Floor Statements

Will the Senator yield for a question?

Is the Senator aware many of these countermeasures are made in the State of Indiana at Crane Naval Depot? I thought the Senator might be interested. I had occasion to be there several weeks ago. They reported to me that these countermeasures the Senator quite rightly hopes to fund in this supplemental have been used in Afghanistan, and there have been more than 200 incidents of attacks on our military aircraft, but not one successful attack because the countermeasures are so effective in preventing the downing of our aircraft. The point the Senator makes is a good one since we have been so successful in protecting our military men and women. We have the technology. Why not make it available to the civil aviation sector as well.

My colleague is quite right. I compliment her for this amendment. The technology is more than theoretical. It exists in large part today. We are talking about saving lives with this kind of investment. I can't think of a better use of our tax dollars. I make the point not only as a matter of State pride but that the technology is there. We are saving lives. Another way to put it, we are saving lives in Afghanistan today using these pyrotechnic technologies. Why not arm our civil aviation aircraft to save lives domestically as well. I strongly support her amendment. It is a very wise investment.

In addition, my colleague is aware that I serve on the Intelligence Committee. Without getting into detail on the floor, which would be inappropriate, this is a growing concern in the intelligence world, particularly following the attack in Kenya on the Israeli airlines. These attacks have been carried out on civil aviation aircraft. These missiles are widely available, as you pointed out, and it is a matter of growing concern to our law enforcement and intelligence officials that this is perhaps a future area for threat-- the civil aviation in the United States.

We have the ability to protect the aircraft, so why not take the step before it is too late? We should not wait until after a tragedy has occurred. We have been down that road before.

My colleague pointed out that I pride myself as being fiscally responsible. I view her amendment in that spirit. We are in the process of appropriating, I believe, $3 billion for the civil aviation industry in this supplemental. Previously, following the 9/11 attacks, there were other billions of dollars. If that industry is going to recover and be viable economically again, it is going to have to be in part because people feel safe getting on planes and traveling across the country. So the Senator's efforts to secure the traveling public are very much in the spirit of stabilizing an industry and, in fact, being fiscally responsible so that further efforts to provide largess from the Federal Treasury won't be necessary.

Or possibly from the sunroof of an SUV. It is difficult to secure the perimeter around an airport to the extent that we need it. These countermeasures would be very warranted. I apologize for interrupting the Senator's remarks. But this threat is real. We have done a great deal of good work in the military sphere combating just this kind of threat.

Why not make it available to the civil population as well? We are spending billions of dollars to bail out an industry, but if people don't feel safe flying in planes, the industry will never recover. I am in support of my colleague's amendment. Again, I apologize for interrupting the flow of her argument.

Mr. President, I have an amendment at the desk. I ask for its immediate consideration.

I ask unanimous consent the reading of the amendment be dispensed with.

Mr. President, I offer this amendment on behalf of myself, Senator Nelson of Nebraska, Senator Schumer, Senator Stabenow, and my distinguished colleague, Senator Mikulski.

I offer this amendment because of my conviction that just as we spare no expense ensuring our military men and women in the field have the tools with which to defend themselves, have the tools with which to disarm rogue regimes that possess weapons of mass destruction so we can protect the American people, we also need to give those tools to the brave men and women working here at home who will defend the American people against biological attack. That is because it is the same fight. It is the same war.

Disarming rogue regimes of weapons of mass death, protecting American citizens who might be killed by those weapons of mass death, is the same fight. We need to make sure that both overseas in the military and here at home, in terms of civilian defense, we do what it takes to defend America's national security interests.

Simply put, in the war we are fighting today, the war against global terrorism, rogue regimes, and failed states, the distance between the front lines and the home front is not that great. We must recognize this fact and aggressively defend both; otherwise, the American people may suffer.

We are now involved in a great conflict in Iraq. This conflict has, as its genesis, our desire to avoid another tragedy like September 11, only this time involving weapons of mass destruction and casualties and loss that could be far greater.

We suffered 3,000 fatalities on September 11, worse than the attack on Pearl Harbor, the greatest loss of life in our country since the Civil War.

But I rise today to say that, unfortunately, much worse can happen. Weapons of mass death--let us call them what they are because they seek to destroy not buildings or physical property but people--weapons of mass death capable of inflicting losses of catastrophic, even Biblical proportion, now roam the international landscape. Biological weapons in particular can unleash pathogens capable of slaughtering millions, rending civil society itself and spreading terror and fear, and perhaps starting a new Dark Age.

I do not overstate the case. Not so long ago, I tell my colleagues, there was something called Operation Dark Winter that was conducted by a variety of entities, including the Center for Strategic and International Studies. Operation Dark Winter sought to anticipate what might happen if smallpox were introduced into the ventilation systems of three shopping malls in different States across our country.

Within 13 days, the disease had spread to 25 States. After 60 days, 3 million cases of smallpox had been diagnosed and more than 1 million American citizens--1 million were anticipated to die from the outbreak. That is just how bad it can get.

Colleagues, the threat is not theoretical. As we saw in this very Chamber with the anthrax outbreak of a year ago, the threat of biological weapons is all too real, all too tangible. Our intelligence services estimate the chances of a nation such as Iraq possessing smallpox are about 50-50. Other nations have it, too.

Terrorist groups such as al-Qaida and Ansal al-Islam and others are working feverishly to obtain chemical and biological weapons. Since smallpox is the worst case scenario when it comes to a

biological outbreak, we have to assume that smallpox would be near the top of their list when it comes to obtaining a biological capability to attack the United States here at home or abroad.

The administration itself has recognized the threat. The President himself was inoculated against smallpox to great fanfare. The recommendation last December by the administration was to inoculate up to 10 million first responders--10 million--to ensure that our country was in a position to minimize this threat, God forbid, should it reach our shores. Unfortunately, while the rhetoric has been right on, the resources and the actual response have been left wanting.

The response to date ignores the fact that there are many other pressing needs when it comes to protecting the American people against a biological attack. Smallpox is only one of the potential risks. Inoculating our people against smallpox is only one of the steps that must be taken. We simultaneously must move forward with expanding our lab capacity so we can analyze the cases as they come in so we know what we are dealing with. Is it a plague? Is it smallpox? Is it botulism? What is the pathogen that is killing Americans? How do we treat it? What should be our next steps?

Having a lab capacity is critically important. We have to improve the communications systems between the Federal level, the CDC, State laboratories, and local hospitals because if there is not an effective communication system, the response will break down and people will die as a result.

Finally, we need better health monitoring at the local level so we can judge the ebb and flow of systems and analyze exactly what it is we are dealing with so we know how to respond and save people's lives.

The response to date ignores all these other pressing needs competing for scarce resources, leaving the very real possibility that either protecting the Nation against smallpox will be left wanting or that these other critical needs will be left wanting. That is a choice we should not be forced to make.

The response also ignores the very language of the emergency supplemental, which states explicitly that the funds can only be used for equipment and training, that they cannot be used for inoculation-- they cannot be used for inoculation. So even if enough money had been provided to help defend against smallpox, by the very wording of the supplemental, the funds cannot be used for the most pressing need, to ensure that first responders, who might be infected, are inoculated against smallpox, protecting both them and others with whom they might have contact.

Third, the response to date ignores the very real, pressing fiscal crises confronting our States. I just came from a meeting with my own Governor. Indiana, as other States, is facing a deficit. It is strapped for money. So States simply are not in a position to step in and provide resources to fill in the gaps.

If this need is going to be met, if this threat is going to be met, if our people are going to be protected at this hour of national crisis, at this hour of State fiscal crisis, it is the Federal Government that must step up and protect the national security interests, the health and well-being of the American people, because we are the only level of government that is in a position to do so.

Next, the response proposed by the administration falls short of past responses in similar cases. My colleagues might be interested to know that in 1947, responding to a single outbreak of smallpox in New York City, 6,350,000 citizens were inoculated, including 500,000 in a single day--in a single day. Yet there is nothing for smallpox inoculation in this bill. Clearly, based upon past response, the current steps are inadequate and, hence, the amendment is necessary to supplement our efforts.

Finally, along these lines, the House of Representatives--not known for responding overzealously to concerns such as this, known to want to keep a firm grip on the purse strings--has recognized that the emergency supplemental is inadequate and has proposed an additional $94 million to help address this need. While $94 million is itself inadequate--the $340 million we propose in our amendment is the correct response to inoculate 4 million people who the States have said are necessary to inoculate--at least the House of Representatives has taken a tentative initial step in recognizing the very real need.

If we are going to meet this threat, the response to date proposed by the administration, however well intended, is simply inadequate to meeting the very real potential threat, the disastrous potential threat facing the American people. That is why we have proposed action.

I will spend a couple of moments addressing what the potential arguments against our amendment might be. I know some might suggest this is simply more social spending. That is simply not the case. This money will save lives. We have been attacked, as we all know. As we all know, terrorists are planning further attacks. We know they are desperately seeking weapons of mass death, including biological weapons. We know that smallpox is the worst case scenario, and that in all likelihood they are attempting to get it.

This money is needed. It is not simply just more social spending. It is needed to save lives, and to save lives now. It would be irresponsible not to ensure that we are protecting against this threat because we know how real it can be.

Secondly, the argument that enough resources have already been provided is simply not accurate. Enough resources have not been provided to meet this threat, as the House of Representatives has recognized, as the Governors of the 50 States have recognized in their State plans, saying that inoculating 4 million first responders is what is necessary to truly protect the American people.

The administration has done precious little along these lines. Not enough in the way of resources has been provided. Regrettably, responding to this need is not inexpensive. The National Association of County & City Health Officials estimates that, at a bare minimum, it takes $85--and, in fact, recent experience suggests far more--it takes $85 per case to screen, inoculate, and monitor the results of the inoculation per individual inoculated. That is the least case scenario. So taking the lowest cost estimate, multiplying by the 4 million first responders that the Governors and States, regardless of party, indicated need to be inoculated, that is how we reached our estimate of $340 million being the bare minimum needed to help protect the American people against this threat.

Finally, 58 percent of local officials indicate that smallpox inoculations are now hurting their other bioterrorism efforts. I would ask my colleagues, What do we leave the American people vulnerable to? If we emphasize smallpox, do we choose to leave them vulnerable to anthrax? Do we choose to leave them vulnerable to another pathogen that is capable of killing millions of people? That is simply not the responsible course of action. Yet it is the course we are on if we do not adopt this amendment.

In closing, let me say that my position in this amendment, offered by myself, Senator Mikulski, and others, is not a partisan position. I have with me an article from the Washington Post of 2 days ago, indicating the very pressing needs that States face in this arena.

It quotes several Governors, including Governor Pataki of New York, Governor Huckabee of Arkansas, and others, to the effect that States and cities are simply not being provided with the resources they need from the Federal Government. I quote:

[G]overnors and mayors of both parties declared [the

funding is] inadequate.

Our States and cities deserve better from us than that.

Finally, I have letters that I will have printed in the Record from city and local health officials, including the American Nurses Association, who indicate that our exposure to the West Nile virus and the recently discovered SARS respiratory problem will be much, much worse because of their efforts to fight smallpox, if we don't provide the additional funding so they don't have to confront the dilemma they are confronting: Do they protect against smallpox or some other cause of death? We should not leave them in that lurch.

In conclusion, this is a pressing problem. It is a single war: The war abroad

to disarm rogue nations, to protect us from weapons of mass death, and the war here to protect America from those same sources of threats. They both deserve our attention and funding. That is the purpose of this amendment. I am pleased to offer it on behalf of myself and my colleagues today.

Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent to have relevant material printed in the Record.

Mr. President, I want to make two or three brief points in conclusion. The emergency supplemental contains funding for fatalities that might result from vaccination. But there is no funding specifically targeted to preventing those fatalities through screening. It seems to me this is an irony we should address and do address in this amendment--money for fatalities from vaccinations but not resources to prevent those fatalities.

Secondly, as my colleagues pointed out, money is being literally taken away from working against the West Nile virus, against SARS, and against other potential causes of fatalities. We could leave America vulnerable to other sources of sickness and death if this amendment is not adopted.

The goal here is to prevent fatalities abroad in our fighting men and women and here at home, directly or indirectly. Without the adoption of this amendment, fatalities will result either from smallpox or from other potential pathogens left wanting--West Nile, SARS, and others-- because resources are being taken away from those for inoculations against smallpox because the resources are not available. That is why there is a pressing case for adopting this amendment.

I thank my colleagues for their support, and I urge its immediate adoption.

Thank you.

Mr. President, it is with great sadness that I rise today to honor the life of my friend, Sam H. Jones, who passed away on March 26, 2003 after 3-year battle with leukemia. Sam was a pioneer of civil rights who dedicated his life to building a community of equality where people of all races, religions, and backgrounds could have a stake in the American dream. He was a soft-spoken man yet he had a commanding presence that gave him the power to bring people of diverse backgrounds together in order to achieve great things.

While serving as the president of the Indianapolis Urban League for the past 36 years, Sam Jones worked to build bridges across tumultuous waters of racism, helping to ensure economic prosperity, equal opportunity in education, and improved police relations for African Americans and other minorities in the Indianapolis area. Sam championed issues ranging from suicide prevention to economic development. He was never afraid to explore new policy areas or to take an unpopular or unorthodox approach to solving problems. For these reasons, he was one of the most respected leaders in our community.

Born in Heidelberg, MS in 1929, Sam saw segregation in its most brutal form at a young age, which profoundly impacted him. He did not hold grudges. Instead, he took action to effect positive change, working with those whom he opposed, not against. Sam was known for his ability to calm opposing sides in difficult situations in order to reach compromise. This attitude helped him to build many strong partnerships and lifelong friendships.

In 1966 Sam Jones cofounded the Indianapolis Urban League and served as its president and CEO until last December. He built the organization in Indianapolis from the ground up, starting his work in a small motel room, and 36 years later, opening a $3 million Indiana Avenue headquarters. The new building bears his name, and rightly so; Sam was the heart and soul of the Indianapolis Urban League and was widely considered the dean of all 112 chapters of the national organization.

Sam Jones was a truly unique leader and humanitarian whose shoes will be difficult, if not impossible, to fill. For this reason, the sense of loss to all those who knew him in the city of Indianapolis, the State of Indiana, and the Nation, is tremendous. He will be greatly missed by his family and close friends, to whom he was extremely dedicated. He is survived by his wife, Prethenia, and their children, Marya Overby, Sam H. Jones, Jr., and the Rev. Michael Jones.

It is my sad duty to enter the name of Sam H. Jones into the Congressional Record. As Martin Luther King, Jr. once said: ``The hope of a secure and livable world lies with disciplined nonconformists who are dedicated to justice, peace and brotherhood.'' The world has been left a better place because Sam Jones lived his life based on that principle.

Mr. President, I rise today to honor the life of a fellow Hoosier, Phil Kauble, who passed away on March 24, 2003.

Phil Kauble worked and lived in Kokomo, IN. He was the kind of man who helped to define that hard-working community. Phil was first a steelworker, and later in life a dedicated crusader for pension reform.

Those of us who knew Phil were inspired by his commitment to the cause of pension reform. After his career as a steelworker, Phil became dedicated to protecting retired steelworkers by fighting to correct a discrepancy in the pension laws that had hurt him and others when Continental Steel closed its Kokomo mill in the 1980s.

Phil was tireless in his work to correct this problem. For over 20 years he displayed an unwaivering commitment to help his fellow retired steelworkers and his community by making the pension system fairer. One of the many consequences of his determination is legislation I have authored to require improved notification procedures by the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation, PBGC, a Federal agency that oversees the maintenance of benefit pension plans, fondly referred to as ``Phil's Bill.''

Phil never gave up the fight. All who knew him were very proud of his many contributions. Phil always believed in the promise of America and the difference one man can make. He truly made a difference. Later today, I will be reintroducing ``Phil's Bill.'' I know that he would insist that we push on. That is what we intend to do.

Phil Kauble showed us that one person can make a difference. His own life experience led to an extraordinary commitment to correct a serious gap in the pension system and to help his fellow citizens. His tenacity and idealism will be missed.

When we reflect upon the lives of men such as Phil Kauble, we are reminded that we live in a country where the true power to shape the destiny of government is vested in the people. We will all miss Phil deeply, but his memory will serve as a beacon and his life as an example of the virtues of civic involvement.

Mr. President, I rise today with great sadness and tremendous gratitude to honor the life of a brave young man from Atwood, IN. Lcpl David Fribley was 26 years old. He died Sunday in Nasiriyah, Iraq as he and his fellow Marines encountered Iraqi soldiers believed to be surrendering. Instead, the Iraqis opened fire, killing David Fribley and eight other Americans, David was there, in a far away land, to fight for the values we all hold close to our hearts.

David Fribley was the second Hoosier killed while dutifully serving his country in Operation Iraqi Freedom. Today, I mourn David's death with his family, friends and the Atwood community. While our pride in David shall certainly live on, so too will our sorrow. Even though David's life on Earth has been cut short, his bravery, and his strength of character shall live on as a powerful and consoling force during these difficult days of conflict.

David Fribley was a quiet and caring man who led by example, not mere words. He was adored by all who knew him for his soft-spoken manner and great sense of humor. He was compelled to leave his job working with the elderly and join the Marine Corps after witnessing the terrorist attacks of September 11. Upon his resignation David stated: ``The greatest gift is the gift of service.'' This kind of selflessness is an inspiration to us all.

David leaves behind father Garry and mother Linda, brother Steven, who serves in the Air Force, and a fiancee. He attended Warsaw Community High School where he was a star athlete in both track and football. After high school he attended Indiana State University and graduated in 2001.

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 altar of freedom.'' These words ring as true today as they did 140 ago. As we mourn the loss of David Fribley and honor the sacrifice he made for America and for all of humanity.

It is my sad duty to enter the name of David Fribley 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 David's 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 off all faces.''

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

Mr. President, I also rise today with great sadness and tremendous gratitude to honor the life of a brave young man from Hobart, IN. Greg Sanders was just 19 year old. On Monday, March 24, 2003, he was with his Army unit, the 3rd Infantry, 3rd Battalion, 69th Armor Division, 1st Brigade, Company B, when he was mortally wounded by an Iraqi sniper bullet. Greg was in Iraq, far away from loved ones and fellow countrymen, to fight for the values of democracy we all hold close to our hearts.

Greg Sanders is the third Hoosier to be killed while dutifully serving our Nation in Operation Iraqi Freedom. Today, I mourn along with Greg's family, friends, and community. While our pride in him shall certainly live on, so too will our sorrow. Although Greg's life was cut short, his courage, and his dedication to the preservation of democracy will live on to serve as a guiding light in these dark days of war.

Greg Sanders was a natural born leader who always loved challenging himself in everything he did, whether it was on the bowling lane or the battlefield. From the time Greg was small, it was his dream to be a soldier. It was with great pride that he left for Iraq, prepared to do his duty and willing to make the ultimate sacrifice, if fate dictated, for a country he loved dearly.

Greg attended Hobart High School where he ran cross-country and began his training to become a soldier before his graduation in 2001. He leaves behind his mother Leslie Sanders, a brother, two sisters, his wife Ruthann, and their 1-year-old daughter, Gwendolyn. He will be greatly missed by his family, fellow soldiers, and the Hobart community as a whole.

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 Greg Sanders and honor the sacrifice he made for America and for all of humanity.

It is my sad duty to enter the name of Greg Sanders 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 Greg's 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 off all faces.''

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

Madam President, I send an amendment to the desk for immediate consideration.

Madam President, I ask unanimous consent that the reading of the amendment be dispensed with.

I offer this amendment on behalf of myself, Senator Schumer, and Senator Lincoln. This expresses the sense of the Senate that the 1993 tax increase on Social Security benefits should be repealed. It is similar to the amendment offered by Senator Bunning because it accomplishes this objective in a more fiscally responsive way because it instructs the Finance Committee to accomplish this within the context of the current tax cut rather than adding to it.

It helps Social Security beneficiaries, it cuts taxes, and it does so in a fiscally responsible way. I ask for its immediate adoption.

To offer any language that is precatory pursuant to section 904 of the Congressional Budget Act of 1974, I move to waive the applicable sessions of that act for purposes of the pending amendment.

I ask for the yeas and nays, and I thank my colleagues for their courtesy.

Mr. President, I rise today to honor the life of a fellow Hoosier and a dear friend, Jack G. Waldroup, Sr., who passed away on March 9, 2003.

Those of us who knew Jack were touched by his kind heart and generous spirit. His life was the embodiment of values Americans have cherished since the founding of our democracy: civic involvement, active political participation, and public service.

Jack loved Indiana. Throughout his days, he always remained close to his beloved home of Knox County. Jack graduated from Oaktown High School in 1946 and then spent time working on his family farm. He also served his community as a Chief Deputy in the Knox County Sheriff's Department. Soon after, Jack assumed his longtime position as a contract administrative assistant at United Engineers and Architects.

Jack's service to his party never faltered, and he became known in Indiana as ``Mr. Democrat.'' Jack served ably as Knox County Democrat Chairman from 1970 to 1984, helping to cultivate and guide countless careers in public service. He could always be counted on for sound advice, and you could be sure he would give it to you straight--without any sugar coating. Jack's keen understanding of the political process coupled with his loyalty and honest advice led him to become a fixture in statewide Indiana politics, and a must-

see for anyone seriously seeking to serve in public office.

Over the years, many leaders came to rely on Jack's wisdom and guidance. His good judgment and invaluable counsel was always appreciated and will be greatly missed.

When we reflect upon the lives of men such as Jack Waldroup, Sr., we are reminded that we live in a country where the true power to shape the destiny of government is vested in the people. We will all miss Jack deeply, but his memory will serve as a beacon and his life as an example of the virtues of civic involvement. He was my friend, and I shall miss him.

Mr. President, I rise today with great sadness and tremendous gratitude to honor the life of a brave young man from Kokomo, IN. Specialist Brian Clemens was just 19 years old. He died last week in Kuwait as he and his comrades in the 1st Battalion, 293rd Infantry of the Indiana Army National Guard prepared for a war that may soon begin. Brian was there, in a far away land, to fight for values we hold close to our hearts.

Specialist Clemens was the first Indiana National Guard member killed overseas since Operation Desert Storm ended more than a decade ago. He was also the first American to perish while dutifully serving our Nation in a build-up for possible war with Iraq. I mourn along with Brian's family, friends and community. While our pride in Brian shall certainly live on, so too will our sorrow. But Brian's life, his courage, and his strength of character should serve as a powerful and consoling force in the difficult days ahead.

Brian Clemens was an energetic and caring young man. He was adored by all who knew him for his charismatic personality. He was a positive force within his community, never failing to give of himself whenever possible. In the months following his graduation from Maconaquah High School in 2001, Brian returned to the school regularly to help wrestlers on the team hone their skills. He was selfless with his time and constantly gave back to the community in which he lived, cherishing his relationships above all else. Deeply devoted to his family, Brian was especially close to his younger sister, Jennifer.

As 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 altar of freedom.'' These words ring as true today as they did 140 years ago, as we mourn the loss of Brian Clemens and honor the sacrifice he made for America and for all of humanity.

It is my sad duty to enter the name of Brian Clemens 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 Brian's 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 off all faces.''

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

Mr. President, I rise today to honor Jim Sears, a fellow Hoosier, an Indiana State Police officer, a family man and a friend, who passed away on December 31, 2002.

As those who knew Trooper Sears would attest, his strong commitment to the city of Indianapolis was reflected in his distinguished career. In 1962, he became the first African American to wear an Indiana State Police uniform. He opened doors for other African Americans who aspired to become State Police officers and to break through barriers of all kinds. Marion County's first African American Sheriff, Frank Anderson was a classmate of Sears' at Short Ridge High School in 1956 and was with him on the day they both went downtown to apply for the force. State Police Superintendent Melvin Carraway referred to Sears as ``our mentor.''

Jim Sears' life was an example of kindness, gentleness and perseverance in the face of constant prejudice. His guiding principle was to protect the dignity of the public, especially those whom he was forced to deal with for legal infractions. He once shared that if he caught someone speeding, he would ask the person to step out of the car if children were present in an attempt to protect the children from witnessing their parent in an embarrassing situation.

Trooper Sears sought to keep others from humiliation, although often he was the recipient of cold, disparaging treatment from fellow troopers and the public because of the color of his skin. Not easily discouraged Trooper Sears remained a perfectionist and a stickler for regulations, allowing others to benefit from his shining example. In 1976, Trooper Sears and a group of other Black troopers settled a racial discrimination lawsuit with the State Police, which subsequently agreed to recruit and promote minorities. ``Despite the bad things that happened, I'd do it all over again,'' Trooper Sears said after the settlement. ``Because someone had to straighten out this mess of people not being hired strictly on color. I helped open the door.''

After 15 years as a trooper, Jim Sears was transferred to the job he called ``the highlight of his career,'' serving on the security detail for Gov. Otis Bowen from 1977 to 1980. After that detail, Sears was head of the department's planning arm when he retired in 1992 after 30 years of service. After retirement, Jim Sears graduated from Indiana University-Purdue University of Indianapolis and worked for the Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles.

Trooper Jim Sears opened doors for those who followed. He was a true leader and humanitarian whom the city of Indianapolis and the State of Indiana will miss tremendously.

We owe a debt of gratitude to the late Jim Sears for his lifelong service to Indiana and our Nation.