Floor Statements

Mr. President, I rise today to honor the service and sacrifice of Colorado Springs police officer Kenneth Jordan.

My wife Joan and I were deeply saddened to hear of the senseless death of Officer Kenneth Jordan while in the line of duty this past Tuesday in Colorado Springs, CO, during a traffic stop.

It takes a person of great courage to become an officer of the law. It takes a strong, hardworking, and considerate individual. It takes a special someone who is willing to pay the ultimate price in protecting the safety of others.

Officer Kenneth Jordan was just this person. Unfortunately, Officer Kenneth Jordan paid the ultimate price.

Officer Kenneth Jordan was the 12th Colorado Springs police officer to be killed in the line of duty. According to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund, more than 17,500 officers have been killed nationwide since 1792, including 231 in Colorado.

The shock to the city of Colorado Springs this week at his death is especially harsh--Kenneth Jordan was the second Colorado Springs officer to be killed this year. Officer Jared Jensen made the ultimate sacrifice last February. The memorial service for officer Kenneth Jordan held at 1 p.m. Monday at New Life Church will be a grim repeat of the day 10 months ago when Officer Jensen was laid to rest. Before Officer Jensen Colorado Springs police had not held a funeral for one of their own in 24 years.

A Chicago native at 32 years of age, Kenneth Jordan joined the Colorado Springs Police Department in January 2000 and was known for his unwavering professionalism and strong work ethic. In February 2004, Officer Kenneth Jordan became a DUI officer, whose passion was getting drunk drivers off the road. According to his colleagues, Officer Jordan made 584 DUI arrests since joining this elite team and nearly broke the yearly record of 283 when he made 270 arrests in 2005. Officer Jordan was honored in 2004 by the Mothers Against Drunk Drivers for his dedication to enforcing DUI laws.

Officer Kenneth Jordan was a brother and a son. He is survived by his sister, his loving parents and his girlfriend. Kenneth was well liked by his peers and others with whom he came in contact. He was always willing to lend a hand to friend or a stranger alike.

The city of Colorado Springs has lost a valuable member of its community, and we are all forever grateful for Officer Kenneth Jordan's service and dedication to the safety and well-being of others. His service to the city of Colorado Springs is highly commendable, and his contributions will be remembered.

I extend my deepest sympathy to the family of Officer Kenneth Jordan. May his bravery and unwavering sense of duty serve as a role model for the future generation of law officers. Thank you for your service, Officer Jordan. Rest in peace, Sir.

I yield the floor.

I suggest the absence of a quorum.

Mr. President, I rise today to congratulate the winners of the United States Professor of the Year Award. Since 1981, this program has saluted outstanding undergraduate instructors throughout the country. This year, a State Professor of the Year was also recognized in 43 States, the District of Columbia and Guam.

This award is recognized as one of the most prestigious honors bestowed upon a professor. To be nominated for this award requires dedication to the art of education and excellence in every aspect of the profession. Professors personally vested in each student shape the leaders of tomorrow. These individuals should be proud of their accomplishment.

I commend and thank all the winners for your leadership and passion for educating. No doubt you have inspired an untold number of students. I wish you the very best in all your endeavors. Congratulations and best regards.

The four national award winners are:

Outstanding Baccalaureate Colleges Professor: K.E.

Brashier, associate professor of religion and humanities,

Reed College, Portland, Ore.

Outstanding Community Colleges Professor: Mark Lewine,

professor of anthropology, Coyahoga Community College,

Cleveland, Ohio

Outstanding Doctoral and Research Universities Professor:

Alex Filippenko, professor of astronomy, University of

California, Berkeley

Outstanding Master's Universities and Colleges Professor:

Donna C. Boyd, professor of anthropology, Radford University.

State Winners:

Alabama: Scott Stephens, Professor of Art, University of

Montevallo.

Arizona: Rene Diaz-Lefebvre, Professor of Psychology,

Glendale Community College.

Arkansas: Catherine Bordeau, Associate Professor of French,

Lyon College.

California: David Paddy, Associate Professor of English

Language and Literature, Whittier College.

Colorado: Daniel Miller, Associate Professor of

Astronautics, United States Air Force Academy.

Connecticut: Scott Plous, Professor of Psychology, Wesleyan

University.

Delaware: Alan Fox, Associate Professor of Philosophy,

University of Delaware.

District of Columbia: Elizabeth Chacko, Associate Professor

of Geography and International Affairs, The George Washington

University.

Florida: William F. Felice, Professor of Political Science,

Eckerd College.

Georgia: Carmen Acevedo Butcher, Associate Professor of

English, Shorter College.

Guam: Vivian Dames, Associate Professor, University of

Guam.

Idaho: James Angresano, Professor of Political Economy,

Albertson College of Idaho.

Illinois: Miriam Ben-Yoseph, Associate Professor, DePaul

University.

Indiana: Randy Roberts, Professor of History and American

Studies, Purdue University.

Iowa: Jeff Barker, Professor of Theatre and Speech,

Northwestern College.

Kansas: Harald E.L. Prins, University Distinguished

Professor of Anthropology, Kansas State University.

Kentucky: Frank Wiseman, Professor of Chemistry, Georgetown

College.

Louisiana: Jo Dale Ales, Assistant Professor for Biology,

Baton Rouge Community College.

Maine: Eric Landis, Professor of Civil Engineering,

University of Maine.

Maryland: Joan Murray Naake, Professor of English,

Montgomery College, Rockville.

Massachusetts: Cathleen K. Stutz, Assistant Professor of

Education, Assumption College.

Michigan: Elfie Schults-Berndt, Director of Music, Lake

Michigan College.

Minnesota: Randy Moore, Professor of Biology, University of

Minnesota-Twin Cities.

Mississippi: Sarah Lea McGuire, Professor of Biology,

Millsaps College.

Missouri: Lynn Rose, Associate Professor of History, Truman

State University.

Montana: Robin Gerber, History and Social Sciences

Instructor, Miles Community College.

Nebraska: Maxine Fawcett-Yeske, Associate Professor of

Music, Nebraska Wesleyan University.

Nevada: Cheryll Glotfelty, Associate Professor of

Literature and the Environment, University of Nevada, Reno.

New Hampshire: Paul Christesen, Assistant Professor of

Classics, Dartmouth College.

New Jersey: Barry V. Qualls, Professor of English, Rutgers,

The State University of New Jersey.

New York: Charles Williamson, Professor in Mechanical and

Aerospace Engineering, Cornell University.

North Carolina: Thomas Arcaro, Professor of Sociology, Elon

University.

Ohio: Ormond Brathwaite, Professor of Biology and

Chemistry, Cuyahoga Community College.

Oklahoma: Vivian Thomlinson, Associate Professor of

English, Cameron University.

Oregon: Karen Elizabeth Eifler, Associate Professor of

Education, University of Portland.

Pennsylvania: Patricia Nestler, Associate Professor of

English, Montgomery County Community College.

South Carolina: Maria K. Bachman, Associate Professor of

English, Coastal Carolina University.

Tennessee: George Poe, Professor of French and French

Studies, Sewanee: The University of the South.

Texas: Jennifer L. O'Loughlin-Brooks, Professor of

Psychology, Collin County Community College.

Utah: Eric Amsel, Professor of Psychology, Weber State

University.

Vermont: David T.Z. Mindich, Professor of Journalism and

Mass Communication, St. Michael's College.

Virginia: Joann Grayson, Professor of Psychology, James

Madison University.

Washington: David Domke, Associate Professor of

Communication, University of Washington.

West Virginia: Norman Duffy, Professor of Chemistry,

Wheeling Jesuit University.

Wisconsin: Donald A. Neumann, Professor in Physical

Therapy, Marquette University.

Mr. President, today I wish to note the passing and celebrate the life of Milton Friedman.

Nobel laureate Friedman was an economist whose work expanded academia to influence Ronald Reagan, Margaret Thatcher, Alan Greenspan, Ben S. Bernanke, and many others. If I may dare to join such company, he also influenced me.

Friedman argued that the goal of monetary policy should be long-term, stable growth in the supply of money. He championed individual initiative and deregulation and influenced decisions from severing the dollar from gold to ending the military draft.

The Wall Street Journal today quoted Carnegie Mellon University Professor Allan H. Meltzer as saying ``It's hard to think of anyone who's had more of a direct influence on social and economic policy in this generation.''

The PBS airing of his 10-part series ``Free to Choose,'' a defense of free market economics, made a huge impression on me. I watched them all and learned much.

Friedman was born in 1912. After graduating from high school before his 16th birthday, Friedman won a scholarship to Rutgers University. He later studied at the University of Chicago, where he met his future wife, Rose Director. Friedman graduated with a master's degree from the University of Chicago in 1933 and earned a doctorate from Columbia University in 1946. He served as an economic adviser during Barry Goldwater's Presidential campaign, won the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 1988, and was most recently a senior research fellow at the Hoover Institution.

His contribution to our country was vast, and I mourn his passing.

Mr. President, I rise today in support of the Military Construction and Veterans Affairs appropriations bill because of its commitment to VA health care as well as its support of vital and necessary military facilities in the State of Colorado.

I am pleased that this bill increases funding to essential programs that maintain and improve the quality of life for our veterans. It important to note that this is the sixth consecutive year that Congress has increased funding for veterans health care programs. This year the committee recommends that Veterans Health Administration be appropriated at $32.67 billon, which is a $3.32 billion increase over last year's level.

Furthermore, I would like to commend the committee for maintaining their commitment to Capital Asset Realignment Enhanced Services, CARES, process. CARES is the most comprehensive analysis of the VA's health care infrastructure that has ever been conducted and is important in prioritizing the VA's budget. Specifically, I am especially pleased with the committee's recommendation of $52 million for a replacement hospital in Denver, CO.

The current Denver VA hospital was built more than 50 years ago and medical technology has far surpassed what the builders of the Denver VA originally envisioned. While I cannot say enough about the care and service our veterans receive at the current facility, many changes and improvements can and should be made, and a new facility is the only way to accomplish these goals.

The construction plans present credible proof that a new Fitzsimons facility will increase healthcare quality and quantity for our veterans. It is my hope, and it is a likely one, that a new hospital will also serve as a regional beacon for modern veteran medical care science and will fill an important void for the large number of veterans in Colorado.

I would like to acknowledge the recommendation of $161 million for the National Cemetery Administration, which saw an increase of $4.1 million over the fiscal year 2006 level. Specifically, I am pleased the committee recognizes the need for a VA cemetery in the Pikes Peak region of southern Colorado. This area is home to over 125,000 veterans, and would be well served by a national cemetery.

Additionally, I support portions of this appropriations bill that recommend $50.1 million for necessary military construction improvements at Fort Carson, and an additional $130.6 million for projects in Colorado.

Specifically at Fort Carson, this bill recommends funds for the completion of phase 2 of the airfield arrival/departure complex as well as funds for the Special Operations Complex. Fort Carson, known as the Mountain Post, plays an essential role for the Army.

I am also pleased at the committee's recommendation that directs the U.S. Air Force to submit a master infrastructure recapitalization plan for the

U.S. Air Force Academy facilities. This plan will begin the process of updating and improving necessary infrastructure concerns. As the Academy enters its sixth decade of operation, these important improvements will better enable the Academy to fulfill its mission of education, training and equipping cadets.

Other projects in Colorado funded by this bill includes funds for the Space Test and Evaluation Facility at Schriever Air Force Base, continued construction at the Pueblo Chemical Weapons Depot, $10.7 million for a consolidated fuels facility at Buckley AFB and $7 million for the Air National Guard F-16 Fighter Squadron Operations Center, also at Buckley AFB. These projects are vital to the continued success of our military at all levels.

I urge the Senate to expeditiously pass this bill in order to send it to the President's desk as soon as possible. I would also like to thank Chairwoman Hutchison for her leadership and diligence on this committee over the years and look forward to continuing to work with her in the future.

Mr. President, I come to the floor today to speak about an issue that would greatly impact this country's physicians and our constituents ability to access care. The issue of physician reimbursements under Medicare is important to me and my Colorado constituents. Congress was able to take steps to address the reimbursement issue for 2006, but once again physicians are faced with the possibility of a decreased reimbursement for 2007. Many physicians and physician groups have contacted Congress, requesting that the problem be addressed.

Ellice Zirinski, who works in Family Practice in Arvada, CO, wanted Congress to know that she would strongly urge them to take action and increase Medicare reimbursement to physicians. Should reimbursement decline as legislated, she could no longer afford to give care to her patients and stay in practice. She does not want to jeopardize her patients' access to care. We need to find a way to provide physicians with a positive reimbursement before January 2007. For some time, physicians in Colorado have been concerned with the possibility of a reduction in their reimbursement schedule.

I am greatly concerned with the fact that hospitals, nursing homes, and other Medicare providers continue to receive positive updates, while private physicians are forced to no longer accept Medicare patients, or, even worse, forced out of practice. Tom Mino, a Doctor of Osteopathy in Broomfield, CO, told me, ``I may have to consider a change in occupation--or at least move away from solo practice.'' This trend could result in more physicians practicing in an institutional setting instead of private practice. This concerns me greatly.

I have heard time and time again that Colorado's rural physicians will have no other choice than to stop accepting Medicare patients. Mark Laitos, an M.D. in Longmont, CO, said, ``I live in a small town. My patients are my friends and my friends are my patients. We go to church together. I won't abandon them, but my biggest worry is that my practice will be overrun with new Medicare patients as more and more of my colleagues make the decision to stop seeing Medicare patients.'' That means that my rural constituents will no longer have access to care.

The final conference agreement on the Deficit Reduction Act of 2005, S. 1932, approved February 1, 2006, overrode the mandatory 4.4 percent decrease for 2006 by freezing payments at the 2005 levels. A freeze in the physician reimbursement rate for 2007 is not enough. We need to take steps to ensure that physicians receive a positive reimbursement update.

The issue of physician reimbursement affects the entire United States and all of our constituents. Because of this, I urge my colleagues to take the necessary action to ensure that physicians receive a positive Medicare reimbursement update for 2007.

Mr. President, today I pay tribute to those individuals from Penrose-St. Francis Hospital in Colorado Springs, CO, who graciously agreed to provide medical attention to retired Air Force veteran Mr. Richard Mc Whorter following a critical injury in April, 2006, while working in Amman, Jordan.

The staff of Penrose-St. Francis worked quickly and tirelessly to arrange for the appropriate procedures in order to best help Mr. Mc Whorter given the urgency and unfortunate extenuating circumstances. Most notably, Penrose-St. Frances was willing to absorb all costs for any treatment performed. Tragically, Mr. Mc Whorter passed away prior to his return to the United States for treatment.

Nonetheless, the honorable intentions of those at Penrose-St. Francis are worthy of acknowledgment and their demonstration of compassion should serve as an example for others in the health care industry.

I would like to thank the following individuals for their kindness and generosity in attempting to save Mr. Mc Whorter following his accident. I would also like to issue my sincere condolences to the Mc Whorter family for their loss.

Dr. Dave Ross

Dr. Roger Nagy

Dr. Bill Chambers

Dr. Michael Brown

Dr. Glen House

President and CEO Rick O'Connell

Ms. Pat Burgess

Mr. President, today I honor the service and sacrifice of Officer Jared Jensen.

My wife Joan and I were deeply saddened to hear of the death of Officer Jared Jensen while in the line of duty.

It takes a person of great courage to become an officer of the law. It takes a strong, hardworking, and considerate individual. It takes a special someone who is willing to pay the ultimate price in protecting the safety of others.

Officer Jared Jensen was just this person. He served the Colorado Springs Police Department with honor and valor for more than 3 years. Officer Jared Jensen was a dedicated police officer who had a passion for upholding the law.

Officer Jared Jensen was a husband, a brother, and a son. He is survived by his wife Natalie, a brother, who also serves the Colorado Springs Police Department, and his loving parents. Among his many hobbies and interests, Officer Jared Jensen was an avid NASCAR racing fan and golfer. Throughout his life, Jared's caring heart was evident in his devotion to family and friends, his love of animals, and his loyalty to his fellow officers with whom he served.

The city of Colorado Springs has lost a valuable member of its community, and we are all forever grateful for Officer Jared Jensen's service and dedication to the safety and well-being of others. His service to the city of Colorado Springs is highly commendable, and his contributions will be remembered.

On October 6, 2006, the Police Cross and Medal of Valor will be presented to Officer Jared Jensen, posthumously, and given to his widow Natalie at the 21st Annual Medal of Valor Award Ceremony in Colorado Springs, Colorado. These awards represent his extraordinary heroism and honorable service to the Colorado Springs Police Department.

I extend my deepest appreciation to Officer Jared Jensen. May his bravery and unwavering sense of duty serve as a role model for the future generation of law officers.

Mr. President, 70 years ago, Congress passed a resolution proclaiming that the last Sunday in September be designated as Gold Star Mother's Day. As we approach the last Sunday in September, I would like to take this opportunity to recognize the Gold Star mothers throughout the country and particularly those in the State of Colorado.

I hope we will all take time this Sunday, September 24, to honor these mothers and fathers who have so bravely endured the loss of a son or daughter killed while serving in the Armed Forces. Colorado has lost many young men and women to combat since the horrendous attacks of 9/ 11. One day is not long enough for us to ever fully honor these parents who have had to suffer the unmanageable pain of losing a child, but we will try.

Across the State of Colorado and across the Nation, many of these mothers have come together not only for support but also to volunteer their time, serving veterans and families of soldiers, encouraging patriotism and national pride, and honor their children through service and allegiance to the United States. Through their volunteer efforts, they keep alive the memory and spirit of those whose lives were lost in the war. They continue to inspire compassion, strength, and faithfulness for all Americans.

To mark this weekend, the Blue Star mothers of Colorado will be hosting Colorado's first annual Gold Star Mother's Day weekend. There will be several events throughout the weekend celebrating the lives of those soldiers who so courageously gave the ultimate sacrifice for their Nation. Unfortunately, I will not be able to attend the ceremony myself, but my wife Joan and I send our thoughts and prayers to those who will be attending the event.

Words truly cannot express America's gratitude for our Armed Forces and their service and sacrifice to this Nation. Those who have fallen serve a cause greater than themselves and deserve special honor. To their mothers and fathers: You, too, deserve special honor as you continue to carry on the patriotic duties and legacy your sons and daughters sadly could not. I thank you for your courage and for your service to the United States of America.

Over the last 3 years, our Nation has been locked in a terrible struggle against radical extremists across the Middle East. I readily admit this fight is one we did not anticipate. But I do know that every life given in the name of freedom has not been given in vain.

While they continually experience many dangerous challenges, our men and women of our Armed Forces continue making strides in Iraq and Afghanistan. We have fought a terrible enemy that has no regard for human life. Yet despite our challenges, we have seen tremendous progress, especially toward helping to create partners in our fight against terrorism

worldwide. Indeed, much of our success depends on the men and women in the new democratic governments formed in Iraq and Afghanistan, and they are stepping up to the challenge. In Iraq, people from all walks of life--Sunnis, Shias, Kurds--have participated in multiple elections and referendums across the country for the first time in Iraq's history.

Remarkably, after democratic elections in Afghanistan, women are holding positions of power in local and national governments, something that was impossible under the Taliban's rule. The sovereign governments are working with regional and international partners in achieving united democracies--an achievement only allowed through our fighting men and women in combat.

Many remarkable achievements have been made through the sacrifices of the men and women in the military, but perhaps the most important of all is what has not occurred in our country: since we took military action against these Islamic extremists and brought the fight to them, we have not seen an attack on American soil. The sacrifices that the sons and daughters of our Gold Star mothers have made and continue to make are protecting us on our shores. Unfortunately, we have seen that even after the death of terrorist leaders, such as Abu Mus'ab al- Zarqawi, the forces of Islamic extremists vow that they will continue to wage war on American civilians. Our success against this type of enemy is only ensured by the brave men and women of our Armed Forces. They provide safety and security to our Nation, and we are truly grateful for what they have done.

While the cost has been high, the cost of doing nothing would be even greater. These words provide little comfort to the families who have lost loved ones, but we will always remember those who have lost their lives in support of our freedom and thank them for their sacrifice.

I ask unanimous consent that a list of fallen heroes from Colorado be printed in the Record.

Mr. President, in remembering their lives, we also honor and celebrate the joy they brought to their families. To the Gold Star and Blue Star mothers and fathers: I salute you and thank you for your service to this Nation.

Mr. President, I yield the floor.

Mr. President, I thank the Senator from Idaho. We truly appreciate his leadership on the Veterans' Affairs Committee. He is doing a great job.

Mr. President, 70 years ago, Congress passed a resolution proclaiming that the last Sunday in September be designated as Gold Star Mother's Day. As we approach the last Sunday in September, I would like to take this opportunity to recognize the Gold Star Mothers throughout the country and particularly those in the State of Colorado.

I hope that we will all take time this Sunday, September 24, to honor these mothers and fathers who have so bravely endured the loss of a son or daughter killed while serving in the Armed Forces. Colorado has lost many young

men and women to combat since the horrendous attacks of 9/11. One day is not long enough for us to ever fully honor those parents who have had to suffer the unimaginable pain of losing a child, but we will try.

Across the State of Colorado and the rest of the Nation, many of these mothers have come together not only for support but also to volunteer their time serving veterans and families of soldiers, encouraging patriotism and national pride, and honoring their children through service and allegiance to the United States. Through their volunteer efforts, they keep alive the memory and spirit of those whose lives were lost in the war. They continue to inspire compassion, strength, and faithfulness for all Americans.

To mark this weekend, the Blue Star Mothers of Colorado will be hosting Colorado's first annual Gold Star Mother's Day Weekend. There will be several events throughout the weekend celebrating the lives of those soldiers who so courageously gave the ultimate sacrifice for their Nation. Unfortunately I will not be able to attend the ceremony myself, but my wife Joan and I want to send our thoughts and prayers to those who will be attending the event.

Words truly cannot express America's gratitude for our Armed Forces and their service and sacrifice to this Nation. Those who have fallen have served a cause greater than themselves and deserve special honor. To their mothers and fathers, you too deserve special honor as you continue to carry on the patriotic duties and legacy that your son or daughter sadly could not. I thank you for your courage and for your service to the United States of America.

Over the last 3 years, our Nation has been locked in a terrible struggle against radical extremists across the Middle East. And I will readily admit that this fight is one that we did not anticipate. But I do know that every life given in the name of freedom has not been given in vain.

While they continually experience many dangerous challenges, our men and women of our Armed Forces continue making strides in Iraq and Afghanistan. We have fought a terrible enemy that has no regard for human life.

Yet despite our challenges, we have seen tremendous progress, especially towards helping to create partners in our fight against terrorism worldwide. Indeed, much of our success depends on the men and women in the new democratic governments formed in Iraq and Afghanistan, and they are stepping up to the challenge. In Iraq, people from all walks of life--Sunnis, Shia, and Kurds--have participated in multiple elections and referendums across the country for the first time in Iraq's history.

Remarkably, after democratic elections in Afghanistan, women are holding positions of power in local and national governments, something that was impossible under the Taliban's rule. The sovereign governments are working with regional and international partners in achieving united democracies--an achievement only allowed through our fighting men and women in combat.

Many remarkable achievements have been made through the sacrifices of the men and women in the military, but perhaps the most important of all is what has not occurred in our own country. Since we took military action against these Islamic extremists and brought the fight to them, we have not seen an attack on American soil. The sacrifices that the sons and daughters of our Gold Star Mothers have made and continue to make are protecting us here on our shores.

Unfortunately, we have seen that even after the death of terrorist leaders like Abu Musab al-Zarqawi that the forces of the Islamic extremists vow that they will continue to wage war on American civilians. Our success against this type of enemy is only ensured by the brave men and women of our Armed Forces. They provide the safety and security to our nation, and we are truly grateful for what they have done. While the cost has been high, the cost of doing nothing would be even greater. These words provide little comfort to the families that have lost loved ones. But we will always remember those who have lost their lives in support of our freedom, and thank them for their sacrifice. I ask unanimous consent for the list of fallen heroes from Colorado be printed in the Record.

Mr. President, in remembering their lives, we also honor them and celebrate the joy that they have brought to their families. To the Gold Star and Blue Star mothers and fathers, I salute you, and thank you for your service to this nation.

Mr. President, I rise today to speak on the approaching fifth anniversary of the terrorist attacks against our Nation.

I still vividly remember that morning. When my chief of staff came to tell me about the attacks on the World Trade Center, I was in a meeting on how to improve our 911 emergency response system to better suit the needs of our first responders in rural areas. Even then we knew right away that our country would be forever changed.

The events of September 11 undoubtedly remain etched into the memory of every American. Five years later we are reminded daily of the profound impact that fateful morning had on our great Nation. Although deliberation and debate continues all across the county and in this body to determine the best way to keep our Nation safe, as we approach the anniversary of 9/11 we must commemorate and pray for those who lost their lives, for their surviving loved ones, and for the brave men and women serving in our Armed Forces around the world protecting our freedoms.

I said it the day after the tragedy here on the floor of the Senate, and I still believe it: America is strong. No terrorist strike will undermine our country to a point that would make us lose our fundamental purpose as a nation and a people.

We as a nation have adjusted to a new way of life since that day. We understand that these measures have changed our lives slightly but not our way of life. Increased security at airports, a transformed homeland security position, and a new national intelligence apparatus are but a few of the changes we have made in combating the new war of the 21st century.

After that day in 2001, many of us in elected service had to answer ``what happens next?'' We knew then that the phrase ``war on terror'' had been used lightly before and that this war had been ongoing before September 11. But our eyes were opened that day, and our strategic outlook was dramatically altered. President Bush has called it the long war, and I agree with him. We are in a struggle for survival against a faceless enemy who uses terror as a weapon against civilians anywhere, anytime.

It is this reality that has driven our foreign policy for the last 5 years and will continue to define how we fight against terror abroad. This is a different kind of war than what we have confronted before. Not only will we have to fight terrorists on the battlefield but also in urban areas, cyberspace, and over the airwaves. Not only are we fighting with bullets but also with ideas. Our greatest export continues to be freedom and democracy, and it will be these tools, not force, that will eventually lead us to victory.

But any victory we have will be hard fought. Our enemy is a radical network of terrorists that can flourish anywhere in the world. The terrorists' directive commands them to kill Christians and Jews, to kill all Americans, and make no distinction among military and civilians, including women and children.

It is with this knowledge that we approach the global war on terror. After September 11, we could not sit back and wait for the terrorists to strike again. On the contrary, our President, with congressional backing, ordered our Government to go on the offensive. We have shut down sanctuaries of terror in Iraq and Afghanistan. We have cut off the terror financing, and we have worked with our friends and allies to track down and apprehend terror operatives wherever they may be. We have had many such successes against terrorism since 9/11.

In the past, we would combat terrorism mostly using law enforcement mechanisms. We now combat these terrorists by taking the fight to them with our international partners using every available resource.

Some of these resources come from our intelligence community. Prior to September 11, our intelligence and law enforcement communities were restricted from sharing certain information with one another. Thankfully, today our counterterrorism efforts are more comprehensive, and these barriers no longer exist.

Al-Qaida used to train thousands of terrorists in Afghanistan under the nose of the international community without any repercussions to the organization or the Taliban. Thankfully, no longer is Afghanistan a safe haven for those brewing plots against our Nation. The Afghan people have been freed from the oppressive Taliban and fight with us side-by-side in the war on terror.

Additionally, Iraq was governed by a mass-murderer and a state sponsor of terror and now boasts for the first time a democratically elected government.

Of course, none of this could have been attained without the men and women of the armed services. Many of these servicemen have sacrificed everything to protect our freedoms abroad. Yet while the cost has been high, the cost of doing nothing would be even greater. Our country continues to mourn for the men and women who have lost their lives while on duty in Iraq, Afghanistan, and other parts of the globe.

Despite the many difficulties in this war, our Armed Forces have not retreated nor walked away in the face of adversity. They continue to seek out terrorists to disrupt their plans of horror both in the Middle East and elsewhere. They also continue to provide support and guidance to the Iraqi and Afghani people in their newborn democracies. Our citizens in uniform have taken the battle to the enemy and achieved success.

As we mourn the victims lost on September 11 and the Americans who have lost their lives since that day protecting us, let us remember that we are all Americans and must continue to remain committed to protecting what we hold dear. We will never forget the events of September 11. It will forever be a harsh reminder of the intentions of our enemies who detest freedom and democracy.

That said, we must also never forget what we witnessed in the days following this tragedy as America came together for the greater good. From that experience we learned that we as Americans are much more united than not. Much has changed since that fateful day of September 11, but our country has emerged prepared for the new challengers of the 21st century. Let us remember those who lost their lives that day and never forget why we fight abroad today.

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

Mr. President, I understand there is a pending amendment. I ask unanimous consent that amendment be laid aside and that I be allowed to speak for 7 minutes in morning business.

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

Mr. President, I rise today to talk about the recent successes of the Missile Defense Agency. Last Friday, a week ago from today, the Missile Defense Agency conducted a test of the ground-based midcourse system and scored an intercept. This exercise was designed to evaluate the performance of several elements of the ballistic missile defense system, and it appears that all elements worked remarkably well. Although it was not a primary objective for the data collection flight test, an intercept of the target warhead was achieved.

The test marked the first time an operational interceptor was launched from Vandenberg Air Force Base while the target flew from Alaska. It was conducted by crews who were manning operational fire control systems in Colorado Springs. It also marked the first use of the early warning radar at Beale Air Force Base in California.

I congratulate the head of the Missile Defense Agency, General Obering, and especially all the dedicated men and women of the MDA who helped make this test a success.

General Obering stated that the test is about as close as we can come to an end-to-end test of our long-range missile defense system. This success only builds upon a long record of missile defense intercepts and, more importantly, it is the fourth intercept in the last 90 days that used hit-to-kill technology.

In June, we launched a sea-based AEGIS interceptor that was successful in intercepting a separating warhead. In July, we launched a land-based terminal-phase interceptor, Terminal High Altitude Air Defense--or the THAAD--interceptor, successfully intercepting the target. Very recently, we had a successful Patriot-3 intercept that was conducted by the U.S. Army in collaboration with the Missile Defense Agency.

There have been many naysayers and doubters on missile defense, but I am proud to have supported the Missile Defense Agency over the past several years as it has grappled in an intensive effort to track down and eliminate or minimize risks that have contributed to setbacks in the past. There is an emphasis on quality that is paying off, as witnessed by our most recent tests. We learn from our mistakes, and we now see the fruit of the combined efforts of a wide range of dedicated military, civilian, and contractor personnel.

Testing will continue. We will encounter difficulties, but the program will move forward. We are succeeding in building an integrated and layered ballistic missile defense system. Our defenses will continue to improve, and our citizens will be increasingly protected and grateful.

While I am pleased that we have a limited missile defense capability, I believe our missile defense system needs to be challenged even further. We need more testing so that we can better understand the task at hand and discover the errors that must be corrected. I am confident that the Missile Defense Agency is on the right path. I look forward to supporting the Agency testing plan in the future. I do not expect perfection. In fact, I expect some failures. But in the context of several missile defense intercept tests per year, one or two failures only means that we are pushing to find out the real capabilities of the system.

We all know hit-to-kill technology works. We now need to further develop the midcourse system and introduce greater capability to that system. I look forward to assisting the Missile Defense Agency in its future programs so our Nation can rest assured that we are protected from rogue nations that wish to do us harm.

Mr. President, I would like to engage my colleague, the distinguished Chairman of the Senate Finance Committee, Senator Grassley, regarding a specific point involving the charitable reform provisions for Type III supporting organizations, particularly the authority of the Secretary to exempt an organization from the application of the excess business holdings rules. My colleague has worked hard to address the unintended consequences that may arise with regard to some of these changes as they related to the important work of many fine organizations that support worthy and noble causes. I have one of these organizations in my State of Colorado--the

Reisher Family Foundation--that benefits many underprivileged students throughout my State and provides them the means to attend college in my State.

Mr. President, specifically, I want to draw the chairman's attention to the excess business holdings provision and the language that allows the Secretary to waive the application of the excess business holdings provisions if the holdings of the Type III supporting organization are held consistent with the purpose or function constituting the basis for its exemption under section 501. I want to emphasize that my understanding is correct that the Secretary should make a final determination very quickly after a currently existing Type III supporting organization seeks exemption from the excess business holdings rules. It is extremely important that the determination be made within 6 months after the organization seeks exemption so that the organization knows how it must structure its holdings. Is that my friend's understanding?

I commend the chairman for his work and for working with others, such as the distinguished ranking member on the Senate Finance Committee, Senator Baucus, and Senator Santorum on this much needed exemption. There is no question that we intend to encourage more charitable giving in this country. I thank my colleague for engaging me in this colloquy.

Mr. President, I yield the floor.

credit counseling organizations

Mr. President, today I wish to honor Officer Michel O. Conley, who lost his life in Colorado's Big Thompson Flood of 1976.

Thirty years ago, more than 1 foot of rain fell in a matter of hours, causing a flash flood in Big Thompson Canyon. One hundred and forty four people were killed and over $30 million in property damage occurred. We remember those who died in this natural disaster and also the survivors who had to rebuild their lives, working as a community to start over again. This week, outside of my hometown of Loveland, CO, survivors of this tragedy gathered to commemorate the Big Thompson Flood. Though I could not be with them, my thoughts and prayers were. I speak on the Senate floor today as a tribute to this special event.

I ask that the following letter, which I wrote for the Memorial Service for Officer Michel O. Conley, be printed in the Record.

The material follows.

July 31, 2006

Memorial Service for Officer Michel O. Conley; 30th Anniversary of the

Big Thompson Flood

Dear Ms. Marks and Guests: As we look back thirty years ago

today we remember the shock and devastation that took place

in the Big Thompson Canyon, and the loss of Officer Michel O.

Conley.

Joan and I arrived just after the crest from the flood had

passed through Loveland and were astounded by the

destruction. We were devastated by the tragedy which affected

our community.

The loss of Officer Michel Conley of the Estes Park Police

Department is part of that tragedy. However, in his acts of

service and selflessness he helped to prevent what could have

been more losses. He helped to save approximately 60 people

before he was lost in flood. His gallantry and bravery are to

be commended.

Joan's and my prayers and thoughts are with you today as

you commemorate the Big Thompson Canyon Flood and the life of

Officer Conley, and with all whose lives were affected by

this tragedy.

Sincerely,

Wayne Allard,

U.S. Senator.

Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent to speak on behalf of S. 3711 and that the time not be counted against the Republican time.

Mr. President, I rise in support of S. 3711, which is the Gulf of Mexico Energy Security Act. I am heartened by the fact that this is a bipartisan effort, agreed to by those Senators who represent our Gulf States. It is an important step in continuing to reduce our dependence on foreign oil, and we need to increase our supply of domestic oil and gas. Certainly, this is a step in the right direction.

My approach to the energy needs of this country has always been that we need to have a broad-based approach. I was pleased with the Energy bill we passed in the last session of Congress which provided for a broad approach to meet our energy needs in this country.

I think we understood as a body that in order to meet the short-term needs of this country's energy needs, we need to continue to rely on fossil fuels. We need to continue to expand exploration for oil and gas. We need to continue to rely on coal. But in addition, we also need to be looking at additional sources of energy, particularly the renewable energy area, which is wind, solar, geothermal, and biofuels, as well as looking at sources such as hydroelectric and nuclear power.

As I look back on the effects of that bill we passed last session, I am already beginning to see positive effects from that legislation, and I am heartened by that. I can see those energy developments occurring in my own State, which involves new technologies, such as looking at oil shale as a source of a high-grade fuel that requires little refinement.

Our current energy prices clearly still indicate that all is not well with supply, and the demand is still greater than supply. We need to also look at conservation. But right now with this bill, we are concerning ourselves with supply.

While the price of natural gas is well below what it was this time last year, these prices are still well above what we were paying several years ago; and, as my colleague from Missouri mentioned, it is having an adverse impact throughout our economy, not the least of which it is having a serious adverse impact on our agricultural sector.

I believe the fact that prices have decreased at all is directly due to the fact that we passed the Energy Policy Act last year. We have all seen the figures: 27 new ethanol plants have broken ground; 401 E-85 fueling pumps have been installed. These are pumps that provide an ethanol-gasoline mixture. And the number of hybrid vehicles has increased. Between now and the year 2020, the 15 new efficiency standards included in the bill will save 50,000 megawatts of energy, and the amount of electricity generated from renewable sources has increased dramatically. But we need to do more to encourage domestic production of oil and gas.

It is argued--and I think argued well--that we should be reducing our energy consumption and increasing the amounts of energy we get from renewable and alternative sources. I agree. But the reality is that reducing consumption and increasing alternative resources does not happen overnight. I cannot ask my constituents to park the car and turn off the lights until we get there.

The estimates of the resources that will be made available under this proposal are 1.26 billion barrels of oil and 5.8 trillion cubic feet of natural gas. These are not insignificant amounts. These resources will provide a strong source of domestic energy for our country.

I believe that the compromise struck by this bill is a good one. The fact that almost every Member who represents a coastal State that is affected cosponsored this bill strikes me as significant. I strongly believe in local control, and as part of that, I often defer to Members who represent a State if a bill will directly affect that State. I use the example of wilderness designation. If a bill designating wilderness in a certain State is sponsored and supported by both Members of that State, I see no reason not to support it. The same is true here. If the Members from the coastal States are supportive of this bill, I support them.

I was hopeful that we would have the chance to address an amendment I wanted to offer on funding for the Payment in Lieu of Taxes Program. This particular program is extremely important to States, such as Colorado, that have a high percentage of federally owned land. Many people are unaware of the fact that 35 percent of Colorado is owned by the Federal Government. Federal ownership of these lands can be beneficial, but there is an unseen cost to local communities, to local governments. The Federal Government does not pay property taxes, and this translates into reduced revenue for local governments while there are some costs that they are burdened with in trying to meet the needs of the Federal agencies that are in that county or local community.

For Colorado, it means $129 million each year in lost property tax revenue. This is funding that could be used for education, law enforcement efforts or road building. Unfortunately, PILT, or payment in lieu of taxes, is chronically underfunded, and the amendment I planned on offering would have helped to overcome this annual shortfall.

Regardless of the fact that my amendment will not be considered, I am pleased that we are moving on this bill. I am hopeful that we can continue to put in place policies that will allow us to increase domestic production of all energy sources which will, in turn, reduce our reliance on foreign sources.

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

I withhold my request, and I yield the floor.