Floor Statements

Mr. President, I wish today to recognize the public service contributions of Diane Wolf. I also wish to join in cosponsoring the Senate resolution expressing condolences to the family of Ms. Wolf upon her unexpected passing. Diane Wolf was a unique and remarkable individual. Diane Wolf was very inspired by our democratic institutions and, with an abundance of energy and goodwill, she inspired others to share her appreciation for the blessings of our liberties and the institutions that protect them. She was an enthusiastic student of the form and process of our representative democracy and she greatly admired the structures that house our government, especially the ``Shrine of Democracy''--the U.S. Capitol.

It was her appreciation of the art, architecture, and history of the Capitol that initially brought Ms. Wolf to my attention. At that time, Ms. Wolf served as a member of the U.S. Commission of Fine Art, which oversees the design of U.S. coins. During my second tenure as majority leader of the Senate in 1988, I sponsored and achieved passage of a bill establishing the Capitol Preservation Commission and a bill authorizing the Congressional Bicentennial Coin Program. As these legislative items were developed, considered, and passed, Diane Wolf provided a wealth of ideas, expertise, and counsel, and the results of her efforts will prove beneficial to Americans and their Capitol for perhaps as long as this building shall stand.

As stated in the Capitol Preservation Commission law, the purpose of that Commission is to provide for ``improvements in, preservation of, and acquisitions for, the United States Capitol'' Additionally, through the Congressional Bicentennial Coin Program, Congress celebrated its inception and history by authorizing the minting of three commemorative coins, the surcharges of which were made available to the Capitol Preservation Commission for the preservation and improvement of the Capitol. As I stated on the Senate floor on October 7, 1988, these proceeds would provide historic art, furnishings, and documents for display in public areas of the Capitol to be seen by millions of Americans and international visitors for generations to come.

Diane Wolf was a very accomplished individual. She earned her undergraduate degree cum laude from the University of Pennsylvania, became a teacher with masters degree in education from Columbia University, and later became an attorney after graduating the Georgetown University Law Center. She served as President of the Capitol Hill chapter of the Federal Bar Association and was a member of the Senate Preservation Board of Trustees. Ms. Wolf also contributed actively to several other national and local civic organizations. She served on boards and councils supporting the National Archives, the Library of Congress, National Public Radio, the National Trust for Historic Preservation, Georgetown University Law Center, the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars, the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, the National Symphony

Orchestra, the Washington National Opera, and the Smithsonian Council for American Art. In New York City, Ms. Wolf served on the Rockefeller University Council and was a benefactor of the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

Finally, Mr. President, no description of Diane Wolf would be complete without recognizing the generosity of her spirit, the strength of her character, and the cheerful nature of her personality. She met everyone with a bright smile, and very often she humbly and quietly lent a hand to others, asking nothing in return. She was respected by Members of Congress and their staff, not only for her knowledge and advice, but also for her genuine friendliness, gracefulness, and humor. She was much admired and appreciated by everyone in the Capitol community, including secretaries, doorkeepers, elevator operators, and Capitol Police alike.

Diane Wolf will be missed. I join my Senate colleagues in conveying to her family deepest condolences, and with great respect repeat here the words of Adon 'Olam, one of the most familiar hymns in all of Jewish liturgy:

Adon 'Olam

The Lord of all, who reigned supreme Ere first Creation's

form was framed; When all was finished by His will His

Name Almighty was proclaimed.

When this our world shall be no more, In majesty He still

shall reign, Who was, who is, who will for aye In

endless glory still remain.

Alone is He, beyond compare, Without division or ally;

Without initial date or end, Omnipotent He rules on

high.

He is my God and Savior too, To whom I turn in sorrow's

hour--My banner proud, my refuge sure--Who hears and

answers with His power.

Then in His hand myself I lay, And trusting, sleep; and wake

with cheer; My soul and body are His care; The Lord

doth guard, I have no fear!

Mr. President, on January 31, 2008, the Senate Librarian, Mr. Greg Harness, will retire. With his departure, we will lose a dedicated, loyal, and very important member of the Senate family.

The Senate Library is a fundamental part of the U.S. Senate. Operating under the direction of the Secretary of the Senate, the Senate Library serves as both a legislative and general reference library, and provides a wide variety of information services to Senators and our staffs in a prompt and timely fashion. It maintains a comprehensive collection of congressional and governmental publications and of materials relating to the specialized needs of the Senate.

The origins of this unique and important institution date back to 1792, when the Senate directed the Secretary ``to procure and deposit in his office, the laws of the states, for the use of the Senate.'' The first Senate Librarian to be appointed was George S. Wagner, who officially commenced his duties on July 1, 1871.

In 1997, Greg Harness became the 17th Senate Librarian. A native of North Dakota, Mr. Harness began work in the Senate Library on October 20, 1975, as a reference librarian. He planned to work only a few years in Washington and then return to North Dakota to attend law school. Fortunately, his plans changed.

Mr. Harness continued his employment in the Senate Library for the next 32 years. As a reference librarian, Mr. Harness was a wonderful and pleasant person with whom to work. He undertook every request, no matter how large or small, how urgent or demanding, whether from the majority or the minority, and answered it effectively, professionally, and promptly. He always took that extra step to ensure that the Senator or his staff member received the best, the most accurate, and the most recent information.

As the Senate Librarian, Mr. Harness directed the administrative and professional operations of the Senate Library. He oversaw the movement of the Library from the Capitol to the Russell Building in 1999 and oversaw the design of the new Senate Library. More important, he continued that same cooperative, helpful attitude that he had always displayed as a reference librarian. As a result, he set a model of superior service for his entire staff.

Mr. President, I want to take this opportunity to thank Mr. Harness for his years of loyalty to the Senate, as well as his dedicated and distinguished service. And, I want him to know that my staff and I will certainly miss him. I wish him happiness and success as he enters the next phase of his life.

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

Mr. President, I see that the very able Senator from New York, Mr. Schumer, is on the floor. May I ask if he wishes me to yield to him.

Mr. President, I am glad to do so.

I thank the Senator.

Madam President, soon the Senate will recess for Christmas. Members will travel home to their families and to their States to share in Christmas parades and tree lightings, Christmas cantatas, and festivals of lights. They will decorate their own trees and attend the Christmas season celebrations in their own churches. Some will make trips to Iraq or Afghanistan, while others will comfort people who are struggling to recover from wildfires or the recent devastating snow and ice storms that have left so many homeless and without power. I join in the prayers for their swift recoveries, and I rejoice in the fellowship and the support that are flowing to Americans in need all across the Nation and all around the world. That fellowship and that support is the true spirit of the Christmas season.

Everywhere, everywhere, Christmas tonight!

Christmas in lands of the fir-tree and pine,

Christmas in lands of the palm-tree and vine,

Christmas where snow peaks solemn and white,

Christmas where cornfields stand sunny and bright.

Christmas where children are hopeful and gay,

Christmas where old men [like I] are patient and gray,

Christmas, where peace, like a dove in its flight,

Broods o'er brave men in the thick of the fight;

Everywhere, everywhere, Christmas tonight!

For the Christ-child who comes is the Master of all;

No palace too great, no cottage too small.

Christmas is a special time, no matter where the season finds us. Somehow, Christmas lights create their special magic, whether they are hung on snow-laden pine trees or wrapped around stately palm trees. Christmas carols never fail to bring a nostalgic glow, as they bring to mind our childhood celebrations. The smells and fragrances of Christmas recall their own delightful memories--the tang of pine boughs brought indoors, the spicy warmth of cinnamon, cardamom, cloves and mace, the licorice scent of anise, the exotic aroma of nutmeg. Christmas baking is one of the best parts of the holiday--Erma always looked forward to that part. Christmas baking is one of the best parts of the holiday, she would say--as the house fills with mouth-watering aromas. My own childhood Christmases were spare, not lavish, but they were full of love, given to me by a wonderful old couple who have gone on now to meet their reward in heaven.

Today's Christmases should be full of special food and lots of music, and if it were like it used to be, it would be played by me, that music would be, on my fiddle, to entertain my mom and dad, their friends and their borders. My mom ran a boarding house. We never had very much at Christmas, not much compared to some of the extravagant gifts advertised these days, but our simple celebrations left us more time to enjoy some company or the church services or read a Christmas story together.

Every family, every town builds its own Christmas traditions. Some families visit or host Christmas open houses. Other families gather for a traditional Christmas meal. In some towns, people bundle up to watch floats go by in the annual Christmas parade, followed by a tree lighting ceremony. We have done that in the Nation's capital. I myself have lit the tree. There are Christmas tree lighting ceremonies at the White House and on Capitol Hill. At Arlington Cemetery and at other veterans cemeteries around the Nation, the simple act of a single man has grown into a Wreaths Across America, an effort to put fresh wreaths on the graves of veterans across the Nation, honoring those who will never be home again for Christmas. Other volunteer efforts send living Christmas trees to the troops overseas so they, too--our troops, your troops, my troops; our soldiers, sailors, and our airmen--can share in the Christmas season. In the busy press of family traditions, it is heartwarming to discover how many people still find time to remember and celebrate the sacrifices made by others.

Although Christmas can bring with it even busier schedules for already busy people and monetary stresses for parents trying to make the day a special holiday for their children, it is important to recall the greatest gift of Christmas is the one embodied in the nativity scene--the great gift of unconditional love and hope wrapped in swaddling clothes, given by our Creator--our Creator Almighty God--to inspire us with His teachings of good will and caring toward all men.

And so, my colleagues, my friends, dear ones all of you; staff, those who watch over us every day, it is my Christmas wish that we all keep more of that Christmas spirit with us throughout the coming year. Charles Dickens said it best:

I will hold Christmas in heart, and try to keep it all the

year.

I guess it was the American editor and author, Oren Arnold, who lived from 1900 until 1980, who suggested a wonderful Christmas gift list for all of us:

To your enemy, forgiveness; to an opponent, tolerance; to a

friend, your heart; to a customer, service; to all, charity;

to every child, a good example; to yourself, respect.

Madam President, I wish you and Louisiana, near the great bay and the waters which wash over the soil on which I used to walk with my wife--I wish you, Madam President, and everyone listening, a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year filled with peace and happiness. My God bless you all.

I yield the floor.

Madam President, I thank the incredible Senator who now holds the floor and speaks with such aplomb and dignity, befitting a Roman Senator.

Shame.

Five days.

Hear that? Five days.

Less than 1 day.

Mr. President, how much time do I have?

Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that I may speak for as long as I wish to consume. That will not be very long. I cannot talk about Senator Lott in 3 minutes.

I thank my colleagues, Mr. President.

Mr. President, in his political memoir, ``Herding Cats: A Life in Politics,'' our distinguished colleague, the former majority leader, Senator Trent Lott, noted that he viewed his ``years in Washington as a magnificent experience, with many more mountaintops than valleys.'' How is that? Let me say that again: He viewed his ``years in Washington as a magnificent experience, with many more mountaintops than valleys.''

What a wonderful way to look at one's experience in the U.S. Congress. Everyone in public life knows there are valleys. Life may be unfair, but in public life, that unfairness, I daresay, is magnified tenfold. But as Senator Lott explains, he prefers to look at the mountaintops, and his political life has been one of many mountaintop experiences.

This son of a shipyard worker and public school teacher was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in 1972. He was in the House for 16 years, where he distinguished himself by serving with great aplomb on the House Rules Committee as his party whip. I know something about that party whip. That ain't easy.

In 1988, he left his safe and secure seat in the House to run for the Senate. Reach for the stars. In the Senate, Senator Lott has served as Republican conference secretary, Republican Senate whip, Senate minority leader, and Senate majority leader. As the Senate

whip, Senator Lott became the first Republican ever elected to the whip positions in both Houses of Congress.

As the Republican Senate leader, Senator Lott served with dignity and with diplomacy. Diplomacy was his tool. He was a facilitator who sought to bring differing political factions together on key legislative issues.

Trent Lott established solid, productive relationships with the Senate Democratic leaders in order to keep legislation moving, moving, moving to the floor. Make no mistake, as a conservative Republican, Senator Trent Lott has always been combatively--combatively; underline that word, combatively--partisan in his thinking and his approach to public policy, but--a big conjunction here--but he never allowed his partisanship to become stubborn or nihilistic or destructive. No, never.

Senate Majority Leader Reid--that is Harry Reid, Senator Harry Reid, majority leader--recently commented on how closely he has worked with Senator Lott. They negotiated. They negotiated. Together they worked out compromises, which, as they say, is the art of politics and the legislative process. Majority Leader Reid then explained:

Even though Trent Lott is certainly a true conservative, we

were able, in his pragmatic fashion, to work things out.

It is not easy. Allow me to state this in another way. Senator Lott always put the good of this institution--right here, this institution-- and the good of our country first; that is, above partisan political interests or political party. For that, I have always respected him, Trent Lott, and I have always admired him.

Senator Lott takes great pride in his roots and his southern heritage. I, too, am a southerner and am proud of that. My great uncle was killed fighting for the Confederacy. As a champion of his beautiful and beloved home State of Mississippi, he was always on call for the people of the Magnolia State. This was best seen a few years ago when he was considering retiring from the Senate at the close of the 109th Congress, but feeling an obligation to help his State to recover from the deadly and devastating impact of Hurricane Katrina, Trent Lott decided to stay with us, and I, for one, am glad he did. Thank you, Trent.

In his political memoir, ``Herding Cats,'' which I mentioned a few minutes ago, Senator Lott included a special chapter entitled ``The Differences Between Friends and Colleagues.'' ``Differences Between Friends and Colleagues''--what a powerful and insightful look this is into the political realities of life and work on Capitol Hill. Senator Trent Lott pulled no punches--none--as he discussed the differences between the two. He bluntly recalled telling one person: You didn't help me when you could have. Senators, think of that. Think of that statement if it was said to you: You didn't help me when you could have. That is piercing, leaves nothing unsaid. I guess that about sums it up: You didn't help me when you could have.

I will miss Senator Trent Lott. I wish him and his very lovely wife Tricia--tell her I said hello on behalf of Erma and myself--I wish him and his lovely wife Tricia health, happiness, and success as they now embark upon the next phase of their lives. I pray they will enjoy nothing but the best. They have earned it.

Mr. President:

It isn't enough that we say in our hearts

That we like a man for his ways;

And it isn't enough that we fill our minds

With psalms of silent praise;

Nor is it enough that we honor a man

As our confidence upward mounts;

It's going right up to the man himself

And telling him so that counts.

Then when a man does a deed that you really admire,

Don't leave a kind word unsaid,

For fear that it might make him vein

Or cause him to lose his head;

But reach out your hand and tell him, ``Well done'',

And see how his gratitude swells;

It isn't the flowers we strew on the grave,

It's the word to the living that tells.

Thank you, Trent.

Mr. President, I thank the very distinguished Senator for his remarks.

Yes, Mr. President. I am glad to do so.

Mr. President, the Constitution grants to Congress an extensive array of powers, each of which in one way or another touches the lives of every 1 of the 300 million people who live in America today. But of all of those powers so carefully inscribed in article I, none is so powerful or so necessary for the welfare of our country as the power to appropriate monies--monies from the Federal Treasury. But it is not simply within the power of the Congress to appropriate funds for the operation of the Government. It is a duty that must be exercised each year without fail and without excuses. The operation of the Government to enforce our laws, to serve our people, to protect our liberties depends upon Congress providing the funds that are necessary to do so.

The bill that will soon be before the Senate, the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2008, is essential legislation for the country. It includes 11 of the 12 annual appropriations bills. In all, it appropriates $473.5 billion--spelled with a B, Mr. President, a capital B. That is $473.50 for every minute since Jesus Christ was born.

It appropriates $473.5 billion for the operations of nearly every agency in the Federal Government, save for those funded by the already- approved Defense Appropriations Act.

The bill contains an additional $42.2 billion in emergency spending, including $31 billion for the war in Afghanistan and for force protection for our troops--American troops, our troops--in Iraq. I wasn't for going there; I was against our going into Iraq. But we are there. We are talking about our troops who are there in Iraq.

The President's budget, as submitted, simply did not include sufficient funds for the health of our veterans. This bill provides $3.7 billion more than requested to make sure the Veterans' Administration can provide better care for our veterans.

The bill also includes $3 billion of emergency spending for border security, $622 million for drought relief, $300 million for firefighting in the West, and $250 million for low-income home energy assistance. Emergency funds totaling $2.4 billion are also included for peacekeeping operations in Darfur, refugee assistance, and other foreign assistance programs. We also approved $194 million for the replacement of the bridge which recently fell into the Mississippi River.

The consolidated appropriations bill contains an unprecedented level of transparency and accountability for Member-requested projects and earmarks. Each and every earmark contained in the bill or described in the explanatory statement is accounted for

in the tables that are part of the joint explanatory statement. These tables describe the project, they describe the level of funding approved, and they provide a list of the Members of either the House or the Senate who requested the item. It is there, as clear as the noonday's Sun in a cloudless sky. How is that, Bernie? We are not supposed to address other Members directly, but in this instance, I know I will be forgiven.

These tables, as I say, describe the level of funding approved and a list of the Members of either the House or the Senate who requested the item. All information required by Senate rule XLIV is included in the explanatory statement accompanying the amendment. Read it, Senate rule

Mr. President, I thank my able friend for his generous remarks, for his good work on the committee, and for his kind leadership. I wish for him and all his loved ones a very merry Christmas, in the old-time way.

I yield the floor.

Mr. President, I intend to support the amendment being offered by the Senator from Wisconsin. While I fully support the addition of the $31 billion in funding for the war in Afghanistan and for troop protection, I cannot support the President's demands that funding be given to him with no strings attached so that he may keep some 130,000 or more troops in Iraq for a sixth year. Risking the lives of more soldiers to try to win a

bad bet on Iraq represents a terrible injustice to our brave fighting men and women. Just a little more time, the President says, just a little more money, and the quagmire that is Iraq will be transformed.

The President has made clear that if he has his way, U.S. troops would still be in Iraq decades hence. What a statement by a U.S. President. What a deadly bankrupt legacy to leave. 2007 has already been the most deadly year in Iraq in terms of U.S. deaths since the invasion began, and the year is not yet over. The number of U.S. deaths has reached 3,890, and the number of wounded has surpassed 28,000. The Iraqi Government has not passed any of the legislative benchmarks that would indicate progress toward national reconciliation.

The economic rebuilding of Iraq continues to lag, financed by U.S. taxpayer dollars and marked by waste, fraud, and abuse. Oil production is sputtering and shortages of basics such as electricity and water continue unabated, despite the boondoggle that this war has been for private contractors. Evidence of ethnic cleansing is growing, as Sunnis are forced out of Shia areas and vice versa. The Iraqi Army and police forces remain riddled with sectarianism. U.S. forces continue to carry the bulk of the security burden, and while U.S. forces remain in Iraq, there is little incentive for the Iraqis to assume that duty.

Some have pointed to recent tactical successes and the reduction of violence in certain areas of Iraq as justification for continuing the occupation of Iraq. But the prowess of our troops was never in question. They have been given a job to do, and they do it with bravery and skill. The important question--the only true measure of our efforts in Iraq--is whether those tactical successes somehow add up to progress toward a lasting political solution. That progress has failed to materialize.

It is time for a change in Iraq. It is time to limit the U.S. military mission in Iraq and bring the bulk of our troops home. It is time to seriously engage our allies and the nations of the Middle East on Iraqi security issues. It is time to restore the reputation of the great United States of America by returning to the policies that made the United States an example to inspire the world, a beacon of economic prosperity, a showcase of humanitarian ideals, and benevolent assistance to people in their hour of need. It is time to shed our image as invaders and occupiers of other nations, using mercenary forces to expand our reach. It is time to unequivocally reject the notion that America condones torture. For most of my lifetime--and it has been a long one already--the world looked to the United States first when help was needed. Now, the world wonders which nation America will invade next. How far we have fallen.

The administration has used emergency proclamations and stop-loss orders to effect a back-door draft that keeps soldiers in the military, even though their terms of service have been completed. Meanwhile, the needs of our own Nation go wanting, as important equipment that could be used for domestic disasters is shipped off to Iraq, and our National Guardsmen, the first responders in emergencies, sit in the sands--the hot sands--of the Middle East.

I urge my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to vote in favor of this amendment and, thus, reaffirm our resolve to alter our disastrous course in Iraq. To vote for this amendment is to vote for our troops and to begin a reasonable new policy for Iraq. To vote for this amendment is to begin to reassert the constitutional role of the Congress as the people's check on the Executive, using the most powerful tool there ever was and ever will be in the congressional arsenal--the power of the purse. To vote for this amendment is to show the American people we are listening to them.

Keeping our troops in harm's way in support of a misbegotten war and a failed strategy is not patriotism. We must not roll the dice again, recklessly risking American lives and American treasure. It is time-- time--time--for a change.

Mr. President, I yield the floor.

Mr. President, it has been a challenging year for the Senate Appropriations Committee. When the 110th Congress convened in January 2007, only two of the annual appropriations bills had been enacted. Working with the chairman of the House Appropriations Committee, Mr. David Obey, Senator Cochran, and Representative Lewis, we immediately began work on a joint funding resolution to fund the Federal Government.

We focused on funding a short list of priorities, such as adding $3.6 billion for VA medical care; $1.6 billion for State and local law enforcement; $620 million for the National Institutes of Health; and $1.4 billion to fight AIDS and malaria in the developing world. That joint funding resolution was passed by the House and the Senate and signed into law by the President on February 15, 2007.

Almost immediately, the committee was called back into action to tackle a bill to make emergency appropriations for the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. The committee produced a prudent and responsible bill that required a new course for the war in Iraq. The bill set a goal for having most of our troops out of Iraq by January 1, 2008. Had the President signed that bill, most of our troops would already be home preparing to celebrate the new year.

Unfortunately, the President found that the bill did not support his ``stay the course'' policies and vetoed that bill on May 1, 2007. The Appropriations Committee produced another bill, totaling $120 billion, unfortunately this time stripped of the important guidance on the future of the war. That bill was again passed by the House and Senate, and this time the President signed it into law on May 25, 2007.

The committee then began its annual work of producing the regular appropriations bills. I am proud to say that the committee reported 12 individual appropriations bills, many of which were reported by unanimous, bipartisan votes. The bills that were considered on the floor of the Senate received broad, bipartisan support, and each received the affirmative vote of more than 75 Senators. And finally, the, committee--working on a bipartisan, bicameral basis--produced the complex legislation, which is now before the Senate.

My reason for detailing the work of the Appropriations Committee this year is simple: I wish to convey my personal appreciation for all of the work and cooperation of the committee's ranking member, Senator Cochran, who has time and again used his skill and experience to bring credit upon himself, the committee, and the Senate as a whole.

I also wish to commend the chairmen and ranking members of each of the 12 subcommittees. It is through their knowledge and leadership that the committee is able to craft the individual appropriations bills. It is to their great credit that the committee was able to rise to the many challenges presented this year.

I wish to express my gratitude to the staff of the Appropriations Committee. They are dedicated public servants: professional, expert, and diligent. The committee is extremely fortunate to have their services, and I thank them for all the many hours they have devoted to performing their duties.

And finally, I send to my colleague, Senator Cochran, each member of the Appropriations Committee, and all of the staff, my warmest wishes for a safe and joyous Christmas in the spirit of the old-Time Christmases and a very happy New Year.

I thank the Senator.

Right.

Right.

Shame.

Madam President, our Government should not be able to confiscate the land of private citizens in a way that is reckless or that benefits the pecuniary interests of private developers at the expense of the public good. That is why I share the concerns of many Americans about the U.S. Supreme Court's decision in Kelo v. City of New London, where the Court held that eminent domain could be used to transfer private property to other private owners for development purposes. However, today, I joined a majority of the Senate in voting against an amendment that would have unduly limited the power of eminent domain by State and local governments because the reach of the amendment was far too broad and its text had not been the subject of hearings before the Senate Committee on the Judiciary. The proposed legislation would have imposed severe Federal sanctions on State and local governments seeking to exercise eminent domain over land for perfectly legitimate and defensible reasons, including for purposes of historic preservation, conservation, to create parks, or to promote recreation or community service. I share the view of most Americans that the power of eminent domain must be exercised in a fair, prudent, and balanced way. Unfortunately, this amendment would not have accomplished that objective.

What is the floor situation, Mr. President?

Mr. President, I speak out of order for no more than 10 minutes.

Mr. President, as a son of West Virginia's southern coalfields who grew up in a coal miner's home and married a coal miner's daughter, I note that today is the 100th anniversary of the Monongah, WV, mine disaster, a particularly momentous and solemn observance for the coal miners of West Virginia.

The Monongah, WV, mine disaster remains today the worst industrial accident in American history. At least 362 coal miners lost their lives in that explosion on that cold December day, December 6, 1907. The truth is, some of the miners inside Fairmont Coal Company's No. 6 and No. 8 mines were boys--mere children, in fact--whose names did not appear on the company's official ledgers. So we may never know exactly how many lives were lost inside that mine on that dark day.

Sadly, many more miners across West Virginia and the Nation would perish, including another 78 miners in an explosion in that same West Virginia community a little over 60 years later, before Congress would respond with the Federal Coal Mine Health and Safety Act of 1969.

Coal miners are a different breed. Coal miners are bound together in ways perhaps not unlike the bonds that develop between soldiers or others whose occupations are inherently dangerous. Coal miners share a vocabulary foreign to most outsiders. Coal miners must place great trust in the persons next to them for their safety. Although mortal danger stalks them daily, in every minute of every day, this mutual trust and mutual dependence creates unusually strong bonds. Coal miners enjoy an unusually deep camaraderie.

Today in Indiana, Kentucky, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Montana, Virginia, Utah, Alabama, Wyoming, and West Virginia, coal miners are marking the 100th anniversary--that is today--of the Monongah, WV, mine disaster. They do it with reverence, and they honor their survivors. In West Virginia, we also mark December 6 as Miner Day and celebrate all coal miners--past, present, and future.

Coal remains today, this very moment, the backbone of America's energy supply. Over half of all the electricity we consume every day-- and some of it is burning here tonight in the ceiling of this Hall-- over half of all the electricity we consume every day is provided by coal miners. We must protect those coal miners. The names Alma, Darby, Crandall Canyon, and Sago remind us that mine disasters are not simply a part of the coal industry's past; they are part of our present.

As we remember the miners who lost their lives at Monongah on that cold December day in 1907, let us also recommit ourselves to protecting the health and the safety of all those men and women who so bravely toil in our coal mines today. May we also take a moment to consider that the current political debate regarding the future of coal--black diamonds--in our national energy policy is taking place under lights-- right here, for example--under lights illuminated by the work of coal miners, in the warmth of furnaces fueled by coal miners and completely independent of any foreign sheik or imam, thanks to coal miners--coal miners such as my dad, coal miners such as my wife's father, coal miners such as my brother-in-law. Coal miners, coal miners, coal miners--may God bless them.

Mr. President, I yield the floor. I suggest the absence of a quorum.