Floor Statements

Mr. President, I rise today with Senators Schumer and Leahy to introduce an important piece of legislation for seniors, individual with disabilities, children, and anyone who is taking a brand name prescription drug with a generic equivalent. The bill we are introducing today would outlaw the latest in a long line of loopholes that brand name manufacturers have found to limit generic drug access to the market.

Our legislation would prohibit brand name manufacturers from introducing so-called ``authorized generics'' during the 180-day period that Congress intended true generics to have exclusive market rights. Some of my colleagues may be wondering what an ``authorized generic'' is.

An authorized generic drug is a brand name prescription drug produced by the same brand manufacturer on the same manufacturing lines, yet repackaged as a generic in order to confuse consumers and shut true generics out of the market. This is a huge problem and one that is becoming even more prevalent as patents on some of the best-selling brand name pharmaceuticals start to expire.

Pravachol, Zocor and Zoloft have patents that have expired or will expire this year. Together, these drugs account for approximately $9 billion in sales annually. In 2007, another top-selling brand name drug, Norvasc, will lose its patent protection, followed by Advair the following year.

When brand name drugs lose patent rights, this opens the door for consumers, employers, third-party payers, and other purchasers to save billions--between 50 and 80 percent on the costs of prescriptions--by using generic versions of these drugs. Brand name drug companies are expected to lose as much as $75 billion over the next 5 years as some of their best sellers go off-patent and generic competition increases. So, not surprisingly, these big pharmaceutical companies are desperately trying to protect their market share and prevent consumers from cashing in on savings from generic drugs.

We have addressed this issue before. In 1984, Congress passed the Hatch-Waxman legislation to provide consumers greater access to lower cost generic drugs. The intent of this law was to improve generic competition, while preserving the ability of brand name manufacturers to discover and market new and innovative products. As part of this law, the first generic company on the market after challenging an expiring brand name patent is granted 180-days of exclusive market rights, which is just a fraction of the up to 20 years of exclusive market rights afforded brand companies.

This 6-month incentive is crucial to maintaining the balance between encouraging brand drug companies to make new drugs and encouraging generic drug companies to make existing drugs more affordable. Challenging a brand name drug's patent takes time, money, and involves absorbing a great deal of risk. Generic drug companies rely on the added revenue provided by the l80-day exclusivity period to recoup their costs, fund new patent challenges where appropriate, and ultimately pass savings onto consumers.

This latest attempt by big drug companies to protect their profits puts billions of dollars in savings for consumers in jeopardy. The bill we are introducing today eliminates the authorized generic loophole, protects the integrity of the 180 days, and improves consumer access to lower-cost generic drugs. I urge my colleagues to support this timely and important piece of legislation.

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

Mr. President, this month, Sharon Daly will retire from Catholic Charities USA. She has been a compassionate, committed advocate for the most vulnerable children and needy families for more than a decade. She has skillfully represented a nationwide faith-based network that serves people in every State, including West Virginia. For many years, Sharon and her grassroots network of service providers have provided information and valuable insights on the needs of children and families. I have gained facts and support on a wide range of issues, from adoption and foster care to childcare and welfare reform, thanks to Sharon Daly and Catholic Charities. She has been a clear, compelling voice for the needs of children and the poor. Her leadership has been inspiring, and her voice will be missed.

Mr. President, the Senate has passed an important bill, Chairman Grassley's Improving Outcomes for Children Affected by ``Meth'' Act of 2006. This legislation will reauthorize the Safe and Stable Families Program and target $40 million in new funding to programs to help children affected by methamphetamine abuse and addiction.

West Virginia, like all too many States, is facing severe problems with a methamphetamine epidemic. There is by all reports a rapid spread and growth of this pernicious addiction. SAMSHA reports that methamphetamine abuse has increased more than 420 percent for persons 12 years and older during the past decade. And according to a well- cited National Association of Counties survey, the epidemic is no longer targeting rural States like my own. Much to my dismay we are finding addicts in suburban high schools as well as urban areas. Addicts are white and blue collar workers and the unemployed who are in their twenties or thirties. Use is equally divided among males and females.

The legislation offered today is part of the reauthorization for the Promoting Safe and Stable Families Program. Our child welfare system relies on the principles and services mandated by Safe and Stable Families Programs. I have wholeheartedly worked on this program since its inception in 1993. I have continued over the years to support modifications that fit the changing needs of the children.

It is essential that our most vulnerable children remain safe and that they find emergency placements and permanent homes. Programs such as Foster Care remain a foundational safeguard for children. Children find refuge in foster homes when they are placed in harm's way due to neglect or abuse. Permanence of placement represents an enduring goal of Safe and Stable. This objective provides a child the hope of living conditions that support physical and psychological health. The Safe and Stable Programs ultimately assist with decisions about family reunification and adoption.

Of course, there remains a lot more work to be done. Our foster care system is overburdened. There is all too often a lack of coordination among agencies and services that serve children and their families. And currently many programs are especially stressed by the expanding and invasive problems brought on by the next generation of illicit drugs. Right now our children need more help.

The goals of Improving Outcomes for Children Affected by ``Meth'' Act are consistent with the spirit and design of the Promoting Safe and Stable Families Programs. This act targets the growing problems caused by a cheaply made, easily available, lethal drug.

The facts are, to say the least, extremely disturbing. The National Association of Counties survey points to the rise of out-of-home placements due to methamphetamine addiction by as much as 71 percent in California counties and 70 percent in responding Colorado counties. This year in Montana, State officials reported at least 50 percent of child abuse and neglect cases involved methamphetamine abuse. I know that in southern West Virginia alone there have been over 100 laboratory busts since October, 2005. And according to a survey by the Rebecca Project, over 10,000 children in the U.S. were either present at a lab seizure or lived where the lab was seized between 2000 and 2003. These labs produce 5 pounds of toxic waste as a result of producing 1 pound of methamphetamine. There are too many children in harm's way.

This bill creates new competitive grants to support regional partnerships that provide services to children who are affected by their caretakers' methamphetamine abuses. The bill reserves $40 million to fund these grants.

I know that these grants are not a cure-all, but this legislation is a firm step in the right direction in several ways. First, regional demonstration projects can further identify intervention models that are showing some good results. We also are on the mark when we encourage community health care providers, law enforcement agencies, judges, and statewide child welfare agencies to form more coherent and efficient partnerships. These grants can target innovative prevention programs that reach at-risk children before out-of-home placements are necessary. Finally the grants are available for innovative family-based programs, comprehensive long-term treatment services, and counseling for the children. It is good that the Senate has passed this legislation, and we need to work with the House to secure passage of a final bill that can be signed into law by the President this year.

Mr. President, today I also wish to honor a leader in the automotive industry and a friend of West Virginia, Shigeji Ikenaga, as well as the team members of Diamond Electric located in Eleanor, WV. Together they have contributed to the company's global growth and economic prosperity, as well as developing West Virginia's automotive industry.

President Shigeji Ikenaga has worked for Diamond Electric since 1954, dedicating an impressive 52 years of service to the automotive industry. During his extensive career, Mr. Ikenaga was instrumental in bringing Diamond Electric to the United States and tapping our workforce to help produce automotive parts. In 1987, Diamond Electric established a plant in the Detroit, MI area. Then, in 1992, Diamond Electric started manufacturing ignition coils at its headquarters in Dundee, MI. Soon thereafter, West Virginia began to benefit from operational expansions by Diamond Electric. In April, 1996, just as Toyota was beginning its work in West Virginia, ground was broken for an ignition coil plant in Eleanor, WV.

Building upon Diamond Electric's success in North America, Mr. Ikenaga expanded to other continents, establishing a manufacturing plant in Esztergom, Hungary, and incorporating the company in Suzhou, China. These expansions solidified Diamond Electric's stance in the global market.

As is evidenced by the various awards of excellence he and the company have received, Mr. Ikenaga's work and the work of his employees is exceptional. In 1994, Diamond Electric received the Deming Award, which recognizes medium and small companies for their outstanding total quality control program. In addition, Mr. Ikenaga was awarded the Medal with Blue Ribbon in 1997 and again honored in 2002 when he was awarded the Order of the Sacred Treasure, Gold Rays with Neck Ribbon. These awards are testament to the high quality and hard work of Diamond Electric and its employees.

The Diamond Electric employees of West Virginia have also made an enormous contribution to the company's success. The plant has been awarded the Toyota Delivery and Quality Awards each year since beginning production in 1998. This allowed Diamond Electric one of their greatest achievements to date--becoming the first U.S. supplier to build an ignition coil for the Lexus SUV engine.

Moreover, because of the well-earned success in West Virginia, the facility has expanded 3 times since production started in 1997, growing from a 50,000-square-foot facility and 3.4 million in capacity to a 110,000-square-foot facility and 13 million in capacity. Currently, the company employs nearly 150 West Virginians.

As the company has proven numerous times throughout the years, they are a leader in the automotive industry thanks to the extraordinary efforts of Mr. Ikenaga and the workforce at the Eleanor, WV facility. Diamond Electric and its employees are pioneers, expanding to other continents and manufacturing new and innovative automotive products.

Additionally, Mr. Ikenaga's actions have not only illustrated his desire for professional growth but also a desire to educate young individuals through Diamond Electric's participation in The Dictionary Project. I was very proud to learn that Diamond Electric presented every third grader in Putnam County this past year a dictionary to help them with their studies.

I take this opportunity to thank Mr. Ikenaga for his confidence in West Virginia and our remarkable workforce. I also congratulate Diamond Electric's remarkable team members for playing such an important role in Putnam County's growing economy. I appreciate your hard work and commitment to the automotive industry.

Mr. President, today, I am introducing legislation to correct an unfair decision that hurts

aging, retired VA nurses. This legislation is designed to correct a problem from a bill we passed in 2001, to help VA nurses. That legislation improved nurses' pensions, and Congress intended it to be retroactive. Unfortunately, administrative officials took a very narrow view of that law. Currently VA nurses who retired between 1986 and 2002, do not get the full pension benefits as current retirees do.

In the 1980s, VA aggressively recruited nurses to fill a huge need at VA medical centers by promising full retirement for part-time work. Sadly, the VA and the Office of Personnel Management, OPM, does not want to fulfill that promise. This legislation would explicitly require the Federal Government to honor its commitment to our retired VA nurses. Pension benefits are a vital promise. It is disturbing when we do not fulfill our obligations, and we simply must correct this error.

Nurses play a critical role in our health care system, including the VA. Recruiting and retaining nurses is important, and this pension shortfall does not help. It is time to deliver full pension benefits to the nurses who cared for our veterans.

Mr. President, today, I am introducing legislation to correct an unfair decision that hurts

aging, retired VA nurses. This legislation is designed to correct a problem from a bill we passed in 2001, to help VA nurses. That legislation improved nurses' pensions, and Congress intended it to be retroactive. Unfortunately, administrative officials took a very narrow view of that law. Currently VA nurses who retired between 1986 and 2002, do not get the full pension benefits as current retirees do.

In the 1980s, VA aggressively recruited nurses to fill a huge need at VA medical centers by promising full retirement for part-time work. Sadly, the VA and the Office of Personnel Management, OPM, does not want to fulfill that promise. This legislation would explicitly require the Federal Government to honor its commitment to our retired VA nurses. Pension benefits are a vital promise. It is disturbing when we do not fulfill our obligations, and we simply must correct this error.

Nurses play a critical role in our health care system, including the VA. Recruiting and retaining nurses is important, and this pension shortfall does not help. It is time to deliver full pension benefits to the nurses who cared for our veterans.

Mr. President, I am delighted that the Safe and Timely Placement of Children Act was passed during the wrap-up session on Friday, June 23, 2006. I have worked with Senators DeWine and Domenici on this issue for several years to help foster children to be placed with adoptive parents or family across State lines.

Currently it can take twice or three times as long for a child to be placed in a home, if that home happens to be in another State. This is sad, and it needs to be fixed.

The House bill, identical to our Senate legislation, will help fix this process and help these children. It provides a mix of incentives and timeframes for States to achieve the safe and timely placement of children between States.

This legislation was part of the WE CARE Kids Act, and it should help to deliver on the promises made in the Adoption and Safe Families Act of 1997 which stated that geographic barriers should not delay or deny adoptions. When a child leaves foster care and goes out of State, half of the time the child is being adopted and gaining a permanent home. In about 20 percent of the cases, a child is being placed with a relative. These are good, permanent options for children, and it should not take twice as long to achieve such a placement.

In my view, this complements and builds upon actions by many States to update the 1960 Interstate Compact for the Placement of Children. The purpose of this legislation is to add specific timeframes and to provide Federal incentives to achieve the goal set in 1997 of reducing and eliminating geographic barriers.

As technology has vastly improved and more families seek to open their hearts and homes to children in foster care, we need improved regulations and policies to serve such families. This legislation is part of the DeWine-Rockefeller bill, called the We Care Kids Act. Thanks to the leadership of Chairman Grassley, the major provisions of We Care Kids Act were included in the reconciliation package to invest in court training and data to help judges have insight and the information needed to care for the vulnerable children in foster care. But action could not be taken to improve interstate case planning within the reconciliation bill. In 2004, similar legislation passed the House of Representatives, and now it will finally become law.

Mr. President, today, I am honored to celebrate the great State of West Virginia. June 20, 2006, commemorates; the 143rd birthday of the ``Wild and Wonderful'' State of West Virginia marking a milestone in both national and state history.

The historical importance of West Virginia should not be underestimated. Born in 1863 out of the turmoil of the Civil War, it has become synonymous with dedication, hard work, and integrity. West Virginia emerged as a staunch supporter of individuality, freedom, and tolerance. The common experience of the Civil War forged a unique bond of fraternity and camaraderie between its citizens. The commendable citizens of our great State exemplify all of the aforementioned attributes through their unending commitments to their jobs, communities, and families.

People, however, are not the sole attraction to the State. The West Virginia experience is transforming and mesmerizing. Visitors from around the world enjoy the vibrantly lush forests, clearly flowing streams, and majestic snow-capped mountains, which provide excellent outlets for recreational activity. Hiking, mountain biking, hunting, fishing, whitewater rafting, skiing, and golfing are just a few of the amenities provided in the treasure that is West Virginia.

The culture of West Virginia rivals nature in beauty and intensity. Music, history, pottery, glass, and storytelling make up a patchwork quilt of extraordinary experiences. Each individual, young or old, visitor or native, is wrapped warmly into West Virginia's comforting blanket of culture and identity.

The West Virginia motto, ``Mountaineers are always free,'' rings throughout the State with resounding force. Jerry West, Pearl Buck, Chuck Yeager, and Senator Robert C. Byrd are just a few of the influential people of our time from West Virginia. As of June 12, 2006, Senator Byrd has had the distinction of being the longest serving Senator in U.S. history. Clearly, West Virginia has provided and continues to provide successful and inspiring individuals to the world.

Sadly, West Virginia has seen great tragedy in the last year: In four separate mining accidents, 19 miners have lost their lives. Coal production is woven into the fabric of our State. While we always knew of the risks, losing loved ones is always devastating. Following those accidents, the Nation finally focused on what West Virginia has long known--we must improve mine safety. Currently, 40,000 direct jobs are supplied by the coal industry's influence in the State. This month, the MINER Act was signed into law by President Bush. This momentous step in mine safety legislation will bring greater safety to the brave men and women who work in the mines. The important role coal plays in the culture, economy, and history of West Virginia cannot be understated. The jobs provided through the coal industry contribute to the well- being of thousands of West Virginians, they increase State development, and they enhance the economic vitality of the State. It is our responsibility to make sure that miners are safe, secure, and protected.

In addition to some of the hardships our State has faced since its 142nd birthday, we also have a lot to celebrate: The Toyota Motor Manufacturing Plant located in Buffalo, WV, recently celebrated its 10th anniversary. Since its inception in 1996, the plant has expanded five times and has been the single most productive engine and transmission facility in all of North America for 4 consecutive years. In 1996, 350 jobs were provided by the Toyota plant. By 2007, it is estimated that 1,150 workers will be employed by the organization.

Additionally, the West Virginia University football team won the right to participate in the 2006 Sugar Bowl in Atlanta, GA. In a stunning victory, the West Virginia University Mountaineers upset the University of Georgia Bulldogs 38 to 35. The Mountaineers finished the season ranked fifth overall in the Associated Press poll tying the highest ranking in school history.

I am proud to represent West Virginia. I am proud to live in West Virginia, and I am proud to be called a West Virginian. Today, it is my great honor to celebrate and commemorate the 143rd birthday of the ``Wild and Wonderful'' State of West Virginia.

Mr. President, it is with great honor that I recognize the 100th anniversary of the founding of the town of Madison, WV. A celebration will take place this month, and I would like to take this opportunity to speak for a few moments about this wonderful Appalachian community. Madison was incorporated as the county seat of Boone County, which it remains today. It is also the home of a number of exemplary schools and dedicated churches. Madison has long been noted for its rich coal mining heritage, and was named for Colonel William Madison Peyton, pioneer coal operator and leader of the movement that led to the establishment of Boone County.

A significant percentage of Madison residents are employed by coal mining corporations, or related businesses. That makes it fitting that the township is the home of the Bituminous Coal Heritage Foundation Museum and the location of the West Virginia Coal Festival. Each year, thousands of people travel to Madison for this festival to celebrate coal heritage. This year, the festival will include a memorial service to the 18 West Virginians who tragically lost their lives in recent months in mining accidents. In light of these events, along with State and local officials and I have been working to better ensure the safety of all West Virginia coal miners. Another important asset to the City of Madison is Boone Memorial Hospital which serves the community with personalized care and respect for all in need of medical attention.

The town of Madison is the historical site of a crucial Union victory during

the Civil War. The Battle of Boone County Courthouse, the name of the town before it was known as Madison, occurred early in the war on September 1, 1861, at a time when the Union army had suffered many devastating defeats. The original court house in Madison was burned by Union soldiers as a result of the skirmish. Madison's centennial celebration will take place on the grounds of the restored structure.

On the grounds of that courthouse stands a memorial to soldiers who died in service of their Nation. Madison and Boone County, as all of West Virginia, have given more than its share of brave men and women to the service of our Nation. Boone countians are fiercely patriotic and dedicated to their families, their community and their God. They are resilient and determined, having suffered the ups and downs of the coal economy. They are also kind-hearted people. When I first came to West Virginia as a young man in the VISTA program over 40 years ago, it was to a community on the Boone-Kanawha county line. The people of that community taught me so much and forever changed my life. I will forever have a special place in my heart for Boone County, the town of Madison, and their residents. I certainly wish the town and its people the best for the centennial celebration and much success during the next 100 years.

I hope my fellow Senators and fellow West Virginians will join me in celebrating this special occasion, the centennial of Madison,

Mr. President, I wish to recognize the St. Albans Fire Department for 100 years of dedicated service to its community. Their outstanding achievement has not only improved the town of St. Albans, but West Virginia as a whole. I am proud to represent such a courageous and selfless group of individuals, who serve West Virginia well every day. All first responders are enormously important to our well being and to their communities, but the longevity of this department deserves special recognition.

The St. Albans Fire Department was started in 1906 as the St. Albans Salvage Corps. The small group of committed volunteers ventures to preserve property and save lives in this small Kanawha County community. Their goal created a foundation on which the St. Albans Fire Department--SAFD--was built. Today, the SAFD is a 26 person team of 19 full time and seven part time firefighters. Although the operation has grown tremendously, the firefighters still strive to protect every aspect of the community. They respond not only to fires, but also to automobile accidents, water rescue, as well as providing emergency medical service. The firefighters that represent St. Albans are highly trained and capable of handling all types of emergencies.

The SAFD was presented with the Life Safety Achievement Award for the sixth time in 2005. This award is given to the departments that help reduce the number of fire related deaths each year. In 2004, St. Albans did not have any structural fire deaths. The Department was also able to improve their Insurance Safety Office rating from a Class 4 to a Class 3. The better rating will help not only the fire department, but the people they serve as well, by lowering their insurance premiums. This achievement shows the true dedication of the St. Albans Fire Department. Congratulations on such an amazing accomplishment, and let the next 100 years be as strong as the first.

Mr. President, on January 3, 1959, Robert Carlyle Byrd entered his first term as West Virginia's junior Senator. Today, June 12, 2006, after serving 17,327 days representing West Virginians, Robert C. Byrd is now the longest serving U.S. Senator in our Nation's great history. He has surpassed giants and legends of the Senate to be in a class by himself. Although his 47 plus years and 17,666 votes are what we celebrate today, we also know that he is just as much West Virginia's future as he has been part of its past.

During his tenure, Senator Byrd has brought over $1 billion to West Virginia's highways, dams, educational institutions, and more--earning him the moniker of West Virginia's billion-dollar industry. Senator Byrd has also created a number of other health care and educational opportunities across the State such as the Robert C. Byrd Center for Rural Health, based at Marshall University, the Robert C. Byrd Health Sciences Center at West Virginia University, and the Scholastic Recognition Award for West Virginia's public and private school valedictorians. Senator Byrd's projects are so numerous it would take me hours to name them all; however, the improvements he has brought to West Virginia are immeasurable. And West Virginia's future is much brighter as a result of his years of service and his continued desire to work for our State.

His dedication to the people of West Virginia is unmatched, and in the years to come, we all look to Senator Byrd to continue to fight for a State that would have much less without him. Today he is working to secure a Federal prison in McDowell County, continuing to improve our State's highways, updating the safety laws for our miners, protecting the checks and balances in our government structure, securing our borders, and creating opportunities for the youth of West Virginia.

Sadly, this year, Senator Byrd lost a pillar of strength and the most beloved person in his life--his wife Erma Ora Byrd. When Senator Byrd earned his law degree while serving in Congress, Erma and his children sacrificed time with him for the betterment of our Nation. Erma served as a spiritual companion and as an emotional support for him. When elected as Majority Leader, many said that his life was the Senate, but those who know him, know that the love of his life and his eternal companion truly was Erma. Her values and strengths are those of all West Virginians. She was a coal miner's daughter and a daughter of Appalachia. She provided Senator Byrd with everything he needed throughout his life, and provided unfailing support during his lifetime of public service.

Senator Byrd's love for West Virginia and its people is extraordinary. Throughout his unprecedented public service in the West Virginia House of Delegates, the U.S. House of Representatives, and the U.S. Senate, Robert C. Byrd has never lost an election--a tribute to his resounding support in our State of West Virginia and something very few of his colleagues can say. One reason for this perfect record is that he never fails to work for the future of our State--he is on the cutting edge of West Virginia's needs, and he is fast to respond to new problems, such as border security, and homeland security, with new solutions.

Senator Byrd's contributions to this country extend far past West Virginia's mountains. He has served as a leader on the Senate Appropriations Committee, worked to create a Federal compensation system for black lung victims, worked to secure passage of the Panama Canal treaties, led the effort to pass legislation keeping the Social Security system solvent, worked to ratify the INF treaty with the Soviet Union, went to court to block the recently passed line-item veto, among many other historic pieces of legislation, treaties, nominations, and resolutions. Most recently, Senator Byrd has worked tirelessly to help pass the MINER Act in light of the tragedies at the Sago and Alma mines.

In addition to his stellar legislative record, Senator Byrd has been a proven leader in the Senate, holding more leadership positions in the Senate than any other Senator of any party in Senate history. He has held leadership positions including secretary of the Democratic Conference, chairman of the Senate Appropriations Committee, Senate Democratic whip, Democratic leader, majority leader, and minority leader. On three occasions Senator Robert C. Byrd has served as President Pro Tempore of the Senate, demonstrating the tremendous amount of respect that the Senator has from his colleagues and placing him in direct line of succession to the Presidency.

Throughout his career, Senator Robert C. Byrd has remained a dedicated husband, father, grandfather, great- grandfather, and friend. A man of deep faith, his dedication to our country and our State is exceeded only by his dedication to his family. I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating Senator Robert C. Byrd for the incredible amount of time and effort he has given to our Nation and to the State of West Virginia. I know my colleagues join me in hoping that he will continue to serve West Virginia for many more years to come.

Mr. President, I wish to commemorate a man who has made a significant impact on the State of West Virginia and on his community--Robert Edward Holroyd is not only a dear friend of mine, but the work he has done for our State has been beyond extraordinary. Bob and I have been friends for a very long time and in addition to being a wonderful friend, he is also a counselor, and someone on whom I often rely for advice and wisdom.

Holroyd has been active in improving the medical practices for the State of West Virginia. He was one of the organizers of Princeton Community Hospital, where he served on the board until he became general counsel of the hospital, a position he continues to hold. Also, he is presently the chair of St. Luke's Hospital in Bluefield, WV and serves as chairman of the Mercer County 911 committee.

In 1981, Holroyd played a significant role in the opening of the Princeton Health Care Center nursing home, which is celebrating its 25th anniversary on June 16, 2006. Princeton Community Hospital opened as a general hospital on December 20, 1970, and was chartered as a nonprofit organization with its own board of directors to establish and plan for future health care centers. Since its inception, and thanks to those like Holroyd, the hospital staff has grown from 13 physicians and 125 employees to more than 100 doctors and 1,140 employees today as it celebrates this milestone. With the addition of new equipment, the adoption of new concepts in health care delivery, and the expansion of the facility, the hospital's well-trained and highly motivated professionals are able to provide quality health care services for the citizens of Mercer and surrounding counties. The hospital's many specialties and technological advancements place it on the leading edge of medical treatment in southern West Virginia.

Mr. Holroyd was born to the late Virginia Lazenby and the late Dr. Frank Jackson Holroyd on September 15, 1931, in Princeton, Mercer County, WV. Beginning in his youth in Mercer County,

Holroyd was a natural born leader, already making an impact in his community. He was active in the First Baptist Church in Princeton, WV as well as the Boy Scouts of America, Troop 1, in which he attained the rank of Eagle Scout. While at Princeton High School, Holroyd was a member of the nationally ranked Princeton High 1948-49 debate team. As a result of his successes early in life, Holroyd received a 4-year scholarship to West Virginia University.

At West Virginia University, he majored in political science and speech. During his tenure at the University, Holroyd left Morgantown and joined the United States Marine Corps during the Korean Conflict. Holroyd served on active duty for 3 years and served with special assignments to military police. In 1954, Holroyd became a Marine reservist and returned to Morgantown, WV to finish his undergraduate studies, and pursue law school. He graduated with a law degree in 1958 and returned home to Princeton, WV, to practice law.

Holroyd's interest in politics blossomed after law school, and in 1960, he became very active in President John F. Kennedy's primary campaign in southern West Virginia. In Princeton, Holroyd was assistant prosecuting attorney from 1961-1964. In 1964, he was elected to the West Virginia House of Delegates and served as prosecuting attorney of Mercer County from 1965-1967. Besides working on President Kennedy's campaign, Holroyd continued supporting the Democratic Party by serving on the West Virginia State Democratic Executive Committee for two terms, as well as being a delegate to the Democratic National Convention in 1976.

Holroyd served West Virginia as a consultant to the Governor's Committee on Crime and Delinquency and Correction and the International Association of Chiefs of Police. He was also an instructor on Criminal Law and Procedure at West Virginia State Police Academy and West Virginia Basic Police Science Courses at Institute, WV. Holroyd also served the Police force by being a guest instructor at Bluefield State College, Police Service Department and as an adjunct professor at Marshall University.

Throughout his community, Holroyd was a past member and officer in Princeton's Junior Chamber of Commerce. He was an active member in the Princeton Rotary Club, and is a current member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars--VFW, American Legion, Elks, Moose, Mercer County and West Virginia's State Bar Associations.

Husband to Emilie Norwood Adams, father to Elizabeth, William and Mary Jacqueline Holroyd, and grandfather to four, Holroyd has served his family, his State, and his country. West Virginia is proud and honored to say he represents the State, and I am proud and honored to say he is a dear friend. West Virginia thanks him for his extraordinary service and for his leadership some 25 years ago that make this anniversary possible for the Princeton Health Care Center nursing home.

Mr. President, today's headline is sad and stunning. The VA Secretary now reports that 2.2 million active-duty military personnel were also exposed in the massive security breach at VA on May 3. This means that 1.1 million active-duty military personnel, 430,000 National Guard members and 645,000 reservists are exposed to potential identity theft. The brave men and women, who are serving and protecting our country, are not being protected by their own government.

This is deeply disturbing and we owe each servicemember and veteran real support to protect their financial information.

I have revised my legislation, S. 3176, the Veterans' Privacy Protection Act, to expand coverage to our military personnel. I am proud to have the cosponsorship of Senators Jeffords and Baucus.

Every American has the justifiable expectation that the Federal Government will protect their private personal information--information that they are required to provide to Federal agencies. It is a basic and fundamental responsibility of government to make sure that this sensitive data is handled appropriately, accessed only by authorized personal, and used only for intended purposes.

On May 22, the Department of Veterans Affairs, VA, announced that computer disks containing as many as 26.5 million veterans' personal information were stolen from an employee who had taken the information home. I, along with many of my colleagues, am outraged at this enormous lapse in security. The VA has an obligation to make sure that veterans and military personnel are not harmed because of the agency's failure to protect sensitive personal data.

This information includes social security numbers and dates of birth, the underpinnings of almost all of our financial information. In the wrong hands, this information can be used to steal a person's identity causing substantial harm. All of us have constituents who have been victims of identity theft. When a person's identity is stolen, it can have devastating financial consequences for that person and that family. Even if the financial harm is minimal, it often takes years to clear your name. Plus, veterans and military families must live with the uncertainty about the financial records.

I understand that the VA, FBI and local law enforcement are working on the investigation, but Congress must also conduct a thorough investigation into how this security breach occurred. I want to know why the VA waited almost three weeks for its first announcement. I want to know why it took another two weeks to compare files and realize that 2.2 million military personnel were also exposed.

In my opinion, it is inexcusable that veterans and military were not notified immediately that their personal information had been stolen and were not given any guidance as to the steps they should take to protect themselves from identity theft. I understand the VA inspector general has cited the agency for poor security policies and procedures. Congress must also begin a comprehensive review of the agency's security protocols and policies and force the agency to adopt stricter security measures to make sure that the personal data our veterans are required to provide the agency is not ever again at risk.

It is for this reason that I am reintroducing the Veterans' and Military Privacy Protection Act today. Although all Federal agencies need comprehensive data privacy policies, this is a targeted bill to address the security breach at the VA on an urgent basis.

Congress has required the Federal Trade Commission to address identity theft and its consequences. The agency has taken an aggressive approach in combating this devastating crime. My bill would require the Federal Trade Commission to develop a hotline explicitly for veterans and military personnel to provide the information, counseling, and help necessary to allow each person to protect himself from the loss of personal data.

At this point, our legislative response must cover all 28.7 million veterans and servicemembers that the VA believes may have had their personal information compromise. My bill would make it easier for them to request a long-term credit alert for their records so credit agencies are aware that their personal information could be being used by others. It is my understanding that a security freeze on an individual's record can have a modest cost, and VA has the obligation to cover the costs of this enormous security breach.

Finally, my bill requires the General Accountability Office to evaluate the VA response to this incident and to analyze the agency's security protocols. I believe that an independent investigation could generate a number of recommendations to improve the security of personal information not just in the VA but in all Federal agencies.

The VA has exposed millions of veterans and military to identity theft and potential financial problems. It is inconceivable to me how any Federal agency could have let this happen, and how the investigation and followup could be so haphazard. We all have heard the stories during the past year regarding massive breaches of private and confidential data by private entities. The Federal Government acted quickly to respond to these breaches and now it must act just as quickly if not more so to address its own failings. My bill is a critical step in providing the necessary assistance that millions of veterans and servicemembers may require, and I urge my colleagues to act on it with the urgency this situation demands.

Mr. President, today's headline is sad and stunning. The VA Secretary now reports that 2.2 million active-duty military personnel were also exposed in the massive security breach at VA on May 3. This means that 1.1 million active-duty military personnel, 430,000 National Guard members and 645,000 reservists are exposed to potential identity theft. The brave men and women, who are serving and protecting our country, are not being protected by their own government.

This is deeply disturbing and we owe each servicemember and veteran real support to protect their financial information.

I have revised my legislation, S. 3176, the Veterans' Privacy Protection Act, to expand coverage to our military personnel. I am proud to have the cosponsorship of Senators Jeffords and Baucus.

Every American has the justifiable expectation that the Federal Government will protect their private personal information--information that they are required to provide to Federal agencies. It is a basic and fundamental responsibility of government to make sure that this sensitive data is handled appropriately, accessed only by authorized personal, and used only for intended purposes.

On May 22, the Department of Veterans Affairs, VA, announced that computer disks containing as many as 26.5 million veterans' personal information were stolen from an employee who had taken the information home. I, along with many of my colleagues, am outraged at this enormous lapse in security. The VA has an obligation to make sure that veterans and military personnel are not harmed because of the agency's failure to protect sensitive personal data.

This information includes social security numbers and dates of birth, the underpinnings of almost all of our financial information. In the wrong hands, this information can be used to steal a person's identity causing substantial harm. All of us have constituents who have been victims of identity theft. When a person's identity is stolen, it can have devastating financial consequences for that person and that family. Even if the financial harm is minimal, it often takes years to clear your name. Plus, veterans and military families must live with the uncertainty about the financial records.

I understand that the VA, FBI and local law enforcement are working on the investigation, but Congress must also conduct a thorough investigation into how this security breach occurred. I want to know why the VA waited almost three weeks for its first announcement. I want to know why it took another two weeks to compare files and realize that 2.2 million military personnel were also exposed.

In my opinion, it is inexcusable that veterans and military were not notified immediately that their personal information had been stolen and were not given any guidance as to the steps they should take to protect themselves from identity theft. I understand the VA inspector general has cited the agency for poor security policies and procedures. Congress must also begin a comprehensive review of the agency's security protocols and policies and force the agency to adopt stricter security measures to make sure that the personal data our veterans are required to provide the agency is not ever again at risk.

It is for this reason that I am reintroducing the Veterans' and Military Privacy Protection Act today. Although all Federal agencies need comprehensive data privacy policies, this is a targeted bill to address the security breach at the VA on an urgent basis.

Congress has required the Federal Trade Commission to address identity theft and its consequences. The agency has taken an aggressive approach in combating this devastating crime. My bill would require the Federal Trade Commission to develop a hotline explicitly for veterans and military personnel to provide the information, counseling, and help necessary to allow each person to protect himself from the loss of personal data.

At this point, our legislative response must cover all 28.7 million veterans and servicemembers that the VA believes may have had their personal information compromise. My bill would make it easier for them to request a long-term credit alert for their records so credit agencies are aware that their personal information could be being used by others. It is my understanding that a security freeze on an individual's record can have a modest cost, and VA has the obligation to cover the costs of this enormous security breach.

Finally, my bill requires the General Accountability Office to evaluate the VA response to this incident and to analyze the agency's security protocols. I believe that an independent investigation could generate a number of recommendations to improve the security of personal information not just in the VA but in all Federal agencies.

The VA has exposed millions of veterans and military to identity theft and potential financial problems. It is inconceivable to me how any Federal agency could have let this happen, and how the investigation and followup could be so haphazard. We all have heard the stories during the past year regarding massive breaches of private and confidential data by private entities. The Federal Government acted quickly to respond to these breaches and now it must act just as quickly if not more so to address its own failings. My bill is a critical step in providing the necessary assistance that millions of veterans and servicemembers may require, and I urge my colleagues to act on it with the urgency this situation demands.

Mr. President, the Senate today considers the nomination of GEN Michael Hayden to be Director of the Central Intelligence Agency. I support General Hayden's confirmation. He is the right person to lead the CIA out of a period of turmoil and controversy.

Without question General Hayden has the necessary credentials. He is a career Air Force intelligence officer who led the National Security Agency for longer than anyone in the history of that agency. When he took over the NSA it was no longer at the cutting edge of information technology as it had been during the Cold War. Not everything he tried worked but he led the agency's turnaround. We no longer worry, as we did in 1999, that the NSA is on the verge of going deaf.

General Hayden left the NSA a year ago to become the Principal Deputy Director of National Intelligence--the number two job in the new organization created by Congress to modernize the intelligence community. He has helped Director John Negroponte start the process of building a cohesive community from the 16 disparate intelligence agencies. Now he will have a chance to continue working on that integration as the Director of the agency that is the lynchpin for U.S. intelligence, the CIA.

While his qualifications are obvious, General Hayden's selection is not without controversy. As Director of the NSA he designed and implemented a warrantless surveillance program, authorized by the President, to intercept communications inside the United States. The goal of this program is to find terrorists, something every Member of this body supports. But the program's questionable legal underpinnings and the decision to keep it hidden from most Members of Congress have raised questions about General Hayden's judgment and independence.

I wrote Director Negroponte in February expressing my view that General Hayden's role in the public defense of the NSA program was inappropriate for an intelligence official. I reiterated that concern directly to General Hayden in a letter to him prior to his confirmation hearing last week. Officials of the intelligence community must avoid even the appearance of politicization.

General Hayden addressed this issue in his hearing and responded privately to my letter. After carefully considering his answers and his response, I am convinced that he believes the NSA program is legal. I also believe his public appearances were in large part his effort to defend the men and women of the NSA. I still believe his participation in the White House public relations campaign was inappropriate, but I believe his explanation is sincere.

I raise this issue because it gets to the heart of what I think will be General Hayden's challenge at the CIA--rebuilding the agency's credibility and reestablishing its independence. The CIA was established in 1947 to be an independent source of intelligence for the President and other senior policymakers. We have no less a need for that independence now than we did then. The Government, both the executive branch and the Congress, must have intelligence that is timely, objective, and independent of political considerations. This is not just a goal; it is the standard set in law.

Unfortunately, over the past few years we have witnessed a pattern of cynical manipulation of intelligence for political purposes. This politicization has damaged the credibility of the intelligence community and undermined America's efforts to deal with critical national security challenges. General Hayden must take steps to assert his and the CIA's independence.

The situation in the period prior to the Iraq war must never be repeated. Administration officials accepted without question any nugget of intelligence, no matter how poorly sourced, if it supported the decision to go to war with Iraq. In areas where the intelligence did not support the administration's preconceived view, such as alleged Iraqi ties to al-Qaida and the 9/11 attacks, the administration badgered the intelligence community to find a link, ignored the intelligence that showed there was none, and set up a rogue intelligence operation at the Defense Department to aggressively push the alleged connection.

But perhaps the most blatant abuse of the intelligence process was and continues to be the leaking and selective declassification of intelligence information to support particular policy goals. Many of my colleagues have decried the unauthorized disclosures that regularly appear in the press. I join them in condemning these damaging leaks. But it is important to understand that most disclosures of intelligence information are generated by executive branch officials pushing a particular policy, and not by the rank-and-file employees of the intelligence agencies. This has been the pattern of the current administration, particularly related to Iraq.

Based on his past performance I am sure that General Hayden will stand up to blatant attempts to influence intelligence judgments. I also believe he has the character to speak out when he believes the intelligence process is being misused by senior policymakers.

General Hayden also will need to regain the trust of the Congress. The administration's repeated refusal to allow effective oversight of some of the most important intelligence programs has endangered critical intelligence capabilities and alienated the Intelligence Committees when their support is most needed. Signals intelligence and intelligence obtained from detainees are critical elements of our efforts to detect and stop terrorists. But the administration's ill- advised attempts to shield these programs from oversight have created suspicion and undermined public support for our counterterrorism efforts. Sustaining

these kinds of intelligence programs over the long term requires the Congress to be a full partner from the beginning. Our mutual goal should be to ensure that critical intelligence programs receive the attention and support they need to be effective.

Some have questioned the wisdom of a military officer serving in this position. While I want to make sure that General Hayden is outside of the military chain of command, I am convinced that General Hayden's military experience will enable him to successfully manage the important and sometimes difficult relationship between the CIA and the Department of Defense. As CIA Director he also will be the national manager of human intelligence collection activities across all agencies, including the Defense Department. This function is essential to ensuring effective coordination of our sensitive intelligence operations overseas. We cannot afford the creation of redundant capabilities or any confusion as to who is in charge of these delicate operations.

General Hayden will take over the helm of the CIA at a time of rapid expansion of the workforce and following a period of dramatic decline in employee morale. Under his predecessor's tenure the CIA lost many of its most experienced and talented officers. He will need to move quickly to convince the current workforce that the days of political litmus tests are over and experienced professionals will be in charge rather than political cronies.

I cannot overstate the importance of the job General Hayden is undertaking. The CIA and our other intelligence agencies are the front line of our defense. The CIA must find better ways to penetrate targets such as Iran and North Korea while continuing to adapt to the ever changing tactics of the international terrorist movement.

The Senate Intelligence Committee's 2004 review of Iraq intelligence exposed some glaring problems in the collection and analysis of intelligence. The CIA has been undergoing its own internal review and has begun integrating the lessons it has learned. It will be General Hayden's job to see that the CIA embraces the reforms needed to deal with the challenges of the 21st century. I am confident he is the right person for the task.