Floor Statements

Mr. President, I am pleased to introduce the Owyhee Initiative Implementation Act of 2006, a bill which is the result of a 5-year collaborative effort between all levels of government, multiple users of public lands, and conservationists to resolve decades of heated land-use conflict in the Owyhee Canyonlands in the southwestern part of my home State of Idaho.

This is comprehensive land management legislation that enjoys far- reaching support among a remarkably diverse group of interests that live, work and play in this special country.

Owyhee County contains some of the most unique and beautiful canyonlands in the world and offers large areas in which all of us can enjoy the grandeur and experience of untouched western trails, rivers, and open sky. It is truly magical country, and its natural beauty and traditional uses should be preserved for future generations.

Owyhee County is traditional ranching country. Seventy-three percent of its land base is owned by the United States, and it is located within an hour's drive of one of the fastest growing areas in the nation, Boise, ID.

This combination of attributes, including location, is having an explosive effect on property values, community expansion and development and ever-increasing demands on public land. Given this confluence of circumstances and events, Owyhee County has been at the core of decades of conflict with heated political and regulatory battles.

The diverse land uses co-exist in an area of intense beauty and unique character. The conflict over land management is both inevitable and understandable--how do we manage for this diversity and do so in a way that protects and restores the quality of that fragile environment?

In this context, the Owyhee County Commissioners and several others said ``enough is enough'' and decided to focus efforts on solving these problems rather than wasting resources on an endless fight. In 2001, The Owyhee County Commissioners, Hal Tolmie, Dick Reynolds and Chris Salove met with me and asked for my help.

They asked whether I would support them if they could put together at one table the interested parties involved in the future of the County to try and reach some solutions. I told them that if they could get together a broad base of interests who would agree to collaborate in a process committed to problem-solving, I would dedicate myself to working with them and if they were successful, I would introduce resulting legislation. They agreed.

Together, we set out on a 5-year journey on a road that is as challenging as any in the Owyhee Canyonlands. Sharp turns, steep inclines and declines, big sharp rocks, deep ruts, sand burrs, dust and a constant headwind is exactly what those of us who have worked so hard on this have faced every day.

This is very difficult work and in speaking of difficult work, I want to acknowledge the effort of my friend and colleague from Idaho, Representative Mike Simpson, and the challenge he has taken on as he advocates his Central Idaho Economic Development Act. I support his work and his legislation.

The Commissioners appointed a chairman, an extraordinary gentleman, Fred Grant. They formed the Work Group which included The Wilderness Society, Idaho Conservation League, The Nature Conservancy, Idaho Outfitters and Guides, the United States Air Force, the Sierra Club, the county Soil Conservation Districts, Owyhee Cattleman's Association, the Owyhee Borderlands Trust, People for the Owyhees, and the Shoshone Paiute Tribes to join in their efforts. All accepted, and work on this bill began.

As this collaborative process gained momentum, the county commissioners expanded the Work Group to include the South Idaho Desert Racing Association, Idaho Rivers United and the Owyhee County Farm Bureau. Very recently, the commissioners have further expanded the effort to include the Foundation for North American Wild Sheep and the Idaho Backcountry Horsemen.

The commissioners also requested that the Idaho State Department of Lands and the Bureau of Land Management serve, and those agencies have provided important support.

This unique group of people chose to work without a professional facilitator, preferring instead to deal with differences face-to-face and together create new ideas. For me, one of the most gratifying and emotional outcomes has been to see this group transform itself from polarized camps into an extraordinary force that has become known for its intense effort, comity, trust and willingness to work toward a solution.

They operated on a true consensus basis, only making decisions when there was no voiced objection to a proposal.

They involved everyone who wanted to participate in the process and spent hundreds of hours discussing their findings, modifying preliminary proposals and ultimately reaching consensus solutions. They have driven thousands of miles inspecting roads and trails, listening to and soliciting ideas from people from all walks of life who have in common deep roots and deep interest in the Owyhee Canyonlands.

They sought to ensure that they had a thorough understanding of the issues and could take proper advantage of the insights and experience of all these people.

While this whole process and its outcomes are indeed remarkable, one of the more notable developments is the Memorandum of Agreement between the Shoshone Paiute Tribes and the County that establishes government- to-government cooperation in several areas of mutual interest. I want to particularly note the efforts and support of Mr. Terry Gibson, Chairman of the Shoshone Paiute Tribes, a great leader and a personal friend of mine.

All of these individuals and organizations have asked that I seek Senate approval of their collaborative effort, built from the ground up to chart their path forward.

The Owyhee Initiative transforms conflict and uncertainty into conflict resolution and assurance of future activity. Ranchers can plan for subsequent generations. Off-road vehicle users have access assured. Wilderness is established. The Shoshone-Paiute Tribe knows its cultural resources will be protected. The Air Force will continue to train its pilots.

Local, state and Federal agencies will have structure to assist their joint management of the region. And this will all happen within the context of the preservation of environmental and ecological health. This is indeed a revolutionary land management structure--and one that looks ahead to the future.

Principal features of the legislation include:

Development, funding and implementation of a landscape-scale program to review, recommend and coordinate landscape conservation and research projects;

Scientific review process to assist the Bureau of Land Management;

Designation of Wilderness and Wild and Scenic Rivers;

Release of Wilderness Study Areas;

Protections of tribal cultural and historical resources against intentional and unintentional abuse and desecration.

Development and implementation by the BLM of travel plans for public lands;

A board of directors with oversight over the administration and implementation of the Owyhee Initiative.

This can't be called ranching bill, or a wilderness bill, or an Air Force bill, or a tribal bill. It is a comprehensive land management bill.

Each interest got enough to enthusiastically support the final product, advocate for its enactment, and, most importantly, support the objectives of those with whom they had previous conflict.

Opposition will come from a few principal sources: those who simply don't want to have wilderness designated; those who don't want livestock anywhere on public land; and, those who do not want to see collaboration succeed. While I respect that opposition, I prefer to move forward in an effort that manages conflict and land, rather than exploit disagreements.

The status quo is unacceptable. The Owyhee Canyonlands and its inhabitants, including its people, deserve to have a process of conflict management and a path to sustainability. The need for this path forward is particularly acute given that this area is an hour's drive from one of the nation's most rapidly-growing communities. The Owyhee Initiative protects water rights, releases wilderness study areas and protects traditional uses.

I commend the commitment and leadership of all involved. We have established a long-term, comprehensive management approach. It's been an honor for me to work with so many fine people and I will do everything in my power to turn this into law.

The Owyhee Initiative sets a standard for managing and resolving difficult land management issues in our country. After all, what better place to forge an historical change in our approach to public land management, than in this magnificent land that symbolizes livelihood, heritage, diversity, opportunity and renewal?

And with that, I would like to recognize and thank the people who have been the real driving force behind this process: Fred Grant, Chairman of the Owyhee Initiative Work Group, his assistant Staci Grant, and Dr. Ted Hoffman, Sheriff Gary Aman, the Owyhee County Commissioners: Hal Tolmie, Chris Salova, and Dick Reynolds and Chairman Terry Gibson of the Shoshone Paiute Tribes. I am grateful to Governor Jim Risch of the Great State of Idaho for all of his support.

Thanks to: Colonel Rock of the United States Air Force at Mountain Home Air Force Base, Craig Gherke and John McCarthy of The Wilderness Society, Rick Johnson and John Robison of the Idaho Conservation League, Inez Jaca representing Owyhee County, Dr. Chad Gibson representing the Owyhee Cattleman's Association, Brenda Richards representing private property owners in Owyhee County, Cindy and Frank Bachman representing the Soil Conservation Districts in Owyhee County, Marcia Argust with the Campaign for America's Wilderness, Grant Simmons of the Idaho Outfitters and Guides Association, Bill Sedivy with Idaho Rivers United, Tim Lowry of the Owyhee County Farm Bureau, Bill Walsh representing Southern Idaho Desert Racing Association, Lou Lunte and Will Whelan of the Nature Conservancy for all of their hard work and dedication. I'd also like to thank the Idaho Back Country Horseman, the Foundation for North American Wild Sheep, Roger Singer of the Sierra Club, the South Board of Control, and the Owyhee Project managers, and all the other water rights holders who support me today. This process truly benefited from the diversity of these groups and their willingness to cooperate to reach a common goal.

The Owyhee Canyonlands and its inhabitants are truly a treasure of Idaho and the United States; I hope you will join me in ensuring their future.

It is my honor and privilege to introduce this legislation today to protect and preserve this tremendous part of Idaho and the people who live there.

Mr. President, I am pleased to introduce the Owyhee Initiative Implementation Act of 2006, a bill which is the result of a 5-year collaborative effort between all levels of government, multiple users of public lands, and conservationists to resolve decades of heated land-use conflict in the Owyhee Canyonlands in the southwestern part of my home State of Idaho.

This is comprehensive land management legislation that enjoys far- reaching support among a remarkably diverse group of interests that live, work and play in this special country.

Owyhee County contains some of the most unique and beautiful canyonlands in the world and offers large areas in which all of us can enjoy the grandeur and experience of untouched western trails, rivers, and open sky. It is truly magical country, and its natural beauty and traditional uses should be preserved for future generations.

Owyhee County is traditional ranching country. Seventy-three percent of its land base is owned by the United States, and it is located within an hour's drive of one of the fastest growing areas in the nation, Boise, ID.

This combination of attributes, including location, is having an explosive effect on property values, community expansion and development and ever-increasing demands on public land. Given this confluence of circumstances and events, Owyhee County has been at the core of decades of conflict with heated political and regulatory battles.

The diverse land uses co-exist in an area of intense beauty and unique character. The conflict over land management is both inevitable and understandable--how do we manage for this diversity and do so in a way that protects and restores the quality of that fragile environment?

In this context, the Owyhee County Commissioners and several others said ``enough is enough'' and decided to focus efforts on solving these problems rather than wasting resources on an endless fight. In 2001, The Owyhee County Commissioners, Hal Tolmie, Dick Reynolds and Chris Salove met with me and asked for my help.

They asked whether I would support them if they could put together at one table the interested parties involved in the future of the County to try and reach some solutions. I told them that if they could get together a broad base of interests who would agree to collaborate in a process committed to problem-solving, I would dedicate myself to working with them and if they were successful, I would introduce resulting legislation. They agreed.

Together, we set out on a 5-year journey on a road that is as challenging as any in the Owyhee Canyonlands. Sharp turns, steep inclines and declines, big sharp rocks, deep ruts, sand burrs, dust and a constant headwind is exactly what those of us who have worked so hard on this have faced every day.

This is very difficult work and in speaking of difficult work, I want to acknowledge the effort of my friend and colleague from Idaho, Representative Mike Simpson, and the challenge he has taken on as he advocates his Central Idaho Economic Development Act. I support his work and his legislation.

The Commissioners appointed a chairman, an extraordinary gentleman, Fred Grant. They formed the Work Group which included The Wilderness Society, Idaho Conservation League, The Nature Conservancy, Idaho Outfitters and Guides, the United States Air Force, the Sierra Club, the county Soil Conservation Districts, Owyhee Cattleman's Association, the Owyhee Borderlands Trust, People for the Owyhees, and the Shoshone Paiute Tribes to join in their efforts. All accepted, and work on this bill began.

As this collaborative process gained momentum, the county commissioners expanded the Work Group to include the South Idaho Desert Racing Association, Idaho Rivers United and the Owyhee County Farm Bureau. Very recently, the commissioners have further expanded the effort to include the Foundation for North American Wild Sheep and the Idaho Backcountry Horsemen.

The commissioners also requested that the Idaho State Department of Lands and the Bureau of Land Management serve, and those agencies have provided important support.

This unique group of people chose to work without a professional facilitator, preferring instead to deal with differences face-to-face and together create new ideas. For me, one of the most gratifying and emotional outcomes has been to see this group transform itself from polarized camps into an extraordinary force that has become known for its intense effort, comity, trust and willingness to work toward a solution.

They operated on a true consensus basis, only making decisions when there was no voiced objection to a proposal.

They involved everyone who wanted to participate in the process and spent hundreds of hours discussing their findings, modifying preliminary proposals and ultimately reaching consensus solutions. They have driven thousands of miles inspecting roads and trails, listening to and soliciting ideas from people from all walks of life who have in common deep roots and deep interest in the Owyhee Canyonlands.

They sought to ensure that they had a thorough understanding of the issues and could take proper advantage of the insights and experience of all these people.

While this whole process and its outcomes are indeed remarkable, one of the more notable developments is the Memorandum of Agreement between the Shoshone Paiute Tribes and the County that establishes government- to-government cooperation in several areas of mutual interest. I want to particularly note the efforts and support of Mr. Terry Gibson, Chairman of the Shoshone Paiute Tribes, a great leader and a personal friend of mine.

All of these individuals and organizations have asked that I seek Senate approval of their collaborative effort, built from the ground up to chart their path forward.

The Owyhee Initiative transforms conflict and uncertainty into conflict resolution and assurance of future activity. Ranchers can plan for subsequent generations. Off-road vehicle users have access assured. Wilderness is established. The Shoshone-Paiute Tribe knows its cultural resources will be protected. The Air Force will continue to train its pilots.

Local, state and Federal agencies will have structure to assist their joint management of the region. And this will all happen within the context of the preservation of environmental and ecological health. This is indeed a revolutionary land management structure--and one that looks ahead to the future.

Principal features of the legislation include:

Development, funding and implementation of a landscape-scale program to review, recommend and coordinate landscape conservation and research projects;

Scientific review process to assist the Bureau of Land Management;

Designation of Wilderness and Wild and Scenic Rivers;

Release of Wilderness Study Areas;

Protections of tribal cultural and historical resources against intentional and unintentional abuse and desecration.

Development and implementation by the BLM of travel plans for public lands;

A board of directors with oversight over the administration and implementation of the Owyhee Initiative.

This can't be called ranching bill, or a wilderness bill, or an Air Force bill, or a tribal bill. It is a comprehensive land management bill.

Each interest got enough to enthusiastically support the final product, advocate for its enactment, and, most importantly, support the objectives of those with whom they had previous conflict.

Opposition will come from a few principal sources: those who simply don't want to have wilderness designated; those who don't want livestock anywhere on public land; and, those who do not want to see collaboration succeed. While I respect that opposition, I prefer to move forward in an effort that manages conflict and land, rather than exploit disagreements.

The status quo is unacceptable. The Owyhee Canyonlands and its inhabitants, including its people, deserve to have a process of conflict management and a path to sustainability. The need for this path forward is particularly acute given that this area is an hour's drive from one of the nation's most rapidly-growing communities. The Owyhee Initiative protects water rights, releases wilderness study areas and protects traditional uses.

I commend the commitment and leadership of all involved. We have established a long-term, comprehensive management approach. It's been an honor for me to work with so many fine people and I will do everything in my power to turn this into law.

The Owyhee Initiative sets a standard for managing and resolving difficult land management issues in our country. After all, what better place to forge an historical change in our approach to public land management, than in this magnificent land that symbolizes livelihood, heritage, diversity, opportunity and renewal?

And with that, I would like to recognize and thank the people who have been the real driving force behind this process: Fred Grant, Chairman of the Owyhee Initiative Work Group, his assistant Staci Grant, and Dr. Ted Hoffman, Sheriff Gary Aman, the Owyhee County Commissioners: Hal Tolmie, Chris Salova, and Dick Reynolds and Chairman Terry Gibson of the Shoshone Paiute Tribes. I am grateful to Governor Jim Risch of the Great State of Idaho for all of his support.

Thanks to: Colonel Rock of the United States Air Force at Mountain Home Air Force Base, Craig Gherke and John McCarthy of The Wilderness Society, Rick Johnson and John Robison of the Idaho Conservation League, Inez Jaca representing Owyhee County, Dr. Chad Gibson representing the Owyhee Cattleman's Association, Brenda Richards representing private property owners in Owyhee County, Cindy and Frank Bachman representing the Soil Conservation Districts in Owyhee County, Marcia Argust with the Campaign for America's Wilderness, Grant Simmons of the Idaho Outfitters and Guides Association, Bill Sedivy with Idaho Rivers United, Tim Lowry of the Owyhee County Farm Bureau, Bill Walsh representing Southern Idaho Desert Racing Association, Lou Lunte and Will Whelan of the Nature Conservancy for all of their hard work and dedication. I'd also like to thank the Idaho Back Country Horseman, the Foundation for North American Wild Sheep, Roger Singer of the Sierra Club, the South Board of Control, and the Owyhee Project managers, and all the other water rights holders who support me today. This process truly benefited from the diversity of these groups and their willingness to cooperate to reach a common goal.

The Owyhee Canyonlands and its inhabitants are truly a treasure of Idaho and the United States; I hope you will join me in ensuring their future.

It is my honor and privilege to introduce this legislation today to protect and preserve this tremendous part of Idaho and the people who live there.

Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent the Senate proceed to the immediate consideration of S. Res. 548 submitted earlier today.

Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the resolution be agreed to, the preamble be agreed to, that the motion to reconsider be laid on the table, and that any statements relating thereto be printed in the Record.

Mr. President, I rise today to express my support for the Voting Rights Act, VRA. Unfortunately a longstanding medical appointment kept me from casting my vote in favor of this legislation last week and I want there to be no question as to my support for the VRA. For over 50 years, the VRA has protected the cornerstone of democracy: the right to vote. Congress enacted the VRA in response to evidence that some States and counties had denied many citizens access to the ballot because of their race, ethnicity, and language-minority status. The creators of this law were convinced, as am I, that a strong America is one that reflects the feelings and opinions of all Americans. That means that everyone has the right to vote.

Provisions of the VRA prohibit election laws that would deny or abridge voting rights based on race, color, or membership in a language minority. The act allows citizens to challenge discriminatory voting practices and procedures and prohibits the use of any test or device as a condition of voter registration. Such provisions seem like common sense today, but they were not always so widely supported. We must recommit today not to return to the mistakes of yesterday. I am pleased that the Senate approved the reauthorization of this critical act. It correctly ensures that every citizen has a stake and a voice in our country's future.

Mr. President, a serious and, at times, deadly form of physical and emotional interpersonal violence is alarmingly pervasive in our Nation today. It transcends race, socio-economic condition, and community size. It is dating violence and it happens every day in teen dating relationships. Like domestic violence to which it is a precursor, teen dating violence is something our society is finally talking about openly. A major driver of this public conversation is visual media, specifically, television.

I am proud to say that a high school in Eagle, ID on the leading edge of this awareness effort. Organizers of a teen dating violence awareness and prevention summit in Boise reached out to the Eagle High School media department asking for its participation in the summit. Taking up the challenge, media instructor Jim Seaney and his students produced a series of public service announcements, PSA, dealing with the crime of teen dating violence from the perspective of teens.

I featured one of the five segments on my monthly live townhall meeting, Capitol Watch, and at a national press conference in February kicking off National Teen Dating Violence Awareness and Prevention Week. Well-scripted, professionally produced, and riveting in their directness and simplicity, each PSA confronts the viewer with the tragedy of teen dating violence. The message is clear: teen dating violence exists--and in relationships and places you would never suspect.

Without any further acclaim, these productions stand as a tremendous accomplishment. But, I am pleased to say that they were recently selected as the winning entry to the 2005-2006 National Student Television Award for Excellence, Hubbard Family Public Affairs/ Community Service/Public Service Category. I offer my heartfelt congratulations to Jim Seaney and his students, Bethany Ross, Cody Bolken, Robert O'Neal, Tommy Sauriol, Sabra Wiitanen, John Adkins, Natalie Volarich, Chase Gronowski, Vianey Conchas, Abby Sauriol, Jeremiah Mitchell, and Jim's daughter Aubree who also acts in one of the segments. I thank them for the time and effort they took to make the crime of teen dating violence something that families, schools, communities and a nation, talk about. These conversations open the door to truth and healing now and healthy, respectful relationships for life.

Mr. President, I was dismayed to hear of the recent reprehensible actions taken by the terrorist group Hezbollah, in kidnapping two Israeli soldiers. This is an act of cowardice and also grimly unsurprising. Supported by both Syria and Iran, Hezbollah has, for almost a quarter of a century, targeted freedom; whether that be U.S. marines in 1983 in Beirut, U.S. airmen in the Khobar Towers tragedy, or repeated deadly attacks against innocent Israelis and ongoing weapons' stockpiling. Besides regularly supplying weapons to Hezbollah, Iran and Syria are also responsible for donating an estimated $100 million per year to Hezbollah. The Lebanese government, of which Hezbollah is an active part, bears a full measure of responsibility for this act of war against Israel, and Israel has a right, under international law, to take actions necessary to rescue her sons. Israel fully withdrew from southern Lebanon in May 2000. This move by Israel was certified by the U.N. Security Council as having met the requirements of U.N. Security Council Resolution 425, which called for an Israeli withdrawal and for Lebanon to assert control over the area vacated by Israel.

The appropriate, reasonable and legal response to the brutality and dishonor of terrorism is proactive self-defense. We would do no different were these young men our own. Israel continues to be a force for freedom and democracy and as a friend and ally to the United States, deserves our full backing during this difficult time. Furthermore, as this body has reaffirmed time and again, we fully reject and denounce the terrorist activities fomented by both Iran and Syria. It is my fervent hope that those who dictate the activities of Hezbollah, both inside Lebanon and outside its borders, will quickly see the futility of this course of action, and make a move for peace and stability rather than chaos and war

Mr. President, Ronald Reagan once said ``I know in my heart that man is good. That what is right will always eventually triumph. And there's purpose and worth to each and every life.'' How appropriate that these words reflect the heart and persona of someone who used to work for the Reagans in the White House and who, for the past 2 years, has worked faithfully and tirelessly as my executive assistant.

Mary Klappa met the challenge of the job with excitement and expertise. She brought professionalism and trust to her position. We all depend on our executive assistant to make certain we get where we need to be on time and well prepared, a duty in which she excelled.

Effectively managing a Senator's time is not easy. Frankly, I am glad I don't have to do it. It requires a careful sense of timing and intuition and exacting attention to detail. It also requires someone who, regardless of the demands on their time, is pleasant and helpful to all who call or walk in, regardless of their personality or requests. Mary has been all of these things and more. She carried her phone and Blackberry with her constantly, and I always knew I could call her whenever I needed something. She worked diligently to make sure I met with Idahoans who came to Washington, and she coordinated my State scheduling as well. She has taken exceptional care of my family and was utterly selfless in her commitment to ensure that I conduct my job in the most efficient and responsible manner possible. Her vast knowledge of protocol and her understanding of the nuances and complexities of Washington politics on and off the Hill have been of immeasurable benefit to me.

I will miss her highly dependable and capable management and her kindness and honesty. Mary is a very special person, and I am most honored and grateful for her tremendous service. She made my job easier and, in the process, made me more effective.

I end where I started, with another thought from her former boss, a great and wise man: ``Government is the people's business and every man, woman and child becomes a shareholder with the first penny of tax paid.'' Mary believes this in her soul. She has a heart of service for our country and lives it out in her work and her life. And Idaho and I have been better off for it.

Mr. President, I pay tribute today to a very special Idahoan. Don Burtenshaw, a farmer and rancher from Terreton, is retiring from the Idaho State Senate after serving five terms representing the 35th district. Having served in the Idaho State Legislature myself, I can attest to the work that this public office entails, and I would be pleased to be honoring him today if just for that. But Don's accomplishments and influence in and around Jefferson County went far beyond a seat in the State legislature.

Don is an active member of his church and owns Burtenshaw Cattle Company. He served as a partner in the Rexburg Livestock Auction, Salmon Livestock Auction, and the Bozeman Livestock Auction. According to the West Jefferson Lions Club, who has awarded Don its prestigious Spirit of Service Award this year, his long and selfless service to the community has touched the lives of many youth and adults alike. Don served on the Jefferson County districts 251 and 253 school boards for 24 years. He also served on the board of directors for the Owsley Canal.

Over the years, he has placed particular emphasis on the children of Jefferson County. And I am sure that with the time saved from having to drive to Boise 2 or 3 months a year, he will be able to focus more on the youth in his own family, including 38 grandchildren, with another coming very soon, and 23 great grandchildren.

I congratulate Don on his dedication to his fellow Idahoans, and Susan and I wish him well as he leaves State-level public service. I am certain his public commitment will continue in other ways at home in eastern Idaho.

Mr. President, I am pleased to be able to recognize the distinguished achievement of my friend and fellow Idahoan Dirk Kempthorne, who will be sworn in today as the 49th Secretary of the Interior of the United States. Throughout years of public service from mayor of Idaho's capitol, United States Senator, Governor, and now Interior Secretary, Dirk is a man of many accomplishments and is of the highest character and integrity.

I have known Dirk since the 1980s when we both served the public in Idaho. As a matter of fact, I kind of owe my current job to him, as I won his seat when he left the Senate to go back to Idaho to become Governor.

Dirk has dedicated his life to public service. From his time in the Idaho Department of Lands, as mayor, as Senator, and as Governor, he has always been recognized by those from both sides of the aisle for his tremendous leadership skills. He utilizes his thorough understanding of policy together with cultured consensus-building abilities to see the most effective policies carried out through legislation and governance. These qualities will serve the nation well as he takes on the many challenges facing the Department of the Interior in the 21st century.

Through the diversity of his public service, especially as mayor and Governor, Dirk understands the real value of federalism, one that recognizes that the Government closest to the people is asked to do the most, often with fewest resources. His service as mayor taught him the lessons that ultimately led to his leadership in many relevant and important issues during his time in the Senate.

A further reflection of that approach is his pioneering work on Endangered Species Act issues. In addition to taking his seat in the Senate, Dirk preceded me as chairman of the Environment Subcommittee with jurisdiction over species conservation. In that capacity, he led a bipartisan effort to update and improve our Nation's laws to better protect and promote the recovery of endangered and threatened species while recognizing the funding challenges. As Governor, Dirk kept up this beacon call and launched a successful public education initiative through the National Governors Association and Western Governors Association on the importance of ESA issues. Dirk is a respected national authority on resource issues and a promoter of collaborative decisionmaking to solve environmental conflicts.

As Governor, he has also forged a strong working relationship with the five nationally recognized Native American tribes that reside in Idaho. Dirk recognizes the complexity of our trustee relationship with our tribes and has continuously sought to work cooperatively on matters that affect both the State and Native Americans.

As chief steward of Idaho for the past 8 years, Dirk has vigorously championed innovation in environmental and natural resource sciences. Under

his guidance, the State has taken a leadership role in applying scientific and technological innovation and research to the complex world of environmental and natural resource management. Dirk has also worked to advance the environmental mission of the Department of Energy's Idaho National Laboratory. He understands that Idaho's diversifying economy and unique resources require a dynamic mix of natural resource protection, appropriate rural economic development, and smooth integration of scientific advancements, educational research, and business know-how.

Following the wildfires of 2000, Dirk worked with his fellow Governors and Federal officials to help bring a new approach to forest health and wildfire management. Under his leadership, Idaho has established effective and well-received wolf and grizzly bear management plans aimed at enhancing the State's responsibilities as Federal management is removed.

There is no question in my mind that Dirk Kempthorne will make a superlative Secretary and establish a proud and esteemed legacy, and I congratulate him on this remarkable achievement and high honor.

Mr. President, last August I participated in the White House Conference on Cooperative Conservation. The conference reinforced that conservation success can be achieved by collaboration. Many of the advancements in conservation result from the commitment of individuals to work together and with local and Federal agencies. Cooperative conservation requires cooperative legislation.

That is why I rise to introduce the Forest Service Partnership Act, which will enhance the ability of the Forest Service to work cooperatively with local communities. Unfortunately, the authorities for the Forest Service to work jointly with others are a complex patchwork of temporary authorities, which have resulted in differing interpretations and lengthy procedures. Additionally, the existing authorities need enhancements to accommodate today's resources conservation needs and allow for the delivery of a range of visitor services and interpretive and educational materials.

The Forest Service Partnership Enhancement Act will better enable cooperative work with the Forest Service by consolidating and providing permanent authority for mutually-beneficial agreements with the Forest Service. The legislation would also enable visitors to purchase health and safety items in remote Forest Service locations and permit joint facilities and publications, which benefit the public.

In fiscal year 2005 alone, the Forest Service entered into more than 3,000 cooperative agreements that would be permanently authorized through this legislation. These agreements leveraged $37.3 million in Federal funds with $32.8 million in private contributions for a total of more than $70 million worth of mutually-beneficial collaborative successes. In my home State of Idaho, the Forest Service entered into a public-private partnership for the construction of 1900 feet of new channel and associated flood plain on Granite Creek. This project restores habitat connectivity to approximately 6 miles of stream. The cooperative work of the Forest Service, Avista Utilities, the Idaho Department of Fish and Game, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and 15 volunteers from Trout Unlimited enabled the leveraging of $60,000 of Forest Service funds with $120,000 from the participating partners.

Collaboration is necessary to bring lasting conservation success. The Forest Service Partnership Act would enhance the ability of the Forest Service to partner with other Federal agencies, local communities, tribal governments, and other interested parties, and I encourage the commitment to collaborative conservation by supporting this legislation.

Mr. President, last August I participated in the White House Conference on Cooperative Conservation. The conference reinforced that conservation success can be achieved by collaboration. Many of the advancements in conservation result from the commitment of individuals to work together and with local and Federal agencies. Cooperative conservation requires cooperative legislation.

That is why I rise to introduce the Forest Service Partnership Act, which will enhance the ability of the Forest Service to work cooperatively with local communities. Unfortunately, the authorities for the Forest Service to work jointly with others are a complex patchwork of temporary authorities, which have resulted in differing interpretations and lengthy procedures. Additionally, the existing authorities need enhancements to accommodate today's resources conservation needs and allow for the delivery of a range of visitor services and interpretive and educational materials.

The Forest Service Partnership Enhancement Act will better enable cooperative work with the Forest Service by consolidating and providing permanent authority for mutually-beneficial agreements with the Forest Service. The legislation would also enable visitors to purchase health and safety items in remote Forest Service locations and permit joint facilities and publications, which benefit the public.

In fiscal year 2005 alone, the Forest Service entered into more than 3,000 cooperative agreements that would be permanently authorized through this legislation. These agreements leveraged $37.3 million in Federal funds with $32.8 million in private contributions for a total of more than $70 million worth of mutually-beneficial collaborative successes. In my home State of Idaho, the Forest Service entered into a public-private partnership for the construction of 1900 feet of new channel and associated flood plain on Granite Creek. This project restores habitat connectivity to approximately 6 miles of stream. The cooperative work of the Forest Service, Avista Utilities, the Idaho Department of Fish and Game, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and 15 volunteers from Trout Unlimited enabled the leveraging of $60,000 of Forest Service funds with $120,000 from the participating partners.

Collaboration is necessary to bring lasting conservation success. The Forest Service Partnership Act would enhance the ability of the Forest Service to partner with other Federal agencies, local communities, tribal governments, and other interested parties, and I encourage the commitment to collaborative conservation by supporting this legislation.

Mr. President, 25 years ago, a community in my State found itself with some new unwelcome neighbors. North Idaho made dismaying national headlines as ``Hate's New Home.'' These headlines were a terrible distortion of the truth; the neo-Nazi organization that moved its headquarters to Hayden represented only a tiny fraction of the people who called Idaho home. Still, the damage was done, and people were left with the dreadful and mistaken impression that Idahoans were intolerant, prejudiced and hateful. And to make matters worse, like a malignant growth, some who did embrace doctrines of intolerance and bigotry were drawn to the area.

It is at crisis points that we define ourselves as either cowards or people of honor. The citizens of Kootenai County had a choice to make, and they chose to be people of honor. The Kootenai County Task Force on Human Relations was founded, giving that region a chance to speak out against human rights violations and prejudice. When the Aryan Nation decided to march down Main Street in Coeur d'Alene, rather than return hatred for hatred, businesses simply closed, giving the marchers no audience for their message of intolerance. Last year, the residents of Hayden exercised perhaps the most powerful right granted us as American citizens--our vote--sending a clear message that a leadership of hatred was absolutely unacceptable. And what didn't make the national press in recent years is the fact that according to the Southern Poverty Law Center, as of 2000, Idaho had 70 human rights groups, or one for every 18,500 people. To put this in perspective, at that time, California had one for every 358,000 people and New York had one for every 167,000 people. Now that is worthy of headlines, as far as I am concerned.

In cooperation with the task force and with a vision of established, ongoing education and leadership in human rights, the generous support of the Greg C. Carr Foundation, and dedicated leadership of Human Rights Education Institute board of directors, the Human Rights Education Institute was established, opening its doors in December 2005.

North Idaho was unexpectedly presented with a choice 25 years ago. Its citizens have not only responded with honor and justice, they, in the words of a former task force leader, ``made lemonade out of lemons.'' I commend my fellow Idahoans on their vision for dignity and worth for all people. I applaud their staunch commitment to uphold our Declaration of Independence, Constitution, and our Bill of Rights which ensure equality for all under the law.

Mr. President, when the 2006 session of the Idaho State Legislature adjourns this year, it will signal the end of an era. The longest-serving speaker of the Idaho House of Representatives will be retiring. Bruce Newcomb, a rancher from Burley, will leave the legislature after a total of 20 years. He spent the past four terms as speaker and leaves boots that will be difficult to fill, to say the least.

Bruce and I served together in the legislature in the late 1980s. My former colleague is a thoughtful man of principle and a terrific sense of humor. Bruce is also one of my closest friends. Over the years, I have worked with him on many issues important to Idaho, and I know that I can always turn to him for solid advice and counsel. His reputation for cooperation and collaboration is well deserved. He consistently seeks out fair and just solutions to policy challenges, even the more contentious and divisive such as water issues and term limits. Nevertheless, Bruce is unafraid to take a respectful but strong stand when circumstances require it. He earned such loyalty among colleagues and coworkers that when he lost his hair in a bout with cancer in the 1990s, many of them shaved their heads in a show of solidarity.

Bruce takes his public service very seriously. Idaho has gained from his wisdom, love for our State and ability to see clearly a path forward. Idaho's legislature is losing a remarkable man who has served all Idahoans faithfully and with excellence. I wish him and his family the very best in retirement, and thank him for his steady, close friendship over the years.

Mr. President, I rise today to note that it has now been more than one full year that the nomination of William Myers to the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals has been pending on the Senate Calendar. On March 17, 2005, the Judiciary Committee approved the Myers nomination by a vote of 10-8. Unfortunately, this was not the first time Mr. Myers has been approved by the Judiciary Committee. We are also approaching the two-year anniversary when Bill Myers was approved by the Judiciary Committee in the 108th Congress on April 1, 2004.

Last year, with the so-called ``Gang of 14'' agreement, many pending nominees finally received their long-overdue up or down votes on the Senate floor. Unfortunately, Bill Myers was not one of those nominees, despite the fact that he has the support of a bipartisan majority of this Senate. On July 20, 2004, Bill Myers received 53 votes to end the filibuster on his nomination. The time has come to give Bill Myers his long-overdue up or down vote on the Senate floor. His nomination has been pending on the Senate calendar for a full year now and I urge the Senate leadership to bring this nomination up for a vote.

Bill Myers is a highly respected attorney who was approved unanimously by this Senate in 2001 to serve as Solicitor of the Department of Interior. Former Democratic Governor of Idaho Cecil Andrus, who also served as Interior Secretary in the Carter administration, says that Bill Myers possesses ``the necessary personal integrity, judicial temperament and legal experience'' as well as ``the ability to act fairly on matters of law that will come before him on the court.'' As a nominee to fill an Idaho seat on the 9th Circuit, Bill Myers has the full support of the entire Idaho congressional delegation.

Bill Myers is a qualified nominee and there is no justification for continuing to filibuster or delay his nomination. My fellow Idahoans and all residents in the 9th Circuit deserve to have their appeals heard in a timely manner. To do this, we must fill all vacancies on

the court in a timely manner. I join with my colleague from Idaho, Senator Craig, in urging this Senate to hold an up or down vote on the nomination of William Myers to the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals.

Mr. President, at the end of March, I will be losing a valuable member of my legislative team as she returns to her host agency, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation. Since early 2005, Larisa Collado has served as a legislative fellow in my Washington, DC, office. Her extensive expertise on technical financial intricacies, coupled with her diligence, enthusiasm and professionalism has made her an invaluable, albeit temporary, member of my staff.

As chairman of the Senate Banking Subcommittee on International Trade and Finance and the designated Senate lead for regulatory relief matters, I am actively engaged in a wide portfolio of financial issues. During her service, Larisa has been critical to advancing my legislative agenda by meeting with stakeholders and analyzing and recommending legislative initiatives. She has effectively utilized her firsthand experiences as a regulator when working on a number of controversial issues. Without her able assistance, my efforts to promote financial services regulatory restructuring would have been seriously undermined. Larisa has demonstrated time and again the willingness to revisit detailed regulatory provisions without losing patience or drive. When others would have turned to other projects, she stayed committed to this long-overdue but sorely overlooked facet of the financial services sector.

Larisa has also demonstrated keen perceptivity and integrity with regard to the proper balance of personal privacy protection and legitimate law enforcement--a necessary component of congressional oversight and reform of our Nation's financial markets. Idahoans and Americans across the country are becoming increasingly aware of the vulnerability of their personal financial information. I looked to her for guidance and analysis of the proper ways to ensure that financial information remains private. At the same time, Larisa has also been a key component of my efforts to work with Idaho Hispanics to educate those who need help with financial literacy and understanding the benefits of the financial services community.

Larisa has proven herself a highly effective professional and I have no doubt she will continue to excel at the FDIC in a career already marked by superior performance and achievement. I thank her for her commitment to public service and to Idaho these past months, and wish her well.