Floor Statements

Mr. President, I rise today with my colleague, Senator Feinstein to introduce the Social Security and Medicare Solvency Commission Act.

Our country is facing a looming financial crisis. The Medicare and Social Security programs face major financial problems. Current trends show that these programs are not sustainable, and that if we do not take action soon to reform both these programs, they will drive Federal spending to unprecedented levels.

Without reform, spending on these programs will consume nearly all projected federal revenues, and threaten our country's future prosperity. Social Security costs are projected to rise from about 4.2 percent of gross domestic product today to 6.3 percent of gross domestic product by 2080. Similarly, Medicare expenditures are projected to rise from 2.7 percent of gross domestic product today to more than 11 percent of gross domestic product by 2080. At this rate, no money will be left for any other federal activity. There will be no money for education, defense, federal law enforcement, or any of our other valued social programs.

Federal Reserve Board Chairman Bernacke and GAO Comptroller Walker have testified in front of the Senate Budget Committee in recent weeks that entitlement spending is already a threat to the U.S. economy. However, despite the universal recognition of out of control entitlement spending growth and the problems this will cause, Congress has repeatedly failed to come together to work on a solution.

The legislation we are introducing today will create a bipartisan commission tasked with making recommendations and creating legislation that will ensure the solvency of both Social Security and Medicare. However, unlike past commissions, these recommendations will not sit on a shelf and collect dust. This legislation will force action by Congress.

This legislation mandates that the commission seek public input through a series of public hearings, and then requires the commission to put together a report and submit accompanying legislative language. However, then this bill goes further. It sets a mandatory timelines for Congress to introduce the legislation, take committee action and for action on the floor. In short, it forces Congress to do its job.

When this legislation passes, Congress will be forced to take action that will generate a sustainable Social Security and Medicare system. And, most importantly, this will be a bipartisan effort. I am very pleased that my distinguished colleague, Senator Feinstein has joined me in taking up this cause.

Though highly challenging, the financial difficulties facing Social Security and Medicare are not insurmountable. But the time has come to take action. The sooner these challenges are addressed, the more solutions will be available to us and the less pain they will cause. We need serious and thoughtful engagement from everyone to make sure that Medicare and Social Security are strengthened and sustainable for future generations.

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

Mr. President, I rise today with my colleague, Senator Feinstein to introduce the Social Security and Medicare Solvency Commission Act.

Our country is facing a looming financial crisis. The Medicare and Social Security programs face major financial problems. Current trends show that these programs are not sustainable, and that if we do not take action soon to reform both these programs, they will drive Federal spending to unprecedented levels.

Without reform, spending on these programs will consume nearly all projected federal revenues, and threaten our country's future prosperity. Social Security costs are projected to rise from about 4.2 percent of gross domestic product today to 6.3 percent of gross domestic product by 2080. Similarly, Medicare expenditures are projected to rise from 2.7 percent of gross domestic product today to more than 11 percent of gross domestic product by 2080. At this rate, no money will be left for any other federal activity. There will be no money for education, defense, federal law enforcement, or any of our other valued social programs.

Federal Reserve Board Chairman Bernacke and GAO Comptroller Walker have testified in front of the Senate Budget Committee in recent weeks that entitlement spending is already a threat to the U.S. economy. However, despite the universal recognition of out of control entitlement spending growth and the problems this will cause, Congress has repeatedly failed to come together to work on a solution.

The legislation we are introducing today will create a bipartisan commission tasked with making recommendations and creating legislation that will ensure the solvency of both Social Security and Medicare. However, unlike past commissions, these recommendations will not sit on a shelf and collect dust. This legislation will force action by Congress.

This legislation mandates that the commission seek public input through a series of public hearings, and then requires the commission to put together a report and submit accompanying legislative language. However, then this bill goes further. It sets a mandatory timelines for Congress to introduce the legislation, take committee action and for action on the floor. In short, it forces Congress to do its job.

When this legislation passes, Congress will be forced to take action that will generate a sustainable Social Security and Medicare system. And, most importantly, this will be a bipartisan effort. I am very pleased that my distinguished colleague, Senator Feinstein has joined me in taking up this cause.

Though highly challenging, the financial difficulties facing Social Security and Medicare are not insurmountable. But the time has come to take action. The sooner these challenges are addressed, the more solutions will be available to us and the less pain they will cause. We need serious and thoughtful engagement from everyone to make sure that Medicare and Social Security are strengthened and sustainable for future generations.

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

Mr. President, above-average rainfall in New Mexico last summer and recent snow fall have led many to turn a blind eye to the grim water situation faced by our State only months ago. New Mexico was fast approaching a disaster due to drought. Many of our municipalities' wells were running dry and reservoirs were at dangerously low levels. Providence intervened, narrowly averting a crisis resulting from water scarcity.

The development of the centrifugal pump was an event of great significance in the history of the West. Windmill driven pumps provided enough water for a family and several livestock. The centrifugal pump, on the other hand, was capable of pumping eight hundred gallons of water a minute, making possible the habitation of what was previously barren desert. To a large extent, this invention provided the water for growing towns and agricultural industry. However, it also resulted in a great dependence on groundwater. As such, we need to fully understand the nature and extent of our groundwater resources. This bill will provide us with the information necessary to ensure that the water on which we have come to rely is available for years to come.

During times of drought, when surface water is scarce, we must be able to reliably turn to groundwater reserves. Approximately 90 percent of New Mexicans depend on groundwater for drinking water and 77 percent of New Mexicans obtain water exclusively from groundwater sources. While groundwater supplies throughout the State are coming under increasing competition, not enough is known about these resources in order to make sound decisions regarding their use.

Nearly 40 percent of the State's population resides in the Middle Rio Grande Basin. Once thought to contain vast quantities of water, we are now faced with the reality the Middle Rio Grande Basin contains far less water than originally thought. Between 1995 and 2001, the United States Geological Survey undertook a study of the Basin which added greatly to our knowledge regarding the primary source of water for our largest population center. Had we proceeded with our water planning without the information provided by this study, I have little doubt that we would ultimately find ourselves in a dire situation. However, there is much more to be learned about this Basin.

Roughly 65 percent of the State's population lives along the Rio Grande. Also located along the river are the four largest cities in New Mexico: Santa Fe, Albuquerque, Rio Rancho and Las Cruces. While the completion of the San Juan-Chama Diversion by the Albuquerque Bernalillo County Water Utility Authority will allow the County of Bernalillo and City of Albuquerque to take advantage of their allocation of San JuanChama water, the remainder of the cities and counties located along the Rio Grande will continue to receive the majority of their water from aquifers beneath the Rio Grande. Aside from the Middle Rio Grande Basin, we have limited knowledge of the amount of water contained in the aquifers below the Rio Grande, the rate at which they recharge, aquifer contamination, and the interaction between surface flows and ground water.

Elsewhere in the State, even less is understood regarding groundwater resources. While there is limited unallocated surface water in the State, there are significant quantities of untapped underground water in the Tularosa and Salt Basins. The Tularosa Basin is approximately 60 miles wide and 200 miles long. Making the conservative estimate that 10 percent of the water contained in that aquifer is available for use through desalination, it would provide 100 years of water for a city the size of Albuquerque. With the development of desalination technology, I anticipate that even a greater amount of the brackish water contained in the Tularosa Basin will be available for human use.

Another untapped water supply is the Salt Basin located in southern New Mexico. The Basin lies in a geologically complex area and our understanding of the total resource is incomplete. However, initial estimates predict sustainable withdrawals on the order of 100,000 acre- feet per year of potable water from the New Mexico portion of the aquifer. This is enough water to support a city the size of our largest municipal area. Additional brackish resources in that Basin are highly likely. Because the Basin is located near expanding metropolitan areas near the U.S.-Mexico Border, it is a resource of critical importance.

The bill I introduce today would direct the United States Geological Survey, in collaboration with the State of New Mexico, to undertake a groundwater resources study in the State of New Mexico. A comprehensive study of the State's water resources is critical to effective water planning. Absent such a study, I fear that there is a significant likelihood that we may be depleting aquifers at an unsustainable rate.

I thank Senator Bingaman for being an original co-sponsor of this legislation. I look forward to working with him to ensure the bill's passage.

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

Mr. President, above-average rainfall in New Mexico last summer and recent snow fall have led many to turn a blind eye to the grim water situation faced by our State only months ago. New Mexico was fast approaching a disaster due to drought. Many of our municipalities' wells were running dry and reservoirs were at dangerously low levels. Providence intervened, narrowly averting a crisis resulting from water scarcity.

The development of the centrifugal pump was an event of great significance in the history of the West. Windmill driven pumps provided enough water for a family and several livestock. The centrifugal pump, on the other hand, was capable of pumping eight hundred gallons of water a minute, making possible the habitation of what was previously barren desert. To a large extent, this invention provided the water for growing towns and agricultural industry. However, it also resulted in a great dependence on groundwater. As such, we need to fully understand the nature and extent of our groundwater resources. This bill will provide us with the information necessary to ensure that the water on which we have come to rely is available for years to come.

During times of drought, when surface water is scarce, we must be able to reliably turn to groundwater reserves. Approximately 90 percent of New Mexicans depend on groundwater for drinking water and 77 percent of New Mexicans obtain water exclusively from groundwater sources. While groundwater supplies throughout the State are coming under increasing competition, not enough is known about these resources in order to make sound decisions regarding their use.

Nearly 40 percent of the State's population resides in the Middle Rio Grande Basin. Once thought to contain vast quantities of water, we are now faced with the reality the Middle Rio Grande Basin contains far less water than originally thought. Between 1995 and 2001, the United States Geological Survey undertook a study of the Basin which added greatly to our knowledge regarding the primary source of water for our largest population center. Had we proceeded with our water planning without the information provided by this study, I have little doubt that we would ultimately find ourselves in a dire situation. However, there is much more to be learned about this Basin.

Roughly 65 percent of the State's population lives along the Rio Grande. Also located along the river are the four largest cities in New Mexico: Santa Fe, Albuquerque, Rio Rancho and Las Cruces. While the completion of the San Juan-Chama Diversion by the Albuquerque Bernalillo County Water Utility Authority will allow the County of Bernalillo and City of Albuquerque to take advantage of their allocation of San JuanChama water, the remainder of the cities and counties located along the Rio Grande will continue to receive the majority of their water from aquifers beneath the Rio Grande. Aside from the Middle Rio Grande Basin, we have limited knowledge of the amount of water contained in the aquifers below the Rio Grande, the rate at which they recharge, aquifer contamination, and the interaction between surface flows and ground water.

Elsewhere in the State, even less is understood regarding groundwater resources. While there is limited unallocated surface water in the State, there are significant quantities of untapped underground water in the Tularosa and Salt Basins. The Tularosa Basin is approximately 60 miles wide and 200 miles long. Making the conservative estimate that 10 percent of the water contained in that aquifer is available for use through desalination, it would provide 100 years of water for a city the size of Albuquerque. With the development of desalination technology, I anticipate that even a greater amount of the brackish water contained in the Tularosa Basin will be available for human use.

Another untapped water supply is the Salt Basin located in southern New Mexico. The Basin lies in a geologically complex area and our understanding of the total resource is incomplete. However, initial estimates predict sustainable withdrawals on the order of 100,000 acre- feet per year of potable water from the New Mexico portion of the aquifer. This is enough water to support a city the size of our largest municipal area. Additional brackish resources in that Basin are highly likely. Because the Basin is located near expanding metropolitan areas near the U.S.-Mexico Border, it is a resource of critical importance.

The bill I introduce today would direct the United States Geological Survey, in collaboration with the State of New Mexico, to undertake a groundwater resources study in the State of New Mexico. A comprehensive study of the State's water resources is critical to effective water planning. Absent such a study, I fear that there is a significant likelihood that we may be depleting aquifers at an unsustainable rate.

I thank Senator Bingaman for being an original co-sponsor of this legislation. I look forward to working with him to ensure the bill's passage.

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

Mr. President, I rise today to introduce legislation to protect a natural wonder in my home State of New Mexico. A passage within the Fort Stanton Cave contains what can only be described as a magnificent white river of calcite. I am pleased to be joined in this effort again this year by my colleague from New Mexico, Senator Bingaman.

Many locals are familiar with the Fort Stanton Cave in Lincoln County, NM. Exploration of the cave dates back to at least the 1850s, when troops stationed in the area began visiting the network of caverns. Exploration continued over the years and in 2001 BLM volunteers discovered a two-mile long continuous calcite formation.

We have not found a formation of this size anywhere else in New Mexico or perhaps even in the United States. Because of the beauty and distinct appearance of this discovery, I continue to be excited about the scientific and educational opportunities associated with the find. This large, continuous stretch of calcite may yield valuable research opportunities relating to hydrology, geology, and microbiology. In fact, there may be no limits to what we can learn from this snow white cave passage.

It is not often that we find something so striking and so significant. I believe this find is worthy of study and our most thoughtful management and conservation.

My legislation does the following: (1) creates a Fort Stanton-Snowy River Cave Conservation Area to protect, secure and conserve the natural and unique features of the Snowy River Cave; (2) instructs the BLM to prepare a map and legal description of the Snowy River cave, and to develop a comprehensive, long-term management plan for the cave area; (3) authorizes the conservation of the unique features and environs in the cave for scientific, educational and other public uses deemed safe and appropriate under the management plan; (4) authorizes the BLM to work with State and other institutions and to cooperate with Lincoln County to address the historical involvement of the local community; (5) protects the caves from mineral and mining leasing operations.

As the people of my home State of New Mexico know, we have many natural wonders, and I am proud to play a role in the protection of this recent unique discovery. I hope my colleagues will join with me in approving the Fort Stanton-Snowy River National Cave Conservation Area Act.

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

Mr. President, the fossilized trackways near Las Cruces, New Mexico, in Dona Ana County came to my attention in the early 1990's. During the 101st Congress, I cosponsored Senator Bingaman's legislation that directed the Bureau of Land Management to study and report on the significance of the prehistoric sites near the Robledo Mountains.

I believe our Federal lands are truly national treasures, and I understand the challenges we face in managing our public lands in a responsible and environmentally sensitive manner. Local leaders, special interest groups, multiple users, New Mexico State University, and the Bureau of Land Management, BLM, have identified many land issues in the Las Cruces area that need to be addressed. The trackways are but one of these issues that can and should be addressed in the context of a broader lands bill. I continue to believe that introduction of comprehensive or omnibus legislation is a preferable approach, rather than the introduction of individual bills to deal with each separate issue.

The trackways are a remarkable resource that need and deserve protection, and I support the intent of this bill. While I am very supportive of the overall goal to protect these prehistoric trackway sites, there are several particulars in this bill that I do not fully embrace and on which I want to continue to work with Senator Bingaman, such as ensuring that we authorize all uses in the area that are not inconsistent with the purposes of the bill, and reworking the section regarding BLM authority with respect to hunting activities. As we work through the legislative process, I look forward to working with Senator Bingaman to accomplish the objective of protecting the prehistoric trackway sites, while at the same time addressing some of the broader Federal land issues in Dona Ana County.

Mr. President, I rise today to introduce legislation to protect a natural wonder in my home State of New Mexico. A passage within the Fort Stanton Cave contains what can only be described as a magnificent white river of calcite. I am pleased to be joined in this effort again this year by my colleague from New Mexico, Senator Bingaman.

Many locals are familiar with the Fort Stanton Cave in Lincoln County, NM. Exploration of the cave dates back to at least the 1850s, when troops stationed in the area began visiting the network of caverns. Exploration continued over the years and in 2001 BLM volunteers discovered a two-mile long continuous calcite formation.

We have not found a formation of this size anywhere else in New Mexico or perhaps even in the United States. Because of the beauty and distinct appearance of this discovery, I continue to be excited about the scientific and educational opportunities associated with the find. This large, continuous stretch of calcite may yield valuable research opportunities relating to hydrology, geology, and microbiology. In fact, there may be no limits to what we can learn from this snow white cave passage.

It is not often that we find something so striking and so significant. I believe this find is worthy of study and our most thoughtful management and conservation.

My legislation does the following: (1) creates a Fort Stanton-Snowy River Cave Conservation Area to protect, secure and conserve the natural and unique features of the Snowy River Cave; (2) instructs the BLM to prepare a map and legal description of the Snowy River cave, and to develop a comprehensive, long-term management plan for the cave area; (3) authorizes the conservation of the unique features and environs in the cave for scientific, educational and other public uses deemed safe and appropriate under the management plan; (4) authorizes the BLM to work with State and other institutions and to cooperate with Lincoln County to address the historical involvement of the local community; (5) protects the caves from mineral and mining leasing operations.

As the people of my home State of New Mexico know, we have many natural wonders, and I am proud to play a role in the protection of this recent unique discovery. I hope my colleagues will join with me in approving the Fort Stanton-Snowy River National Cave Conservation Area Act.

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

Mr. President, the fossilized trackways near Las Cruces, New Mexico, in Dona Ana County came to my attention in the early 1990's. During the 101st Congress, I cosponsored Senator Bingaman's legislation that directed the Bureau of Land Management to study and report on the significance of the prehistoric sites near the Robledo Mountains.

I believe our Federal lands are truly national treasures, and I understand the challenges we face in managing our public lands in a responsible and environmentally sensitive manner. Local leaders, special interest groups, multiple users, New Mexico State University, and the Bureau of Land Management, BLM, have identified many land issues in the Las Cruces area that need to be addressed. The trackways are but one of these issues that can and should be addressed in the context of a broader lands bill. I continue to believe that introduction of comprehensive or omnibus legislation is a preferable approach, rather than the introduction of individual bills to deal with each separate issue.

The trackways are a remarkable resource that need and deserve protection, and I support the intent of this bill. While I am very supportive of the overall goal to protect these prehistoric trackway sites, there are several particulars in this bill that I do not fully embrace and on which I want to continue to work with Senator Bingaman, such as ensuring that we authorize all uses in the area that are not inconsistent with the purposes of the bill, and reworking the section regarding BLM authority with respect to hunting activities. As we work through the legislative process, I look forward to working with Senator Bingaman to accomplish the objective of protecting the prehistoric trackway sites, while at the same time addressing some of the broader Federal land issues in Dona Ana County.

Mr. President, water is the life's blood for New Mexico. When the water dries up in New Mexico, so will many of its communities. As such, the scarcity of water in New Mexico is a dire situation. Unfortunately, the New Mexico Office of the State Engineer (NM OSE) lacks the tools necessary to undertake the Herculean task of effectively managing New Mexico's water resources.

Today, I introduce legislation that would allow New Mexico to make informed decisions about its limited water resources.

In order to effectively perform water rights administration, as well as comply with New Mexico's compact deliveries, the State Engineer is statutorily required to perform assessments and investigations of the numerous stream systems and ground water basins located within New Mexico. However, the NM OSE is ill equipped to vigorously and comprehensively undertake the daunting but critically important task of water resource planning. At present, the NM OSE lacks adequate resources to perform necessary hydrographic surveys and data collection. As such, ensuring a future water supply for my home state requires that Congress provide the NM OSE with the resources necessary to fulfill its statutory mandate.

The bill I introduce today would create a standing authority for the State of New Mexico to seek and receive technical assistance from the Bureau of Rec1amation and the United States Geological Survey. It would also provide the NM OSE the sum of $12.5 million in federal assistance to perform hydrologic models of New Mexico's most important water systems. This bill would provide the NM OSE with the best resources available when making crucial decisions about how best preserve our limited water stores.

Ever decreasing water supplies in New Mexico have reached critical leve1s and require immediate action. The Congress cannot sit idly by as water shortages cause death to New

Mexico's communities. I hope the Senate will give this legislation its every consideration. I thank Senator Bingaman, Chairman of the Energy and Natural Resources Committee for cosponsoring this important legislation.

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

Mr. President, water is the life's blood for New Mexico. When the water dries up in New Mexico, so will many of its communities. As such, the scarcity of water in New Mexico is a dire situation. Unfortunately, the New Mexico Office of the State Engineer (NM OSE) lacks the tools necessary to undertake the Herculean task of effectively managing New Mexico's water resources.

Today, I introduce legislation that would allow New Mexico to make informed decisions about its limited water resources.

In order to effectively perform water rights administration, as well as comply with New Mexico's compact deliveries, the State Engineer is statutorily required to perform assessments and investigations of the numerous stream systems and ground water basins located within New Mexico. However, the NM OSE is ill equipped to vigorously and comprehensively undertake the daunting but critically important task of water resource planning. At present, the NM OSE lacks adequate resources to perform necessary hydrographic surveys and data collection. As such, ensuring a future water supply for my home state requires that Congress provide the NM OSE with the resources necessary to fulfill its statutory mandate.

The bill I introduce today would create a standing authority for the State of New Mexico to seek and receive technical assistance from the Bureau of Rec1amation and the United States Geological Survey. It would also provide the NM OSE the sum of $12.5 million in federal assistance to perform hydrologic models of New Mexico's most important water systems. This bill would provide the NM OSE with the best resources available when making crucial decisions about how best preserve our limited water stores.

Ever decreasing water supplies in New Mexico have reached critical leve1s and require immediate action. The Congress cannot sit idly by as water shortages cause death to New

Mexico's communities. I hope the Senate will give this legislation its every consideration. I thank Senator Bingaman, Chairman of the Energy and Natural Resources Committee for cosponsoring this important legislation.

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

Mr. President, I rise today with my colleague, Senator Bingaman, to introduce legislation that will designate the Veterans Administration Medical Center in Albuquerque, NM, the ``Raymond G. Murphy Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center.''

Jerry Murphy is an extraordinary New Mexican who was awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor for his heroic actions on February 3, 1953, while serving in the Korean war. On that day in February 1953, Marine 2nd Lieutenant Murphy participated in a raid on Ungok Hill. In the course of the operation, most of the senior officers in Lieutenant Murphy's unit were killed or wounded and the assault on the hill became stalled with many members of the Marine assault force pinned down and trapped on the hill by enemy fire. Seeing his fellow marines in trouble and against orders Lieutenant Murphy organized and led a daring rescue effort. Under intense enemy fire, Murphy personally made countless trips up the hill to evacuate and provide cover for the stranded marines. Though he was wounded numerous times, Lieutenant Murphy refused treatment for his wounds until all marines were accounted for and everyone else had been treated. Lieutenant Murphy was also awarded a Silver Star for bravery in a previous action in 1952.

Jerry's personal mission to protect and aid his fellow servicemen and

women did not end on that hill in Korea, for 25 years he worked in the Veteran's Administration, VA regional office in Albuquerque, New Mexico. While there Jerry worked tirelessly as a counselor in the Division of Vocational Counseling to insure the men and women who served and defended our Nation were able to make the transition to life in peacetime.

Unlike many of us who look to retirement as a time for personal pursuits and relaxation, Jerry chose to carry on his work on behalf of veterans and until 2000 volunteered at the VA hospital in Albuquerque,

Mr. President, I rise today with my colleague, Senator Bingaman, to introduce legislation that will designate the Veterans Administration Medical Center in Albuquerque, NM, the ``Raymond G. Murphy Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center.''

Jerry Murphy is an extraordinary New Mexican who was awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor for his heroic actions on February 3, 1953, while serving in the Korean war. On that day in February 1953, Marine 2nd Lieutenant Murphy participated in a raid on Ungok Hill. In the course of the operation, most of the senior officers in Lieutenant Murphy's unit were killed or wounded and the assault on the hill became stalled with many members of the Marine assault force pinned down and trapped on the hill by enemy fire. Seeing his fellow marines in trouble and against orders Lieutenant Murphy organized and led a daring rescue effort. Under intense enemy fire, Murphy personally made countless trips up the hill to evacuate and provide cover for the stranded marines. Though he was wounded numerous times, Lieutenant Murphy refused treatment for his wounds until all marines were accounted for and everyone else had been treated. Lieutenant Murphy was also awarded a Silver Star for bravery in a previous action in 1952.

Jerry's personal mission to protect and aid his fellow servicemen and

women did not end on that hill in Korea, for 25 years he worked in the Veteran's Administration, VA regional office in Albuquerque, New Mexico. While there Jerry worked tirelessly as a counselor in the Division of Vocational Counseling to insure the men and women who served and defended our Nation were able to make the transition to life in peacetime.

Unlike many of us who look to retirement as a time for personal pursuits and relaxation, Jerry chose to carry on his work on behalf of veterans and until 2000 volunteered at the VA hospital in Albuquerque,

Mr. President, I rise today to pay tribute to President Gerald Ford. His passing on December 26, 2006, was marked with a yearning for the unity he brought to our Nation over 30 years ago. I extend my sincerest and most heartfelt sympathies to his family.

Gerald Ford and I were in Congress together for a brief period of time. He was a friend to me when I was a freshman Senator and throughout my career. I will always remember and appreciate his support and counsel.

President Ford came into office at a very difficult time and faced multiple tasks. He met those challenges and successfully brought the Nation through a tumultuous period in the history of the presidency. While his time in the White House was relatively short, his legacy continues to persist. President Ford's leadership and credibility worked to bring the Nation through the Watergate crisis and its aftermath. That proved to be invaluable and underscored the resiliency of our democratic government.

My wife Nancy and I send our condolences and prayers to First Lady Betty Ford and to the entire Ford family. We join the Nation in mourning President Ford and in honoring a long life of service. May his soul rest in peace.

Mr. President, I rise tonight to remind the Senate that in this bill is something we can all be proud of, especially on this cold night. The American people are using more and more natural gas in their homes, and they will soon be getting bills--or they already have--with the increases in the cost of natural gas beginning to show up. Many companies have already closed their doors because natural gas prices are so high.

For the first time, we will have passed a production-oriented bill with reference to natural gas and crude oil. In this bill is the Gulf of Mexico Energy Security Act--passed by bipartisan votes in the Senate--which establishes some precedent because, for the first time, we are now going to do some deepwater drilling. We held that in abeyance for about 25 years and acted as if we didn't need any, just leave it there. It is American, but we won't use it.

Well, we are going to start now. That will open other States which can look at this bill and say: We ought to join up and begin to let drilling take place off of our coast, because they will share in the proceeds--the second good precedent that is made in this bill.

It will produce large quantities of natural gas over the next decade and a small amount of crude oil--1.2 billion barrels. With reference to natural gas, it will produce gas for millions of homes and thousands upon thousands of businesses. It will be American-owned business, drilled by American companies, supplied to Americans by Americans, with American dollars involved for everybody along the way.

What a good thing to say tonight in the cold parts of America and in the coldness of tonight--that we have done something to produce natural gas and hold the price of natural gas where it is or reduce it because of the new supply. It is very important and should be something everybody in this Chamber is proud of. A lot of things we are not so proud of tonight. It takes too long to get some things done. We have not gotten a lot of them done on time. We have not governed quite properly. But this is a good one. I am thankful to those on this conference for putting it in.

I thank Senator Grassley, and I thank his counterpart here. On the House side, they had to accept it exactly as we put it in because if it came here differently, we would never get it passed. That happened. Thank you.

Mr. President, I rise to speak briefly on this essential piece of legislation commonly referred as tax extenders.

This is, in many ways, also an energy security bill that is worth being proud of.

There are a host of important tax items here, many of which were implemented under the Energy Policy Act of 2005. Now we extend many of these items through 2008.

There are extensions of credit for electricity produced from renewable resources until December 31, 2008. This is clean energy produced from wind, biomass, geothermal and hydropower. It is critical to our Nation's future and these tax credits will play an important role in our energy security over the next decade.

There are extensions of credits to holders of clean renewable energy bonds. There are extensions of credits for energy efficiency for homes and for commercial buildings.

And, there are extensions of reduced excise tax rates for ethanol. The Energy bill of 2005 has helped in bringing about an economic boom to rural America. Analysis suggests that new biorefineries will result in 30,000 new jobs and will add $114 billion to the bottom lines of American households. These extenders help continue that momentum.

All of these items and many more help move us closer to achieving energy security.

Then, there is the big one. After much hard work and after hours of negotiations, Congress came together and crafted a bipartisan piece of legislation. We passed that bill with 71 votes in August and we pushed ever since to get that bill through the House and to the Senate. We fought for energy relief for the American people.

The Gulf of Mexico Energy Security Act provides such energy relief, and I am thrilled that it is included in this tax extenders package.

I thank the House Ways and Means chairman, Bill Thomas, and the House leadership, specifically Majority Leader John Boehner for showing interest in and moving this important piece of legislation. Also, importantly, I thank the Senate leadership on both sides of the aisle and Chairman Chuck Grassley for recognizing that this legislation is essential to the American consumer.

It's cold outside and natural gas prices are rising as we heat the homes we live in and the buildings we work in. So me tell you what this vote on the Gulf of Mexico Energy Security Act does.

This vote says that Congress win not sit by and watch natural gas prices climb by 400 percent. We will act.

We will not sit back and accept the closing of scores of our chemical manufacturing plants. We will act.

And, we will not sit back and watch as we continue to depend more and more on foreign oil while producing less and less domestic oil. We will act.

And act we did. And relief is on the way.

This legislation is critically important to American consumers and our economy. While the oil resources in this region are impressive, the vast reserves of natural gas are the real bonanza.

Tens of thousands of feet under the sea-bed in this 8.3 million acre area that we open for leasing, American ingenuity will produce American oil and American natural gas for the American people.

This area contains nearly 6 trillion cubic feet of natural gas and 1.26 billion barrels of oil.

I believe that there is enough natural gas in lease sale 181 and lease sale 181 south areas to heat 6 million homes for 15 years.

Because of this, the Wall Street Journal has called this OCS bill ``an easy victory for the U.S. economy.'' And, on the other side of the political spectrum, the New York Times wrote that this bill meets ``an immediate need'' and is ``a reason to drill in the Gulf.''

And, in this bill we recognize the will of the people in our energy producing States. We recognize the sacrifices made by the Gulf States in being America's energy coast for so many years. And, we recognize protections important to the people of Florida.

This bill strikes the right balance. It is a blockbuster. It is a victory for this Congress, but more importantly, it is a victory for the American energy consumer.

The Federal Reserve Chairman Bernanke recently said that rising energy prices is posing a risk to our Nation's economic activity.

I say, that with this vote, we help to lessen that risk. What we have done here is the most important thing we can do in the near term to reduce the price of natural gas and to boost our Nation's domestic energy supply.

For that, the American people win tonight.

Mr. President, on behalf of myself and Senator Bingaman, I come to the floor today to inform the Senate that the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources has recently passed a resolution honoring the life and service of Grenville Garside. I have here a resolution signed by all 22 members of the committee.

Mr. Garside served as the very first staff director of this committee when it was first established in 1977 under Senator Henry ``Scoop'' Jackson of Washington. Gren was well respected on both sides of the aisle and was renowned for his knowledge of energy and natural resources law.

The committee enjoyed the able leadership of Mr. Garside in those early years as its jurisdiction and influence began to take shape. Gren was known for his integrity, good judgment, and affable nature.

So, it is fitting that we take a moment to honor this man, whose professional career was so intertwined with this revered institution. It is right that we place this resolution in the Record. We are grateful for his many years of service. Each member of this committee expresses their deepest sympathy to Gren's family and multitude of friends.

Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that a copy of this resolution be printed in the Record.

Mr. President, I wanted to say a few words before the leader left. I even hate to call him leader or majority leader. He has become a great friend. I don't know how to explain it, but I didn't really think coming to the Senate that I would have a chance to meet somebody like our good departing leader. I have met all kinds of people here. Henry Bellman once said: If you sit down with all 100 of them, no matter what you have said about criticizing them, there are no better 100 men put together in America than the 100 Senators who serve. I believe that is true. I am wondering now about whether the Senator wouldn't rival military leadership.

But the point is, I didn't think Bill--I know we can't do that in the Senate, use first names--but I didn't think I would ever meet in the Budget Committee of the U.S. Senate--sitting in the very last seat available was this man whose name is so simple, but I had so much trouble with it. Do you remember? I didn't say ``Frist,'' I kept saying ``First.'' I don't know why, but I did that for a long time, and then it became sort of a--people would come up and punch me so I would say it right. But whether it is ``Frist'' or ``First,'' I guess they mean about the same thing to me. You are truly first.

What we have gone through personally will not be reflected in the Record. People know I have had a few years of illness. It is mostly gone now. But I found out he was a superb doctor, and eventually I found out there weren't too many better anywhere. That made it easy because I had a ready-made doctor and he was the best. And we would meet in his office, and people would think it was always business, but they had no idea that it was half business, a little bit family--we got to know each other's families, and what a terrific and exciting thing that was for me--and I got to know about his excellence as a doctor.

It will be a different Senate, there is no question.

You have been dealt some cards that are not right. The years you were here, the things that were accomplished were not quite presented to the people as accomplishments or as big accomplishments, as they are. But if there is anybody interested in searching the Record during his term and during his leadership period to see what he accomplished, I believe you will have to end up saying there was nobody during his time here who accomplished more for his State and for the country. I believe an in-depth search of what he has done may even rival the best, even though he does not know how to legislate, and there is no question about that, and he does not know how to appropriate, and there is no question about that. He might not even know how to bring an appropriations bill up, and there might be no doubt about that. He may doubt it, but this Senator doesn't, and I am his best friend, but I have great doubts whether he knows how to get an appropriations bill up and passed.

But I still believe the business of the Senate is not done in those very overt ways that people think. It is done as you sit down for long hours on a conference report and come out with a health bill that all of a sudden is better than anything we have had before. When you find out who did it, it might not have been named for the Senator or for the chairman of this or that, but you will find out that for many hours, many trips were taken to his office, and many times, he said: Wait and we will do it in the morning, and I will tell you how to do it. And that happened.

I could go on for much longer, but I really wanted him to know that I just waited for my time. Being the fifth or sixth eldest here in seniority, I waited for my time here, and I didn't want to wait until tomorrow or the next day in fear that I would not find time or that the Senate would not accommodate. So I thought I would, as usual, be late for a next appointment, but I have a good excuse for being late for this next one.

I had to come here and say goodbye in a very interesting way, although it is not a goodbye. But I do think it is true that this will be a very major change in our friendship, in the way we react to each other, and the time we get to spend with each other. So it is an occasion, this leaving of the Senate, because you won't come back very often. Even though you say you will, you won't, and we won't get to see you. I really believe we will remember you, and probably we will call you more times than you will call us because I think we may just from time to time figure out more times than you will that we need some advice, and it will probably run in your direction, not in ours, in the ensuing years.

Good luck in whatever you do. It is not going to be this little return to being a country doctor, if that is what you are saying. You can't sell me on that. You are not going to be a little country doctor; you are not even going to be a regular doctor. You are going to do something much bigger than that. It is just waiting. Somebody is going to place it in front of you, and then you will do it and it will be something big and exciting for America and for our people, probably more exciting than you did here, so that will be a third one--one, the heart transplants and all that, one here with us, and then you will have a third one. In the meantime, you can do a lot of duck hunting, no problem with that. You can probably go with me, if you want. But if you shoot too well, I won't bring you anymore because it is embarrassing. It has to be sort of a modest hunt, not so superb that I am embarrassed. So we will have to work that out some way. And your son-- he can't come anymore because he shoots too well. It is truly not the right thing to do. He should not be hunting with an old man like me. No way. But if it happens, we will accommodate it some way.

Having said all that I should and much more, I will say goodbye and thank you.