Floor Statements

Mr. President, I rise today with my colleagues, Senator Kennedy, Senator Leahy, and Senator Specter to introduce the Mentally Ill Offender Treatment and Crime Reduction Reauthorization and Improvement Act of 2007. This bill will reauthorize and improve several programs intended to provide Federal support for collaborations between criminal justice and mental health systems.

It is estimated that approximately 16 percent of adult U.S. jail and prison inmates suffer from mental illness and the numbers are even higher in the juvenile justice system. Many of these individuals are not violent or habitual criminals. Most have been charged or convicted of nonviolent crimes that are a direct consequence of not having received needed treatment and supportive services for their mental illness.

The presence of defendants with mental illnesses in the criminal justice system imposes substantial costs on that system and can cause significant harm to defendants. In response to this problem, a number of communities around the country are implementing mental health courts, a specialty-court model that utilizes a separate docket, coupled with regular judicial supervision, to respond to individuals with mental illnesses who come in contact with the justice system.

This past spring, I visited the courtroom of Judge Michael Vigil in the First Judicial Court of Santa Fe, NM. Judge Vigil operates a mental health court that helps individuals who have been involved in nonviolent crimes that do not involve weapons and who have been diagnosed with a mental illness. It is a 14-month program that attempts to keep defendants with mental illness out of jail. The court meets every Friday for about an hour. Defendants are required to attend individually designed therapy sessions, take their medications, and submit to random drug tests and breathalyzer tests. The appearances before Judge Vigil are akin to ``check-ups'' to make sure the defendant is on course, taking his or her medications, and that the defendant is in good health. If a participant violates the rules, they are sanctioned. If the violations are serious enough, the defendant can be removed from the program and sentenced to jail.

The day I visited Judge Vigil's court, I witnessed a participant graduate from the program. I spoke with the defendant and his mother after the hearing. They told me how this program

had helped turn his life around. Participation in this program had kept him out of jail and more importantly helped him access treatment, housing, and other critical supports. By addressing the mental illness that contributed to his criminal act, this man received the services he needed to hopefully prevent him from repeating his crime or committing a more serious crime. Furthermore, the program helped reduce the burden on the judicial system allowing for resources to be focused on violent criminals.

Many communities are not prepared to meet the comprehensive treatment and needs of individuals with mental illness when they enter the criminal justice system. The bill we are introducing today is intended to help provide resources to help States and counties design and implement collaborative efforts between criminal justice and mental health structures. The bill will reauthorize the Mentally Ill Offender Treatment and Crime Reduction grant program and reauthorize the Mental Health Courts Program. It will create a new grant program to help law enforcement identify and respond to incidents involving persons with mental illness and it will fund a study and report on the prevalence of mentally ill offenders in the criminal justice system. All of these reforms will help to address this problem from both a public safety and a public health point of view. This will help save taxpayers money, improve public safety, and link individuals with the treatment they need to become productive members of their community.

Certainly, not every crime committed by an individual diagnosed with a mental illness is attributable to their illness or to the failure of public mental health. Mental health courts are not a panacea for addressing the needs of the growing number of people with mental illnesses who come in contact with the criminal justice system. But they should be one part of the solution. Evidence has shown that in communities where mental health and criminal justice interests work collaboratively on solutions it can make a significant impact in fostering recovery, improving treatment outcomes and decreasing recidivism.

I want to thank my good friends for working with me on this very important issue. I appreciate their commitment to advancing these important programs and I look forward to working with them to pass this legislation this Congress.

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

There geing no objection, the text of the bill was ordered to be printed in the Record, as follows.

Mr. President, I rise today to introduce the Preserve America and Save America's Treasures Act to formally authorize two important historic preservation programs--the Preserve America Program and the Save America's Treasures Program. I am pleased to be joined in this effort my colleague from New York, Senator Clinton.

Both the Preserve America Program and the Save America's Treasures Program have demonstrated significant success nationwide. However, both administration programs have relied solely on the will of the appropriations process and currently lack the long-term stability provided by formal authorization. This bill would authorize these two important programs and provide for the protection of America's heritage for years to come.

The Preserve America initiative was announced by First Lady Laura Bush on March 3, 2003, and established by Executive Order 13287. The initiative was developed in cooperation with a number of Federal agency partners to encourage and support community efforts for the preservation and enjoyment of our priceless cultural and natural heritage. Since 2003, 549 cities in all 50 States have been designated Preserve America Communities, and 140 of the Preserve America Communities have received a combined total of $10 million to develop sustainable resource management strategies and sound business practices for the continued preservation and use of heritage assets.

The Save America's Treasures program began during the Clinton administration as a national effort to protect our Nation's threatened cultural treasures, including historic structures, collections, works of art, maps and journals that document our heritage and to highlight and preserve the history and culture of the U.S. The program was established by Executive Order 13072 in February 1998. Save America's Treasures was originally created as the centerpiece of the White House National Millennium Commemoration, and as a public-private partnership that included the White House, the National Park Service and the National Trust for Historic Preservation. From 1998 through 2006, over $300 million in Federal and private funding has been awarded for over 1,000 grants.

While both programs are nationwide in scope, I want to highlight the fact that the Preserve America and Save America's Treasures programs have also been very successful in my home State. Las Vegas and Silver City, NM, have been designated Preserve America communities, and 15 Save America's Treasures grants worth nearly 5 million dollars have been awarded over the years to entities throughout the State of New Mexico for various historic preservation projects. From the Palace of the Governor's Collections in Santa Fe to the Lincoln Historic District, where the outlaw Billy the Kid participated in the Lincoln County War, these programs have proved invaluable to preserving the rich heritage of New Mexico.

I am proud to offer this bill to authorize these two important historic preservation programs. I hope my colleagues will join with me in approving the Preserve America and Save America's Treasures Act.

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

Mr. President, I rise today to introduce the Preserve America and Save America's Treasures Act to formally authorize two important historic preservation programs--the Preserve America Program and the Save America's Treasures Program. I am pleased to be joined in this effort my colleague from New York, Senator Clinton.

Both the Preserve America Program and the Save America's Treasures Program have demonstrated significant success nationwide. However, both administration programs have relied solely on the will of the appropriations process and currently lack the long-term stability provided by formal authorization. This bill would authorize these two important programs and provide for the protection of America's heritage for years to come.

The Preserve America initiative was announced by First Lady Laura Bush on March 3, 2003, and established by Executive Order 13287. The initiative was developed in cooperation with a number of Federal agency partners to encourage and support community efforts for the preservation and enjoyment of our priceless cultural and natural heritage. Since 2003, 549 cities in all 50 States have been designated Preserve America Communities, and 140 of the Preserve America Communities have received a combined total of $10 million to develop sustainable resource management strategies and sound business practices for the continued preservation and use of heritage assets.

The Save America's Treasures program began during the Clinton administration as a national effort to protect our Nation's threatened cultural treasures, including historic structures, collections, works of art, maps and journals that document our heritage and to highlight and preserve the history and culture of the U.S. The program was established by Executive Order 13072 in February 1998. Save America's Treasures was originally created as the centerpiece of the White House National Millennium Commemoration, and as a public-private partnership that included the White House, the National Park Service and the National Trust for Historic Preservation. From 1998 through 2006, over $300 million in Federal and private funding has been awarded for over 1,000 grants.

While both programs are nationwide in scope, I want to highlight the fact that the Preserve America and Save America's Treasures programs have also been very successful in my home State. Las Vegas and Silver City, NM, have been designated Preserve America communities, and 15 Save America's Treasures grants worth nearly 5 million dollars have been awarded over the years to entities throughout the State of New Mexico for various historic preservation projects. From the Palace of the Governor's Collections in Santa Fe to the Lincoln Historic District, where the outlaw Billy the Kid participated in the Lincoln County War, these programs have proved invaluable to preserving the rich heritage of New Mexico.

I am proud to offer this bill to authorize these two important historic preservation programs. I hope my colleagues will join with me in approving the Preserve America and Save America's Treasures Act.

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

Senator, how much time is that?

I appreciate that. First, I wish to thank the Senator. I wish to say to the Senate, I talked to Senator Lott, and I understand that when the 4\1/2\ minutes is up, the regular order will be that we return to Amtrak; is that correct?

The Senator indicated to me he was next with some amendments, but he would be willing to give me about 5 minutes. Now, we can do it either way. We can say, I would like 5 minutes before--what I have been given here, plus 5 before we go to the bill.

I ask unanimous consent to that effect.

That means I can go up to 9\1/2\. I am not sure I will, but who knows. This is a favorite subject, so I might talk all night if you let me.

Mr. President, I am here because the distinguished majority leader spoke today, and I wasn't here when he talked about the two Energy bills that are outstanding--maybe it is three. The House has a couple of Energy bills and we have one, and they are languishing, so to speak, because there is no conference, no official conference. The distinguished majority leader used the phrase, saying we ought to marry the two bills. Now, the leader knows I have every bit of respect for him, and I have talked with him about this Energy bill at least 10 times. I have even suggested in writing some ideas about how we might have a conference that is not a conference but accomplishes the same thing. With that, I wish to say right off, Mr. Leader and fellow Senators, these two bills are so different, so different, that they are incompatible.

So you cannot say marry them, because that marriage cannot last. You cannot start it because the bills are diametrically different, with the exception of a few pieces that are not terribly relevant that are the same. What they have, we don't have; what we have, they don't have. You cannot marry them. It is a hard job to work a bill when you don't have a conference.

I will repeat what I have suggested. At least 2 Republican Senators who were part of the big bill--maybe myself from the Energy Committee, and maybe Senator Stevens from Commerce--have to be part of negotiating every part of the bill or it is going to be very difficult to get 60 votes in the Senate. I cannot make it any clearer. That is what I have told them. I still say that. I don't know where we do it, but maybe we could informally agree to something like that. So don't bring up a big piece of the bill that has been negotiated out between some House Members and Senate Members but you have not worked it with the Senators who put together the basic pieces of the big bill in the Senate.

As a member of the Senate Energy Committee for 30 years, I have learned a lot about what it takes to pass a comprehensive, bipartisan energy bill and get it signed. As chairman in 2005, I shepherded through the Senate the

most comprehensive Energy bill in decades. Over time, when fully implemented, this bill will have a very positive impact across every sector of energy. Strengthening America's energy security doesn't have an overnight solution. It is not something that can be accomplished in 5-second bites. Instead, it requires long vision and courage to make a difficult decision. Both the Senate and the House have passed bills, as I indicated. While the Senate bill takes big, important steps to diversify our fuel sources to increase our energy efficiency and conservation, the House bill does little more than, in a sense, increase the energy cost for America.

The majority leader suggested that we marry these bills, as I indicated. However, this marriage of convenience would be an inconvenient burden. I would call it an incompatibility for those who fill up their gas tanks and heat their homes.

The centerpiece of our Senate efforts on energy is a mandate which would require an increasing portion of our fuel to come from advanced biofuels such as cellulosic ethanol. These newly advanced, clean biofuels will eventually help make America less dependent upon foreign oil. The House Energy bill contains no such provisions and, in fact, takes steps that would reduce our domestic energy supply. This led a former Member of the Senate to write:

unless Congress includes provisions for increasing supply,

this will remain an energy bill without energy.

Again, that was a former Senator. I think people could guess who it is. He is from down South, maybe from Louisiana.

The House repeals numerous provisions of the Energy Policy Act of 2005 that are already increasing domestic energy production. Across the country, applications for drilling permits are on the rise. I know a little bit about it. That is out in my part of the country. I know that sounds wrong, but they are on the rise. Last year, we did produce more oil than we did before because the activities are taking place. We will need to continue this rise to keep up with our Nation's demand for domestic oil and natural gas. Instead of expediting the process of domestic oil and gas production, the House bill slows it down. Instead of decreasing domestic gas and oil exploration and production costs, the House bill increases the costs.

I guess the answer to that is, well, everybody is making too much money, so increase costs. Frankly, we don't generally do that in the United States. That is what we have tried before when we had such strange things as a tax on the rich. We tried an extra tax on oil because it was making too much money. We got in big trouble because it never did work.

The price tag is a $16 billion tax increase on American oil and gas production--on big and small businesses alike. This is a conservative estimate, and I fear one that will increase behind closed doors.

The House bill results in a punitive fee on deep sea production or, in the alternative, a ban on future leasing altogether. That one is an interesting one. People look at that and say it is good, we ought to do it. Incidentally, that is so anti-American, you cannot believe it. I believe it is also unconstitutional as an ex post facto law. But that is not the issue. That is one of the things we are not going to marry up because plenty of Members in the Senate--at least on our side of the aisle--think that because a mistake was made--not made by a Republican President, it was made during the Presidency of our last Democratic President. A mistake was made and the royalty requirements were not included and the bids let. Those people who got those bids and didn't pay any royalties were trying to collect from them after the fact. That is one of their provisions in the House bill and not in ours. You could tell that is in for a heavy fight.

I don't know whether you could pass a bill in the Senate that had the division they have. They say any of those companies in that position, they pay up something they don't owe, but they pay it up anyway or they cannot drill for 20 years. I cannot imagine anything that looks more anti-American, more like a banana republic that takes over oil companies and releases them and nobody knows what is going on. These types of measures will reduce our domestic energy supply, increase our energy cost and, over time, play into the hands of the large state- owned oil companies in unstable regions around the world.

The House-passed Energy bill is a gift to our global competitors in China, Russia, and the Middle East. This is not just an energy issue, it is a national security issue. The more we increase our dependence, the less secure we become. The higher prices we put on energy at home, the greater the costs we place on our strategic competitiveness abroad.

The House Energy bill doesn't end at increasing costs for consumers at the pump. It also targets those of us who use electricity. By requiring States that lack natural resources to meet an unachievable, mandatory, renewable portfolio standard, we increase costs. Those who cannot meet this standard will simply pay a fee. Remember, that was not offered in the Senate. My friend, the chairman of the committee, is for that and he didn't offer it. I speculate that he didn't offer it because it might have made the bill impossible to pass. But it is in the House bill, so it is not so easy to say let's go and marry them. Somebody has to sit down and talk seriously about whether that kind of provision can stand the test of a head count as to whether we can get a bill through the Senate.

If I am needed, I am needed to help get a bill. If I am not needed to get a bill, you can marry anything to anything and bring it to the floor and see what can happen.

I have been a long-time supporter of renewable energy in both the appropriations process and in the Energy Policy Act of 2005. I led efforts to protect an offshore wind project in unfair opposition. The bill I authored provided the largest and most important tax incentives for renewable energy in American history. We don't need to do anything else to help with wind energy. It is growing at the most rapid pace of any of the renewables. As a matter of fact, it is my understanding the orders for turbines for wind energy are so far behind that you have no wait for 2 years. Most of them are being made overseas. You see, it won't do any good--we don't need more States mandated to produce 15 percent of their energy through wind, and they are allowing a 4-percent credit or something. We ought to increase the tax incentive, so it is not going out too quickly.

I support sound, smart policy on increasing our domestic renewable energy supply, but I oppose tax increases on the American energy consumers.

The next 30 years will bring a massive shift in American wealth if we continue to increase our dependence on foreign oil. That is what will happen. Plainly and simply, the Senate bill moves away from this trend. The House bill does not; it accelerates it. I will say that again. The next 30 years will bring a massive shift of American wealth if we continue to increase our dependence. That shift is at an incredible level at this point.

For these reasons, we cannot simply marry these two bills in the dark of the night. Instead, we need a bipartisan conference committee similar to the one we had in 2005. If we cannot get it in any official way, we are going to have to find a way to do it. It cannot be expected that those on the other side of the aisle will meet with certain Republicans and they will change these bills and say now we have married the bills and we can pass them. That will not happen.

This is a difficult bill on the Senate side but a good one. As a matter of fact, I can say the bill that passed the Senate is one of the best bills we have ever passed. It sort of came from three committees, and it is different, but it will certainly, over 10 years, do a lot for our country. But you don't put on top of it a tax--this tax of $16 billion. They tried it here and it was defeated on the Energy bill. But because the House has it, there is talk that we have to marry it up and take their tax provision. Where are you going to get the votes for that? And that is so with other things that are in the House bill and not in ours.

I thank Senator Lott for being patient. Clearly, we will discuss the issue more and maybe sit down at a table and talk about it among Senators of both parties.

I yield the floor.

Mr. President, I suggest that this is absolutely imperative. For citizens who are on disability to have to wait 2 years on an appeal, as the Senator said, is unacceptable. The money this is providing will take care of that. He asked the administrator, and that is what is needed, and we ought to do it. We have Social Security and disability, and then they make them wait 2 years, and all of the offices are being cut back because they don't have enough operating money. We should pass this amendment.

Madam President, I would like to honor and give special attention to New Mexico's Fort Union National Monument in Mora County. Located in the Mora Valley between the Santa Fe and Sangre de Cristo mountains, Fort Union established in 1851, dates back to New Mexico's territorial days, protecting the area's inhabitants and trade routes.

This year Fort Union has initiated a new effort called ``The New Mexico Volunteers Living History Program.'' Volunteers in this program will depict the Hispanic soldiers of the 1st New Mexico Volunteers, who were enlisted and stationed at Fort Union during the Civil War. One of the current volunteers is a direct descendent of the 1st New Mexico Volunteers. With some training and drilling, Fort Union hopes to begin presenting living history programs depicting the 1st New Mexico Volunteers in early spring next year at Fort Union as well as other local venues. Fort Union has also reinstated nighttime candlelight tours, and also hopes to provide a public venue for night sky viewing while partnering with local colleges and universities to interpret the skies, and be used as a classroom venue complementing science curriculums.

I am proud of the work being done at Fort Union to reach out to the community and provide a glimpse of our historic past. The upcoming activities at Fort Union remind us of our rich history in New Mexico, and I commend the staff at the Fort for their efforts and their hard work to further integrate the unique history of the Fort into the surrounding area and expand their role as a resource for local students and residents. I look forward to the advancement of this program in the months to come.

Mr. President, today my good friend Senator Dodd and I submitted a resolution designating the week of October 21 as the 2007 National Character Counts Week.

Our character is the foundation of who we are as people and how we are perceived by the world. Every day our character and ethics are tested through the decisions we make and the behavior we exhibit. The National Character Counts program focuses on ``Six Pillars of Character'' which are promoted through school and community based character education programs across the country. The six pillars are: trustworthiness, respect, responsibility, fairness, caring, and citizenship.

I have supported Character Counts throughout the years because I believe this program reaches out to all youth and adults, as the Character Counts Coalition states, no matter the individual's race, creed, politics, gender, and wealth. In my home state of New Mexico, we have run many successful Character Counts programs throughout the

years. While many schools initiate Character Counts programs there are also many other organizations that develop character based programming. I would like to take the time to recognize some of the successful programs we have had in New Mexico for 2007.

Character Counts works in New Mexico because it is truly a community partnership. There was a brilliant example last week during the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta. The Balloon Fiesta staff hosted 60 selected school kids for 2 days of festive activities. Northrop Grumman provided tethered balloon rides. Meals on Wheels fed the young people lunch, and the Albuquerque Balloon Museum gave some of the students a tour of the exhibits to show them the history of hot air balloons. These were fun days, but the children certainly learned about civic responsibility with some of our state's top business and community leaders. A once in a lifetime experience for many of these kids, and exposure to adults demonstrating respect, responsibility, trustworthiness, fairness, citizenship, and caring; the ``Six Pillars of Character.''

During the week of October 21, I hope everyone takes the time to participate in a Character Counts event in their local area. I know in New Mexico we will be having some special celebrations. On October 19 in Albuquerque, NM, there will be a Character is the Heart of New Mexico Parade, put on by Duranes Elementary beginning at the Old Town Plaza and ending at the Albuquerque Museum. On October 25, Roswell will celebrate 13 years of Character Counts with a Character Counts Super Celebration at Roswell High School. And on October 27, Gallup will celebrate with a Character Counts Parade starting at Fourth and Coal and ending at Lincoln Elementary School. All of these organizations and schools as well as the many others not mentioned here, are to be commended for their hard work in developing these programs and spreading the message that character truly does count.

I believe this program is making a difference in my home State and across the country. I want to encourage more people to become involved with the Character Counts program, but most of all I hope individuals will take the time to reflect on what the ``Six Pillars of Character'' mean to them.

I hope all of my colleagues will support this effort.

Mr. President, I wish to commemorate the 50th anniversary of space flight, the NASA space program, and its contributions past and present to the United States as well as to New Mexico.

Just over 50 years ago on October 4, 1957, the Soviet Union launched Sputnik, the first artificial satellite to orbit around Earth, which propelled the world into the space age. This era saw an unprecedented rise in scientific and technological developments benefiting mankind both on and off the surface of the Earth.

New Mexicans have a long history of contributions to NASA and to the U.S. space program, beginning in 1929 when the ``Father of Modern Rocketry'' Robert H. Goddard moved to Roswell and began his work designing and testing rockets. In 1946 the first ever rocket was launched from U.S. soil into space from what is now White Sands Missile Range in New Mexico.

Shortly after the Soviet launch of Sputnik, the United States launched Explorer I, using Goddard's research on the Redstone rocket as the launch vehicle. Later that year on July 29, Congress passed the National Aeronautics

and Space Act. This law created NASA as we know it today in order to ``provide for research into problems of flight within, and outside the Earth's atmosphere, and for other purposes.''

In 1961 a chimpanzee named ENOS, trained at Holloman Air Force Base in Alamogordo, was launched into orbit around Earth and safely returned after two full orbits. Fellow space travelers, Astronauts Drew Gaffney, Sidney Gutierrez, Mike Gutierrez, Edgar D. Mitchell, and former Senator Harrison J. Schmitt, whom I had the honor of working with years ago, all call New Mexico home.

White Sands Missile Range in New Mexico currently provides an alternative landing site for the space shuttle, serves as the primary training area for NASA space shuttle pilots and is used for research on the next generation of the space shuttle. NASA has collaborated with, and funded, research at the University of New Mexico, New Mexico State University, and New Mexico Tech. This funding has been used to continue to expand the limits of understanding in the fields of science and technology. NASA continues to work with Sandia and Los Alamos National Laboratories on cutting edge research and development programs.

New Mexico's Holloman Air Force Base in Alamogordo is also home to the 2007 X-PRIZE Cup competition, the world's largest air and space flight demonstration. In just a few days, on October 27 and 28, lunar lander vehicle competitions, launches, and air show performances will take place along with ground static displays of rockets, NASA displays, robotic displays, and military aircraft displays. I know that the competition will again be fierce for the X-PRIZE Cup, and I am very excited that all the action will take place in New Mexico.

I am proud of New Mexico's role and rich history in space and with NASA. It is a great honor for New Mexico to contribute in so many ways to this remarkable program which has played such a large role in our Nation's history and which continues to be so important to our advancement.

From the Mercury, Gemini, and Apollo missions of the 1960s space race to the shuttle age and beyond, NASA has been on the cutting edge of technology, and they are consistently pushing the limits of understanding. Through space exploration we continue to gain a clearer picture of the history of our universe, our planet, and ourselves.

In honor of 50 years of space flight, NASA will be hosting lecture series, future forums, and science expos throughout the country beginning this month and continuing through October of 2008. I am in awe of what NASA has done and can only anticipate what exciting things they will bring this country, and the world, over the next 50 years.

Mr. President, I wish to commemorate Border Binational

Health Week. Being that New Mexico is a border State, I have great interest in honoring the citizens of my State who live and work near the border.

Border Binational Health Week, which is celebrated this week, is a way for border States to promote sustainable partnerships to help address border health issues. This year's theme is ``Families in Action for Health,'' which is an effort to make sure all people are healthy, and families working together can make sure that happens. Border States have a unique set of concerns citizens elsewhere may not experience. By recognizing Border Binational Health Week, we can begin a dialogue on these issues, between countries.

Several events are being held around the State to raise awareness. The events include a Red Ribbon Rally Parade and Health Fair in Sunland Park; a Family Health Fair in Las Cruces; a Health Disparities Forum in Silver City; a 1\1/2\ mile Walk out West in Alamogordo; and a Youth Promotora Training and Educational Workshop in Animas and Lordsburg. Each of these activities help promote healthy living in border States, and especially border communities.

It is my hope that border health will be discussed not only during this week but all year long.

Mr. President, I wish to recognize the city of Santa Fe and their award for one of 2007's Great Streets. Canyon Road was showcased by the American Planning Association as being one of the top 10 streets in the country.

Canyon Road is unique in that it combines elements of commercial and residential living in a way that makes guests want to visit this street time and again. It is the heart of the residential arts and crafts district, and many artists sell their work on this street. Canyon Road is loaded with art galleries that draw crowds of art connoisseurs and simple lovers of art. Art is a huge part of the culture in Santa Fe, and Canyon Road epitomizes that culture. This street is enjoyed by locals and tourists alike.

It is great to see Santa Fe recognized along with cities like New York City and St. Louis. Canyon Road was listed alongside other famous roads, such as North Michigan Avenue in Chicago and Ocean Drive in Miami. It is great to see the character and distinctiveness of my State represented on lists such as these. The American Planning Association has only solidified what New Mexicans already know, that this street is a place all should enjoy. I invite all of you to visit New Mexico and go take a leisurely stroll down the legendary Canyon Road.

Mr. President, today I wish to recognize the community of Clovis, NM, on its 100th birthday. Since the first train depot was built in this area a century ago, Clovis has continued to grow and expand its economy.

Clovis has seen its share of turmoil and adversity throughout the past 100 years, and yet it has maintained its sense of community and is now seeing consistent growth. The growth has been so remarkable that the city has been dubbed the ``City on the Move.'' The land, flat and fertile, has been an asset for farmers, cattle growers and dairymen all across the area. And most recently, the largest cheese producing factory in North America was built here. Clovis is home to Cannon Air Force Base, which was recently put on the BRAC list for closure. But the town fought back, and now Cannon is not only staying open, but they have received a new mission as an Air Force Special Operations Base which is slated to expand the base even further.

In honor of this centennial birthday, Clovis planned many events. Some of the events included the unearthing of a time capsule, a parade, cook-off, photo exhibit of Clovis over the last 100 years, and the year will culminate with an Anniversary Celebration Banquet this Saturday night.

Clovis is such a special place and I am honored to see this community continue to succeed. It is with great pleasure that I recognize this unique town here today on the Senate floor.

Mr. President, I wish today to pay tribute to the contributions of Hispanic Americans as we commemorate Hispanic Heritage Month. This occasion welcomes the opportunity to celebrate the achievements made by Hispanic Americans to enrich the culture and day- to-day life of the United States.

Today, there is no denying the strength and impact of Hispanic Americans, who are now more than 40 million strong. In my home State of New Mexico, 44 percent of the total population is made up of people of Hispanic descent, which according to the Census Bureau, is the largest proportion of any State in the Union. What has truly been remarkable to me over the years is the extent to which the Hispanic community has thrived in every facet of civic life.

For instance, I am proud to call attention to the remarkable achievement of PFC Jose F. Valdez, one of 48 Hispanic American Medal of Honor recipients. Born and raised in Governador, NM, Jose served during World War II near Rosenkrantz, France. He heroically saved the lives of his fellow comrades by engaging in a firefight which allowed the soldiers to escape after an enemy counterattack. Similar tales of bravery are prevalent in the history of Hispanic Americans, who have served with distinction in every U.S. military campaign including our current engagements in Iraq and Afghanistan.

In the areas of science, medicine, sport, art, business, and public service, the various achievements of the Hispanic community are immeasurable. This year, Hispanic Business magazine celebrated its 25th anniversary by profiling 500 of the largest Hispanic-owned companies in the United States, a nearly tenfold increase from the magazine's initial listing in 1982. These companies boast total revenues of $36.6 billion, which is a sizable contribution to the American economy.

Twenty-five of these top-ranked companies join me in calling New Mexico their home. At the top of this list is Manuel Lujan Agencies from Albuquerque, NM, which has also been awarded ``Most Admired Company'' by New Mexico's top 100 private companies. Also included in this list is Centinel Bank of Taos in Taos, NM, which is one of the very few minority-owned financial institutions in the United States. I am pleased that Manuel Lujan Agencies and Centinel Bank of Taos are joined by such firms as Roses Southwest Papers, Applied Tech Associates, Networx and Sparkle Maintenance Inc. The fact, is Hispanics in New Mexico today lead a growing number of firms that help set the pace for a growing economy in my State, and many of them are firms involving high technology, construction, and service industries.

While there is no doubt that Hispanics have fought to protect our freedoms and made advancements in the corporate world, they are also leaving their imprint on the world of entertainment through sports and the arts. Of the athletes currently playing in the National Football League, 24 players are of Hispanic descent. These players are represented on 16 teams across the country, and during a recent football matchup, Grammy winners Gloria Estefan and the musical group Ozomatli performed the national anthem at the halftime show in honor of this month's celebration. In my home State, music legends like Al Hurricane and the popular Tobias Rene add to the rich cultural contributions being made to our society.

I encourage Americans to take this moment to remember all of the areas of our society that have been influenced by the Hispanic community. I would also like you to recall the sacrifices Hispanics have made to preserve the liberties and freedom that make America a beacon of hope to millions around the world. These men and women have stood up as proud Americans and volunteered to protect their families and communities during the global war on terror. Our Nation is stronger because of these men and women. They deserve the gratitude of the Nation for their sacrifices.

The tradition of Hispanic Heritage Month dates back almost 40 years. In 1968, Congress started by designating a week to celebrate Hispanic heritage. By the early 1980s, we decided to extend the designation to cover a month starting on September 15. The extra time has been a necessary and appropriate change to allow us to recognize the long record of contributions Hispanic Americans have made to our communities and to our Nation. I call on the American people to join with all children, families, organizations, communities, churches, cities, and States across the Nation to observe the month with appropriate ceremonies and activities.

Mr. President, I wish today to recognize a fellow New Mexican, Michael Hooffstetter, for his hard work and advocacy on behalf of individuals living with Parkinson's disease.

Michael is in Washington this week receiving a very prestigious award from the Parkinson's Action Network, the Milly Kondracke Award. The award's namesake was a well-known Parkinson's advocate who worked tirelessly to increase awareness of this disease and support Federal funding for research until her death in 2004. The award is presented annually to an advocate who demonstrates the incredible strength of spirit and commitment to advocacy that Milly demonstrated. I am very pleased that this year's recipient is Michael Hooffstetter.

Each of the last several years, Michael and others from New Mexico have come to Washington and met with me to discuss programs that help those suffering with Parkinson's disease. As the New Mexico State coordinator for the Parkinson's Action Network, Michael speaks candidly about his disease, the treatments he has undergone, and the effect it has had on him and his family. Michael's Air Force service has given him a special interest in the Department of Defense Neurotoxin Exposure Treatment and Research Program. I have always appreciated his honesty and insight and admire him for his advocacy.

Michael Hooffstetter has helped many people by dedicating his time and efforts through the Parkinson's Action Network. I congratulate him for this award.

Mr. DOMENICI. Mr. President, I wish today to congratulate the New Mexico affiliates of Habitat for Humanity on the completion of their 500th house. This house was built for Frances Marquez and her daughter, 11-year-old Amanda Marquez in San Pedro, NM, which is located right outside of Espanola. The Espanola and Los Alamos affiliate of Habitat for Humanity gathered 100 people from Espanola Valley to volunteer on this project and bring a real sense of community to the Marquez family's new home.

This particular house was a very special project. It involved the community not only through the volunteers who built the house, but also through the suggestions of Northern New Mexico College surveying students who helped draft the plans for the house. Drafting instructor Jeff Toomey brought this project to his class in order to give them a real-world lesson on drafting plans for a client. Thanks to their input, this house was specially designed to meet the needs of the Marquez family.

Habitat for Humanity is responsible for the creation and rehabilitation of over 150,000 homes since its 1976 inception. In my home State of New Mexico, there are 18 affiliates of Habitat for Humanity who have improved the lives of families and communities by striving to provide safe and affordable housing. As a Senator, I am always looking for ways to help New Mexico communities be the best that they can be, and thanks to organizations like Habitat for Humanity, this common goal can be accomplished.