Floor Statements

Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that upon the conclusion of morning business on Monday, May 23, the Senate resume consideration of the motion to proceed to S. 1038 and that at 5 p.m. the Senate proceed to the vote on the motion to invoke cloture on the motion to proceed; further, that the time for debate on the motion to proceed be equally divided and controlled between the two leaders and their designees.

Mr. President, this week is National Police Week. During National Police Week we pay tribute to the brave men and women who serve the U.S. as law enforcement officers and take note of their selfless dedication to keeping our communities safe. Last week, peace officers from across the Nation traveled to Washington to honor those who have made the ultimate sacrifice and given their lives in the line of duty. This year, two of the names that were added to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial belong to law enforcement officers from Nevada: Nye County Deputy Ian Michael Deutch and Nevada Department of Corrections officer Sergeant Vincent Tyrone Tatum.

Last April, 27-year-old Ian Michael Deutch was shot and killed while investigating a domestic disturbance call in Pahrump, NV. When the deputies arrived, the suspect opened fire on them with a high powered rifle. Deputy Deutch was struck three times in the abdomen and the bullets penetrated his bullet-proof vest. Sadly, Deputy Deutch had just survived a yearlong deployment in Afghanistan with the Nevada Army National Guard and was shot and killed on his second day back to work with the Nye County Sheriff's Office. He is survived by his wife Vicky, son Jonathon, daughter Savonya, his parents, his two brothers and his sister. Deputy Deutch's life of public service was tragically cut short, but we honor his sacrifice and know that he will serve as an example of selfless service for generations to come.

In 1982, Sergeant Vincent Tyrone Tatum was abducted, beaten and shot four times in the head after he finished his shift at the Southern Desert Correctional Center. He had been conducting an internal investigation involving contraband being smuggled into a southern Nevada correctional facility by employees, and it is believed he was murdered to hinder the investigation. The murder of Sergeant Tatum is a stark reminder of what law enforcement officers risk day in and day out, and we are grateful for his sacrifice.

Police week is held once a year, but we should remember the important and often dangerous work our public safety officers perform every day. America could not exist without them, and I am grateful for all they do. This year we honor those courageous Nevadans, and reflect on the sacrifices made by all law enforcement officers every day. We will never forget what they do for our communities, and we will forever be indebted to them for their dedication and service.

Mr. President, I rise today to honor the Catholic Charities of Southern Nevada, which is celebrating its 70th anniversary.

Since 1941, the Catholic Charities of Southern Nevada has provided crucial services to southern Nevada's neediest families. From the first diocesan director, Father Thomas F. Collins, to today's chief executive officer, Monsignor Patrick R. Leary, this community service center has focused on addressing the essential needs of a rapidly growing community.

As times have changed, so has the need to augment the services for seniors, children, refugees and the homeless. The Catholic Charities of Southern Nevada has not skipped a beat in this effort. Today, it services more than 2 million residents as one of the largest private, nonprofit social service providers in the State. It works hard to treat all who seek its help with dignity and respect, while bringing them one step closer to self-sufficiency.

I am pleased to stand today and commend the Catholic Charities of Southern Nevada on this important milestone of 70 years of public service to a community that is eternally grateful for its continued charity and kindness.

Mr. President, I rise today to honor the 50th anniversary of the Boys and Girls Club of Las Vegas.

As someone whose life was transformed by youth development programs, public education and athletics, I am proud to share in this momentous occasion for the Boys and Girls Club of Las Vegas. Young people in the Las Vegas valley have benefited from their excellent programs and services that help develop productive, caring and responsible citizens.

They offer robust services in leadership development, education and career development, the arts, sports and other

important life skills. To build on their efforts to develop the next generation of responsible and active citizens, they offer many services that equip parents with information about community resources, such as food, housing, and GED classes. They also do an exemplary job of addressing the many interests and needs of young people, whether it's a t-shirt design contest, tech training or tutoring during their homework hour. The Boys and Girls Club of Las Vegas helps Nevada children excel as young people in countless ways, and the lessons last a lifetime.

In 2007 alone, the Boys and Girls Clubs of Las Vegas served more than 15,000 youth across the valley. From Mount Charleston to Boulder City and many points in between, the clubs continue to reach youth in a positive way.

I am proud to stand with the Boys and Girls Club of Las Vegas to congratulate the organization for 50 years of helping Las Vegas families and young people.

Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the text of the bill be printed in the Record.

Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the text of the bill be printed in the Record.

Madam President, following any leader remarks, the Senate will be in morning business until 10:30 this morning. At 10:30, the Senate will resume consideration of the motion to proceed to S. 953. There will be 4 hours of debate. At approximately 2:30 p.m., there will be a rollcall vote on the motion to proceed to that legislation, with a 60-vote threshold. I filed cloture last night on the nomination of Goodwin Liu to be a U.S. circuit judge for the Ninth Circuit. The cloture vote on his nomination will be tomorrow.

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

Madam President, I ask unanimous consent we now proceed to a period for morning business, with Senators permitted to speak for up to 10 minutes each.

Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the text of the bill be printed in the Record.

Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the text of the bill be printed in the Record.

I ask unanimous consent the Senate proceed to Calendar No. 49, S. Res. 174.

Madam President, I ask unanimous consent the resolution be agreed to, the Lieberman amendment, which is at the desk, to the preamble, be agreed to; the preamble as amended be agreed to; there be no intervening action or debate, and any statements be printed in the Record.

I ask unanimous consent the Senate proceed to S. Res. 189.

Madam President, I will just make a very brief comment. I am not a great baseball fan. I am a baseball fan. I am sure there are better fans than me. I have followed baseball all of my life, starting as a little boy. I have listened to baseball games, and I would have loved to have met Harmon Killebrew. He was a man who, before anyone ever suggested steroids, was so powerful. He holds 10th or 11th place in the history of baseball for hitting home runs. According to what everyone says about him, he was such a nice man in addition to that.

I am very happy to ask unanimous consent that the resolution be agreed to, the preamble be agreed to, and the motions to reconsider be laid upon the table.

I ask unanimous consent that the Senate now proceed to the consideration of S. Res. 190, submitted earlier today.

I ask unanimous consent that the resolution be agreed to, the preamble be agreed to, and the motions to reconsider be laid upon the table.

I ask unanimous consent that the bill, S. 840, be discharged from the Committee on Environment and Public Works and referred to the Committee on Finance.