Floor Statements

Mr. President, as Members are aware, Nepal has been gripped by demonstrations in support of democracy for the past 20 days. At least 14 Nepali citizens have been killed in these protests and hundreds more injured. The demonstrations follow 14 months of direct rule by King Gyanendra and February 8, 2006, municipal elections that the State Department characterized as a ``hollow attempt by the King to legitimize his power.''

I am submitting today a resolution expressing the Senate's support for the reconvening of the Nepali parliament and for an immediate, peaceful transition to a democratic political process in the country. This resolution urges the King, political parties, and Maoists to support a process that returns the country to multi-party democracy and creates the conditions for peace and stability in the country.

Mr. President, I rise today to introduce the Cooperative Proliferation Detection, Interdiction Assistance, and Conventional Threat Reduction Act of 2006. This bill is based upon the legislation that Senator Obama and I introduced last year by the same name. Over the last six months we have worked closely with the Administration and the Department of State on legislation to improve U.S. programs focused on conventional weapons dismantlement and counter-proliferation assistance more effective and efficient.

The Lugar-Obama bill launches two major weapons dismantlement and

counterproliferation initiatives. Modeled after the Nunn-Lugar program, which dismantles weapons of mass destruction in the former Soviet Union and beyond, our legislation seeks to build cooperative relationships with willing countries to secure vulnerable stockpiles of conventional weapons and strengthen barriers against WMD falling into terrorist's hands.

The first part of our legislation energizes U.S. programs to dismantle MANPADS and large stockpiles of other conventional weapons, including tactical missile systems. There may be as many as 750,000 MANPADS in arsenals worldwide. The State Department estimates that more than 40 civilian aircraft have been hit by such weapons since the 1970's. In addition loose stocks of small arms and other weapons help fuel civil wars and provide ammunition for those who attack peacekeepers and aid workers seeking to help war-torn societies. Our bill would enhance U.S. capability to safely destroy munitions like those used in the improvised roadside bombs that have proved so deadly to U.S. forces in Iraq.

In August Senator Obama and I traveled to Ukraine and saw stacks of thousands of mortars and other weapons, left over from the Soviet era. The scene there is similar to situations in other states of the former Soviet Union, Africa, Latin America, and Asia. In many cases, the security around these weapons is minimal. Every stockpile represents a theft opportunity for terrorists and a temptation for security personnel who might seek to profit by selling weapons on the black market. The more stockpiles that can be safeguarded or eliminated, the safer we will be. We do not want the question posed the day after an attack on an American military base, embassy compound, or commercial plane why we didn't do more to address these threats.

Some foreign governments have already sought U.S. help in eliminating their stocks of lightweight antiaircraft missiles and excess weapons and ammunition. But low budgets and insufficient attention have hampered destruction efforts. Our legislation would require the Administration to develop a response commensurate with the threat, by requiring better coordination and a three-fold increase in spending in this area, to $25 million--a relatively modest sum that would offer large benefits to U.S. security.

The other part of the Lugar-Obama legislation would strengthen the ability of America's friends and allies to detect and intercept illegal shipments of weapons and materials of mass destruction. Stopping these weapons and materials of mass destruction in transit is an important complement to the Nunn-Lugar program, which aims to eliminate weapons of mass destruction at their source.

We cannot do this alone. We need the vigilance of like-minded nations. The Proliferation Security Initiative has been successful in enlisting the help of other countries, but many of our partners lack the capability to detect and interdict hidden weapons. Lugar-Obama seeks to address this gap by providing $50 million to establish a coordinated effort to improve the capabilities of foreign partners by providing equipment, logistics, training and other support. Examples of such assistance may include maritime surveillance and boarding equipment, aerial detection and interdiction capabilities, enhanced port security, and the provision of hand-held detection equipment and passive WMD sensors.

On February 9 the Committee on Foreign Relations held a hearing to examine the State Department's efforts in these important areas. In response to a question on how important conventional weapons elimination and counter-proliferation is to U.S. security Under Secretary Joseph stated that ``other than stopping weapons of mass destruction (at their source), I personally do not think that there is . . . a higher priority.'' The Under Secretary also pointed out that with more resources he was confident additional progress could be achieved faster.

We have worked closely with Secretary Rice and her staff to improve this legislation. The bill has been modified in a number of ways to improve its effectiveness and to provide the Department with the authority necessary to carry out important nonproliferation and counter-proliferation missions. At the Department's request, we provide authorization for the entire Nonproliferation, Antiterrorism, Demining, and Related Programs account. We also authorize international ship- boarding agreements under the Proliferation Security Initiative, the use of the Nonproliferation and Disarmament Fund outside the former Soviet Union, and the use of funds for administrative purposes. In addition, we provide the Secretary with the authority to make a reprogramming request to use the funds required under this legislation for other nonproliferation and counter-proliferation activities in an emergency.

Earlier this week, Secretary Rice appeared before the Committee on Foreign Relations. I took the opportunity to ask her opinion of Lugar- Obama. She stated her personal support and that of the Department and the Administration. I am pleased that efforts to craft this important effort not only have bipartisan Congressional support but the support of the Administration as well.

The U.S. response to conventional weapons threats and the lack of focus on WMD detection and interdiction assistance must be rectified if we are to provide a full and complete defense for the American people. Senator Obama and I understand that the United States cannot meet every conceivable security threat everywhere in the world. But filling the security gaps that we have described and that Secretary Rice and Under Secretary Joseph have confirmed, should be near the top of our list of priorities. We do not believe these problems have received adequate resources and look forward to working with our colleagues in the Senate to rectify the situation.

Mr. President, I rise today to introduce the Cooperative Proliferation Detection, Interdiction Assistance, and Conventional Threat Reduction Act of 2006. This bill is based upon the legislation that Senator Obama and I introduced last year by the same name. Over the last six months we have worked closely with the Administration and the Department of State on legislation to improve U.S. programs focused on conventional weapons dismantlement and counter-proliferation assistance more effective and efficient.

The Lugar-Obama bill launches two major weapons dismantlement and

counterproliferation initiatives. Modeled after the Nunn-Lugar program, which dismantles weapons of mass destruction in the former Soviet Union and beyond, our legislation seeks to build cooperative relationships with willing countries to secure vulnerable stockpiles of conventional weapons and strengthen barriers against WMD falling into terrorist's hands.

The first part of our legislation energizes U.S. programs to dismantle MANPADS and large stockpiles of other conventional weapons, including tactical missile systems. There may be as many as 750,000 MANPADS in arsenals worldwide. The State Department estimates that more than 40 civilian aircraft have been hit by such weapons since the 1970's. In addition loose stocks of small arms and other weapons help fuel civil wars and provide ammunition for those who attack peacekeepers and aid workers seeking to help war-torn societies. Our bill would enhance U.S. capability to safely destroy munitions like those used in the improvised roadside bombs that have proved so deadly to U.S. forces in Iraq.

In August Senator Obama and I traveled to Ukraine and saw stacks of thousands of mortars and other weapons, left over from the Soviet era. The scene there is similar to situations in other states of the former Soviet Union, Africa, Latin America, and Asia. In many cases, the security around these weapons is minimal. Every stockpile represents a theft opportunity for terrorists and a temptation for security personnel who might seek to profit by selling weapons on the black market. The more stockpiles that can be safeguarded or eliminated, the safer we will be. We do not want the question posed the day after an attack on an American military base, embassy compound, or commercial plane why we didn't do more to address these threats.

Some foreign governments have already sought U.S. help in eliminating their stocks of lightweight antiaircraft missiles and excess weapons and ammunition. But low budgets and insufficient attention have hampered destruction efforts. Our legislation would require the Administration to develop a response commensurate with the threat, by requiring better coordination and a three-fold increase in spending in this area, to $25 million--a relatively modest sum that would offer large benefits to U.S. security.

The other part of the Lugar-Obama legislation would strengthen the ability of America's friends and allies to detect and intercept illegal shipments of weapons and materials of mass destruction. Stopping these weapons and materials of mass destruction in transit is an important complement to the Nunn-Lugar program, which aims to eliminate weapons of mass destruction at their source.

We cannot do this alone. We need the vigilance of like-minded nations. The Proliferation Security Initiative has been successful in enlisting the help of other countries, but many of our partners lack the capability to detect and interdict hidden weapons. Lugar-Obama seeks to address this gap by providing $50 million to establish a coordinated effort to improve the capabilities of foreign partners by providing equipment, logistics, training and other support. Examples of such assistance may include maritime surveillance and boarding equipment, aerial detection and interdiction capabilities, enhanced port security, and the provision of hand-held detection equipment and passive WMD sensors.

On February 9 the Committee on Foreign Relations held a hearing to examine the State Department's efforts in these important areas. In response to a question on how important conventional weapons elimination and counter-proliferation is to U.S. security Under Secretary Joseph stated that ``other than stopping weapons of mass destruction (at their source), I personally do not think that there is . . . a higher priority.'' The Under Secretary also pointed out that with more resources he was confident additional progress could be achieved faster.

We have worked closely with Secretary Rice and her staff to improve this legislation. The bill has been modified in a number of ways to improve its effectiveness and to provide the Department with the authority necessary to carry out important nonproliferation and counter-proliferation missions. At the Department's request, we provide authorization for the entire Nonproliferation, Antiterrorism, Demining, and Related Programs account. We also authorize international ship- boarding agreements under the Proliferation Security Initiative, the use of the Nonproliferation and Disarmament Fund outside the former Soviet Union, and the use of funds for administrative purposes. In addition, we provide the Secretary with the authority to make a reprogramming request to use the funds required under this legislation for other nonproliferation and counter-proliferation activities in an emergency.

Earlier this week, Secretary Rice appeared before the Committee on Foreign Relations. I took the opportunity to ask her opinion of Lugar- Obama. She stated her personal support and that of the Department and the Administration. I am pleased that efforts to craft this important effort not only have bipartisan Congressional support but the support of the Administration as well.

The U.S. response to conventional weapons threats and the lack of focus on WMD detection and interdiction assistance must be rectified if we are to provide a full and complete defense for the American people. Senator Obama and I understand that the United States cannot meet every conceivable security threat everywhere in the world. But filling the security gaps that we have described and that Secretary Rice and Under Secretary Joseph have confirmed, should be near the top of our list of priorities. We do not believe these problems have received adequate resources and look forward to working with our colleagues in the Senate to rectify the situation.

Mr. President, today I mark the passing of a great Hoosier newspaperman and civic leader, James C. Barbieri.

My condolences go out to his wife Barbara, his son Chuck, his daughter Cindi, and his four grandchildren and one great grandchild. They shared this remarkable man with the wonderful community of Bluffton, IN, which also mourns his passing.

Beginning in 1950, Jim Barbieri worked almost every job conceivable at the Bluffton, IN, News-Banner. He was a reporter, advertising salesman, and circulation director. He became general manager of the venerable Wells County publication in 1975 and then coowner, president, and publisher in 1986.

It was not unusual that on any given day he might write every page-1 story, the editorial, and if someone called in sick, he would pick up a delivery route, too. He was always available because he only missed 1 day of work over a 50-year stretch.

Born and raised in Park Ridge, IL, he attended DePauw University in Indiana where he was editor of the student newspaper. After serving his country in the Army during the Korean War, Jim worked briefly at The Chicago American before coming to Bluffton.

In 2005, the Hoosier State Press Association awarded Jim the Charlie Biggs Commitment to Community Award.

Jim Barbieri had that venerable smalltown newspaperman ready opinion on virtually everything that passes us by in life. Whether it was roads, parks, or the time Indiana should set its clocks in the summer, Jim used his unique forum to editorialize. I knew he was always looking over my shoulder providing ready comment on anything I did in the State, national, or international arena.

On visits to Bluffton, Jim Barbieri would cover the community event I was attending and then, in an extensive interview, explore my thoughts on the issues of the day. He would then exhaustively report all of it in the newspaper astutely and accurately.

He did not cease to impress all with his indefatigability. At the celebration of his 50 years with The News-Banner, Jim wrote this poem:

So that the way I work may be out of date,

But don't try to bend me and make me go straight.

Let me go on in my very old fashion

Covering the news with an old time passion.

The style in which my career has been blest,

To you may be faulty, but I (gave) it my best.

When God takes me home at the end of my years,

He'll not straighten me out and pop all my gears.

He'll say ``you, reporter, for the sins that you bring,

We'll take you like you are with a bent angelic wing.''

And we all know that Heaven could not run well

Without a journalist to give them all hell.

So in the celestial press room we bid you to trod,

But don't ever misquote Peter or misspell God.

Mr. President, I wish today to share with my colleagues the winners of the 2005-2006 Dick Lugar/Indiana Farm Bureau/ Farm Bureau Insurance Companies Youth Essay Contest.

In 1985, I joined with the Indiana Farm Bureau to sponsor an essay contest for eighth grade students in my home State. The purpose of this contest is to encourage young Hoosiers to recognize and appreciate the importance of Indiana agriculture in their lives and subsequently craft an essay responding to the assigned theme. I, along with my friends at the Indiana Farm Bureau and Farm Bureau Insurance Companies, am pleased with the annual response to this contest and the quality of the essays received over the years.

I congratulate Sangeeth Jeevan, of Vigo County, and Brittany Blazier, of Wells County, as winners of this year's contest, and I ask to have printed in the Record the complete text of their respective essays. Likewise, I would like to include the names of all of the district and county winners of the 2005-2006 Dick Lugar/Indiana Farm Bureau/Farm Bureau Insurance Companies Youth Essay Contest.

The material follows.

Indiana Farm Super Heroes

(By Sangeeth Jeevan--Vigo County)

Introducing the Indiana Farm Super Heroes!

Corn Man--with his super riboflavin power to boost energy,

can change from a solid, corn starch, to a liquid, corn

syrup.

Wheat Gal--with her supernatural ability to deliver more

energy with carbohydrates and make food delicious!

Powerful Poultry--delivering protein needed to build muscle

and provide the best tasting meat!

Big Beef--teams up with the Powerful Poultry to provide

even more protein.

Potato Pal--a tasty hero that delivers the carbohydrates to

energize our health.

Vivacious Veggies--these veggies pack a punch of healthy

vitamins and minerals essential for our health!

Today, they will face the challenge of creating a

nutritious cookout.

Corn Man: Ok team, what should we do? We need to create the

best cookout only with Indiana farm products.

Wheat Gal: I have an idea. Maybe Big Beef should help

create a delicious steak!

Powerful Poultry: Yeah, and I could make some mouth

watering chicken skewers!

Corn Man: Yeah! Good thinking, Wheat Gal. Veggies, do you

think you can create some kind of barbecue sauce for the

meat?

Vivacious Veggies: Of course! We could use our tomatoes

packed with vitamin C.

Corn Man: Great. I can create a couple of scrumptious

grilled corn-on-the-cob!

Wheat Gal: MMM! This cookout sounds tasty. Maybe I can

create some buns for cheeseburgers. Hey, Big Beef, do you

think you can help me?

Big Beef: Of course! After all, burgers are my specialty.

Hey, can you Veggies help me add some condiments?

Vivacious Veggies: Coming right up!

Potato Pal: Maybe I can whip up some snacks for us; say how

do potato chips sound!

Everybody: GREAT!!!

Powerful Poultry: I can't believe we can make all these

cookout foods just from Indiana farm products. It's amazing!

Wheat Gal: Yeah, and to think these items are so delicious

and nutritious!

Corn Man: This is the best cookout ever!

Mr. President, I rise today to introduce, at the request of the administration, its proposed legislation to implement the recently concluded U.S.-India Civilian Nuclear Agreement.

By providing this draft legislation to the Senate and the House of Representatives, the administration has taken the first step in initiating the congressional review of the U.S.-Indian Civilian Nuclear Agreement. The Committee on Foreign Relations has held one hearing on the issue thus far. Under Secretaries of State Nick Burns and Bob Joseph, as well as outside experts testified on the matter. Last week I joined with a number of House and Senate colleagues in discussing the agreement with President Bush at the White House. In recent weeks I have met repeatedly with administration officials on this matter and look forward to commencing the Committee on Foreign Relations' review of the agreement.

The Committee on Foreign Relations will review the proposed nuclear cooperation agreement, the Indian separation plan, and this legislation closely. The committee will commence the review with a classified briefing from Under Secretaries Nick Burns and Bob Joseph the last week of March. During the first week of April Secretary Rice will testify in an open hearing. The week we return from the Easter congressional recess the committee will receive testimony from panels of outside experts who both support and oppose the agreement. This schedule should be looked on as the beginning of the oversight and review process; it is possible additional committee hearings and briefings will be necessary.

I look forward to working with my colleagues and the administration to review this agreement to fulfill our Constitutional role on this important matter.

Mr. President, I rise today to introduce the ``Energy Diplomacy and Security Act,'' legislation that recognizes energy security to be a foremost concern for United States national security, and would realign our diplomatic priorities to meet energy security challenges.

Energy issues pose a multitude of challenges for United States national security, foreign policy, economy, and environment. Meeting these challenges requires a rigorous and farsighted policy to move us toward a sustainable energy future, which will include international partnership. The bill calls upon the President to improve the focus and coordination of Federal agency activities in international energy affairs. The bill further would ensure that concern for energy security is integrated into the State Department's core mission and activities, and to this end, it calls for the creation of a Coordinator for International Energy Affairs within the Office of the Secretary.

The bill calls upon the Federal Government to expand international cooperation on energy issues. The bill seeks to enhance international preparedness for major disruptions in oil supplies. A particular priority is to offer a formal coordination agreement with China and India as they develop strategic petroleum reserves. This would help draw them into the international system, providing supply reassurance, and thereby reducing potential for conflict. The bill also calls for extension of petroleum supply disruption to developing nations which are most vulnerable.

The bill would also stimulate regional partnerships in the Western Hemisphere. Most of our oil and virtually all of our gas imports come from this Hemisphere. The bill would create a Western Hemisphere Energy Forum modeled on the APEC energy working group. This would provide a badly-needed mechanism for hemispheric energy cooperation and consultation, and would promote private investment in the Hemisphere.

Finally, the bill would enhance international partnerships with both major energy producing and consuming countries. We must engage major oil and natural gas producing countries. Not working with major oil and gas exporters will lead to unproductive political

showdowns and conflict. Strategic energy partnerships with other major consuming countries are also crucial for our national security. Energy security is a priority we hold in common with other import dependent countries, and partnership with the world's largest consumers will increase leverage in relation to petro-states and speed our own conversion to sustainable energy sources. In addition to seeking new avenues of cooperation, the bill would give focus to existing bilateral energy dialogues, which have lacked clear objectives and political backing.

I look forward to working with my colleagues and the Administration to pursue a foreign policy that meets the grave national security challenges posed by the global energy situation.

Mr. President, I rise today to introduce the ``Energy Diplomacy and Security Act,'' legislation that recognizes energy security to be a foremost concern for United States national security, and would realign our diplomatic priorities to meet energy security challenges.

Energy issues pose a multitude of challenges for United States national security, foreign policy, economy, and environment. Meeting these challenges requires a rigorous and farsighted policy to move us toward a sustainable energy future, which will include international partnership. The bill calls upon the President to improve the focus and coordination of Federal agency activities in international energy affairs. The bill further would ensure that concern for energy security is integrated into the State Department's core mission and activities, and to this end, it calls for the creation of a Coordinator for International Energy Affairs within the Office of the Secretary.

The bill calls upon the Federal Government to expand international cooperation on energy issues. The bill seeks to enhance international preparedness for major disruptions in oil supplies. A particular priority is to offer a formal coordination agreement with China and India as they develop strategic petroleum reserves. This would help draw them into the international system, providing supply reassurance, and thereby reducing potential for conflict. The bill also calls for extension of petroleum supply disruption to developing nations which are most vulnerable.

The bill would also stimulate regional partnerships in the Western Hemisphere. Most of our oil and virtually all of our gas imports come from this Hemisphere. The bill would create a Western Hemisphere Energy Forum modeled on the APEC energy working group. This would provide a badly-needed mechanism for hemispheric energy cooperation and consultation, and would promote private investment in the Hemisphere.

Finally, the bill would enhance international partnerships with both major energy producing and consuming countries. We must engage major oil and natural gas producing countries. Not working with major oil and gas exporters will lead to unproductive political

showdowns and conflict. Strategic energy partnerships with other major consuming countries are also crucial for our national security. Energy security is a priority we hold in common with other import dependent countries, and partnership with the world's largest consumers will increase leverage in relation to petro-states and speed our own conversion to sustainable energy sources. In addition to seeking new avenues of cooperation, the bill would give focus to existing bilateral energy dialogues, which have lacked clear objectives and political backing.

I look forward to working with my colleagues and the Administration to pursue a foreign policy that meets the grave national security challenges posed by the global energy situation.

Mr. President, for the Committee on Foreign Relations I report favorably the following nomination list which was printed in the Record on the date indicated, and ask unanimous consent, to save the expense of reprinting on the Executive Calendar that this nomination lie at the Secretary's desk for the information of Senators.

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

Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the Senate proceed to the immediate consideration of calendar No. 370, H.R. 1053.

Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the bill be read the third time, passed, the motion to reconsider be laid upon the table, and that any statements relating to the bill be printed in the Record.

I further ask consent that S. 632, the Senate companion measure, be indefinitely postponed.

Mr. President, last November, the Senate passed a bill I introduced, S. 632, authorizing the extension of permanent normal trade relations with Ukraine. During the post-Cold War era, Ukraine has continued to be subject to the provisions of the Jackson-Vanik amendment to the Trade Act of 1974, which sanctions nations for failure to comply with freedom of emigration requirements. My bill repeals permanently the application of Jackson-Vanik to Ukraine.

Yesterday, the House of Representatives passed H.R. 1053, the House companion to my bill. I am extremely pleased that the Senate has passed this legislation today.

Since the end of the Cold War, Ukraine has demonstrated a commitment to meet freedom of emigration requirements, and to abide by free market principles and good governance. Improving trade will strengthen the growing relationship between our two nations. The United States will continue its strong support of Ukraine and its commitment to democracy and free markets.

I encourage President Yushchenko to continue his no-tolerance policy for antisemitism in Ukraine. I look forward to President Bush signing this bill into law as a further signal of United States support for democracy and free enterprise in Ukraine. This is especially important before the parliamentary elections in Ukraine on March 26.

Extraordinary events have occurred in Ukraine. A free press has revolted against intimidation and reasserted itself. An emerging middle class has found its political footing. A new generation has embraced democracy and openness. A society has rebelled against the illegal activities of the previous government. It is in our interest to recognize and to protect these advances in Ukraine.

The United States has a long record of cooperation with Ukraine through the Nunn-Lugar Cooperative Threat Reduction Act. Ukraine inherited the third largest nuclear arsenal in the world with the fall of the Soviet Union.

Through the Nunn-Lugar program, the United States has assisted Ukraine in eliminating this deadly arsenal and joining the Nonproliferation Treaty as a nonnuclear state. The United States can and should do more to eliminate conventional weapons stockpiles and assist other nations in detecting and interdicting weapons of mass destruction. These functions are underfunded, fragmented, and in need of high-level support.

This was pointed out to me during a visit Senator Barack Obama and I enjoyed in Ukraine in early September of last year.

The Government's current response to threats from vulnerable conventional weapons stockpiles is dispersed between several programs at the Department of State. We believe the planning, coordination, and implementation of this function should be consolidated into one office at the State Department with a budget that is commensurate with the threat posed by these weapons.

We look forward to continuing to address these issues and making progress on all fronts in Ukraine. The permanent waiver of Jackson- Vanik and the establishment of permanent normal relations will be the foundation on which a burgeoning partnership between our nations can further grow and prosper.

Mr. President, I am pleased to mention that on this auspicious day of our relations with Ukraine, the Foreign Minister of Ukraine is in Washington. We have had opportunities to visit, to share views, and to assert, once again, the solidarity of our friendship.

Mr. President, I rise to submit a resolution declaring today International Women's Day 2006.

International Women's Day is a day on which we celebrate the progress of women and rededicate ourselves to overcoming the inequities that they face around the globe. Almost one hundred years ago, when the first International Women's Day was celebrated, women in this country and in Europe were fighting for the right to vote and to participate fully in the political process.

Today, nearly one hundred years later, we can celebrate the fact that, in the United States and Europe, many of these barriers have been broken down, and that women now not only vote, but participate in our government at its highest levels. In the past year, we have seen historic elections in Afghanistan and Iraq, where women were voters and candidates. In Kuwait, women are now able to vote and run for parliament. Voters in Liberia have elected the first female head of state in Africa, Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf, and Chile is just days away from the inauguration of Michele Bachelet, the country's first female president.

Despite these accomplishments, in many places around the world, women are still fighting for their basic rights. Often, especially in developing countries, women and girls lack full political, academic, and economic equality. Two-thirds of the estimated 875 million illiterate adults in the world are women. Girls frequently continue to be denied access to primary education, and constitute the majority of the estimated 121 million children around the globe who do not attend school.

The lives and health of women and girls continue to be particularly vulnerable to violence. Women are trafficked across international borders for forced labor, domestic servitude, and sexual exploitation. In armed conflict situations and other humanitarian emergencies, women and children risk a range of abuses including sexual exploitation, trafficking and gender-based violence.

The HIV/AIDS crisis is particularly devastating to women and girls. Women now account for one-half of all

HIV and AIDS cases, and in sub-Saharan Africa, young girls aged 15 through 24 are three times more likely to be infected with HIV than young men. Not only are women and girls more vulnerable to infection, they are also shouldering much of the burden of caring for sick and dying relatives and friends. In addition, in the vast majority of cases, they are the caretakers of the estimated 14 million children who have been orphaned by this pandemic. Often, widows and orphans have difficulties asserting their inheritance rights, even when those rights are spelled out in law. This often leaves the most vulnerable women and children impoverished and homeless.

The inequality that is devastating the lives of women around the world requires our commitment to ending it. Last year, I co-sponsored with Senator Biden the Protection of Vulnerable Populations During Humanitarian Emergencies Act of 2005, which the Committee on Foreign Relations supported as an amendment to our Foreign Affairs Authorization Act for Fiscal Years 2006 and 2007. Our bill seeks to ensure that U.S. foreign assistance programs are a force for protecting women, children, and other vulnerable populations in the wake of military conflict and natural disasters.

In addition, last year the President signed into law the Orphans and Vulnerable Children Act, which I authored and introduced in 2004. This law requires the Administration to develop a comprehensive strategy to assist the millions of orphans left behind by the AIDS pandemic. The strategy must include programs to remove barriers to education, such as school fees, that keep orphans, and especially girls, out of the classroom. The law also requires the Administration to support programs that protect the inheritance rights of orphans and widows with children, and to support programs that assist village-based organizations, the main infrastructure for the care of orphans and the millions of women taking care of them.

International Women's Day is a day for each of us to reflect upon the remarkable progress that women around the world have made, and to remember that much remains to be done. I am hopeful that Senators will join me in recognizing this important day.

Mr. President, I today pay tribute to David Lee Evans, who had been a member of the staff of the Committee on Foreign Relations. He was a much loved Senate employee who was universally respected for his professionalism, patience, and generosity. Dave passed away last week at age 65.

Dave was born on October 23, 1940, in Baltimore, MD. He graduated from Kenwood High School, and attended Howard Community College. Dave served the Government as a journeyman printer and as a member of the Foreign Relations Committee staff for nearly 23 years. In addition to his service as a printer with the Government Printing Office, he had been Chief Clerk and Assistant Chief Clerk to the committee during the 1970's. Dave ably served under Foreign Relations Committee Chairmen Fulbright, Sparkman, Church, Helms, Biden and myself.

Committee members and staff relied heavily on Dave to shepherd our many publications through all aspects of the printing process. As a returning chairman in 2003, I brought in a new majority staff, many of whom were working for a Senate committee for the first time. Dave was indispensable in teaching these staff members committee printing procedures and patiently answering their many questions. Dave's skills, technical ability and good humor made it possible to meet our many deadlines.

During the last 6 years that Dave served the committee, we printed more than 400 documents, including executive and legislative reports, hearings, and other materials. Without Dave's tireless efforts and hard work, the committee would not have been able to produce such a huge volume of material. Dave took great pride in his work and ensured that the material he produced met his and the committee's high standards. Every publication Dave printed reflected favorably on the committee, the Senate, and the U.S. Government as a whole.

In addition to his extensive public service, Dave will be remembered as a loyal friend and loving husband and father. He is survived by his wife Angela, who is currently the Executive Clerk of the Committee on Foreign Relations; four children, David T. Evans, Christopher Evans, Kathleen Canby, and Susan Hennegan; a stepson, Jeffrey Morris; six grandchildren; and a brother.

All who knew Dave will miss his kindness and grace. The thoughts of the entire Foreign Relations Committee are with his family as they remember and celebrate the life of an exemplary man.

Mr. President, for the Committee on Foreign Relations I report favorably the following nomination lists which were printed in the Records on the dates indicated, and ask unanimous consent, to save the expense of reprinting on the Executive Calendar that these nominations lie at the Secretary's desk for the information of Senators.

Mr. President, in this era defined by rapid globalization and the fight against terrorism, an increased focus on international studies and foreign language instruction in our schools is critical to maintaining our country's global leadership position. In order to foster the continued expansion of economic development and democratic institutions across the globe, we need citizens and workers who are knowledgeable of other cultures and languages.

This need has become painfully evident in recent years as our Armed Forces, intelligence agencies, and diplomatic services have struggled to find personnel fluent in languages such as Arabic and Farsi and knowledgeable of the traditions and customs of the Middle East. At the same time, growing economic opportunities in Asia have put a premium on knowledge of languages such as Chinese, Hindi, Japanese, and Korean.

Fortunately, we are seeing welcomed movement in confronting this challenge. Recently, President Bush launched the National Security Language Initiative to increase the number of Americans learning critical foreign languages. And today, the Committee for Economic Development, CED, a nonpartisan organization of business leaders and university presidents, has released a new policy statement, Education for Global Leadership: The Importance of International Studies and Foreign Language Education for U.S. Economic and National Security. This report provides recommendations for the public and private sectors for strengthening and expanding international studies and foreign language instruction across all levels of learning.

I welcome these developments and encourage my colleagues to review the CED's recommendations and join in this critical effort to enhance our economic and national security.

Mr. President, I rise today to offer legislation urging the

Administration to develop a United States--Poland Parliamentary Youth Exchange Program.

The purpose of this exchange program is to demonstrate to the youth of the United States and Poland the benefits of friendly cooperation between the U.S. and Poland based on common political and cultural values. I have long been an active supporter of the Congress-Bundestag Exchange program and am hopeful that this new endeavor will make similarly important lasting contributions to the U.S.-Polish relationship.

As a Rhodes Scholar, I had the opportunity to discover international education at Pembroke College--my first trip outside of the United States. The parameters of my imagination expanded enormously during this time, as I gained a sense of how large the world was, how many talented people there were, and how many opportunities one could embrace. Student exchange programs do more than benefit individual scholars and advance human knowledge. Such programs expand ties between nations, improve international commerce, encourage cooperative solutions to global problems, prevent war, and give participants a chance to develop a sense of global service and responsibility.

Funding a great foreign exchange program is a sign of both national pride and national humility. Implicit in such a program is the view that people from other nations view one's country and educational system as a beacon of knowledge--as a place where international scholars would want to study and live. But it is also an admission that a nation does not have all the answers--that our national understanding of the world is incomplete. It is an admission that we are just a part of a much larger world that has intellectual, scientific, and moral wisdom that we need to learn.

The United States and Poland have enjoyed close bilateral relations since the end of the Cold War. Most recently, Poland has been a strong supporter of efforts led by the United States to combat global terrorism, and has contributed troops to and led coalitions in both Afghanistan and Iraq. Poland also cooperates closely with the United States on such issues as democratization, human rights, regional cooperation in Eastern Europe, and reform of the United Nations. As a member of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, NATO, and the European Union, EU, Poland has demonstrated its commitment to democratic values and is a role model in its region.

I believe that it is important to invest in the youth of the United States and Poland in order to strengthen long-lasting ties between both societies. After receiving for many years international and U.S. financial assistance, Poland is now determined to invest its own resources toward funding a U.S.-Poland exchange program. To this end, the Polish Foreign Minister unambiguously stated that Poland welcomed the opportunity to be an equal partner in funding important efforts.

I ask my colleagues to support this legislation.