Floor Statements

Mr. President, I am proud to be submitting a resolution designating May 1, 2007, as National Child Care Worthy Wage Day. On this day, child care providers and other early childhood professionals nationwide conduct public awareness and education efforts highlighting the importance of good early childhood education for our Nation's young children. This resolution is an effort to support these initiatives and to help develop greater public awareness to our early educators and the critical work they do.

Every day, nearly 63 percent of children under the age of 5 are cared for outside their home so their parents can work. Early care and education workers, who number more than 2.3 million, make it possible for millions of parents to leave their children at day care and go to work. By enabling parents to go to work every day, our early education workers add more than $580 billion to our economy nationwide.

The importance of early education cannot be overstated. From the day they are born, children begin to learn, and the quality of care they receive will affect their language development, math skills, behavior, and general readiness for school. Our early educators help future leaders and workers of our Nation develop their social, emotional, physical and cognitive skills so they can be ready for school.

However, the committed individuals who nurture and teach these young children continue to be undervalued, with grossly low wages and lack of benefits. It is outrageous that the average salary of our early education staff is just a little over $18,000 per year, that only one- third has health insurance and even fewer have pension plans.

Early childhood educators perform essential work by supporting the development of our Nation's children. Yet poor wages and benefits have made it difficult to attract and retain high-quality early childhood care takers and educators, and one-third of all early childhood educators leave their jobs every year. This is not only unfair to our child care workers, but it undermines the quality of care that our children receive.

Our early educators deserve nothing less than to be recognized and adequately compensated for the work they do. We must give our Nation's early childcare workers wages worthy of the incredible work they do every day to train and develop the future workforce of America.

The Nation's childcare workforce, and the families who depend on them, deserve our support, and I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting this resolution.

Mr. President, I rise today with an incredibly heavy heart to talk about the tragedy at Virginia Tech. Today families and loved ones across the Nation are grieving. A community, a college, and a nation are struggling to mourn the loss of more than 30 of its best and brightest.

I rise to speak today because, as we know, it is not just Virginia that is suffering, but this is a pain that is felt all across the country. This tragedy hit particularly close to home in New Jersey. At least three New Jersey families have suffered unspeakable losses. They are enduring any parent's worst nightmare--losing a child.

These three young people had yet to carve out their path in life, but each had promising ambitions, dreams they hoped to fulfill, and diverse interests that would, no doubt, have left their mark in this world.

Matt LaPorte, a 20-year-old from Dumont, was a talented student and musician who hoped to serve in the Air Force. He was in the Air Force ROTC attending Virginia Tech on a scholarship. A former Boy Scout, Matt was known as a gifted cellist and was a drum major in his school's marching band.

Julia Pryde, from Middletown, had graduated from Virginia Tech with a degree in biological systems engineering and was working on her master's degree. She was drawn to environmental engineering and was interested in clean water issues in South America, a passion that would no doubt have led her to further travel and work abroad. Friends have described her as having a bright spirit and as someone who loved to see the world.

Michael Pohle, Jr., from Flemington, was preparing to graduate in just a few weeks. A biochemistry major, he was working on finding a job that was a good fit for him and that would keep him close to his girlfriend Marcy, whom he had planned to marry. A natural athlete, he was known for his outgoing personality and a glowing smile.

These were young, innocent, and promising lives lost in Monday's vicious attack. Those who knew and loved them may never be the same. We cannot mend the hole in the hearts of the families who are suffering, but we can honor each life lost and carry on their memory.

I join all of my fellow New Jerseyans in offering my condolences to the families and friends who knew and loved these three young people.

I also extend my thoughts and prayers to a fourth New Jersey family who has been watching over their son, Sean McQuade. I join them in hoping and praying for his full recovery.

My heart goes out to all the families who are suffering because of this senseless tragedy. Our Nation grieves with them, and we share in their sorrow.

Mr. President, I yield the floor.

Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry be authorized to conduct a hearing during the session of the Senate on Wednesday April 18, 2007, at 9:30 a.m. in SD-106, Senate Dirksen Office Building. The title of this committee hearing is ``Economic Challenges and Opportunities Facing American Agricultural Producers Today.''

Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation be authorized to hold a hearing during the session of the Senate on Wednesday, April 18, 2007, at 10 a.m., in room 253 of the Russell Senate Office building. The purpose of this hearing is to examine how America's trade policy has impacted the U.S. economy, consumers, and workers.

Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation be authorized to hold a hearing during the session of the Senate on Wednesday, April 18, 2007, at 2:30 p.m., in room 253 of the Russell Senate Office Building. The purpose of this hearing is to review the Coast Guard's proposed FY 2008 budget, and related oversight matters.

Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the Committee on Environment and Public Works be authorized to meet for a hearing on Wednesday, April 18, 2007, at 2:30 p.m., in 406 Dirksen Senate Office Building. The agenda for the hearing is the nomination of Lieutenant General Robert L. Van Antwerp, Jr., to be Chief of Engineers and Commanding General of the United States Army Corps of Engineers.

Mr. President I ask unanimous consent that the Committee on Finance be authorized to meet during the session of the Senate on Wednesday, April 18, 2007, at 10 a.m., in 215 Dirksen Senate Office Building, to hear testimony on ``Examining the Administration's Plan for Reducing the Tax Gap: What are the Goals, Benchmarks and Timetables?''

Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the Committee on Foreign Relations be authorized to meet during the session of the Senate on Wednesday, April 18, 2007, at 9:30 a.m. to hold a nomination hearing.

THE PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered.

Committee on health, education, labor, and pensions

Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions meet in executive session during the session of the Senate on Wednesday, April 18, 2007 at 10 a.m. in SH-216. We will be considering the following:

Agenda

1. S. 1082, The Prescription Drug User Fee Amendments of 2007, as amended by the Food and Drug Administration Revitilization Act.

2. The following nominations: Douglas G. Myers, of California, to be a Member of the National Museum and Library Services Board; Jeffrey Patchen, of Indiana, to be a Member of the National Museum and Library Services Board; Lotsee Patterson, of Oklahoma, to be a Member of the National Museum and Library Services Board; Stephen Porter, of the District of Columbia, to be a Member of the National Council on the Arts; Cynthia Wainscott, of Georgia, to be a Member of the National Council on Disability.

Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs be authorized to hold an off-the-floor markup during the session on Wednesday, April 18, 2007, at a time to coincide with the first vote and a place to be determined to consider pending committee business.

Agenda

Nonmination of Gregory B. Cade, of VA. to be Administrator of U.S. Fire Administration.

Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the Committee on Rules and Administration be authorized to meet during the session of the Senate on Wednesday, April 18, 2007, at 10 a.m., to conduct a hearing on Repealing Limitation on Party Expenditures on Behalf of Candidates in General Elections.

Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship be authorized to meet during the session of the Senate for a hearing entitled ``Sarbanes- Oxley and Small Business: Addressing Proposed Regulatory Changes and their Impact on Capital Markets,'' on Wednesday, April 18, 2007, beginning at 10 a.m. in room 428A of the Russell Senate Office Building.

Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the Committee on Veterans' Affairs be authorized to meet during the session of Senate on Wednesday, April 18, 2007 to hold a Business Meeting to markup the nomination of Thomas E. Harvey, of New York, to be an Assistant Secretary of Veterans' Affairs, Congressional Affairs.

Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the Joint Committee on the Library be authorized to meet during the session of the Senate on Wednesday, April 18, 2007, at 2:15 p.m., to conduct its organization meeting for the 110th Congress.

Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the Joint Committee on Printing be authorized to meet during the session of the Senate on Wednesday, April 18, 2007, at 2:30

p.m., to conduct its organization meeting for the 110th Congress.

Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the Subcommittee on Personnel and the Subcommittee on Readiness and Management Support be authorized to meet in open session during the session of the Senate on Wednesday, April 18, 2007, at 3 p.m., to receive testimony on the readiness impact of quality of life and family support programs to assist families of active duty, National Guard, and Reserve military personnel.

Mr. President, today I am introducing the Teen Pregnancy Prevention Responsibility and Opportunity Act, legislation that creates a comprehensive approach to fighting teen pregnancy and giving young people the support they need to make informed decisions.

The results of a 1997 congressionally-ordered study were released this month. The 6-year study found that youth who participate in abstinence education programs are no more or less likely to engage in sex than those who do not participate in abstinence education programs. Both groups are reported to have similar numbers of sexual partners, and to have sex for the first time at about the same age; around 15 years old. This proves that abstinence-only education isn't working.

But rather than invest in proven programs, the Bush administration continues to insist on a narrow-minded, misguided approach of abstinence-only education. As this study demonstrates, abstinence-only just doesn't cut it. The United States continues to have the highest teen-pregnancy rate and teen birth rate in the western industrialized world. In a human context, this impacts one-third of all teenage girls. In a fiscal context, these unintended pregnancies cost the United States at least $9 billion annually despite Federal appropriations of about $176 million a

year towards promoting abstinence until marriage.

American taxpayers deserve a better rate of return on their investment. American youth deserve quality education, positive role models, effective after school programs, employment opportunities, and medically and scientifically accurate family life education. The time is now for a new direction in sex education.

Adolescents need to know we care. They need to know we care as parents, as educators, as business people, as politicians, and as healthcare providers. They need to know we want them to become successful contributing members of society, but for that to happen we must commit to and invest in them. We need to be opening doors for these young people, and that is just what my Teen Pregnancy Prevention, Responsibility and Opportunity Act will do.

The Teen Pregnancy Prevention, Responsibility and Opportunity Act will establish a comprehensive program for reducing adolescent pregnancy through education and information programs, as well as positive activities and role models both in school and out of school.

While we have done a good job of progressively decreasing teen pregnancy, we can do better. With the sons of teen mothers more likely to end up in prison, and the daughters of teen mothers more likely to end up teen mothers themselves, we must act now to break this problematic cycle.

The time is now to make a real difference in the lives of our youth, and to give them the support they need to grow and lead positive lives.

Our schools, community and faith-based organizations need access to funds to teach age-appropriate, factually and medically accurate, and scientifically-based family life education.

We need programs that encourage teens to delay sexual activity.

We need to provide services and interventions for sexually active teens.

We need to educate both young men and women about the responsibilities and pressures that come along with parenting.

We need to help parents communicate with teens about sexuality.

We need to teach young people responsible decision-making.

And, we need to fund after school programs that will enrich their education, and offer character and counseling services.

We know that after school programs reduce risky adolescent behavior by involving teens in positive activities that also provide positive life skills. Teenage girls who play sports, for instance, are more likely to wait to become sexually active, and to have fewer partners. They are consequently less likely to become pregnant.

Let us join together to recommit ourselves to continuing to decrease the incidence of teen pregnancy, and recommit ourselves to offering family life education and positive after school programs that will foster responsible young adults.

The time is now to invest in our teens. We cannot afford to let doors close on them. Instead we must continue to open the door of opportunity. I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting this important legislation.

Mr. President, today I am introducing the Teen Pregnancy Prevention Responsibility and Opportunity Act, legislation that creates a comprehensive approach to fighting teen pregnancy and giving young people the support they need to make informed decisions.

The results of a 1997 congressionally-ordered study were released this month. The 6-year study found that youth who participate in abstinence education programs are no more or less likely to engage in sex than those who do not participate in abstinence education programs. Both groups are reported to have similar numbers of sexual partners, and to have sex for the first time at about the same age; around 15 years old. This proves that abstinence-only education isn't working.

But rather than invest in proven programs, the Bush administration continues to insist on a narrow-minded, misguided approach of abstinence-only education. As this study demonstrates, abstinence-only just doesn't cut it. The United States continues to have the highest teen-pregnancy rate and teen birth rate in the western industrialized world. In a human context, this impacts one-third of all teenage girls. In a fiscal context, these unintended pregnancies cost the United States at least $9 billion annually despite Federal appropriations of about $176 million a

year towards promoting abstinence until marriage.

American taxpayers deserve a better rate of return on their investment. American youth deserve quality education, positive role models, effective after school programs, employment opportunities, and medically and scientifically accurate family life education. The time is now for a new direction in sex education.

Adolescents need to know we care. They need to know we care as parents, as educators, as business people, as politicians, and as healthcare providers. They need to know we want them to become successful contributing members of society, but for that to happen we must commit to and invest in them. We need to be opening doors for these young people, and that is just what my Teen Pregnancy Prevention, Responsibility and Opportunity Act will do.

The Teen Pregnancy Prevention, Responsibility and Opportunity Act will establish a comprehensive program for reducing adolescent pregnancy through education and information programs, as well as positive activities and role models both in school and out of school.

While we have done a good job of progressively decreasing teen pregnancy, we can do better. With the sons of teen mothers more likely to end up in prison, and the daughters of teen mothers more likely to end up teen mothers themselves, we must act now to break this problematic cycle.

The time is now to make a real difference in the lives of our youth, and to give them the support they need to grow and lead positive lives.

Our schools, community and faith-based organizations need access to funds to teach age-appropriate, factually and medically accurate, and scientifically-based family life education.

We need programs that encourage teens to delay sexual activity.

We need to provide services and interventions for sexually active teens.

We need to educate both young men and women about the responsibilities and pressures that come along with parenting.

We need to help parents communicate with teens about sexuality.

We need to teach young people responsible decision-making.

And, we need to fund after school programs that will enrich their education, and offer character and counseling services.

We know that after school programs reduce risky adolescent behavior by involving teens in positive activities that also provide positive life skills. Teenage girls who play sports, for instance, are more likely to wait to become sexually active, and to have fewer partners. They are consequently less likely to become pregnant.

Let us join together to recommit ourselves to continuing to decrease the incidence of teen pregnancy, and recommit ourselves to offering family life education and positive after school programs that will foster responsible young adults.

The time is now to invest in our teens. We cannot afford to let doors close on them. Instead we must continue to open the door of opportunity. I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting this important legislation.

Mr. President, I appreciate the Senator from Iowa yielding time, and I appreciate his leadership on this issue.

Mr. President we are back again--almost a year after Congress passed breakthrough legislation--discussing embryonic stem cell research and, again, I rise in strong support of this lifesaving, life-enhancing legislation.

I am a proud cosponsor of S. 5, the Stem Cell Research Enhancement Act, because I believe the bill has the potential to make a profound and positive impact on the health of millions of Americans. I believe that it can do so in an ethical manner.

We know embryonic stem cells have the unique ability to develop into virtually every cell and tissue in the body. We know numerous frozen embryos in fertility clinics remain unused by couples at the completion of their fertility treatments. Why should they not be allowed to donate those embryos to Federal research to save lives? We allow people to donate organs to save lives. Why couldn't a couple, if they so choose, donate their frozen embryos instead of simply discarding them, throwing them away, throwing away hope?

We can do this ethically and still cure illnesses, enhance lives and, hopefully, even save lives. But the truth is, we should not even be having this debate right now because if the President had done his duty last year and not vetoed H.R. 810, this bill would already be law, and this country's dedicated medical researchers would be well on their way to discovering treatments and cures for many of the most savage diseases afflicting us. But when given the opportunity to carry out the will of the people, he stood for ideology and ignorance over science and research.

Mr. President, enough is enough. It is time for a change. I have no doubt that the Senate will pass this important legislation and thus seek to advance federally funded research on embryonic stem cells. I have no doubt that if it becomes law, the bill would save and improve lives all over America. I have no doubt that the majority of Americans want us to pass this bill into law. My only doubt is whether our President will do his duty and sign it into law.

During the last Congress, President Bush vetoed H.R. 810, crushing the hopes of millions of Americans. This year, I fear and suspect that he will follow the same misguided path. But before he takes us down that route, one that leads to more heartbreak and suffering, I have one question. Why? Why is he standing in the way of research that will save lives? Why is he keeping our parents, our children, and our friends locked in wheelchairs and hospital beds? Why is he letting conservative ideology rob the lives of so many suffering Americans?

The simple fact is, whatever the claims of those who ignore science in favor of ideology, embryonic stem cell research offers one of the most promising leaps forward in the history of medicine. Speak to those who are eager to do the research and you hear of potential cures for juvenile diabetes, Alzheimer's, Parkinson's disease, and spinal cord injuries. If we unlock the door to this research, we can find treatments and cures for these debilitating and painful diseases. We owe it to our parents, our children, and our grandchildren to unlock that door.

But President Bush prefers ignorance and pain over mercy and miracles. Where is the compassion he often speaks of? His own scientists are trying to explain the power of this research, but he continues to turn a deaf ear, refusing to listen to common sense and reason. Mr. President, it is time to start listening.

The preamble of our Constitution says all Americans have the right to ``life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.'' I believe this implies the freedom to be physically able. By not allowing embryonic stem cell research, we are prohibiting individuals from pursuing their rights. We are blocking them from a possible cure or treatment. And we are standing in the way of their freedom.

Last Congress, the interim chair of the National Institutes of Health stem cell task force, bravely and bluntly spoke of the importance of embryonic stem cell research and the drawbacks of the current policy prohibiting research.

He said:

Science works best when scientists can pursue all avenues

of research. If the cure for Parkinson's disease or juvenile

diabetes lay behind one of four doors, wouldn't you want the

option to open all four doors at once instead of one door?

How can we tell our loved ones that their cure could be waiting behind a laboratory door, but that door is locked? We must pursue all avenues of research and unlock the potential that embryonic stem cell research holds.

But if that isn't enough, recently, before the Health Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee, the Director of the NIH, Elias Zerhouni, said the great promise of human embryonic stem cell research is being impeded by President Bush's policy. He said:

It is in the best interest of our scientists, our science,

and our country that we find ways and the nation finds a way

to go full speed across adult and embryonic stem cells

equally.

So if President Bush won't listen to his own scientists, who will he listen to? Perhaps he will listen to the American people who are crying out in virtual unison for change. More than 70 percent of Americans support embryonic stem cell research. Three out of four Americans understand the hope and promise this research provides.

This bill means all the prayers for cures and therapies for Alzheimer's disease, muscular dystrophy, heart disease, and other illnesses could be answered. This bill provides a promise that families might no longer have to see a loved one suffering. This bill means hope for individuals challenged and fighting to live a life with dignity. I have met with children and families all over New Jersey who have shared their daily struggle with diseases and conditions that could be cured or treated if we were to pursue embryonic stem cell research.

Young children have come to my office and told me how they have to prick themselves with a needle, administer insulin shots, or use an internal pump on the side of their body in order to keep their juvenile diabetes under control. These children might be freed of this grave responsibility if we support embryonic stem cell research. Don't we owe them the opportunity of a better life? Don't we owe it to the husband whose wife shakes uncontrollably from Parkinson's disease to help find a cure that will restore her body? Don't we owe it to the athletes who told me about their life-altering spinal cord injuries, to give them the freedom to walk again?

None of these individuals chose their current situations. But we can choose to help get them out of those situations. We owe it to the American people, to the millions of Americans and their families suffering from life-altering disabilities and diseases, to demonstrate our Nation's full commitment to finding a cure and doing all we can to help their dreams and hopes come true. Stem cell research has vast potential for curing diseases, alleviating suffering, and saving lives. I know my colleagues recognize the enormous potential of this research, too. It is time for the President to start listening.

The question is, Why does President Bush continually ignore the American people? He ignores what the American people are saying about Iraq, and now he ignores what they are saying about embryonic stem cell research. Both decisions result in lost lives, and both decisions cause pain and suffering. This is unacceptable to me and the overwhelming majority of Americans. It should be unacceptable to the President as well.

I am very passionate and dedicated to this cause because the promise of stem cell research has personally captivated my family, like it has so many other American families. My mother suffers from severe Alzheimer's disease. When I look at her empty gaze and her shriveled body, I cannot help but wonder if we had started embryonic stem cell research years ago, would she still be suffering today, would she be cured, would she at least be able to recognize her children and her grandchildren, would she have been with me on the day I took the oath of office in this Chamber.

I don't want my children to be asking the same types of questions. We cannot wait any longer.

The Stem Cell Research Enhancement Act is an ethical life-enhancing, lifesaving piece of legislation. I believe it is the moral obligation of the United States Government and the President of the United States to allow this process--these potential cures--to be fully explored.

Embryonic stem cell research holds the promise of hope and the possible restoration of life.

We owe it to current and future generations to ensure that their lives remain as bright and prosperous as today's science allows.

It is time for the President to start listening to the American people and to the scientists, not just special interests. It is time for him to sign this important piece of legislation into law and open the door to the hope and promise of embryonic stem cell research.

It is time for hope and cures--not despair and disease.

Mr. President, I yield the floor.

Mr. President, unfortunately, I must object to the Senator's request. We passed money for the shortfall in the supplemental and we should not extend the program at the expense of the current coverage.

I look forward to working with the Senator from Georgia on reauthorization that preserves the program and the coverage that is needed, and toward that end, I ask unanimous consent that my bill dealing with SCHIP, introduced earlier today, S. 1023, be considered, read a third time, passed, and the motion to reconsider be laid on the table.

I believe there is an appropriate process to consider the Senator's request, but at this time I object.

Mr. President, in an era of energy insecurity, countries around the world are constantly being challenged to come up with new ways to meet the energy needs of their citizens. The Republic of Cyprus is currently working to develop the oil and gas deposits under the island's southern continental shelf in order to expand and diversify its energy supplies. If successful, Cyprus will also be in a position to aid its neighbors in addressing their energy needs.

Unfortunately, these plans are being hindered by individuals in Turkey and the Turkish Cypriot community who are trying to dissuade foreign partners from working with Cyprus. I believe that the Republic of Cyprus has the right to explore the natural resources located in Cypriot waters, and it is my understanding that international law would support Cyprus's actions. It is my hope that the Turkish government and members of the Turkish Cypriot community will accept Cyprus's legal right to explore these resources and will cease their attempts to sabotage future business partnerships. After years of strained relations between the Cypriot communities, I fear that such provocations will only serve to augment divisions and prevent future reunification of the island.

Cyprus's peaceful energy initiatives will promote economic development for the country and its neighbors, and it is important that such efforts proceed uninhibited. Additionally, I believe these efforts must be taken in an environmentally responsible manner. I hope that those persons currently working to derail this process will come to their senses and realize the positive effects that increased energy supplies will have on the stability and prosperity of the entire region.

Mr. President, this week, our Nation comes together to honor one of our Nation's foremost civil rights and labor leader, Cesar Estrada Chavez. I rise today, along with my colleague Senator Ken Salazar, to submit a resolution honoring the accomplishments and legacy of Cesar Chavez.

Cesar Estrada Chavez was born 80 years ago, on March 31, 1927, in Arizona to poor migrant farm workers. He and his family struggled to survive at a time when ``Whites only'' signs were still on display and when it was necessary to trade in his school books to support his family working full-time in the fields.

``But rather than just survive those times, Cesar Chavez turned his experiences into ammunition to help fight for a better life for all Americans, becoming one of our Nation's most inspirational leaders.

Following the principles of Mahatma Gandhi and Martin Luther King Jr., in 1962 Cesar Chavez co-founded the first successful farm workers union in the United States--the United Farm Workers (UFW). Through the UFW, Chavez brought many farm workers together, including Mexican- and Filipino-Americans, to fight for common goals. He also inspired hope in these workers through his great rallying catchphrase, ``Si Se Puede.''

In one of their major victories, after 5 years of boycotting table grapes, the United Farm Workers gained the first-ever collective bargaining agreement between farm workers and growers in the history of our country.

As the son of poor, working-class parents who were not afforded the benefits of a union, I am moved by Cesar Chavez's selfless work on behalf of others. Remembering his legacy reinforces my belief that all hard-working individuals deserve the right to bargain collectively to achieve better wages, better health benefits and suitable working conditions.

I am happy that New Jersey has a proud labor tradition, which would not have been possible without people committed to fairness, social justice and equality. The legacy of Cesar Chavez still resonates today, from the rural agricultural fields to the urban centers all across this Nation, and his achievements are an inspiration to all hard-working Americans who want to achieve a better quality of life.

Senator Robert F. Kennedy rightly said that Cesar Chavez was ``one of the heroic figures of our time,'' and I believe our resolution reinforces that statement. Therefore, I urge my colleagues to support this resolution, and by doing so, acknowledge that Cesar Chavez is truly an American hero.

Mr. President, I move to lay that motion on the table.

The motion to lay on the table was agreed to.

Amendment No. 716

Mr. President, today I wish to honor Las Plantadas, a group of women incarcerated for resisting the dictatorial regime of Cuba for nearly half a century. The National Association of Cuban American Women will gather on Saturday, March 24, 2007, to honor a group of Las Plantadas--Ana Lazara Rodriguez, Miriam Ortega, Genoveva Felixgraw, Clara Berta Canton Gomez, Olga Morgan and Gladys B. Campaneria Herrera--with the Elena Mederos Award during a Women's History Month Celebration at Schuetzen Park, in North Bergen, NJ.

The Elena Mederos Award was instituted by the National Association of Cuban American Women in memory of Dr. Elena Mederos, 1900-1981, a human rights activist, who is considered the most prominent Cuban woman of the 20th Century.

Ana Lazara Rodriguez, a doctor, was imprisoned when she was a 19- year-old medical student for participating in protests against the Cuban dictatorship. She was released in 1979 and traveled to the United States via Costa Rica. In May 1995, she published ``Diary of a Survivor,'' a book detailing her experiences while incarcerated.

Miriam Ortega was born in Ciego de Avila, Cuba. She was imprisoned for 18 years for working against the Castro regime. She was released and moved to the United States, where she continues in her determination to fight for a free Cuba.

Clara Berta Canton Gomez was born in Havana, Cuba. In 1962, State security agents searched the home of her parents seeking her brother who was involved in efforts against the Castro regime. Because they did not speak against their family member, Clara and her parents were incarcerated and sentenced to serve 30 years in prison. Released after 7 years, Clara has dedicated her time to fight for the release of political prisoners. She dreams of returning to see a free Cuba.

Olga Morgan was born in Santa Clara, Las Villas. When she was working against the Batista dictatorship, she met her husband, William Alexander Morgan, with whom she has two children, Olguita and Loretta. Olga and her husband were imprisoned in 1960 and 1961. Her husband was executed with the regime proclaiming both he and Olga a ``high risk for the revolution.'' Olga was released in 1971, and after being denied a travel document in 1978, she reached the shores of the United States in the 1980 Mariel boatlift.

Gladys B. Campaneria Herrera was born in Matanzas and raised in Havana. Between 1959 to 1963 she fought against the Castro regime, for which she was arrested in 1964 and sentenced to 3 years in prison. While she was in prison, she suffered greatly. She was released and moved to the United States, where she has lived in New York and worked in New Jersey as a reporter for various Spanish media outlets. An avid writer, Gladys has authored more than 150 poems and songs. She continues to fight for a free Cuba.

The inspiring stories of these women, and of the nearly 3000 other Cuban women who have been imprisoned, tortured, and endured many punishments for refusing to accept a dictatorial regime are a symbol of the dignity and courage of women and a reminder of the need to continue to fight for human rights around the world.

There is no doubt that Las Plantadas are exemplary leaders and profoundly committed individuals who are role models for the Nation. Therefore, I am pleased to pay tribute to Las Plantadas, and I know my colleagues will join in wishing them continued success in their quest for human rights and a free Cuba.

Mr. President, I have a different view than my distinguished colleague from New Mexico. This week, what we are seeing is the proof of new leadership in this Congress. I am proud, as a member of the Budget Committee, that we have a budget resolution before us that provides a blueprint for how we can build a stronger nation--a nation that will not be drowning in debt but can save for its children's future, a nation that will not undermine the education of its young people but that invests in building global competitiveness from start to finish, a nation that will not abdicate its responsibility to provide health insurance to those most in need but that is committed to covering every child, and a nation that will not neglect the needs of its soldiers and veterans but that will provide the level of care their sacrifices deserve.

Our budgets are indicative of the values we hold, individually and collectively. In this budget, one thing is very clear: We see a different set of priorities and values for our Nation. From health care to education to our veterans to the safety of our communities, Americans will see that this budget charts a new course. Perhaps most importantly, however, this budget reaches all of these priorities in a framework that is fiscally responsible. With this budget, we will end the days of spending now and figuring how to pay for it later. Instead of making lofty promises we cannot afford, instead of pretending we can have it all while we are sinking deeper and deeper into debt, instead of leaving a multibillion-dollar mess for our grandchildren to clean up years from now, with this budget we make a clear declaration: We must pay for what we spend as we go along, not push it off for another day. This is something Americans do every day. It is how all of us conduct our personal daily lives. Yet, until recently, it is something which Congress has been incapable of. With this budget, we have a chance to change that.

Without question, one of our highest priorities is the health care of our Nation's most vulnerable children. I find it embarrassing that some in Washington, those who have some of the best health care coverage in the world, have proposed to cut coverage to America's neediest children. Yesterday, we defeated an amendment that would have jeopardized the health care of children and parents all over America. I know the battle is not over, but let me assure my colleagues, we will win the fight so children across this country will have the health insurance they deserve. I applaud the Budget Committee chairman for working to make this funding a priority in the resolution.

I am proud of the Senate's support for the Baucus amendment to increase funding for SCHIP. I am proud that a majority of this Chamber realized we had a responsibility to fix the shortcomings of the President's budget that would have had millions of children across the Nation not insured and that we ensured America's neediest children have the care and health coverage they need.

In this budget, we make it clear who our focus is. We will no longer follow blindly down the President's path to provide costly tax breaks for the wealthiest Americans while we rack up trillions in debt for future generations to pay off. That is why I am proud this

budget includes an amendment by Senator Baucus to extend key tax provisions which will benefit millions of students and hard-working families but which do not drown us in debt. The message is clear: We Democrats believe we can extend tax credits that help students afford college. We can ensure families continue to claim the child tax credit. We can provide income tax relief, and we don't have to do it while sweeping the cost under the rug for another day.

In this budget, we provide a light at the end of the tunnel for so many children, teachers, and administrators who have been strained to meet requirements without resources, who have seen promises broken year after year. With this budget, we start to fix the many holes in our education funding. This budget funds education $9.2 billion above the President's request. We increase grant aid so that students who rely on Perkins loans, work study, and other grants will continue to have the extra assistance that will help them earn their degree.

For me, this is not a policy debate; it is real life. I would not be here in the Senate today without the help of Pell and Perkins when I was trying to go to college. Having grown up poor, in a tenement, and being the first of my family to do so, that educational opportunity created a foundation that helped me achieve what I have today. I want to make that a birthright for each and every one of our children who has the ability and is willing to work hard and give something back to their country.

We provide the largest increase in elementary and secondary education since 2002. We will have done more in this budget resolution in 3 months than has been done by the administration in the past 4 years so that we can start to fill the massive shortfalls that have plagued our schools and denied opportunities to students. We restore programs such as Safe and Drug-Free Schools, education technology, and other critical investments that have been on the chopping block year after year.

Our budget also marks a turning point for an area which has been shamefully neglected--the care of our Nation's veterans. I recently visited veterans at the VA hospital in East Orange, NJ, and soldiers who have returned from Iraq and Afghanistan currently at Fort Dix and service men and women from across the country, not just New Jersey. I have seen how without adequate funding our VA system has become overloaded, new veterans hang in limbo, and soldiers who have made unimaginable sacrifices are left wondering just how much the Nation values their services.

Too many of our soldiers are trapped in a system that keeps them in limbo. They are too injured to serve, yet they cannot be fully discharged until their paperwork has been processed and their health determinations have been decided. The time they spend waiting can grow from weeks to months and, yes, even years. It is appalling. It is unacceptable. We have to work to improve this process.

This budget allows for that. It would increase veterans funding $3.5 billion above and beyond the President's request. It will ensure funding is dedicated to improving the claims backlog that is plaguing our discharge process.

Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent for an additional 2 minutes.

I worked to include language in the markup that ensures improving this backlog is a top priority, and I commend the effort by Senator Lincoln to dedicate funding to fixing the flawed claims process. This budget will do what should have been done long before our troops began coming home from Iraq and Afghanistan--begin to repair a broken system that has failed our veterans.

Our budget will also ensure that as we wage a war abroad, we do not forget our fight here at home to protect our Nation. This budget not only rejects the President's shortsighted proposal to slash more than $1 billion from first responder programs, but it provides much needed increases for homeland security grants, including enough to fund port security grants at their authorized level of $400 million, doubling rail and transit security, and doubling chemical security funds.

We also restore the President's cuts to the COPS Program, which would have left almost no funds to help law enforcement hire additional officers and improve technology. We reject the President's proposal to slash firefighter grants in half and eliminate SAFER grants. This budget means the difference between shortchanging our police and fire departments and providing them the resources to meet the challenges in our communities.

Finally, the bottom line is our Nation will see a difference when we pass this budget. They will see a brighter outlook down the road. The Nation is watching. They have called on us to focus and change the priorities and values we have seen in previous resolutions by the previous majority. This budget ultimately encompasses the values of Americans across this country.

I commend Chairman Conrad for his work on crafting this budget. It was difficult. It is a careful balance. But at the end of the day, it accomplishes the key investments that are most important to the Nation's future, to its vitality, to the human capital, to our children--our greatest asset and also our most fragile asset.

I urge my colleagues to continue to reject the amendments that undermine the ability for this new blueprint and to adopt the resolution tomorrow so we can build a stronger Nation.

With that, Mr. President, I yield the floor.

Mr. President, I rise today to introduce the Simon Wiesenthal Holocaust Education Assistance Act. This important legislation would provide competitive grants for educational organizations to make Holocaust education more accessible and available throughout this Nation.

I would like to thank Senators Lautenberg and Specter for co- sponsoring this bill, and I commend my former colleague in the House, Congresswoman Maloney, for her leadership on this issue.

In January, the United Nations held a ceremony to commemorate the 62nd anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz and the second annual International Day of Commemoration in memory of the victims of the Holocaust. This event served as a reminder that people of all faiths strongly condemn the systematic, state sponsored genocide conducted by the Nazi regime.

We will forever remember the approximately six million Jewish men, women and children, as well as millions of others who faced persecution and death. And we extend our gratitude to all who risked their lives trying to save others. We also honor Simon Wiesenthal, who dedicated his life to making sure that those who perpetrated the horrors of the Holocaust were brought to justice.

After six decades, many of our youth may view the Holocaust as an event that occurred in the distant past. But the truth is this issue is part of our present day society.

Just 3 months ago, Iran held a conference in Tehran to debate whether or not the Holocaust actually happened, and the Iranian government has established a fact finding commission to examine the issue further. Such despicable acts are an insult to the millions of people who were brutalized and murdered by the Nazis and to all who stand against genocide around the world. Clearly, false and destructive messages regarding the Holocaust are still being perpetuated, and such events highlight the importance of Holocaust education abroad and within our own Nation.

Unfortunately, we have also seen that anti-Semitism continues to threaten the safety and well-being of Jewish men and women throughout the world. In February, a Polish member of the European Parliament published a booklet espousing anti-Jewish sentiments, and in Croatia, an investigation has begun after small sugar packets bearing Hitler's image and containing Holocaust jokes were found in some cafes. These tragic events underscore the need to be proactive in combating such bigotry and educating our youth.

Although some States now require the Holocaust to be taught in public schools, the Simon Wiesenthal Holocaust Education Assistance Act goes further and makes grants available to organizations that instruct students, teachers, and communities about the dangers of hate and the importance of tolerance in our society. This legislation would give educators the appropriate resources and training to teach accurate historical information about the Holocaust and convey the lessons that the Holocaust can teach us today.

We must recognize that by remembering the millions who were murdered in the Holocaust, we create a sense of responsibility to stop genocide wherever it takes place.

It is in our common interest to raise our voices against anti- Semitism and against all hatred and discrimination. Funding accurate educational programs on the Holocaust is a step toward winning this battle.

So as America stands with Israel and all followers of the Jewish faith in condemning anti-Semitism, let us do everything in our power to end discrimination and educate future generations about the danger of hatred and bigotry.

I urge my colleagues to support this legislation.

Mr. President, I rise today to introduce the Simon Wiesenthal Holocaust Education Assistance Act. This important legislation would provide competitive grants for educational organizations to make Holocaust education more accessible and available throughout this Nation.

I would like to thank Senators Lautenberg and Specter for co- sponsoring this bill, and I commend my former colleague in the House, Congresswoman Maloney, for her leadership on this issue.

In January, the United Nations held a ceremony to commemorate the 62nd anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz and the second annual International Day of Commemoration in memory of the victims of the Holocaust. This event served as a reminder that people of all faiths strongly condemn the systematic, state sponsored genocide conducted by the Nazi regime.

We will forever remember the approximately six million Jewish men, women and children, as well as millions of others who faced persecution and death. And we extend our gratitude to all who risked their lives trying to save others. We also honor Simon Wiesenthal, who dedicated his life to making sure that those who perpetrated the horrors of the Holocaust were brought to justice.

After six decades, many of our youth may view the Holocaust as an event that occurred in the distant past. But the truth is this issue is part of our present day society.

Just 3 months ago, Iran held a conference in Tehran to debate whether or not the Holocaust actually happened, and the Iranian government has established a fact finding commission to examine the issue further. Such despicable acts are an insult to the millions of people who were brutalized and murdered by the Nazis and to all who stand against genocide around the world. Clearly, false and destructive messages regarding the Holocaust are still being perpetuated, and such events highlight the importance of Holocaust education abroad and within our own Nation.

Unfortunately, we have also seen that anti-Semitism continues to threaten the safety and well-being of Jewish men and women throughout the world. In February, a Polish member of the European Parliament published a booklet espousing anti-Jewish sentiments, and in Croatia, an investigation has begun after small sugar packets bearing Hitler's image and containing Holocaust jokes were found in some cafes. These tragic events underscore the need to be proactive in combating such bigotry and educating our youth.

Although some States now require the Holocaust to be taught in public schools, the Simon Wiesenthal Holocaust Education Assistance Act goes further and makes grants available to organizations that instruct students, teachers, and communities about the dangers of hate and the importance of tolerance in our society. This legislation would give educators the appropriate resources and training to teach accurate historical information about the Holocaust and convey the lessons that the Holocaust can teach us today.

We must recognize that by remembering the millions who were murdered in the Holocaust, we create a sense of responsibility to stop genocide wherever it takes place.

It is in our common interest to raise our voices against anti- Semitism and against all hatred and discrimination. Funding accurate educational programs on the Holocaust is a step toward winning this battle.

So as America stands with Israel and all followers of the Jewish faith in condemning anti-Semitism, let us do everything in our power to end discrimination and educate future generations about the danger of hatred and bigotry.

I urge my colleagues to support this legislation.