Floor Statements

Mr. President, in mid-June, I asked Idahoans to share with me how high energy prices are affecting their lives, and they responded by the hundreds. The stories, numbering well over 1,200, are heartbreaking and touching. While energy prices have dropped in recent weeks, the concerns expressed remain very relevant. To respect the efforts of those who took the opportunity to share their thoughts, I am submitting every e-mail sent to me through an address set up specifically for this purpose to the Congressional Record. This is not an issue that will be easily resolved, but it is one that deserves immediate and serious attention, and Idahoans deserve to be heard. Their stories not only detail their struggles to meet everyday expenses, but also have suggestions and recommendations as to what Congress can do now to tackle this problem and find solutions that last beyond today. I ask unanimous consent to have today's letters printed in the Record.

Mr. President, on February 11, 2009, Mountain Home Air Force Base, AFB, in my home State of Idaho will bid farewell to COL James S. Browne and his wife Alison. Colonel Browne has been the Mountain Home AFB 366th Fighter Wing Commander, and Commander of the base, since September 15, 2007.

Under Colonel Browne's exemplary leadership, the Gunfighters of Mountain Home AFB have excelled in their respective missions no small feat considering that the 366th Fighter Wing consists of 24 squadrons and over 5,000 personnel--and that doesn't include family members. A base commander is a little like a mayor. Along with military mission responsibilities, a base commander is ultimately held accountable for community well-being, infrastructure and services, and serves as the liaison with local, regional and State civilian government officials. Military families tend to move more often than the civilian population. As such, base services are critical both when families first arrive, and the military member is adjusting to a new job, and throughout their time as they make new friends and carve out a niche in what they know will be a long-term temporary living situation. Furthermore, when deployments occur, it is the responsibility of base leadership to make sure that families are taken care of in their loved ones' absence. Colonel and Mrs. Browne worked in their own capacities to help ensure that facilities, services and community outreach efforts came together to make these life transitions easier. In fact, during his time at Mountain Home AFB, Colonel Browne oversaw the completion of 318 new base housing units.

When it came to the mission of the wing, Colonel Browne excelled in promoting and achieving excellence, turning challenge into success along the way. As a testament to his remarkable leadership capabilities, in March of 2008, the wing achieved the first passing grade for a combined phase I and II operational readiness inspection in 3 years in all of Air Combat Command. That success at the base translated into success in the global war on terror. Colonel Browne oversaw numerous worldwide Air Expeditionary Force deployments of the 72 F-15 aircraft operating from the base. During his tenure, over 5,200 people and over 1,500 tons of cargo were deployed to 18 locations worldwide. Colonel Browne's gunfighters demonstrated skill and precision in their outstanding contributions to Operation Enduring Freedom. In October of 2008, the 391st Fighter Squadron deployed to Afghanistan, flying over 1,700 combat sorties for an incredible 98 percent hit rate in support of coalition forces. Colonel Browne also oversaw the successful implementation of a strategic training partnership program with the Republic of Singapore Air Force.

Colonel Browne's leadership tenure has been characterized by optimism, a firm commitment to the gravity of the mission and a dedication to the notion of team dynamics. He maintained a comprehensive view of the wing's mission within the context of the broader mission of the Air Force and the U.S. Military. His goal- oriented, vision-

driven approach made him a particularly outstanding Commander. By putting people first, Colonel Browne inspired excellence and achievement in others.

My staff and I have enjoyed an extremely positive working relationship with Colonel Browne and his staff, on issues such as the training range, Indian affairs, infrastructure and ensuring that Mountain Home AFB not only retains critical missions, but is considered for others as it possesses one of the top training ranges in the nation and has the strong support of the local community and the State. Colonel and Mrs. Browne have been exemplary representatives of the Air Force and good friends to Idaho. On behalf of the State of Idaho, I wish Colonel and Alison Browne well as they move back to Washington, DC, and thank them for their continued service to our nation and for their time as gunfighters in the great State of Idaho. They will be missed.

Mr. President, in mid-June, I asked Idahoans to share with me how high energy prices are affecting their lives, and they responded by the hundreds. The stories, numbering well over 1,200, are heartbreaking and touching. While energy prices have dropped in recent weeks, the concerns expressed remain very relevant. To respect the efforts of those who took the opportunity to share their thoughts, I am submitting every e-mail sent to me through an address set up specifically for this purpose to the Congressional Record. This is not an issue that will be easily resolved, but it is one that deserves immediate and serious attention, and Idahoans deserve to be heard. Their stories not only detail their struggles to meet everyday expenses, but also have suggestions and recommendations as to what Congress can do now to tackle this problem and find solutions that last beyond today. I ask unanimous consent to have today's letters printed in the Record.

Mr. President, in mid-June, I asked Idahoans to share with me how high energy prices are affecting their lives, and they responded by the hundreds. The stories, numbering well over 1,200, are heartbreaking and touching. While energy prices have dropped in recent weeks, the concerns expressed remain very relevant. To respect the efforts of those who took the opportunity to share their thoughts, I am submitting every e-mail sent to me through an address set up specifically for this purpose to the Congressional Record. This is not an issue that will be easily resolved, but it is one that deserves immediate and serious attention, and Idahoans deserve to be heard. Their stories not only detail their struggles to meet everyday expenses, but also have suggestions and recommendations as to what Congress can do now to tackle this problem and find solutions that last beyond today. I ask unanimous consent to have today's letters printed in the Record.

Mr. President, in mid-June, I asked Idahoans to share with me how high energy prices are affecting their lives, and they responded by the hundreds. The stories, numbering well over 1,200, are heartbreaking and touching. While energy prices have dropped in recent weeks, the concerns expressed remain very relevant. To respect the efforts of those who took the opportunity to share their thoughts, I am submitting every e-mail sent to me through an address set up specifically for this purpose to the Congressional Record. This is not an issue that will be easily resolved, but it is one that deserves immediate and serious attention, and Idahoans deserve to be heard. Their stories not only detail their struggles to meet everyday expenses, but also have suggestions and recommendations as to what Congress can do now to tackle this problem and find solutions that last beyond today. I ask unanimous consent to have today's letters printed in the Record.

Mr. President, in mid-June, I asked Idahoans to share with me how high energy prices are affecting their lives, and they responded by the hundreds. The stories, numbering well over 1,200, are heartbreaking and touching. While energy prices have dropped in recent weeks, the concerns expressed remain very relevant. To respect the efforts of those who took the opportunity to share their thoughts, I am submitting every e-mail sent to me through an address set up specifically for this purpose to the Congressional Record. This is not an issue that will be easily resolved, but it is one that deserves immediate and serious attention, and Idahoans deserve to be heard. Their stories not only detail their struggles to meet everyday expenses, but also have suggestions and recommendations as to what Congress can do now to tackle this problem and find solutions that last beyond today. I ask unanimous consent to have today's letters printed in the Record.

Mr. President, on January 24, a man whose life was intricately woven into Idaho's history passed on. Harry Frank Magnuson, son of an Italian immigrant mother and Polish immigrant father, was born in Idaho in the early part of the 20th century in the small Idaho mining town of Wallace. As a young man, Harry sought and obtained his education, first at the University of Idaho. After completing his military service with the U.S. Navy during World War II, he obtained a master's degree in business administration at Harvard University. Harry returned to his hometown of Wallace, ID, and opened an accounting firm that was active for 60 years. At the time of his death, Harry Magnuson was known well beyond Idaho's borders for his leadership, philanthropy and business acumen.

Harry was a devoted father and husband and committed man of the community. He was first and foremost an Idahoan. His work brought him accolades from the University of Idaho, Gonzaga University, and Idaho State University. In 1990, our State's largest newspaper, the Idaho Statesman, named him Idaho Citizen of the Year. He chaired the Idaho Centennial Commission from 1987 to 1991. In 1999, Harry received the ``Esto Perpetua'' award from the Idaho State Historical Society, an award that honors an individual's lifetime contributions to the history of Idaho. One of the projects closest to his heart was the Cataldo Mission in north Idaho, the preservation of which he contributed mightily over the years.

My thoughts and prayers are with Colleen Magnuson and their children at this difficult time.

Mr. President, in mid-June, I asked Idahoans to share with me how high energy prices are affecting their lives, and they responded by the hundreds. The stories, numbering well over 1,200, are heartbreaking and touching. While energy prices have dropped in recent weeks, the concerns expressed remain very relevant. To respect the efforts of those who took the opportunity to share their thoughts, I am submitting every e-mail sent to me through an address set up specifically for this purpose to the Congressional Record. This is not an issue that will be easily resolved, but it is one that deserves immediate and serious attention, and Idahoans deserve to be heard. Their stories not only detail their struggles to meet everyday expenses, but also have suggestions and recommendations as to what Congress can do now to tackle this problem and find solutions that last beyond today. I ask unanimous consent to have today's letters printed in the Record.

Mr. President, in mid-June, I asked Idahoans to share with me how high energy prices are affecting their lives, and they responded by the hundreds. The stories, numbering well over 1,200, are heartbreaking and touching. While energy prices have dropped in recent weeks, the concerns expressed remain very relevant. To respect the efforts of those who took the opportunity to share their thoughts, I am submitting every e-mail sent to me through an address set up specifically for this purpose to the Congressional Record. This is not an issue that will be easily resolved, but it is one that deserves immediate and serious attention, and Idahoans deserve to be heard. Their stories not only detail their struggles to meet everyday expenses, but also have suggestions and recommendations as to what Congress can do now to tackle this problem and find solutions that last beyond today. I ask unanimous consent to have today's letters printed in the Record.

Mr. President, I am proud to be involved for a third year in the Uni-Capitol Washington Internship Programme, UCWIP, an exchange program in which outstanding college students from Australia's top universities compete to serve as interns for the U.S. Congress. The program is in its 10th year of bringing the Washington experience to our friends from Australia, firsthand. In addition to working in congressional offices, the program provides students with a number of other opportunities and activities including visits to historic sites, visits to government agencies, meetings with government leaders, and educational events.

This year, Nicholas Tam, a student from Melbourne University in Australia, is taking a 2-month hiatus from his law degree to help me serve Idaho constituents. Of the program, Nick says, ``Working with Senator Crapo has been a gateway to developing a nuanced, sophisticated understanding of the United States and its precise position and role in the world. UCWIP has been culturally enriching and enhancing of my own professional development. It has been a real privilege to aid in the advancement of strong conservative principles whilst working here in the United States Senate.'' Nick is a terrific temporary addition to my staff and, like past interns, an intelligent individual, hard worker and personable.

Director Eric Federing and his wife Daphne have shown a decade of tireless commitment to enlarging the educational experience of Australian students. Now with 81 program alumni, this educational and highly successful exchange program has earned a rightful place among leading international academic exchange opportunities. I am honored to continue to participate in this well-crafted and successful program.

Mr. President, in mid-June, I asked Idahoans to share with me how high energy prices are affecting their lives, and they responded by the hundreds. The stories, numbering well over 1,200, are heartbreaking and touching. While energy prices have dropped in recent weeks, the concerns expressed remain very relevant. To respect the efforts of those who took the opportunity to share their thoughts, I am submitting every e-mail sent to me through an address set up specifically for this purpose to the Congressional Record. This is not an issue that will be easily resolved, but it is one that deserves immediate and serious attention, and Idahoans deserve to be heard. Their stories not only detail their struggles to meet everyday expenses, but also have suggestions and recommendations as to what Congress can do now to tackle this problem and find solutions that last beyond today. I ask unanimous consent to have today's letters printed in the Record.

Mr. President, in mid-June, I asked Idahoans to share with me how high energy prices are affecting their lives, and they responded by the hundreds. The stories, numbering well over 1,200, are heartbreaking and touching. While energy prices have dropped in recent weeks, the concerns expressed remain very relevant. To respect the efforts of those who took the opportunity to share their thoughts, I am submitting every e-mail sent to me through an address set up specifically for this purpose to the Congressional Record. This is not an issue that will be easily resolved, but it is one that deserves immediate and serious attention, and Idahoans deserve to be heard. Their stories not only detail their struggles to meet everyday expenses, but also have suggestions and recommendations as to what Congress can do now to tackle this problem and find solutions that last beyond today. I ask unanimous consent to have today's letters printed in the Record.

Mr. President, in mid-June, I asked Idahoans to share with me how high energy prices are affecting their lives, and they responded by the hundreds. The stories, numbering well over 1,200, are heartbreaking and touching. While energy prices have dropped in recent weeks, the concerns expressed remain very relevant. To respect the efforts of those who took the opportunity to share their thoughts, I am submitting every e-mail sent to me through an address set up specifically for this purpose to the Congressional Record. This is not an issue that will be easily resolved, but it is one that deserves immediate and serious attention, and Idahoans deserve to be heard. Their stories not only detail their struggles to meet everyday expenses, but also have suggestions and recommendations as to what Congress can do now to tackle this problem and find solutions that last beyond today. I ask unanimous consent to have today's letters printed in the Record.

Mr. President, I would like to recognize Elizabeth Sellers on her retirement from the Department of Energy after 26 years. Beth most recently spent 6 years as DOE's Idaho Site Manager at the Idaho National Lab, INL. During her time there, the INL was created as the lead nuclear research and development laboratory for DOE, and a separate project, the Idaho Cleanup Project, was created to manage and clean up the radioactive waste at the site. Since 2003, Beth has overseen the work of 300 Federal employees and approximately 6,500 contractors. Beth's leadership and vision has helped further the critical energy and national security missions of INL and the Advanced Mixed Treatment Project with a commitment to excellence and safety. She has been at the helm as significant state milestones have been met through the Idaho Cleanup Project, and she will be missed at the lab.

Beth was not satisfied simply leading efforts at the lab. She knows the importance of community and maintaining strong community ties, both as the DOE Site Manager and on a personal level. She immersed herself in the Idaho Falls community life, volunteering in a number of different organizations, giving back to her host community. She not only leaves big shoes to fill in her professional life, she leaves a hole in the community as well.

I wish Beth well in her future endeavors overseas and have appreciated working with her during her time at INL.

Mr. President, in mid-June, I asked Idahoans to share with me how high energy prices are affecting their lives, and they responded by the hundreds. The stories, numbering well over 1,200, are heartbreaking and touching. While energy prices have dropped in recent weeks, the concerns expressed remain very relevant. To respect the efforts of those who took the opportunity to share their thoughts, I am submitting every e-mail sent to me through an address set up specifically for this purpose to the Congressional Record. This is not an issue that will be easily resolved, but it is one that deserves immediate and serious attention, and Idahoans deserve to be heard. Their stories not only detail their struggles to meet everyday expenses but also have suggestions and recommendations as to what Congress can do now to tackle this problem and find solutions that last beyond today. I ask unanimous consent to have today's letters printed in the Record.