Floor Statements

Would the Senator entertain a question?

Mr. President, we had the opportunity to speak on this subject earlier today. And I reminded my good friend of the extraordinary chapter in American history that was performed by the industrial base in your State and elsewhere across America under the leadership and guidance of those companies manufacturing automobiles after Pearl Harbor, I mean who were in the business of manufacturing at the time of Pearl Harbor. They shut those lines down very quickly and turned to full military production. That is a great chapter in American history. And, fortunately, I am old enough to remember it quite well as a young man.

But today, it is a different industrial base in the automobile industry. Whereas they had a very dominant position in the production of vehicles, particularly tanks, and they did some aircraft and so forth, that has given way to the high-tech aspects which the Senator from Michigan addresses here on the floor for the benefit of our colleagues.

That is a great chapter in American history. I would hope this Nation would never again be faced with as serious a problem as it was in World War II, namely that we had let our Armed Forces get down to very small levels and the equipment was old and tired.

You remember the pictures that they used broomsticks to practice their military maneuvers with and the Model T and Model A automobiles that were used for tanks. But that chapter reflects the potential of not just the companies themselves but the workers and how quickly they took their knowledge and their skilled hands to swing into action and produce the war materials that we needed very quickly.

Today our military is much stronger, well equipped, thanks to the distinguished chairman and others who have served with us on that committee. I think the likelihood of our Nation ever being confronted with a conflict that would have to require that enormous buildup is not, hopefully not there, but nevertheless we should remember that chapter.

It documents the capabilities of the workers and the families in this industry. I think you pointed with great pride to that era. I might add to my colleague's comment, he closed by asking all Senators to consider this very carefully. As I finish up my 30 years, I have been to a lot of Republican caucuses. We had one yesterday at noon. We just completed another. And the gravity of this issue is reflected in the gravity of the careful, very careful consideration being given by every member in our caucus. I can tell you that without any question. I am not suggesting exactly which way they are going to go. But I know that they have the best interests of the country in mind, and the gravity of the situation is enormous. You can detect it as you hear the colloquies going on on our side. I am sure the same is taking place the Senator's.

Our military vehicles.

I wish to make that clear because that technology has been available in the open market to those manufacturers, other than the oil industry, which have, in a remarkable way, taken these up- armored vehicles, that general category we have today, very quickly, to the great credit of the Secretary of Defense, Secretary Gates, he put together a structure of five companies to get into immediate production of those vehicles and into those vehicles has gone the development and technology that our distinguished colleague from Michigan has described.

It was very minor, but it was a privilege to have been associated with that generation.

Mr. President, as I have mentioned, GM, Ford, and Chrysler have a long and heralded history in our country and its national security.

There are few in the Senate today old enough to remember Pearl Harbor and the commencement of our military operations that followed. As one of those, I was privileged to serve as a 17- to 18-year-old sailor in the last year of WWII.

America was victorious in WWII because of those in uniform and those at home supporting them--particularly the industrial manufacturing base. The factory floor went to war.

At this time, I would like to have printed in the Record historical information outlining the contributions the auto manufacturers made to America's World War II war effort.

Mr. President, hopefully, America and its Allies will never face conflicts that would necessitate the defense production of the foregoing magnitude. Further, the auto industrial base today, as it relates to defense work, is vastly reduced.

But this base is the foundation of today's auto industry, which could, once again, play a significant role in the defense of America.

I would like to conclude with remarks from my longtime friend and colleague, Gen. James L. Jones, who is destined to be the National Security Adviser to President-elect Barack Obama:

The financial health of the domestic auto industry

suppliers is critical to national security. These suppliers

possess unique capabilities to design and manufacture

essential defense components should the United States need

them. We can't allow this critical piece of America's

manufacturing base to disappear.

Madam President, earlier this summer, when gasoline prices were topping $4 a gallon, I asked the GAO to analyze potential savings from the establishment of a national speed limit. I did not prescribe what that speed limit should be, merely asked the GAO to conduct an analysis at which speeds vehicles were most fuel efficient and make a determination as to whether a national speed limit would have positive impacts on the conservation of gasoline.

My interest in this approach to gas conservation was spurred by a desire for a measure that would provide immediate relief to the overstretched budgets of households across America. I was also dusting off a solution used in the past, specifically, the number of barrels of oil saved when a national speed limit was imposed in 1974 in response to the Arab oil embargo.

Last week, I was pleased to meet with the GAO and hear their findings on the relationship between vehicular speed and fuel economy as well as how reducing the speed limit might affect fuel use and perhaps cost.

While the days of my service in the U.S. Senate are numbered, it is my hope that these findings by the GAO can serve as a useful tool to my colleagues who will return in the next Congress, as I know the interlinked issues of energy, transportation, and climate change are going to remain the focus of much debate and policy making in the coming years.

Mr. President, I thank the GAO for its work, and I ask unanimous consent that GAO analysis be printed in the Record.

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

Mr. President, what is the parliamentary situation? Is the Senator from Virginia able to address the Senate?

I ask unanimous consent to proceed for no more than 5 minutes.

Mr. President, this may well be my last opportunity to speak on the floor of the Senate. I see my senior colleague, the senior Senator from Alaska. I come for the purpose of saying some remarks about several colleagues, including my longtime friend. If it is convenient, I will take the 5 minutes I have just been granted by the Presiding Officer because I have to go out to the CIA for a meeting that has been established for some time. I shall leave shortly after I finish my remarks.

Again, I see my friend from Alaska, and it evokes many long years of interesting and happy memories. I recall so well that when I came here 30 years ago to the Senate, Senator Stevens was one of those who sort of took the ``youngsters,'' as we called ourselves in those days, under his wing. He had been here 11 years, I think, when I arrived. I remember serving under the Senator when he was the whip. I remember that whip; he exercised it judicially but with determination. All in our freshman class remember that very well.

I suppose what I remember most is that I had a very modest and brief tour of military service in World War II. I was only 17. I went in the last year of the war, as did all the kids on my block. We joined and went in. I don't know if I ever shared this story with the Senator. In those days, the boys on the block who were a year or two older than me had already gone in and started military service and were coming back on leave to visit their families. Some were severely wounded and having to stay for long periods of hospitalization. It was a dramatic period in American history.

I remember the Army Air Corps and those fellows who would come back having flown their missions in Europe, Southeast Asia, north Africa, or wherever the case may be. All of us who were 16 and 17 and getting ready to take up our responsibilities stood in awe because the nearest thing we had connected with an airplane was building model airplanes. We built all the military model airplanes, and we knew them by heart. There were those magnificent flying jackets, and they were the envy of all of us. I tried to join the Army Air Corps and went down and signed up and joined the Navy. As happenstance would have it, the Navy first called me in. I had a modest career with my generation in the training command.

The record reflects that Senator Stevens, at a very young age, displayed courage, determination, wisdom, and leadership. His service in the Army Air Corps in World War II won him two Distinguished Flying Crosses, several Air Medals, and other decorations for flying those aircraft. He and I have reminisced many times over the different types of planes he flew--primarily the old C-47, if my recollection serves me--and flying over the hump, which was a perilous, dangerous mission not only from enemy resistance, but if anything malfunctioned on that plane, there was no landing field below you, just miles and miles of rugged mountain terrain, much of it totally uninhabitable.

I think the Senator was under 21 when he flew those missions, and his crew exemplified the courage of the World War II generation. He, among many, deserves credit as being a member of the ``greatest generation.''

In subsequent years, when I came to the Senate and joined the Armed Services Committee, it was my privilege to travel to many places in this world with Ted Stevens to visit the men and women in the Armed Forces. How many times did we work together on this floor--I as an authorizer and him as an appropriator--shaping that annual bill which I regard with a sense of humility as the most important bill this body passes every year; that bill that cares for the men and women of the Armed Forces and provides the economic resources for them to train, to modernize, and to preserve and protect the freedom of this Nation. Speaking on behalf of the men and women of the Armed Forces, they are grateful to Senator Stevens for all he has done for them through his distinguished career in the Senate.

I yield the floor.

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

Madam President, today may mark the last day of this session, although I shall not try to make that prediction. However, I would not want this day to pass without availing myself of the opportunity and the privilege to come to this floor and say a few words on behalf of the very dear and valued friends whom I have served with in this Chamber as they depart and go on the road of life to, I expect, in each case great challenges.

Gordon Smith and I have become friends for ever so many reasons. One, we both love the outdoors. He and his devoted wife Sharon and my wife, we have all been close friends through these years. As I look back, I will always remember Gordon. I remember when I was chairman of the Armed Services Committee and entrusted with the extraordinary responsibilities--along with other committee members, as well as, indeed, every Member of this Chamber--entrusted with those decisions relating to this Nation's Armed Forces who were fighting so valiantly then, today, and for the foreseeable future--I hope the short future-- in Iraq.

Gordon and I had many very quiet and private conversations about his deep concerns and convictions. His convictions emanated from the depths of his heart. Politics played no role in his approach to the conflict in Iraq. He was gravely concerned about the loss of life and limb, the image of this Nation, and, indeed, the families of the loved ones who are fighting in that conflict. So I say: Gordon, we had our differences, but I respected your stance. I can see him standing back there as erect as he always was, standing and voting against me and voting against others, but again, drawing on his own deeply held personal convictions. Time will tell and history will tell if I was right or if I was wrong, but I found his counsel, his willingness to listen, his willingness to share with me his most inner thoughts about that conflict a very valuable asset as I and others in leadership positions carried the heavy burden of that conflict. So I am grateful to him. He is a very sensitive man, and he showed that sensitivity every so often as he plunged into the complex issues with regard to health care, the almost insoluble problems--problems that he recognized have to be solved, particularly so that people of lesser means can achieve a measure of health care equivalent to those who have the means can receive for themselves. It is a hallmark of how this man proudly walked his way through life, with a loving wife by his side and the family whom he loves so dearly, and always thinking about those who perhaps have not had the opportunities that he and I and others have had, particularly as it relates to health care.

He also loves the outdoors. A great golfer, we played together from time to time. His skill is far superior to mine in every way. He is a lover of art. We shared our interest in paintings, particularly paintings that had come from Scotland. To have had the friendship of Gordon Smith is to have shared the life of a wonderful human being, and I thank Gordon for all that he has done for me and for this great Nation, and for his beloved State. I wish him well in his next venture, and I look forward to meeting him along the way.

Elizabeth Dole

I have known her for quite a few years. We had a wonderful evening last night where the leadership of the Republican Party--indeed, almost all of the Members of the Republican caucus--came to say not farewell, but to listen to the words of those of us who are moving on and will not be a part of the next Congress. Elizabeth got up, and she is such a very forceful speaker. She truly speaks from the heart. She has a remarkable memory. She recalled how when both of us were bachelor and spinster, we danced together. My lovely wife, who is a dear friend of hers, kind of looked at me and I winked and said, She was the best. It is just one of her marvelous traits. Talk about glass ceilings: She shattered her share. She has taken on many challenges in the private and public sector, some of which only men have ever had, and performed her duties with great distinction, and always with a quiet sense of what we call southern humility. She is very proud of her roots and her family. How often she has referred to her mother.

She is a Phi Beta Kappa from Duke University and went on to Harvard for a master's degree and a law degree. Secretary of Transportation, Secretary of Labor. Few women have had that much stamina, conviction, self-confidence to achieve those goals; and then, of course, to have become a U.S. Senator. That was a special challenge because she was fortunate to have as a husband Robert Dole, the Republican leader of the U.S. Senate, if I can say with a deep sense of humility, one of the best friends I ever had in this institution.

I remember talking to him one time, of course, concerning the events of that particular period, and I said he ought to think about running for leader of the Senate. Oh, no, no. No, I don't think they will ever elect me. Well, this conversation went on for some period of weeks, months, it may have been, I don't recall. Finally, I said: I have so much faith that you can win that election that I would be happy to appoint myself as one of your managers of the campaign to get it. So I took that, along with several other very fine colleagues, both of whom moved on years ago from this Chamber. And he won. He was amazed that he had won. I wasn't. I always recognized the leadership in him. He did a wonderful job as our Republican leader. His portrait proudly hangs right here in the corridor off of our Chamber. I never walk by that I don't just quietly give him a hand salute, because I was a part of the World War II generation, but a very small part, serving only in the final year of the war and always in a training command, ready as a 17-, 18-year-old kid to become a replacement for those serving abroad. Bob Dole was truly one of those who earned the accolade of the ``greatest generation.'' He fought in Europe. He was a young lieutenant and in leading his men in the toughest of battles in Italy, he received what for others I think would have been mortal and fatal wounds.

Because he had such an internal strength and constitution, he survived those wounds and came on to have a distinguished career. As I look back on his Senate days--and they pass so quickly, as did my 30 years--I remember taking trips with him. We went to Russia together, which was the Soviet Union at that time. He was a staunch believer that one day Russia would become just Russia once again and those people would have some measure of a voice in their Government. That did come to pass, and that was an extraordinary trip.

What I best remember is the time of the D-day anniversary. He was asked to speak in Italy, where he had fought. And then, together, we traveled to the Normandy beaches to join the President and others. In the course of that trip, we went back to the very ground on which he was wounded. He walked over to the stone wall that is still there--he remembers it ever so well--where he dragged his badly wounded body to give him a measure of protection until help could come, after which

he began that very long, arduous, challenging period of his life. It took years to rebuild that body, but the mind was always there fully intact. But he would once again have an important role serving America as a public servant in the Senate.

I don't know of a husband and wife team who any admire with a greater level of affection than we do Bob and Elizabeth Dole. So I wish them both very well. She was on our Armed Services Committee. She was a strong advocate for the men and women in the Armed Forces. She had a place in her heart for all who served at Fort Bragg and the Marines' Camp Lejeune, and Pope Air Force Base. But that is further evidence of the deep affection she has for her husband Bob.

John Sununu

Lastly, I turn to John Sununu. I confess not to have known him very well. I had met him when he came from the House of Representatives to the Senate. I suppose all of us who have been here for a period of time, having been given that marvelous accolade of an old bull, presume we can judge others quickly. I saw in John Sununu a man who would take charge from the day he came, and that he did. From the very moment he walked on the floor of the Senate, he was possessed of his own self- confidence, his own driving, almost a fierce desire to be a leader--a leader in the sense of advocating as a true fighter, advocating for those issues in which he had a belief in the principles that were dear to his heart.

The field of economics is quite a challenge, and with little provocation he would give you a tutorial on the most complex issues as they relate to economics. Indeed, in the weeks before the election, as this body was coming to a close and we voted on such measures as the rescue package and so forth, he frequently stood. When he spoke, our caucus and those around him listened very carefully. I mention this because he exhibited real academic strength at both MIT and Harvard. He did a lot of interesting things in his short life before he came to the Senate, not the least of which was being in the House of Representatives.

John also had a special niche for his interest in education. He wanted to make sure people less fortunate than we would have an opportunity to get an education and that those in the system and struggling are given any help possible to succeed in their own goals of educating themselves. He also held--very unusual--a special regard for the families of law enforcement officers, men or women in uniform, and particularly those families who lost a spouse or loved one in the line of duty.

He is an extraordinary man, John Sununu--very sensitive, very thoughtful, a man who loves his State, particularly the rivers of his State. He commended me for leading the charge in my State to remove an old dam that, for 80 years, blocked the migration of a fish from the Atlantic Ocean to the Blue Ridge Mountains. He was challenged to try to remedy a similar situation that existed in his State. I will miss John, his wife Kitty, and his lovely family. Kitty and my wife shared a few words on our departure last night from the dinner.

I am not one who makes many predictions, but I predict this man continues to not walk but run down that road of life, one who makes those twists and turns, climbs those mountains, and crosses those rivers. He will leave his mark on many successful ventures. We will hear from this man not once, not twice but many times again. I wish him well.

Lastly, I simply say to my State two words: Thank you. I thank all those Virginians who have supported me these 30 years. It was a humble challenge for me. I accepted it and I look back on it with the deepest of respect for the trust and confidence you gave me--all Virginians-- over these 30 years.

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

Mr. President, the State of Idaho occupies a very special place in my life's career. In the summer of 1943, during the height of World War II, I had the great fortune to find a job with the U.S. Forest Service. I was sent to Idaho, along with many other young men, to work in the forests. We performed a wide range of duties, from clearing trails to fighting forest fires.

After brief service in the Navy in the final year of World War II, I attended college and at my first opportunity, in the summer of 1947, I returned to Idaho to once again work with the Forest Service, helping preserve one of nature's greatest gifts--the mighty trees of the West.

Those two summers of hard work trained and prepared me to always respect those who labor with their hands.

Throughout my career in the Senate, I have enjoyed working with senators from Idaho, and sharing common interests, such as forestry and preserving the great outdoors, with those who represent that State. Senator Larry Craig is one of those.

Through the years, I have found his perspective on controversial issues, such as forests, mining and agriculture especially the potato and sugar-beet issues to be very valuable and informative.

Larry Craig and I also share an interest in the fine arts. My hobby is painting in oil; his is drawing with meticulous design. His creations are extraordinary in their detail. I hope, as he leaves the Senate, he will have opportunities to further utilize these exceptional talents to create pieces of art to be enjoyed by others.

I wish him and his family well.

Mr. President, I understand there is an order that the distinguished Senator from Iowa will be recognized next. But I asked him graciously, would he give me a minute to speak in support of the United States-India nuclear cooperation agreement. I strongly endorse this agreement because as one of those who advocate greater nuclear power in our Nation, the industrial base of India will work with our industrial base at this time when we need to increase the number of plants we have in our Nation.

The United States-India Nuclear Cooperation Approval and Nonproliferation Enhancement Act will provide congressional approval of the agreement reached between the United States and India that will pave the way for bilateral cooperation in civilian nuclear energy. This agreement resulted from years of diplomatic negotiations. I note that my dear friend, Ambassador Nick Burns, helped lay the foundation for this agreement during his tenure as Under Secretary of State for Policy.

As I publicly stated when this agreement was first announced in March 2006, it is important that as we move to implement this historic arrangement with India, we preserve two equally important objectives: a strengthened strategic partnership with India that includes mutually beneficial cooperation in civilian nuclear energy; and preservation of the nuclear nonproliferation regime to prevent the further spread of nuclear weapons and related technologies. I believe the bill ably crafted by Senators Biden and Lugar seeks to advance both of those objectives.

As part of this agreement, India has agreed to separate its civilian nuclear fuel cycle from its military program, and to place the civilian program under full safeguards to be monitored by the International Atomic Energy Agency. This arrangement is intended to ensure that cooperation in civil nuclear energy will not assist India's nuclear weapons program in any way. India has also agreed to maintain its moratorium on nuclear testing, work toward a Fissile Material Cutoff Treaty, and strengthen its domestic nuclear export control laws. The bill providing congressional approval for the agreement makes clear that in the event India were to test a nuclear weapon in the future, cooperation under this agreement would be terminated.

Facilitating India's development of civilian nuclear energy will make an important contribution to a cause I value highly: reducing the emission of greenhouse gasses into the environment. As nations such as India grow and have increasing requirements for energy, it is imperative for the health of our global environment that they turn increasingly to clean sources of energy such as nuclear power.

I am also hopeful that this agreement will open the door to United States-India trade and investment in nuclear energy, and lead to new business opportunities for American firms with expertise in civilian nuclear power. Today, the United States is looking to expand its production of civilian nuclear power; to do so with the participation of the industrial base of India should help to expand the safe and economical production of civilian nuclear energy in both countries.

Mr. President, I support Senate approval of the United States-India Nuclear Cooperation Agreement because I believe it will advance the United States-India strategic partnership, promote a clean energy source to meet India's growing demand for energy, open the door to new business opportunities for the U.S. nuclear energy sector, and still promote and preserve important nonproliferation practices and principles which remain in the interest of the United States and indeed the international community.

I thank the Presiding Officer and my colleagues.

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

Mr. President, I wish to proceed at this time as in morning business.

Mr. President, I rise today, as one of those who made the weighty decision not to seek reelection, to share my most personal thoughts--tributes--to my esteemed colleagues who will quietly, humbly, and with a deep sense of gratitude to their States, to our Nation, bring to a conclusion their public service as U.S. Senators.

This is a diverse group of Senators. Whether we hail from small farms, small cities or, in my case, from major metropolitan areas, we bring different backgrounds, different interests. That diversity gives the Senate its strength to serve equally all Americans. What we share, however, is an unwavering love for our States, our country and for the institution of the U.S. Senate.

We aspire to Winston Churchill's quote: ``We make a living by what we get; we make a life by what we give.''

It has been my privilege, over my 30 years in the Senate, to serve with a total of 261 Members. Each, almost, shall be remembered as a friend.

I want to say a few special, heartfelt words about Senator Pete Domenici.

Pete Domenici

I first came to know Pete Domenici when I arrived in the Senate in 1979. He beat me here by 6 years, and now has served New Mexico with distinction for 36 years. Pete is a veritable renaissance man: baseball player, math teacher, lawyer, city commissioner, senator and, most importantly, a loving husband, father and grandfather.

Senator Domenici made his mark with his leadership on fiscal and energy

issues, especially with his influence in promoting clean, carbon-free, nuclear energy and moving America forward now that we have the reality of an energy shortage and a mission to lessen America's dependence on imported energy. America must move forward by increasing and enhancing its capability to develop nuclear powerplants. At one time in my career, I was privileged to be secretary of the Navy, and during that period, America had, either at sea or in port, some 70-plus naval vessels powered by nuclear plants, and we had a safety record second to none. That can, and will, be duplicated with our growing domestic programs.

A hallmark of my dear friend Pete, whom we sometimes call a ``grizzly old cuss,'' is how he so often expresses his feelings for his fellow Senators by saying, ``I love you, brother.'' Pete, we return that deep respect and affection.

Chuck Hagel

Senator Chuck Hagel has served his native Nebraska and his country with true heroism. When I was privileged to serve in the Department of the Navy during the war in Vietnam, Chuck Hagel, together with his brother, both served with courage in the same Army unit in South Vietnam. He was awarded the Purple Heart not once but twice for his heroism and sacrifice in combat leadership.

His career has spanned the spectrum from public servant to entrepreneur, and this has given him a perspective on the world and global affairs, as well as of Main Streets in the hometowns and cities of his State.

Senator Hagel will be remembered for his efforts on behalf of his fellow veterans and men and women in uniform, together with their families. At one time he served as president of the USO.

One of his proudest achievements will surely be his work with my colleague from Virginia, a former highly decorated marine, Senator Jim Webb, who also served in Vietnam. The two of them started a very tough assignment, and that was to rewrite the existing G.I. bill. And along the way, two ``old-timers,'' both World War II veterans--Senator Lautenberg and I--enlisted in their ranks as cosponsors.

Our goal was to try and give to today's generation of men and women in uniform a level and diversity of benefits that approaches what the World War II generation received from a grateful nation at the conclusion of that conflict. The G.I. bill at that time enabled any soldier, sailor or airman--and there were up to 16 million who served in World War II--to go to almost any university or college of his or her choice, and the funds were nearly sufficient to fund the costs for tuition, room and board, and school books.

But through the ensuing years, the successive G.I. bills were not quite as fulsome; they did not keep pace with the rising cost of education. Prior to the Webb bill, today's generation was barely able to get enough funds to attend educational institutions in their home States, let alone some of America's better-known educational institutions. This bill recognizes the great contributions of our military men and women and increases significantly the G.I. bill benefits. It will make a great difference in the lives of so many of this generation, a generation that I believe is in every way equal to the ``Greatest Generation'' of World War II, for it faces even greater challenges as the uncertainty of threats and the advance of complexity of weapons face them today in a growing number of places worldwide.

I so admire this strong American, Chuck Hagel, who symbolizes ``duty, honor, country.''

In public service, his compass is precise; for he always follows the needle as it points to what course of action is ``best for America.''

wayne allard

I turn now to Senator Wayne Allard, with whom I have been privileged to serve on the Armed Services Committee, who told his fellow Coloradoans that if they chose him as their senator, he would only serve 2 terms. He kept his word, just as he has honorably kept his word to his constituents on many issues. I admire this senator and how well he has served his state.

This veterinarian and small-business owner has been a forceful advocate for military preparedness, for increased access to health care and for cutting spending, leading by example by often returning some of his own office's funds to the U.S. Treasury. In a sense, he sent them back to his constituents.

He was also willing to roll up his sleeves and take on the tough task of overseeing the construction and budgeting, along with other senators and members of the House of Representatives, on the new Capitol Visitors Center. I might add, as a footnote, that when I was chairman of the Rules Committee, I co-sponsored some of the earliest pieces of legislation to provide for this center. Senator Allard can be proud of his efforts, which will serve present and future Americans who travel from afar to their nation's capital to learn about their government, the longest-surviving democratic republic in world history.

I vividly recall journeying to Colorado, home State of one of my children, to travel through a magnificent area of the State with his lovely wife and children on behalf of his campaign to get elected to the U.S. Senate. Those trips are memories I have and will keep safely tucked away.

I am proud to say I have come to know each of these fine men. And I firmly believe that this is but yet another beginning in all of our lives, for, to quote Churchill again, ``the chain of destiny can only be grasped one link at a time.''

I yield the floor.

Mr. President, I rise today to share my views on the economic stabilization plan, as now amended by the Senate, and the precarious state of our economy.

The instability in the housing market, the soaring energy prices, and, more recently, the institutional failures within our credit and financial markets have all been serious blows to our economy.

We must decide between the risks of doing nothing, thereby subjecting the free market to the extraordinary level of unknowns of this critical situation, or the value of seeking legislation in the hopes to reduce the severity of serious consequences to almost every single aspect of our economy.

The bill before us contains several improvements to the House bill, improvements that have strengthened the measure. And, in my view, without some form of Congressional action now, the credit markets could freeze up. Without money flowing through our economy, car loans, student loans, mortgage lines of credit, could become inadequate. Job losses could follow and with it an increase in the number of Americans without health insurance. I could go on and on.

My careful deliberations on this legislation and my understanding of the economic problems facing our Nation lead me to believe that the consequences of not taking this action poses an ever greater threat to our economy and to all Americans.

For this reason, Mr. President, I intend to vote aye in support of the bill, as amended.

Mr. President, I thank my good friend and colleague from Texas. And I thank my good friend, the senior Senator from New Jersey, for his gracious remarks. I also commend the cooperation of both of these managers, together with Senators Webb, Cardin, and Mikulski, in bringing together in this bill the lifeline of the Metro system in the Nation's Capital. We are a region, and we speak for the District of Columbia, as spokesmen tonight, and for the States of Maryland and Virginia, all of which are essential partners in this system which supports this institution, the Congress.

Mr. President, I am pleased to support the Rail Safety-- Amtrak package under consideration today.

Of highest importance to me though is a much-needed authorization for the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority, WMATA, the metro system that probably brought a majority of our staffers to work this morning.

I thank the many Members with whom I worked to obtain passage of this authorization legislation, leading with my area colleagues, Senators Webb, Cardin, and Mikulski. I also thank the Commerce Committee leadership of Senators Lautenberg and Hutchison and the leadership of the Homeland Security and Government Affairs Committee, Senators Lieberman and Collins.

WMATA has been one of the greater metropolitan area's most successful partnerships with the Federal Government.

In 1960, President Eisenhower signed legislation to provide for the development of a regional rail system for the Nation's Capital and to support the Federal Government. Since 1960, Congress has continually reaffirmed the Federal Government's commitment to Metro by passing periodic reauthorizing bills.

Over 50 Federal agencies in the National Capital region are located adjacent to Metro stations. Federal agencies rely on WMATA to get their employees to and from the workplace year-round, in all types of weather.

Based on Metro's 2007 rail ridership survey, approximately 40 percent of respondents identified themselves as Federal workers who ride Metrorail to work.

We are talking about thousands of cars taken off the major roadways each day because of our area's metro system.

The Railway Safety--Amtrak bill includes funding over 10 years for capital and preventative maintenance projects for WMATA. This language was added by voice vote to the Amtrak bill by Congressman Tom Davis during the House's Amtrak debate this summer.

This critical investment will help provide for much-needed improvements to this stressed transit system. Projects such as station and facility rehabilitation, tunnel repairs, and addition of new rail cars and buses will help ease congestion during peak hours.

This legislation, which would authorize much-needed Federal funding, contingent on State and local dedicated matches, recognizes how vital Metro is to the region and the Federal Government. Let me repeat: these dollars will be matched by the Commonwealth of Virginia, Washington, DC, and the State of Maryland.

Such legislation is integral to the well being of the area's transportation system, as we struggle to address traffic congestion, skyrocketing gas prices, global climate change, and the local quality of life concerns.

From its inception, the Federal Government has played a significant role in funding the construction and operation of the Metrorail system. I hope this Congress will continue to show that support.

Mr. President, I rise today in support of a resolution honoring a longstanding landmark of Virginia's southwest, Barter Theatre. Located in Abingdon, VA, Barter Theatre first opened in June of 1933 and remains open to this day, having never closed its doors in its 75 years of history.

The roots of Barter Theatre are found in what it calls ``a unique beginning,'' during a time in our Nation's history when many Americans, including Virginians, were focused on financial woes. It was the Great Depression, and a young man named Robert Porterfield was inspired by providing theater tickets to the many and not just to those who could afford them. It was the idea of bartering goods for services that served as the foundation for this successful endeavor and earned Porterfield's theater its name.

By trading goods for theater tickets, Porterfield was able to fill the seats of his theater. The price of admission was 40 cents, but if you had no money to spare, you could bring the equivalent in produce. Whether it was vegetables, dairy products, or a chicken, if it was worth 40 cents, it was worth entrance. The idea of bartering goods for services is by no means a unique idea, but it is an idea that allowed many Virginians the opportunity to enjoy the arts. The idea of trading ``ham for Hamlet,'' as Barter Theatre calls it, was a success, a success that allowed the theater to endure to today.

In 1946, the Virginia General Assembly designated Barter Theatre as the State Theatre of Virginia, the first theater in the Commonwealth of Virginia to receive this distinction, and rightly so. The excellence of Barter reaches far beyond the lengthy list of famous actors who have graced its stage throughout its years and touches more on its efforts to enrich and enhance the culture of our Commonwealth.

The impact of this historic theater does not go unnoticed in southwest Virginia, as it has continually aimed to increase levels of artistic development in the region. Each year, Barter Theatre's Appalachian Festival of Plays and Playwrights showcases and honors Appalachian history and culture for all to see upon its stage. I also want to recognize the efforts of Barter Theatre as they continue educational outreach programs to Virginia's youth. Several programs, such as the Young Playwrights Festival, the Internet Distance Learning Program, the Student Matinee Program, and the theatre's touring company, are in place and continue to foster creativity through playwrighting and theatrical performances.

I must note that Barter Theatre remains true to its humble beginnings and pays homage to its history. At least one performance a year celebrates the Barter heritage by accepting donations for an area food bank as the price of admission. An endeavor rooted in the ideals of community continues to give back to that community today.

I am pleased by the passage of H. Con. Res. 416, and I thank my colleagues in joining me in support of this resolution.

Mr. President, it is sometimes somewhat breathless to be seated on this Senate floor knowing that just maybe 48 hours remain of my career in the Senate. I shall remain in office through early January, but I tell you, it takes me a few minutes to assemble my thoughts. But in your case, I would say: Look at the many things we have worked on together.

This fine Senator is so proud of the Naval installations in her State. We visited the shipyard together, indeed the facilities at Portsmouth. The ships are made there. The ships are berthed there. It has been home to the U.S. Navy, I imagine, from the earliest days of the formation of our Colonies and the first of the ships we had.

I hope what I am about to say is fully understood. But those of us--I have had some modest career in the Navy in my lifetime--but we always refer to the ship in an affectionate way, as if it were a female. Indeed, it does protect the sailors at sea with its steadiness and its seaworthiness, and we often refer to the ships as the fighting lady.

I say to the Senator, I would hope that you would accept that as an accolade, the fighting lady from Maine. We have watched you under the toughest of circumstances. One time I remember working with you and your tenacity was fierce, and you really sort of turned back a lot of my thoughts which I thought were so important. But it worked out in the end. You prevailed and that was the development of the legislation which reconstructed, reformulated so much of our intelligence community. That was truly a masterful accomplishment on your part.

Again, the reason I am a bit breathless is when I first came to the Senate, these 30 years ago, there were not any ladies in the Senate at that time. We were joined in my class by Nancy Kassebaum from Kansas, a wonderful lady. Believe me, she very quickly established her own stature. We all admired her tremendously as a very strong Senator, which she was throughout her career. But from that small beginning commenced the transformation of the Senate in many ways--from the one lady--she certainly was a fighting lady, too--to where today we have many. As a matter of fact, we do not even count them anymore because they just have gotten into the full fabric of the Senate and everybody is just totally unconscious to that except, I guess, people like myself, with a wandering eye, constantly taking a look at the dress one day and compliment my dear friends.

But on a serious note, we have had a marvelous, strong friendship and working relationship, and I shall miss you dearly, as I will this institution. But I do leave with the thought that you are one of the great strengths of this institution which will be called upon, as it is in this hour. The Nation calls upon this body to save it.

I was looking last night, as I was trying to drift off to a rest, at the famous poem that was written, ``O Ship Of State.'' Do you remember that poem? And America today is looking to its Congress like few times in history. ``O Ship Of State''--I have that poem on my desk.

At this time, I ask unanimous consent to have that poem printed in the Record.

I see the Senator is desiring to speak.

But those two things remind me that this great ship of State will sail on and you will be at the helm. I wish you the best.

Mr. President, I thank the gracious Senator from New Jersey. I appreciate those remarks. Although it has been short-lived, we have had a good, strong working relationship; not always on the same side on several issues, but that is what democracy is all about. I thank the Senator.

No. I have been very honored to be on the floor in connection with certain tributes, and I just by coincidence am here. But I am hopeful that the distinguished chairman could maybe tell us, the Senate--I am quite anxious; I have been here throughout the day, most of it--what is the state of the resolution of this very important problem that faces our Nation here today?

I thank the distinguished chairman of the Senate Banking Committee for those remarks. I found the work product that you and others produced and which was distributed yesterday to be of great value. I was prepared to move forward and add my voice in support. But I yield now, of course, to the circumstances as the consequence of the House's action last night.

I think the leadership on both sides is very diligent; that is, the leadership--our Senate distinguished majority leader, Senator Reid, and Senator McConnell, the minority leader--is working on this, and I do hope we can bring this to some sort of a resolution tomorrow.

You know, it is interesting, as I sit here to talk to the Senator from Connecticut, our friendship goes back almost the full 30 years I have been in the Senate. And last night, when I went home with a bit of a heavy heart for fear that this situation was of such consequence as to almost every single American, I was trying to reflect, as I so often do, on other chapters of history which confronted our great Republic and other nations, because this is a global problem, as the chairman knows. I put together some remarks that I thought something of giving on the floor at some point in time. But I went back to a very famous letter. And the reason I raise this, I think my good friend, the Senator from Connecticut, and I have discussed many times the chapter of history during World War II and the role your father played at the conclusion of that war in terms of the Nuremberg Trials. You yourself have written eloquently on this period. So just by coincidence, I went back and I thought about the year 1941 and, in particular, January of 1941 when Great Britain at that time was undergoing the full wrath of all of Hitler's military might. It was one of the darkest hours in the long history of the British Empire.

You recall that Roosevelt penned a short note, a letter, to Churchill, and it was hand delivered to Churchill by Wendell Willkie, who was coincidentally in London. Roosevelt chose the first five lines of that famous poem of Henry Wadsworth Longfellow:

THOU, too, sail on, O Ship of State!

Sail on, O UNION, strong and great!

Humanity, with all its fears,

With all the hopes of future years,

Is hanging breathless on thy fate!

And I simply say to those, the leadership of our body and the leadership of the House, they might read that because that is how serious this problem is. It may have some parallels. That was a war, but in a sense we are in an economic titanic struggle to regain, in the United States, the confidence among our citizens--I am not talking about Wall Street or Main Street, I am talking about every citizen--a sense of confidence and how we must henceforth conduct our business for the better, the greater betterment for all Americans, whether they are rich or poor.

I just thought of that stanza. I found a great deal of encouragement and fell off to sleep thinking maybe tomorrow will be a better day. Thus far it seems to me it has been productive.

I thank the Senator. I enjoy always talking history with my friend from Connecticut.

The Presiding Officer is a man who is a great student of history. We shared a few words earlier today about this situation. I think I best yield the floor so you can get down to it. I wish you great luck in all of your work, and good fortune, because it is so vitally important not just at home but indeed for the whole world.

John Warner

Mr. President, I thank my friend. I must say to you that John Stennis, if I had to name five individuals in this institution--I think I have served with 272 Senators--John Stennis would be one. He was a magnificent man. As a matter of fact, I have his old desk. In his final days here he called me in one day and he said: I want you to have this desk. Of course, it was a long story, but there it is. I still have it in my office. He was a great teacher.

Scoop Jackson was another great teacher. I hope some of the young Senators, that maybe they have learned from you and me. Who knows. But in those days, those were men of formidable strength intellectually, command presence, and they were great teachers. Stennis was foremost among them all.

I thank my dear friend for his comments.

We finally solved the submarine problem by, I think you built part of the ship--we call them ships now rather than boats--and we built the other part. They are put together in the yards of the two. They are sailing the seven seas today. That program is running on, and our sole production of submarines now is in Connecticut and in Virginia, putting the parts together.

Mr. President, I thank our distinguished colleague.

Mr. President, I see the distinguished majority leader.

Mr. President, I think sometimes Senators should be seen and not heard from. That might be this moment for me. I am deeply moved and humbled by your comments, my dear friend and leader of this body, at this time. As I was talking with Senator Dodd about history and how both of us have an interest in the great events of our Nation, we talked about the challenges facing America tonight and how fortunate we are to have leaders such as yourself and Senator McConnell on this side of the aisle to lead our Nation out of this situation. I am glad we didn't dwell on those heavy matters. We touched on the light ones as we talked together. How well I remember you as the chairman of the committee; you remember we worked on batteries. For some reason, the lead battery was the center focus at that time.

That is right. But we got some money and put it into research of batteries, which hopefully might be contributing in the future to our deliverance from the problems we have with reliance on foreign oil and greater use of our motor vehicles operated by natural gas. But I could go on.

I am about breathless at the moment, but if you will spare me a minute to tell a story about that. My mother lived to be 96 years old and she bequeathed this to me. But I can tell you a number of times calls come into my office and people will inquire and ask for the Secretary, not me, and they will say my husband has a bit of a problem, but it can be solved if the Senator would say where he gets his wig. So I am not--that is true. It has happened about a dozen times in my 30 years. So that is one of the great things----

Yes.

But I thank my distinguished leader. I also wish to say, on behalf of my wife, the deep affection our two wives have. They have been privileged to serve the responsibility of shepherding the annual event for the First Lady. When that occurred in my house, everything stopped. I mean all engines, everything. The total focus for weeks was that luncheon. I think my wife succeeded your wife.

My wife learned the meticulous manner in which your wife planned that event. But the wives play a vital role in this institution. While we sit here and have what I call the good old democracy mind and we argue between each other in the quietude of the evening, our wives will put us together and all is forgotten. That is the strength of this institution.

I thank my good friend. I do not deserve the rich remarks he made, but I accept them in the sense that he made them.

Mr. President, I thank my colleague for his very thoughtful remarks. Our relationship has been one that included both wives. I recall an event we attended, and immediately the next morning my wife received from you a book which she, being an avid reader, stayed in that book for the evenings that went on for a week or so. That is the way this great institution works. It is not all on the floor before the television cameras.

Senator Durbin is a strong leader, a tough adversary. I wish to say how much I have enjoyed working with you through these years. I wish you and my other colleagues well because you have a great challenge in the next few days or two. We have to solve--and you will be part of that leadership team dealing with it, along with colleagues on this side--we have to reach the right solution to restore America's confidence in the lifeblood of this Nation; namely, its economics.

I thank the Senator. I wish to add that my mother very proudly always claimed Illinois as her State.

Mr. President, how thoughtful to raise that, not in the context of this Senator but Senator Webb. I have great respect for him, particularly his military career, which is extraordinary, where mine is of far less consequence. I joined him. He was the leader on that legislation. I always said I was the sergeant in the mere ranks of his platoon. But it did, and it enabled me to add one more chapter to what I have tried to do so much: to repay to the current generation, the men and women who very bravely wear the uniform, all the wonderful things that were taught me by previous generations of men and women who wore the uniform from whom I learned so much throughout my entire career and public life.

That is landmark legislation, I say to my good friend from Illinois. It is something that is well-deserved for the men and women and their families. I commend you for bringing up that about our good friend and colleague, Senator Webb.

I yield the floor.

Chuck Hagel

Mr. President, I wish to express my appreciation, as always, to my good friend. This man will leave his mark in this institution. I tell all that with a great sense of pride, as will the Presiding Officer. I have come to know him and work with him on many occasions.

I yield the floor.

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