Floor Statements

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 President, I ask unanimous consent that the order for the quorum call be rescinded.

Thank you, Mr. President. It is good to see the Senator in the chair.

I rise to speak on amendment No. 1145. I cannot call up this amendment at this point in time, but hopefully at some time during this debate we can deal with this issue of foreign base closures, which is what amendment No. 1145 does.

I have offered--along with my colleague from Texas, Senator Hutchison--to establish an overseas basing commission. We are joined on this amendment by Senators Conrad, Wyden, and Sanders.

This commission would be charged with saving taxpayer money by identifying and reevaluating our overseas military base structure and investments. It is not a new discussion. This has been done before. In Washington, colleagues from both sides of the aisle have long advocated for issues similar to this one.

In Montana, Senator Mike Mansfield--a personal hero of mine and one of the truest statesmen of this body--advocated fiercely throughout his public service for a more commonsense approach to our overseas military commitment. Senator Mansfield's approach balanced our national security interests and decisions with decisions and investments that made sense fiscally. The time could not be more appropriate to renew this call. Given our budget outlook, we have a responsibility to exhaustively look for savings across our government. We need to be smart and we need to work together.

It makes a lot of sense to me that cutting overseas military construction projects that have minimal negative impacts on our national security and military readiness is the right idea. We know there is a significant higher cost associated with maintaining facilities and forces overseas, particularly in Europe, than here in the United States. We also know we need a more complete picture of the cost, the benefits, and the savings associated with overseas basing as we make tough budgetary decisions. Given our military's advanced capabilities, it is time for some responsible decisions about how to best secure our country while saving American taxpayers every penny we possibly can.

As Montana families examine their bottom line and as the country works to cut spending, it is past time to give our outdated military bases and installations a closer look. An overseas basing commission would independently address these issues firsthand and ensure that military construction spending and operational maintenance spending match our capabilities and our national security strategy.

As we move forward, I hope we will do so in the spirit of Senator Mansfield by working together and by making commonsense decisions that keep us both safe and spend our taxpayer dollars more wisely.

As I said when I opened these remarks, I think this is a no-brainer. We need to take a step back, look at the money we are spending on overseas bases, make sure we are getting the best bang for the buck and make sure it meets our national security needs. With a lot of these post-World War II installations, they can be shut down, we can save some money, and it is a win-win situation for everybody.

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

Mr. President, I thank Chairman Levin for his comments. As we look for opportunities to save money, as we look for opportunities to focus in on the war on terror, I think our time has come to take a hard look at our overseas basing and do what, quite frankly, will enhance our opportunities to fight the war on terror while saving the taxpayers dollars over the short term and the long haul.

I thank Chairman Levin for his comments.

I yield the floor.

Madam President, I thank the Senator from Rhode Island. We appreciate his leadership on the issue of Pell grants. I very much appreciate the opportunity to address Pell grants and what they mean to not only our young people and to the folks who are being retrained to find different lines of work with the economic slowdown but also to our economy in general overall.

If we are going to go to an institution of higher learning at this point in time, it takes money. If Pell grants are reduced or potentially even taken away, as some want, it takes away that opportunity. It takes away that opportunity for upward mobility within our society, within the economy. Without education, if a person is born poor, that person is liable to stay poor. Without education, if a person wants to improve their quality of life, it becomes much more difficult.

When I meet with students, both traditional and nontraditional, around the State of Montana, the first question they ask me or one of the first questions is, What is the Federal Government doing to make college affordable? Because if one is unfortunate enough to be born without economic means, these Pell grants are critically important to be able to allow people--students, young people, folks who need to be retrained--to go to college and get that training, thereby adding to our economy and enabling them to get a better job and potentially become business owners and down the line.

Why is this important? It is because Pell grants have been under attack in the House.

H.R. 1 would cut $5.7 billion from Pell grants and 1.7 million students would have been denied access to education because of that cut. Some people in the House even call Pell grants 21st century welfare. It couldn't be further from the truth.

Then, after H.R. 1 was put down in the Senate in a bipartisan way, the House passed the Labor-HHS bill which cut $8 billion from Pell grants, thereby eliminating Pell grants for folks who are going to school less than half time. That eliminates a good portion of the nontraditional students because a lot of these folks are trying to make a living, trying to support a family, and trying to improve themselves in the economic strata of this world. Some of them have been laid off.

There is an individual, for example, in western Montana who had a tile business, with 27 years' experience in the tile and stone business. He had a family, and because of the economic downturn and because of, quite frankly, physical limitations in a business that is very difficult, he had to find a different line of work. Work had dried up and, quite frankly, the back was getting weak. So he was able to get a Pell grant, go back to school on a part-time basis, and study for a job where there was a job once he got out in the culinary arts-- something he had wanted to do and something that would allow him to support his family. Without those Pell grants, he would have possibly been on workers' comp or potentially making far less money.

So when the Pell grants come forward in the House and they do things such as cut Pell grants, either their amount or eliminate the numbers available to our students across this country, traditional and otherwise, we are basically doing bad things to the economy, cutting the economy down because, quite honestly, the affordability issue is critically important as we move forward and people go to get retrained and move themselves up in the economic strata.

The other issue, finally, is the importance to Indian Country. With the tribal colleges, the Pell grants are used to a great extent there. Why is this important? In Montana, in Indian Country, the unemployment rate is very high--70 percent and higher--on many of the reservations around Montana. Quite honestly, if we are going to dig into the unemployment rate across this country, whether it is Indian reservations or wherever, education is a key component to making that happen. Pell grants are a key component to giving access to our students, both traditional and nontraditional.

As we move forward, we need to understand that for men and women alike, young people and middle-aged, who need the training to be able to get good jobs, Pell grants are a critical component of that.

With that, I kick it back to the Senator from Rhode Island.

Yes, I do. I thank Senator Whitehouse.

We have talked about the unemployment rate and job opportunities for people who get higher education. I was talking to a welding shop in Fort Benton, MT. Fort Benton is in the north central part of the State. The oil play in the east has been having some impacts even in that area of the State. This welding shop that is in Fort Benton--I talked to the fellow, and he had some issues he wanted to talk to me about.

I said: What is one of the biggest things you have to deal with right now?

He said: Right now, I could hire a half a dozen welders. I could hire them tomorrow. The work is out there for them to do.

When we talk about getting this economy going again and getting things moving, it is so critically important we not only talk about the 4-year colleges that develop our entrepreneurs and businesspeople but we also talk about the community colleges, the technical colleges, the tribal colleges that do a great job developing a well-trained workforce.

With that, I will kick it over to Senator Landrieu.

Mr. President, today I honor Marvin Brewster, a veteran of the Vietnam war. And a familiar volunteer in the community of Great Falls, MT. For years, Marv has been very active in Toys for Tots, and the Marine Corps League, and the Great Falls Farmers Market.

Marv Brewster is also an artist. He sculpted the 13-foot angel that graces the Montana Veterans' Memorial. Anyone who has visited that memorial has no doubt been uplifted by the power and comfort of Marv's statue.

Through all of his work in this community, Marv never asked for recognition. He just did as all Marines do--the very best he could on behalf of his fellow citizens.

Forty-six years ago, Marv joined the Navy. He served with M Company, 3rd Battalion, 7th Marines as a combat corpsman in Vietnam.

I would like to read what COL C.H. Bodley, the commander of the 3rd

Battalion, said to Marv in 1966. And this is a direct quote:

You have performed your duties as Platoon Corpsman in an

outstanding manner . . . Your potential was more fully

exploited as you participated in eight major operations and

numerous small unit activities. On Operation Mallard' the

company sustained 13 casualties from Viet Cong small arms and

mortar fire. Without hesitation, you moved through the area

administering aid and comforting those in need of your

assistance . . . Your performance on Operation Mallard' is

indicative of the consistently fine work you have been doing.

Your eagerness to serve, unswerving loyalty and professional

ability have earned you the respect and confidence of all who

have been associated with you. It is indeed a pleasure to

have men of your caliber in my command and I highly commend

you for a job well done.

On April 21, 1966, Marv was wounded in combat during ``Operation Hot Springs.'' For his sacrifice, he received a Purple Heart.

Marv got the medal. But his Purple Heart was never recorded in his official records. The Navy said it was the Marines' job. The Marines said it was the Navy's job.

Decades later, Marv Brewster reached out to my office to fix his record once and for all so he could access the health benefits he earned as he faces another tough challenge: cancer, related to Agent Orange exposure in Vietnam.

Yesterday, it was my honor to present Marv with the Purple Heart Award Certificate he should have received nearly 50 years ago, and with it a corrected ``DD 215'' discharge form.

History shows us that Marv is an honored recipient of the Purple Heart, and all the benefits that come with it.

In researching Marv's records, we learned that Marv never received several other decorations he earned years ago. Yesterday, I also had the honor of presenting to Marv, the Navy Good Conduct Medal, and the National Defense Service Medal. It was also my honor to present the Vietnam Service Medal with three Bronze Stars, and the Presidential Unit Citation Ribbon. Yesterday I also presented to Marv the Combat Action Ribbon and the Vietnam Campaign Medal with 1960 Device. These decorations are small tokens, but they are powerful symbols of true heroism--sacrifice and dedication to service.

These medals are presented on behalf of a grateful nation that wishes you and your family, Marv, the very best in the future.

Mr. President, the economy has hit us all hard. Montanans who have done everything right are losing their jobs, and some are even losing their homes. To get the economy back on track we need to employ some common sense. We need to put politics aside, and we need to work together on behalf of the struggling families across this country.

In particular, we need to do the right thing on behalf of our men and women who have served our Nation in uniform. The unemployment rate for younger veterans who have served since September 11, 2001, continues to remain well above average. It is unacceptably high and is getting worse. It is a national disgrace. Our service men and women deserve better.

These men and women left the comforts of home and put their lives on hold to fight for us in some of the harshest conditions imaginable. Far too many have paid the ultimate sacrifice, while thousands continue to struggle with the wounds of war--those seen and those unseen. They face daily challenges many of us can never fully comprehend, and they have endured sacrifices we can never fully repay. Many of them served multiple tours. Even the Montana National Guard's largest unit was sent to Iraq twice in the last 8 years. That is a long time--especially for a Reserve component--to be away from home. But they carried out their assignments as the best-trained, most professional military in the world. And for that we are proud and we are grateful.

When I visited Iraq and Afghanistan earlier this year, I was protected by some of the most well-trained, professional, and downright inspirational men and women our country has ever produced. I recall in one instance standing at a command operating base looking out over a valley in Afghanistan where, months earlier, the Taliban had run roughshod. I thought about how difficult the conditions were for the young men and women who were there wearing the uniform of our country, standing shoulder to shoulder with members of the Afghan Army.

In the hours we were there, I did not hear one complaint, only commitment and pride in their work from our troops. I will never forget that. If we fail to do right by them, what does that say about us?

Simply put, we have a responsibility to provide for all veterans and their families. It is something I have never taken lightly, and it is something that continues to motivate me every single day. It means providing them with the best services and care, and it means giving them every opportunity to succeed and empowering them with the tools they need to find good-paying jobs.

The legislation before us today does exactly that. It would provide important tax credits to encourage more employers to hire veterans who are out of work. It would provide additional education and job training for veterans to gain additional skills to be more successful in an increasingly competitive job market. It would take important steps to help ease the transition between military service and the civilian workforce.

Let me give an example of how this bill would directly affect one of my constituents. A chap by the name of Nathan Wiens grew up in Glasgow, MT, a small town in the northeastern corner of the State. He attended Montana State University on an ROTC scholarship, earned a degree in civil engineering, and was deployed to Iraq as a captain in the Army. During his years in the Army, Nathan used his engineering degree. But when he came home, his military experience did not count toward his professional engineering certification. Now Nathan has to spend a couple of years building up the civilian equivalent of the military experience he already has just to be able to qualify to become a certified professional engineer. This bill will help fix it so that military experience counts.

This bill says if someone spends 6 years in the Army driving a truck, they ought to be able to get their commercial driver's license a whole lot faster than someone who does not have that experience.

It would require the Department of Labor, in conjunction with the VA and the Department of Defense, to take a hard look at what military skills and training should be translatable to the civilian sector. It would make it easier to get these licenses and certifications that our veterans need.

This bill will give employers valuable information about the skill sets our veterans have gained while they have served in the military. These are the kinds of commonsense ideas we should be taking a look at. It is the responsible thing to do for America's veterans.

It would not surprise anyone this proposal has ideas from both Democrats and Republicans because this is an issue that shouldn't be partisan. Every Member of the Senate should be committed to helping veterans find jobs.

Montana has more veterans per capita than any other State in the Union, except Alaska. We have 103,000 veterans in Montana. As I travel across the State and visit with them and their families, the topic of veterans employment remains at the forefront of their minds. It is important to them. It is important to their friends and loved ones. It is important to our communities. It should be important to each and every one of us.

We deal with a lot of contentious issues here, but this should not be one of them. Let's work together to do the right thing and get this bill passed because it is the least we can do for those to whom we owe so much.

With that, Mr. President, I ask for the yeas and nays on the bill.

I ask for the yeas and nays on the amendment.

Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that there be 2 minutes of debate equally divided between the votes.

Mr. President, I suggest the absence of a quorum.

Mr. President, we are now going to take up amendment No. 927, which is the VOW To Hire Heroes Act. This is a veterans employment act, broad based, bipartisan. It has Republican ideas and it has Democratic ideas in it. It is paid for. It is the right thing to do because we all know that veterans right now returning from Iraq and Afghanistan have a much higher unemployment rate than the rest of our population. Because of that high unemployment rate it is necessary we get this amendment agreed to and attached to this bill.

I ask concurrence with amendment No. 927.

Parliamentary inquiry: Has Pastore time expired?

Mr. President, I rise today to speak about the priorities facing Montana and this Nation, creating jobs, responsibly cutting our spending, cutting the deficit, rebuilding our economy. I appreciate the proposal that will be put forth I think later this evening to attempt to create jobs. When that proposal gets to the floor, I will vote to have the debate on S. 1723, because only then will I be able to offer my amendments to that bill, because as it is written, I cannot support that bill.

Having debate will allow us an opportunity to amend it so that it will guarantee jobs in Montana and across America. The perspective I bring to the table is a little different than most. I am someone who lives in, works in, represents a rural State. My responsibility is to make sure every decision I make works for not only Montana but the entire country.

I expect full accountability for every penny of taxpayer dollars we spend. I expect that when you invest in something, you get what you pay for. A lot of folks know I am a farmer, but many do not know I am also a former schoolteacher. I used to teach elementary music at Big Sandy Elementary, in Big Sandy, MT. I fully understand the importance of making sure all of our Nation's teachers have the resources they need to do their job, to lead our most important resource, our children.

As a teacher, I also know that when rural schools are asked to compete with urban schools for Federal funding, rural schools often get left behind. The same goes for emergency responders. Their service sometimes is--even as volunteers, it is very important to rural States such as Montana, whether it is firefighters, police officers, EMTs, they are on the clock whenever they are needed.

In Montana, as everywhere else, firefighters are respected for their courage and their hard work for doing whatever is expected of them to save property and save lives. But when Montana's rural fire departments and rural police departments have to compete for Federal funding, guess who often gets the short end of the stick. That is right, it is the emergency responders in rural States such as Montana, the folks who often do not have the professional grant writers to help them secure the basic equipment that they need to do their jobs safely.

That brings me to my proposal. I want to state again, as 1723 is written, I cannot support it. I am not convinced it will create the jobs it must create. And $30 billion in this bill is meant to go to States to boost education, to hire teachers. Yes, investing in education is a powerful short-term and long-term way to create jobs. But as written, this bill fails to give taxpayers any guarantee that their money would actually be used to hire teachers and invest in our schools.

The fact is, this money could be used to supplant funds instead of supplement funds. A State would get loads of money with little guidance that they spend the money on teachers. But we all know what happens. A lot of smart folks who work in State budget offices can find their way around guidance, because money is pretty darn easy to move from one budget account to another. In other words, there is no guarantee that this bill will create the jobs.

Montana is one of two States that has a budget surplus right now. We have been living within our means. There are other States such as Kansas that are considering broad-based tax cuts. That is fine. Kansas can do that if it wants. But I am not convinced that we should be writing checks to States so they can cut taxes. Montanans should not be paying for tax cuts for people in our States, nor should we be giving precious taxpayer money for States to build up their rainy day fund.

I am all for individual States making smart choices with their own money. But giving them Federal money and hoping they will use it for education and teachers, well, that is not good enough. With that kind of money, we need a guarantee. If the motion to proceed is adopted, I plan to offer two amendments to address my concerns. One will address the $5 billion in this bill meant to provide aid to the Nation's first responders. My amendment is a simple one. It requires that 20 percent of the competitive grant funding goes specifically for rural communities. That is only fair because rural communities make up 20 percent of our Nation.

The other amendment puts sideboards on the remainder of the money in this bill, to guarantee that it will be used in a way that it is supposed to be used, to create jobs in education, to invest in our kids. My amendment will prohibit States from pulling their own State money out of education programs when they take this Federal money. How? By putting the money into Part B of the Individual with Disabilities Education Act, IDEA, otherwise known locally as special education.

When I traveled around Montana after the passage of the Recovery Act in 2009, school administrators told me the money that made it to the ground was very much appreciated, but that special education was their top priority. IDEA funding is still one of the biggest unfunded mandates the Federal Government has on local school districts.

When it was first enacted, the Federal Government promised to pay 40 percent of the cost of this important law. Today, we pay less than half of that promise. This amendment will help bridge that gap somewhat. Special education funding is not only a top priority for the folks in Montana, it also guarantees that the funding gets to the local level.

It also guarantees that its funding gets to the local level. If the money in this bill is supposed to be for teachers, then let's make sure it ends up there. This amendment is a good way to do just that.

I ask unanimous consent that these two amendments be printed in the Record.

I would like to talk about one other thing that is missing from the bill, and that is a reauthorization of the Secure Rural Schools Program and the Payment-in-Lieu of Taxes Program, otherwise know as PILT.

These two programs will do more to ensure that thousands of teachers stay on the job than anything else we can do around here. Here is the kicker: In the middle of this partisan debate, Secure Rural Schools and PILT are bipartisan programs.

Under the leadership of Senators Bingaman, Murkowski, Baucus, Crapo, Wyden, and Risch, we have a bill that can pass right now--today.

It would keep 4,000 teachers on the job at a cost of $3.5 billion over the next 5 years. That is small potatoes compared to the $35 billion in the bill that is before us today.

It is a very reasonable bill. But because it is so reasonable, nobody wants to see it appear in the middle of such a partisan debate. Once again, too many folks in Washington are looking for ways to point fingers.

Quite frankly, I don't have as many fingers as most folks around here, so I would rather use mine to solve some problems. Only after this final bill is amended to guarantee job certainty will it be able to earn my vote.

In order to amend it, I am going to vote for the motion to proceed. My vote is a vote for a debate we ought to have. It is an important one, so we can truly create jobs and focus on rebuilding our economy.

I look forward to that debate.

With that, I yield to my friend from West Virginia.

Mr. President, will the Senator from West Virginia yield for a question?

Mr. President, I say to Senator Manchin that I think everybody in this body wants to have real job creation. They want to see this unemployment rate go down. I think most everybody realizes that if we cannot get the unemployment rate to go down, the chances of paying off our debt and getting the budget under control will be severely diminished. The Senator has offered some potential amendments to S. 1723, as I have--assuming we get cloture on this bill. In a previous life, the Senator from West Virginia was a Governor. When I was in the State legislature, oftentimes, money came to us from the Federal Government, and we very much appreciated it. But we took an administrative cost right off the top, as a natural procedure--anywhere from 3 to a much higher percentage rate than that. Is that something they did in West Virginia? How would the Senator's amendment impact things such as administrative costs and will you be able to get more of your money to the ground out of these dollars?

I thank the Chair.

Mr. President, I rise to speak as in morning business.

Mr. President, I rise today to honor this weekend's passing of my friend Elouise Cobell--an extraordinary Montanan, American and American Indian. I am proud to have nominated her for the Congressional Gold Medal. As a role model for every American child, she deserves that highest honor.

Elouise Pepion Cobell was a star--truly a guiding light that will always lead the way for all Americans who fight for justice and fairness. Elouise's tireless leadership set this Nation on a new course, and what she accomplished reminds us that any person in any part of this country has the power to stand up and right a wrong, no matter how difficult it may be.

Sharla's and my thoughts and prayers are with Elouise's husband Alvin, her son Turk, and her entire family. We join the Blackfeet Nation and all Montanans in mourning, honoring and celebrating the life of an extraordinary Montanan. Future generations will learn about Elouise Cobell's legacy and they will be inspired to follow her lead. She will always be remembered as an American hero.

I have many memories of Elouise. I first met her when I was a State Senator. I knew what she was working on but I never imagined she would ever get as far as she did. Not many people in this world have the determination in them that Elouise had. From those early days, until just a few weeks ago, I talked to her numerous times. She had been fighting the Federal Government in court for a decade, and wouldn't take ``no'' for an answer. She knew what she wanted, and wanted it yesterday.

After I finally convinced her I wanted to help, our relationship changed. We became friends working together on a common goal; a settlement that was fair and balanced. And believe me, as my friend, she was not afraid to call me and tell me what she thought and how to get things done.

But I will never forget talking to her on the afternoon of November 19, 2010. The Senate had just approved the Cobell Settlement. Our bill paved the way to send her settlement to President Obama for his signature. She

knew it would mark the end of her historic battle. I called to make sure she knew the good news. That tougher-than-nails woman was sitting inside her home in Browning, while fierce Montana winds dropped the temperature to 17 degrees below zero. Thirty years of determination flowed through the tears in her eyes. She was happy. She was relieved. She was thankful.

It was in 1996 that she took a deep breath, gritted her teeth, and filed an historic lawsuit seeking justice on behalf of herself and 500,000 individual American Indians. At that time, all she wanted was an accounting for what they were owed. Her decision changed her life and the lives of every American Indian for generations to come. Her 15- year court battle resulted in the largest settlement with the government in American history.

Throughout the years, through painful criticism and generous support, she relentlessly led the charge against government mismanagement. She was unyielding in her pursuit of justice for one of this Nation's most vulnerable populations. After battling the Federal Government for nearly 30 years, President Obama signed into law the $3.4 billion settlement of the lawsuit that Congress approved earlier that year. At the signing ceremony, President Obama said, ``It's finally time to make things right.''

After all, the government had mismanaged the lands in question for 123 years.

Above everything else, history will remember Elouise Cobell for bringing justice to her community. She demonstrated perhaps the greatest strength--and asset--in Indian Country: kinship. As the years wore on, she fought harder for her family community.

When Montana elected me to the U.S. Senate, Elouise wasn't far behind me in Washington. She told me that many of the members she represented were elderly. The longer this case drags on, fewer of them will see the justice they deserve.

That is why I was disappointed earlier this month when a Washington court allowed several appeals of the case to move forward.

For many reasons over the years, Elouise Cobell earned recognition as a respected leader and role model. She walked in two worlds. Born on the Blackfeet Reservation on November 5, 1945, she was one of eight children. She was a great granddaughter of Mountain Chief, one of the legendary leaders of the Blackfeet Nation.

She and her husband operated a cattle ranch, and she founded the first Land Trust in Indian Country. For 13 years, she served as co- chair of the Native American Bank and as a trustee for the National Museum of the American Indian. She served as trustee for the Nature Conservancy of Montana.

She was executive director of the Native American Community Development Corporation. In 2004, the National Center for American Indian Enterprise Development bestowed upon her the Jay Silverheels Achievement Award.

Elouise remained true to her local community and to her cultural identity. But she also achieved success at the highest levels of non- Indian society. Elouise graduated from Great Falls Business College and attended Montana State University, where she received an honorary doctorate. In 2011, Dartmouth College awarded her an honorary degree of Doctor of Humane Letters. The President of Dartmouth told her: ``You fought a David and Goliath battle and won.''

Her story of courage is an inspiration to Native people and indeed to all Americans. She demonstrated that our legal system is strong enough to protect even the most vulnerable, and this nation, the most powerful on earth, keeps the promises we make.

She was a remarkable woman. Montanans and I will miss her dearly.

Mr. President, today I honor Theodore M. Dolney, a veteran of World War II and a member of this Nation's Greatest Generation.

Mr. Dolney, on behalf of all Montanans and all Americans, I stand to say ``thank you'' for your service to this Nation.

I am proud to share Mr. Dolney's story of heroism, because like so many others, it is a story that should never be forgotten.

Ted Dolney joined the Army in April of 1941, after spending the first 19 years of his life growing up on his family farm in Glenville, SD. After training, the Army sent Mr. Dolney to northern Africa. In February of 1943, German troops captured him and took him as a prisoner of war.

Mr. Dolney spent 27 months more than 2 years of his life imprisoned by Nazis. Mr. Dolney was moved from place to place in Germany. Conditions were cruel and brutal. Food was scarce. In fact, Mr. Dolney says many American POWs would have died if it had not been for supplemental food packages sent by the Red Cross.

Because Mr. Dolney knew how to speak German, and because he had the strength to work as a POW on railroads, he sometimes got extra food.

On the eve of the invasion of Normandy, some of the prisoners smuggled in a radio. Hours later, they heard news of the allies landing in France.

Months later, when Germany lost the war, the Nazi guards simply ran away. Mr. Dolney and the others left on foot to find help. After walking several days, they finally encountered American soldiers. And they were sent home as heroes.

Ted Dolney returned to the United States. He moved to Montana where he met Darlene, his wife of 50 years. He worked for three decades as a lineman for the Rural Electrification Administration.

But Mr. Dolney never received recognition for his service and sacrifice as

a Prisoner of War in World War II. And throughout his life, he never complained.

In 1973, his military records were destroyed by a fire in St. Louis.

But after his family reached out to my office, we were able to secure the medals Mr. Dolney never received.

Last month, I had the honor of presenting to Ted, a Bronze Star, and a European-African-Middle-Eastern Campaign Medal with four Bronze Service Stars.

It was also my honor to present an American Defense Service Medal, and a World War II Victory Medal.

Last month I also presented to Ted: a Combat Infantryman Badge First Award, a Good Conduct Medal, and the Honorable Service Lapel Button, World War II.

These seven medals are small tokens, but they are powerful symbols of true heroism, sacrifice, and dedication to service.

These medals are presented on behalf of a grateful nation.

Mr. President, today I wish to honor John L. Horigan, a veteran of Vietnam.

John, on behalf of all Montanans and all Americans, I stand to say ``thank you'' for your service to this Nation.

It is my honor to share the story of John Horigan's sacrifice in Vietnam, because no story of heroism should ever fall through the cracks.

John joined the Army in October of 1967. He was part of the 86th Transportation Company, based in Long Binh, Vietnam.

His job? Operating equipment and driving trucks for the Army in unimaginable, dangerous conditions.

On August 26, 1968, John's unit came under fire. And he was shot in the arm and in the back.

John returned to the United States after 2 years of service to this Nation. He worked as a millwright in California, and eventually moved with his wife Cindy to the Big Sky State of Montana, where he is welcome as a hero.

After his return home, the military lost John Horigan's records. And he never received the recognition he earned more than 40 years ago. Throughout that time, he never complained.

Last month, I had the honor of presenting to John, in the presence of his family, a Purple Heart, and a Vietnam Service Medal and Bronze Star Attachment.

It was also my honor to present a Meritorious Unit Commendation, and a National Defense Service Medal.

Last month I also presented to John: a Republic of Vietnam Campaign Ribbon with Device, and the Cold War Recognition Certificate.

These six decorations are small tokens, but they are powerful symbols of true heroism, sacrifice, and dedication to service.

These medals are presented on behalf of a grateful nation.

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

I ask unanimous consent to speak as in morning business.

Mr. President, during a trip to Baghdad this past January, I had the opportunity to meet with several members of the Montana National Guard's 163rd Combined Arms Battalion. That day, I told them that I was proud of each and every one of them, from unit commander LTC T.J. Hull and SGM John Wood, right on down the line. Through courageous service to our country, they were making tremendous sacrifices on our behalf, and they were representing the very best of Montana.

This month, these folks have been coming back home to Montana from their demobilizing station in Washington State. Today, I join their families, their friends, and their neighbors in welcoming the last group of those citizen soldiers back to Montana.

Job well done, soldiers. And I thank you.

For nearly a year, these 600 Montanans served in some of the harshest conditions imaginable--escorting numerous convoys across dangerous terrain and conducting other critical security missions throughout Iraq. At one point over the last 12 months, this unit accounted for more than half of Montana's best and brightest serving overseas. They gave up the comforts of their families, their homes, and their communities to bring stability to a nation on the other side of the world. Through it all, they showed courage in difficult times. They remained strong. And they were always in our thoughts and prayers.

Now they are home. It is our duty to continue our support by providing the benefits, quality care, and services they need as they transition back to their families, to their jobs, and to their communities. Many Iraqi veterans make that transition with success, coming home to good jobs and welcoming communities. But for others, making that transition is no easy task. It is no secret that there is a potential for higher rates of substance abuse, higher divorce rates, higher unemployment rates. The effects of post-traumatic stress disorder and traumatic brain injury can impact entire families. Thankfully, veterans often look after each other. We should recognize the important role of America's veterans service organizations and their willingness to help with that transition.

Montana was one of the first States in the Nation to adopt the Beyond the Yellow Ribbon Program. It involves entire families of National Guard soldiers and airmen, preparing them for the changes that come before, during, and after deployment. The Beyond the Yellow Ribbon Program is a success, and I am pleased that in the last Congress my colleagues gave all States the resources to implement it.

Furthermore, I will do my best to make sure we keep up our end of the bargain. Whether it is college education, health care, or compensation for an injury suffered on the field of battle, we will honor our commitment to our heroes. We make this promise to the men and women of the 163rd and to Montanans who make up the many other units of the Montana National Guard that were deployed this year and to those folks who are part of Montana's Red Horse Squadron, now in Afghanistan. To our reservists and to the folks serving in the Active-Duty military today, we make the same commitment.

Even as we make this commitment, many folks in Montana are wondering what should happen next in Iraq. Since 2003, our Nation has sent hundreds of thousands of young men and women to

fight in Iraq. We have done so at an enormous cost--4,474 Americans have given their lives, and more than 32,000 have been wounded. We cannot put a number on those who suffer from the injuries that are unseen. And let's not forget that the price tag of this war that was put on our children is quickly approaching $1 trillion, and then there are the tens of billions of dollars in waste and fraud.

The war in Iraq started with political leaders who had their own agenda. They went there looking for weapons that never existed. But through it all, the professionalism of our military never faltered. They provided security and democracy to a nation that had never known it.

But for far too long, Iraqi politicians did nothing to secure their own future. I first went to Iraq in 2007 and returned there again this past January. I was struck by how much it changed in those 4 years. Iraq was finally moving forward after too many wasted years, too many wasted dollars, and too many lives lost. There are many reasons for the change. The improved security from our military and the training provided by our troops played a big role. But American diplomats and military leaders told me that the biggest reason for the progress in Iraq was this: The Iraqis were told in no uncertain terms that the United States was leaving. Our military presence would end on December 31 of this year. That was what galvanized Iraqi politicians to take control of their own country.

Today, I am sending a letter to the President calling on him to stand by his commitment to pull all U.S. Operation New Dawn troops out of Iraq by the end of this year. We should bring the last of them home on schedule. U.S. marines will still guard our embassy, as they always have, and we will still maintain a strong diplomatic presence in Iraq.

Despite this year's deadline, I know there is talk of the possibility of keeping a sizable force of U.S. troops in Iraq through next year. If that is the case, it is not good. We cannot afford moving the goalposts. Across Montana and this Nation, people are saying: Come home and come home now. I know sectarian violence in Iraq will continue. We should not be asking American troops to referee a centuries-old civil war. That conflict is likely to continue into the distant future regardless of our presence.

Iraq now has the tools it needs to secure its economy. Iraq must solve the problems for its own people. Keeping thousands of U.S. troops in Iraq would needlessly put them in more danger, it would cost American taxpayers more money, and it would further distract us from our core objectives of protecting U.S. citizens and further dismantling al-Qaida and other terrorist groups. That is where our focus must be, and that is why I am saying let's end this war for good.

I yield the floor.

Mr. President, today I honor Gary Sonsteng and his service to the United States of America during the Vietnam war.

Gary enlisted in the U.S. Navy at the age of 17.

As a boatswain mate second class, Gary was assigned to the U.S.S. Talladega for several years. After a stint in Japan, Gary served on patrol boats in the Mekong Delta in Vietnam for a little over a year.

In 1971, after 6 years of wartime service, Gary quietly returned to his home in Butte, MT, where he worked as a miner and a truck driver for more than 30 years.

Gary is a modest man. He never asked for recognition for his service in Vietnam. And through all these years, that recognition of his valor and service slipped through the cracks.

In working with my office, we discovered that Gary never received the medals he earned decades ago. Gary insists his service was, quote, ``nothing extraordinary.'' I, along with millions of Americans and the U.S. military, see it differently.

Last month, I had the honor of presenting Gary Sonsteng with a Combat Action Ribbon, and a Navy Commendation Medal with a Combat Valor Device. This Navy Commendation Medal is reserved for ``sustained acts of heroism or meritorious service.''

It was also my honor to present Gary a Presidential Unit Citation Ribbon, an

award earned for displaying gallantry and determination under extremely difficult and hazardous conditions.

Last month I also presented to Gary: A Vietnam Service Medal with one silver star and four bronze stars, the Navy Unit Commendation Ribbon, and the Vietnam Campaign Medal with 1960 Device and Discharge Button.

These six medals are a long overdue addition to the prestigious medals Gary has already received for his service to America: the National Defense Service Medal, the Meritorious Unit Commendation Ribbon with one silver star, and the Naval Reserve Meritorious Service Medal.

All of these medals are presented on behalf of a grateful nation. They may be small tokens, but they are powerful symbols of true heroism. Sacrifice. And dedication to service.

Gary, I join all Montanans and all Americans in saying thank you.

Mr. President, on Sunday, this Nation will pause to remember a painful day in American history.

On September 11, 2001, I was glued to the radio in my pickup on a long drive back home to Big Sandy. It wasn't until I stopped at a Billings restaurant that I finally saw on TV what I had heard about all day. The pictures were surreal.

Although the attacks of 9/11 weren't America's first test of uncertainty, all of us knew this Nation would change forever.

In the hours and days and weeks following the attacks of September 11, 2001, Americans, neighbors, and perfect strangers joined together to fill the streets despite their differences. They poured out their support. They redefined the United States of America. I knew then that this great Nation would overcome. Events that unite us will always make us stronger. I was reminded of that on May 2, when Navy SEALs found and brought swift justice to Osama bin Laden, prompting spontaneous celebrations across Montana and the rest of the country.

We must never lose sight of our ability to find common ground and work together on major issues that affect us all. We have much more in common than not, and we should never forget that. It is what built this country. It is what made this the best Nation on Earth, and we need to summon that spirit again as we work to rebuild our economy.

Over the past decade, we have been reminded of some powerful truths that we can never afford to lose sight of. We can never take the security of this country for granted. There are and, sadly, always will be people out there bent on destroying what America stands for, taking innocent lives with them. They are always looking for the weakest links in our security. They are trained and well financed. But our Nation's troops, our intelligence agents, our law enforcement and border security officers are even better trained.

I am particularly concerned about weaknesses along the Montana northern border with Canada. Up until recently, only a few orange cones in the middle of a road protected the country from terrorism. Unfortunately, the days when orange cones did the trick are behind us.

I have worked on the Homeland Security Committee to improve this Nation's security, and things are better than they were a decade ago. We are still working to achieve the right mix of people, technology, and know-how to secure the northern border.

We have also been reminded that America's military can achieve anything asked of it. This comes with a cost. Similar to so many folks of the greatest generation after Pearl Harbor day, hundreds of Montanans signed up to defend our country after 9/11. I stand in deep appreciation for the men and women who, in those dark hours, stood for our country. I thank them and their families for their service, their sacrifice, and their patriotism.

In the years since 9/11, American forces have paid a tremendous price in Iraq and Afghanistan in lives and livelihoods. Until only a few years ago, veterans had to fight another battle at home trying to get access to the benefits they were promised. Too many veterans are still fighting for adequate funding and access to quality health care services that they have earned. As one veteran said, ``The day this Nation stops taking care of her veterans is the day this Nation should stop creating them.'' I couldn't agree more.

Montanans are reminded that some out there are still willing to invade our privacy and trample on our Constitution in the name of security and freedom. Measures such as the PATRIOT Act, which I have consistently opposed, forfeit some basic freedoms. Some lawmakers aren't stopping there.

In the House, a bill called the National Security and Federal Lands Protection Act would allow the Department of Homeland Security to waive laws and seize control of public lands within 100 miles of the border, even if that means closing off grazing lands, shuttering national parks, and trampling on the rights of private land owners. That would have an enormous impact on the whole of Montana. If bad bills such as that are turned into law, America loses.

Our Constitution is a powerful document, and terrorists want nothing more than to watch our rights crumble away by the weight of our own policies. We can, and we will, remain strong. But we must do it with respect to our rights and freedoms.

Today, as on Sunday, my prayers are with those Americans who have died at the hands of terrorists on and since 9/11 and for the tens of thousands of troops still on the frontlines in Afghanistan and elsewhere and for the families of thousands of American troops who have died in service to this country since that terrible day.

My wife Charlotte and I stand with all Montanans in saying thank you to the members of our military, present and past, especially those who have come home with injuries, seen and unseen. This Nation will never forget your sacrifices.

Mr. President, I wish to share some exciting news from my home State of Montana. As many already know, the Little League World Series reached its thrilling completion last month. Montana's team, the Big Sky All-Stars from Billings, played in the U.S. Championship Game after a breathtaking, extra-inning victory over California in its previous game.

This Billings team was the first team from Montana to reach the Little League World Series. Only eight teams from the thousands of Little Leagues across the country make it to the World Series held in South Williamsport, PA, each year. One of our boys, Ian Leatherberry, originally said that the team was just hoping to play in the regional tournament. Instead, they played so long that they had a good excuse for missing the first week of school.

Behind the leadership of manager Gene Carlson and his coaches, these Treasure State champs became the talk of the tournament and the Nation. With great pitching, outstanding defense, and timely hitting, they quickly proved they belonged by defeating South Dakota and Louisiana, winning each game by a thrilling two-run margin.

Despite our State not even having a million people, Montana's All- Stars didn't blink when taking on the team from Huntington Beach, CA, for the right to reach the U.S. championship game. Montana's starting pitcher Cole McKenzie battled California's hitters, holding them scoreless. Then Ben Askelson hit a dramatic walk-off home run to give our boys an amazing 1-0 win in extra innings.

It is honestly no surprise to me that the Big Sky All-Stars punched above their class. Whether competing in Little League baseball or showing the rest of the world true sportsmanship, Montana knows how to compete.

Despite their loss in the national championship game, Gene and his players earned the respect of all of Montana. These 12 boys--Ben Askelson, Jet Campbell, Sean Jones, Connor Kieckbusch, Pearce Kurth, Ian Leatherberry, Brock MacDonald, Andy Maehl, Cole McKenzie, Dawson Smith, Gabe Sulser and Patrick Zimmer--played with great skill and determination, making everyone from the Big Sky State proud of their immense accomplishment.

Mr. President, today I honor Raymond Meder and his service to the Army of the United States during World War Two.

Raymond arrived in Normandy 6 days after D-day and went on to fight in the frigid Battle of the Bulge. After that defining battle, Raymond Meder and his commanding officer were ordered to take a jeep full of ammunition to the front line--in German territory.

A mortar exploded in front of Raymond's jeep, flipping it over. The crash shattered Raymond's wrist and he suffered from shrapnel in his leg. Still under heavy fire, Raymond Meder crawled to the side of the road and covered his commanding officer with his own body. Sadly, that officer never made it. But Raymond returned fire through the night and into the morning with a machine gun until reinforcements arrived.

In a hospital in France, Raymond Meder was visited by an Army captain who told him, ``You'll earn medals for this.''

Yes, he earned them. But he never received them.

Three weeks later, Raymond returned to the battlefield. His wrist was deformed for the rest of his life. He never complained. And his military records were destroyed by a 1973 fire in St. Louis.

Raymond Meder passed away just a few months ago, on March 30. His son Ray and daughter-in-law Corine started asking questions about Raymond's service. Last month I had the honor of presenting to his family Raymond Meder's Bronze Star, Combat Infantryman Badge 1st Award, World War Two Victory Medal and Honorable Service Lapel Button.

These may be small tokens, but they are powerful symbols of true heroism, sacrifice, and dedication to service.

These medals are presented on behalf of a grateful nation.

Mr. President, today I honor Joseph Cetnar.

According to his sister, Joe grew up as ``real New York City street kid.'' He was born to Polish-Ukrainian immigrants who wanted to give their children the American dream. He had to work for the American dream. And he did.

Joe worked hard his whole life from a very early age, when he sold hot dogs on the streets of New York. In 1941, Joe enlisted in the Army Air Corps. And he parachuted into France during the invasion of Normandy.

Like many veterans who returned from war, Joe didn't speak much about his experience in the European theater.

His military records were destroyed by a fire in 1973. And in 2009, Joe passed away, leaving behind his wife of 65 years.

Joe Cetnar never received the recognition he deserved. His sister Dotty and his niece Aleksy started asking questions about Joe's service. And together, we discovered that Joe earned several medals he never received.

Last month I had the honor of presenting to his family Joseph Cetnar's American Defense Service Medal,

World War Two Victory Medal, and Honorable Service Lapel Button.

These may be small tokens, but they are powerful symbols of true heroism, sacrifice, and dedication to service.

These medals are presented on behalf of a grateful nation.