Floor Statements

Mr. President, I yield back the time.

Madam President, I ask unanimous consent that the order for the quorum call be rescinded.

Madam President, I come today and I am honored to support my friend Sylvia Mathews Burwell. Sylvia is a native of West Virginia, and I have always said that we are all a part of our environment. If you know where Sylvia came from, the type of area where she was raised and the neighborhood, it will tell you everything about who she is today and why she has been so successful and why public service runs through her veins, truly giving something back.

The little town of Hinton, WV, is where Sylvia is from. It is in beautiful Summers County in the southern part of the State. It is right on the New River. It is a train town. Trains will come there and dispatch, and they will get them turned around to go in the right direction.

I will never forget when they introduced Sylvia. I think it was Senator Alexander who was speaking. He was talking about his father, who worked in the rail yard and was always responsible for turning the trains and getting them moving. I said: Well, one thing about that, Sylvia comes from a train town. She knows how to get the train on the track and how to get it moving in the right direction, and she has proven that.

She is an unbelievable, blessed person. She is gifted, as smart as they come--a Rhodes scholar. In West Virginia we are so proud to have a person with those types of skills and the ambition to serve.

Now we will get into a little bit about her mom and dad because it is really who she is. Her father is an eye doctor there and is well respected in the town, and he is an immigrant who came from Britain. Her mother Cleo Mathews was the mayor. When I was Governor of West Virginia and I would come to town, Cleo would always call and tell me everything I did wrong. She was usually right, and we would get things worked out. We always had a great relationship. But she had skills and she had to give something back. You had to be involved. You just couldn't sit around. You couldn't be satisfied with your life just thinking, well, I work and I have a paycheck. There was always something.

I think that comes from--I am second generation also--coming to this country and hearing your grandparents talk about all the wonderful opportunities they have been provided and how privileged they believe they are and how honored and why we always have to give something back. You had to volunteer, be involved. You had to go out and contribute. You had to do something. That is the type of background Sylvia comes from.

When you look at every job she was asked to do, she was in the Clinton administration. If fame and fortune were her desire, she could have gotten it a long time ago. She did public service, and she did it in an exemplary fashion. Then after the Clinton administration she went to the Gates Foundation. She went to the Walmart Foundation. She is always with a foundation. She is somebody who is willing to help others and give back, trying to invest in the best of America. Then she came back and she became our Director of OMB. She got totally unanimous support.

Now the President has tasked her to come and take the reins of the DHHS. I say to my friends, whether or not you support the Affordable Care Act, Sylvia is not coming here to change your minds. She is not going to tell you: I am going to tell you why you should be for it, and you are wrong if you are not for it. She is not going to do that. She is going to make the system work. She is going to be following the law and listening to everybody--those who support it and those who do not support it--and making adjustments and recommendations. I trust that she will take good, solid recommendations to the President: If change is needed, this is where we need it. If this is not working, this is why it is not working. If the numbers don't add up and we cannot afford it, we will make adjustments to make sure it does work so all Americans can benefit.

I come to the floor because I know Sylvia Mathews Burwell. I know where she comes from. I know her family. I know her friends. I know her town. That speaks volumes. As I said in the opening, we are all products of our environment. Sylvia Mathews Burwell is a product of her environment, which is as nurturing and loving and caring as any one of us could ever hope for. To have that quality of a person who is going to be serving at the highest level is something I am very proud of--not just because she is a West Virginian but because she is such an accomplished person and she wants to give something back. She has lived the American dream. Her parents made that come true for her, and that is who she is.

I would ask all of my colleagues, when they are voting, who do you think would have better values, who would have the ability, and who has the knowledge and the experience to make sure there is fairness and bipartisanship? Every person is going to be listened to, and she will give a direct answer as to exactly how she has come to a decision. That is all you can ask for. When you have an opportunity to get somebody at that level in the private sector, you would jump all over it. You would do whatever it would take to get somebody with her qualities.

In public service, we have such a hard time today recruiting the young, recruiting this new crop of leaders. Some of them will be Senators, some of them will be Congresspeople. They are going to be leaders in their communities. They care at a young age. We have a hard time recruiting this younger crop of people, and when we have it, we better hold on to it.

We have a chance to hold on to Sylvia, to take us to a new level where health care could be affordable for the masses. We could have a healthier population. We don't have to rank 43rd in the world as far as wellness and longevity. It shouldn't be that we are spending more money than anybody else and not getting results. We need somebody like Sylvia Mathews Burwell, who could put all of this together and make sense out of it because she comes from a family and a community that is all-West Virginian and all-American.

I say to my colleagues, I hope you will vote in favor of Sylvia Mathews Burwell and show that we can come together, we can work in a bipartisan fashion and pick the best person for the job--not because they are Democratic or Republican or Independent or have any political affiliation but because they are the best qualified person for the job.

I would say thank you to all of my colleagues for allowing me to give a little bit of insight into a most amazing young lady, a mother, a daughter, and a loving friend to all who really gives all she can.

Madam President, I note the absence of a quorum.

Mr. President, today I am incredibly honored to recognize a group of 30 heroic military veterans who have traveled from southern West Virginia to visit our Nation's capital as part of the fourth Always Free Honor Flight. On the occasion of their visit, in which they will see for the first time the monuments built in their honor, I want to express my utmost gratitude to these special men and women for their extraordinary bravery and patriotism, and for their noble sacrifice to help keep our country free.

I have said this time and time again--West Virginia is one of the most patriotic States in this great Nation. With one of the country's highest per capita rates of military servicemembers and veterans, we are so proud of the many citizens who have served and who are actively serving in the military. The 30 veterans participating in today's Always Free Honor Flight truly embody the Mountain State's history and contributions to the safeguard of our American freedoms.

Our special West Virginians visiting today represent three generations of warriors--5 served in World War II, 9 served in the Korean War, and 16 served in the Vietnam War. They range from 63-90 years of age, and have traveled from all parts of our great State--from New Martinsville to Bluefield, Huntington to Princeton to Beckley, and many places in between. In addition to our Mountain State vets, two veterans from bordering Bland and Tazewell Counties in Virginia have accompanied their West Virginia neighbors on the day-long adventure.

I especially want to recognize our two women veterans who joined today's honor flight, both of whom are the first women to make the Always Free Honor Flight trip. Helen ``J'' Wheby served in the Korean war as an office worker in the Navy. Vanda Jane Butcher served in the Vietnam war

with the rank of a seaman as a part of an air flight crew in the Navy. Despite the challenges, sacrifices, and hardships they faced while defending this Nation, these women voluntarily stepped forward and put service above self to preserve our freedoms. We cannot thank them enough for their tremendous courage and their sacrifices.

Showing our appreciation to those who have served is something that we should do each and every day, but today is a special day to pay tribute and thank those who have volunteered to put their lives on the line for our freedoms. The memorials our Honor Flight participants will visit today serve as an important reminder to us all that our freedoms and liberties come at a steep cost. However, I know our veterans will find special meaning and potentially long-lost emotions when they tour such touching sites.

The brave West Virginia heroes today have all served this country in a variety of ways, working both at home and abroad. They have engaged in combat all over the world, traveling to the Panama Canal, working on the docks of Saigon, and serving in historic events such as the Cuban Missile Crisis. One of our visiting Vietnam veterans, Stephen Douglas Phillips of New Martinsville, earned not just one, but two Purple Hearts. Another, Gary Curtis Harold of Shady Spring has received both a Purple Heart and a Bronze Star.

But regardless of their rank or duty, each and every one of these veterans answered our Nation's call and has served with incredible pride and valor.

Additionally, I would like to recognize the nine volunteers, or so- called ``guardians,'' who have accompanied the veterans during their trip today. These guardians have selflessly given their time to travel alongside our veterans all the way from Princeton, WV to Washington, DC to share this very special journey with them.

I am also tremendously grateful for all those involved in the Always Free Honor Flight Network, especially the president of the Denver Foundation and owner of Little Buddy Radio in Princeton--Dreama Denver. Along with coordinator and executive assistant, Dreama launched the Always Free Honor Flight and has planned four trips within a 2-year span for our West Virginia veterans. I commend Dreama, Pam, and all the Denver Foundation staff for their dedication and commitment to West Virginia's large veteran population. They have offered the people in West Virginia just one more way to say thank you' to our veterans for their service and sacrifice.

I am filled with pride every time I meet the patriots who have served our country, and I am so pleased to welcome West Virginia's most courageous veterans, who are all heroes, to Washington, DC. I encourage all of my colleagues to join me in saluting them. They truly inspire us all as we are reminded of their selfless service. It is because of their bravery that all Americans enjoy the greatest liberties and freedoms in the world.

God bless all our servicemembers and veterans, God bless the great State of West Virginia, and God bless the United States of America.

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

Mr. President, on Monday night a tragic mining incident occurred in my home State of West Virginia where the lives of two dedicated and courageous miners were lost at the Brody No. 1 mine in Boone County.

My greatest and deepest thoughts and prayers are with the loved ones of the miners impacted by this tragedy. Gayle and I join them and all West Virginians in mourning the loss of these heroic men. We grieve for the entire community as they bear this most heartbreaking and sorrowful hardship.

Our hearts especially go out to the families of the following miners: Eric Legg of Twilight and Gary Hensley of Chapmanville.

These men will be remembered forever as heroes to their community, their State, and their Nation for their unparalleled courage and unsurpassable sacrifice. They will live on forever in our hearts.

As families and friends struggle to deal with the tragedy that took place, we are reminded as a country that we must consistently search for ways to improve safety conditions because our miners' safety is of the utmost importance and remains our No. 1 priority. We say in West Virginia: If it can't be mined safely, don't mine it.

Our coal miners are some of the hardest working people in America, and the loss of even one miner's life is one life too many. We need to continue to improve mine safety efforts so that our miners' lives are never in jeopardy. We owe this to the families of the victims and to all of our loyal mining families across our country. It is our responsibility to be absolutely and totally committed to the safety of every worker, which means that every worker should be able to get up in the morning and expect to come home safely to their loved ones at night. This is their right, not a privilege.

My staff and I will do everything humanly possible to assist the families through this difficult time. Again, we extend our deepest sympathy and most profound condolences to the families and loved ones, and we pray for their peace and comfort.

I suggest the absence of a quorum.

Madam President, I am filled with so much pride every time our military veterans visit our Nation's Capital and have the opportunity to stand before the memorials built to honor them.

This weekend, 93 veterans from North Central West Virginia, escorted by 55 guardians, will be traveling to Washington, DC, to see the memorials that commemorate their sacrifice and valor. This will mark the very first Honor Flight from North Central West Virginia--which is my hometown region of the ``Mountain State.''

Fifty World War II veterans, 42 Korean war veterans and one terminally ill Vietnam war veteran will fly from the small town of Clarksburg, WV, to Reagan National Airport, and before they lift off on a truly memorable and moving day, I look forward to greeting our vets bright and early at the local airport to wish them a safe trip to our Nation's Capital. I also will express my deepest gratitude to these special men who helped keep America free and made the world a safer place for liberty-loving people across our country and beyond our borders.

Upon their arrival, 30 Active-Duty sailors from the National Naval Medical Center and 8 marines from the USS West Virginia submarine will accompany the Honor Flight entourage during their daylong adventure.

These heroic West Virginians will travel to Washington to visit the World War II, Vietnam, Korean, FDR, Air Force, and Iwo Jima Memorials as well attend a ceremony at Arlington Cemetery.

While their step has slowed, their spirit is keen, their pride is undiminished, and their patriotism is immeasurable.

No matter the war, no matter the rank, no matter the duty, every one of these 93 veterans answered America's call and served our great country with the utmost valor. In our time of need, they stepped forward and said: I will do it--I will protect this country.

This trip to our Nation's Capital is just one way to say thank you.

But the West Virginia's North Central community has much more planned to show their gratitude for these devoted and courageous veterans. Upon the Honor Flight's return Saturday evening, hundreds of West Virginians will welcome home our returning vets, including National Guardsmen, Civil Air Patrol volunteers, Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts and our famous West Virginia University Mountaineer, Mike Garcia.

In addition, more than 155 band members from the Busy Bee Band and Honeybees of East Fairmont High School will perform a medley of patriotic songs, led by their band director and former marine, T.J. Bean.

I want to express my gratitude to my hometown community for their tireless efforts to make this Honor Flight a reality. I especially thank Butch Phillips and all the people who have been instrumental in planning and fulfilling this truly special experience for our 93 West Virginia veterans.

This generation of Americans was united by a common purpose and by common values--duty, honor, courage, service, integrity, love of family and country, and their triumph over oppression will be forever remembered.

Let us remember that these Honor Flights show tribute to all who have served this great country, so may God bless the United States of America and all the men and women who keep us free.

I thank my good friend Senator Pat Toomey from my neighboring State of Pennsylvania--I am from West Virginia--for working with me on this vital issue to make sure our kids remain safe in every single school across this country.

I am a father of three, a grandfather of eight, and there is nothing more important to me than protecting my children and grandchildren. The bill Senator Toomey and I are working on is

common sense. Our bill 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, secretaries, cafeteria workers and janitors--anyone who has contact with our schoolkids. This is a real problem that demands our attention and demands it now.

Since January 1, 130 teachers across America have been arrested for sexual misconduct. At this rate that is more than one teacher per day who will sexually assault a student. As a parent, as a grandparent, and as a representative of the great State of West Virginia, inaction is simply unacceptable.

There are more than 4 million teachers and school staff employed by our public school districts throughout the United States, and there are millions of additional workers who have direct access to students, including bus drivers, cafeteria workers and janitors. Yet there is no--I repeat, there is no--national background check policy in place for people who work directly with our kids every day. Even worse, not all States require checks of child abuse and neglect registries or sex offender registry checks.

A recent report by the Government Accountability Office found that five States--five States--don't even require background checks at all for applicants seeking employment in our school systems. In addition, not all States use both Federal and State sources of criminal data, such as a State law enforcement database or the FBI's interstate identification index.

Our bill would simply require mandatory background checks of a State criminal registry, the 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 that harm cannot enter their life. For many of our kids these days that place is at school--not always in the home. This is truly a commonsense bill that aims to help protect our kids from sexual assault, predators, or any individuals who inappropriately behave in our schools.

This is a piece of legislation that is long overdue. It is not an unfunded mandate. I know some people will say that, and the reason I am saying it is not an unfunded mandate is because the people who want the employment have to pay. They have to pay for the background check if they want in the system.

I know there is a section in this legislation that says if a person has been an offender they have to be rehabilitated for 5 years--be clean, have a clean record for 5 years--before they can get in the system. I think that is common sense.

I would like for all my colleagues, if they would, to please consider this piece of legislation. Again, I appreciate the hard work of my colleague Senator Pat Toomey, and at this time I yield the floor.

Madam President, I first thank my colleague from Pennsylvania, Senator Toomey. I also thank the Senator from Tennessee, for whom I also have the greatest regard for his knowledge and commitment to our children and education, to which he has dedicated his life, and also the Senator from Iowa. This is very serious and very personal to both of us. Our States have been affected. But every State has been affected.

I am not in favor of a national school board in any way, shape or form. I strongly believe in the Tenth Amendment to the Constitution and States rights. But I believe that certain standards have to be set, and we have done that before as far as on a national level.

There are five problems we have always talked about, and those five problems apply to every child in America--not just every child in West Virginia, Pennsylvania, Tennessee or Iowa but in America.

The first is every child should have a loving, caring adult in their life. Those are not always the biological parents or family. It could be you. It could be somebody next door. It could be an extended family member.

Every child should have a safe place in their life. Unfortunately, as has been said, it is not always the home. It might be the school.

Every child should have a healthy start. Nutrition--for many children across America, their breakfast, lunch, and nutrition comes from the school.

Every child should be taught to have a livable skill. Again, that is in the school. We depend upon that.

And the fifth thing--which is the hardest to teach--is that every child should grow to be a loving, caring adult, and be able to give back. That is set by us. We set the standards for that. A child will emulate what they see. If they love it and respect it, they will do it.

For us to say we don't believe raising to a Federal standard the well-being and safety of every child in a school system--guaranteeing that the person who is going to be teaching them, nurturing them, taking them to school, and feeding them has a clean background check and is not a child molester--is the least we can do. That is all we are asking for in this bill. I hope that it would get the attention it needs. Again, I am also very disappointed that we cannot move it forward, and I know that precedent has been set and has been articulated by the Senator from Pennsylvania. But I would hope that both the ranking member and the chairman of the HELP Committee would maybe reconsider and take another look at it.

Thank you, Madam President.

Mr. President, I wish to celebrate the 35th anniversary of the enactment of the Taiwan Relations Act, TRA, which has served as a tangible symbol of the unbreakable friendship between the United States and Taiwan. Today, the partnership between our two countries is stronger than ever.

The 1979 Taiwan Relations Act provides the framework for our official engagements with Taiwan, which marked the end of our official diplomatic ties. For 35 years the TRA has facilitated a partnership committed to facilitating trade, investment, security cooperation, and promoting regional security.

The bilateral achievements made through the TRA have allowed our citizens to create innovative and lasting advancements to the world economy. Today, Taiwan stands as our 12th largest trading partner, and in 2013, the United States and Taiwan traded over $63 billion in goods and services. This bilateral relationship has supported thousands of jobs in both countries, and we must remain committed to the mutual gains this collaboration can provide.

I applaud our West Virginia businesses that have recognized the potential of the Taiwanese economy and exported over $41 million in commodities, high-tech goods, and services to Taiwan last year. We must build on this strong foundation while helping Taiwan meet its needs for foreign sources of energy. I will continue to seek opportunities for further trade integration with Taiwan and shared economic prosperity.

I look forward to working hand-in-hand with our friends in Taiwan to ensure the next generation of American leaders can stand where I stand today, 35 years from now, and celebrate several more decades of peaceful and vibrant collaboration.

That would be 1 minute and 45 seconds, I say to the Chairwoman.

I thank the chairwoman for what she does and how well she has been leading this charge for all of us. As a proud husband of a brilliant and talented woman, my wife Gayle, and as the father of two daughters and the grandfather of six granddaughters, all of whom are gifted and make great contributions to our country, I believe it is past time women earn the same amount as men in the workplace. We need to correct this unfairness to make sure women are paid what they deserve.

As we join together today to celebrate Equal Pay Day in the year 2014, it just defies common sense that working women in West Virginia earn only 70--not 77 but 70--cents to every dollar a man makes. Too many families are working too hard to make ends meet, and especially in families where women are the breadwinners.

In West Virginia there are more than 81,000 family households headed by women. About 36 percent of those families, or nearly 29,200 family households, have incomes that fall below the poverty level. Eliminating the wage gap would provide much needed income to women whose wages put food on the table, pay the bills, and maintain a respectable quality of life for their children and families.

Growing up I was blessed to be raised by two strong, hardworking women--my grandmother, affectionately known as Mama Kay, and my mother. By example, both of these wonderful ladies taught me that women can work just as hard, if not harder, with more responsibilities, and they should get paid the same as a man. As a matter of fact, they probably should get overtime. There is no reason why they shouldn't have received the same pay for the same job as men, and that certainly resonates today.

Since I joined the Senate, I have been proud to have cosponsored the Paycheck Fairness Act. The very first vote

I took in the Senate was for paycheck fairness. Until Congress passes this truly commonsense bill, I will continue to fight for paycheck fairness because the bottom line is people should earn the same pay for the same work, period, no excuses.

As a former governor, most of my decisionmaking was made around good strong women who sat down and gave me the facts and nothing but the facts, and I appreciated that.

It shouldn't matter whether you are a man or a woman. You should be treated fairly no matter what, no matter where you are or what you do.

I thank our chairman, and I yield the floor.

Mr. President, I wish to honor Pete Ballard, a dear friend and a truly remarkable West Virginian who is known throughout the Mountain State and far past our borders for his many talents, especially for his global recognition of his still life paintings and historic period doll creations.

A native of Welch, located in the southern-most part of our State in McDowell County, Pete currently resides in Peterstown, an idyllic small town in the rolling emerald hills of Monroe County. Although Pete's career in the arts has taken him across the country and around the world, including Saudi Arabia, China and Vietnam, there has never been a doubt that Pete's roots are truly imbedded in West Virginia.

After receiving a degree in education from Concord University, Pete began teaching. However, it wasn't long before Pete's propensities steered him far beyond just a career in education, leading him to partake in many more professional ventures.

Today, as an award-winning educator, celebrated artist, renowned painter, nationally acclaimed costume designer, curator, historian, and famous doll creator, Pete's passion for the arts and creativity know no bounds.

Many of Pete's paintings are now displayed in museums and art galleries across the country. Today, three of Pete's exceptional paintings are displayed among the most celebrated collection of American Still Life paintings at The Butler Institute, which is America's first museum to collect American art. His work will forever be a part of such an extraordinary collection of America's best artwork.

In addition to his distinguished paintings, Pete has most recently been recognized across the country for his unique creation of 19th century fashion dolls. Pete creates each doll based on meticulously researched and authentic period fashion. Made from head to toe in papier-mache, the dolls' figures range from approximately 3 to 5 feet tall and wear costumes that are designed in period clothing.

Due to Pete's painstaking attention to detail along with his fashion expertise, hard work and brilliant vision, he is no stranger to receiving prestigious awards. As Governor, I was honored to name Pete as a Distinguished West Virginian. He has also received the Grand Groundhog Watcher Award. Both of these awards were created to honor those who have contributed significantly to West Virginia and those who have brought positive attention to our great State. He was also named Concord University's Golden Alumnus, is among the Outstanding Educators in America, and has received the Order of the Arts and Historical Letters from the West Virginia Division of Culture and History. Pete's paintings and dolls have also been displayed in galas and exhibitions around West Virginia and across the country.

Despite his astounding success, Pete has never collected a dime for his work. After spending 12 hours a day, 7 days a week working on each piece of art, he merely donates every painting and every doll he doesn't hold for keepsake to charity or to art galleries.

It has been an honor and privilege to know such a gifted West Virginian. Pete Ballard's imprint will always be marked by his brilliant creations and his countless contributions to the State of West Virginia. I join all West Virginians in celebrating his vast achievements, which will live on in our history books, atop the same shelves as some of the most distinguished artwork of our time and mounted on the walls of esteemed museums.

After all these years, I continue to look forward to viewing many more paintings and doll creations because at the age of 83, Pete continues to work on his art every day.

Mr. President, I wish to thank my colleague Senator Wicker for his longstanding concern about Puerto Rico's current status and how they can govern themselves and work independently. As you can tell, this is a bipartisan concern we have and we are working very closely together.

As Senator Wicker mentioned, the Government Accountability Office is currently working on a report that examines Puerto Rico's economy and the cost of admitting Puerto Rico as a State. I look forward to seeing the results of that report. But in light of the fact we are still awaiting the GAO report, in addition to a number of other reasons, I share Senator Wicker's concerns about the Puerto Rico Status Resolution Act.

On August 1 of last year, the Energy and Natural Resources Committee, which has jurisdiction over Puerto Rican issues, held a hearing on the political status of Puerto Rico, where we had the opportunity to hear from Governor Padilla, Commissioner Pierluisi, and the President of the Puerto Rican Independence Party Ruben Berrios. I appreciated their willingness to openly discuss the ongoing status debate in Puerto Rico and their work with the committee members on how to move forward.

Similar to Senator Wicker, I support Puerto Rico's right to self- determination. However, I have voiced my concerns that the 2012 plebiscite did not meet our democratic standards of fairness and exclusivity, and more than 470,000 Puerto Ricans who left the ballot's second question blank would seem to share my concerns as well. We need a process with the support of all Puerto Ricans, regardless of their beliefs and political status.

Supporters of statehood argue about the constitutionality of different status options. Crafting a plebiscite, however, which excludes all options except statehood, as the Puerto Rico status resolution does, is not the solution. It is not the solution.

The 2014 omnibus includes funding for a plebiscite that would be proctored by the Department of Justice which can authoritatively decide on the constitutionality of all possible status options. Further, both those who are pro-Commonwealth and those who are prostatehood have expressed support for this process. This is not true of the 2012 plebiscite nor the Puerto Rico status resolution.

Political status is not the only issue facing Puerto Rico. The Commonwealth has faced more than half a decade of economic recession and high unemployment, as well as exceptionally high utility costs and continued obstacles to economic development.

As a former Governor I have great respect for Governor Padilla and the challenges he is up against, which are not unlike many of our own States in our country. In meeting with Governor Padilla, I have had the opportunity to hear directly about the enormous economic difficulties he has tackled in his short time as Governor.

In my understanding the 2014 budget--his 2014 budget for Puerto Rico--would significantly reduce the Commonwealth's projected deficit. General fund expenses were down by nearly $200 million during the second half of last year and expected revenue is up. The Governor has made these efforts with the goal of having a balanced budget by 2015, something we could all work toward and a goal I applaud. I understand and have seen that progress is being made.

The Senate should do everything we can to encourage economic development across our country, including in the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico. We need to work as partners in confronting its high energy costs, double-digit unemployment, and continuing recession. As we support self-determination, we should ensure our focus on political status does not prevent us from addressing the immediate economic needs of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico.

I thank my colleague for the time to join him in speaking on this important issue and I look forward to his support of a fair and open process and to working with him on this issue.

Madam President, I wish to recognize one of West Virginia's finest cardiologists, Dr. Mohammad Yousaf, on receiving the 2013 Heart of Gold Award, which was presented by the West Virginia American Heart Association on February 23, 2013. There is truly no one more qualified, more compassionate or more devoted than Dr. Yousaf, who has been practicing in West Virginia for more than 20 years.

A native of Pakistan, Dr. Yousaf made his way to West Virginia to complete his residency at Marshall University. During his fellowship, he was assigned rotations in our beautiful State's capital, Charleston. Thankfully, he never left and his unwavering commitment to the cardiology field at South Charleston Cardiology, where he continues to practice today, has consistently saved West Virginian lives across our State.

With the help of Dr. Yousaf's momentous contributions and medical expertise, the quality of West Virginia's medical community has strengthened throughout the years and the health and well-being of the people of West Virginia continue to improve.

There are a myriad of doctors across this Nation that diagnose and treat patients every day. However, what distinguishes a good doctor from a great doctor starts and stops with patient care. Dr. Yousaf always puts his patients first and takes the time to build the trust and confidence necessary that leads to positive and long-lasting doctor-patient relationships. Long days and sleepless nights never obstruct from the compassion and dedication Dr. Yousaf devotes to each one of his patients.

Dr. Yousaf is also no stranger to prestigious awards, including the Distinguished West Virginian award, which was created to honor those who have contributed significantly to West Virginia and those who have brought positive attention to our great State. After more than two decades practicing as a cardiologist in the Mountain State, it is unquestionable that his integrity and work ethic know no bounds. And today, I am proud to commemorate the success of such a wonderful person and such a talented physician.

It is fitting that Dr. Yousaf was presented with the Heart of Gold Award last year, for he once described ``the personal satisfaction you get'' as a physician who has the means and opportunities to save lives every day. So today, I congratulate a remarkably intelligent and gifted cardiologist on receiving such an esteemed honor. I know he will continue to save lives in the great state of West Virginia for years to come.

Madam President, I wish to honor the life of a remarkable West Virginian who was taken from us on February 15, 2014. James Dominick LaRosa, known to his friends and family as Jim, was a true pioneer developer who never forgot his roots as he helped enrich North Central West Virginia into a thriving, vibrant and beautiful region of the Mountain State. As we mourn the loss of a truly special person, I join all West Virginians in keeping in our thoughts and prayers Jim's only son, Jimmy Joe, his daughter-in-law, Leigh Ann, and his three grandchildren, Lauren Louise, Natalie Nicole and James Lee.

A native of Harrison County, which neighbored my local area in Marion County, Jim was driven and motivated at an early age. Anyone who met him immediately recognized that there was a bright future ahead for Jim. In 1944, he graduated from Washington Irving High School in Clarksburg, WV and then attended West Virginia University. After graduating in 1948 with a degree in business administration, he learned the fundamentals of business in his father's small surface mining company. At the ripe age of 35, James assumed the position of president of his father's company.

During this time, his entrepreneurial temperament took flight. Jim's unwavering dedication to the area's communities, accompanied with his innovative visions and inspirational spirit, helped improve the region's quality of life, enhanced medical accessibility, built multiple businesses and recreational facilities, created jobs, increased local revenue, boosted visitor access, and most of all, created a positive image of the North Central region.

Many of Harrison County's most well-known areas and attractions can be attributed to the vision and discipline of Jim LaRosa, including the Pete Dye Golf Course, Bridgeport Hill and the Eastpointe and Newpointe Shopping Centers. He also focused on projects that underscored his many interests, especially his Italian heritage, quality food access, the performing arts and theater, interior decorating and animals.

Time and again, Jim showed how greatly an individual can contribute to his community through passion, commitment and hard work.

He not only played the role of pioneer developer, but he also served on several boards of directors, such as the Clarksburg Chamber of Commerce, Lowndes Bank and the West Virginia Coal and Advisory Commission. In addition, he served on the original board of the West Virginia Surface Mining and Reclamation Association and the Director's 100 Club for WVU Athletics.

During his life, Jim received countless awards to honor his accomplishments and his commitments to West Virginia's North Central region. He received the Distinguished West Virginian from two Governors. He also received an honorary doctorate degree of humane letters from Salem College in 1984. In 1985, our dear Senator Robert C. Byrd recommended to President Reagan that Jim should be a member of the Christopher Columbus 500th Jubilee Commission, which consisted of 35 Americans of Italian descent, in celebration of the 500th year of the discovery of America.

Jim's remarkable foresight, coupled with his leadership skills and his well-deserved accomplishments, has consistently enriched the communities of North Central West Virginia and across the Mountain State.

Jim's imprint will always be marked in the countless businesses, facilities, centers and improvements that he established over years of hard work and dedication. He will be greatly missed by the people whose lives he touched.

West Virginians cannot thank Jim enough for the steadfast commitment and positive influence he's had on our great State. Jim LaRosa will always be remembered as a truly gifted and exceptional West Virginian. And though he will be greatly missed, his legacy will always live on.

Madam President, I wish to congratulate one of West Virginia's most dedicated and talented cardiologists, Dr. Kishore Challa, on receiving the 2014 Heart of Gold Award, which was presented by the West Virginia American Heart Association. There is no one more qualified, more compassionate or more devoted than Dr. Challa, who has been practicing in West Virginia for more than 20 years.

A native of India, Dr. Challa has called the Mountain State his home since 1989, and his unwavering commitment to the cardiology field at South Charleston Cardiology, where he continues to practice today, has consistently saved West Virginian lives across our State. We cannot thank him enough for continuing to deepen his roots in the Mountain State. His significant contributions, positive influence and medical expertise have helped boost the quality of our medical community as well as improved the health and well-being of many, many West Virginians.

Dr. Challa's integrity and work ethic know no bounds in a field where long hours and often times emotional, demanding and traumatic experiences become routine. Most cannot imagine the pressure and stress physicians endure on a daily basis, and Dr. Challa's calm, compassionate and enjoyable personality should inspire us all to always focus on the good and the positive. Regardless of the day, Dr. Challa treats all of his patients, staff and friends with kindness and respect, and that is why I am truly proud to call him my friend.

Dr. Challa is also no stranger to prestigious awards, including the Distinguished West Virginian award, which was created to honor those who have contributed significantly to West Virginia and those who have brought positive attention to our great State. His

dedication to his patients, his commitment to the West Virginia community, and his passion of cardiology have made West Virginia a better place.

It is fitting that Dr. Challa was presented with the Heart of Gold Award, for he once stated that in his field, ``helping people is instant gratitude and it's all worth it.'' So today, I congratulate a friend--and a remarkably intelligent and gifted cardiologist--on receiving such an esteemed honor. I know he will continue to save lives in the great State of West Virginia for years to come.

Mr. President, today I wish to honor the life of a dear friend and a remarkable West Virginian who was taken from us on February 5, 2014. Michael Angelo Oliverio, Sr. was a dedicated public servant, an inspiring educator and a passionate civic leader who was respected and admired by all who knew him. He led an extraordinary life that will always be remembered in the hearts of the countless individuals whose lives he touched.

The son of an Italian immigrant shepherd, Mike was born and raised in the town of Carolina in Marion County, just a few miles down the road from my hometown of Farmington. Like many other families in North Central West Virginia, our families' ancestors both originated from the same town in

Italy, San Giovanni in Fiore. Our shared heritage was truly a special aspect of our family friendship.

Mike lived a life of unprecedented success both professionally and personally. He graduated from Monongah High School, Fairmont State College, West Virginia University, and also received postgraduate education from the University of Virginia, College of St. Thomas, Minnesota, and George Washington University.

He was a tireless advocate for the disabled community, which was recognized not only in West Virginia but on a national level. As the president of the National Rehabilitation Counseling Association and also president of the National Rehabilitation Association International Advocacy Group for Persons with Disabilities, he met with Congress and Presidents Carter and Ford to promote laws for persons with disabilities.

With a heart of gold, Mike passionately served his community, his State and his country. He served for more than 10 years as the Monongalia County clerk, served as chairman of the Community Advisory Committee, and vice chairman on the national board of the American Heart Association.

Genuinely committed to improving the lives of all West Virginians, Mike helped start the Kennedy Correctional Center and founded the Ronald McDonald House. He also designed and facilitated the building of a memorial honoring fathers and President John F. Kennedy in Star City called ``A Father's Love.''

Additionally, he served as chairman of the Fairmont State University Board of Advisors, the Klingberg Development Center Advisory Committee, North Central West Virginia Goodwill Board, People Aware of Children Exceptional (PACE), West Virginia Italian Heritage Festival, and St. Mary's Roman Catholic Church.

During his life, Mike received many awards for his incredible works-- of which he was most proud, Mike received the National Nathan Hale Award for Patriotism and the F. Ray Power Award for Administration State Director Internationally.

Promoting his family's cultural history and Italian heritage was one of Mike's greatest passions. He made West Virginia and Calabria, Italy, sister states and conducted the twinning process joining Clarksburg and San Giovanni in Fiori, Italy. He also initiated an exchange program with students from the University of Calabria and Fairmont State University. He was rightly awarded the International Award for Achievement and Humanity in Rome, Italy.

Mike took many trips to Italy throughout his life, but there was one trip in particular I know he cherished most. Dubbed ``The Oliverio Boys Tour,'' Mike traveled to the homeland in 2009 with his three sons, Joe, Mike, and Frank; his brother, John; and his cousins, Jason, Maryn, and Nate.

During the trip they were blessed to spend time with relatives and friends in the region and experience the authentic Italian traditions, passion and food. As they walked the streets, natives knew the Americans were in town and that Mike Oliverio had brought his family. They were hosted by many of Mike's second and third cousins, including Mario Oliverio, who had recently been elected President of the Region. It was very important to him to travel around Italy together as a family and to explore their roots. I know it was a special memory he held close to his heart.

Mike was not only reputable and accomplished in his public life, but he was also an unparalleled example of a dedicated family man--a devoted husband, a proud father, and a wonderful grandfather. Much of his success he credited to his late wife, Julia, who supported him in all of his endeavors. His children are accomplished and respected throughout our state.

I will never forget a special dinner my wife, Gayle, and I shared at the Governor's Mansion in 2007 with Mike, Julia, and their family--Joe, Paula, Alyssa, Mary, Christina, Maria, Mike, Melissa, Frank, Amy, Julia, Aunt Teresa Gabriele, and a family friend, Jessica Faulkenberry. It was just two weeks before Julia lost her life to ovarian cancer and we were celebrating her birthday. I remember being touched by the love shared within their family and the strength they had in one another. You see, the Oliverios personify the power of families--working hard, supporting one another, and standing together when times get tough.

Anyone who knew Mike Oliverio can tell about his incredible ability to inspire each person he encountered to live a life of purpose. Personally, I have lost a dear friend and mentor. And although he will be forever remembered for his many years of service, he will also be remembered as a loving father, grandfather, and friend. He was truly a local legend in our State, and though he will be greatly missed, his legacy will always live on.

Madam President, today I wish to celebrate an exciting and significant victory for local veterans in southern West Virginia and to recognize the unwavering dedication of the people who have worked tirelessly to bring the first-ever mobile veterans health clinic to Mercer County.

Today, the Beckley VA Medical Center will debut the long-awaited mobile health clinic in Bluefield, WV. This facility will improve access to primary and mental health-care to the growing number of veterans in the region.

This is wonderful news for our brave heroes who have been without accessible health care for far too long. Until now, our veterans' only option for receiving health care has been to drive over an hour to the closest clinic or hospital. Expecting our veterans to commute this far after these courageous men and women have already risked their lives in the defense of this country is simply unacceptable.

I have always said that West Virginia is one of the most patriotic states in this great Nation, and we are so proud of the number of veterans and Active-Duty members who have served with honor and distinction. Upon returning home, they truly deserve the absolute best care and treatment that is available. That is why we have made it our top priority to bring this clinic to serve the veterans in Mercer County and the surrounding communities with quality care.

The mobile health clinic will be an extension of the Beckley VA Medical Center, and it will be initially stationed in Bluefield, WV. As long it is utilized by area veterans, we can count on this facility to stay in southern West Virginia for years to come.

I especially want to emphasize the efforts of one very special West Virginian who has dedicated the past 18 years to helping the veterans of southern West Virginia--Al Hancock. His leadership and commitment to the betterment of the veteran community is truly why this mobile clinic will open its doors today.

Throughout his life and still today, Al has answered the call of service--whether it was serving our great Nation or helping the people of West Virginia. He is a retired teacher and a retired Air Force veteran who served two tours in Vietnam.

A proud and passionate leader, he was the chairman of the retired military support group and he led discussions among over 250 veterans about the issues concerning them most. He talked with fellow veterans, their spouses, and their families regularly.

One issue that continued to arise was the need for more accessible health care. After more than 150 letters sent to the local newspaper and issuing a petition containing more than 3,000 resident signatures, he provided a voice to the veteran community. Despite the many obstacles and hurdles, Al never gave up--he worked passionately and tirelessly to bring this issue to light. And finally, that voice resonated loud and clear. Because of Al's perseverance and determined vision, I am proud to have worked closely with Al to help bring people together to make his vision a reality.

With the hard work and partnership of the Department of Veterans Affairs, the Beckley VA, and the West Virginia delegation, we have been able to make a difference for Al and for all of the veterans who reside throughout southern West Virginia.

We owe our veterans more than a debt of gratitude. Showing our appreciation to the brave men and women who have served is something we should do each and every day. By delivering this mobile health clinic, we are

paying tribute to those who have answered America's call of duty.

I thank Al, the VA, the Beckley VA Center, and all those who have worked to bring this much needed health care access to Mercer County.

This clinic will greatly benefit communities that have a need for health care resources, and it will help ensure all of our veterans and their families have access to the care they need and truly deserve.