Floor Statements

Will the Senator yield?

Let me say to all of our colleagues and all of my friends on the Republican side and my friends on the Democratic side that this is the greatest opportunity we have had in the 4 years since I have been in the Senate to have truly a jobs bill, a quality jobs bill that pays high wages. Almost every State in the Nation benefits by the Keystone Pipeline.

If you want to take politics out of this, take all of our names off. Senator Landrieu says take her name off. Take my name off. Take everybody's name off, and let's find out who really rises to help Americans.

This is one bill that we have been trying to bring to the forefront. Senator Landrieu has brought it how many times? She was the first person--I said yesterday--who, 4 years ago when I came to the Senate, explained to me how important it was and how it interconnected all of us. I am very appreciative of that.

Now Mary is in the political fight of her life. I pray to the good Lord that the good people of Louisiana understand the fighter she is and what she produces for America every day.

With all that being said, she is willing to take her name off if this piece of legislation will move forward so that the Presiding Officer in Montana and I in West Virginia can get some high-quality jobs. We all benefit from this.

Next, it makes our Nation secure. If you want to protect your people, have a secure nation and don't go chasing energy all over the world. It takes us places we don't want to be and shouldn't be. This does all of that as far as securing our energy and making us energy independent.

But I just saw after the election--and we accept that. I am on the Democratic side. I heard loud and clear the people of West Virginia and the changes they want. What they really told us is: We want you all to do something. If you have a chance to help us with a good job, do it. Don't argue over your politics. It seems as if you are more concerned about your own status of being a politician or being an elected official than you are about mine, which is basically paying my bills, taking care of my family, and being able to be a good American.

What we are saying, we thought we heard that loud and clear. So I will say to all of my friends on the Republican side and all of us on the Democratic side, take a moment and listen to what was just told to us. What was told to us is to do our job--that is what Senator Landrieu was trying to do--move this important piece of legislation forward and do the job we are supposed to.

The best politics is good government. If we do something good as a Republican and as a Democrat, we all get credit for it. We do something bad, and then we try to blame each other--who did it worse than the other. We all get blamed for it. This is the best thing we have had for the last 4 or 5 years. We have had a hard time getting to this point, to almost get a vote for it, and now they want to say: Well, one- upmanship--we will see if it can come over from the House side with a person who is involved in a race against Senator Landrieu. Forget about those people.

Forget about all of us who cosigned and cosponsored this bill, apparently.

Just pass it. Give us a vote and pass it. That is all we are asking for. I think if we do that, the people will say: I think they heard us, and I think they are starting to do something. That is why I am on the floor with Senator Landrieu and the people willing to fight for the jobs that Americans need--not just in Louisiana but in West Virginia, too, and also in Montana.

I thank the Chair.

My good friend, the Senator from Louisiana, has been working on this for many years--I think even before I came up. I have been here 4 years now. When I first came, I talked to Senator Landrieu, my friend from Louisiana, and asked her about this and basically I think she explained to me at the time that first of all the sovereign nation of Canada, the country, was going to produce it so we had no say in the production of this product. It is going to be produced. Next of all, it is going to go somewhere because there is demand for the product in the marketplace. There is a demand for it.

With all that being said, it didn't take me too long to reply to the Senator, she will recall, 4 years ago, that in West Virginia we have common sense and we have good people like Louisiana and we felt if this product is going to be sold and we are buying this type of a product around the world, then why wouldn't we buy from our friends versus the enemies we have supplied resources to, to be used against us? That is the one that resonates with West Virginians. I know it resonates with Louisianians. The other thing is I understand there are 1,000 American companies in West Virginia--not to say what you have been able to do and help the people in Louisiana, all the jobs they have gotten from this, it would be a tremendous windfall for all of us if it is something we can count on.

I can't for the life of me understand why we haven't to date been able to move this piece of legislation forward. I did hear both the minority leader and the majority leader and the minority whip and majority whip talk about it is time for us to start working together.

There is not a better piece of legislation to show that we heard the results of Tuesday's election. We heard. If we heard nothing more from that roar of Americans, whether they voted or didn't vote, they basically told us do something. Start doing what we are supposed to do. Start governing. Do something. We may not agree with you, but we would like to see this open dialogue, this transparency, this beautiful body, the Senate, that the whole world watches. But when they see us doing nothing--it is not something we are very good at or look very good doing. That day is gone.

I would ask my Senate colleagues that if they would be so kind as to give us a chance to show me we are starting anew.

We are going to have a piece of legislation that is going to help us be more secure as a nation, and that is why I am here. I wish to hear the Senator's comments.

The security of our Nation--the Senator has been here. She has been seeing what has been going on, the demand we had for foreign oil, what it has done to us, the areas of the world it has taken us to, and the amount of resources we have spent in blood and treasure fighting for resources--whether people believe it or not. This is a chance for us to secure that. So if the Senator could talk to us about that.

I think that basically the Senator touched on something very important and we want to go back to that--transportation of the oil today. The oil is coming down into the refineries anyway. We have had some explosions by our rail carriers. It is coming by truck, and it is coming in so many different forms. We have been told this is the safest way to transport.

When people talk about safe transport, we know this was not the first pipeline we have in America. I think if you ever look at a map--the Senator has had the map on the floor--there is a crisscross. We have pipelines all across America, and I think that is the perfect map to see.

So the bottom line is it is something we have done. If we take it in the harshest environment in Alaska, the Alaskan pipeline--that means so much to us in America--it has been done in the harshest of environments and has been done safely. So I am concerned about that.

I am also concerned with--the Senator talked about it directly going to Texas, but you all benefit; everyone benefits.

The other thing I wanted to say is this. I know the Senator was in parades yesterday, and I can only imagine her schedule. It has to be unbelievable. But with all that said, people still want jobs. All they want is jobs and an opportunity to work with certainty. This gives Americans a lot of certainty about jobs and future economic growth in our country.

Senator, if I could just touch on one thing because we have here our good friend Senator Tester of Montana, who also knows a thing or two about an energy-producing State.

I think on the environment, you touched on that. Most people believe that people who come from energy States throw caution to the wind on environmental issues. There is no one in this body--I don't believe on either side of the aisle--who doesn't want the best for themselves, their children, families, and future generations.

With that being said, I think this pipeline has passed every hurdle the environmental community--rightfully so--has put out so that we should make sure we were protecting the environment and trying to find a balance between the environment and the economics, if you will. The economy is so vitally important. I don't know if there is any environmental impact study standing in the way that would prevent this.

Let me say the Senator from Montana, and all of us-- there are quite a few of us--are on this bill for a reason. It is about the opportunities for jobs that we have. And it doesn't have an environmental detriment to our country. That has already been proven. So with all of this, what is the hangup? Why can't we get this vote we are hoping to get by tomorrow at the latest?

I can only talk about the jobs with the thousand American companies that are providing the goods it takes to build this pipeline. I have a chance in West Virginia--we are doing an awful lot of the work right now because we come from an energy State that does an awful lot of the support work for any type of energy throughout the country and around the world. But the bottom line is, again, if you are going to have a secure nation, you have to have control of your own destiny. This gives us the control we don't have, it gives us the ability to say, listen, we may not have to go around the world and engage in the different conflicts we see going on right now. That is what we are talking about.

So the security of the Nation, I think, is the most important thing Keystone does, is it helps us be more secure with the greatest trading partner we have. Canada is the best and the largest trading partner for 35 States out of the 50. People take jaunts all over the world trying to develop a market here and there. But when it comes down to it, the No. 1 trading partner for 35 States is Canada. And Canada is working with us.

I know Canada has pressure from around the world to go somewhere else. So if we have the best partner--the best outlook we have ever had or can imagine--working with us to help develop this product the whole world seems to need and want and we need in America, why not have control?

The Senator from Louisiana talked about this. Why shouldn't we bring that oil into America and do all the heavy lifting and then ship it somewhere else? It is supply and demand. When you have control of supply, when you have the supply in your own back yard--and there might be demand, but you have a need also within our country--that gives a pretty good hand to play. That is what we are saying. Why would we let any of these advantages be turned to a disadvantage?

The only thing I can do is hope we can get this vote. And I would say to

my good friends on the other side of the aisle, my Republican colleagues, this would be the best gesture to move the ball forward. This would be the best gesture they could make, coming off of the changes, the shift we saw from Tuesday's election. People are speaking. They want us to work. It is the same for the Senator from Montana, the same for the Presiding Officer. They want us to do something. They want us to work.

We are not going to agree all the time with people. The best we can do is try. We had a football game we played the other day at WVU. We played TCU. We were ahead. We should have won the game. Going into the last half of the fourth quarter, for some reason the play calling wasn't as aggressive as it had been the first three quarters. We sat on the ball and we got beat 31 to 30. People don't want us to sit on the ball in the Senate.

It is time for us to do something. It is time for us to move forward. After Tuesday's election, we can work together. We have heard you loud and clear. We are willing to take a vote. We know the environment will be protected. We know we can find a balance between the environment and the economy. We know we can reap thousands and thousands and thousands of jobs and put millions and millions of dollars into the economy. That is what we do know.

There will still be some people who don't support this piece of legislation, and they have all their reasons to speak about that. But give us a reason to vote for something that will help America and help our States individually. That is what we are asking for. That is what the good Senator has been fighting for since the day I have been here.

Senator Landrieu being the chairman of the energy committee has made a difference from my standpoint, looking at our energy policy as a whole. But how do we keep the United States of America secure and out of troubled spots in the world? I appreciate her efforts on this, and I look forward to working with her on this. I endorsed the bill, I am a cosponsor, and I will definitely proudly vote for this piece of legislation as soon as we can get it on the floor.

I can't speak for others. I will be about 3 to 5 minutes.

Senator Harkin?

Senator Toomey?

I would say a good half hour.

First, I wish to thank my good friend Senator Pat Toomey for working with me on this critical legislation to make sure our kids remain safe in every single school across this great country of ours. I am a father of three and grandfather of eight, and there is nothing more important to me than protecting our children and grandchildren. Our bill is just common sense and has already passed by a voice vote with not one in opposition in the House.

This legislation makes sure all employees who work with our students pass a background check to make sure they have no criminal records or an abusive history. That includes everyone from principals, teachers, and secretaries to cafeteria workers and janitors.

Since January 1, 410 teachers across America have been arrested for sexual misconduct--just since January 1 of this year. That is more than one teacher per day who has sexually assaulted a student. And that only includes those who have been caught and detained. Do we dare wonder how many predators we could have prevented from harming our students if this bill had been passed years ago, including the outcome of the rape of a young West Virginia student named Jeremy Bell?

Twelve-year-old Jeremy was a fifth grade student from Fayette County, WV, who had been on an overnight fishing trip with his elementary principal when he mysteriously died from a head injury in 1997. Nearly 8 years later, investigators discovered that Jeremy was raped and murdered by none other than Edward Friedrichs, Jr. That was Jeremy's principal and supervisor on the trip. Thankfully, Mr. Friedrichs is now serving a life sentence in connection with Jeremy's death.

Although Jeremy's death is in and of itself disturbing, Mr. Friedrichs' past proves to be even more troublesome. Prior to working as Fayette County's principal, Mr. Friedrichs had previously been dismissed by a school in Delaware County, PA, on suspicion of sexual misconduct. That school then helped him land a new teaching position in Fayette County, WV. He taught for 26 years in West Virginia--26 years-- before he was finally dismissed in 2001 when he was indicted for sexually abusing four boys--not one but four we know of.

This story is heartbreaking and simply unacceptable today. As a parent and grandparent and as a representative of the great State of West Virginia, inaction is not an option.

There are more than 4 million teachers and school staff employed by our public school districts across the United States. There are millions of additional workers who have direct access to students, including busdrivers, cafeteria workers, and janitors. Yet there is no national background check policy in place for the people who work directly with our kids everyday. Even worse, not all of our States require checks of child abuse and neglect registries or sex-offender registries. Not all of them. Some do. A lot don't. A recent report by the Government Accountability Office found that five States don't require background checks at all--nothing at all--for applicants seeking employment in our schools. In addition, not all States use both Federal and State sources of criminal data, such as a State law enforcement criminal database or the FBI's Interstate Identification Index.

Our bill would simply require mandatory background checks of State criminal registries, State child abuse and neglect registries, an FBI fingerprint check, and a check of the National Sex Offender Registry for existing and prospective employees.

Every child deserves to have at least one place where they feel safe and comfortable. For many of our kids these days, that place is at school.

This is truly a commonsense bill that aims to help protect our kids from sexual assault predators or any individual who inappropriately behaves in our schools.

It only makes sense that we do everything we can to allow our children to have one safe place in their life, and unfortunately that is our schools. If we can make even the smallest difference

in changing the outcomes of the lives of students like Jeremy Bell, then we have done our jobs.

I hope all my colleagues will consider this when they are thinking of saying: Well, we already do it in our State. Well, guess what, there are many States that do not for whatever reason. We are just asking to make it uniform across our country.

I yield the floor.

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

I ask unanimous consent to speak for up to 15 minutes or until my remarks are complete.

Madam President, I rise today to discuss the gravest and most important issue we can debate in Congress. I am here to talk about America's involvement in the Middle East and President Obama's plan to defeat ISIS. Make no mistake, we must defeat and destroy ISIS. But how we destroy them is what we must get right.

I applaud the President for presenting a plan to the American people. I support airstrikes against ISIS. I support providing humanitarian aid. I support cutting off terrorist funding sources. Doing these things has already helped to prevent genocide and has already begun to roll back ISIS's gains in Iraq.

I also support in engaging the world community, but most importantly Turkey and the Arab League nations. Unfortunately, I have not seen signs from the region that tell me we have their full support. This should be an Arab ground war and a U.S. air war, but I cannot and will not support arming or training the Syrian opposition forces. I did not come to this decision easily.

I spoke with military and foreign policy experts. I attended classified briefings and asked questions of this administration--but, most importantly, I studied our history.

We have been at war in that part of the world for the past 13 years. If money and military might could have made a difference, it would have by now.

In Iraq alone, we spent the better part of 8 years training the Iraqi police and military force of a 280,000-person army at the cost of $20 billion to the American people--$20 billion. The first time they had to step up and defend their country, their people, and their way of life, what did they do? They folded in the face of ISIS, abandoning their equipment and facilities to the enemy.

I ask my colleagues and the President, why do we think that training the rebels would turn out any differently?

In West Virginia, we understand the definition of insanity. We get it.

The first principle of war is to know your enemy. And we certainly know our enemy.

ISIS is a barbaric terrorist with no respect for humanity, and they deserve to die. I have seen the videos and, like every American, I was disgusted and outraged.

But as it is most important to know your enemy, it is equally important to know your allies--and I am not confident we know who our allies are.

To illustrate that point, I refer my colleagues to press reports that moderate Syrian opposition forces sold American journalist Steven Sotloff to ISIS, who beheaded him and put the video on the Internet. Are those people our allies?

Who are our other allies in this fight? As of today, we have only hints of military support from Arab countries that themselves face a greater threat from ISIS than any one of us.

Syria's neighbors have the technical ability and the financial resources to support and train the Syrian opposition forces. If that is the correct course of action we should take, they have the wherewithal to do it.

In the 1991 Iraq war, we had commitments from our allies around the world, but most importantly from the Arab community. We had a total buy-in. I know Secretary of State Kerry has been working tirelessly to build a similar coalition and to recruit support from Iraq's neighbors, because it is their neighborhood and theirs to defend. I hope it is successful because, as our intelligence community has said repeatedly, ISIS could soon become a direct threat to the United States of America. But I strongly believe that if our military arms and trains Syrian rebels, we will be involving ourselves in a ground conflict that we cannot resolve where potentially everyone involved is our enemy.

To my mind, the reasons not to arm Syrian rebels today are very clear. No. 1, first, the weapons we give to moderate opposition may not remain in their hands. If my colleagues have seen the videos of ISIS shipping U.S. Army humvees and MRAPs out of Iraq that we gave to the Iraqi Army, they will understand what I mean.

No. 2, I have seen no evidence that the Syrian rebels we plan to train and arm will remain committed to American goals or our interests. The vast majority of national level Syrian rebel groups are Islamist, none of whom are interested in allying with the United States. This is not to their best interests--and not in their interest--and none of whom we should be associating with.

Further, the opposition fighters we will train care more about overthrowing Assad's regime than they do about defeating ISIS. Assad is evil, make no mistake about it, but he is not a threat to America. If the moderate opposition has to choose between defeating Assad and defeating ISIS, why do we believe--think about this--they will choose our priority over their own? Why would we even think that? How do we know they won't join forces with ISIS if it helps them overthrow Assad, their main objective?

No. 3, authorizing military support for Syrian rebels will inextricably draw us into a civil war we have no way to end--and we have seen this picture unfold before. Our fight is against ISIS and the Islamist terrorist groups that threaten the United States. A limit of that fight should be doing what we need to do to protect Americans and to prevent genocide. Every further step we take from that basic principle of protecting Americans and preventing genocide takes us back down the road of Middle Eastern nation-building. That means we should support others with counterterrorism forces, intelligence gathering, air power, and diplomatic efforts--and it means stopping the flow of illicit oil, money, and fighters across Syria's borders. We do not need to arm and train Syrian rebels to protect Americans.

I would ask my colleagues to consider America's history of intervention in the Middle East. It has not been a successful one. Interventions have failed in Lebanon, Somalia, Libya, Iraq, and Afghanistan is on the brink of failure.

What did we learn from our actions? Certainly not that going into Muslim countries to restore order or restore democracy is a winning strategy for us.

I have been very clear: We have every right to and we must--we must-- defend ourselves and protect American citizens and interests against terrorists anywhere in the world. I again voice my strong support for the counterterrorism efforts already ongoing to protect Americans, but we have proven by blood and treasure already spent that we have not made a difference with American boots on the ground in this part of the world.

Some have used the examples of our garrisons in Germany, Japan, Korea, and the Balkans as examples of where the United States successfully established the rule of law with residual military forces, but such comparisons have little basis in history. Once our mission was achieved and occupation began, our troops did not face the threat of violence from the same people we had just defended and liberated.

Others have said if we had kept a residual force in Iraq that ISIS would never have taken hold, and I respectfully disagree. How can I fault a President for pulling troops out after 8 years, billions spent, and thousands of lives lost, with no end in sight? Again we trained in Iraq a military of 280,000 persons at a cost of $20 billion, and when they faced their first test, they folded. That was a fraction of the total cost of our wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.

I wish to give a rundown of where we stand today. In Iraq, conservatively, we have spent $818 billion. In Afghanistan, we have spent $747 billion, and that is continuing to grow. The total cost of our recent wars: $1.6 trillion, and that is growing. That doesn't include the cost of long-term care of wounded veterans, over 50,000.

But the cost in money is nothing compared to the cost of lives. In Iraq, 4,400 dead, 36,000 wounded. In Afghanistan and still counting, 2,200 dead and 21,000 wounded.

I know my vote comes with a price. I know that. It is my understanding that

the same vote we make to train and fund the Syrian opposition forces will also be one to pass a CR to fund our government. I do not believe we should be forced to decide between funding our government and arming Syrian rebels in the same vote.

We should be ashamed for failing to pass appropriations bills to finance government operations for the fiscal year that starts 2 weeks from now, and more ashamed that for the sake of expediency--expediency because of an election coming up--that we are using a stopgap continuing resolution as a vehicle for authorizing major military activity that will have repercussions for generations to come.

Asking us to make this choice is a disservice to the American people. But if that is a decision I am forced to make--and I will say if that is a decision I am forced to make--it is one I am committed to making. I understand my vote will likely not be the deciding vote, but even if it were, I would still cast the same vote. I believe these votes should be separate and debated. We owe that to the American people. We have this time to do it. I believe with all my heart we have more than enough time to do this. I am prepared, as some of my colleagues, to stay in session so we can give the American people the debate and transparent transition they deserve.

We must learn from our past mistakes and we must not repeat them. I believe our country deserves this debate. Let me make it clear, I believe ISIS is a grave threat to the region and could become a direct threat to the United States. We must confront and defeat them. I just do not believe that arming the Syrian opposition forces is the correct approach, because I can foresee a Senate debate a few years from now-- not that far off--I can see this coming about how to defeat the next group of Islamist terrorists we helped to train and install.

I have not come to this decision easily, and I know it comes with consequences, but I believe the people of West Virginia sent me to the Senate to make tough decisions and vote to do what is best for not only all West Virginians but for every American.

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

Mr. President, I wish to honor Jack Rossi, who is not only a truly remarkable West Virginian, but he is also one of my dearest friends and closest confidants. After tirelessly working his entire life, Jack has finally surrendered to a well-deserved retirement having stepped down as presiding member of West Virginia's largest accounting and consulting firm, Arnett Foster Toothman, and as chairman of the Charleston Area Alliance, a multi-faceted economic, business and community development organization. But these prominent titles just breach the tip of the iceberg since Jack's story is based on a lifetime of accomplishments and a lifetime of service that ceaselessly has helped our great State of West Virginia thrive and prosper.

A native of the small town of Coalton in Randolph County, WV, just a few counties away from my hometown area in Marion County, Jack learned at an early age the importance of hard work and embraced West Virginia's cultural practice of neighbors helping neighbors. As the son of an Italian coal miner who shared a roof with 13 siblings, Jack was no stranger to staying busy with chores and helping out around the neighborhood until he was old enough to work at Coalton's general store at the ripe age of 12. As he grew older and became intrigued by how to run a business, Jack watched the local accountant balance the store's numbers. Soon enough, Jack was finishing the accounting work himself until he set out to attain a higher education at West Virginia University, where it just so happened that our paths crossed.

I will never forget that day. I was hobbling down the hallway on crutches after I blew out my knee on the football field. Juggling books, bags and crutches on one leg, a fellow student approached me to offer assistance. His name was Jack. I will never forget his selfless act of kindness and how naturally it seemed for him to see a person in need and immediately want to help. But, as I learned quickly and throughout the years of a beautiful friendship, that is just who Jack is--amiable, loyal, and gracious.

We hear about lifetime achievers, but Jack is a lifetime giver. At every turn of the road, whether it be as a young boy, as an enthusiastic college student, a Vietnam veteran or as a professional, Jack has devoted his time and his efforts to helping others and helping his surrounding communities. Jack's unwavering dedication to the Mountain State, accompanied by his innovative vision, inspirational spirit, and savvy aptitude, have helped countless West Virginians, their businesses and our communities statewide.

Because of his passion, discipline, and staunch work ethic, everyone who meets Jack immediately recognizes his aptitude for success and knows he will work day and night until the job is done. His loyalty, trustworthiness and dedication know no bounds.

Jack has not only played the roles of accomplished certified public accountant and savvy business and community developer, but he is a devoted volunteer who has always spent his free time joining organizations that impact our local communities. He has served as president of the Charleston Chapter of CPAs, the WV Society of CPAs and the WV Board of Accountancy. He has supported his profession through service on numerous committees on statewide and national levels.

Jack spends countless hours each year in service to West Virginia State government. He currently serves on the West Virginia Board of Treasury Investments and the West Virginia Racing Commission.

And of course, never forgetting his Mountaineer roots, Jack currently also serves on the Board of Directors of the West Virginia University Alumni Association as Immediate Past Chairman.

He previously served 5 years as Treasurer and was heavily involved in the successful fundraising campaign to build a new Alumni Center at

Madam President, I wish to extend warm wishes and gratitude to my dear friend, Tasso de Castro Lugon, who is retiring after a lifetime of outstanding public service as a southwestern Brazilian judge in his State of Espirito Santo and as a member and former chairman of the Partners of the Americas.

I first met Tasso when I served as Secretary of State of West Virginia and have had the pleasure of working with him continuously as Governor and now as a Senator. We immediately established a friendship over shared philosophies, including the importance of forging meaningful relationships, working together for the common good, and creating lasting connections with the people we represent--something I also like to call retail government.

In West Virginia we value hard work, loyalty, and our cultural practice of neighbors helping neighbors. These values depict who we are as West Virginians and as Americans, which is why I am so very honored to congratulate Tasso on not only his countless achievements throughout his professional career but also his devotion to always staying true to those defining principles.

Always committed to the rule of law, Tasso served as a judge in the Brazilian court throughout his career. But true to his staunch dedication to building long-lasting relationships with local communities and those abroad, Tasso also became a member of the Partners of the Americas for 36 years before

reaching the pinnacle of his career serving as chairman of the board.

Throughout his tenure, Tasso has upheld an unfailing devotion to the friendship between the sister States of Espirito Santo and West Virginia. From the shores and peaks of Espirito Santo to the mountains, valleys, and rivers of the Mountain State, our friendship grew out of a common bond of respect to strengthening the relationship between our sister States. I cannot thank Tasso enough for cultivating that respect through a lifetime of unwavering service and dedication.

West Virginians will continue to advance in many endeavors based on the new relationships and contacts that Tasso has formed, and our State will continue to benefit from his promotion of cultural, economic, and educational development between North and South America.

I join my fellow West Virginians in sending our warmest regards to Tasso and his family for a happy and healthy retirement. We are deeply grateful for his loving and carefree spirit that he has dedicated to a lifetime of public service.

Madam President, I wish to recognize a dear friend, a proud American and a passionate West Virginia leader, Jim Haught, who is celebrating his 90th birthday on August 6, 2014. I am incredibly grateful for Jim, for his loyal friendship and his unwavering support over the years. I am proud to celebrate his vast achievements and his many years of dedicated service to his community, to West Virginia, and to our Nation.

A native West Virginian, Jim was born in the small town of Weston and was raised in New Martinsville. He was the proud son of Ben and Orpha Haught. With 11 siblings, there is no doubt that Jim learned early on about the meaning of life's most important concepts, including leadership, sacrifice, and commitment. True to Jim's character, he also had an eagerness and a passion for policy and government affairs from a very young age.

Throughout his 90 years, and still today, Jim has always answered the call of service--whether it was for our great Nation or for the beautiful people of West Virginia. After graduating from Pine Grove High School, he joined the Navy and served proudly and honorably for 3 years.

After returning home from the Navy, he left his hometown of New Martinsville to focus on his education at Salem College and then at George Washington University in Washington, DC, where he was classmates with Margaret Truman, the daughter of President Harry S. Truman. Jim then went on to study law at West Virginia University and while there, founded the university's Young Democratic Club in 1948. It was also at West Virginia University that Jim first met my uncle, A. James Manchin. The two became lifelong best friends.

Jim's commitment to his family and to the community continued after leaving West Virginia University. In 1952, Jim met his beautiful wife Melba in Parkersburg and soon thereafter the loving couple had their four boys, Greg, Cameron, Benji, and Danny. To this day, his commitment to his family has undoubtedly always been his No. 1 priority in life.

Steadfast to his smalltown values, Jim has never been afraid to stand for the principles he was taught at an early age, never forgetting his West Virginia roots. He has always strived to make a positive difference across our great State, and in 1958, Jim decided to run for public office to represent Wood County in the West Virginia House of Delegates. He served for 2 years, until Jim embarked on a new journey in 1960.

As a staunch Democratic supporter, Jim and A. James together played an extraordinarily significant role in John F. Kennedy's Presidential campaign in West Virginia. The duo worked tirelessly setting up county organizations in all of our State's 55 counties. They worked day and night laying the groundwork, coordinating statewide efforts, and gathering the support that directly resulted in Kennedy's Presidential victory. It was Jim's perseverance and energy that helped make JFK's Presidency a reality.

Jim and A. James' hard work and commitment to the campaign did not go unnoticed. When President Kennedy arrived in the White House, he personally called Jim and offered him a position as the Director of Federal Housing, while A. James became the State Director of the Farmers Home Administration. Honored, Jim accepted the position and moved to St. Albans in Kanawha County, where he remained active in his community while working for the President.

It is not surprising to anyone who has had the pleasure of knowing him, but Jim's success and his tremendous accomplishments have been recognized on many levels.

Today, Jim continues to serve the people of West Virginia through the Hansford Senior Center, a community center he established in St. Albans to help care for aging seniors in the area.

It has been an honor and privilege to know such an exceptional West Virginian. Jim's imprint will always be marked by his countless contributions to the State of West Virginia. I join all West Virginians in wishing Jim a happy birthday and in celebrating his 90 years of success, and I look forward to celebrating many more birthdays with my dear friend for years to come.

Mr. President, I came to the floor to speak on these two commonsense pieces of legislation.

My dear friends Senator Shaheen and Senator Portman--Democrat and Republican--have worked so hard in a bipartisan way, which we don't always see anymore on the floor here or over on the House side. It is a shame. People tell me about how things used to be. I have been here not quite 4 years, and I haven't seen it yet. I am still waiting for it to happen. But we have a bill, the Shaheen-Portman bill. It is basically a bill that creates jobs, saves money, makes significant strides toward a more energy-efficient nation, which we should be.

I am from an energy-producing State, the great State of West Virginia. My dear friend Senator Heitkamp is from the great State of North Dakota, which is a tremendous energy-producing State. We believe in energy policies. We believe we should be using everything we have to make sure we have the economic engine so we can compete globally and in a very competitive way.

With that being said, this is the low-hanging fruit. This is truly low-hanging fruit. And we all agree--why shouldn't we pass a piece of legislation that basically we all benefit--all 50 States will benefit. The bill will put us on a path toward a more sustainable future. It has broad support, as we can see. And our colleague Senator Cornyn from Texas will tell you that if it got voted on, it would pass overwhelmingly. Now, that is hard for me, coming from West Virginia where there is a lot of common sense.

People say: Well, if it would pass, why don't you just vote on it and pass it?

That is what I am saying. It is a shame that politics has trumped good policy in this body and in this city, and we have to get back to some order of common sense.

I am a tremendous supporter of this piece of legislation. I thank Senator Shaheen for all the hard work she has done. She has not given up. She will not give up. And that is what it takes--the tenacity to make sure a good piece of legislation which not only helps the great people of New Hampshire, it helps all of us. That is what I am looking forward to.

Then we look at the Keystone Pipeline. I have never seen a piece of legislation that makes more sense than this piece of legislation, the Keystone Pipeline. When I first heard about this, people said: Senator Manchin, what do you think about this?

The only thing I can say is that in West Virginia we would rather buy from our friends than our enemies. So we are going to buy the oil. The oil is going to be sold somewhere in the world. Why shouldn't we have access to that? Why shouldn't we have control of that? Why shouldn't we benefit from the jobs? We are talking 20,000 direct jobs during construction, 118,000 indirect and spinoff jobs after construction, contributing $20 billion of economic stimulus to the United States. Every State, including my State of West Virginia--new Hampshire, North Dakota, Rhode Island--we are all going to benefit.

It is something we find almost reprehensible, for us not to be able to vote on legislation. And I understand the amendment process. I understand all of that. But when we have very clearly defined pieces of legislation that really create good policy for all of America, that is something for which sometimes maybe we push the politics aside, we vote on the policies and the contents of these other pieces of legislation, which I know West Virginia would be happy for me to vote on, and I will be in very much support of these two pieces.

With that, I thank Senator Shaheen for her hard work. I thank her for her not-give-up attitude, that New Hampshire commitment she has. She is going to work and fight. We are going to be right behind her and work with our bipartisan friends on the other side. Senator Portman has committed the same way. So we hope we can get something reasonably done.

Mr. President, I yield the floor.

Mr. President, I want to thank a longtime and dedicated member of my staff, Travis Mollohan, and to wish him the best on his next professional venture--as director of State, corporate and community relations for West Virginia University.

Raised by caring parents, Todd and Brenda Mollohan, in the geographic heart of our State, Braxton County, Travis learned from a young age the value of being involved in his community and the importance of being a team player. As a proud Braxton County Eagle, Travis was a member of the high school's award-winning band, speech and debate team and president of the National Honor Society. Travis even volunteered for me during my unsuccessful 1996 gubernatorial run.

Travis graduated from Braxton County High School in 2000 and then attended college at West Virginia University. There, he was treasurer of the WVU Young Democrats, head of the Student Government Association's campus safety committee and studied abroad at Dublin City University in Ireland. Travis volunteered during my successful campaign for Governor in 2004 and began working for me in 2005 as deputy scheduler.

From my first days as the 34th Governor of the great State of West Virginia, my top priority was to deliver excellent customer service to our fellow West Virginians. Travis was ideally suited for my team--he was hardworking, smart and always there to lend a helping hand to those in need.

Travis served my gubernatorial administration in various capacities, and whether it was through tragedy or triumph, Travis represented my office with the utmost distinction.

After winning the unexpired term for the U.S. Senate in 2010, I asked Travis to help me bring our commonsense West Virginia values to Washington. He served as my director of scheduling in 2011, before returning to my State operations as director of outreach. He did an amazing job visiting the beautiful communities of the Mountain State and listening to our citizens' ideas and concerns.

Recently, I asked Travis to serve as my director of constituent services. I was confident yet again that he could do the job because Travis truly understands what West Virginians need--someone who is compassionate, thoughtful and knowledgeable about our state and the complexities of government.

Not a day passes that Travis is not dedicated to making West Virginia a better place to live, work and raise a family.

I am sad to see Travis leave my office, but I am so excited for his future. He has accepted a position with his alma mater, West Virginia University--our State's flagship university. No one is better suited for the task ahead of him than Travis.

WVU has made a significant and positive impact on the Mountain State. It offers a first-class learning experience and its graduates are spread around the world making a difference. But it is more than just an incredible institution of higher learning. WVU's programs and services improve the lives of our citizens and our communities. In our daily lives, we can always do more, and I am so proud to know that Travis will be helping WVU reach the next level.

It is very difficult to imagine my office without Travis, but I know he will bring the same level of excitement, energy, and dedication to his new position as he brought to my office for more than 9 years. He is a responsive, critical thinker who truly cares about our State and fellow citizens. He is a West Virginian through and through and a proud Mountaineer.

Travis has a bright future ahead of him, and I am pleased to say that very soon he will be marrying the love of his life, Lindsey Bennett-- from my hometown of Fairmont--who is a beautiful and intelligent young lady. I know that they will have a long and happy life together, and I am proud to say that they will always remain a part of the Manchin family.

Mr. President, I wish to honor the remarkable life of a young West Virginian, Michael Carroll, who sadly lost his life to cancer on July 3. Although he said goodbye to family, friends and loved ones far too early, Michael led a tremendously accomplished life during his 17 years, and he truly touched the lives of so many with his heartfelt and inspirational efforts to help other children around the world battle cancer. Although we are all heartbroken about Michael's passing, it is a privilege to celebrate his extraordinary achievements.

A Wheeling native, Michael Paul Carroll was diagnosed with leukemia in 2003. After 3 years of treatment, he won his battle with cancer. Unfortunately in 2013, after years in remission, Michael was diagnosed with a glioblastoma grade IV brain tumor due to the radiation from previous treatment.

Yet, even though he was once again fighting for his own life, Michael's illness never stopped him from making a difference in the lives of other children suffering from cancer. While battling his brain tumor, Michael came up with the idea to design a stress relief toy that helps kids cope with cancer. The idea is that anytime young cancer patients feel frustrated with their treatment or have a bad day, they can exert their anger into these toys. After some thought and help from the community, he created Michael's Meanies so ``a child with cancer can give it back to their sickness,'' he said. Michael invented three beanies after the three types of childhood cancers: Terry the Terrible Tumor, Lily Lymphoma, and Lousy Louie Leukemia.

Michael once said:

I wanted to give something to the kids that they could take

their anger out on. I thought of making these into a stress

ball-like toy that the kids can squeeze hard, punch or even

throw them. My ultimate goal is for every child diagnosed

with cancer to get one during their treatment.

Although his ultimate goal has yet to be achieved, Michael's reach knows no bounds and he was able to help children around the world. With 15,000 meanies made, it is not rare to see a child holding one of Michael's Meanies in a children's hospital in all 50 States, Puerto Rico, Canada, England, Australia, and New Zealand. Through his meanies, Michael continues to make children's daily battle with cancer a little easier.

While making a difference throughout West Virginia, the United States and the world, Michael also made a significant impact in his hometown of Wheeling. He truly touched each person he met. Michael attended Wheeling Park High School, and also volunteered at the Ohio Valley Medical Center and St. Alphonsus Catholic Church. He often visited children's hospitals to spread laughter and joy while meeting with cancer patients. Michael said, ``I take everything with humor,'' and wisely stated that laughter is the best medicine.

The strength that Michael mustered every day should inspire not only our sick young, but his resilience and goodwill should inspire all of us. His legacy and influence will live on through his meanies as they comfort children fighting for their lives around the world. Michael, thank you for the gift you have left for us all.

Madam President, I wish to commemorate the service of a patriot and decorated Soldier, COL Roy W. Bahr. Roy joined the U.S. Army in 1950 after the onset of the Korean War. Shortly after graduating from Officer Candidate School, he deployed to Korea and served as an infantry platoon leader. Following his deployment, Colonel Bahr volunteered for U.S. Army Special Forces and went on to serve with the 5th Special Forces Group (Airborne) in Vietnam. There, he was assigned as the commander of Forward Operating Base 3, Khe Sanh, leading elements of Military Assistance Command Vietnam--Studies and Observations Group, MACVSOG.

MACVSOG was tasked with conducting highly classified operations throughout Southeast Asia during the Vietnam war. This highly decorated unit was responsible for gathering critical intelligence throughout the conflict and was so effective that the North Vietnamese had to divert tens of thousands of troops in an attempt to counter MACVSOG operations. Consequently, MACVSOG's casualty rates were higher than any American unit since the American Civil War.

Only the best and most highly skilled commanders were involved with MACVSOG. During Colonel Bahr's time with MACVSOG, he commanded forward operating bases at Phu Bai, Kontum, and Khe Sanh. Colonel Bahr was responsible for dozens of reconnaissance teams and special reaction forces that often worked clandestinely in enemy occupied territory with limited support. It is difficult to fully articulate the risk incurred by Colonel Bahr and his men, or the difficulty of their missions, as they heroically served our Nation.

Colonel Bahr commanded MACVSOG, FOB-3 during the height of the siege at Khe Sanh in 1968. Under constant bombardment, Colonel Bahr's reconnaissance teams were given full authority to operate outside the compound during what would become one of the largest battles of the Vietnam war. Colonel Bahr's unit, in concert with a large contingent of U.S. Marines, fought to prevent the North Vietnamese units from overrunning the combat base at Khe Sanh.

Later in the conflict, Colonel Bahr organized and led a force to relieve an American operating base at Da Nang after it came under assault by North Vietnamese sappers on August 22 and 23, 1968. The North Vietnamese attack on Da Nang was the single deadliest day for U.S. Army Special Forces during the war. Colonel Bahr's relief effort and subsequent pursuit of remaining enemy personnel was critical in gaining full control of the base and saving American lives.

In early 1961, while visiting Fort Bragg, President Kennedy stated, ``The Green Beret is a symbol of excellence, a badge of courage, a mark of distinction in the fight for freedom.'' COL

Roy W. Bahr's devotion to duty and professional leadership as a commander, a warrior and a Green Beret exemplifies this mark of distinction. Roy's life is testament to the highest attributes of American service, individual bravery, and patriotism, and I am glad to have this opportunity to thank him.

I thank the Chair.

I am pleased to join my friend Senator Whitehouse from the great State of Rhode Island to talk about this important subject. In the past, we may not always have agreed on how to approach this problem, but at least we have come together to work on a solution together. That is very important. That is a rare thing in Washington, as the Presiding Officer knows. We are determined to see if we can find common ground to move forward.

As the Senator suggested, the way we produce and consume energy in our States is quite different. I am the Mountain State, he is the Ocean State. Nonetheless, we both agree we need to strike a balance between the economy and the environment. One cannot go it alone. It takes a balance, if you will, in about anything we do in life, one that acknowledges the reality of the climate change, while also understanding that fossil fuels, more specifically coal that we produce so much of in our State, is such a part of our economy, is a vital part of our energy mix for decades to come. That is by the Department of Energy, the EAI's own claim.

There is no doubt that 7 billion people have impacted our world's climate. Those who deny that I believe are wrong. A lot of them are my friends. I believe we have had an impact and we have a responsibility. But we need to know what is going on and the facts we are dealing with in the world today.

There are more than 8 billion tons of coal consumed around the world each year. This gives an outline of where most of that coal is consumed. Currently China burns more than 4 billion tons per year. They are not stopping or letting up. If anything, they are increasing their consumption and building more coal-fired plants as we speak, while the United States and Europe each burn less than 1 billion tons. So the United States of America, you could say, uses less than one-eighth of the coal consumed annually in the world. If we stopped burning every kind of coal, would that really clean up the climate? But if we find ways to do it better, can we help the rest of the world clean up the climate? That is what we are here to talk about.

There is a broad agreement in the scientific community that carbon emissions and other human contributions are causing substantial changes to the Earth's climate. According to the West Virginia State Climatologist's Office, five of the six wettest years have occurred since 1989; four have occurred since 1990.

Just as I do not deny the existence of climate change, my friend Senator Whitehouse does not deny that eliminating coal from the energy mix would hurt the reliability of our grid. He knows that you cannot do it. We have got to work together to keep the reliability in the system, which is so vital to people all over this country.

Without coal, the northeast United States would have suffered severe and enduring power outages during last winter's polar vortex. If our reliability had failed during the polar vortex we came through this past year, there is no question people would have died--no question at all.

Importantly, during that period of time, coal provided 92 percent of the increase in energy needed to survive that disaster.

Coal was able to go online to back up the grid. Ninety-two percent of it was driven by coal because it is dependable, reliable, and affordable.

This chart shows basically the portion of increase in U.S. electricity generation by fuel, January-February 2014, the times we needed it most to keep the grid systems up and running. You can see coal--92 percent--and natural gas fell because of distribution problems we had. It will increase, it will get better as distribution and infrastructure is built.

Oil, nuclear, hydro, renewable--you can see they weren't able to pick up the demand that was needed or the load that was needed to keep the system moving.

Nick Akins is the CEO of American Electric Power. He said this about the polar vortex: ``This country did not just dodge a bullet--it dodged a cannon ball''

We need to address climate change, but we need to do it while maintaining the reliability of our electricity system. Senator Whitehouse and I both realize that coal will remain a vital part of our Nation's general portfolio for the foreseeable future.

According to the President's own Energy Information Administration-- the EIA--coal generated about 40 percent of all U.S. electricity in 2011. In 2040 coal will still generate more than 30 percent of the domestic electricity that is needed.

This chart basically shows where we are going in the foreseeable future. This is 2040. By 2040 natural gas will be at 35 percent, and coal will still be at 32 percent--both, it can be said, out of fossil, so you have 67 percent. Renewals increase to 16 percent. Nuclear is going down to 16 percent, and I believe we have to reengage our efforts there. I really do. So coal will assume the dominant world markets for the foreseeable future.

According to EIA, coal provided 69 percent of China's energy consumption in 2011. This chart gives a little bit of an idea of where we are. China used four times the amount of coal used in the United States that year. Coal supplied 41 percent of India's total energy consumption. During that period of time, India used roughly the same amount of coal as we did in the United States. By 2040 China will produce 62 percent of its electricity from coal, while India will produce 56 percent. During the next few years, some 1,200 new coal plants are going to be built across 59 countries; 363 are going to be built in China and 455 in India alone.

It is unbelievable when you look at more than 8 billion tons of coal that are consumed around the world each year. China currently burns more than 4 billion tons per year, while the United States and Europe burn less than 1 billion tons. Use in these countries and in other parts of the world is projected to grow dramatically for decades to come.

The United States has already been a leader in proving to the world that we can produce coal cleaner today. Traditional pollutants--sulfur, mercury, nitrogen, and particulates--have been cut 80 percent in the last several years. What is less known is that technologies are being developed--and some already exist--that dramatically lower coal plant carbon emissions.

With smarter investments from the public and private sectors, we will not only finish the first generation of carbon capture, storage, and utilization plants but also develop the second generation of these technologies. When that happens in the not so distant future, we will lead the world toward utilization of fossil fuels in a way that produces negligible or zero harmful emissions.

With the right policies and the right coordination between the public and private sectors, we can lead by example and show the world that we can burn fossil fuels cleaner than ever. Most importantly, we can do all of this while protecting consumers, creating jobs, and growing our economy.

When I was Governor of West Virginia, we set and have now achieved an alternative where we are going to reduce our carbon footprint by 25 percent by using coal in a cleaner fashion and also some of the other things we do, which I will explain. Not only did we do it, we did it 10 years earlier than we had targeted. In 2013, 4.1 percent of West Virginia's energy already came from hydroelectric and wind energy. Mount Storm Wind Farm--so many people don't know what we have done in our little State because we are all in; we want to do it all, and we are trying everything we have--is the second largest wind farm east of the Mississippi, 17 miles across the beautiful landscape.

I also agree with Senator Whitehouse on the importance of energy efficiency. With our friend Senator Hoeven of North Dakota, I have introduced the All-Of-The-Above Federal Building Energy Conservation Act, legislation that would improve the energy efficiency of all Federal buildings and set an example for the private sector.

This legislation takes a commonsense, all-of-the-above approach to the issue of Federal energy efficiency. I believe that by encouraging the use of innovative technologies and practices, instituting reasonable goals, and allowing building managers flexibility, we can achieve better environmental stewardship in a cost-effective manner.

As Governors, Senator Hoeven--a Republican from North Dakota--and I relied on common sense to guide our State policies, and this bill applies that much needed common sense to Federal policies. We should be using all of our abundant resources, including coal, to power our Nation in the most efficient way possible. Our bill accomplishes this goal and proves the Federal Government can lead the way in using fossil fuels to achieve greater energy efficiency in a much cleaner fashion.

While efficiency and renewables are important, let me say again that it is most important to reduce emissions from coal plants while keeping them running well into the future. Advances in coal-use technologies will continue to develop with help from the public sector.

Enhanced oil recovery is already developing into a valuable tool for augmenting domestic oil production. We need Federal investments for technology such as EOR.

Research is ongoing for the use of coal and CO2 for a multitude of new energy and consumer products, including fertilizers, liquid fuels, and plastic materials.

I just had a gentleman come to my office who basically makes carbon out of coal which cleanses the water we drink.

So there are so many things. Senator Whitehouse is right. There are so many things that we are using, and we can do a lot more.

The Senator and I disagree on a few things, but I adamantly disagree with my dear friend Senator Whitehouse regarding the wisdom of a carbon fee or so-called carbon tax. But I do agree that we can use the Tax Code and other Federal tax incentives to help clean up fossil fuels. That is why we are here together to find a pathway.

First, the DOE must approve $8 billion in loan guarantees for advanced fossil fuel projects that they have had available since 2005. None of it has been invested to try to help use the fuel that we depend on--coal--in a much better, cleaner fashion. Also, I found out that we also have $3.2 billion from the stimulus money to be used for shovel- ready coal projects that is still sitting and hasn't been invested. So there is a lot we can do without appropriating any new money, just using the money that is there for the purpose it was intended.

New tax incentives could be employed to incentivize providers to update sub-critical plants to the super- and ultra-super-critical configurations that pave the way for CCS.

Finally, we need to incentivize the second generation of CCS technology, the one that holds the future for promise of coal use with negligible emissions.

What are we talking about? Carbon capture sequestration, just being used for that purpose, if you don't have a secondary source to where you can put it and sell it for enhanced oil recovery, as we call it-- the technology that we could use in the shale that maybe can enhance the gas from the shale, the Utica and Marcellus that we have in West Virginia--so much could have been done that we haven't done. Maybe we could solidify the carbon and use it as a spent fuel. These are things we need to get to, and this money lying right now in the Department of Energy for almost 10 years needs to be invested.

With the help of Senator Whitehouse, I can only think that we can move forward and find a solution.

Mr. President, I thank the Senator. Again, I say to my good friend Senator Whitehouse from Rhode Island, I look forward to coming to his beautiful State of Rhode Island and seeing all of what they are doing and the efficiencies they have and technology they are incorporating. I also look forward to showing him my State, the beautiful State of West Virginia, and its great people.

We have both visited each other's States before, so we know how good our States are. It is going to be great to revisit.

I thank the Senator also for joining me on the floor as we continue to have this extremely important dialogue. If Senator Whitehouse and I can start looking for a pathway, I am sure friends from both sides of the aisle can join us. That is what we are trying to have happen.

I agree with Senator Whitehouse, the United States of America has long stood before the world as an exceptional country that people look up to. We have reigned as the dominant world power and have played the role of the world's leader for more than 200 years.

Coal use is expanding across the globe, and we need to face that reality--and we must take our position as the world leader and broker solutions, knowing the rest of the world is going to use this product more than ever before. So finding a balance of the environment between our concerns and our economic prosperity is going to happen. We should be that leader also.

The solution for the United States is to develop a technology that will allow us to use the fuels we need cleanly and to export that technology to the world.

Yes, West Virginia and Rhode Island are indeed different in many ways, but most importantly the Senator and I both know they are both part of this great country, and that is what makes America great. We can deliberate and challenge each other's positions on any one issue-- and we sure have had our share of dogged debates on the issues of climate change and energy issues--but when it comes to deciding what is best for our future generations and our beautiful Earth, there is always room for reasonable compromise and a way forward.

So as we continue to work diligently in the Senate, I also look forward to visiting again with him, and we will make that happen sooner than later.

Once again, I thank Senator Whitehouse for coming to the table to establish a truly commonsense, all-of-the-above energy policy that acknowledges the vital role coal must play moving forward.

This energy strategy will also help protect good-paying jobs, boost our economy nationwide and around the world, and improve the quality of life of all living things.

We are going to fix this together, not as Democrats or Republicans but as Americans, as the world leaders we always have been. We have been looking to find the balance, and we will find the balance and show not only America but the world that we can look past our differences to better this world. I look forward so much to that. We both have looked at it from this standpoint: We both agree we need to work together and basically agree we have a responsibility in this world and this country to be a leader again in finding a pathway to using the energy the good Lord gave us and find the best balance we can with the economy and environment, cleaning up the environment for which we are responsible.

I thank my good friend, and I yield the floor.

Mr. President, I thank my good friend from Connecticut. I appreciate his unwavering commitment to continue to fight for justice and fairness for all, and he does it every day.

I am here to say happy birthday to West Virginia. Tomorrow, June 20, we will be 151 years old, and I rise to honor my great State.

I have often said this: Some of us were lucky enough to be born and raised there--and I am one of the lucky ones--some people were smart enough to move there, and some people just wish they could get there. So under any circumstance, we will take you.

This is a State that truly embodies a brave and daring declaration of statehood that is unprecedented in American history.

Born out of the fiery battles of the Civil War, West Virginia was founded by patriots who were willing to risk their lives in a united pursuit of justice and freedom for all. Since that day 151 years ago, June 20, 1863--when our State officially became the 35th State admitted into the Union--West Virginia's rich culture and strong traditions grew.

That year the Great Seal of the State of West Virginia was adopted-- and we all have our seals and preambles in all of our States--depicting who we are as a people and our culture. With our birth date's inscription forever engraved in its center, the seal features a big boulder rock with two crossed rifles and a liberty cap sitting on top to express our State's importance in fighting for liberty and justice.

On either side of the boulder stand two men: On the left, a farmer stands with an ax and a plow to represent agriculture. On the right, a miner stands with a pickax and a sledgehammer to represent industry. Finally, along the outer ring is carved the text ``State of West Virginia'' and ``Montani Semper Liberi,'' which means ``Mountaineers Are Always Free.''

That Great Seal of West Virginia, designed in 1863 during America's bloody Civil War, leaves a lasting imprint of who we are as the people of West Virginia.

Just like the farmer and miner on our seal, we cannot forget the countless others who fought for our freedom and embarked on our State's improbable journey to independence from Virginia and to our very own place in the Union--a land of the free and home of the brave. We believe--and we believed way back then--that justice would prevail.

Those pivotal figures climbed over mountains, crossed raging rivers, tussled through thick forests, and fought against bondage and oppression to be free. Their resilience succeeded, and because of their bravery and patriotism the ``mountaineers'' are still always free.

Ever since our historic beginning, we, the people of West Virginia, have never failed to answer our country's call. We have almost more veterans per capita than any other State in the Nation. When 9/11 happened to our great country, there were more West Virginians percentagewise who signed up to enter all branches of our Armed Forces to fight for our country. I am so proud of each and every one of our West Virginians and our veterans and the people serving today.

Ever since we chose the stars and stripes and chose to live under a Constitution that promised a constant pursuit of ``a more perfect Union'' of States, no demand has been too great, no danger has been too daunting, and no trial has been too threatening.

Our State's abundance of natural resources, coupled with the hard work and sacrifice of our people, have made America stronger and safer. Since our birth, we have mined the coal that fueled the Industrial Revolution, powered our railroads across the continental United States, and produced the steel that built our ships, skyscrapers, and our factories. Our little State has given every ounce of blood we have.

To this day, West Virginians continue to generate the electricity that lights our cities, heats our homes, and powers our businesses. We have also filled the ranks of our military forces in numbers far greater than should be expected from our little State of less than 2 million people.

West Virginia's population holds one of the highest percentages of veterans among all States. As I always say, West Virginia is one of the most patriotic States in the country. We always have been and we always will be.

``The best steel comes from the hottest fires.'' My father always told me that, and the fires of the Civil War transformed us. We forever branded ourselves to the ideals of the Declaration of Independence and the guarantees of the U.S. Constitution--and, as the ``mountaineers'' who will always be free.

We are tough. We are independent. We are inventive. We are honest. Our character has been shaped by the wilderness of our State. With welcoming mountains, countless hollers, rushing streams, boundless blue skies, and dense green forests, we have it all. West Virginia is a place of coal mines and soaring eagles, Boy Scouts and community leaders, sparkling lakes and captivating mountains, winding backcountry and smoky barbecue joints, battlefields, and hidden trails, college towns and small towns, and it goes on and on. West Virginia is a place of power, pulse, and passion--a special place I get to call home, along with other West Virginians.

Yes, we have had our ups and downs, our setbacks and triumphs, famous family feuds, neighborly fights, timely trials, and unexpected challenges have been thrown our way, but the spirit of West Virginia has never been broken, and it never will. I learned a long time ago, growing up in the small coal-mining town of Farmington, WV, with hardworking men and women, when things get tough, by God, we just got tougher. That is the way it had to be to survive.

Tomorrow, as people across West Virginia celebrate West Virginia's 151st birthday, a day we now also know as West Virginia Day, I encourage all West Virginians to remember who we are, from where we have come, and where we are going to go. I encourage us all to remember the first mountaineers and the brave leaders and strong laborers who paved the way for us and for future generations to come.

We have so many reasons to be proud of our beautiful State, its kind and compassionate people, powerful landscapes, unique customs, rich culture, and fascinating history.

John Kennedy, in 1963, when he came for our centennial celebration and spoke on the capitol steps, once said: Sometimes it is raining cats and dogs. Sometimes the Sun doesn't always shine in West Virginia, but the people always do.

He was so correct, as he felt the heartbeat of our State.

Every West Virginian contributes to our State's amazing story, and on West Virginia Day I encourage all West Virginians to seize this opportunity to imagine the future of this great State--and this Nation--and be proud of how far we have come and how far we will go together.

We are West Virginians. Even in the darkness and the gloom, we look to a just God who directs the storm, and similar to the brave loyal patriots who made West Virginia the 35th star on Old Glory, West Virginians' love of God and country and family and State remains unshakable, and that is well worth celebrating every year.

So God bless every West Virginian. God bless those who came before us and who will come after us. Happy birthday, West Virginia.

I suggest the absence of a quorum.

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

Mr. President, I rise to recognize a remarkably brave, very young West Virginian, 10-year-old Brianna Vance, who helped save her father's life just last week--truly amazing. It was on Twitter, all over the pages.

On June 10, as a severe storm--and with all of the severe storms we have been having all over the country--tore through her neighborhood in Henlawson, WV, Brianna's father Gregory and two of his friends were sitting on the porch when lightning struck a nearby very large tree that crashed down on top of them and their home.

Brianna tried to use her phone to call for help, but the storm had knocked out all of the cell services. She had nothing. She could not do a thing. Remarkably, she was still able to access the Internet and quickly logged onto Facebook--just by a miracle.

In an extraordinary demonstration of courage and resourcefulness, Brianna posted a video, and I have seen this video. If you haven't, please go to Brianna's Facebook page, ``Brianna Vance,'' and look at it. She asked anyone who had cell phone service or access to a phone to please call 911 and send an ambulance to her yellow house to save her daddy.

She thought, had enough presence about her during this very trying and emotional time. When people see the video, I think it will explain and speak for itself.

Thankfully, someone saw her post and a rescue team was able to save the three victims, including her father, because of that Facebook post.

When all other options failed, Brianna did not give up. She still had the presence of thought and her desire to help her father and his friends.

Because of her sharp wit and resourcefulness, her father is alive and recovering today--just in time to celebrate Father's Day together, as we just finished up this past weekend.

I am so proud of Brianna, and I know her family and community are as well, as can be expected when we have situations not just in West Virginia but in the Presiding Officer's own State of Ohio and all over this great country, where we have family bonds such as this and we have family stories that have good outcomes that we do not hear enough of.

I thank Brianna for her heroism that helped save the lives of her father and his friends. She should be recognized for her bravery.

So I say, Brianna, on behalf of the grateful State of West Virginia, thank you for what you have done for your father and his friends and showing the courage you have as a young West Virginian.

I thank the Chair.

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