Floor Statements

Mr. President, I support the nomination of Mayor Julian Castro to be the next Secretary of the Department of Housing and Urban Development.

As Mayor of San Antonio, Mayor Castro has been on the front lines of helping his community reach its housing and economic development goals. In his tenure as mayor, he has focused on attracting well-paying jobs in 21st century industries, raising educational attainment, and revitalizing the city's urban core. HUD is a critical partner in these efforts nationwide. Mayor Castro will bring both direct experience with and an appreciation of the importance of HUD's programs to families and communities to the role of HUD Secretary.

Mayor Castro's nomination has been endorsed by a wide spectrum of stakeholders, including the National Association of Realtors, National Association of Homebuilders, and housing, local government, civil rights and Hispanic leadership organizations. He has also been endorsed by several recent HUD Secretaries who have served in both Democratic and Republican administrations, including Henry Cisneros and former Senator Mel Martinez.

I urge my colleagues to support Mayor Castro's nomination.

Mr. President, I wish to recognize the successful efforts made over the past 25 years to improve the health of children across the globe. Through a strong, bipartisan commitment to foreign assistance, the United States, in partnership with other world leaders, multinational organizations, and local stakeholders, has played a critical role in reducing the number of child deaths before the age of 5.

Compared to 25 years ago, 6 million fewer children will die this year before their fifth birthday. This achievement could not have been possible without the dedication to service and drive to help others that is characteristic of the American spirit. As a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, I have long supported programs such as PEPFAR, the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, and other efforts to address child and maternal health. Over the years, I have worked with Republican and Democratic administrations on these initiatives and am proud of the bipartisan support they have received.

Today, thanks to significant investments made by the United States along with faith-based, philanthropic, nongovernmental organizations, and support from other countries, fewer children are dying from preventable diseases and conditions such as pneumonia, diarrhea, measles, malaria, and AIDS. We have succeeded in cutting in half the number of deaths among children under 5 and reduced the incidence of preventable illness.

As we celebrate the progress that has been made, we also look ahead to the work that remains. Millions of children still live with the reality that they may not reach their fifth birthday. As we continue to face tight fiscal environments, we must be careful not to try to balance the budget on the back of the world's poor and hungry. After all, total U.S. foreign aid to all countries constitutes only 1% of the U.S. Federal budget. As a leader in our global community, we must find ways to maintain our commitment to global health programs and continue efforts to improve child mortality rates.

Madam President, today I rise to recognize the 100th anniversary of the founding of Lake City, SD. In 1885, Marshall County separated from Day County and became a separate entity. A man named Stout bought the Lake City area land and divided it into lots to be sold to Lake City settlers. When the railroad came through in 1914, residents voted to split from Eden City and create the township of Lake City in Marshall County. This close-knit community will celebrate its centennial July 4-5, 2014.

Part of a resilient community, the residents of Lake City have overcome several large fires. The largest of these broke out in 1949 and quickly spread to the local pool hall and then throughout the town. After this, and every other fire, the people of Lake City came together and rebuilt their town.

On Friday night the celebration will kick off with a street dance. Festivities will continue the following day with a parade, team watermelon-eating contest, a tug-of-war competition, and many other fun-filled activities. That evening, another street dance will bring the event to a close.

Today, this small town in Marshall County symbolizes what it means to be a South Dakota community. I am proud to honor the successes of Lake City and to offer my congratulations to the residents of the town on this historic milestone.

Mr. President, today I pay tribute to Eden, SD, on reaching its centennial anniversary. Since its beginning, this small town in Marshall County has embodied the values that South Dakota was founded upon. The residents of Eden will be celebrating this joyous occasion over the weekend of June 27-29, 2014.

Originally known as Eden Park, homesteaders settling the area chose its name because of the area's beautiful scenery and numerous surrounding lakes. Eden itself was founded after residents of Eden Park decided to relocate near the new railroad in 1914. Known for its fertile soil, Eden is surrounded by vibrant farmland and is home to several successful businesses.

Eden exemplifies the hometown community spirit of South Dakota. After 100 years Eden is still thriving, and it is my honor to publicly congratulate its residents on reaching this commendable milestone.

Mr. President, I wish to discuss the Bank on Students Emergency Loan Refinancing Act (S. 2432). Student loans in this country are at an unprecedented $1.2 trillion and now exceed credit card debt as the largest consumer debt market after mortgages. Unfortunately, unlike mortgages, student borrowers are unable to take advantage of the low interest rate environment and many borrowers are stuck in high fixed-rate loans for 20 or more years. This means that these borrowers must delay, or put off permanently, other financial decisions such as buying a home, saving for retirement, or starting a small business. This is not just a ``young American'' issue--recent data shows that individuals of every demographic have increasing student debt burden, and the impact of those with student debt being unable to fully participate in the economy will affect all Americans for years to come.

This issue is particularly important to me, as South Dakota has the highest proportion in the country of residents with student loan debt. That is why I have signed on to co-sponsor Senator Warren's bill to refinance student loans, and why, as chairman of the Banking Committee, which has jurisdiction over student loans made by private lenders, I will work to consider all actions that can be taken to address both existing and future student debt.

Mr. President, I wish to recognize the 100th anniversary of Roslyn, SD. Since its founding in 1914 the city has flourished from its humble pioneer origins to a vibrant South Dakota community. The people of Roslyn will be celebrating their centennial anniversary the weekend of June 20-22.

Named by the area's first postmaster after his native city in Scotland, the township was moved from Old Roslyn to its current location alongside the Soo Railroad. In 1914 on the same day that Roslyn's lots were first sold at public auction, a troupe of entertainers performed for the community, setting a lively foundation for the city.

Residents of Roslyn will start off the centennial celebration with an antique tractor run. The weekend will continue with musical concerts, a 5k walk/run, and many other activities. On Sunday, the festival will wrap up with a non-denominational service and a string band performance by Threshing Bee.

Small towns like Roslyn embody what it means to be a South Dakotan community. I am pleased to recognize the achievements of Roslyn and to offer my congratulations to the residents of the town on this historic milestone.

Mr. President, I wish to speak in support of Dr. Stanley Fischer to be a member of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System. While we are only voting on Dr. Fischer's nomination to be a member of the Board today, he has also been nominated to be Vice Chair of the Board of Governors, which we will need to vote on in the near future.

As you all know, Dr. Fischer is a distinguished economist who is immensely qualified to serve on the Federal Reserve Board. In his two decades on the MIT faculty, he was primary adviser for 49 Ph.D. students, including former Fed Chairman Ben Bernanke, and current European Central Bank President Mario Draghi. In addition, he has previously served on the frontlines in making public policy decisions during periods of financial crisis--including as the head of the Bank of Israel during the last financial crisis. He is supported by experts from both sides of the aisle and respected by leaders throughout the world. His wisdom on the economy, monetary policy, and banking would be extremely valuable to the Board.

It is important that we move quickly to confirm Dr. Fischer to the Board. Next week, the Federal Reserve Board will only have 3 out of 7 confirmed Board members. In addition to Dr. Fischer, the Senate needs to quickly confirm Dr. Lael Brainard and Mr. Jerome Powell. There is a lot of work to do at the Board, including conducting monetary policy, drafting rules implementing Wall Street reform, and taking other actions to improve financial stability and economic growth, so it is important we fill the Board vacancies with highly qualified nominees like Dr. Fischer as soon as possible.

I urge my colleagues to support Dr. Fischer.

Madam President, today I wish to pay tribute to Dr. Kay Schallenkamp for her well-deserved retirement. For the past 8 years she has served as the president of Black Hills State University, BHSU, and for the past four decades she has devoted her career to higher education.

Originally from Salem, SD, Dr. Schallenkamp began her career in higher education at Northern State University, NSU. Here, she started as an instructor of communication disorders and eventually served as dean of Graduate Studies and Research. Following her time at NSU she served as provost and vice chancellor for Academic Affairs at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater and then as provost at Chadron State College in Nebraska.

Following these out-of-State experiences, Dr. Schallenkamp moved back to South Dakota and began working at BHSU. She spent the next 17 years dedicated to the university and in July of 2006 she became BHSU's ninth president and first female president.

During her tenure as president at BHSU, she has managed the expansion and upgrade of the university's infrastructure and curriculum and has continued to enhance the university's already well-known and well- regarded reputation in the State, region, nation and world. Under her guidance, she has continued to aggressively promote the school's mission as an institution of excellence in teaching and learning, support and enhance research opportunities and maintain an impressive array of high-quality undergraduate and graduate programs.

Dr. Schallenkamp has also been actively involved in the higher education community nationwide. She is an active member of the American College & University Presidents' Climate Commitment Steering Committee and the board of directors for the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation.

I commend Dr. Schallenkamp's lifetime of work and congratulate her on her success in numerous leadership positions. It is an honor for me to share Dr. Schallenkamp's accomplishments with my colleagues and publicly commend her for her hard work and many years of dedication. I wish Kay a happy and healthy retirement with her husband Ken and their four children and four grandchildren.

Mr. President, today Senator Murkowski and I introduce the Native American Languages Reauthorization Act of 2014. We are also joined by our fellow colleagues and cosponsors of this bill: Senators Begich, Franken, Heinrich, Hirono, King, Schatz, Tester, and Tom Udall.

Since the Native American Languages Act of 1992 became law, we have made considerable progress in keeping native languages alive. The Native American Languages Act of 1992 established a grant program within the Native American Programs Act of 1974 to ensure the survival of native languages. Through the Health and Human Services Department Administration for Native Americans, the native languages grant program has made documented impacts on the revival of Native languages across Indian Country.

The bill we introduce today will reauthorize the native languages grant program until fiscal year 2019. The Native language grant program has made several reports to Congress on the significant impacts that its grants have for native communities. In the 2012 report on the Impact and Effectiveness of Administration for Native American Projects, out of the 63 total language grantees, Administration for Native Americans evaluated 22 language projects from across Indian Country. The 2012 impact data showed that from these 22 projects a total of 178 language teachers were trained; 2,340 youth had increased their ability to speak a Native language or achieved fluency; and 2,586 adults had increased their ability to speak a Native language or achieved fluency.

Promoting Native language programs will strengthen our Native cultures and, according to the National Indian Education Association, will also promote higher academic success in other areas of learning. The continuity of Native languages is a link to previous generations and should be preserved for future generations.

The Native Americans Languages Act has helped to save native languages and encourages both young children and adults to develop a fluency in their Native language. Across South Dakota and Indian Country, this vital grant funding gives the opportunity for our cherished Native elders to sit down with the younger generation to pass on native languages. We must continue our efforts to promote Native language revitalization programs to ensure the preservation of Native American cultures, histories, and traditions.

I urge my colleagues to join us and reauthorize this important legislation

to save and preserve native languages before it is too late.

Mr. President, today Senator Murkowski and I introduce the Native American Languages Reauthorization Act of 2014. We are also joined by our fellow colleagues and cosponsors of this bill: Senators Begich, Franken, Heinrich, Hirono, King, Schatz, Tester, and Tom Udall.

Since the Native American Languages Act of 1992 became law, we have made considerable progress in keeping native languages alive. The Native American Languages Act of 1992 established a grant program within the Native American Programs Act of 1974 to ensure the survival of native languages. Through the Health and Human Services Department Administration for Native Americans, the native languages grant program has made documented impacts on the revival of Native languages across Indian Country.

The bill we introduce today will reauthorize the native languages grant program until fiscal year 2019. The Native language grant program has made several reports to Congress on the significant impacts that its grants have for native communities. In the 2012 report on the Impact and Effectiveness of Administration for Native American Projects, out of the 63 total language grantees, Administration for Native Americans evaluated 22 language projects from across Indian Country. The 2012 impact data showed that from these 22 projects a total of 178 language teachers were trained; 2,340 youth had increased their ability to speak a Native language or achieved fluency; and 2,586 adults had increased their ability to speak a Native language or achieved fluency.

Promoting Native language programs will strengthen our Native cultures and, according to the National Indian Education Association, will also promote higher academic success in other areas of learning. The continuity of Native languages is a link to previous generations and should be preserved for future generations.

The Native Americans Languages Act has helped to save native languages and encourages both young children and adults to develop a fluency in their Native language. Across South Dakota and Indian Country, this vital grant funding gives the opportunity for our cherished Native elders to sit down with the younger generation to pass on native languages. We must continue our efforts to promote Native language revitalization programs to ensure the preservation of Native American cultures, histories, and traditions.

I urge my colleagues to join us and reauthorize this important legislation

to save and preserve native languages before it is too late.

Mr. President, today the Senate will finally adopt, after some unfortunate delays, urgent bipartisan aid and sanctions legislation on Ukraine developed with the cooperation of a number of committees here in the Senate, and constructed by Foreign Relations Committee Chairman Menendez and his ranking member, Senator Corker. Both are also distinguished senior members of the Banking Committee, which I chair, and which has jurisdiction over the economic sanctions provided for in the bill. I am pleased to have been able to work closely with them to ensure this sound result, including provisions to impose targeted asset freeze sanctions against individuals and businesses found by the President to have been responsible for threats to the territorial integrity of Ukraine, and for certain acts of corruption in Russia.

Once we pass this bill, I hope the House will act quickly to approve it and send it to the President for his signature. With this legislation, Congress is providing the President with flexible new tools to make clear to President Putin and his allies that Russia's recent moves against Ukraine are unacceptable, and that there will be an increasingly painful economic and political price to pay for these actions.

Economic sanctions are an important tool of American diplomacy. In Iran, years of tough, comprehensive economic sanctions have helped finally to bring Iran's leaders to the nuclear negotiating table. Sanctions have been wielded effectively against Sudan, North Korea, Yemen, former military and security officials in Burma, warlords in the Congo, and elsewhere. If developed in close consultation with administration officials at Treasury and the State Department who are responsible for implementing them, appropriately targeted, and applied multilaterally, sanctions can be a potent tool in the President's foreign policy arsenal. In the case of Ukraine, they will serve both to punish former Ukrainian officials and others responsible for the violence there, and to punish Russian officials for irresponsible behavior. If wielded effectively, as part of a larger diplomatic and political strategy, they can also help to deter future aggressive actions by Russia against Ukraine.

That is why I support this legislation to provide critical economic and security assistance to Ukraine, and to provide new sanctions authority to the President. I support it even though I am deeply disappointed that opposition from some of my Republican colleagues here and in the House forced the removal of important International Monetary Fund, IMF, reforms that had been included in earlier versions of the bill. Those reforms would have enabled the IMF to better implement the economic aid and reform package it has developed with the new Ukrainian Government's leadership in recent weeks, which it announced yesterday. We must get those reforms enacted as soon as possible, by other means.

This measure, along with the steps already taken by the President, the multilateral aid and sanctions measures adopted by our allies, and the economic stabilization package offered by the IMF should help to reduce tensions as this situation moves forward. I look forward to working with my colleagues not only to ensure Ukraine's stability but also the security of all our allies in Europe and beyond.

Again, I thank my colleagues Chairman Menendez and Ranking Member Corker for working so hard to perfect this legislation and move it quickly.

I urge my colleagues to support it and deliver on the promises this body and this country have made to support the people of Ukraine.

Mr. President, I am proud to congratulate the University of South Dakota, USD, Coyotes Women's basketball team for making the NCAA Division I tournament. In just their second year of eligibility, this is an extraordinary achievement.

On March 11 the Coyotes faced off against the Denver Pioneers. They played remarkably well and defeated their rivals capturing the Summit League Championship title, and ultimately clinching an automatic berth in the NCAA tournament.

Founded in 1862, the University of South Dakota has continually sought and achieved excellence. As my alma mater, I personally can attest to the spirit of this world-class institution. Qualifying for the NCAA Division I tournament exemplifies the hard work that defines the USD community and showcases its prestige.

I commend the exceptional leadership and vision of president James W. Abbott who, in 2006, announced that USD's athletic programs would transition from NCAA Division II to Division I. That move made this journey to the Big Dance possible. Additionally, director of athletics David Herbster along with head coach Amy Williams, assistant coaches Brook Atkinson, Josh Hutchinson, and Chuck Love, and graduate assistant Tandem Mays helped lead the team through this remarkable season.

In honor of their dedication and success I would like to congratulate to each of the outstanding Coyote team members: Bailey Milne, Tia Hemiller, Madeleine White, Kelly Stewart, Taylor Moore, Bridget Arens, Raeshel Contreras, Jaylah Jackson, Margaret McCloud, Emily Smith, Polly Harrington, Nicole Seekamp, Heidi Hoff, and Lisa Loeffler. Their tireless work ethic, determination, and skills are second to none. Congratulations and Go Yotes!

Madam President, I wish to speak about U.S.-Taiwan relations. In just a few weeks, on April 10, 2014, we will recognize the 35th anniversary of the enactment of the Taiwan Relations Act, TRA. This important legislation has served as the legal basis for our relations with Taiwan and has been critical in defining our diplomatic, economic, and strategic relationship.

Although I was not yet a Member of Congress in 1979 when this legislation was passed, I have had the pleasure over the past 28 years to be active in U.S.-Taiwan matters and have seen the benefits of the

Mr. President, I rise today to discuss a widespread problem affecting rural communities in South Dakota and across our country. This issue represents both a public safety and economic issue for rural America.

For far too long, rural communities have experienced problems with long-distance or wireless telephone calls that are not being properly connected. The call completion problem extends beyond South Dakota and has affected telephone customers in dozens of states. These call failures create frustration and concern for family members trying to connect with friends and family, as well as small businesses losing business because they miss calls from customers. The problem also poses a serious public safety threat, such as when a police dispatcher cannot reach law enforcement or when a doctor cannot call a patient regarding follow-up care. Rural telephone customers affected by this problem are rightfully frustrated and demand a solution.

I first learned about this issue from the manager of a rural health clinic in Canistota, SD. The clinic has experienced a decline in business as a result of the call completion problems. Incoming calls regularly do not reach the clinic and therefore go unanswered. Additionally, some patients have heard misleading messages about the clinic's number being disconnected, which leads them to believe the clinic has closed. This is just one example of the negative impact this problem is having on communities and Main Street businesses across rural America.

To be honest, I could barely believe it when I first learned about this issue. Today, we should be worried about narrowing the digital divide not worrying whether rural communities have access to basic telephone service. While many factors could be at play, the Federal Communications Commission believes the use of third-party ``least cost routers'' to connect calls is a leading cause of the problem. It appears that some of these intermediate providers are failing to properly complete calls to avoid the higher access charges associated with rural telephone networks. It is particularly challenging to resolve the problem because calls are often dropped before they reach the rural telephone network, making it difficult for rural providers to pinpoint when and where problems occur.

Over the past few years, I have worked with many of my Senate colleagues, the FCC, telephone providers, and consumers to fix this problem and hold those causing this problem accountable. I would like to say a special thank you to Senators Amy Klobuchar and Deb Fischer for joining me in introducing a Sense of the Senate resolution last May that directed the FCC to take action to end these discriminatory practices. Since our resolution

was introduced, the commission unanimously approved rules to strengthen its ability to monitor and enforce the delivery of calls to rural areas. Although the commission's rulemaking and ongoing investigation represent a step in the right direction, a more immediate resolution is needed.

Today, I introduced the Public Safety and Economic Security Communications Act. This legislation takes immediate action to stop the bad actors that are failing to complete calls to rural areas. The bill includes common sense reforms that will help end the discriminatory delivery of calls by requiring voice providers to register with the FCC and comply with basic service quality standards. The legislation will help ensure that small businesses, families, and emergency responders in every corner of South Dakota and across our country can once again rely upon connection of their incoming telephone calls.

I invite my colleagues to join me in stopping this problem by cosponsoring the Public Safety and Economic Security Communications Act.

Mr. President, I rise today to discuss a widespread problem affecting rural communities in South Dakota and across our country. This issue represents both a public safety and economic issue for rural America.

For far too long, rural communities have experienced problems with long-distance or wireless telephone calls that are not being properly connected. The call completion problem extends beyond South Dakota and has affected telephone customers in dozens of states. These call failures create frustration and concern for family members trying to connect with friends and family, as well as small businesses losing business because they miss calls from customers. The problem also poses a serious public safety threat, such as when a police dispatcher cannot reach law enforcement or when a doctor cannot call a patient regarding follow-up care. Rural telephone customers affected by this problem are rightfully frustrated and demand a solution.

I first learned about this issue from the manager of a rural health clinic in Canistota, SD. The clinic has experienced a decline in business as a result of the call completion problems. Incoming calls regularly do not reach the clinic and therefore go unanswered. Additionally, some patients have heard misleading messages about the clinic's number being disconnected, which leads them to believe the clinic has closed. This is just one example of the negative impact this problem is having on communities and Main Street businesses across rural America.

To be honest, I could barely believe it when I first learned about this issue. Today, we should be worried about narrowing the digital divide not worrying whether rural communities have access to basic telephone service. While many factors could be at play, the Federal Communications Commission believes the use of third-party ``least cost routers'' to connect calls is a leading cause of the problem. It appears that some of these intermediate providers are failing to properly complete calls to avoid the higher access charges associated with rural telephone networks. It is particularly challenging to resolve the problem because calls are often dropped before they reach the rural telephone network, making it difficult for rural providers to pinpoint when and where problems occur.

Over the past few years, I have worked with many of my Senate colleagues, the FCC, telephone providers, and consumers to fix this problem and hold those causing this problem accountable. I would like to say a special thank you to Senators Amy Klobuchar and Deb Fischer for joining me in introducing a Sense of the Senate resolution last May that directed the FCC to take action to end these discriminatory practices. Since our resolution

was introduced, the commission unanimously approved rules to strengthen its ability to monitor and enforce the delivery of calls to rural areas. Although the commission's rulemaking and ongoing investigation represent a step in the right direction, a more immediate resolution is needed.

Today, I introduced the Public Safety and Economic Security Communications Act. This legislation takes immediate action to stop the bad actors that are failing to complete calls to rural areas. The bill includes common sense reforms that will help end the discriminatory delivery of calls by requiring voice providers to register with the FCC and comply with basic service quality standards. The legislation will help ensure that small businesses, families, and emergency responders in every corner of South Dakota and across our country can once again rely upon connection of their incoming telephone calls.

I invite my colleagues to join me in stopping this problem by cosponsoring the Public Safety and Economic Security Communications Act.