Floor Statements

I have been listening with great interest to my friends from the State of Georgia discuss their concerns with the high-threat urban grant program. I, too, was surprised to hear that a city as large as Atlanta did not receive any of these funds. I would ask my distinguished colleague from the State of Georgia if he was aware that Indianapolis, or any other city in the State of Indiana for that matter, did not receive any funds from the high density, high-threat urban areas grant program.

Mr. President, I was disappointed to learn that not one city in my home state received any of the $700 million allocated in the fiscal year 2003 Supplemental for high-threat urban areas. After all, Indianapolis is the 12th largest city in the United States and hosts two of the three largest sporting events in the world each year. Every year, over one million race fans visit the great State of Indiana to attend the Indianapolis 500, the Brickyard 400 and the U.S. Grand Prix. I believe it is imperative that Indianapolis receive funds through the high-threat urban areas grant program to ensure a sufficient level of security is provided to all Hoosiers in central Indiana. I thank my distinguished colleagues from Georgia for their attention to this matter.

Would the chairman yield for an inquiry on the subject of

MRE supplies?

Mr. President, during Operation Iraqi Freedom, our military

relied upon MREs to an extent never before seen in the history of

modern combat. Due to concerns about the safety of the local food

supply, Operation Iraqi Freedom and the subsequent mission has relief

almost entirely on MREs to feed our soldiers. It is my understanding at

the height of the operation, the Department of Defense was consuming

roughly 300,000 cases of MREs per week. Is the chairman aware of this

unprecedented use of MREs?

I would further point out at the height of the operation,

some estimate that DOD was down to a worldwide reserve of some 400,000

cases. To summarize, DOD was within a week of running out of food for

our soldiers in the field. Thanks to a surge in production by MRE

producers on very little notice, DOD managed to stave off a logistical

and potential military disaster. Is the chairman aware of how close we

came to literally running out of food?

Surprisingly, the Defense Logistics Agency, DLA, has still

not chosen to replenish an adequate was reserve of MREs. In additions,

DLA has cut MRE production despite the fact that our troops in Iraq are

still consuming MREs at an unprecedented rate. Would the chairman

consider this matter in conference and have the managers address it if

the committee finds the problem to be as grave as it would appear?

Mr. President, I rise today with a heavy heart and deep sense of gratitude to honor the life of a brave young man from Batesville, IN. Sgt. Chad L. Keith, 21 years old, was killed in Baghdad on July 7, 2003 when he was ambushed while on patrol with his unit. Chad joined the Army with his entire life before him. He chose to risk everything to fight for the values Americans hold close to our hearts, in a land halfway around the world.

Chad was the eleventh Hoosier soldier to be killed while serving his country in Operation Iraqi Freedom. Today, I join Chad's family, his friends, and the entire Batesville community in mourning his death. While we struggle to bear our sorrow over his death, we can also take pride in the example he set, bravely fighting to make the world a safer place. It is this courage and strength of character that people will remember when they think of Chad, a memory that will burn brightly during these continuing days of conflict and grief.

Chad Keith spoke to his mother over the phone only days before his death, telling her that he was hot and tired, but proud to be making a difference in the world and following in the footsteps of several of his uncles who also served in the military. He was described by teachers and classmates as a polite, respectful young man who always had a smile on his face.

Chad was born in Pennsylvania, then moved to Newark, OH, before his family settled in Batesville. Chad graduated from Batesville High School in 2000 and then joined the Army, where he was assigned to the elite 82nd Airborne. Friends and family say that serving in the military had been a lifelong dream for Chad, who was only days away from being promoted to sergeant, an honor that now has been awarded posthumously. Chad leaves behind his parents, Kimberly and Mark Hitzges, two sisters, Courtney and Nicole, and a brother, Alex.

As I search for words to do justice in honoring Chad Keith'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 Chad Keith's actions will live on far longer than any record of these words.

It is my sad duty to enter the name of Chad L. Keith 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 Chad'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 bless the United States of America.

Mr. President, it is with great pride that I rise today to honor the Light of the World Christian Church of Indianapolis. This congregation, under the leadership of Bishop T. Garrott Benjamin Jr., is opening a new worship facility this weekend. The 3,000-member congregation has come together to raise the funds necessary for a truly impressive church. The new facility will feature a congregation hall capable of seating 1,200, a chapel for weddings and funerals, and amply space for classrooms and offices. But what I would most like to recognize is the persistence and dedication demonstrated in achieving this goal by Bishop Benjamin and the benefit he has provided our community as a result.

In addition to providing spiritual guidance, the church provides numerous family services including the well-known Respect Academy that emphasizes teaching children self-respect as well as respect for others. The church's programs and services affect nearly 2,000 young people each year. The influence the church has on the lives of the children at such an important time in their lives is invaluable.

Bishop Benjamin, now in his 34th year as pastor, has made his struggles in life the mission and driving force behind many of the youth programs offered at the Light of the World Christian Church. At the age of 5 Bishop Benjamin was abandoned by his parents and was raised entirely by his grandmother. He says it was his own experience that made him so distinctly aware of the value of a nurturing spirit in a young child's life and that has made him so proud of the youth programs sponsored by his church.

I would like to take this opportunity to commend the Light of the World Christian Church for nearly 140 years of service to the Indianapolis community. I know that my colleagues will join with me in congratulating the congregation, and especially Bishop Benjamin, for their accomplishments and in wishing them continued success as they enter a new and promising future.

Mr. President, it is with great sadness that I rise today to honor the life of my friend, E.W. Kelley, who passed away on July 4, 2003, after a long-fought battle with prostate cancer. Mr. Kelley was known around the world for his philanthropy and generosity, yet remained a modest man who never sought the fame that came with his great gifts.

Among his many projects, Mr. Kelley helped found the Jerusalem YMCA to help foster peaceful coexistence and even friendship among the city's residents. He was also a past-president of the Boy Scouts of America Council and was involved with the United Way. In 1997, he donated more than $23 million to Indiana University's School of Business, where he had graduated nearly 60 years before.

Born in 1917, Estel Wood Kelley grew up near Sharpsville, IN, before attending Indiana University's School of Business. Mr. Kelley made a name for himself in business marketing, creatively introducing America to countless products that have become integral parts of domestic life today. In 1961, he became the youngest vice president ever at General Foods, and in 1967 was named ``Marketer of the Year'' by Advertising Age magazine. However, it is his philanthropic work and the numerous lives he touched through it, for which he will be remembered best.

E.W. Kelley served as a shining example for business executives everywhere, humbly giving back to hometown institutions and international organizations alike in order to improve the lives of those around him and those he would never meet. His legacy of giving will continue through his many scholarship awards, including the Kelley Scholarship Program at Indiana University, which provides full tuition to 15 business undergraduate students each year. Mr. Kelley eschewed any special attention connected with his gifts, saying that the reason he donated to causes like Indiana University was simply ``to give back to society what society helped me get.''

The sense of loss to all those who knew E.W. Kelley and were affected by his generosity in Indiana, the Nation, and throughout the world is tremendous. He is survived by his wife, Wilma Lippert Kelley, and their children, E.W. Kelley II, Wayne L. Kelley and K. Kelley Germaine.

It is my sad duty to enter the name of my friend Estel Wood Kelley into the Congressional Record.

Mr. President, on behalf of the State of Indiana, I wish to recognize Maj. William P. Peeples of the U.S. Marine Corps Reserves and his fellow marines of Company A, 8th Tank Battalion, on the successful completion of their mission while serving in Operation Iraqi Freedom. Major Peeples is from Indianapolis, IN, and it is with sincere pride that I congratulate him on a successful tour of duty leading his division through its service in Iraq.

The unit was among the first involved in fighting when Operation Iraqi Freedom began this March. Some members from the 3rd Platoon also assisted special forces with the rescue and recovery of PFC Jessica Lynch and other remembers of her unit.

We are indebted for the many contributions and tremendous sacrifices, past and present, that the men and women of the Marine Corps have made in service to our great Nation. The strength, courage, and character they exemplify can only inspire the admiration and appreciation of all Americans.

Through their rapid mobilization and superior performance in the line of duty, the marines of Company A, 8th Tank Battalion, serve as shining examples of the Corps' motto ``First to Fight.'' I know I speak for all Hoosiers when I thank the returning members, and welcome them back home.

Honoring Private Shawn D. Pahnke

Mr. President, I rise today with a heavy heart and deep sense of gratitude to honor the life of a brave young man from Shelbyville, IN. Private Shawn D. Pahnke, twenty-five years old, was killed in Baghdad on June 17, 2003 when he was shot in the back by an Iraqi sniper. Shawn joined the Army with his entire life before him, with a young wife and a newborn son at home. He chose to risk everything to fight for the values Americans hold close to our hearts, in a land halfway around the world.

Shawn was the eighth Hoosier soldier to be killed while serving his country in Operation Iraqi Freedom. Today, I join Shawn's family, his friends, and the entire Shelbyville community in mourning his death. While we struggle to bear our sorrow over his death, we can also take pride in the example he set, bravely fighting to make the world a safer place. It is this courage and strength of character that people will remember when they think of Shawn, a memory that will burn brightly during these continuing days of conflict and grief.

Shawn Pahnke wrote to his family only weeks before his death, telling them that he was proud to serve in the Army and to follow in the footsteps of his father, a Vietnam War veteran, and his grandfather, a World War II veteran. Shawn grew up in Manhattan, IL and graduated form Lincoln Way High School in New Lenox, IL. He then joined the Army and served as part of the 1st Armored Division's 1st Brigade. Shawn leaves behind a wife, Elisha and their three-month-old son, Dean Patrick, who was born after Shawn was sent to Friedberg Army Base in Germany. He also leaves behind his parents, Tom and Linda Pahnke and two older brothers.

As I search for words to do justice in honoring Shawn Pahnke'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 her, 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 Shawn Pahnke's actions will live on far longer than any record of these words.

It is my sad duty to enter the name of Shawn D. Pahnke 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 Shawn'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 Gold bless the United States of America.

Mr. President, I am privileged to reintroduce the ``Call to Service Act'' with my colleagues, Senator John McCain, Senator Ted Kennedy and Senator Barbara Mikulski--all great leaders on national service. I am proud to join with them today to offer this significant expansion of national service opportunities for all Americans--young and old, affluent, people of more modest means, all united in their devotion to serving America.

In November 2001, Senator McCain and I introduced the ``Call to Service Act'' in an attempt to harness the spirit and overwhelming patriotism of our citizens after September 11. We wanted to give concrete opportunities to the countless Americans who were asking what they could do to give back to their country.

Weeks after we introduced our bill, we were encouraged when the President made his own more modest service proposals a rhetorical centerpiece of his 2002 State of the Union address. In that speech, President Bush promised a significant expansion of the AmeriCorps program. He said, ``We want to be a nation that serves goals larger than self. We've been offered a unique opportunity, and we must not let this moment pass.''

Unfortunately, the President is in danger of letting the moment pass. And now, almost a year and a half later, the promises of that speech sound hollow. The administration's efforts to expand service have been disappointingly lackluster. National Service expansion was held hostage in the last Congress by members of the President's own party on the far right, while he stood idly by.

In fact, Americans now have fewer opportunities to serve than before. In my State of Indiana, we are facing a 92 percent cut in AmeriCorps positions. Last year, there were nearly 400 full-time equivalent positions available to serve in Indiana. This year, there will only be fewer than 40 positions. This will have a dramatic impact on the AmeriCorps programs throughout Indiana and on Hoosiers throughout the State. It is a very real possibility that Indiana will only have one AmeriCorps program this year. Children are not going to be tutored and mentored, homes are not going to be built, neighborhoods are not going to be cleaned up, and communities are going to be left behind. Indiana is not unique, States across the country are facing similar reductions in programs and services.

I am grateful to Senators Mikulski and Bond for their efforts to ensure

that the OMB method of accounting is used to determine the number of AmeriCorps positions available this year. With this change, there will still be large reductions in AmeriCorps, but the damage will not be quite as severe.

As AmeriCorps faces its greatest challenge since it was created, it is important to restate our commitment to this program. Our legislation will expand AmeriCorps by 25,000 additional members each year for a total of 175,000 members in five years. It will continue to utilize volunteers to support homeland security functions to help meet our Nation's new security challenges in a smart, cost-efficient manner. Our legislation includes strong accountability measures to ensure that the funds and the volunteers will be devoting themselves to activities and programs that really make a difference, really work. It expands opportunities for our seniors to serve, so that as the baby boom generation retires they can give back to their country.

We stand here today to offer this consensus approach because we know we have arrived at a critical juncture in the cause of expanding national service. We are at risk of missing the moment if we don't act.

Frankly, what is called for here is leadership. We are attempting to provide that today by offering this consensus approach, Republicans and Democrats, leader of the committee, those of us who are not on the committee.

But the President must get engaged. He's said all the right things, now it is important that he do the right thing. If we're going to get a significant commitment to national service it is going to take more than lip service, and I hope that he will step forward and provide the kind of leadership that is necessary before this opportunity slips away from us.

The moment has not yet passed us. Americans are eager to serve. We are eager to enact this legislation, put an end to this sad chapter for national service, and build toward a Nation where the great energies and good intentions of our citizens are put to productive use.

Mr. President, I am privileged to reintroduce the ``Call to Service Act'' with my colleagues, Senator John McCain, Senator Ted Kennedy and Senator Barbara Mikulski--all great leaders on national service. I am proud to join with them today to offer this significant expansion of national service opportunities for all Americans--young and old, affluent, people of more modest means, all united in their devotion to serving America.

In November 2001, Senator McCain and I introduced the ``Call to Service Act'' in an attempt to harness the spirit and overwhelming patriotism of our citizens after September 11. We wanted to give concrete opportunities to the countless Americans who were asking what they could do to give back to their country.

Weeks after we introduced our bill, we were encouraged when the President made his own more modest service proposals a rhetorical centerpiece of his 2002 State of the Union address. In that speech, President Bush promised a significant expansion of the AmeriCorps program. He said, ``We want to be a nation that serves goals larger than self. We've been offered a unique opportunity, and we must not let this moment pass.''

Unfortunately, the President is in danger of letting the moment pass. And now, almost a year and a half later, the promises of that speech sound hollow. The administration's efforts to expand service have been disappointingly lackluster. National Service expansion was held hostage in the last Congress by members of the President's own party on the far right, while he stood idly by.

In fact, Americans now have fewer opportunities to serve than before. In my State of Indiana, we are facing a 92 percent cut in AmeriCorps positions. Last year, there were nearly 400 full-time equivalent positions available to serve in Indiana. This year, there will only be fewer than 40 positions. This will have a dramatic impact on the AmeriCorps programs throughout Indiana and on Hoosiers throughout the State. It is a very real possibility that Indiana will only have one AmeriCorps program this year. Children are not going to be tutored and mentored, homes are not going to be built, neighborhoods are not going to be cleaned up, and communities are going to be left behind. Indiana is not unique, States across the country are facing similar reductions in programs and services.

I am grateful to Senators Mikulski and Bond for their efforts to ensure

that the OMB method of accounting is used to determine the number of AmeriCorps positions available this year. With this change, there will still be large reductions in AmeriCorps, but the damage will not be quite as severe.

As AmeriCorps faces its greatest challenge since it was created, it is important to restate our commitment to this program. Our legislation will expand AmeriCorps by 25,000 additional members each year for a total of 175,000 members in five years. It will continue to utilize volunteers to support homeland security functions to help meet our Nation's new security challenges in a smart, cost-efficient manner. Our legislation includes strong accountability measures to ensure that the funds and the volunteers will be devoting themselves to activities and programs that really make a difference, really work. It expands opportunities for our seniors to serve, so that as the baby boom generation retires they can give back to their country.

We stand here today to offer this consensus approach because we know we have arrived at a critical juncture in the cause of expanding national service. We are at risk of missing the moment if we don't act.

Frankly, what is called for here is leadership. We are attempting to provide that today by offering this consensus approach, Republicans and Democrats, leader of the committee, those of us who are not on the committee.

But the President must get engaged. He's said all the right things, now it is important that he do the right thing. If we're going to get a significant commitment to national service it is going to take more than lip service, and I hope that he will step forward and provide the kind of leadership that is necessary before this opportunity slips away from us.

The moment has not yet passed us. Americans are eager to serve. We are eager to enact this legislation, put an end to this sad chapter for national service, and build toward a Nation where the great energies and good intentions of our citizens are put to productive use.

Mr. President, on rollcall vote No. 221 I voted nay. It was my intention to vote yea. Therefore, I ask unanimous consent that I be permitted to change my vote. This will in no way change the outcome of the vote.

Mr. President, I rise today with great sadness and tremendous gratitude to honor the life of yet another brave Hoosier killed in action in Iraq. Sgt. Duane Rios of Griffith, IN was 25 years old. On Saturday, April 5, 2003, while serving as an engineer with the 1st Marine Expeditionary Force, Duane was mortally wounded. Duane had reached Eastern Baghdad, where he was killed in a firefight. Sgt. Rios was a brave American who left behind family, friends and the comforts of home to defend the principles of democracy and freedom that we all enjoy.

Duane Rios is the fourth Hoosier to be killed while bravely serving our Nation in Operation Iraqi Freedom. Today, I mourn along with Duane's family, friends, fellow Marines and community. While all are very proud of Duane, there is also a tremendous sense of loss. Duane's life was too short, yet he will always be remembered for his heroism and dedication to his country. Such a life shall serve as an inspiration to all as we continue to fight for the liberation of Iraq.

Duane Rios was a charismatic and friendly person who never passed someone without smiling and saying hello. Duane attended Griffith High School, graduating in 1996. After graduation he married his high school sweetheart, Erica. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him. It was with great pride that he left for Iraq, prepared to do his duty and was willing to make the ultimate sacrifice, if fate dictated, for a country he loved dearly.

President Chester Arthur once said: ``Men may die, but the fabrics of free institutions remain unshaken.'' These words force us to see the larger picture and give some solace as we mourn the loss of Duane Rios and honor the sacrifice he made for America and for all humanity.

It is my sad duty to enter the name of Duane Rios 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 Duane'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 the loss of such young lives, and may God bless the United States of America.

Mr. President, I rise today with a heavy heart and deep sense of gratitude to honor the life of a brave young man from Indianapolis, IN. Private Jesse M. Halling, 19 years old, was killed in Tikrit, Iraq on June 7, 2003 when his military police station came under grenade and small-arms fire. Jesse joined the Army with his entire life before him. He chose to risk everything to fight for the values Americans hold close to our hearts, in a land halfway around the world from home.

Jesse was the sixth Hoosier soldier to be killed while serving his country in Operation Iraqi Freedom. Today, I join Jesse's family, his friends, and the entire Indianapolis community in mourning his death. While we struggle to bear our sorrow over his death, we can also take pride in the example he set, bravely fighting to make the world a safer place. It is this courage and strength of character that people will remember when they think of Jesse, a memory that will burn brightly during these continuing days of conflict and grief.

Jesse Halling was a hard-working student, admired by all who knew him for his strong work ethic and remembered by both friends and teachers as a well-liked young man. Friends recall that Jesse always wanted to be a soldier, to follow in the footsteps of his father, who had served for 4 years in the Air Force.

Jesse graduated from Ben Davis High School in 2002, where he was a member of the weighlifting and Spanish clubs. After graduating high school, where he served as part of his school's ROTC unit, Jesse joined the Army in the military police division.

Jesse leaves behind his father, Alma Halling, and his mother, Pamela Halling. As I search for words to do justice in honoring Jesse Halling'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 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 Jesse Halling's actions will live on far longer than any record of these words.

It is my sad duty to enter the name of Jesse M. Halling in the official record of the 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 Jesse'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 form off all faces.''

May God grant strength and peace to those who mourn, and may God bless the United States of America.

As the chairman knows, I am a strong supporter of Buy American requirements, and am generally open to strengthening current law, but the House Armed Services authorization bill contains a provision that could impact our ability to produce MREs. This provision specifically deals with the packaging requirements for MREs procured by

Mr. President, it is my understanding the implementation of the House provision could seriously impact the industry's production capacity and relegating MRE restocking to old, slower technology producing less desirable meal options.

I thank the distinguished chairman and the Senator from Oklahoma for their interest in the matter and look forward to working with them to resolve this issue.

Mr. President, I rise today with great sadness and tremendous gratitude to honor the life of a fellow Hoosier, soldier, family man and friend, Matthew R. Smith, who died serving our country in Kuwait on May 10, 2003.

As those who knew Matthew can attest, his strong commitment to his State and country was reflected in his successful and distinguished career. He was the younger of two children and attended Indiana University. He stood about 5 feet 8 inches and weighed 140 pounds, but never let his small stature keep him from big accomplishments.

In the Marine Reserve, Matthew served as a radio operator and was deployed to Kuwait in February. He traveled all the way to Baghdad during the war and had since been working on essential supply convoys. As a reservist with the 4th Force Service support group based in Peru, Matthew met an untimely death while driving in a military convoy. Chief Warrant Officer Suzanne Handshoe, who was his commanding officer in a training trip last summer to the Mojave Desert, remembered Matthew as an overachiever saying that he was ``a small guy, but was an extremely hard-working, can-do Marine.'' The day his son passed away, his father, David Smith received the first letter from his son since his deployment. In it, Matthew told his dad how proud he was to be overseas fighting for his country's freedom.

President Abraham Lincoln wrote in a letter to the mother of a fallen Union soldier: ``I pray that our Heavenly Father may assuage the anguish of your bereavement, and leave you only the cherished memory of the loved and lost, and the solemn pride that must be yours to have laid so costly a sacrifice upon the alter of freedom.'' These words ring as true today as they did 140 years ago, as we mourn the loss of Matthew R. Smith and honor the sacrifice he made for America and for all humanity.

It is my sad duty to enter the name of Matthew R. Smith in the official record of the 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 Matthew's family can find comfort in the word of the prophet Isaiah who said, ``He will swallow up death in victory; and the lord God will wipe away tears from all faces.

May God grant strength and peace to those who mourn, and may God bless the United States of America.

Mr. President, I regret that I missed last evening's vote on the nomination of Maurice Hicks to be a District Judge for the Western District of Louisiana. My flight from Indianapolis to Washington was cancelled due to mechanical problems with the plane. I would like the record to reflect that had I been present, I would have voted ``yea'' to confirm Maurice Hicks.

Mr. President, I thank my colleague from Montana for his leadership, his friendship, and his devotion to this issue. I have listened with interest to his comments about the importance of ensuring that the incentives in the bill actually increase the charitable giving, as intended, and that we not inadvertently run a risk of lack of compliance. I concur with those sentiments and the need for a study to make sure we accomplish what it is we intend to accomplish.

I also want to begin by thanking our colleague from the State of Pennsylvania. It is fair to say we would not be here today without Senator Santorum's leadership. He has been persistent and willing to strike principled compromises. It has not always been easy, but it is to his credit in choosing to make progress rather than just having an issue. I thank him. Thanks to him, we are on the cusp of a significant breakthrough with regard to doing some things that will, in fact, lead to better care for the American people.

To our other colleagues involved in the effort, including Senators Lieberman, Nelson, Grassley, and my colleague from Indiana, Senator Lugar, I salute them. I observe that at a time and in our body that is too often driven by politics and partisanship, this has truly been a bipartisan undertaking.

As I have observed before, just as faith can move mountains, perhaps it can also bring together Members of the Senate and span the political divide that too often separates those of us on one side of the aisle from the other. That is a good thing that the debate has brought to the Chamber--a greater sense of comity and devotion to progress and bipartisanship.

I reflect today, as our military men and women are in harm's way in Iraq, on the fact that our country's greatest military strength lies not in our weapons systems, not in the planes, the tanks, and the missiles, as important as they are but, rather, in the character, the bravery, and the courage those men and women honor us by demonstrating in the defense of our national security interests--just so our greatest strength domestically is not the financial markets we enjoy, not the technology or the factories, as important as they are to our prosperity. Instead, it is the innate goodness and spirit of the American people. That is what we celebrate today, Mr. President. That is what we advance with this legislation, and that is why I am such a strong supporter of the CARE Act. Through its provisions, we will enlist literally tens of millions of our fellow citizens in the urgent cause of making this country an even better place.

As my colleague mentioned, about 70 percent of American taxpayers currently do not itemize. The provisions of this legislation that will allow their charitable contributions to be tax deductible will enlist literally tens of millions of our fellow citizens in philanthropy, charity, good civic works, community level to address the urgent needs of our time: Homelessness, hunger, medical needs, fighting drug and alcohol abuse and addiction, teen and juvenile violence--these sorts of things--helping to mend the social fabric that is in too great a risk these days.

Very often, as my colleagues know, we get consumed in this Chamber in debates not about whether these urgent tasks are being performed, but instead about who is performing them. Mr. President, my strong sense of where the American people stand today, and my strong sense of where the Senate needs to stand today, is on the side of those who are getting these works done, effectively addressing the needs of the American people.

When it comes to housing the homeless, feeding the hungry, caring for the sick and afflicted, it is more important these tasks are being accomplished in the most effective way rather than getting bogged down into who is accomplishing it and exactly how.

We will enlist thousands of additional organizations, empower them, and increase their efforts--church groups, civic groups, other groups dedicated to doing good deeds, who enlist our citizens in the cause of not only doing well but also accomplishing good, and that is vitally important for the future well-being of our great society.

There are two additional points I think should be remarked upon. Senator Santorum alluded to the first. It is the individual development account provisions of this legislation. It involves a bringing together of the best thinking on both the left and the right. This provision would empower those who are less fortunate in our society to get a stake in the American dream, a stake toward owning a first home, starting a small business, going to college--the kinds of activities that will lead to greater prosperity and progress for individuals who currently do not have much in the way of hope for either. It gives them a property interest and a stake in the marketplace in which traditionally those on the ideological right would have a greater interest, but it focuses the property interest and the competitiveness in the marketplace on those who are less fortunate, giving them all an opportunity to make the most of their God-given talents, something that those on the ideological left speak to with great fervor.

This is a provision that brings the best of thinking across the ideological spectrum, regardless of ideology, to do what is right for the American people. That is why it is a sensible and important step that is included in this legislation.

There is something else in this legislation that is near and dear to my heart. We have an outstanding example in my home State of Indiana. I know my colleague from Pennsylvania has spent a great deal of time thinking about how to break the cycle of poverty. He has worked extensively in the area of welfare reform. As a matter of fact, to set an example for his colleagues of actually reaching out to individuals who have been in the welfare system and not only moving them from welfare to work, but moving them into jobs in his own office. I salute him for that success. Again, it is an example we would all do well to emulate.

As the Senator from Pennsylvania knows well, we spend hundreds of billions of dollars in this country dealing with the manifestations of what really are deeper underlying causes. If one looks at the causes of welfare dependency, at the causes of juvenile violence, teen pregnancy, alcohol and drug abuse, educational and economic underperformance, all too often one will find the root causes of these manifestations and all the expense we go to in how we treat our children.

There is an important provision in this legislation in this regard. It deals with maternity homes. We have an outstanding example: Saint Elizabeth's in Jeffersonville, IN, in Clark County. It is an outstanding example of how this money can be leveraged not only in helping the teen mothers but in helping the children and, in so doing, helping taxpayers and the rest of society.

Their experience indicates that 90 percent of these young women who are expectant mothers who have the benefits of the services of Saint Elizabeth's go on to finish their high school education, to get a diploma, to accomplish that first educational step on the ladder toward a more successful life.

It is about the same percentage for their children. New babies are born healthy rather than with serious health problems. And about the same percentage of those new mothers do not go on to have additional children out of wedlock. So it is good for the mothers because they finish their education, it is good for the children because they are born healthy, and it is good for society because we deal with some of the root causes of poverty, homelessness, teen violence, drug and alcohol addiction, and education underperformance, and in so doing, help society as a whole and the taxpayers in addressing these problems at the root cause, rather than waiting to address the symptoms, the manifestations at a later stage.

I am pleased to join with my colleague. This legislation, frankly, has been too long in coming, but here we are on the cusp of a great step forward to make our Nation not only more prosperous, not only more secure, but more decent, more compassionate, more just. That, at the end of the day,

is the test of a great society and a great nation, measured not only by the strength of our arms as being demonstrated abroad as we speak, not only in the size of our gross domestic product, as important as that is, but in the opportunity and the decency we demonstrate to our fellow citizens in the course of their daily lives and in our own.

For all those reasons, Mr. President, I count myself a strong supporter of this legislation. I again thank the Senator from Pennsylvania. Without his efforts, we would not be here. I thank those on our side of the aisle who worked so hard on this legislation. I am hopeful that in short order we not only can pass this bill and send it to the President for signature, but, in so doing, help millions of our fellow citizens. I thank my colleagues for their time.

I yield the floor.