are talking about here is transparency and accountability. American taxpayers deserve nothing less from their government. It is important to note that this initiative passed the House with overwhelming bipartisan support last year. The Senate should do the same.

My second amendment, No. 2992, on which I teamed up with my friend from Montana, Senator Jon Tester, to craft, is an initiative we have been working on for many years. The Public Lands Renewable Energy Development Act is a strong bipartisan proposal that will help create jobs, progress towards energy independence, and preserve our Nation's natural wonders by spurring renewable energy development on public lands.

In Nevada we need jobs, not policies that make job creation more difficult. Energy is one of our State's greatest assets, and I believe continuing to develop renewable and alternative sources are important for Nevada's economic future.

Geothermal and solar production in my State is an integral part of the United States's ``all of the above'' energy strategy. In fact, my home State of Nevada is often called the Saudi Arabia of geothermal. Our Nation's public lands can play a critical role in that mission, but uncertainty in the permitting process impedes or delays our ability to harness their renewable energy potential.

Under current law permits for wind and solar development are completed under the same process for other surface uses, such as pipelines, roads, or power lines. The public land management agencies need a permitting process tailored to the unique characteristics and impacts of renewable energy projects. This initiative develops a straightforward process that will drive investment towards the highest quality renewable sources.

In addition, the legislation establishes a revenue sharing mechanism that ensures a fair return for all. Since Federal lands are not taxable, State and local governments deserve a share of the revenues from the sales of energy production on public lands within their borders. These resources will help local governments deliver critical services and develop much-needed capital improvement projects, such as road maintenance, public safety, and law enforcement. Additionally, revenues will be utilized to support fish and wildlife conservation projects and to increases outdoor recreation, such as hunting, fishing, and hiking activities that serve as a critical economic engine in the rural parts of my State.

There is no doubt alternative sources of energy are a critical component of our ``all of the above'' energy future. While we work to develop and perfect alternative technologies, we need to secure our economy now by having an energy policy that respects the cause of the problem--supply and demand.

I hope the Senate can put partisan politics aside and have the opportunity to vote on related amendments to this bill--like those I have just discussed today. These strong bipartisan proposals will rein in harmful regulations and spur domestic energy production. Congress should take this opportunity to take a major step forward in implementing 21st century energy policies that will create jobs and keep consumer energy prices low.

I thank the Presiding Officer and yield the floor.

Madam President, I wish to recognize Nevada's own Steve and Carolyn Coburn for their recent victory at the 139th Kentucky Derby with their co-owned horse, California Chrome. California Chrome was the victor by 1\3/4\ lengths, and as a fellow horse owner, it gave me great pride to watch a Nevadan-owned horse win this coveted title.

Steve Coburn, an Army veteran, and Carolyn Coburn are both Douglas County residents who took a chance 5 years ago when they became part- owners in California Chrome's mother, Love the Chase, as an investment opportunity. Although Love the Chase failed as a thoroughbred in the eyes of the industry, the Coburns and other co-owners decided to breed her, resulting in California Chrome, the humble-beginnings horse who turned out to be a champion.

California Chrome does not only win races, but he has become an integral member of the Coburn family. Every few weeks, the Coburn's made the drive from their rural Nevada home to watch their foal grow into a champion and never had a doubt that he was special. His track record of 10 career starts and 6 first-place finishes proves their predictions right.

As a fellow horse enthusiast, I appreciate the unique roles horses play as companion animals, as well as an important part of the commercial horse racing industry. I know the citizens of the ``Silver State'' are proud to see humble Nevadans succeed in making their dream of having a winning horse come true. Today, I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating Steve and Carolyn for this unparalleled victory and wish California Chrome the best in his future racing endeavors.

Madam President, today we honor the life and service of Ernie Schoch, whose passing signifies a great loss to Nevada. I send my condolences and prayers to Joann and all of Ernie's family in this time of mourning.

Ernie came to the United States to become a member of the U.S. Air Force. During his tenure in the Air Force, Ernie was a recipient of the prestigious Good Conduct Medal. Airmen awarded this medal must earn character and efficiency ratings of excellent or higher throughout a 3- year period of Active military service or for a 1-year period of service during a time of war. As one of our Nation's servicemembers, he made exceptional sacrifices for our country and deserves our deepest gratitude. I am both humbled and honored by not only his but his family's service to our great Nation.

Ernie and his wife Joann were exemplary volunteers throughout the community. Their selflessness extends far beyond our Nation's military. He was dedicated to supporting homeless veterans and worked with the U.S. Veterans Initiative and other organizations in his spare time. As a member of the Senate Veterans' Affairs Committee, I am proud to have continued his work through my own legislative proposals to help in assisting homeless veterans. His volunteerism brought so much to his community, and rest assured his contributions will remain a lasting legacy in the ``Silver State.''

I extend my deepest sympathies to Joann and all of Ernie's family. We will always remember Ernie for his courageous contributions to the United States of America and to freedom-loving nations around the world. His service to his country and his bravery and dedication to his family and community earn him a place among the outstanding men and women who have valiantly defended our Nation.

Ernie's wife Joann is a woman whom I am proud to call a friend. Together, the two were an inseparable couple whose love for each other was obvious to anyone who spent time with them. They enjoyed traveling together and sharing their stories with all who eagerly listened. When not traveling or volunteering, Joann and Ernie opened their home generously to the many people who loved their company.

Throughout his life, Ernie maintained a dedication to the preservation of justice and integrity, which I am honored to commend. Today, I join the Clark County community and citizens of the ``Silver State'' to celebrate the life of an upstanding Nevadan.

Mr. President, I rise in remembrance of Joe Dini, a true Nevada statesman and dedicated public servant.

Joe found his calling leading Nevada's citizens in the legislature through more than 20 years of public service. Elected for an unprecedented eight sessions, he is remembered as a friend and a gentleman by both his colleagues and me. His leadership and exemplary contributions to the State of Nevada are, and continue to remain, unmatched.

A quiet and humble man with an aptitude for compromise, Joe unquestionably sustained our State throughout his long tenure. Supporting Nevada's economic backbone through his involvement in the gaming industry, Joe expanded Nevada's economy and presence among the Nation. As a legislator, his focus was not only on issues of importance in his rural district, such as agriculture and water policy, but also on issues of necessity in the entire State regarding education, health care, and, of course, his legacy, the bistate Tahoe Regional Planning Agency.

Moreover, his loyalty and dedication to his community civics was exceptional. Knowing and fighting for his constituency's concerns, all while searching for what was best for Nevada, despite rifts in political ideologies, are two things Nevadans will never forget about Joe.

Born in 1929, rising from modest beginnings, Joe, the son of an Italian immigrant saloonkeeper, was raised in Yerington, a very small, rural community in Nevada. Yet through achievement of self and service, he became one of the most influential Nevadans in our State's rich history. His motivation and selflessness embodies the ``Battle Born'' State. With his passing, Nevada lost a great man who is immortalized for encouraging respect among his community and fellow assemblymen.

My entire family extends our thoughts and condolences to Joe's loved ones, and we thank them for their service as well.

I ask my colleagues to join me in remembering Assemblyman Dini for his unwavering loyalty and dedication to Nevada.

Mr. President, today I wish to recognize Ivoon Padilla-Rodriiguez, an honors program student at the University of Nevada, Reno.

Ms. Padilla-Rodriiguez was selected for a prestigious 2014 Harry S. Truman Scholarship from among the Nation's most competitive applicants. The award is given annually for those of demonstrated leadership and public

service. She is the fourth student in UNR's history to receive the award. Her hard work is deservingly rewarded through the scholarship, as she plans to utilize the funds toward her goal of becoming a legal advocate.

Focused, bright, and driven are just a few of the words used by Ms. Padilla-Rodriiguez's mentors and colleagues to describe her attributes. Overcoming homelessness and becoming a Truman Scholar are far from her only accolades: this year she was also named one of the 10 Top College Women by Glamour Magazine, and in 2011, she secured $100,000 as a scholarship from Dr. Pepper in one of their annual Tuition Giveaway challenges.

A dedication to the community is evident through her commitment to adolescent outreach. In 2012, Ms. Padilla-Rodriiguez co-founded Spotlight, a free improvisational theater program in Reno for youth, and she even carried her improvisational talents to Costa Rica, where she shared the skills with orphans while studying abroad.

Above all, Ms. Padilla-Rodriiguez has maintained a dedication to her studies. A junior honors student, she is double majoring in English and history, and working toward a minor in philosophy of law, ethics, and politics. In all of her free time, she conducts research at UNR's Latino Research Center on immigration reform. She has been invited as one of 60 college students in the Nation to present her research on Capitol Hill later this month.

I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating Ivoon Padilla- Rodriiguez on all of her successes thus far.

Mr. President, I wish to honor my brothers of Sigma Nu Fraternity, especially the Delta Xi Chapter at the University of Nevada, which is celebrating 100 years of leadership, service, and brotherhood this year.

Since its founding in 1869 at the Virginia Military Institute, Sigma Nu has installed over 279 chapters and initiated more than one-quarter of a million members, including myself, an initiate and alumni of the Epsilon Omicron Chapter at the University of Southern California. It is an honor to know our fraternity's mission--to develop ethical leaders inspired by the principles of love, honor, and truth--has prevailed for nearly a century.

The Delta Xi Chapter of our fraternal network is a standout among chapters in the Nation. Established by the Nevada Club at the turn of the 20th century, the brothers of Delta Xi have since initiated well over 1,900 members and awarded more than 100 deserving scholarships.

Their members not only prioritize their academic involvement within the University of Nevada system, but also give back to their local community through service. Their achievements and contributions to the community will only continue to grow as Sigma Nu is dedicated to fostering the personal growth of each man's mind, heart, and character. Through its dedication to leadership and philanthropic commitments, our fraternity has sustained a nationally renowned reputation.

As Delta Xi celebrates its centennial year, its members have much to be proud of and look forward to for many years to come. I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating the Delta Xi Chapter of Sigma Nu.

Mr. President, I wish to begin by thanking the two previous speakers for their comments and their dedication to their particular cause. My friend from Indiana knows both of his amendments are something I would have supported if given the opportunity to actually vote on them, but the important point is this, we are moving forward. The Senate is moving forward with a debate on a bipartisan proposal to responsibly extend unemployment benefits. I am encouraged by our progress so far. I hope we can continue to work with our colleagues to pass this piece of legislation.

In speaking on this bill, I would be remiss not to again thank my friend from Rhode Island for his tireless efforts to help unemployed Americans by temporarily extending unemployment insurance benefits. I admire his dedication. I am greatly pleased we are here today to support a bipartisan effort and to help all Americans keep American families on their feet in a very difficult economic climate.

I also wish to thank Senators Collins, Portman, Murkowski, and Kirk for their continued willingness to come to the table to craft a bill that would garner enough support to pass in the Senate. I also, as I just mentioned, wish to acknowledge the contributions of both Senator Coats and Senator Ayotte, who though not cosponsors of this particular version of the bill have been essential in these negotiations, as well as Senator Isakson and Senator Hoeven, who have also been engaged in this matter in recent months.

Last December the Federal unemployment insurance benefits were allowed to expire, leaving millions of job-seeking Americans wondering how they would cover their mortgage, pay the utilities, fill their car with gas, put food on the table for their families. My constituents who have written to me, who have called my office, and the people I have spoken with when I am home in Nevada have shared many heartbreaking stories with me.

I have heard from individuals all across the spectrum, from every sector, from every industry. I would like to share one of those letters from Michael in Carson City, NV, who wrote to me several weeks ago. After Michael and his friend moved to Nevada from California just a few years ago, they needed

unemployment insurance benefits to help them bridge the gap between jobs. Sometimes they had to visit the local food pantry to keep food on their table, but Michael kept looking for a job.

Eventually he found some work as a substitute teacher. He also found another part-time job working nights and even weekends. Through perseverance, Michael ended up finding a full-time job, and now he and his wife and their young daughter are enjoying some financial stability that they did not have just a few years ago.

I think Michael's story is a great example of how valuable unemployment insurance is to American families who have fallen on some hard times. I thank Michael for taking the time to share that story with me. I am very glad his family is doing well in Carson City.

I have another letter from John from Henderson. John lost his job last April. He has been looking for work for nearly 1 year now. Unemployment insurance has helped him keep a roof over his head. It also helped him keep the power on. John is doing everything he can to make ends meet while he continues to search for a job, but it is getting tougher and tougher to put food on the table and provide for his young family.

Without any help, John and his family may lose their home. They are worried about where to go and they are worried about what options they have left. I have a stack of letters just like these, Nevadans sharing their individual experiences with me. Those stories are why I am here today and I have fought so hard to find a way to temporarily extend these benefits in a responsible way.

These are real American families trying to make ends meet. They are people who want to get back to work, want to be self-sufficient, want to provide for their families. Without unemployment insurance, many of them would have lost their homes, been forced to search and seek out additional government services. Unemployment insurance helps people before things go from bad to worse and does make a difference for millions of Americans.

Last week I spoke briefly on the need to extend these benefits. I want to reiterate an important point that I think is often misunderstood. Unemployment insurance benefits go to unemployed individuals who are actively seeking employment. I share the desire of my colleagues and constituents to rein in out-of-control Federal spending and reduce the dependence on Federal aid, but I believe unemployment insurance is a critical safety net for American families, especially during periods of high unemployment such as we are currently experiencing.

Further, additional benefit tiers are only available to States that meet certain unemployment rate thresholds, meaning that the duration of benefits decreases as the State recovers. This ensures that job seekers in the hardest hit States have access to critical resources when they need it the most. Nowhere is this more apparent and important than in my home State of Nevada, which has the unfortunate distinction of carrying the Nation's highest unemployment rate for nearly 5 years-- nearly 14 percent unemployment at the highest.

Nevada's current unemployment rate at 8.5 percent remains still one of the highest in the country, high above the national average and far from where we need to be as a State. What concerns me even more is the fact that thousands of Nevadans have dropped out of the workforce entirely, people who lost their jobs, exhausted both their State and Federal unemployment insurance benefits and were still unable to find work in this tough economy.

Nevada is now trending in the right direction, thanks in large part to the vision of our Governor, Governor Sandoval. But again, we still have a long way to go. That is why we need to temporarily extend unemployment insurance benefits to give the people of Nevada, Rhode Island, and many other States some financial certainty as our country's economy recovers.

As we continue to push forward to restore our economy, the need for these benefits will naturally diminish. This brings me to another important point I wish to highlight about this bill. There is a temporary extension of unemployment insurance benefits, 5 months to be exact. Temporary extensions of these programs during high periods of unemployment have found bipartisan support in the past. I think they merit bipartisan support. I agree we should not indefinitely extend these programs. I would also like to see additional reforms. We should continue that discussion.

I strongly agree with my colleagues on this side of the aisle that the key to our economic recovery is through the creation of new jobs. Under this administration, there are still three workers for every available job, leaving far too many qualified workers out of a job simply because there are not enough opportunities available.

My Republican colleagues, including Senators Hoeven, Thune, Lee, and many others, have introduced more than a dozen bills to spur job creation by reducing governmental burdens and making it easier for businesses to grow and create new jobs--bills that will help reduce the need for unemployment insurance benefits, strengthen our economy, and improve the financial security of millions of Americans.

I hope that as we are debating this bill before us today, we have the opportunity to debate and vote on these important job creation measures.

I know there are some questions regarding how State workforce agencies might administer retroactive benefits and enforce some of the new requirements provided in this bill. These concerns are not unreasonable. However, I firmly believe that not only can Congress work with States to overcome any of these challenges, but Congress has the responsibility to overcome these challenges. No bill is perfect, and the varying capabilities of State systems compound the difficulty of the task at hand.

This isn't a new obstacle for Congress. Every person in this Chamber is familiar with the challenges involved in finding a balance between Federal and State laws and ensuring that what we do in Washington isn't an undue burden back home. We deal with that problem every single day. Additionally, the Department of Labor has provided $345 million to States over the past 5 years to help States modernize their systems so that they are more responsive and efficient.

I know we can find a way to work with our State agencies to find a way to reduce the burden of administering these benefits. In fact, Department of Labor Secretary Thomas Perez wrote a letter last week in response to some of these very concerns and believes that the challenges are not--I repeat, are not--insurmountable. As a former labor secretary for Maryland and now Secretary of the U.S. Department of Labor, Mr. Perez has hands-on experience with unemployment insurance at both the Federal and State levels. In his letter, Secretary Perez indicated that the Department of Labor already has guidance on how to administer retroactive benefits. This is not the first time there has been a gap in UI extensions. Although this gap may be a little longer than usual, Secretary Perez states that ``we are confident that we could successfully address this challenge again.''

It may also be difficult to implement measures in our UI systems to determine whether someone is a millionaire, but I think most of us would agree that jobless millionaires and billionaires should not be receiving unemployment benefits. The limited resources we have to provide for this social safety net ought to be reserved for Americans who need this help the most. Some State systems may not be responsive or responsible enough to get this done by the time these benefits expire again. I recognize that. But if we continue to provide a series of short-term extensions without any reforms, we will never fix the underlying issues. We have known for years that there are some well-off individuals abusing the UI system, and it is long past time that we do something about it.

We should not be content to just extend Federal programs if we know there are inefficiencies. We need to do something to make these programs run more efficiently, effectively, and ensure that our hard- earned taxpayer dollars are used in a responsible fashion.

I am proud to have worked with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle on this legislation. It hasn't always been easy, but I thank my colleagues for their patience and their continued hard work to help the American people find

some stability as they look to get back to work. I look forward to moving to this bill, passing it, and working with the House to restore unemployment insurance benefits as we continue working to improve the health of the American economy.

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

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

I ask unanimous consent that morning business be extended until the Senate recesses at 12:30 p.m., with Senators permitted to speak therein for up to 10 minutes each.

I suggest the absence of a quorum.