Floor Statements

Mr. President, I pay tribute to the Clark County Fire Department and its personnel for their progress in improving fire protection for the citizens of Clark County. Their recent accomplishments have not gone unnoticed.

Through hard work and increased investment in manpower, equipment, training, and facilities, the firefighters of Clark County have made great strides to serve their fellow Kentuckians. They finished construction of the Rogers-Parrish Fire Station No. 3 in Trapp which compliments the fire protection provided by the main station on Barnes Drive and Station No. 2 on Fulton Road. Cooperation by the City of Winchester was instrumental to increasing fire protection by investing in better fire hydrants, better water distribution systems, and more advanced fire training facilities.

While funding is a significant component to improving fire protection, no dollar sign can be placed on the bravery, courage, and commitment inherent in those who put themselves into harm's way to protect those in danger. The firefighters of the Clark County Fire Department are heroes to so many and deserve our gratitude. At a moment's notice, they can be relied upon to respond to any emergency regardless of the circumstances to assure the safety of those in need.

As our Nation takes measures to strengthen our homeland security, it

will be imperative that fire departments throughout Kentucky and across America follow the example of the Clark County Fire Department and work with local municipalities to improve fire protection services. I am proud of their efforts and am grateful for how well they have represented the Commonwealth. I thank the Senate for allowing me to recognize the Clark County Fire Department and its personnel for their service to their community and to our Nation. They are Kentucky at its finest.

Mr. President, I pay tribute to Thomas D. Clark, Kentucky's most prominent historian. On Monday, July 14, 2003, Mr. Clark celebrated his 100th birthday, Remarkably, Mr. Clark's life has spanned nearly half of Kentucky's history.

Thomas Clark is an esteemed southern historian and writer, agrarian and preservationist. Having grown up on a cotton farm in Mississippi, Mr. Clark came to the State as a graduate student enrolled in the University of Kentucky in 1928. Less than 3 years later he decided to settle in Kentucky and delve into its history.

In 1937, Mr. Clark's ``A History in Kentucky'' was published, and it is still considered the definitive work on Kentucky history by the State Department for Libraries and Archives. Mr. Clark was declared Kentucky's historian laureate for life in 1990, and to this day, maintains his enthusiasm and passion for Kentucky history. That he lived and experienced much of the history he wrote is testament to this man's inimitable and authoritative qualities.

In addition to being Kentucky's premier historian, Mr. Clark paid the State a great service by saving part of its history. In 1936 he stopped the State librarian, who had run out of storage space, from selling truckloads of records as scrap. He then encouraged the Governor to create a State archive and established a special documents collection at the University of Kentucky's library.

Mr. Clark's ardor for Kentucky and its history and his tenacity for historical preservation makes this man one of Kentucky's greatest heroes. For generations to come, Kentucky will be indebted to this man. I thank the Senate for allowing me to recognize Mr. Clark and voice his praises. He is Kentucky at its finest.

Mr. President, the Adoption Incentive Program has been a successful program, which provides States with real incentives to find permanent homes for foster children. However, AIP's authorization expires on September 30, 2003, and the program needs to be reauthorized this year.

Under current law, States receive incentive payments for increasing the number of adoptions from the public foster care system. The amount of payments is based on the number of adoptions above a State's baseline, which is the highest number of adoptions in a State since 1997.

Currently, States receive $4,000 for each foster child adopted above the baseline number. The State can also receive $6,000 for each adoption above a baseline for children with special needs. While each State relies on individual criteria, ``special needs'' can include a child's age, ethnicity, disability or having siblings.

AIP's success cannot be questioned. In fact, according to the Congressional Research Service, there was a 61 percent increase in adoptions of children from the public foster care system from 1997 to 2001.

At the same time, states have earned about $144 million in adoption incentives for adoptions from 1998, to 2001. In my State, Kentucky has received about $1.6 million in adoption incentives during this time period.

However, it is now time to reauthorize and strengthen the program.

One of the biggest challenges in the foster care system today is finding adoptive homes for older children. In fact, according to the Adoption and Foster Care Analysis and Reporting System, AFCARS, which is part of the Department of Health and Human Services, once children reach the age of 9, their chances of adoption diminish.

As of 2001, there were over 100,000 American children waiting to be adopted. Quit frankly, this is too many children waiting for loving homes, regardless of their age. The bill I am introducing continues to give States incentives to find homes for these kids, particularly older children.

My bill, the Adoption Incentive Program Reauthorization Act of 2003, reauthorizes the program from 2004 to 2008, at $43 million a year.

The bill continues to give States a payment of $4,000 for every child adopted above the State's baseline. Also, the bill requires States to establish a separate baseline for adoptions of children over the age of 9, and will provide a payment of $6,000 for all older children adopted above the baseline.

Children deserve the stability and support of a permanent home and a permanent family. The Adoption Incentive Program has already proven successful in encouraging states to act aggressively on a foster child's behalf. It is now time to strengthen the program for the years to come.

I look forward to working on this issue with the other Members of Congress who are interested in adoption and hope we can get the program reauthorized soon.

Mr. President, the Adoption Incentive Program has been a successful program, which provides States with real incentives to find permanent homes for foster children. However, AIP's authorization expires on September 30, 2003, and the program needs to be reauthorized this year.

Under current law, States receive incentive payments for increasing the number of adoptions from the public foster care system. The amount of payments is based on the number of adoptions above a State's baseline, which is the highest number of adoptions in a State since 1997.

Currently, States receive $4,000 for each foster child adopted above the baseline number. The State can also receive $6,000 for each adoption above a baseline for children with special needs. While each State relies on individual criteria, ``special needs'' can include a child's age, ethnicity, disability or having siblings.

AIP's success cannot be questioned. In fact, according to the Congressional Research Service, there was a 61 percent increase in adoptions of children from the public foster care system from 1997 to 2001.

At the same time, states have earned about $144 million in adoption incentives for adoptions from 1998, to 2001. In my State, Kentucky has received about $1.6 million in adoption incentives during this time period.

However, it is now time to reauthorize and strengthen the program.

One of the biggest challenges in the foster care system today is finding adoptive homes for older children. In fact, according to the Adoption and Foster Care Analysis and Reporting System, AFCARS, which is part of the Department of Health and Human Services, once children reach the age of 9, their chances of adoption diminish.

As of 2001, there were over 100,000 American children waiting to be adopted. Quit frankly, this is too many children waiting for loving homes, regardless of their age. The bill I am introducing continues to give States incentives to find homes for these kids, particularly older children.

My bill, the Adoption Incentive Program Reauthorization Act of 2003, reauthorizes the program from 2004 to 2008, at $43 million a year.

The bill continues to give States a payment of $4,000 for every child adopted above the State's baseline. Also, the bill requires States to establish a separate baseline for adoptions of children over the age of 9, and will provide a payment of $6,000 for all older children adopted above the baseline.

Children deserve the stability and support of a permanent home and a permanent family. The Adoption Incentive Program has already proven successful in encouraging states to act aggressively on a foster child's behalf. It is now time to strengthen the program for the years to come.

I look forward to working on this issue with the other Members of Congress who are interested in adoption and hope we can get the program reauthorized soon.

Mr. President, I pay tribute to one of Kentucky's finest educators. Dr. Charles L. Shearer has served as president of Transylvania University for over 20 years and he has helped shape it into the fine liberal arts institution it is today.

Upon Dr. Shearer's inception as Transylvania University's president 20 years ago, he brought with him a doctorate in economics and teaching experience. Charles also spent 4 years as the university's vice president of finance where he successfully eliminated Transylvania's deficits. Although campus enrollment was low then, Dr. Shearer helped Transylvania rebound from 605 in 1983 to a record 1,109 during the fall of 2002.

Achieving the highest quality of education in the classroom possible has been a top priority throughout Dr. Shearer's tenure as president. The top 25 students in each class are awarded the William T. Young Scholarship. The Bingham, Jones and Kenan programs encourage retainment and recruitment of faculty by awarding bonuses to deserving teachers.

Dr. Shearer's leadership helped raise the endowment from $4.1 million in 1983 to $110 million today. While funds peaked at $129.3 million in 1998, the school has been able to make the necessary improvements and growth that have shaped Transylvania University. In the past 20 years the additions to the campus have included the Young Campus Center, the Rosenthal and Poole residence halls, the Cowgill business center, the Lucille Little Theatre, the Clive Beck Athletic and Recreation Center, the John R. Hall Field for intramurals and athletics, and the Marquard baseball field.

The commitment and devotion Dr. Charles Shearer has demonstrated to Transylvania University is inspiring. Fewer than 5 percent of college or university presidents serve 20 years or more. His ability to work and grow with people has enabled Dr. Shearer to serve Transylvania University in a spectacular way. While Dr. Shearer has received numerous offers to serve at other academic institutions, he has declined in order to continue his role at Transylvania and thus has become the longest serving president in the school's 223-year history. I am thrilled Dr. Shearer has remained at Transylvania and am optimistic for the university's future. I thank the Senate for allowing me to recognize Dr. Shearer and Transylvania University. He is one of Kentucky's best at one of its finest institutions.

Mr. President, I pay tribute to one of Kentucky's

most benevolent humanitarians. Ann Marie Pederson, a graduate student

at the University of Louisville, volunteers in the English-as-a-second-

language, ESL, program through Kentucky Refugee Ministries. Through

this program, Anne Marie works with refugees from over 25 different

nationalities and ethnic groups throughout Kentucky.

Kentucky Refugee Ministries is a refugee resettlement office for the

Episcopal Migration Ministries and Church World Service. The

organization assists refugees legally admitted to the United States as

victims of persecution for religious or political belief. Anne Marie

became involved with Kentucky Refugee Ministries after volunteering

with a similar program in Jordan in 2000. Anne Marie, a rhetorician and

composition graduate student at the University of Louisville, also

obtained a master's degree in creative writing from George Mason

University. Remarkably, English is her only language.

In one of her assignments, Anne Marie assisted a Bosnian family in

accomplishing basic daily activities like shopping, driving, and

setting up bank accounts. She also taught English conversation skills

to two sisters from a Congolese refugee camp. Anne Marie is a mentor to

refugee children from Kosovo, Mexico, and Jordan, serving as both a

friend and a teacher.

Her generosity and kindness has improved the lives of refugees in

countless ways. Her patience, instruction, and friendship is an example

for us all. Anne Marie Pederson is an exemplar of charity and a tribute

to Kentucky. I thank the Senator for allowing me to recognize Anne

Marie Pederson and voice her praises. She is Kentucky at its

best.

Mr. President, I want to take a few moments and talk about Taiwan which has been a reliable friend and ally of the U.S. in Asia for over 50 years. After the terrorist attacks of

September 11, Taiwan quickly announced its support for the allied war against terrorism. Taiwan has since supported the ally efforts to rid Iraq of Saddam Hussein and has offered humanitarian and developmental assistance in rebuilding Iraq for a free Iraqi people. For that, we certainly owe Taiwan a great deal of thanks.

Taiwan has shown itself to be a democratic and freedom embracing republic even while it has undergone threats posed by the People's Republic of China, PRC. As the world focuses on continuing tensions in the Middle East and Africa, the nuclear situation in North Korea, and other threats, we must not ignore the military threat posed by the PRC to our friends in Taiwan. The United States must continue to stand with Taiwan. It is an island of freedom that must be supported.

Aside from simply supporting Taiwan's democratic principles of open elections, human rights, and freedom of assembly and religious beliefs, we must also work to help them with their economy and support of markets and trade. I hope at some point the United States takes a serious and significant step in further strengthening our economic and political ties through a free trade agreement.

Taiwan is the United States' eighth largest trading partner and its largest investment partner. A study produced by the U.S. International Trade Commission showed a net gain of $3.4 billion for the U.S. economy from a free trade agreement with Taiwan. And this benefits both American workers and businesses as well as those in Taiwan. It seems to be a winning situation for both Taiwan and the United States. With Taiwan's recent accession to the World Trade Organization, now is the right time to seriously consider beginning free trade negotiations with Taiwan.

While some say a free trade agreement may muddle our and Taiwan's relationship with the PRC, I am hopeful such an agreement will benefit all. An agreement could bring about a moderation and softening in the PRC's stance toward Taiwan; treating Taiwan as a partner to help it modernize and foster in itself democratic reforms.

Also, we need to make sure the United States stands behind Taiwan and helps put an end to the PRC's military might and strategic deployments which at times paint a real disturbing and threatening picture for Taiwan. The PRC has accelerated its military buildup and now has over 400 M-class missiles along its southeastern coast. And too many times the PRC has routinely conducted live-fire practicing around the Taiwan Strait.

When the PRC conducts these exercises, it further destabilizes the region. It undermines the right of the people of Taiwan to live without intimidation and threats from the PRC. The PRC even sought to keep Taiwan from seeking assistance of the World Health Organization during the SARS outbreak, which in fact originated on mainland China and still somewhat remains a problem in Asia.

We cannot stand by when the PRC provokes Taiwan. Even as we deal with pressing issues around the world, we must not lose sight of our vital interests in Taiwan. I strongly supported President Bush's approval in April of 2002 of a sale of Kidd-class destroyers, anti-submarine P-3 ``Orion'' aircraft, and diesel submarines to Taiwan. In accord with the Taiwan Relations Act, we must continue to speak out in defense of Taiwan, and use our strongest diplomacy to urge the PRC, as a responsible member of the international community, to abandon its rhetoric and provocative actions, and maintain a dialogue with democratic Taiwan.

While we are so heavily engaged with the war on terrorism and involvement in Iraq, we must not lose sight of the democratic and freedom-loving Taiwan. I urge my Senate colleagues to encourage Taiwan to be strong and firm with its democratic principles, and I urge this body to make sure we stand up for and support Taiwan when she needs it the most. A strong Taiwan is not only good for her and her people, but it is a beacon of hope and encouragement for all those who have struggled and fought for democracy and the freeing of the human spirit. I thank the Senate for allowing me to raise these issues, and may God bless Taiwan--the Republic of China--richly.

Mr. President, I am disappointed the Senate did not vote to move to full consideration of S. 11, the Patients First Act of 2003, to address the national crisis our doctors, hospitals and those needing healthcare face today.

One of the top issues we all hear about from doctors in our States is how they are being squeezed financially by skyrocketing medical liability premiums. The Senate had a real opportunity to help remedy this problem by passing the Patients First Act, but unfortunately, we didn't even get a chance to fully consider and vote on this bill.

Not only is medical liability hurting doctors, but it is now starting to affect the quality and availability of care for patients. First, let me give a little background on the situation in Kentucky. I know many other States face the same situation.

In March of this year, Kentucky joined 17 other States on the American Medical Association's list of ``crisis States.'' This means that the current liability system is affecting patient care.

Physicians across my State are facing some hard choices trying to figure out how to pay their rising premiums. Some are choosing to close their offices or retire early. Others are packing up and moving to other States with more sensible insurance regulations. Most concerning are reports of physicians no longer delivering babies because they cannot afford the liability insurance. This leaves expectant mothers in the lurch and creates huge, frightening gaps in critical medical coverage. In Kentucky, for example, Knox County hospital has stopped delivering babies which is forcing expectant mothers to travel to neighboring counties for care.

The Kentucky Medical Association conducted a survey last year on the effects of rising medical malpractice premiums. They found that 70 percent of the physicians in Kentucky saw their premiums go up. In the worst example, there was a $476,000 increase for a six-physician orthopedic office that didn't have any settlements or judgements against it.

Recently, I received a letter from Catholic Healthcare Partners, a hospital system with about 30 hospitals and 8,900 affiliated physicians across the country. In Kentucky, they own several hospitals, including Lourdes Hospital in Paducah and Marcum & Wallace Memorial Hospital in Irvine.

According to Catholic Healthcare Partners, the hospital system's liability insurance premiums increased by 50 percent in 2001 and 70 percent in 2002. In fact, in the past 3 years, their premiums have increased by almost $25 million. Unfortunately, Catholic Healthcare Partners is the rule instead of the exception.

In May, the Joint Economic Committee published a study on the impact of medical liability litigation. The report said the total premiums for medical liability insurance more than doubled from 1991 to 2001 to reach $21 billion. Hospitals and doctors simply cannot continue keeping their doors open and treating patients if their premiums continue to rise this rapidly.

For example, Appalachian Regional Healthcare is one of the largest rural health systems in the country and employs 150 physicians in its nine hospitals and other healthcare outlets. ARH provides services in both Kentucky and West Virginia, and employs most of the obstetricians and pediatricians in eastern Kentucky.

In January of this year, ARH made a decision to become completely self-insured. In 2001, the hospital system's key carrier for medical liability coverage dropped the hospital, and ARH couldn't find any other affordable coverage. For 2002, the bids for coverage the hospital received were $12 million to $13 million--which was more than the hospital system's net revenue and almost triple what they had paid the year before.

The hospital system is now building an insurance reserve in case there are any malpractice settlements against it. However, according to ARH representatives, they realize that even one single case could cripple the system and its physicians.

There is no doubt the system is broken. And for many Kentuckians, especially in our rural areas, there is no doubt skyrocketing insurance rates are making it harder for patients to get the quality care they need. The rising premiums not only take a toll on physicians and hospitals, but it means you, me, and everyone in this country is paying more for medical care. Very simply, individuals pay more for medical care because of the increases in premiums doctors face.

Although all of us are paying more, some people are making out like bandits--usually the trial attorneys. It hardly seems that you can turn on your television these days without seeing a commercial by one trial attorney or another looking for ``injured'' people. Some of these lawyers specialize in certain kinds of injuries while others aren't as picky and will take anyone involved in an accident. Most give a toll- free number, and many promise that ``we won't get paid unless you get paid.''

In a report by the Department of Health and Human Services released last year, it said the number of ``mega-verdicts is increasing rapidly,'' particularly within specialty areas of medicine. The report goes on to say lawyers have an ``interest in finding the most attractive cases'' and they have ``an incentive to gamble on a big `win.' '' Finally, the report says ``lawyers have few incentives to take on the more difficult cases or those of less attractive patients.''

Is this really the way we want our legal system to work? Are we really getting the best results with this type of legal system? The answer to both of these questions is no.

It seems like I have been voting for changes to our medical liability system since I have been in Congress, but we always seem to come up a few votes short. The Patients First Act places some commonsense controls on lawsuits against doctors. This will help bring some control over the rising medical liability premiums, and doctors in my State will be able to provide healthcare services.

For example, the bill places limits on noneconomic and punitive damages, but does not limit economic damages. The bill also limits the amount attorney's can collect from their clients depending on the size of the settlement. The bill requires lawsuits to be filed within 3 years of the injury, although this time limit is extended to children under the age of 6 who are injured.

Finally, the bill makes defendants liable for only their share of the injury that occurred and allows periodic payment of future damages. These changes could make a big difference in the availability and cost of healthcare in the United States and Kentucky. These changes could mean physicians in Kentucky thinking about leaving the state will be able to stay, and doctors thinking about leaving the profession will be able to continue practicing.

I am disappointed we did not have enough votes to proceed and fully consider the Patients First Act, however, I am hopeful we can come back and revisit this important issue soon, and give our doctors, hospitals, and especially those needing healthcare a more affordable system with better access.

Mr. President, I have the privilege and honor of rising today to recognize the hard work of those at the Corvette assembly plant in Bowling Green, KY, on the 50th anniversary of the Corvette.

America's love for the Corvette began in 1953, when the first American sports car took over the highways. Since then, the automotive industry has never been the same. Kentucky became part of this American icon in 1981, when an old air-conditioner manufacturing plant, located in western Kentucky, was converted into an automobile assembly plant. The Bowling Green plant holds the proud honor of being the sole Corvette producer. Another state-of-the-art renovation in 1996 once again placed the Bowling Green plant on the road to excellence in preparation for production of the latest Corvettes.

Each year, milestone after milestone, and award on top of award, the Bowling Green plant consistently shines. For 2 years Corvettes produced in Kentucky have captured Motor Trend Magazine's highly respected ``Car of the Year'' designation. In 1992, the Bowling Green plant produced the one-millionth Corvette.

However, the secret of their success lies in the hard work and determination of the Bowling Green team. Without skillful minds and driven hands, innovative ideas and quality-built cars would never come to fruition.

It is not often we have the chance to honor such a milestone. Please join me in congratulating all those who have worked at the General Motors Bowling Green assembly plant. I am pleased they are continuing the Corvette tradition with a Kentucky touch.

Mr. President, I rise today to pay tribute to three of Kentucky's finest physicians. Drs. Carol Cottrill, Tina Slusher, and Robert Salley are exemplars in the field of medicine because they spend several months of each year providing medical care to children in developing and underprivileged countries.

Drs. Cottrill, Slusher, and Salley performed an implantation of a new mechanical heart valve for a young girl from the village of Eku, Nigeria. Dr. Slusher first examined Sussana Olesenekwu in a 168-bed Baptist hospital near her village in Nigeria. Upon realizing the gravity of Olesenekwu's heart condition, Dr. Slusher worked with urgency to find a U.S. hospital and surgeon willing to do the surgery quickly and for free. Dr. Cottrill, a children's heart specialist, and Dr. Salley, a heart surgeon, joined Dr. Slusher in donating their time and skill to perform a surgery largely unavailable in Nigeria. Dr. Cottrill is even allowing Olesenekwu to recover in her home. Aided by Medtronic, which contributed the mechanical heart valve, and St. Joseph's Hospital, which incurred the remaining costs, these exceptional doctors saved Olesenekwu's life.

Open-heart surgery is almost nonexistent in Nigeria. Though the country has a population of approximately 130 million, it has just one facility that performs only a few surgeries each year. In Nigeria the surgery would cost $3,000 to $4,000, and most families earn less than $10.00 a week. Drs. Cottrill, Slusher, and Salley's altruistic and selfless donations of time and skill are unparalleled.

Drs. Cottrill and Salley both live and practice in Lexington, KY, and Dr. Slusher is a native of Bell County, KY. Their commitment to improving the lives of those less fortunate are an inspiration to many. Their contributions have truly made the world a better place. Drs. Cottrill, Slusher, and Salley are tributes to Kentucky. They are Kentucky at its finest. I thank the Senate for allowing me to recognize Dr. Carol Cottrill, Dr. Tina Slusher, and Dr. Robert Salley and voice their praises.

Mr. President, I pay tribute to one of Kentucky's finest citizens. On July 29, 2003, Margaret Seals of Winchester, will be inducted into the Kentucky Civil Rights Hall of Fame for the significant contributions she has made to the Commonwealth of Kentucky in the areas of civil and human rights.

After decades of putting the interests of others above her own, Margaret has distinguished herself as a leader. Upon attending the Lafayette Vocational School, where she developed the skills necessary to succeed, Margaret remained determined to remain a member of the workforce in order to provide for her two children. In Lexington, Margaret was the first African-American to be employed by the Social Security Administration in 1964. While she served in a number of occupational fields, some of her notable accomplishments include her service to the Winchester Board of Commissioners and the Winchester Municipal Utilities Commission.

Margaret has participated in a wide range of other public service projects including the Generations Center Board, the Urban Renewal Development Board, and the Winchester Solid Waste Committee. Her span of contributions also include the Clark County United Way Distribution Committee where she served since 1995, the same year she graduated Leadership Winchester. Margaret also remains an active member of the Elk Club. For her outstanding efforts, Reverend E. Baker, Sr., a retired pastor of the Broadway Baptist Church and an inductee into the Kentucky Civil Rights Hall of Fame nominated Margaret to receive this distinguished honor.

Margaret's commitment to education, hard work, family and community are an inspiration to many. Her contributions have made a difference in the lives of many and have paved a path for generations to come. Margaret's example should be emulated throughout Kentucky and across our Nation. I thank the Senate for allowing me to recognize Margaret Seals and voice her praises. She is Kentucky at its finest.

Mr. President, during consideration of this bill in the Finance Committee, I submitted language regarding adult day care which I and my staff were told by Finance Committee staff was acceptable and included in S. 1, the Prescription Drug and Medicare Improvement Act of 2003, as part of the base bill to be considered on the Senate floor. I was very thankful for your consideration and approval of my language, Chairman Grassley.

After we voted to pass S. 1 out of the Finance Committee, I have since learned that the adult day care language accepted and made part of the bill is not the language I submitted at all, but instead it is language based on a bill introduced by Senator Santorum related to the same issue.

While Senator Santorum's adult day care proposal and my adult day care language are different, they both share the same goal of providing services to those special and needy adults who require extra attention and care. However, I have some differences with Senator Santorum's proposal, and he has some differences with my proposed language.

I am hopeful that once this bill gets to conference, we and our staffs can work out our differences on this adult day care issue and find a solution that is amenable to all of us. It is also my understanding the current version of the House of Representative's prescription drug benefit bill includes the adult day care language which is identical to my language.

Thank you, Mr. Chairman and Senator Santorum. I appreciate both your willingness to revisit this matter and your leadership on this important legislation for our seniors.

fee for service

Mr. President, during consideration of S. 1, an amendment was introduced by Senators Santorum and Schumer dealing with payments to the Medicare+Choice program. This amendment would have increased payments to the M+C plans over the next 2 years, to make sure they are still viable when the MedicareAdvantage program takes effect in 2006.

I realize the amendment was withdrawn because of the lack of funding in the Senate bill, but it is still an important issue I would like to lend my support to.

The Medicare+Choice program already provides a good prescription drug benefit to many seniors across the county, and gives these seniors another option to the Medicare fee-for-service program.

Unfortunately, many Medicare+Choice plans are pulling out of the program because their reimbursement levels are too low. This is leaving many seniors scrambling for a new Medicare+Choice plan or having to go back into fee-for-service Medicare which doesn't offer them the same types of benefits as their old M+C plan.

In fact, it seems like every year, more and more Medicare+Choice plans leave the market.

I am concerned if we do not provide these plans with enough funding over the next two years while the MedicareAdvantage program is being implemented, these M+C plans will continue to leave the program and more seniors will be left in the lurch.

This isn't fair to our seniors.

I had hoped we could provide some additional funding for the Medicare+Choice plans over the next 2 years so the plans currently in the program will remain and we might actually attract new plans to other areas that have not been served.

In Kentucky, we have a limited number of Medicare+Choice plans. In fact, only seniors in certain counties in Northern Kentucky and around Louisville have access to these plans. With higher payments to Medicare+Choice plans, we might actually get some more plans to come into our state and cover more counties.

We shouldn't give up on the Medicare+Choice plans, or the seniors enrolled in them. I hope this is an issue we can resolve during the conference with the House, and I commend Senators Santorum and Schumer for bringing this issue before the Senate.

Mr. President, I rise today to honor and pay tribute to Mr. Stephen Cabell of Owensboro, KY. Earlier this year, Stephen was named a Presidential Scholar in the Arts.

The Presidential Scholars in the Arts Program is administered by the U.S. Department of Education to honor some of our Nation's most artistic and creative high school seniors. Each year, the National Foundation for Advancement in the Arts recommends a small number of exceptionally gifted students to this program. This year, only 16 students from across the country were named a Presidential Scholar in the Arts. This honor rewards individuals who excel in various disciplines of the arts, including music, theater, dance, and visual arts. Stephen was awarded this honor in recognition of his musical composition genius.

Stephen Cabell was born in Owensboro, KY. During his freshman year of high school he was accepted into the Interlochen Arts Academy in Michigan, a prestigious high school known for its contribution to the fine arts. While attending Interlochen, he studied horn, piano, and music composition. Stephen continues his love of music during his free time, when he tutors students in music theory, researches composers, and collects musical scores. He is the son of Steve and Mary Cabell of Owensboro, who I know are very proud of Stephen and his talent and commitment to music and perfection.

Since he was 8 years old, Stephen has been composing musical pieces. During his career he has won numerous awards. Stephen is a recipient of the Morton Gould Young Composers Award from the American Society of Composers, Authors, and Publishers, ASCAP, as well as the Neil Robert Memorial Scholarship from the Interlochen Arts Academy. Groups such as the Owensboro Symphony Orchestra, Imani Winds, and the Interlochen Academy regularly perform his music. Most recently, Stephen performed one of his pieces at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in an event designed to showcase the talents of all 16 Presidential Scholars. In the fall, Stephen plans to study composition at the Curtis Institute of Music.

Stephen Cabell has repeatedly proven his genius in the field of musical composition. I would like to congratulate him again on being named a Presidential Scholar in the Arts, a tremendous honor indeed. I thank the Senate for allowing me to recognize Stephen and his accomplishments. He is a true source of pride for Kentucky.

Mr. President, I rise today to honor and pay tribute to Ms. Rebecca Williams of Henderson, KY. Rebecca was recently awarded a James Madison Memorial fellowship.

The James Madison fellowship, in its 12th year of competition, supports the further study of American history by college graduates who aspire to become teachers of American history, American government, and social studies in

the Nation's secondary schools. Named in honor of the fourth President of the United States, the fellowship will fund up to $24,000 of Ms. William's course of study toward a master's degree.

The award recognizes promising and distinguished teachers and encourages the strengthening of their knowledge of the origins and development of American government and history. Ultimately, the award acknowledges educators who will provide outstanding tutelage to students across the country.

Ms. Williams is a teacher at Bryan Station High School in Lexington, KY. She is one of 56 recipients of the fellowship, selected from applicants from across the United States. Ms. Williams has distinguished herself as an exceptional and aspiring educator. Her dedication to the field of American history and to the education of Kentucky's youth is remarkable.

Ms. Williams is a tribute to Kentucky, and I am proud of her achievements. I thank the Senate for allowing me to recognize Ms. Williams's wonderful accomplishments. She is Kentucky at its finest.

Mr. President, I rise to honor and pay tribute to the McCracken County Education Association for the high ideals which they have taught through example to the children of their county school system. The McCracken County Education Association of McCracken County, KY, generously took the initiative not only to raise $10,089 and donate it to Habitat for Humanity but also to give their time and effort in the construction of a home in Paducah.

The initiative involved all 12 of McCracken County's public schools and the children that attend them. Each teacher was asked to raise $35 from their own classroom while the central office and each school contributed $350. The ways in which the money was raised are just as admirable for their originality and civic mindedness as they are for their charity. One teacher added a brick to a miniature house structure for every dollar her students contributed, while one school of only 350 students held a bake sale and raised approximately $5,000. Overall and throughout, the raising of funds was marked with a spirit of cooperation and team spirit. On June 6 the funds were presented to Habitat for Humanity of Paducah/McCracken County and on the 14th the teachers, administrators, and staff of McCracken County Education Association assembled at 1920 Broad St. in Paducah, KY, to donate time and labor in the construction of a house.

The altruism and generosity of the McCracken County Education Association ought to be highly commended and imitated by all who have seen its shining example. Such interest in the well-being of our neighbors combines the virtues of justice and compassion and enriches the society in which it exists.

While it is true that the McCracken County Education Association's concern for their neighbors and for a society in which all have shelter is truly virtuous, it is also true that the work they did was just as, if not more, valuable for the reason that they are the educators of America's future. The children whom the McCracken County Education Association included in this fundraiser event learned more than just what books might have taught them in school. They learned that an active interest in the well-being of others is important. They learned that though they are children who are still in the process of learning, their voices will be heard if they work together with order and with the good of society at heart. It is not only these children who stand to learn something from this notable example of generosity and civic responsibility but all of us here today.

My Senate colleagues and all others would do well to imitate the concern and initiative of the McCracken County Education Association. I thank the Senate for allowing me to laud the praises of the McCracken County Education Association.