Floor Statements

Mr. President, this conference report is the wrong response to the President's request for the supplemental funding that is urgently needed by the Department of Defense.

While most of the funds--over $109 billion--are appropriated to wage the global war on terrorism, to continue operations in Afghanistan, and to support Iraqi security forces, the conference report also includes funding for continuing the recovery from Hurricane Katrina and ensuring that our veterans receive the care they deserve.

I am very disappointed this bill includes language that sets forth a timetable for the withdrawal of troops from Iraq. We should be providing the President with a bill he can sign so our military forces can receive the funding they now need.

I recently brought to the attention of the Senate a letter I received from the Joint Chiefs of Staff on April 2 describing the urgency of an appropriations bill and their concerns about further delays of funding. It has been now over 3 weeks since that letter was received.

It is very clear that delay is occurring, and it is undermining the ability to manage the responsibilities of the Department of Defense. We are talking about life-and-death situations and the ability to obtain equipment, armaments, and the training that is necessary by our Armed Forces to carry out their mission.

The Joint Chiefs pointed this out in their letter:

Without approval of the supplemental funds in April, the

Armed Services will be forced to take increasingly disruptive

measures in order to sustain combat operations.

In addition, they stated:

These restrictions increase the burden on servicemembers

and their families during this time of war.

I cannot support this effort to dictate the management of this very serious threat to our Nation's security interests. The opponents of the President's efforts to win the battle against the terrorists should not be permitted to hijack this supplemental appropriations bill. The responsible thing for us to do is to send this conference report to the President so he can veto it. We can then revise it so it can be enacted without the offensive language.

Mr. President, I ask for the yeas and nays.

Mr. President, how much time remains to this side of the aisle under the order?

Mr. President, I am pleased to be able to come to the floor and urge the Senate to expedite the consideration of the supplemental appropriations bill that is now in conference between House and Senate members on the Appropriations Committee. This supplemental request for funding for our troops in Iraq and Afghanistan has been pending now for way too long, without action to send this bill to the President for his signature.

Over 2 weeks ago, I received a letter from the Joint Chiefs of Staff outlining the urgency of this appropriations bill. I am going to read a couple of excerpts from that letter now:

With the increasing pace of operations and material needs

in Iraq and Afghanistan, we ask that the Congress

expeditiously complete its work on the Fiscal Year 2007

Emergency Supplemental. Timely receipt of this funding is

critical to military readiness and force generation as we

prosecute the war on terror. Given the current status of this

legislation, we are particularly concerned that funding could

be significantly delayed.

It is very clear that delay is occurring, and it is a serious matter. We are talking about life-and-death situations, the ability to furnish the equipment, the weaponry, the training that is necessary for our Armed Forces to carry out their mission.

This is not a time to play politics with the well-being of troops in the field. I am afraid that is what we are witnessing. I do not have any particular problem with the Senate and House members of our conference committee seriously engaging in a discussion of our differences and resolving those and submitting a final conference report as soon as possible. I urge that is what we do. But we are seeing more and more delay. That is just not justified under the circumstances in which we find ourselves.

In this letter I received the other day, here is another thing that is pointed out by the Joint Chiefs of Staff:

Without approval of the supplemental funds in April, the

Armed Services will be forced to take increasingly disruptive

measures in order to sustain combat operations. The impacts

on readiness and quality of life could be profound. We will

have to implement spending restrictions and reprogram

billions of dollars. Reprogramming is a short-term, cost-

inefficient solution that wastes our limited resources.

Spending restrictions will delay and disrupt our follow-on

forces as they prepare for war, possibly compromising future

readiness and strategic agility. Furthermore, these

restrictions increase the burden on servicemembers and their

families during this time of war.

I do not know how the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and those who are working closely with him in this very difficult period could be more clear about the importance of action now on this supplemental appropriations bill.

I am not going to belabor the point, but I think for us to continue to engage in who is going to win this political struggle about deadlines, forced redeployments from Iraq and Afghanistan, suspension of activities of this kind or the other, and who is in charge, it makes the world wonder whether our Nation is competent to deal with an emergency that threatens the very security of our country.

I know when I came to Congress, you would hear it said that partisan politics should stop at the water's edge, that whatever is going on in other parts of the world that affects our security, our economic well- being, threatens us all as a nation, Democrats, Republicans, young and old, the military, and the civilian leaders of our country--we are all in this together.

We need to work out our differences and resolve them somehow. Let's look to compromise that is fair, that carries out the intent as expressed in these bills by those who have supported and passed an appropriations bill in the Senate and one in the House. Let's resolve the differences. That is what we are waiting on. And do you know what. The conference committee has not even met. There has been no meeting of the conferees on the part of the House or the Senate to discuss the differences. Now, that is inexcusable, and I lay that at the feet of the leadership of the Senate and the House. We are all in this together. I am not saying just the Democratic leadership or the Republican leadership, but we as Members ought to call on our leaders now.

Let's end this logjam. Let's end this confrontation and the political grandstanding that is going on on the part of some. I think we need to immediately move to conference. Let's work on these bills. Let's get them resolved in a conference report that the President can sign.

We are talking about a supplemental appropriations bill for our military forces. There have been other things added in both the Senate and the House. Well, that is not unusual. That happens. What we can agree on, let's agree on and send it to the President. But let's stop the delay, the procrastination, the finger-pointing, the political accusations that the President does not have the interests of the country at heart--whatever is being said in so many words. It is a political attack against the President. This is not the time for partisan politics. This is the time for the Senate and the House to get together, resolve our differences, and move on, support our troops, and protect our national security interests. That is what this bill does.

Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that a copy of the letter signed by Peter J. Schoomaker, General, U.S. Army, Chief of Staff; Michael G.

Mullen, Admiral, U.S. Navy, Chief of Naval Operations; T. Michael Moseley, General, U.S. Air Force, Chief of Staff; James T. Conway, General, U.S. Marine Corps, Commandant of the Marine Corps, be printed in the Record.

Mr. President, I yield back the remainder of the time available on this side.

I suggest the absence of a quorum.

Mr. President, I am pleased to be here to hear the remarks of the distinguished Senator from West Virginia, my good friend, and to join with others who have honored and paid tribute to Senator Stevens on the occasion of his reaching a milestone where he has served in the Senate longer than any other Republican Member in history.

I had the privilege, when I was a new Member of the House of Representatives after my election in 1972, to observe Senator Stevens as he worked with Howard Baker as the Republican leaders of the Senate and to come to respect him and know him and then to join the Senate body after the election of 1978. He has been a mentor and a dear friend throughout my career in the Senate, and I can say one could have no greater fortune than to serve in the presence of Senator Byrd and Senator Stevens and others who were the true leaders of the Senate when I was a new Member.

I have come to appreciate and respect them more as time has gone on. I recall Senator Stevens becoming chairman, after Senator Byrd had served as chairman, of the Appropriations Committee. It was my good fortune to become a member of that committee after only 2 years in the Senate. I have appreciated the opportunity to work closely with him ever since.

Senator Stevens, of course, was our President pro tempore. I don't recall a more diligent and hard-working President pro tempore than was Senator Stevens. He had some big shoes to fill: Strom Thurmond, Jim Eastland from my State of Mississippi, and Senator Byrd; and all were dutiful. I recall Senator Stevens personally being there every morning to open the Senate, usually a duty delegated to others; and he probably presided personally over the Senate as much as any person who has occupied that position of responsibility.

To be here today and to hear Dan Inouye talk about his early recollections of their service together in the Senate, and other Senators who have spoken on this special occasion in the life of our Senate, has made me happy to be here and to be able to observe and appreciate this day in the history of the Senate.

I yield the floor.

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

Mr. President, I am pleased to commend Tom Gary of Greenwood, MS, for his distinguished service during the past year as president of the Delta Council.

Delta Council is an economic development organization representing the business, professional, and agricultural leadership of the 18 delta and part-delta counties of Northwest Mississippi. Delta Council was organized in 1935 to help meet the challenges which confronted this region of our State.

A major concern of the Mississippi Delta was the impact of Mississippi River and tributary flooding. Flood protection and drainage have severely challenged the delta region throughout its history. This is an area of concern where Tom Gary has distinguished himself as a leader. Tom took the leadership of the Delta Council Flood Control Committee following a serious delta flood in 1991 and led the effort to accelerate construction and completion of all Yazoo Basin projects. The 1991 flood inundated more than 1.1 million acres in 15 delta towns; and it seriously damaged schools, roads, public facilities and cropland. After Gary's term as Flood Control Committee chairman, cities such as Greenville, the largest town in north Mississippi, received benefits that will provide 100-year flood protection.

Tom serves as vice president of Delta Wildlife, chairman of the Leflore County Farm Service Agency Committee, commissioner and treasurer of the Leflore County Soil and Water Conservation Commission, director of the Business and Industry Political Education Committee and as the Cotton Board director of Farmers Supply Cooperative. He was also appointed by the Secretary of Agriculture as a member of the Cotton Board.

Through his work with Delta Council, Tom has become a strong advocate and effective leader in advancing Delta Council's mission in adult literacy, the fight against critical teacher shortages in the primary and secondary school system, improved access to health care, and in transportation developments which are so vital to the delta region.

I congratulate Tom Gary and his wife Moxie for the contribution they have made to the delta through their service in Delta Council during the past year.

I move to lay that motion on the table.

The motion to lay on the table was agreed to.

Change Of Vote

I move to lay that motion on the table.

The motion to lay on the table was agreed to.

I move to lay that motion on the table.

The motion to lay on the table was agreed to.

Mr. President, reserving the right to object, I will be compelled to object to that request in that there are some items here that have not been cleared on this side of the aisle. That has just been brought to my attention. To give us an opportunity to check each one of these items in the request, I do object.

Reserving the right to object, would the Senator state what the substance of this matter is in the bill?

I move to lay that motion on the table.

The motion to lay on the table was agreed to.

I move to lay that motion on the table.

The motion to lay on the table was agreed to.

Mr. President, what is this amendment?

We have no objection to this amendment.

We have no objection to this amendment.

Mr. President, there is certainly no objection to the Cochran amendment.

It has been cleared on this side.

We have no objection.

I confirm that it has been cleared on this side of the aisle.

Yes, this amendment is cleared. We urge its adoption.

Yes, the amendment has been cleared.

Yes, this has been cleared.

Yes, it has been cleared on our side.

This amendment is cleared on this side of the aisle.

This amendment has been cleared on this side.

Mr. President, today I am joined by my distinguished colleague and friend from West Virginia, Mr. Rockefeller, in introducing the National Writing Project Act of 2007. The National Writing Project remains the only Federal program to improve the teaching of writing in America's classrooms.

Writing is complex, challenging and it is a basic component of literacy. And, literacy is essential for success in life. A Belden Russonello & Stewart poll announced yesterday that overwhelmingly, Americans want writing taught throughout school curriculum.

Research shows that students taught by Writing Project demonstrate more improvement and higher overall writing performance than their peers.

Writing is not confined to thesis papers, college essays, and book reports. Writing skills for employment in the 21st Century require not only the grammar, construction and analytical thought of traditional writing, but the skills needed to communicate effectively using new technology. Effective instruction in writing requires teachers with high ability, who continuously develop their teaching skills.

A United States Department of Education program since 1991 and nearly 200 nation-wide, university based sites, the National Writing Project annually serves over 140,000 educators through more than 7,000 programs. It is based on a model of teachers teaching teachers: experienced teachers who share and develop the latest and most successful instruction techniques who in turn lead similar local workshops and training sessions for their colleagues.

National Writing Project teachers will be here this week to tell their personal stories and provide other information about what the College Board's National Commission on Writing calls ``arguably the most successful teacher network in the United States.'' I hope all Senators will have the opportunity to visit with teachers from their State and I invite all Senators to join Mr. Rockefeller and me in sponsoring this bill.

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

Mr. President, today I am joined by my distinguished colleague and friend from West Virginia, Mr. Rockefeller, in introducing the National Writing Project Act of 2007. The National Writing Project remains the only Federal program to improve the teaching of writing in America's classrooms.

Writing is complex, challenging and it is a basic component of literacy. And, literacy is essential for success in life. A Belden Russonello & Stewart poll announced yesterday that overwhelmingly, Americans want writing taught throughout school curriculum.

Research shows that students taught by Writing Project demonstrate more improvement and higher overall writing performance than their peers.

Writing is not confined to thesis papers, college essays, and book reports. Writing skills for employment in the 21st Century require not only the grammar, construction and analytical thought of traditional writing, but the skills needed to communicate effectively using new technology. Effective instruction in writing requires teachers with high ability, who continuously develop their teaching skills.

A United States Department of Education program since 1991 and nearly 200 nation-wide, university based sites, the National Writing Project annually serves over 140,000 educators through more than 7,000 programs. It is based on a model of teachers teaching teachers: experienced teachers who share and develop the latest and most successful instruction techniques who in turn lead similar local workshops and training sessions for their colleagues.

National Writing Project teachers will be here this week to tell their personal stories and provide other information about what the College Board's National Commission on Writing calls ``arguably the most successful teacher network in the United States.'' I hope all Senators will have the opportunity to visit with teachers from their State and I invite all Senators to join Mr. Rockefeller and me in sponsoring this bill.

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

Mr. President, reserving the right to object, I do not intend to object but for the purpose of asking if there would be any objection to my offering an amendment on behalf of the Senator from Indiana, Mr. Lugar, and then yielding to the Senator. We wouldn't have any debate, but we would just offer this amendment so it would be pending in the regular order.

It is amendment No. 690.

Mr. President, I send to the desk an amendment on behalf of the Senator from Indiana, Mr. Lugar.

I thank the Chair, and I thank the distinguished Senator from Oregon.

Amendment No. 709

I yield the distinguished Senator from Louisiana 5 minutes.

Mr. President, I am pleased to yield to the distinguished Senator from South Dakota, Mr. Thune, 10 minutes.

I yield 10 minutes to the distinguished Senator from Connecticut, Mr. Lieberman.

Mr. President, I yield 8 minutes to the Senator from Virginia, Mr. Warner.

Mr. President, I yield 3 minutes to the distinguished Senator from Texas, Mrs. Hutchison.

How much time do I have, Mr. President?

I yield 1\1/2\ minutes to the distinguished Senator from Texas.

Madam President, this appropriations bill reported by our Committee on Appropriations responds to the President's request for supplemental funding for the Department of Defense and other departments and agencies. The bill provides $121.6 billion in emergency spending. Of this amount, $102.48 billion is provided to support Iraqi security forces to continue operations in Afghanistan and to wage the global war on terrorism. In testimony before our Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense, we were told this funding is needed by the end of April.

I am disappointed the bill contains language that sets forth a timetable for the withdrawal of troops from Iraq. The language amounts to a restatement of S.J. Res. 9, which a majority of Senators voted against, 50 to 48, on March 15. The Senate has spoken on this issue. Inclusion of this language as reported by the Appropriations Committee last week will only slow down the bill and invite a Presidential veto. We need to approve the funding now. Unnecessarily extending this debate is not going to serve the national interests. I will offer an amendment to strike this language from the bill.

In this bill, the Appropriations Committee also approved $14.8 billion for additional emergencies, including $7.9 billion for continuing the recovery from Hurricane Katrina. The affected States are making good progress, slow but steady and sure. But additional Federal resources are needed. The bill also includes $1.7 billion for veterans health care facilities, which signals the committee's continuing interest in ensuring that our veterans receive the quality care they deserve.

I applaud the chairman's goal, the distinguished Senator from West Virginia, of completing work on the bill this week. I am concerned, however, that the bill is almost $19 billion above the President's request. We need to be sure this spending is necessary and responsible. I look forward to working with my good friend from West Virginia to ensure that this is the case. It is imperative that we provide funding to our troops promptly, and it will remain my goal to put a bill on the President's desk that he can sign.

Amendment No. 643 to Amendment No. 641

Madam President, I send an amendment to the desk and ask that it be reported.

Madam President, I ask unanimous consent that the reading of the amendment be dispensed with.

Madam President, this is an amendment to the committee substitute which is now at the desk. The amendment will strike part of section 1315 of the bill titled ``Revision of United States Policy on Iraq.'' The majority of section 1315 of this act is a restatement of S.J. Res. 9, the United States Policy in Iraq Resolution of 2007.

Two weeks ago, the Senate voted against adopting S.J. Res. 9 by a vote of 50 to 48. Section 1315 calls for a prompt transition of the mission in Iraq to a limited mission; a phased redeployment of U.S. forces from Iraq within 120 days of enactment of this act; a goal of redeployment of all U.S. combat forces from Iraq by March 31, 2008, except for a limited number essential for protecting U.S. and coalition personnel and infrastructure, training, and equipping Iraqi forces, and conducting targeted counterterrorism operations.

Section 1315 also calls for a classified campaign plan for Iraq, including benchmarks and projected redeployment dates of U.S. forces from Iraq. Finally, it also includes an expression of the sense of Congress concerning benchmarks for the Government of Iraq, along with a reporting requirement by the commander, multinational forces, Iraq, which is currently General Petraeus, to detail the progress being made by the Iraqi Government on the benchmarks contained in this section.

This amendment does not remove the sense-of-the-Congress provision that is important to a number of Senators. I think all Senators share an earnest desire that the Iraqi Government move aggressively to undertake the measures necessary to ensure a stable and

free Iraq. The language to be removed by my amendment is essentially a restatement of S.J. Res. 9, which, as I said, on March 15 Senators defeated by a vote of 50 to 48.

Before announcing his new plan in Iraq, the President sought input from his top military and civilian advisers, along with Members of Congress, foreign leaders, and other military and foreign policy experts. He acknowledged there was no easy solution to the situation in Iraq and the Middle East, and he determined a temporary deployment of additional U.S. troops in Iraq to support Iraqi security forces would provide a new window of opportunity for Iraqi political and economic initiatives to take hold and reduce sectarian violence. This plan provides the best hope to bring stability to the country and to hasten the day when our troops will come home.

Earlier this year the National Intelligence Estimate entitled ``Prospects for Iraq's Stability: A Challenging Road Ahead,'' was delivered to the Congress. The National Intelligence Estimate indicated--and I am quoting now from an unclassified version:

Coalition capabilities, including force levels, resources,

and operations, remain an essential stabilizing element in

Iraq. If coalition forces were withdrawn rapidly during the

term of this Estimate--

Which is 12 to 18 months--

we judge that this almost certainly would lead to a

significant increase in the scale and scope of sectarian

conflict in Iraq, intensify Sunni resistance to the Iraqi

government, and have adverse consequences for national

reconciliation.

If such a rapid withdrawal were to take place, we judge

that the Iraqi security forces would be unlikely to survive

as a nonsectarian national institution; neighboring

countries--invited by Iraqi factions or unilaterally--might

intervene openly in the conflict; massive civilian casualties

and forced population displacement would be probable; Al-

Qaida in Iraq would attempt to use parts of the country--

particularly al Anbar province--to plan increased attacks in

and outside of Iraq; and spiraling violence and political

disarray in Iraq, along with Kurdish moves to control Kirkuk

and strengthen autonomy, could prompt Turkey to launch a

military incursion.

It is clear to me that it is in our national interests to support the President's new strategy, to help provide an opportunity for political and economic solutions in Iraq, and for more effective diplomatic efforts in the Middle East region. Of course, we know there are no guarantees of success, but according to the National Intelligence Estimate and the perspective of some of our most experienced foreign policy experts, maintaining the current course or withdrawal without additional stability in Iraq will be harmful to our national interests and to the entire region.

We need to do what we can to help stabilize this situation and bring our troops home. As a beginning point, for this strategy to work, we should show a commitment to success. I support the new initiative and urge the Senate to give it a chance to work. This does not mean we should not monitor the situation or that the plan should not be adjusted as new developments occur, but we need to let the forces move forward to brighten the prospects of stabilizing Iraq and bringing our troops home.

As Commander in Chief, the President needs our support. I support his efforts and the efforts of our troops. The Senate should provide the resources necessary to accomplish this mission, and these funds are included in this bill. Troop levels and missions need to be left to General Petraeus and his commanders who ought to have the flexibility to react to the situation on the ground in determining how to deploy troops as needed. Congress should not be tying the hands of our commanders or limiting their flexibility to respond to the threats on the battlefield.

The inclusion of unnecessarily restrictive language will ensure a Presidential veto, we are advised. In testimony before the Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense, we were told that the funding provided by this bill is needed by the end of April. We need to speed this funding to our troops, rather than slow it down by returning to a debate already settled by the Senate by a recorded vote.

Madam President, I urge the support of my amendment.

Madam President, I ask unanimous consent that Yvonne Stone, a detailee from the Department of Veterans Affairs, be granted floor privileges for the duration of the debate on H.R. 1591, the emergency war supplemental.

I also ask unanimous consent that Earl Rilington and Eric Perritt, Fellows serving in my office, be granted floor privileges for the duration of the debate on H.R. 1591, the fiscal year 2007 emergency supplemental appropriations bill.

Mr. President, today, I am introducing the Teaching Geography is Fundamental Act. I am pleased to be joined by my friend from Connecticut Mr. Dodd. The purpose of this bill is to improve geographic literacy among K-12 students in the United States by supporting professional development programs for their teachers that are administered in institutions of higher education. The bill also assists States in measuring the impact of education in geography.

Ensuring geographic literacy prepares students to be good citizens of both our Nation and the world. Last May, John Fahey, President of the National Geographic Society, stated that ``Geographic illiteracy impacts our economic well-being, our relationships with other nations and the environment, and isolates us from the world.'' When students understand their own environment, they can better understand the differences in other places, and the people who live in them. Knowledge of the diverse cultures, environment, and distances between States and countries helps our students to understand national and international policies, economies, societies, and political structures on a more global scale.

The 2005 publication, What Works in Geography, reported that elementary school geography instruction significantly improves student achievement and proved that the integration of geography into the elementary school curriculum improves student literacy achievement an average of 5 percent. That's the good news. However, the 2006 National Geographic-Roper Global Geographic Literacy Survey shows that 69 percent of elementary school principals report a decrease in time spent teaching geography and less than a quarter of our Nation's high school students take a geography course in high school. This survey shows that many of our high school graduates lack the basic skills to navigate our international economy, policies and relationships.

To expect that Americans will be able to work successfully with the other people in this world, we need to be able to communicate and understand each other. It is a fact that we have a global marketplace, and that will continue to be the case. We need to be preparing our younger generation for global competition and ensuring that they have a strong base of understanding to be able to succeed. A strong base of geography knowledge improves those opportunities.

The U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis announced yesterday that 27.9 percent of the U.S. GDP, that is $3.7 trillion, annually results from international trade. According to the CIA World Factbook of 2005, U.S. workers need geographic knowledge to compete in this global economy. Geographic knowledge is increasingly needed for U.S. businesses in international markets to understand such factors as physical distance, time zones, language differences, and cultural diversity among project teams.

In addition, geospatial technology is a new and emerging career available to people with an extensive background in geography education. Professionals in

geospatial technology are employed in Federal Government agencies, the private sector and the non-profit sector, focusing on areas such as agriculture, archeology, ecology, land appraisal, and urban planning and development. In the United States, there are currently 175,000 individuals employed in the geospatial technology industry. It is estimated that this industry is growing up to 14 percent per year and it is projected to be a $5-6 billion industry by 2010. A strong geography education system is a necessity for this industry's continued advancement.

Former Secretary of State Colin Powell said, ``To solve most of the major problems facing our country today, from wiping out terrorism, to minimizing global environmental problems, to eliminating the scourge of AIDS, will require every young person to learn more about other regions, cultures, and languages.''

We need to do more to ensure that the teachers responsible for the education of our students, from kindergarten through high school graduation, are prepared and trained to teach these critical skills to solve these problems. Over the last 15 years, the National Geographic Society has awarded more than $100 million in grants to educators, universities, geography alliances, and others for the purposes of advancing and improving the teaching of geography. Their models are successful and research shows that students who have benefitted from this teaching outperform other students. State geography alliances exist in 19 States, including Mississippi, endowed by grants from the society. But, their efforts alone are not enough. The bill I am introducing establishes a Federal commitment to enhance the education of our teachers, focus on geography education research, and develop reliable, advanced technology based classroom materials.

In my State of Mississippi, teachers and university professors are making progress to increase geography education in the schools through additional professional training. Based at the University of Mississippi, over 300 geography teachers are members of the Mississippi Geography Alliance. Two weeks ago, the Mississippi Geography Alliance conducted a workshop for graduate and undergraduate students who are preparing to be certified to teach elementary through high school-level geography in our State. The workshop provided opportunities for model teaching sessions and discussion of best practices in the classroom.

I hope the Senate will consider the seriousness of the need to invest in geography and I invite other Senators to cosponsor the Teaching Geography is Fundamental Act.

Mr. President, today, I am introducing the Teaching Geography is Fundamental Act. I am pleased to be joined by my friend from Connecticut Mr. Dodd. The purpose of this bill is to improve geographic literacy among K-12 students in the United States by supporting professional development programs for their teachers that are administered in institutions of higher education. The bill also assists States in measuring the impact of education in geography.

Ensuring geographic literacy prepares students to be good citizens of both our Nation and the world. Last May, John Fahey, President of the National Geographic Society, stated that ``Geographic illiteracy impacts our economic well-being, our relationships with other nations and the environment, and isolates us from the world.'' When students understand their own environment, they can better understand the differences in other places, and the people who live in them. Knowledge of the diverse cultures, environment, and distances between States and countries helps our students to understand national and international policies, economies, societies, and political structures on a more global scale.

The 2005 publication, What Works in Geography, reported that elementary school geography instruction significantly improves student achievement and proved that the integration of geography into the elementary school curriculum improves student literacy achievement an average of 5 percent. That's the good news. However, the 2006 National Geographic-Roper Global Geographic Literacy Survey shows that 69 percent of elementary school principals report a decrease in time spent teaching geography and less than a quarter of our Nation's high school students take a geography course in high school. This survey shows that many of our high school graduates lack the basic skills to navigate our international economy, policies and relationships.

To expect that Americans will be able to work successfully with the other people in this world, we need to be able to communicate and understand each other. It is a fact that we have a global marketplace, and that will continue to be the case. We need to be preparing our younger generation for global competition and ensuring that they have a strong base of understanding to be able to succeed. A strong base of geography knowledge improves those opportunities.

The U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis announced yesterday that 27.9 percent of the U.S. GDP, that is $3.7 trillion, annually results from international trade. According to the CIA World Factbook of 2005, U.S. workers need geographic knowledge to compete in this global economy. Geographic knowledge is increasingly needed for U.S. businesses in international markets to understand such factors as physical distance, time zones, language differences, and cultural diversity among project teams.

In addition, geospatial technology is a new and emerging career available to people with an extensive background in geography education. Professionals in

geospatial technology are employed in Federal Government agencies, the private sector and the non-profit sector, focusing on areas such as agriculture, archeology, ecology, land appraisal, and urban planning and development. In the United States, there are currently 175,000 individuals employed in the geospatial technology industry. It is estimated that this industry is growing up to 14 percent per year and it is projected to be a $5-6 billion industry by 2010. A strong geography education system is a necessity for this industry's continued advancement.

Former Secretary of State Colin Powell said, ``To solve most of the major problems facing our country today, from wiping out terrorism, to minimizing global environmental problems, to eliminating the scourge of AIDS, will require every young person to learn more about other regions, cultures, and languages.''

We need to do more to ensure that the teachers responsible for the education of our students, from kindergarten through high school graduation, are prepared and trained to teach these critical skills to solve these problems. Over the last 15 years, the National Geographic Society has awarded more than $100 million in grants to educators, universities, geography alliances, and others for the purposes of advancing and improving the teaching of geography. Their models are successful and research shows that students who have benefitted from this teaching outperform other students. State geography alliances exist in 19 States, including Mississippi, endowed by grants from the society. But, their efforts alone are not enough. The bill I am introducing establishes a Federal commitment to enhance the education of our teachers, focus on geography education research, and develop reliable, advanced technology based classroom materials.

In my State of Mississippi, teachers and university professors are making progress to increase geography education in the schools through additional professional training. Based at the University of Mississippi, over 300 geography teachers are members of the Mississippi Geography Alliance. Two weeks ago, the Mississippi Geography Alliance conducted a workshop for graduate and undergraduate students who are preparing to be certified to teach elementary through high school-level geography in our State. The workshop provided opportunities for model teaching sessions and discussion of best practices in the classroom.

I hope the Senate will consider the seriousness of the need to invest in geography and I invite other Senators to cosponsor the Teaching Geography is Fundamental Act.