Floor Statements

Reserving the right to object, could we at least understand what the modification is.

Mr. President, I rise today to pay tribute to Mrs. Beverly Richardson of Hancock County, KY, for her legacy of service to others. Her contributions to our Commonwealth as director of the Hancock County Career Center have made all the difference in the lives of countless Kentuckians.

In 1997, when the Hancock County Career Center was initially established, Beverly Richardson, who is a proud Western Kentucky University graduate, took on the role as director, enabling her the opportunity to shape the lives of many unemployed individuals who are now working. Throughout her tenure as director, she has improved the lives of a variety of people from high school dropouts seeking to earn a general education degree, to unemployed workers in need of greater job skills to increase their competitiveness in the job market. The values and beliefs Beverly brought to the Hancock County Career Center aided her in facing the challenges she met and the opportunities each day brought as a coordinator of the center's activities.

While assisting Kentucky residents in gaining more job skills and greater confidence was a wonderful accomplishment in her life, no achievement was more notable than that of raising her four children with her husband Wendell. Together, they raised four college graduates who have paved career paths of their own and given her and Wendell many grandchildren.

Beverly Richardson's devotion to education and job training has improved the vitality of Kentucky's economy, enhanced the capabilities of so many workers, and strengthened the character of individuals and families. Employers and employees alike throughout Kentucky owe her a debt of gratitude. Her example should be emulated across America. I thank the Senate for allowing me to recognize Ruth and voice her praises. She is Kentucky at its finest.

Madam President, I have the privilege and honor of rising today to recognize Mr. Donovan Riley Clarkson of Paducah, KY. Donovan was recently recognized for his accomplishments in dance.

This 10-year-old gentleman copes daily with the effects of central auditory processing disorder. In a person who suffers from this disorder, information is not correctly processed from the ear to the brain. This makes daily activities, from hearing conversations to hand- eye coordination, difficult to complete. Nevertheless, Donovan has not allowed this disorder to interfere with his dreams and accomplishments.

Donovan performs with a dance troupe at the Beverly Rogers Dance Academy. His family enrolled him in dance four years ago after a medical professional suggested that the movement could help his condition. Everyday after school, Donovan practices the assigned dance routine. He must practice twice as hard as his teammates in

order to execute these moves. This dedication paid off; he earned a spot on a local dance troupe. In fact, Donovan is the youngest member of this group. His big smile and smooth dance moves helped the group place first in many regional competitions and earn an almost perfect score, securing the troupe a spot in the national Odyssey Dance Competition held in Lakeside, FL.

Currently, Donovan attends the fourth grade at Reidland Elementary School in Paducah. His favorite subject is reading, which other individuals with his condition find difficult. In his free time, Donovan enjoys constructing toy models and Lego figures. However, spending time with his brother and sister is always on the top of his list.

What sets Donovan apart from other children is not his disorder or his remarkable dance skills, but his determination. He has overcome every single obstacle placed before him, making his life a testament to hard work. Please join me in congratulating Mr. Donovan Riley Clarkson and wishing him the best of luck.

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

Mr. President, I rise in support of S. 1, the Prescription Drug and Medicare Improvement Act of 2003. Last week, the Finance Committee took a historical step by passing the Medicare bill out of the committee by a strong bipartisan vote of 16 to 5, thanks to the great leadership of Senators Grassley and Baucus.

This is one of the most important bills we will consider this Congress. As a new member of the Finance Committee, I was proud to support it. It is a commonsense bill that strengthens and improves the Medicare Program by guaranteeing a prescription drug benefit for America's seniors. I hope the bipartisanship momentum that was created within the Finance Committee will continue during the Senate floor debate.

Talk is cheap. Congress has been talking about passing a drug bill for years. Now we have a golden opportunity and we must seize it. Our seniors have waited too long. It would be irresponsible to leave them hanging any longer. Under the budget that we passed, we have set aside $400 billion for a Medicare prescription drug benefit. This is a real commitment by Congress to the 40 million Americans who have relied on Medicare, many of them literally all their lives.

It has been almost four decades since Medicare was created, and it is long past time for Congress to strengthen it and to help bring it into the 21st century.

In 1965, when Medicare became law, prescription drug coverage was not included in the benefit package. Back then, it did not make any sense. Prescription drugs played a much smaller role in medical care. But because of technology and advances in health care, and much research that has been done since then, these drugs now do so much more in helping to ensure the good health of America's seniors. These medicines help seniors live longer. They help them live more active and fulfilling lives.

Medicine has changed in a way no one could have predicted back in 1965. However, Congress has failed so far to strengthen Medicare and to recognize these advances and to account for the changes in health care. We now have a chance to make up for that lost ground.

If we are going to maintain a decent Medicare Program for seniors and fulfill our promises to them, we owe it to them to do the best we can to make sure Medicare fully recognizes their needs and the advances in modern medicine.

We have all heard of the amazing advances in prescription drugs, but for many seniors these new lifesaving drugs are unaffordable. Under the bill before us today, many more of these drugs will be within reach of all seniors. This is a good bill for them, and it is a good bill for America.

Part of this legislation deserves special mention. First, the bill gives seniors a new option when it comes to getting their health care. Now under Medicare, most seniors are enrolled in traditional fee-for- service plans. That is understandable. It is what they know and it is what they are comfortable with. About 12 percent of seniors are currently enrolled in Medicare+Choice plans. These are managed care plans like HMOs.

Under this legislation, seniors will have another new option: Preferred provider organizations, or PPOs, for their health care. Outside of Medicare, many Americans have found PPOs to be a solid alternative instead of fee for service or HMOs that some patients find to be too restrictive. Wisely, the bill includes incentives to make sure that PPOs will cover both rural and urban areas, and all seniors in these areas will be eligible to enroll.

Coming from a small, rural State such as Kentucky this is especially important to me. In many rural parts of my State, seniors do not have a choice because the economics just do not work. But the chairman of the Finance Committee wisely crafted this bill to provide incentives to ensure that seniors in rural America have choices, too. If it is good for Iowa, I think it is going to be good for Kentucky.

This bill does not require seniors to move into a PPO or an HMO for a better drug benefit. This idea has been part of other plans on Capitol Hill, and I disagree with it. Instead, under this bill seniors can receive an equal drug benefit under traditional Medicare. We give seniors the choice. It is voluntary. I know many seniors, especially our older or maybe our oldest seniors, will not want to switch out of traditional fee for service. They should not be forced to do this.

My mother-in-law is very happy with what she has, and I am sure she will not change no matter what. That is fine. After promising her she would always get the care she is now receiving, it would be wrong for us to pull the rug out from under her or anybody like her.

In order to be fair to all, this legislation says the drug benefits will be equal in both traditional Medicare and managed care plans, so seniors will not be penalized for staying with traditional Medicare Programs they know and are comfortable with.

Another positive about the bill's benefits is the fact that seniors will have more of a choice to find a drug plan that best suits their needs. This is very similar to what Federal employees do when they choose their health care plans. For example, the benefit structure for plans can differ slightly and the formularies for the plans will likely be a little different one from another. It is this flexibility and choice for seniors which really helps make this bill a winner.

I am also pleased the legislation provides a strong benefit to seniors who have the hardest time affording drug coverage, those who have incomes below 160 percent of the poverty level.

All along I have argued that rich people such as Warren Buffett and Bill Gates do not need our help. We need to first focus on helping seniors who need it most and can afford it least. I am very pleased this bill does just that.

At 160 percent of poverty, an individual's annual income is $14,368 for a single person, and for a couple annual income is $19,392. Many seniors in this category and certainly those who live on less struggle every day to pay for their medicines. Some have to actually choose between food and medicine. Some skip taking doses of their medicine. These are choices that no none in the year 2003 should have to make.

For the 3 million seniors who make even less, the bill provides them with an even more generous benefit. These are our seniors for whom Congress has the largest responsibility. This bill certainly does right by them.

Finally, I am pleased the legislation provides immediate help right now to many low-income seniors. In the year 2004 they will receive $600 a year so they can better afford their prescriptions. This is an immediate benefit for those who need help the most and will help bridge the gap until 2006 when this new drug program is fully up and running.

Congress has a golden opportunity to pass a good prescription drug bill. We absolutely cannot let it slip through our fingers. Too many seniors struggle daily to pay for their prescriptions. In the past, Presidents and Congresses have promised too much, too many times, for older Americans. It is standup time. It is time to deliver. It is time to get the job done. Our seniors deserve it. America deserves it.

I yield the floor and suggest the absence of a quorum.

Mr. President, I honor and pay tribute to one of Kentucky's finer athletes. Greg Buckner, a Hopkinsville native, was inducted into the Kentucky All-Star Hall of Fame for his distinguished accomplishments as a basketball player throughout his high school, college, and professional careers.

As a member of the University Heights Academy basketball team from 1991-1994, Greg led the Blazers to numerous victories including their first State basketball title in 1992 and a game winning record of 30-6 his senior year. At the completion of Greg's high school career, he participated in the Kentucky-Indiana High School All-Star Game. Greg distinguished himself in this contest relieving the Kentucky team of a 54-39 halftime deficit during the first of two games. Unfortunately, Kentucky lost that first game but would redeem itself later during the second game held in Indianapolis. Greg not only relieved Kentucky of a 16 point halftime deficit but made a jump shot with 6.5 seconds remaining to win the game, 75-73.

The experience of the Kentucky-Indiana High School All-Star game would benefit Greg Buckner for many years to come. Greg embraced the high demands inherent of the all-star game demonstrating the mental and physical abilities necessary to achieve success at the college and professional levels of basketball. It was no surprise that Greg's leadership benefitted Clemson during his college career culminating with a trip to the Elite Eight during the 1998 NCAA Tournament. Upon being drafted by the Dallas Mavericks, Greg established himself as a strong defensive player and valuable rebounder. He is now a member of the Philadelphia 76ers.

I am proud of Greg Buckner for his dedication and achievements on and off the court. His example of devotion, teamwork and leadership should be emulated by athletes throughout Kentucky and across America. I thank the Senate for allowing me to recognize Greg and voice his praises.

Mr. President, I honor and pay tribute to one of our Nation's most courageous and admirable heroes. MSG Anthony Pryor, stationed at Fort Campbell, KY, was awarded the Silver Star for his role in a deadly battle in Afghanistan last year. The Silver Star is the third highest military honor, given for valor and gallantry in combat. The inimitable leadership and bravery of MSG Pryor deserves commendation of the highest regard.

On January 25, 2002, MSG Pryor and four other soldiers of the 5th Special

Forces Group were deployed north of Kandahar for a night mission. While al-Qaida and Taliban fighters slept, they were assigned to take over an old schoolhouse building serving as an enemy compound. The mission turned deadly when the enemies awoke and began to shoot, compelling MSG Pryor and his team to return fire.

During the battle MSG Pryor was hit in the shoulder and fell to the ground, losing his night vision goggles. In the hand-to-hand combat that ensued in the dark, MSG Pryor managed to kill his attacker. A total of 21 Taliban and al-Qaida soldiers were killed, and one was detained. Most importantly, none of the Special Forces soldiers were killed.

In a ceremony delayed for over a year because of his deployment to Iraq, MSG Pryor exhibited unparalleled humility. Throughout the battle his concern was primarily for the welfare of his fellow soldiers, and this sentiment is echoed in MSG Pryor's insistence that the Silver Star award be a reflection of the deeds of the entire company.

MSG Anthony Pryor is a paragon of honor, bravery, and valor. His remarkable service to this country should be admired by all Americans. He is a tribute to the U.S. Army and Fort Campbell. I thank the Senate for allowing me to recognize MSG Pryor and extol his praises.

Mr. President, I rise today, along with Senator Boxer, to offer the Arming Cargo Pilots Against Terrorism Act as an amendment to this bill. This amendment closes a loophole to better protect our homeland against terrorists. As a result of the airplane hijackings on September 11, 2001, Congress took the appropriate action to prevent the use of airliners being used as missiles. Last year, large majorities of the Senate and House of Representatives voted to arm both cargo and passenger pilots who voluntarily went for stringent training as part of a program of homeland security which was in the Homeland Security bill. Arming these pilots served to protect the pilots and crew, passengers, and those on the ground from ever being victims of another airline hijacking. It was the right thing to do.

However, during conference of the Homeland Security bill, the cargo pilots were yanked out of the bill. This amendment will return them and close the loophole created when they were left out last year.

This provision enjoys broad support and has already passed the Senate as part of the Air Cargo Security Act earlier this year.

Obviously, I would not be offering it had not the bill gotten tied up in conference and we need another vehicle to get it back to the House, so that is the reason we are offering it on this bill.

Not too many people realize that cargo space is usually not secured as well as passenger space. There are no air marshals, there are no passengers to help protect against terrorists, and there are sometimes invasions of privacy on these planes. In fact, someone from North Dakota actually broke the security and entered an aircraft. Thank God she was found out before the aircraft took off.

We would like this to be added to this bill so we can get it back to the House and a new conference. The whole area of cargo aircraft is not secured by the TSA and many other people who secure passenger terminals or commercial flights. I hope we can agree and get this bill over to the House.

I hope the rest of my colleagues here in the Senate will support this amendment.

Mr. President, I ask for a voice vote.

Nonlethal weapons, and totally voluntary.

They are called Tasers.

Mr. President, I have the privilege and honor of rising today to recognize Miss Jessica Collins of Brandenburg, KY. Jessica was selected as Kentucky's winner of the 2003 Future Farmers of America Award. Jessica was recognized at an awards gala hosted by the Louisville Courier-Journal Newspaper as part of their 2003 Salute to Young Achievers.

Jessica earned this distinguished honor by sharing her commitment to agricultural development through a written essay reviewed and selected by the Kentucky Association of Future Farmers of America and the Kentucky Department of Education. The thoughts conveyed in her essay are not empty words, but instead, hours of hard work show her commitment to excellence.

A graduate of Meade County High School, Jessica's future plans include pursuing a college degree and continuing her passion of ranching. Currently, over 19 Angus cows and numerous farming equipment fall under her ownership and direction. This strong business interest was first sparked in her local 4-H chapter and will aid her as she seeks an economics degree at Western Kentucky University.

I am pleased that Jessica takes such an interest in her community and in agriculture. Her expertise and experience will serve Kentucky well. I want to thank the Senate for allowing me to congratulate Jessica Collins. She is one of Kentucky's finest gems.

Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent to be listed as a cosponsor of the Landrieu amendment.

Mr. President, I rise to honor and pay tribute to Kelsey Ladt of Paducah, KY, for her inimitable sense of giving and community service. Kelsey, age 8, led an art tour fundraiser for the Community Foundation of Western Kentucky, with proceeds benefitting the Lourdes' Foundation patient care fund and the St. Nicholas Free Family Clinic.

Kelsey Curd Ladt, daughter of Vicki and Ric Ladt, is a gifted and precocious young lady with an exceptional sense of selflessness and charity. She singlehandedly led a tour of the artwork inside her parents' home for 35 people. Kelsey paused by each painting to share historical insight and anecdote, a remarkable feat for someone so young.

Kelsey researched art at Murray State University under the tutelage of Dr. Joy Navan. With the encouragement from Navan and family friend Bill Ford, Kelsey planned the fundraiser and interviewed directors of various beneficiaries before selecting the Lourdes' Foundation and the St. Nicholas Free Family Clinic.

Kelsey, who is herself an accomplished artist and pianist, plans on expanding the art tour to four homes in the coming years, in order to better serve her community. Later this summer she will participate in a forensic anthropology course at Murray State University and a gifted and talented camp at Western Kentucky University.

It is my pleasure to honor such an exceptional and altruistic young lady for her extraordinary charitable contributions to her community. I thank the Senate for allowing me to laud her praises. She is one of Kentucky's finest.

Madam President, I wish to pay tribute to Ruth Evans of Henderson, KY, for her selfless devotion to Kentucky's youth. Ruth received the Excellence in Service award from the Kentucky Cabinet for Families and Children for her relentless service as a foster parent.

Representing the Green River Region, Ruth Evans along with her late husband, George, began providing a safe home to children in need 22 years ago and have done so without any prejudice towards the foster child's background, personality or disability. To date she is credited with raising 250 foster children in addition to the eight children of her own. Her love of children and her dedication to ensuring that every child receives the best opportunity to succeed has been the backbone of her service as a foster parent.

While receiving the Excellence in Service award is a wonderful honor for Ruth, she says her greatest reward for her efforts are the occasional visits she receives from former foster children who return as adults with children of their own to share their lives with her. Some foster children come to Ruth neglected and abused but all have had the opportunity to learn and grow in a safe environment.

Ruth's faith in God has been a guiding force during her years spent as a foster parent. As the father of nine children and the grandfather of many more, including some adopted children, I am inspired by Ruth's example. Her efforts have made all the difference in the lives of so many and she has helped make Kentucky a better place to live. Parents and foster parents alike throughout Kentucky and across America should emulate her example. I thank the Senate for allowing me to recognize Ruth and voice her praises. She is Kentucky at its finest.

Madam President, I rise today to honor and pay tribute to all involved in organizing Operation Blessing. Operation Blessing was an event hosted by seven churches for the families of the 159th Aviation Brigade at Fort Campbell, KY which took place on May 3, 2003. It was a work of charity and compassion for which all those involved are certainly deserving of thanks and respect.

David Mudd of God's Outreach, Inc. in Owensboro, KY, led the organization of the event working closely with other community and church leaders, including Mrs. Allison Bird of Fort Campbell; Pastor Troy Oakley of World Destiny Church in Hopkinsville; Pastor Roy Ellis of Christian Assembly Church in Madisonville; Pastor Cleddie Keith of Heritage Assembly of God in Florence; Pastor Louis Embry of Christ Community Church in Hopkinsville; Pastor Tim and Linda Rigdon of New Covenant Church in Providence; Pastor Garswa Matally of Wing Avenue Baptist Church in Owensboro; Pastor Sammy Wilson of Word and Spirit Church in Owensboro; Don Boyd of Bethel Church in McDaniels; Steve Kukul of the Lipton Corporation in Owensboro; and Pastor David Pry of River Outreach Ministries in Evansville, IN.

These men and women raised a lot of needed items and services for the families of the 159th Aviation Brigade, ranging from washing machines and furniture to live music and good company and fellowship. There was a raffle to distribute bicycles and helmets for children of the 159th and 17,000 pounds of food was distributed to the military families. Many of the members of the pastors' congregations came from all around the Commonwealth for fellowship with the families of deployed soldiers and to volunteer their time and services. The most important gift Operation Blessing gave was the reassurance that the sacrifices soldiers and their families make do not go unnoticed or unappreciated.

Operation Blessing was a shining example of love of country and of compassion for our fellow soldiers. These women and men demonstrated that America treats her soldiers and their families with much deserved respect and due honor. They are to be highly commended for their acts of charity and their example should be noted and followed by all.

I thank the Senate for allowing me to recognize Operation Blessing and the sacrifices of the 159th Aviation Brigade and their families. Those who made this charitable event successful and those military families who stand by and support our soldiers in harm's way fighting for our freedom are truly humble and patriotic Americans.

Mr. President, I rise today to honor and pay tribute to Matt Bowles for being selected as the State Winner of the 4-H Award for Excellence. Matt will enroll in the University of Kentucky on scholarship in the fall and is the son of Larry and Diana Bowles of Mount Hermon, KY.

Matt's compassion for immigrants who struggle with language barriers led him to develop a community service project that helped his community break down cultural barriers and welcome diversity. With this program Matt solicited the aid of advanced Spanish students at his high school to help the local English as a Second Language tutoring program for Hispanics.

This award is based upon the leadership, communication, and organizational work Kentucky 4-H members have done through a 4-H Honors program sponsored by the University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service. Matt was selected by judges to be the recipient of this top prize because of the excellence he demonstrated through leadership in a community service project.

The efforts of Matt Bowles should be emulated. Matt has set an example that should be recognized by high school students throughout Kentucky and across America. I am convinced that he will use his strong abilities to make a difference in our country. I thank the Senate for allowing me to recognize Matt and voice his praises for his Head, Heart, Hands, and Health.

Mr. President, I rise today to honor and pay tribute to Brandon Workman for being named the United States Achievement Academy's United States National Award winner in mathematics. Brandon, who is from May's Lick, KY attends Deming High School and is the son of Shelly Mitchell and Robert Workman.

Brandon's enthusiasm towards hard work and the dedication that he has applied to his academic performance has earned him this distinguished honor. He certainly deserves this honor. Brandon's strong commitment to his peers and to being a better citizen have assured me of his future success to our Commonwealth and Nation.

This award is based upon the recommendations of his school faculty and the high standards set forth by the academy. Brandon, like all other recipients of this award, has proven himself in the classroom and has been recognized by those who teach him and know him the best in the classroom.

The efforts of Brandon Workman should be emulated. Brandon has set an example that should be recognized by high school students throughout Kentucky and across America. I am convinced that he will use his strong abilities to make a difference in our country. I thank the Senate for allowing me to recognize Brandon and voice his praises.

Mr. President, I rise today in the Senate to honor and pay tribute to Kentucky State Police Detective Russell Nichols for being named the Trooper of the Year for Post 16 in Henderson.

This is the second time that this honor was bestowed upon Detective Nichols. As a 18-year veteran of the Kentucky State Police, he has proven himself over and over again to be a exemplary law enforcement officer. Detective Nichols was nominated for this prestigious award because of his investigations into crimes ranging from burglaries to homicides. Detective Nichols is also a field training officer who uses his expertise to train and mentor rookie troopers.

The citizens of western Kentucky are fortunate to have Detective Nichols protecting their communities. His example of leadership, hard work, and compassion should be an inspiration to all throughout the Commonwealth.

Congratulations, Detective Nichols, for receiving this award. Detective Nichols is just one of the many Kentucky State Police officers who put others before themselves by vowing to protect and serve Kentuckians. They have earned our admiration and respect, and for this we will always be grateful.