Floor Statements

Mr. President, I rise today with a heavy heart and deep sense of gratitude to honor the life of a brave young man from Lafayette. Matthew Frantz, 23 years old, died on January 20 when an improvised explosive device detonated near his vehicle during a patrol near Al Huwijah in Iraq. With his entire life before him, Matthew risked everything to fight for the values Americans hold close to our hearts, in a land halfway around the world.

Following in the family tradition of service, Matthew had been committed to joining the military since he was in the second grade. A 2001 graduate of Lafayette Jefferson High School, his teachers recalled how eager he was to join the service, as well as what a decent and friendly student he was. One of his teachers told a local news outlet, ``Matt was very excited about being part of the military. It was what he wanted to do. He was just a young man that wanted to serve his country.'' Matthew had been in the military for nearly 2 years, but this was his first deployment to Iraq. He arrived there only 4 months ago as a counterintelligence specialist.

Matthew was killed while serving his country in Operation Iraqi Freedom. He was a member of the 1st Special Troops Battalion in the 101st Airborne Division based at Fort Campbell, KT. This brave young soldier leaves behind his father and mother, James and Marilyn Frantz; his brothers, Chris and Eric, who also serve in the military; and his fiance, Amalia Cerbin.

Today, I join Matthew's family and friends in mourning his death. While we struggle to bear our sorrow over this loss, we can also take pride in the example he set, bravely fighting to make the world a safer place. It is his courage and strength of character that people will remember when they think of Matthew, a memory that will burn brightly during these continuing days of conflict and grief.

Matthew was known for his dedication to his family and his love of country. Today and always, Matthew will be remembered by family members, friends, and fellow Hoosiers as a true American hero, and we honor the sacrifice he made while dutifully serving his country.

As I search for words to do justice in honoring Matthew's sacrifice, I am reminded of President Lincoln's remarks as he addressed the families of the fallen soldiers in Gettysburg: ``We cannot dedicate, we cannot consecrate, we cannot hallow this ground. The brave men, living and dead, who struggled here, have consecrated it, far above our poor power to add or detract. The world will little note nor long remember what we say here, but it can never forget what they did here.'' This statement is just as true today as it was nearly 150 years ago, as I am certain that the impact of Matthew's actions will live on far longer that any record of these words.

It is my sad duty to enter the name of Matthew C. Frantz in the official record of the U.S. Senate for his service to this country and for his profound commitment to freedom, democracy, and peace. When I think about this just cause in which we are engaged and the unfortunate pain that comes with the loss of our heroes, I hope that families like Matthew's can find comfort in the words of the prophet Isaiah who said, ``He will swallow up death in victory; and the Lord God will wipe away tears from off all faces.''

May God grant strength and peace to those who mourn, and may God be with all of you, as I know He is with Matthew.

Sergeant Clifton Yazzie

Mr. President, I rise today with a heavy heart and deep sense of gratitude to honor the life of a brave young man from Evansville. Jonathan Pfender, 22 years old, died on December 30 when an improvised explosive device detonated near his vehicle during a patrol in Bayji, Iraq. With his entire life before him, Jonathan risked everything to fight for the values Americans hold close to our hearts, in a land halfway around the world.

A 2001 graduate of North Posey High School, Jonathan decided to leave his job at the Evansville Pizza Hut to pursue a career in the Army. According to his mother, Jonathan was not satisfied with the direction his life was taking and decided to change course by joining the military, an idea he had contemplated since junior high school. Remembered as a likeable, fun-loving and passionate young man who loved serving in the Army, Jonathan was the

pride of his family and headed to Iraq with their full support. His mother recounted to a local newspaper, ``[His co-workers] were crazy about him. Everyone was, you couldn't not fall in love with him.''

Jonathan was killed while serving his country in Operation Iraqi Freedom. He was a member of the 1st Battalion, 187th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Combat Team of the 101st Airborne Division based at Fort Campbell, KY. This brave young soldier leaves behind his mother and stepfather, Peggy Jo and Jeff Hammond; his father and stepmother, Randy and Jackie Pfender; a 26-year-old brother; a 1-year-old half brother; stepsiblings and other relatives.

Today, I join Jonathan's family and friends in mourning his death. While we struggle to bear our sorrow over this loss, we can also take pride in the example he set, bravely fighting to make the world a safer place. It is his courage and strength of character that people will remember when they think of Jonathan, a memory that will burn brightly during these continuing days of conflict and grief.

Jonathan was known for his dedication to his family and his love of country. Today and always, Jonathan will be remembered by family members, friends and fellow Hoosiers as a true American hero and we honor the sacrifice he made while dutifully serving his country.

As I search for words to do justice in honoring Jonathan's sacrifice, I am reminded of President Lincoln's remarks as he addressed the families of the fallen soldiers in Gettysburg: ``We cannot dedicate, we cannot consecrate, we cannot hallow this ground. The brave men, living and dead, who struggled here, have consecrated it, far above our poor power to add or detract. The world will little note nor long remember what we say here, but it can never forget what they did here.'' This statement is just as true today as it was nearly 150 years ago, as I am certain that the impact of Jonathan's actions will live on far longer that any record of these words.

It is my sad duty to enter the name of Jonathan Pfender in the official record of the United States Senate for his service to this country and for his profound commitment to freedom, democracy and peace. When I think about this just cause in which we are engaged, and the unfortunate pain that comes with the loss of our heroes, I hope that families like Jonathan's can find comfort in the words of the prophet Isaiah who said, ``He will swallow up death in victory; and the Lord God will wipe away tears from off all faces.''

May God grant strength and peace to those who mourn, and may God be with all of you, as I know He is with Jonathan.

Mr. President, today I wish to pay tribute to the Linton Police Department and their Chief of Police, Keith McDonald. I also want to take a moment to recognize Linton's Drug Task Force Officer Joshua Goodman.

Under the leadership of Chief McDonald, the Linton Police Department has increased its drug arrests by nearly 500 percent over the past 5 years. Most recently, the department executed a drug bust that resulted in the seizure of approximately $250,000 worth of methamphetamine--one of the largest drug busts in the western part of the State.

Methamphetamine is currently one of the fastest-growing drug threats in the Nation, and the problem is particularly acute in the Midwest and Indiana. In Indiana, the number of meth labs has increased 750 percent over the last 5 years and the meth industry costs the State at least $100 million a year.

Indiana's epidemic of meth use destroys families, places undue burdens on taxpayers, and exhausts child service resources. Hoosier families depend on local law enforcement officers to protect their children and keep their communities strong. In the face of the growing meth epidemic and despite an increasing number of homeland security responsibilities, the Linton Police Department and other police departments across the State have risen to the challenge. With the help of tougher State meth laws, these local police forces have succeeded in reducing the number of meth labs across Indiana.

But they need more support from the Federal Government. Local police forces, like Linton's, are already stretched thin as they respond to a growing number of homeland security challenges. Nothing short of a national commitment with tough, innovative laws will stop the spread of this terrible drug that is threatening our communities. For this reason, I coponsored the Combat Meth Act in 2004 to provide a nationwide approach that gives police officers the tools they need to fend off the creation of new meth labs and helps families rebuild their lives. I am hopeful that this legislation will help Linton and other towns continue to succeed in their fight against the meth scourge.

I wanted to take the time to recognize the Linton Police Department today, because as our Nation faces increasingly uncertain times, including the escalation of the meth epidemic, it is our first responders who are our primary line of defense. In all areas, but especially the fight against meth, Linton's Police Department has gone well beyond the call of duty.

On behalf of the State of Indiana, I thank the Linton Police Department for helping keep Greene County's streets safe and its community strong and meth-free. It is my honor to enter this tribute in the official record of the United States Senate in recognition of the Linton Police Department's extraordinary commitment to the citizens of Greene County.

Mr. President, I rise today to pay tribute to one of our most remarkable members, Senator Jon Corzine, who leaves us this year to continue his work on behalf of the people of New Jersey in a new capacity. Experience and leadership qualities like his are rare, and with them, he has set himself apart as a champion of the environment, a safe homeland, affordable health care, and working men and women everywhere.

After managing one of the most successful businesses in the world, Jon arrived in the Senate five years ago with the negotiating skills and leadership experience that allowed him to succeed so admirably here. Most notably, Jon came to Washington with an unusual and important perspective. He understands the bottom line. He understands that it is not right for our children to inherit our unpaid bills and that we have a responsibility to ensure that we leave them a safer, more secure and more compassionate America.

In pursuit of these goals and never shying from a challenge, Jon Corzine was a leader in the fight to protect Social Security from privatization and helped lead the charge to secure our chemical facilities from terrorist attacks.

However, while tackling those critical national challenges, it was obvious that his heart was with New Jersey. Over the past 6 years, Jon fought hard to improve the quality of life for all of the people of his State by investing in the local economy and protecting New Jersey's natural resources.

Last month, New Jersey residents showed their gratitude and admiration for Jon's service and elected him Governor of their State. With their votes, they showed that they believed in Jon's quest to make New Jersey one of the best places to live, work and raise a family. As a former Governor, I know the challenges and the rewards of running a State. And from working with Jon in the Senate, I know that he will help move New Jersey forward and will make sure that the State government provides people with value for their hard-earned tax dollars, while respecting the values that unite us all.

Today, the Senate loses a valued colleague. However, today, New Jersey gains a great Governor.

Jon, we will miss you. Susan joins me in wishing you all the best in the future. New Jersey is lucky to have you.

Mr. President, I rise today to introduce the Small Business Growth Initiative of 2005, which is critical to expanding opportunities for our small businesses to excel in the U.S economy and compete with larger businesses at home and abroad. Our Nation's competitiveness hinges on our ability to cultivate the entrepreneurial spirit and provide a policy environment that helps our Nation's job creators start or expand small businesses. Since I joined the Small Business Committee in 2003, I have redoubled my efforts to help small businesses, and this bill represents my latest ideas and work to provide additional assistance to the small business community.

In my home State of Indiana, small businesses employ nearly 1.3 million Hoosiers and make up 97.5 percent of all Indiana companies. Nationwide, small businesses have created between 60 and 80 percent of net new jobs over the last decade. Despite this success, small businesses are confronted with unique challenges. To understand what small business owners must overcome to build a successful enterprise, one need only know that one-third of small businesses fail in the first 2 years, and about half fail in the first 4 years. To help more small businesses succeed, my bill is designed to help small businesses train their employees, increase access to capital, encourage long-term investments in new technologies and equipment, expand opportunities to conduct research and development for the Federal Government, and finally, offer employee retirement plans.

The global economy requires that successful small businesses continually update workers' skills to remain competitive. To meet this requirement, the first section of the bill provides a $1,000 tax credit for training costs per employee for up to five employees. This tax credit can be used for employees to, among other activities, obtain a new job certification, attend a community college course, or attend a 1-day seminar. Statistics indicate that the U.S. faces a growing skills gap in its workforce. With technology playing a critical role in the economy, it is vital that we continually educate workers so that they are able to meet the challenges of new and innovative tasks. Companies are often reluctant to invest in worker training due to the fear that workers will take their new training to new jobs. This tax credit reduces the cost to the employer and provides much-needed support for employers to develop a skilled workforce.

Access to capital is critical for emerging small businesses as they seek to innovate, create jobs, and create wealth. The second provision in this bill provides a significant incentive to individuals and companies to invest in emerging small businesses, thereby increasing the amount of capital available to small businesses. Specifically, this bill provides a zero capital gains rate for long-term individual and corporate investments in small business stock. A 2004 report by the Council on Competitiveness highlighted small businesses' difficulty in trying to access venture capital. The study found: ``Recently, (the funding gap) has been widening as Venture Capital firms are shifting investments to focus on more mature firms with larger capital needs. Entrepreneurs report difficulty in raising money between $2 million and $5 million.''

The third section of my bill extends a critical incentive that small businesses have used to invest in new technologies, expand their operations, and most important, create jobs. Under current law, small businesses can expense--rather than depreciate--up to $100,000 in new qualifying machinery or equipment in each year through 2007. My bill extends this tax provision through the end of 2010. This will allow small businesses to enjoy a 5-year planning horizon for new investment. It is difficult for small businesses to make significant investments when the tax code is riddled with ``here today, gone tomorrow'' provisions. This provision will provide tax savings to small businesses and reduce the amount of time that small businesses would otherwise be forced to spend complying with complex depreciation rules.

The fourth section of my bill would expand research and development opportunities for small businesses by increasing the amount of federal R&D opportunities available through the Small Business Innovation Research Program, SBIR, and the Small Business Technology Transfer Program, STTR. Small businesses produce 13 to 14 times more patents per employee than large firms. Small business patents are twice as likely as large firm patents to be among the 1 percent most cited patents. These programs are critical to expand opportunities for small businesses to enter the Federal marketplace and in so doing, develop new products that can be commercialized and create new jobs. They play a major role in helping the government advance cutting-edge research. According to the Small Business Administration, approximately 1 in 4 SBIR projects will result in the sale of new commercial products or processes.

The fifth and final section of my bill is designed to help small businesses offer employee retirement plans. Too many workers at small companies do not have the opportunity to contribute to their retirement security. Only 31 percent of small businesses with 10 to 24 employees provide retirement plans to their employees. By comparison, 72 percent of large firms with 1,000 or more employees provide retirement plan options to their employees. As we

consider ways to help small businesses grow and be competitive, it is important to provide incentives that allow them to recruit and retain qualified employees and better compete with larger businesses at home and abroad that provide retirement plans for their employees.

The problem for small businesses stems, in part, from the administrative costs of starting a retirement plan. To address this problem, my bill doubles the existing tax credit to offset start-up costs associated with setting up new retirement plans. Under this bill, small companies would be eligible to take a 50 percent credit on the first $2,000 in approved costs incurred in each of the first 3 years of a qualified pension plan's existence.

In conclusion, small businesses are the engine of our economy and we need to focus attention on advancing policies that help small businesses grow and prosper. I look forward to working with my colleagues on these and other proposals to help our Nation's entrepreneurs continue to lead the world in innovation and compete effectively with large companies both here and abroad in the global economy.

Mr. President, I rise today to introduce the Small Business Growth Initiative of 2005, which is critical to expanding opportunities for our small businesses to excel in the U.S economy and compete with larger businesses at home and abroad. Our Nation's competitiveness hinges on our ability to cultivate the entrepreneurial spirit and provide a policy environment that helps our Nation's job creators start or expand small businesses. Since I joined the Small Business Committee in 2003, I have redoubled my efforts to help small businesses, and this bill represents my latest ideas and work to provide additional assistance to the small business community.

In my home State of Indiana, small businesses employ nearly 1.3 million Hoosiers and make up 97.5 percent of all Indiana companies. Nationwide, small businesses have created between 60 and 80 percent of net new jobs over the last decade. Despite this success, small businesses are confronted with unique challenges. To understand what small business owners must overcome to build a successful enterprise, one need only know that one-third of small businesses fail in the first 2 years, and about half fail in the first 4 years. To help more small businesses succeed, my bill is designed to help small businesses train their employees, increase access to capital, encourage long-term investments in new technologies and equipment, expand opportunities to conduct research and development for the Federal Government, and finally, offer employee retirement plans.

The global economy requires that successful small businesses continually update workers' skills to remain competitive. To meet this requirement, the first section of the bill provides a $1,000 tax credit for training costs per employee for up to five employees. This tax credit can be used for employees to, among other activities, obtain a new job certification, attend a community college course, or attend a 1-day seminar. Statistics indicate that the U.S. faces a growing skills gap in its workforce. With technology playing a critical role in the economy, it is vital that we continually educate workers so that they are able to meet the challenges of new and innovative tasks. Companies are often reluctant to invest in worker training due to the fear that workers will take their new training to new jobs. This tax credit reduces the cost to the employer and provides much-needed support for employers to develop a skilled workforce.

Access to capital is critical for emerging small businesses as they seek to innovate, create jobs, and create wealth. The second provision in this bill provides a significant incentive to individuals and companies to invest in emerging small businesses, thereby increasing the amount of capital available to small businesses. Specifically, this bill provides a zero capital gains rate for long-term individual and corporate investments in small business stock. A 2004 report by the Council on Competitiveness highlighted small businesses' difficulty in trying to access venture capital. The study found: ``Recently, (the funding gap) has been widening as Venture Capital firms are shifting investments to focus on more mature firms with larger capital needs. Entrepreneurs report difficulty in raising money between $2 million and $5 million.''

The third section of my bill extends a critical incentive that small businesses have used to invest in new technologies, expand their operations, and most important, create jobs. Under current law, small businesses can expense--rather than depreciate--up to $100,000 in new qualifying machinery or equipment in each year through 2007. My bill extends this tax provision through the end of 2010. This will allow small businesses to enjoy a 5-year planning horizon for new investment. It is difficult for small businesses to make significant investments when the tax code is riddled with ``here today, gone tomorrow'' provisions. This provision will provide tax savings to small businesses and reduce the amount of time that small businesses would otherwise be forced to spend complying with complex depreciation rules.

The fourth section of my bill would expand research and development opportunities for small businesses by increasing the amount of federal R&D opportunities available through the Small Business Innovation Research Program, SBIR, and the Small Business Technology Transfer Program, STTR. Small businesses produce 13 to 14 times more patents per employee than large firms. Small business patents are twice as likely as large firm patents to be among the 1 percent most cited patents. These programs are critical to expand opportunities for small businesses to enter the Federal marketplace and in so doing, develop new products that can be commercialized and create new jobs. They play a major role in helping the government advance cutting-edge research. According to the Small Business Administration, approximately 1 in 4 SBIR projects will result in the sale of new commercial products or processes.

The fifth and final section of my bill is designed to help small businesses offer employee retirement plans. Too many workers at small companies do not have the opportunity to contribute to their retirement security. Only 31 percent of small businesses with 10 to 24 employees provide retirement plans to their employees. By comparison, 72 percent of large firms with 1,000 or more employees provide retirement plan options to their employees. As we

consider ways to help small businesses grow and be competitive, it is important to provide incentives that allow them to recruit and retain qualified employees and better compete with larger businesses at home and abroad that provide retirement plans for their employees.

The problem for small businesses stems, in part, from the administrative costs of starting a retirement plan. To address this problem, my bill doubles the existing tax credit to offset start-up costs associated with setting up new retirement plans. Under this bill, small companies would be eligible to take a 50 percent credit on the first $2,000 in approved costs incurred in each of the first 3 years of a qualified pension plan's existence.

In conclusion, small businesses are the engine of our economy and we need to focus attention on advancing policies that help small businesses grow and prosper. I look forward to working with my colleagues on these and other proposals to help our Nation's entrepreneurs continue to lead the world in innovation and compete effectively with large companies both here and abroad in the global economy.

Mr. President, I rise today with a heavy heart and deep sense of gratitude to honor the life of a brave young man from Fort Wayne. Jonathan Blair, 21 years old, died on November 19 in Bayji, Iraq when a roadside bomb exploded near his vehicle during a combat operation. With his entire life before him, Jonathan risked everything to fight for the values Americans hold close to our hearts, in a land halfway around the world.

Remembered for his thoughtfulness and patriotism, Jonathan joined the Army shortly after graduating from Elmhurst High School in 2002. The attacks of September 11 inspired him to consider military service, but Jonathan also saw the military as a gateway to further knowledge and a potential ticket to a higher education. One of his high school teachers fondly recounted to the Fort Wayne Journal Gazette that Jonathan was a patriotic and ``cerebral'' student who would contemplate fully any answer in class. Another teacher remembered, ``Jonathan challenged you as a teacher to make him better as a student; he was just a really interesting kid.''

Jonathan was killed while serving his country in Operation Iraqi Freedom. He was a member of the 1st Battalion, 187th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team of the 101st Airborne Division based at Fort Campbell, KY.

Today, I join Jonathan's family and friends in mourning his death. While we struggle to bear our sorrow over this loss, we can also take pride in the example he set, bravely fighting to make the world a safer place. It is his courage and strength of character that people will remember when they think of Jonathan, a memory that will burn brightly during these continuing days of conflict and grief.

Jonathan was known for his dedication to his family and his love of country. Today and always, Jonathan will be remembered by family members, friends, and fellow Hoosiers as a true American hero, and we honor the sacrifice he made while dutifully serving his country.

As I search for words to do justice in honoring Jonathan's sacrifice, I am reminded of President Lincoln's remarks as he addressed the families of the fallen soldiers in Gettysburg: ``We cannot dedicate, we cannot consecrate, we cannot hallow this ground. The brave men, living and dead, who struggled here, have consecrated it, far above our poor power to add or detract. The world will little note nor long remember what we say here, but it can never forget what they did here.'' This statement is just as true today as it was nearly 150 years ago, as I am certain that the impact of Jonathan's actions will live on far longer that any record of these words.

It is my sad duty to enter the name of Jonathan Blair in the official record of the U.S. Senate for his service to this country and for his profound commitment to freedom, democracy, and peace. When I think about this just cause in which we are engaged and the unfortunate pain that comes with the loss of our heroes, I hope that families like Jonathan's can find comfort in the words of the prophet Isaiah, who said, ``He will swallow up death in victory; and the Lord God will wipe away tears from off all faces.''

May God grant strength and peace to those who mourn, and may God be with all of you, as I know He is with Jonathan.

Remembering Army Sergeant First Class Michael C. Parrott

Mr. President, I rise today to pay tribute to a remarkable organization in my home State, the Community Harvest Food Bank of Northeast Indiana. Each night, nearly 600,000 Hoosiers go to bed hungry, including 190,000 children. The numbers are heartbreaking, particularly during the holiday season, but thanks to the Community Harvest Food Bank of Northeast Indiana, our State is making strides to end this terrible tragedy.

The Community Harvest Food Bank of Northeast Indiana has been a leader in the efforts to eliminate hunger across Indiana. Each year, Community Harvest collects and distributes more than 7 million pounds of donated surplus food through a network of more than 550 social service agencies. Each of these agencies offers invaluable assistance to hungry children, the working poor, and the elderly and helps ensure that every Hoosier has access to a healthy meal. Recently, the organization was named the 2005 Food Bank of the Year by America's Second Harvest--an honor never before awarded to an Indiana food bank. This award recognizes the hard work, dedication, energy, and efficiency of the organization, as well as its inspired leadership under Jane Avery.

With Jane at the helm, Community Harvest has achieved organizational excellence, while continuing to do God's work, making sure that all our neighbors are cared for and fed. One of the lessons I learned from my parents was that life is not about what you take out of it, but what you put back in. Jane lives that sentiment to the fullest every day. Her work has made Indiana a better place to live for all of us.

This year has been particularly hard on many Hoosier families and communities, making the work of Community Harvest especially critical. Businesses across the State have suffered layoffs, and families have lost their homes in recent tornados and storms, all while gas and heating prices have continued to increase. The Community Harvest Food Bank allows families to stretch their budget further, so they don't have to face the impossible decision of choosing between paying bills and putting food on the table. Each week, between 50,000 and 54,000 children and adults in 9 counties in Indiana are able to sit down to a hot meal because of Community Harvest's work.

It is part of the fabric of life in Indiana that we all look out for our neighbors, aiding them through tough times and celebrating in good times. The Community Harvest Food Bank of Northeast Indiana is the kind of organization that keeps the Hoosier tradition of compassion alive and makes me proud to be a Hoosier.

It is my great honor to recognize Jane Avery and the Community Harvest Food Bank of Northeast Indiana for their service to the State of Indiana.

Mr. President, I rise today with a heavy heart and deep sense of gratitude to honor the life of a brave young man who grew up in North Manchester. Scott Zubowski, 20 years old, died on November 12 near Fallujah, Iraq when a roadside bomb exploded under the military vehicle in which he was riding. With his entire life before him, Scott risked everything to fight for the values Americans hold close to our hearts, in a land halfway around the world.

Remembered for his intelligence and honorable service, Scott was killed during his second tour of duty in Iraq. A 2003 graduate of Manchester High School, Scott enlisted in the Marine Corps shortly after graduation, inspired by his older brother's Marine service. Recently married to another Manchester graduate, Scott was set to return home before his 21st birthday in March. One of his classmates told the Muncie Star Press that ``Not only was he the smartest guy I've ever known, he was unique in a way for which words aren't good enough to actually describe who he was. But to those of us who knew him and were his friends, his presence made a profound impact in our lives that still continues to shape us today.''

Scott was killed while serving his country in Operation Iraqi Freedom. He was a member of the 2nd Batallion, 7th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, I Marine Expeditionary Force. This brave young soldier leaves behind his wife, Klancey; his mother, Barbara Weitzel; his father, Richard Zubowski; and his brothers, David and Brian.

Today, I join Scott's family and friends in mourning his death. While we struggle to bear our sorrow over this loss, we can also take pride in the example he set, bravely fighting to make the world a safer place. It is his courage and strength of character that people will remember when they think of Scott, a memory that will burn brightly during these continuing days of conflict and grief.

Scott was known for his dedication to his family and his love of country. Today and always, Scott will be remembered by family members, friends and fellow Hoosiers as a true American hero and we honor the sacrifice he made while dutifully serving his country.

As I search for words to do justice in honoring Scott's sacrifice, I am reminded of President Lincoln's remarks as he addressed the families of the fallen soldiers in Gettysburg: ``We cannot dedicate, we cannot consecrate, we cannot hallow this ground. The brave men, living and dead, who struggled here, have consecrated it, far above our poor power to add or detract. The world will little note nor long remember what we say here, but it can never forget what they did here.'' This statement is just as true today as it was nearly 150 years ago, as I am certain that the impact of Scott's actions will live on far longer that any record of these words.

It is my sad duty to enter the name of Scott Zubowski in the official record of the United States Senate for his service to this country and for his profound commitment to freedom, democracy and peace. When I think about this just cause in which we are engaged, and the unfortunate pain that comes with the loss of our heroes, I hope that families like Scott's can find comfort in the words of the prophet Isaiah who said, ``He will swallow up death in victory; and the Lord God will wipe away tears from off all faces.''

May God grant strength and peace to those who mourn, and may God be with all of you, as I know He is with Scott.

Mr. President, I rise today with a heavy heart to honor the life of a great woman, Paula Yeager, who died last Wednesday after a long battle with cancer. For 6 years, Paula served the State of Indiana as the executive director of the Indiana Wildlife Federation, IWF. She was a true conservationist, a dedicated public servant and a wonderful mother. Her colleagues, friends, and family will miss her dearly, and I know that sentiment is shared by countless others across Indiana and the country.

A career travel agent, Paula first applied for a job with the IWF in order to work on meaningful issues--a decision influenced by her experience with breast cancer. During her 6-year tenure with the group, Paula overcame her relative inexperience and became a successful activist in conservation issues through hard work, an unwavering commitment to diplomacy and tireless advocacy. As executive director, Paula mended the State federation's relationship with the National Wildlife Federation, NWF, improved the group's profile with lawmakers, and confronted many important issues, including mercury contamination and wetlands preservation.

Her ability to unite people with differing interests earned her a reputation for diplomacy, and that effort paid off when the Indiana Department of National Resources, IDNR, banned fenced deer hunting in August. The former IDNR director called Paula the person ``most responsible in Indiana for leading the effort to ban canned hunting.''

Honored twice with the IWF's Presidents Award, Paula was named the Conservationist of the Year in 2001 by the IDNR, and this past summer the NWF recognized Paula with their Conservation Service Citation.

There is a saying that life is not about what you take out of it but what you put back in. Paula lived that sentiment to the fullest. Her work made Indiana a better place to live for all of us. For that, we will always be grateful to the courageous travel agent who decided it was time to make a difference through the IWF.

Indiana lost a great citizen last week. It is my sad honor to enter the name of Paula Yeager in the Record of the Senate for her service to Indiana.

Mr. President, I rise today for a cause that is essential to preserving our Nation's security by ensuring the Guard and Reserve remain a vital component of our national security structure. I also rise to defend our moral obligation to do right by our fellow citizens who bear the burden of battle and by their loved ones who make it possible for them to do that by supporting them here at home.

No one should be forced to choose between doing right by their family and their loved ones and doing right by their country, but too often today we have placed thousands of our fellow citizens in exactly that position. That is what this amendment is designed to correct.

We now have 145,000 guardsmen and reservists serving who have been called to active duty. Fully 35 percent of our troops in Iraq are guardsmen and reservists, many of them putting their lives in harm's way. Just this last week, I took the liberty of spending a couple of hours out at Walter Reed Army Hospital. Many of the most grievously injured there have served in the Guard and Reserve. We owe it to do right by them.

Their deployments are lasting longer than before. Since the Korean War, it is our practice to only have them called to active duty for no more than 6 months. But today, it is routine, not at all uncommon, for them to be called to active duty for more than a year and sometimes multiple calls.

Mr. President, 51 percent of these individuals whose lives we are disrupting, 51 percent who are serving, many of them in harm's way, suffer a substantial loss of income, what I have referred to as the ``patriot penalty.'' The average loss of income is about $4,400 per soldier--a material amount of money for many Americans. Our amendment, with the support of Senator Durbin, Senator Landrieu, the active support of Senators Warner and Levin, would help to correct this situation by providing up to $3,000 per month in making up lost income for our Reserve and Guard men and women.

This is important to maintaining the Guard as a critical component of our national security structure. We are currently running, in the Army Guard, about 24 percent below our recruiting goals. The commander of the Reserve not too long ago described his force as ``a broken force.'' At a time when we are relying upon the Guard and the Reserve more than ever before, we must ensure that we act to maintain our recruiting goals and to ensure the morale of the force.

Many laudable private firms have risen to the challenge by providing for their employees but, regrettably, not all do so. About 29 percent of employers are currently doing that, but that still leaves the bulk of our Guard men and women and our reservists without, so we have acted to make up that gap. It is not a burden they could have reasonably anticipated, given the difference in callups today versus before.

I again thank my distinguished colleagues, the Senator from Virginia and the Senator from Michigan. Once again, I thank my colleague Dick Durbin, who has been extremely gracious and who has been a strong leader in this capacity.

I will conclude by saying the true test of a strong society is not only the armaments we purchase but how we support those who bear the burden of battle and their loved ones here at home. If we can help them pay the mortgage or keep food on the table while they are serving us in Iraq and Afghanistan and elsewhere, it is not only the intelligent thing to do, it is the morally responsible thing to do. That is what this amendment would accomplish.

I thank my colleagues for their graciousness and their support.

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

Mr. President, I have many of my colleagues to thank for their graciousness and for their attention to an issue of significant importance to our country. I would like to start with my friend and colleague, Dick Durbin from Illinois, who has cared about this issue for many years, particularly with regard to our Federal employees who are bearing the burden of battle today on our behalf just as they work for us in their civilian capacities here at home.

Senator Durbin has been a model of comity and accommodation and in a body that is too often driven by other interests. I thank him profusely for his consideration here today.

I also thank Senator Landrieu for her longstanding interest in this issue. She has had a somewhat different approach, but it would achieve the same objective--helping our Guard men and women and their families while they are serving our country.

I also express my appreciation to the two leaders on the Armed Services Committee, Senators Warner and Levin, for their courtesy. I thank you for accepting our amendment. I know you share our conviction about doing right by our brave men and women in the Guard and Reserve, and I wish to express my personal appreciation for your accommodation in this regard. I know there are occasionally differences of opinion about some aspects of this, and the fact that we could work through them at this moment means a great deal to me, as I know it does to the families of the Guard men and women we are attempting to help.

Mr. President, I rise today to tell you about the extraordinary young Hoosiers I met last month in Indianapolis. On October 22, National Make A Difference Day, I hosted my third annual Indiana Service Leaders Summit to honor high school students from across the State for their service and hopefully to inspire them to continue serving their communities throughout their lives.

In their schools and their communities, the young men and women I met truly have answered the call to service. Some of them helped build homes, some tutored and mentored younger students, and others raised money to support cancer research or fed the hungry. Several of the young men and women started service clubs on their own to address the problems in their schools and communities. Each one of the students I met spent hours making a difference and together they have impacted the lives of countless Hoosiers. I was honored to have the opportunity to meet and speak with them. It was impressive and inspiring to learn about the many causes they support.

Robert F. Kennedy once said, ``Some men see things as they are and say `Why?' I dream of things that never were and say, `Why not?''' Each one of these young men and women have already asked themselves ``Why not?'' and have worked to make positive changes in their communities. They represent a new generation of promise with the potential to make a real difference across Indiana and the Nation.

During the summit, which was cohosted by Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis, the students heard from Hoosier leaders who have chosen to dedicate their lives to serving others. The speakers highlighted the five pillars of successful service: inspiration, organization, dedication, evaluation, and reflection. Following the speeches, the students and I prepared more than 1,000 care packages with the assistance of the Salvation Army that will be sent to Hoosier troops serving in Iraq and Afghanistan. The students then divided into groups and participated in service activities at different sites throughout Indianapolis.

I would like to thank each one of the following individuals for participating in the summit and for their service to their communities: Bradley Albachten, Amy Altemeyer, Joanna Barnett, Jessica Barnett, Chelsea Rae Baugher, Jessica Beckner, Kirsten Bedell, Marc Bergman, Erin Bess, Kortney Bogue, Kaitlin Bohlander, Kelly Bolt, Patrick Borders, Nicholas Brancolini, Emily Brunton, Neil Burk, Jessica Burton, Rohini Chatterjee, Danielle Clark, Desmon Clark, Timothy Cleaver, Nathan A. Click, Sean Cody, Lindsay Conner, John Copeland, James Corn, Michelle Cotlar, Aaron Desonia, Rachel M. Dragoo, Nicholas Eastrada, Andrew Fleenes, Ryan Gambill, Chrisopher Gibson, Brooke Gilbert, Jaime Gingerich, Annie Girdler, Char Glassley, Joseph David Goepfrich, Andy Goldblatt, Mark Halstead, Christin Hammond, Stacey Havlin, Madison Head, Ryan Heap, Katelyn Heighway, Chavonne Henderson, Erin Hendricks, Denise Hickman, Jennifer Hildenbrand, Heather Howard, Dustin Hull, Joel Hungate, Kelsey Jagoda, Bart Jarvis, Casey Jedrzejczak, James Jessen, Raymond Jones, Whitney Jones, Kristopher Kast, Daniel Kent, Caitlin Keusch, Emily Keusch, Sarah Knoth, Marsha Krisenko, Mirissa Krukowski, Blaine Kubit, Lacy Lane, Laura Linnemeier, Ranita Madison, Diane Matacale, T.J. McCan, Amber McCan, Katie McDaniel, Kala McKinney, Saralyn McKinnon-Crowley, Catherine McManus, Julie Mennel, Emma Meyer, John Miller, Bryan Miller, Michelle Miller, Brittanty Moser, Alicia Moser, Ashleigh Neal, Joseph O'Brien, Brittany Oliver, Ajay Patwari, Lisa Pluckebaum, Sarah Pine, Caleb Pope, Lauren Proffitt, Katie Rice, Ronald Richter Jr., Audra Roach, Brad Robertson, Ashley Robinson, Victoria Roby, Elisabeth Rudolph, Drew Schuster, Ben Scott, Gabrielle Seo, Kelsey Septoski, Nicholas Shepherd, Marisha Sherrard, Naina Singh, Corrina Smith, Amy Leigh Stark, Kristen Steele, Faye Stokes, Pamee Thao, Tara Thornburg, Rebecca Throwbridge, Abby Tueher, Keith A. Turner Jr., Martha Vance, Kaylee Vannatta, Zac Warren, Benjamin Waterman, Christina Weintraut, Rachel

Werner, James Macklem Weston, Preston Wheelock, Renee White, Lauren Wilkins, Britne Wimmer, Tyler Witt, Josh Worch, Jerica Yingling, Taryn Paige Zubel.

I would also like to take a moment to express my gratitude to the Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis students who took part in the summit as well. They are role models to younger students and I am proud to recognize their achievements.

I would like to thank each of the following IUPUI students for their participation: Katy Altman, Natasha Arora, Christopher Baire, Jennifer Behzadi, Alisha Borcherding, Michael Burk, Byron Clark, Brandy Cline, Rachel Dickinson, Una Dragic, Neal Foreman, Christine Furey, Andrea Guinn, Will Hartzell-Baird, Tiffany Holcey, Mallery Hornsby, Jayna Kadel, Jeffrey Mattingly, Andrew Oertel, Irina Perelmuter, Jayme Plude, Emily Puntenney, Rebecca Salley, Eddie Shmukler, Anita Sivam, Laura Sutton, Heather Teach, Lygia Vernon.

Mr. President, I rise today with a heavy heart and deep sense of gratitude to honor the life of a brave young man from Kendallville. Christopher Monroe, 19 years old, died on October 25 in Basra, Iraq. With his entire life before him, Chris risked everything to fight for the values Americans hold close to our hearts, in a land halfway around the world.

Remembered for his strong family ties and devotion to the Army, Chris was killed while filling in for a friend on a convoy, a change from his typical desk job. After September 11, Chris had yearned to serve his country and follow in the family tradition of military service. He begged his mother to allow him to enlist early at age 17. The 2004 East Noble High School student had been in Iraq for only a couple months when he was killed. Friends and family recounted that Chris was an outgoing, generous young man who had given up his Christmas leave to allow others in his unit to be with their families for the holidays. His mother, Annette, told local media outlets that she was proud of her son and that he died doing what he was born to do. Chris was engaged and was planning an October 2006 wedding.

Chris was killed while serving his country in Operation Iraqi Freedom. He was a member of the Army Reserve's 785th Military Police Battalion, based out of Fraser, MI. This brave young soldier leaves behind his father Perry Bolton II; his mother Annette Monroe; and his brothers Greg and Nick.

Today, I join Chris's family and friends in mourning his death. While we struggle to bear our sorrow over this loss, we can also take pride in the example he set, bravely fighting to make the world a safer place. It is his courage and strength of character that people will remember when they think of Chris, a memory that will burn brightly during these continuing days of conflict and grief.

Chris was known for his dedication to his family and his love of country. Today and always, Chris will be remembered by family members, friends, and fellow Hoosiers as a true American hero, and we honor the sacrifice he made while dutifully serving his country.

As I search for words to do justice in honoring Chris's sacrifice, I am reminded of President Lincoln's remarks as he addressed the families of the fallen soldiers in Gettysburg:

We cannot dedicate, we cannot consecrate, we cannot hallow

this ground. The brave men, living and dead, who struggled

here, have consecrated it, far above our poor power to add or

detract. The world will little note nor long remember what we

say here, but it can never forget what they did here.

This statement is just as true today as it was nearly 150 years ago, as I am certain that the impact of Chris's actions will live on far longer that any record of these words.

It is my sad duty to enter the name of Christopher Monroe in the Congressional Record of the U.S. Senate for his service to this country and for his profound commitment to freedom, democracy and peace. When I think about this just cause in which we are engaged, and the unfortunate pain that comes with the loss of our heroes, I hope that families like Chris's can find comfort in the words of the prophet Isaiah who said, ``He will swallow up death in victory; and the Lord God will wipe away tears from off all faces.''

May God grant strength and peace to those who mourn, and may God be with all of you, as I know He is with Chris.

Mr. President, I rise today to pay tribute to a community landmark in northern Indiana. The Studebaker National Museum is home to more than 114 years of automobile history, including four presidential carriages and several vehicles from the original Studebaker collection.

The Studebaker name has been a significant part of the South Bend community since 1852 when the Studebaker brothers founded their blacksmith business. For more than a century, the Studebaker Corporation helped form the economic and social fabric of the area, employing tens of thousands of Hoosiers and providing classic affordable cars to thousands more.

In 1966, the Studebaker Corporation donated its collection of rare and antique vehicles, beginning the automobile collection at the Studebaker National Museum. The collection has continued to grow since then, demonstrating both Studebaker's famous craftsmanship and innovative design, as well as the evolution of the automobile industry. The collection now tells the story of America's Industrial Age, bringing the era to life for Hoosiers and Americans from across the country.

In addition to the educational and historical services it provides, the Studebaker National Museum is a committed leader in the development and growth of South Bend's vibrant economy and the revitalization of the Historic West Washington District.

Soon, the Museum will be relocating into the Historic West Washington District. On the occasion of this move, I commend the Studebaker National Museum on their impressive service to the community thus far and wish them well in their new location.

Mr. President, I rise today with a heavy heart and deep sense of gratitude to honor the life of a brave soldier from Paxton. Matt Kimmell, 30 years old, died on October 11 in Muqdadiyah, Iraq, when an improvised explosive device exploded near the military vehicle in which he was riding. With so much of his life before him, Matt risked everything to fight for the values Americans hold close to our hearts, in a land halfway around the world.

A man remembered for kindness, compassion, and deep faith, Matt joined the National Guard just 1 year after graduating from Faith Christian School in Carlisle. Soon committed to military life, he signed up for a tour of duty and was chosen to be an Army airborne ranger. When his training was over, he returned home, studied law enforcement at Vincennes University and joined the Vanderburgh County Sheriff's Department as a road patrol deputy, where he worked 3 years before reenlisting in the Army. Universally liked and admired, his friends and colleagues recounted that Matt had not joined the military for glory but rather because of his deep sense of right and wrong.

Matt served as the newspaper carrier for the Sullivan Daily Times during his childhood in Paxton. Even as a young boy, customers remember him as prompt and diligent. All of his actions were underscored by his Christian faith. Three years ago, he married Mylissa Hall, a nurse from Worthington. He loved children and the couple planned to start a family when he returned from Iraq. A friend of Matt's told the Terre Haute Tribune Star, ``He broke the mold when they made him.'' Matt's small hometown has been hit hard by the death of one of their own. This week, townsfolk planted 542 small American flags down a half mile stretch in Matt's honor and they have started a fund to build a monument to him.

Matt was killed while serving his country in Operation Iraqi Freedom. He was assigned to the 5th Special Forces Group, based at Fort Campbell, KY. This brave young soldier leaves behind his wife Mylissa; his father Pastor Larry Kimmell and his mother Jeanne; his brother Matt; and his sister Suzanne.

Today, I join Matt's family and friends in mourning his death. While we struggle to bear our sorrow over this loss, we can also take pride in the example he set, bravely fighting to make the world a safer place. It is his courage and strength of character that people will remember when they think of Matt, a memory that will burn brightly during these continuing days of conflict and grief.

Matt was known for his dedication to his family, his faith, and his love of country. Today and always, Matt will be remembered by family members, friends, and fellow Hoosiers as a true American hero and we honor the sacrifice he made while dutifully serving his country.

As I search for words to do justice in honoring Matt's sacrifice, I am reminded of President Lincoln's remarks as he addressed the families of the fallen soldiers in Gettysburg: We cannot dedicate, we cannot consecrate, we cannot hallow this ground. The brave men, living and dead, who struggled here, have consecrated it, far above our poor power to add or detract. The world will little note nor long remember what we say here, but it can never forget what they did here.

This statement is just as true today as it was nearly 150 years ago, as I am certain that the impact of Matt's actions will live on far longer than any record of these words.

It is my sad duty to enter the name of Matt Kimmell in the Congressional Record of the U.S. Senate for his service to this country and for his profound commitment to freedom, democracy, and peace. When I think about this just cause in which we are engaged, and the unfortunate pain that comes with the loss of our heroes, I hope that families like Matt's can find comfort in the words of the prophet Isaiah who said, ``He will swallow up death in victory; and the Lord God will wipe away tears from off all faces.''

May God grant strength and peace to those who mourn, and may God be with all of you, as I know He is with Matt.