1 00:00:00,000 --> 00:00:00,000 starttime 1254238231.96231 2 00:00:00,001 --> 00:00:09,000 RIGHT NOW FLIED SENATE COVERAGE 3 00:00:09,001 --> 00:00:10,000 HERE ON C-SPAN2 4 00:00:10,001 --> 00:00:12,000 THE PRESIDING OFFICER: THE 5 00:00:12,001 --> 00:00:13,000 SENATE WILL COME TO ORDER. 6 00:00:13,001 --> 00:00:20,000 THE CHAPLAIN, DR. BARRY BLACK, 7 00:00:20,001 --> 00:00:25,000 WILL LEAD THE SENATE IN PRAYER. 8 00:00:25,001 --> 00:00:29,000 THE CHAPLAIN: LET US PRAY. 9 00:00:29,001 --> 00:00:32,000 ETERNAL GOD WHO READS OUR HEARTS 10 00:00:32,001 --> 00:00:34,000 AND KNOWS OUR MOTIVES, YOU ARE 11 00:00:34,001 --> 00:00:37,000 THE SOURCE OF OUR BEING AND THE 12 00:00:37,001 --> 00:00:43,000 GOAL OF OUR STRIVING. 13 00:00:43,001 --> 00:00:45,000 HALLOWED BE YOUR NAME. 14 00:00:45,001 --> 00:00:52,000 INSPIRE OUR SENATORS TO KEEP 15 00:00:52,001 --> 00:00:56,000 WITHIN THE GRASP OF YOUR FIRM 16 00:00:56,001 --> 00:00:57,000 HANDS THE THREADS OF THIS DAY'S 17 00:00:57,001 --> 00:01:00,000 WORDS AND DEEDS. 18 00:01:00,001 --> 00:01:02,000 MAY THEY 19 00:01:02,001 --> 00:01:04,000 SEEK YOUR WILL THROUGHOUT THIS 20 00:01:04,001 --> 00:01:10,000 DAY AND PERMIT YOU TO TRANSFIGURE 21 00:01:10,001 --> 00:01:15,000 AND REDEEM EVEN THEIR 22 00:01:15,001 --> 00:01:17,000 DISAPPOINTMENTS AND SETBACKS. 23 00:01:17,001 --> 00:01:19,000 AS THEY FACE 24 00:01:19,001 --> 00:01:22,000 PERPLEXING ISSUES OF STATE, MAY 25 00:01:22,001 --> 00:01:28,000 THE STRENGTH OF EACH BE AS THE 26 00:01:28,001 --> 00:01:29,000 STRENG OF TEN BECAUSE THEIR 27 00:01:29,001 --> 00:01:33,000 -- BECAUSE OF PURE PHOU 28 00:01:33,001 --> 00:01:36,000 ALTERNATIVES. 29 00:01:36,001 --> 00:01:37,000 MAY ALL THAT 30 00:01:37,001 --> 00:01:39,000 THEY DO AND ARE TODAY BE SO 31 00:01:39,001 --> 00:01:42,000 OBVIOUSLY AN EXPRESSION OF YOUR 32 00:01:42,001 --> 00:01:44,000 TRUTH THAT THEY CAN BE CONFIDENT 33 00:01:44,001 --> 00:01:48,000 OF RECEIVING THE SMILE OF YOUR 34 00:01:48,001 --> 00:01:51,000 APPROVAL. 35 00:01:51,001 --> 00:01:54,000 WE PRAY IN 36 00:01:54,001 --> 00:02:00,000 YOUR 37 00:02:00,001 --> 00:02:01,000 AMEN 38 00:02:01,001 --> 00:02:02,000 THE PRESIDING OF 39 00:02:02,001 --> 00:02:04,000 JOIN ME IN RECITING THE PLEDGE 40 00:02:04,001 --> 00:02:05,000 OF ALLEGIANC 41 00:02:05,001 --> 00:02:06,000 I PLEDGE ALLEGIANCE TO 42 00:02:06,001 --> 00:02:07,000 THE FLAG OF THE 43 00:02:07,001 --> 00:02:08,000 UNITED STATES OF AMERICA 44 00:02:08,001 --> 00:02:10,000 AND TO THE REPUBLIC 45 00:02:10,001 --> 00:02:12,000 FOR WHICH ITTANDS, 46 00:02:12,001 --> 00:02:13,000 ONE NATION UNDER GOD, 47 00:02:13,001 --> 00:02:15,000 INDIVISIBLE, 48 00:02:15,001 --> 00:02:21,000 WITH LIBERTY A 49 00:02:21,001 --> 00:02:22,000 JUSTICE FOR ALL. 50 00:02:22,001 --> 00:02:24,000 THE PRESIDING OFFICER: THE CLERK WILL READ A COMMUNICATION 51 00:02:24,001 --> 00:02:25,000 TO THE SENATE. 52 00:02:25,001 --> 00:02:27,000 THE CLERK: WAS 53 00:02:27,001 --> 00:02:29,000 SEPTEMBER 29 2009. 54 00:02:29,001 --> 00:02:30,000 TO THE SENATE: 55 00:02:30,001 --> 00:02:32,000 UNDER THE PROVISIONS OF RULE 1, 56 00:02:32,001 --> 00:02:34,000 PARAGRAPH 3, OF E STANDING 57 00:02:34,001 --> 00:02:35,000 RULES OF THE SENATE, I HEREBY 58 00:02:35,001 --> 00:02:36,000 APPOINT THE HONORABLE KIRSTEN 59 00:02:36,001 --> 00:02:37,000 GILLIBRAND, 60 00:02:37,001 --> 00:02:38,000 A SENATOR FROM THE 61 00:02:38,001 --> 00:02:39,000 STATE OF NEW YORK, 62 00:02:39,001 --> 00:02:40,000 TO PERFORM THE DUTIES OF THE CHAIR. 63 00:02:40,001 --> 00:02:43,000 SIGNED: ROBERT C. BYRD, PRESIDENT 64 00:02:43,001 --> 00:02:45,000 PRO TEMPORE. 65 00:02:45,001 --> 00:02:47,000 MR. REID: MADAM PRESIDENT? THE PRESIDING OFFICER: 66 00:02:47,001 --> 00:02:48,000 MAJORITY LEADER. MR. REID: FOLLOWING LEADER 67 00:02:48,001 --> 00:02:50,000 REMARKS THE SENATE WILL BE IN A 68 00:02:50,001 --> 00:02:51,000 PERIOD OF MORNING BUSINESS UNTIL 69 00:02:51,001 --> 00:02:52,000 1:30 TODAY. 70 00:02:52,001 --> 00:02:53,000 SENATORS ARE PERMITTED TO SPEAK 71 00:02:53,001 --> 00:02:55,000 DURING THAT PERIOD OF TIME FOR 72 00:02:55,001 --> 00:02:58,000 UP TO TEN MINUTES EACH. FOLLOWING THAT MORNING BUSINESS 73 00:02:58,001 --> 00:02:59,000 THE SENATE WILL RESUME 74 00:02:59,001 --> 00:03:00,000 CONSIDERATION OF THE DEFENSE 75 00:03:00,001 --> 00:03:02,000 APPROPRIATIONS BILL. 76 00:03:02,001 --> 00:03:03,000 AT 4:30 TODAY THE SENATE WILL 77 00:03:03,001 --> 00:03:06,000 TURN TO EXECUTIVE SESSION TO 78 00:03:06,001 --> 00:03:07,000 DEBATE THE NOMINATION OF JEFFREY 79 00:03:07,001 --> 00:03:09,000 VIKEN TO BE UNITED STATES 80 00:03:09,001 --> 00:03:10,000 DISTRICT JUDGE FOR THE DISTRICT 81 00:03:10,001 --> 00:03:14,000 OF SOUTH DAKOTA. 82 00:03:14,001 --> 00:03:16,000 AT 5:30 TODAY WE WILL VOTE ON 83 00:03:16,001 --> 00:03:18,000 THAT CONFIRMATION OF THAT 84 00:03:18,001 --> 00:03:19,000 NOMINATION. 85 00:03:19,001 --> 00:03:21,000 MADAM PRESIDENT, THIS AFTERNOON 86 00:03:21,001 --> 00:03:24,000 WE'LL BEGIN WORK ON THE DEFENSE 87 00:03:24,001 --> 00:03:28,000 APPROPRIATIONS BILL, AS JUST ANNOUNCED. 88 00:03:28,001 --> 00:03:30,000 THE BILL PROVIDES 89 00:03:30,001 --> 00:03:31,000 IN NEW DISCRETIONARY SPENDING 90 00:03:31,001 --> 00:03:33,000 AUTHORITY FROM THE DEPARTMENT OF 91 00:03:33,001 --> 00:03:36,000 DEFENSE, INCLUDING MORE THAN 92 00:03:36,001 --> 00:03:37,000 $128 BILLION IN FUNDING FOR 93 00:03:37,001 --> 00:03:39,000 OVERSEAS CONTINGENCY OPERATIONS. 94 00:03:39,001 --> 00:03:42,000 THIS IS A GOOD 95 00:03:42,001 --> 00:03:45,000 IT PROVIDES FUNDING TO GO TO THE 96 00:03:45,001 --> 00:03:46,000 ARMYY 22,000, PROVIDES $108 97 00:03:46,001 --> 00:03:50,000 BILLION FOR NEW EQUIPMENT FOR 98 00:03:50,001 --> 00:03:53,000 MEN AND WOMEN OF THE MILITAR 99 00:03:53,001 --> 00:03:55,000 BALE AS A RESULT OF THE 100 00:03:55,001 --> 00:03:56,000 EQUIPMENT HAVING BEEN DAMAGED 101 00:03:56,001 --> 00:03:57,000 AND WORN OUT. 102 00:03:57,001 --> 00:03:59,000 IT PROVIDES FOR THE MODIFICATION 103 00:03:59,001 --> 00:04:02,000 OF TACTICAL VEHICLES TO BETTER 104 00:04:02,001 --> 00:04:06,000 PROTECT OUR FORCES IN BATTLE. 105 00:04:06,001 --> 00:04:07,000 IN NEVADA, MADAM P 106 00:04:07,001 --> 00:04:11,000 THERE IS SIGNIFICANT 107 00:04:11,001 --> 00:04:12,000 CONTRIBUTIONS BEING MADE AS WE 108 00:04:12,001 --> 00:04:14,000 SPEAK TO THE WARS IN IRAQ AND 109 00:04:14,001 --> 00:04:17,000 AFGHANISTAN WITH MORE THAN #00 110 00:04:17,001 --> 00:04:20,000 GATT TODAY. 111 00:04:20,001 --> 00:04:21,000 BECAUSE THE DESERT TRAINING IN 112 00:04:21,001 --> 00:04:23,000 NEVADA IS SIMILAR TO THAT OF 113 00:04:23,001 --> 00:04:25,000 IRAQ AND AFGHANISTAN, MANY 114 00:04:25,001 --> 00:04:29,000 PREPARE IN NEVADA. 115 00:04:29,001 --> 00:04:30,000 THE NAVAL AIR 116 00:04:30,001 --> 00:04:33,000 IN NORTHERN NEVADA IS THE HOME 117 00:04:33,001 --> 00:04:34,000 OF THE NAVY'S PREEMINENT STRIKE 118 00:04:34,001 --> 00:04:38,000 AND AIR WFARE CENTER WHICH 119 00:04:38,001 --> 00:04:42,000 INCLUDES NAVY FIGHTERS AND 120 00:04:42,001 --> 00:04:46,000 WEAPONS BETTER KNOWN AS TOP GUN. 121 00:04:46,001 --> 00:04:48,000 FALLON HOUSES THE CARRIER WEAPONS SYSTEM. 122 00:04:48,001 --> 00:04:51,000 MADAM PRESIDENT, IF YOU ARE A 123 00:04:51,001 --> 00:04:53,000 NAVY PILOT, FIGHTER PILOT, ONLY 124 00:04:53,001 --> 00:04:55,000 TRAINING WILL ALLOW YOU TO HAVE 125 00:04:55,001 --> 00:05:03,000 AN EFFECTIVE Ph.D. IN FLYING 126 00:05:03,001 --> 00:05:07,000 THE NAVY'S TOP FIGHTER PLANES 127 00:05:07,001 --> 00:05:11,000 IN EXISTENCE SINCE THE LATE 128 00:05:11,001 --> 00:05:16,000 1920'S AS A RESULT OF THE HUGE EXPLOSION. 129 00:05:16,001 --> 00:05:20,000 SINCE 19 -- LATE 1920'S, THIS 130 00:05:20,001 --> 00:05:22,000 BASE IN THE VERY ARID, DRY NORTH 131 00:05:22,001 --> 00:05:24,000 CENTRAL NEVADA SERVES AS THE 132 00:05:24,001 --> 00:05:27,000 STAGING AREA FOR CONVENTIONAL 133 00:05:27,001 --> 00:05:30,000 BOMBS, ROCKETS AND AMMUNITION 134 00:05:30,001 --> 00:05:31,000 SINCE WORLD WAR II. 135 00:05:31,001 --> 00:05:34,000 CREECH AIR FORCE BASE, LOCATED 136 00:05:34,001 --> 00:05:36,000 ABOUT 35 MILES NORTH 137 00:05:36,001 --> 00:05:37,000 VEGAS, HAS IN PLACE AN AIRCRAFT 138 00:05:37,001 --> 00:05:39,000 SYSTEM CALLED THE DRONES, WHAT 139 00:05:39,001 --> 00:05:42,000 IS CALLED THE DRONES. 140 00:05:42,001 --> 00:05:44,000 IT'S KNOWN AS A JOINT 141 00:05:44,001 --> 00:05:48,000 AIRCRAFT SYSTEM CENTER OF EXCELLENCE. 142 00:05:48,001 --> 00:05:50,000 IT'S FROM THAT FACILITY THAT THE 143 00:05:50,001 --> 00:05:52,000 RIKES THAT TAKE PLACE IN IRAQ 144 00:05:52,001 --> 00:05:53,000 AND AFGHANISTAN, THAT'S WHERE 145 00:05:53,001 --> 00:05:55,000 THE PEOPLE ON THE GROUND THERE 146 00:05:55,001 --> 00:05:58,000 ACTUALLY DO THE WORK THAT ALLOWS 147 00:05:58,001 --> 00:05:59,000 THESE PLANES TO DO THESE -- 148 00:05:59,001 --> 00:06:01,000 THESE VEHICLES TO DO THEIR 149 00:06:01,001 --> 00:06:02,000 DAMAGE WHEREVER THEY'RE 150 00:06:02,001 --> 00:06:05,000 DESIGNATED TO GO. 151 00:06:05,001 --> 00:06:07,000 FINALLY, MADAM PRESIDENT, THE 152 00:06:07,001 --> 00:06:09,000 AIR FORCE BASE OUTSIDE LAS 153 00:06:09,001 --> 00:06:11,000 VEGAS, HOME OF THE FIRST 154 00:06:11,001 --> 00:06:13,000 DEDICATED AIR WARFARE LATER AIR 155 00:06:13,001 --> 00:06:15,000 GROUND TRAING FACILITY 156 00:06:15,001 --> 00:06:18,000 CONTINUES TO PROVIDE AIR 157 00:06:18,001 --> 00:06:21,000 TRAINING FOR U.S. AND ALLIED FORCES. 158 00:06:21,001 --> 00:06:23,000 THIS IS THE HOME OF THE 159 00:06:23,001 --> 00:06:24,000 THUNDERBIRDS. 160 00:06:24,001 --> 00:06:26,000 THE FISCAL YEAR ENDS TOMORROW. 161 00:06:26,001 --> 00:06:28,000 WE NEED TO PASS THIS BILL TO 162 00:06:28,001 --> 00:06:30,000 ENSURE THESE MEN AND WOMEN IN 163 00:06:30,001 --> 00:06:33,000 UNIFORM, OUR SOLDIERS, MARINES, 164 00:06:33,001 --> 00:06:36,000 AIRMEN, SAILORS AND WOMEN HAVE 165 00:06:36,001 --> 00:06:38,000 EVERY RESOURCE THEY NEED TO 166 00:06:38,001 --> 00:06:41,000 1KE68LY CARRY OUT THEIR MISSION. 167 00:06:41,001 --> 00:06:42,000 WHETHER IN -- SUCCESSFULLY 168 00:06:42,001 --> 00:06:46,000 OUT THEIR MISSION. 169 00:06:46,001 --> 00:06:47,000 ALL OF AMERICA'S TROOPS ARE 170 00:06:47,001 --> 00:06:49,000 DEPENDING ON US. 171 00:06:49,001 --> 00:06:50,000 THE MANAGERS OF THIS BILL WERE 172 00:06:50,001 --> 00:06:52,000 HERE LAST THURSDAY ANDRIDAY. 173 00:06:52,001 --> 00:06:54,000 THEY ARE LACK THIS AFTERNOON 174 00:06:54,001 --> 00:06:56,000 READY TO COMPLETE ACTION ON THIS LEGISLATION. 175 00:06:56,001 --> 00:06:57,000 THIS IS AN TRAOEPBLGSLY 176 00:06:57,001 --> 00:06:58,000 IMPORTANT -- THIS IS AN 177 00:06:58,001 --> 00:07:00,000 EXTREMELY IMPORTANT PIECE OF LEGISLATION. 178 00:07:00,001 --> 00:07:02,000 THE SENATE NEEDS TO ACT ON IT 179 00:07:02,001 --> 00:07:03,000 QUICKLY SO WE CAN GET TO 180 00:07:03,001 --> 00:07:06,000 CONFERENCE AND MINIMIZE THE TIME 181 00:07:06,001 --> 00:07:08,000 THE DEPARTMENT HAS TO OPERATE ON 182 00:07:08,001 --> 00:07:11,000 STOPGAP RESOLUTION. 183 00:07:11,001 --> 00:07:12,000 MADAM PRESIDENT, I WOULD HOPE 184 00:07:12,001 --> 00:07:14,000 PEOPLE, IF THEY HAVE AMENDMENTS 185 00:07:14,001 --> 00:07:16,000 TO OFFER, THEY WILL OFFER THEM. 186 00:07:16,001 --> 00:07:17,000 WE HAVE HAD TWO DAYS TO OFFER AMENDMENTS. 187 00:07:17,001 --> 00:07:19,000 WE HAVE TWO OF THE MOST 188 00:07:19,001 --> 00:07:21,000 EXPERIENCED MANAGERS IN THE 189 00:07:21,001 --> 00:07:22,000 SENATE WITH SENATORS INOUYE AND COCHRAN. 190 00:07:22,001 --> 00:07:23,000 AND I WOULD HOPE THAT PEOPLE 191 00:07:23,001 --> 00:07:25,000 WOULD OFFER THEIR AMENDMENTS. 192 00:07:25,001 --> 00:07:26,000 WE'RE NOT GOING TO BE 193 00:07:26,001 --> 00:07:28,000 BILL ALL WEEK. 194 00:07:28,001 --> 00:07:35,000 WE'RE GOING TO GET OFF OF IT AS 195 00:07:35,001 --> 00:07:36,000 SOON AS WE 196 00:07:36,001 --> 00:07:37,000 MR. McCONNELL: MADAM PRESIDENT? 197 00:07:37,001 --> 00:07:38,000 THE PRESIDING OFFICER: THE 198 00:07:38,001 --> 00:07:40,000 REPUBLICAN LEADER. 199 00:07:40,001 --> 00:07:43,000 MR. McCONNELL: THIS AFTERNOON 200 00:07:43,001 --> 00:07:44,000 WE RESUME CONSIDERATION OF THE 201 00:07:44,001 --> 00:07:47,000 DEFENSE APPROPRIATIONS BILL. 202 00:07:47,001 --> 00:07:48,000 AND 203 00:07:48,001 --> 00:07:50,000 CONCERNS ARE THE PROTECTION OF 204 00:07:50,001 --> 00:07:52,000 OUR TROOPS AND AIES IN 205 00:07:52,001 --> 00:07:59,000 AFGHANISTAN AND THE SUCCESS OF 206 00:07:59,001 --> 00:08:01,000 OUR MISSION THR-FPLT THE -- 207 00:08:01,001 --> 00:08:02,000 MISSION THERE. 208 00:08:02,001 --> 00:08:03,000 GENERAL McCHRYSTAL MADE CLEAR 209 00:08:03,001 --> 00:08:05,000 MORE FORCES ARE NECESSARY TO 210 00:08:05,001 --> 00:08:06,000 ACCOMPLISH THE MISSION. 211 00:08:06,001 --> 00:08:08,000 WHILE THE ADMINISTRATION HASN'T 212 00:08:08,001 --> 00:08:09,000 YET REACTED TO GENERAL 213 00:08:09,001 --> 00:08:11,000 McCHRYSTAL'S REPORT, IN MY 214 00:08:11,001 --> 00:08:13,000 VIEW, 215 00:08:13,001 --> 00:08:15,000 EXPLAIN TO THE AMERICAN PEOPLE 216 00:08:15,001 --> 00:08:17,000 HIS REASONS EITHER FOR ACCEPTING 217 00:08:17,001 --> 00:08:19,000 THE McCHRYSTAL PLAN OR 218 00:08:19,001 --> 00:08:21,000 A DIFFERENT COURSE. 219 00:08:21,001 --> 00:08:25,000 TIMING IS IMPORTANT. 220 00:08:25,001 --> 00:08:27,000 THE FAILURE TO ACT DECISIVELY IN 221 00:08:27,001 --> 00:08:28,000 RESPONSE TO GENERAL 222 00:08:28,001 --> 00:08:29,000 McCHRYSTAL'S STRATEGY AND HIS 223 00:08:29,001 --> 00:08:32,000 ANTICIPATED REQUEST FOR 224 00:08:32,001 --> 00:08:34,000 ADDITIONAL FORCES COULD SERVE TO 225 00:08:34,001 --> 00:08:36,000 UNDERMINE SOME O 226 00:08:36,001 --> 00:08:37,000 DECISIONS THE PRESIDENT HAS MADE 227 00:08:37,001 --> 00:08:39,000 ON NATIONAL SECURITY. 228 00:08:39,001 --> 00:08:41,000 THAT SAID, NO PRESIDENT DECIDES 229 00:08:41,001 --> 00:08:44,000 TO COMMIT TROOPS LHTLY. 230 00:08:44,001 --> 00:08:45,000 ALL SUCH DECISIONS HAVE 231 00:08:45,001 --> 00:08:48,000 FAR-REACHING CONSEQUENCES. 232 00:08:48,001 --> 00:08:50,000 AND THAT'S WHY GENERAL 233 00:08:50,001 --> 00:08:51,000 McCHRYSTAL AND GENERAL 234 00:08:51,001 --> 00:08:52,000 PETRAEUS SHOULD ALSO COME T 235 00:08:52,001 --> 00:08:55,000 WASHINGTON TO EXPLAIN TO 236 00:08:55,001 --> 00:08:59,000 CONGRESS AND TO THE AMERICAN 237 00:08:59,001 --> 00:09:00,000 PEOPLE HOW THEIR STRATEGY WILL 238 00:09:00,001 --> 00:09:02,000 WORK. 239 00:09:02,001 --> 00:09:03,000 A COUNTERINSURGENCY STRATEGY 240 00:09:03,001 --> 00:09:07,000 WILL REQUIRE A SIGNIFICANT 241 00:09:07,001 --> 00:09:09,000 INVESTMENT IN TIME, TROOPS, AND RESOURCES. 242 00:09:09,001 --> 00:09:13,000 WE NEED AN EXPLANAON FROM OUR 243 00:09:13,001 --> 00:09:16,000 GENERALS WHY THAT INVESTMENT IS NEED. 244 00:09:16,001 --> 00:09:17,000 THE RECENT DISRUPTION OF AN 245 00:09:17,001 --> 00:09:19,000 ALLEGED AL QAEDA PLOT AGAINST 246 00:09:19,001 --> 00:09:21,000 AMERICA WAS A REMINDER TO ALL OF 247 00:09:21,001 --> 00:09:25,000 US OF THE SERIOUSNESS AND THE 248 00:09:25,001 --> 00:09:27,000 URGENCY OF OUR EFFORTS IN AFGHANISTAN. 249 00:09:27,001 --> 00:09:31,000 THERE SHOULD BE NO DOUBT THAT AL 250 00:09:31,001 --> 00:09:32,000 QAEDA REMAINS A SERIOUS THREAT. 251 00:09:32,001 --> 00:09:34,000 WE CANNOT ALLOW AL QAEDA TO 252 00:09:34,001 --> 00:09:36,000 ESTABLISH A SAFE HAVEN IN THE 253 00:09:36,001 --> 00:09:39,000 VERY PLACE WHERE IT PLOTTED AND 254 00:09:39,001 --> 00:09:42,000 PLANNED THE 9/11 ATTACKS. 255 00:09:42,001 --> 00:09:43,000 THE TALIBAN IS GAINING GROUND IN 256 00:09:43,001 --> 00:09:44,000 AFGHANISTAN, AND OUR COMMANDERS 257 00:09:44,001 --> 00:09:46,000 IN THE FIELD ARE IN THE BEST 258 00:09:46,001 --> 00:09:49,000 POSITION TO TELL US WHAT IS 259 00:09:49,001 --> 00:09:51,000 REQUIRED TO COMPLETE THEIR MISSION. 260 00:09:51,001 --> 00:09:53,000 GENERAL McCHRYSTAL SAYS THAT 261 00:09:53,001 --> 00:09:55,000 WITHOUT ADEQUAT 262 00:09:55,001 --> 00:09:58,000 WILL LIKELY FAIL. 263 00:09:58,001 --> 00:10:00,000 IN MY VIEW, WSHOULD LISTEN TO 264 00:10:00,001 --> 00:10:02,000 HIS ADVICE, AND HOPEFULLY WE'LL 265 00:10:02,001 --> 00:10:06,000 BE ABLE TO GET THAT ADVICE 266 00:10:06,001 --> 00:10:09,000 PERSON IN A TIMELY MANNER. 267 00:10:09,001 --> 00:10:11,000 MADAM 268 00:10:11,001 --> 00:10:13,000 FLOOR. 269 00:10:13,001 --> 00:10:17,000 I SUGGEST THE ABSENCE OF A 270 00:10:17,001 --> 00:10:22,000 QUORUM. THE PRESIDING OFFICER: THE 271 00:10:22,001 --> 00:15:23,000 CLERK WILL CALL THE RL. 272 00:15:23,001 --> 00:20:26,000 QUORUM CALL: 273 00:20:26,001 --> 00:20:29,000 QUORUM CALL: 274 00:20:29,001 --> 00:20:30,000 A SENATOR: MADAM PRESIDENT? 275 00:20:30,001 --> 00:20:32,000 THE PRESIDING OFFICER: THE 276 00:20:32,001 --> 00:20:33,000 SENATOR FROM HAWAII. 277 00:20:33,001 --> 00:20:34,000 A SENATOR: MADAM PRESIDENT, I 278 00:20:34,001 --> 00:20:36,000 ASK UNANIMOUS CONSENT THAT THE 279 00:20:36,001 --> 00:20:41,000 QUORUM CALL BE THE PRESIDING OFFICER: WITHOUT 280 00:20:41,001 --> 00:20:43,000 OBJECTION. 281 00:20:43,001 --> 00:20:44,000 UNDER THE PREVIOUS OER, 282 00:20:44,001 --> 00:20:46,000 LEADSHIP TIME IS READ SERVED. 283 00:20:46,001 --> 00:20:48,000 UNDER THE PREVIOUS TIME THE 284 00:20:48,001 --> 00:20:50,000 SENATE WILL PROCEED TO A BRIEF 285 00:20:50,001 --> 00:20:51,000 PERIOD OF MORNING BUSINESS UNTIL 286 00:20:51,001 --> 00:20:54,000 1:30 P.M. WITH SENATORS 287 00:20:54,001 --> 00:21:01,000 PERMITTED TO SPEAK UP TO 10 288 00:21:01,001 --> 00:21:02,000 MINUTES EACH. 289 00:21:02,001 --> 00:21:04,000 MR. AKA: MADAM PRESIDENT, I 290 00:21:04,001 --> 00:21:05,000 RISE TO SPEAK AS IF IN MORNING BUSINESS. 291 00:21:05,001 --> 00:21:07,000 THE PRESIDING OFFICER: WITHOUT 292 00:21:07,001 --> 00:21:09,000 OBJECTION. 293 00:21:09,001 --> 00:21:10,000 MR. AKA: I RISE TODAY, MADAM 294 00:21:10,001 --> 00:21:12,000 PRESIDENT, TO STAND IN UNITY 295 00:21:12,001 --> 00:21:14,000 WITH O 296 00:21:14,001 --> 00:21:16,000 PHILIPPINES, CHINA, AND VIETNAM 297 00:21:16,001 --> 00:21:21,000 WHO ARE RECOVERING FROM A 298 00:21:21,001 --> 00:21:25,000 TERRIBLE NATURAL DISASTER. 299 00:21:25,001 --> 00:21:29,000 TROPICAL STORM KASANA STRUCK THE 300 00:21:29,001 --> 00:21:32,000 PHILIPPINES SATURDAY NEAR MANILA 301 00:21:32,001 --> 00:21:33,000 CAUSING MASSIVE FLOODING ACROSS 302 00:21:33,001 --> 00:21:35,000 THE ISLAND NATION. 303 00:21:35,001 --> 00:21:38,000 ACCORDING TO NEWS REPORTS, 304 00:21:38,001 --> 00:21:42,000 FOOTAGE SHOWS PEOPLE BEING SWEPT 305 00:21:42,001 --> 00:21:46,000 AWAY BY RAGING TORRENTS. 306 00:21:46,001 --> 00:21:50,000 STRANDED ON ROOFTOPS WITHOUT 307 00:21:50,001 --> 00:21:56,000 SUPPLIES 308 00:21:56,001 --> 00:21:58,000 WASTE-HIGH -- FLOODWATERS. 309 00:21:58,001 --> 00:22:02,000 ACCORDING TO THE ASSOCIATED 310 00:22:02,001 --> 00:22:03,000 PRESST LEA 311 00:22:03,001 --> 00:22:06,000 PHILIPPINES ARE CONFIRMED DEAD 312 00:22:06,001 --> 00:22:07,000 AND NEARLY 500,000 PEOPLE HAVE 313 00:22:07,001 --> 00:22:09,000 LOST THEIR 314 00:22:09,001 --> 00:22:11,000 AS I SPEAK, RESCUERS ARE 315 00:22:11,001 --> 00:22:14,000 SEARCHING FOR ANY REMAINING 316 00:22:14,001 --> 00:22:17,000 SURVIVORS. 317 00:22:17,001 --> 00:22:18,000 FAMILY MEMBERS ARE MOURNING LOST 318 00:22:18,001 --> 00:22:22,000 LOVED ONES. 319 00:22:22,001 --> 00:22:24,000 MILLIONS OF FILIPINOS ACROSS THE 320 00:22:24,001 --> 00:22:28,000 COUNTRY ARE STRUGGLING TO FIND 321 00:22:28,001 --> 00:22:29,000 CLEAN WATER, 322 00:22:29,001 --> 00:22:32,000 SHELTER. 323 00:22:32,001 --> 00:22:34,000 I COMMEND THE UNITED STATES 324 00:22:34,001 --> 00:22:37,000 EMBASSY IN MANILA FOR PLEDGING 325 00:22:37,001 --> 00:22:39,000 FINANCIAL AID TO HELP T 326 00:22:39,001 --> 00:22:42,000 PHILIPPINE GOVERNMENT GET 327 00:22:42,001 --> 00:22:43,000 LIFESAVING NECESSITIES TO PEOPLE 328 00:22:43,001 --> 00:22:44,000 LIVING IN THE EMERGENCY 329 00:22:44,001 --> 00:22:48,000 SHELTERS. 330 00:22:48,001 --> 00:22:49,000 I AM PROUD AND HONORED BY THE 331 00:22:49,001 --> 00:22:53,000 WORK OF THE MEMBERS OF THE 332 00:22:53,001 --> 00:22:55,000 UNITED STATES ARMED SERVICES 333 00:22:55,001 --> 00:22:57,000 BASED IN THE 334 00:22:57,001 --> 00:23:00,000 THEIR IMPORTANT MISSION IS TO 335 00:23:00,001 --> 00:23:03,000 PROVIDE COUNTERTERRORISM 336 00:23:03,001 --> 00:23:06,000 TRAINING, BUT IN THE FACE OF 337 00:23:06,001 --> 00:23:08,000 DISASTER, OUR TROOPS HAVE 338 00:23:08,001 --> 00:23:12,000 HEROICALLY CONDUCTED A NUMBER OF 339 00:23:12,001 --> 00:23:13,000 LIFESAVING 340 00:23:13,001 --> 00:23:16,000 NOW THEY'RE HELPING 341 00:23:16,001 --> 00:23:18,000 DISTRIBUTE SUPPLIES. 342 00:23:18,001 --> 00:23:22,000 I ALSO THANK UNICEF FOR ITS 343 00:23:22,001 --> 00:23:24,000 LARGE PLEDGE OF FINANCIAL 344 00:23:24,001 --> 00:23:26,000 SUPPORT. 345 00:23:26,001 --> 00:23:28,000 IN HAWAII, A NUMBER OF 346 00:23:28,001 --> 00:23:29,000 ORGANIZATIONS HAVE STEPPED UP 347 00:23:29,001 --> 00:23:31,000 HELP. 348 00:23:31,001 --> 00:23:35,000 THE FILIPINO COMMUNITY CENTER, 349 00:23:35,001 --> 00:23:38,000 THE UNITED FILIPINO COUNCIL OF 350 00:23:38,001 --> 00:23:43,000 HAWAII, AND THE PHILIPPINE 351 00:23:43,001 --> 00:23:44,000 COUNSELATE GENERAL OF HONOLULU 352 00:23:44,001 --> 00:23:48,000 ARE AMONG THE ORGANIZATIONS 353 00:23:48,001 --> 00:23:50,000 RAISING FUNDS. 354 00:23:50,001 --> 00:23:53,000 OFFERING 355 00:23:53,001 --> 00:23:59,000 AND ACROSS THE NATION. 356 00:23:59,001 --> 00:24:00,000 UNFORTUNATELY, KATSANA'S PATH OF 357 00:24:00,001 --> 00:24:01,000 DESTRUCTION WAS NOT FINISHED AT 358 00:24:01,001 --> 00:24:04,000 THE PHILIPPINES. 359 00:24:04,001 --> 00:24:07,000 THE STORM PICKED UP STRENGTH 360 00:24:07,001 --> 00:24:11,000 OVER THE SOUTH CHINA SEAS, 361 00:24:11,001 --> 00:24:15,000 BRUSHED AGAINST THE COAST OF 362 00:24:15,001 --> 00:24:18,000 CHINA'S ISLAND AND AT FULL 363 00:24:18,001 --> 00:24:20,000 TYPHOON STRENGTH TODAY SLAMMED 364 00:24:20,001 --> 00:24:21,000 DIRECTLY INTO VIETNAM WHERE AT 365 00:24:21,001 --> 00:24:23,000 LEAST 23 366 00:24:23,001 --> 00:24:26,000 CONFIRMED DEAD. 367 00:24:26,001 --> 00:24:27,000 LAOS, CAMBODIA AND THAILAND ARE 368 00:24:27,001 --> 00:24:31,000 NOW BRACING FOR HEAVY RAINS AS 369 00:24:31,001 --> 00:24:34,000 THE STORM MOVES INLAND. 370 00:24:34,001 --> 00:24:37,000 IN THE UNITED STATES, WE ARE NO 371 00:24:37,001 --> 00:24:38,000 STRANGERS TO THE HORRORS OF 372 00:24:38,001 --> 00:24:41,000 TROPICAL CYCLONES. 373 00:24:41,001 --> 00:24:44,000 WE ALL REMBER THE TRAGEDY OF 374 00:24:44,001 --> 00:24:49,000 HUHURRICANE KATRINA. 375 00:24:49,001 --> 00:24:51,000 IT HIT THE GULF COAST MORE THAN 376 00:24:51,001 --> 00:24:53,000 FOUR YEARS AGO, BUT MANY AREAS 377 00:24:53,001 --> 00:24:55,000 ARE STILL RECOVERING. 378 00:24:55,001 --> 00:24:59,000 IN HAWAII WE WILL NEVER FORGET 379 00:24:59,001 --> 00:25:01,000 THE HURRICANE THAT STRUC 380 00:25:01,001 --> 00:25:03,000 1992 KILLING SIX PEOPLE, 381 00:25:03,001 --> 00:25:05,000 DESTROYING HOMES, HOTELS, AND 382 00:25:05,001 --> 00:25:08,000 BUSINESSES, AND LEAVING 383 00:25:08,001 --> 00:25:11,000 RESIDENTS IN SOME AREAS WITHOUT 384 00:25:11,001 --> 00:25:17,000 ELECTRICITY FOR MONTHS. 385 00:25:17,001 --> 00:25:20,000 IT TOOK PARTS OF KAYUI MORE THAN 386 00:25:20,001 --> 00:25:21,000 A DECADE TO RECOVER AND SOME 387 00:25:21,001 --> 00:25:22,000 HISTORIC BUILDINGS HAVE NEVER 388 00:25:22,001 --> 00:25:23,000 BEEN REBUILT. 389 00:25:23,001 --> 00:25:26,000 THE UNITED STATES STANDS WITH 390 00:25:26,001 --> 00:25:29,000 OUR FRIENDS IN THE PHILIPPINES, 391 00:25:29,001 --> 00:25:32,000 CHINA, AND VIETNAM AS THEY WORK 392 00:25:32,001 --> 00:25:35,000 TO HELP THE SURVIVORS. 393 00:25:35,001 --> 00:25:37,000 I WANT TO THANK EVERYONE -- 394 00:25:37,001 --> 00:25:40,000 EVERYONE WHO HAS PITCHED IN TO 395 00:25:40,001 --> 00:25:42,000 HELP OUR FRIENDS RECOVER FROM 396 00:25:42,001 --> 00:25:44,000 THIS TERRIBLE DISASTER. 397 00:25:44,001 --> 00:25:46,000 MADAM PRESIDENT, I YIELD THE 398 00:25:46,001 --> 00:25:49,000 FLOOR. 399 00:25:49,001 --> 00:25:50,000 I NOTE THE ABSENCE OF A QUORUM. 400 00:25:50,001 --> 00:25:56,000 THE PRESIDING OFFIR: THE CLERK 401 00:25:56,001 --> 00:29:56,000 WILL CALL THE ROLL. 402 00:29:56,001 --> 00:33:05,000 QUORUM CALL: 403 00:33:05,001 --> 00:33:07,000 QUORUM CALL: 404 00:33:07,001 --> 00:33:09,000 A SENATOR: MADAM PRESIDENT? THE PRESIDING OFFICER: THE 405 00:33:09,001 --> 00:33:10,000 SENATOR FROM MARYLAND. 406 00:33:10,001 --> 00:33:11,000 MR. CARDIN: I ASK UNANIMOUS 407 00:33:11,001 --> 00:33:12,000 CONSENT THAT THE QUORUM CALL BE 408 00:33:12,001 --> 00:33:13,000 DISPENSED WITH. ESIDGTHOU 409 00:33:13,001 --> 00:33:14,000 OBJECTION. 410 00:33:14,001 --> 00:33:16,000 MR. CARDIN: MADAM PRESIDENT, I 411 00:33:16,001 --> 00:33:18,000 TAKE THIS TIME TO BRING TO THE 412 00:33:18,001 --> 00:33:20,000 ATTENTION OF MY COLLEAGUES 413 00:33:20,001 --> 00:33:24,000 LEGISLATION THAT'S BEEN 414 00:33:24,001 --> 00:33:25,000 INTRODUCED BY SENATOR LUGAR, THE 415 00:33:25,001 --> 00:33:27,000 ENERGY SECURITY THROUGH 416 00:33:27,001 --> 00:33:30,000 TRANSPARENCY ACT OF 2009. 417 00:33:30,001 --> 00:33:32,000 I HAVE JOINED SENATOR LUGAR AS A 418 00:33:32,001 --> 00:33:34,000 COSPONSOR, AS HAS SENATOR 419 00:33:34,001 --> 00:33:35,000 SCHUMER, SENATOR WICKER, AND 420 00:33:35,001 --> 00:33:38,000 SENATOR FEINGOLD. 421 00:33:38,001 --> 00:33:40,000 LET ME FIRST TELL YOU THE 422 00:33:40,001 --> 00:33:43,000 PROBLEM THAT THIS LEGISLATION IS 423 00:33:43,001 --> 00:33:47,000 ATTEMPTING TO DEAL WITH. 424 00:33:47,001 --> 00:33:48,000 AND THAT IS THERE ARE THESE 425 00:33:48,001 --> 00:33:51,000 MINERAL-WEALTHY COUNTRIES -- 426 00:33:51,001 --> 00:33:52,000 COUNTRIES THAT I HAVE OIL, 427 00:33:52,001 --> 00:33:54,000 COUNTRIES THAT HAVE GAS -- 428 00:33:54,001 --> 00:33:55,000 COUNTRIES THAT HAVE OIL, 429 00:33:55,001 --> 00:33:57,000 COUNTRIES THAT HAVE GAS -- AND 430 00:33:57,001 --> 00:34:00,000 SOMETIMES IT'S CALLED A CURSE 431 00:34:00,001 --> 00:34:02,000 BECAUSE IN MANY OF THESE 432 00:34:02,001 --> 00:34:05,000 COUNTRIES THERE IS HORRIBLE 433 00:34:05,001 --> 00:34:08,000 POVERTY, THERE'S CONFLICTS, OPEN 434 00:34:08,001 --> 00:34:11,000 WAR AND VERY POOR GOVERNANCE. 435 00:34:11,001 --> 00:34:12,000 AND THE REASON IN MOST CASES IS 436 00:34:12,001 --> 00:34:14,000 CORRUPTION. 437 00:34:14,001 --> 00:34:16,000 QUITE FRANKLY, THERE ARE 438 00:34:16,001 --> 00:34:17,000 INDIVIDUALS AND GROUPS AND 439 00:34:17,001 --> 00:34:20,000 SOMETIMES LEADERS WITHIN THESE 440 00:34:20,001 --> 00:34:23,000 CORE NATIONS THAT HAVE WEALTHY 441 00:34:23,001 --> 00:34:25,000 RESOURCES THAT MAKE THEIR OWN 442 00:34:25,001 --> 00:34:29,000 INDIVIDUAL DEALS WITH COMPANIES 443 00:34:29,001 --> 00:34:31,000 THAT EXTRACT THESE MINERALS AND 444 00:34:31,001 --> 00:34:33,000 USE IT FOR THEIR OWN PURPOSE 445 00:34:33,001 --> 00:34:35,000 RATHER THAN SHARING IT AS THEY 446 00:34:35,001 --> 00:34:37,000 SHOULD OR USING IT AS THEY 447 00:34:37,001 --> 00:34:39,000 SHOULD FOR THE PEOPLE OF THE 448 00:34:39,001 --> 00:34:40,000 NATION IN WHICH THESE RESOURCES 449 00:34:40,001 --> 00:34:43,000 ARE LOCATED. 450 00:34:43,001 --> 00:34:45,000 AND THIS IS HAPPENING IN SO MANY 451 00:34:45,001 --> 00:34:48,000 COUNTRIES IN THE WORLD. 452 00:34:48,001 --> 00:34:50,000 IT'S IN THE UNITED STATES 453 00:34:50,001 --> 00:34:53,000 INTEREST TO CHANGE THE WAY THAT 454 00:34:53,001 --> 00:34:55,000 THESE NATIONS DEAL WITH THEIR 455 00:34:55,001 --> 00:34:58,000 RESOURCES, WITH THEIR WEALTH. 456 00:34:58,001 --> 00:34:59,000 IT'S IN OUR INTEREST FOR MANY 457 00:34:59,001 --> 00:35:00,000 REASONS. 458 00:35:00,001 --> 00:35:01,000 THERE ARE AMERICAN BUSINESSES 459 00:35:01,001 --> 00:35:03,000 THAT WOULD LIKE TO DO BUSINESS 460 00:35:03,001 --> 00:35:05,000 IN THESE COUNTRIES. 461 00:35:05,001 --> 00:35:08,000 THEY WOULD LIKE TO HELP THE 462 00:35:08,001 --> 00:35:10,000 ECONOMY OF AMERICA BY HAVING 463 00:35:10,001 --> 00:35:12,000 BUSINESS RELATIONSHIPS WITH 464 00:35:12,001 --> 00:35:15,000 COUNTRIES THAT HAVE OIL AND GAS 465 00:35:15,001 --> 00:35:18,000 AND COUNTRIES THAT HAVE OTHER MINERAL WEALTH. 466 00:35:18,001 --> 00:35:19,000 THE PROBLEM IS THEY CAN'T 467 00:35:19,001 --> 00:35:22,000 BECAUSE THEY CAN'T PARTICIPATE 468 00:35:22,001 --> 00:35:27,000 IN CORRUPTIONS AGAINST OUR LAWS 469 00:35:27,001 --> 00:35:28,000 FOR AMERICAN COMPANIES TO BE 470 00:35:28,001 --> 00:35:30,000 COCONSPIRATORS IN CORRUPTION IN 471 00:35:30,001 --> 00:35:31,000 ANOTHER COUNTRY, AS IT SHOULD BE 472 00:35:31,001 --> 00:35:33,000 AGAINST OUR LAWS. 473 00:35:33,001 --> 00:35:35,000 IT'S ALSO NOT VERY STABLE FOR 474 00:35:35,001 --> 00:35:37,000 THEM TO DO BUSINESS IN A COUNTRY 475 00:35:37,001 --> 00:35:39,000 THAT IS CORRUPT, THAT DOES NOT 476 00:35:39,001 --> 00:35:41,000 HAVE THE RULE OF LAW, THAT 477 00:35:41,001 --> 00:35:43,000 DOESN'T HAVE THE PROTECTIONS 478 00:35:43,001 --> 00:35:47,000 NECESSARY TO MAKE SURE THAT 479 00:35:47,001 --> 00:35:49,000 THEIR BUSINESS RE? 480 00:35:49,001 --> 00:35:51,000 -- BUSINESS RELATIONSHIP WILL BE HONORED. 481 00:35:51,001 --> 00:35:53,000 SO FOR ALTHOUGH REASONS, IT'S 482 00:35:53,001 --> 00:35:55,000 IMPORTANT FOR US THAT THESE 483 00:35:55,001 --> 00:35:56,000 NATIONS DEAL WITH THEIR MINERAL WEALTH. 484 00:35:56,001 --> 00:35:57,000 IT'S ALSO IN OUR INTEREST AS FAR 485 00:35:57,001 --> 00:35:58,000 AS ENERGY SECURITY. 486 00:35:58,001 --> 00:36:01,000 AND I HOPE WE'LL GET INTO THIS 487 00:36:01,001 --> 00:36:05,000 DEBATE IN THIS CONGRESS ON THE 488 00:36:05,001 --> 00:36:10,000 FLOOR OF THIS BODY, HOW WE CAN 489 00:36:10,001 --> 00:36:11,000 BECOME ENERGY SECURE IN AMERICA. 490 00:36:11,001 --> 00:36:14,000 BUT PART OF THAT IS HAVING A 491 00:36:14,001 --> 00:36:15,000 MUCH MORE OPEN RELATIONSHIP WITH 492 00:36:15,001 --> 00:36:16,000 THOSE COUNTRIES THAT HAVE 493 00:36:16,001 --> 00:36:18,000 MINERAL WEALTH SO THAT WE KNOW 494 00:36:18,001 --> 00:36:21,000 THE ARRANGEMENTS, SO WE KNOW HOW 495 00:36:21,001 --> 00:36:23,000 THE GAS 496 00:36:23,001 --> 00:36:24,000 MINERALS ARE ENTERING INTO THE 497 00:36:24,001 --> 00:36:27,000 INTERNATIONAL MARKETPLACE. 498 00:36:27,001 --> 00:36:29,000 SO WE CAN HAVE AN OPEN POLICY 499 00:36:29,001 --> 00:36:30,000 HERE IN AMERICA TO DEAL WITH OUR 500 00:36:30,001 --> 00:36:32,000 ENERGY. 501 00:36:32,001 --> 00:36:34,000 IT'S IMPORTANT FOR THIS COUNTRY, 502 00:36:34,001 --> 00:36:37,000 AS I POINTED OUT FOR OUR 503 00:36:37,001 --> 00:36:40,000 ECONOMICS, IT'S IMPORTANT FOR 504 00:36:40,001 --> 00:36:41,000 OUR SECURITY, FOR OUR NATIONAL 505 00:36:41,001 --> 00:36:43,000 SECURITY TO GET THIS DONE. 506 00:36:43,001 --> 00:36:44,000 I MIGHT ALSO ADD, IT'S ALSO 507 00:36:44,001 --> 00:36:46,000 GOING TO BE IMPORTANT FOR OUR ENVIRONMENT AND WE'RE GOING TO 508 00:36:46,001 --> 00:36:49,000 HAVE THAT DEBATE I HOPE LATER 509 00:36:49,001 --> 00:36:52,000 THAT YEAR IN THIS BODY. 510 00:36:52,001 --> 00:36:53,000 NOW, THE INTERNATIONAL COMMUNITY 511 00:36:53,001 --> 00:36:55,000 HAS UNDERSTOOD THIS, AND AS A 512 00:36:55,001 --> 00:36:57,000 RESULT OF -- OF RECOGNIZING THIS 513 00:36:57,001 --> 00:37:03,000 PROBLEM, THE INTERNATIONAL 514 00:37:03,001 --> 00:37:04,000 COMMUNITY CAME TOGETHER WITH THE 515 00:37:04,001 --> 00:37:07,000 EXTRACTED INDUSTRIES 516 00:37:07,001 --> 00:37:09,000 TRANSPARENCY INITIATIVE KNOWN AS EITI. 517 00:37:09,001 --> 00:37:11,000 I MENTION THIS BECAUSE 518 00:37:11,001 --> 00:37:13,000 INTERNATIONAL EFFORT IS TO TRY 519 00:37:13,001 --> 00:37:20,000 TO BRING TRANSPARENCY IN WHAT A 520 00:37:20,001 --> 00:37:21,000 MPANY PAYS FOR 521 00:37:21,001 --> 00:37:22,000 IN A COUNTRY. 522 00:37:22,001 --> 00:37:23,000 SO IF YOU'RE A COMPANY AND 523 00:37:23,001 --> 00:37:25,000 YOU'RE PAYING A ROYALTY TO A 524 00:37:25,001 --> 00:37:28,000 NATION FOR EXTRACTING ITS 525 00:37:28,001 --> 00:37:29,000 MINERALS, YOU NEED TO DISCLOSE 526 00:37:29,001 --> 00:37:30,000 THAT SO THAT THE CITIZENS OF 527 00:37:30,001 --> 00:37:34,000 THAT COUNTRY HAVE THE BASIC 528 00:37:34,001 --> 00:37:36,000 CRITICAL INFORMATION NOSE 529 00:37:36,001 --> 00:37:38,000 EFFECTIVELY MONITOR GOVERNMENT -- 530 00:37:38,001 --> 00:37:40,000 NECESSARY TO EFFECTIVELY MONITOR 531 00:37:40,001 --> 00:37:41,000 GOVERNMENT STEWARDSHIP OF THEIR 532 00:37:41,001 --> 00:37:43,000 NATURAL RESOURCES. 533 00:37:43,001 --> 00:37:44,000 THAT'S BASICALLY WHAT THE IETI 534 00:37:44,001 --> 00:37:49,000 INITIATIVE IS, IT'S ALL ABOUT 535 00:37:49,001 --> 00:37:53,000 TRANSPARENCY SO THAT COMPANIES 536 00:37:53,001 --> 00:37:54,000 AND GOVERNMENTS CAN BE HELD ACCOUNTABLE. 537 00:37:54,001 --> 00:37:55,000 AND I WOULD THINK WE WOULD ALL 538 00:37:55,001 --> 00:37:57,000 AGREE ON THAT. 539 00:37:57,001 --> 00:37:58,000 I'M PROUD OF THE ROLE THAT THE 540 00:37:58,001 --> 00:37:59,000 UNIT STATES HELSINKI 541 00:37:59,001 --> 00:38:00,000 COMMISSION HAS PLAYED ON THIS 542 00:38:00,001 --> 00:38:01,000 ISSUE. 543 00:38:01,001 --> 00:38:03,000 I HAVE THE HONOR OF CHAIRING 544 00:38:03,001 --> 00:38:06,000 THAT COMMISSION AND WE HAVE MADE 545 00:38:06,001 --> 00:38:07,000 THE EITI INITIATIVE A MAJOR 546 00:38:07,001 --> 00:38:08,000 PRIORITY OF OUR COMSSIONS 547 00:38:08,001 --> 00:38:10,000 WORK, BECAUSE WE KNOW IF WE CAN 548 00:38:10,001 --> 00:38:11,000 GET THE MINERAL WEALTH TO THE 549 00:38:11,001 --> 00:38:13,000 PEOPLE OF THAT NATION, THA SO 550 00:38:13,001 --> 00:38:15,000 MANY OF THISH NEWS WE ARE 551 00:38:15,001 --> 00:38:17,000 CHARGED TO -- SO MANY OF THE 552 00:38:17,001 --> 00:38:18,000 ISSUES THAT WE ARE CHARGED TO 553 00:38:18,001 --> 00:38:19,000 DEAL WITH ON HUMAN RIGHTS AND 554 00:38:19,001 --> 00:38:27,000 ENVIRONMENT AND ECONOMY, ON 555 00:38:27,001 --> 00:38:29,000 SECURITY OCHES COULD B COULD BE DEALT WITH IF 556 00:38:29,001 --> 00:38:30,000 WE COULD JUST GET THAT WEALTH TO 557 00:38:30,001 --> 00:38:31,000 THE PEOPLE OF THE NATION. 558 00:38:31,001 --> 00:38:33,000 AND THAT'S THE REASON WHY THE 559 00:38:33,001 --> 00:38:35,000 COMMISSION HAS PLACED A VERY 560 00:38:35,001 --> 00:38:41,000 HIGH PRIORITY IN GETTING MORE PARTICIPATION BY COUNTRIES 561 00:38:41,001 --> 00:38:42,000 AROUND THE WORLD TO THE EXTRACTED INDUSTRIES 562 00:38:42,001 --> 00:38:44,000 TRANSPARENCY INITIATIVE. 563 00:38:44,001 --> 00:38:45,000 THAT BRINGS ME TO THE ENERGY 564 00:38:45,001 --> 00:38:48,000 SECURITY THROUGH TRANSPARENCY 565 00:38:48,001 --> 00:38:51,000 ACT OF 2009 THAT SENATOR LUGAR 566 00:38:51,001 --> 00:38:53,000 HAS INTRODUCED AND WHICH I HAVE 567 00:38:53,001 --> 00:38:55,000 JOINED HIM AS A COSPONSOR. 568 00:38:55,001 --> 00:38:56,000 IT WOULD SUGGEST THAT THE UNITED 569 00:38:56,001 --> 00:38:59,000 STATES SHOULD BE AN IMPLEMENTING 570 00:38:59,001 --> 00:39:02,000 COUNTRY OF THE EITI, THAT WE 571 00:39:02,001 --> 00:39:03,000 SHOULD SUBJECT OURSELVES TO 572 00:39:03,001 --> 00:39:05,000 THOSE PROVISIONS, THAT WE SHOULD 573 00:39:05,001 --> 00:39:08,000 LEAD BY EXAMPLE, BY SHOWING THE 574 00:39:08,001 --> 00:39:09,000 UNITED STATES OF AMERICA 575 00:39:09,001 --> 00:39:12,000 BELIEVES THAT THERE SHOULD BE 576 00:39:12,001 --> 00:39:15,000 TRANSPARENCY IN ALL THE 577 00:39:15,001 --> 00:39:17,000 CONTRACTS WE ENTER INTO 578 00:39:17,001 --> 00:39:23,000 RESULTING IN EXTRACTION OF 579 00:39:23,001 --> 00:39:24,000 MINERAL WEALTH FROM AMERICA. 580 00:39:24,001 --> 00:39:26,000 WELLWE 581 00:39:26,001 --> 00:39:27,000 PROPER DISCLOSURE OF PAYMENT 582 00:39:27,001 --> 00:39:29,000 FROM COMPANIES THAT USE PUBLIC 583 00:39:29,001 --> 00:39:30,000 LANDS ON MINERAL EXTRACTIONS. 584 00:39:30,001 --> 00:39:31,000 THAT'S THE RIGHT THING TO DO, MADAM PRESIDENT. 585 00:39:31,001 --> 00:39:32,000 WE SHOULD BE DOING THIS ALL ALONG. 586 00:39:32,001 --> 00:39:34,000 THE PUBLIC SHOULD KNOW WHAT'S 587 00:39:34,001 --> 00:39:36,000 BEING PAID AND WHAT -- BY 588 00:39:36,001 --> 00:39:37,000 COMPANIES TO GET -- TOAKE 589 00:39:37,001 --> 00:39:39,000 THEIR WEALTH. 590 00:39:39,001 --> 00:39:41,000 THIS IS AMERICANS' WEALTH. 591 00:39:41,001 --> 00:39:42,000 IT DOESN'T BELONG TO ANY ONE OF 592 00:39:42,001 --> 00:39:43,000 US AND THERE SHOULD BE 593 00:39:43,001 --> 00:39:44,000 TRANSPARENCY IN IT. 594 00:39:44,001 --> 00:39:46,000 IT'S THE RIGHT THI TO DO. 595 00:39:46,001 --> 00:39:49,000 WE SHOULD BE -- ANOTHER PART OF 596 00:39:49,001 --> 00:39:50,000 THIS LEGISLATION WOULD REQUIRE 597 00:39:50,001 --> 00:39:54,000 COMPANIES THAT ARE LISTED ON THE 598 00:39:54,001 --> 00:39:55,000 UNITED STATES STOCK EXCHANGE, 599 00:39:55,001 --> 00:39:57,000 THAT ARE REGULATED BY THE 600 00:39:57,001 --> 00:39:58,000 SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE 601 00:39:58,001 --> 00:40:01,000 COMMISSION, TO REQUIRE THOSE 602 00:40:01,001 --> 00:40:04,000 COMPANIES TO DISCLOSE THEIR 603 00:40:04,001 --> 00:40:06,000 PAYMENTS TO OTHEROUNTRIES FOR 604 00:40:06,001 --> 00:40:08,000 BEINGS TRACTN OF MINERAL WEALTH. 605 00:40:08,001 --> 00:40:11,000 IN OTHER WORDS, WE USE THE 606 00:40:11,001 --> 00:40:12,000 LEVERAGE OF PARTICIPATING IN THE 607 00:40:12,001 --> 00:40:15,000 U.S. STOCK EXCHANGE TO BE A 608 00:40:15,001 --> 00:40:16,000 LISTED SECURITY THAT AMERICANS 609 00:40:16,001 --> 00:40:18,000 INVEST IN, THEY H 610 00:40:18,001 --> 00:40:20,000 TO KNOW WHAT THAT COMPANY IS 611 00:40:20,001 --> 00:40:23,000 DOING IN PAYMENTS TO OTHER 612 00:40:23,001 --> 00:40:24,000 COUNTRIES TO EXTRACT MINERAL WEALTH. 613 00:40:24,001 --> 00:40:26,000 THAT AT LEAST GIVES US PART OF 614 00:40:26,001 --> 00:40:29,000 THE DISCLOSURE NECESSARY TO FIND 615 00:40:29,001 --> 00:40:30,000 OUT WHY A COUNTRY WHICH IS SO 616 00:40:30,001 --> 00:40:33,000 PO 617 00:40:33,001 --> 00:40:35,000 PEOPLE IS DOING WITH THE MONEYS 618 00:40:35,001 --> 00:40:38,000 THAT ARE BEING PAID FOR THE EKES 619 00:40:38,001 --> 00:40:39,000 TRACTION OEXTRACTION OF THEIR MINERAL 620 00:40:39,001 --> 00:40:40,000 WEALTH. 621 00:40:40,001 --> 00:40:41,000 THAT WOULD GO A LONG WAY TO 622 00:40:41,001 --> 00:40:42,000 HELPING US WITH TRANSPARENCY. 623 00:40:42,001 --> 00:40:43,000 IT WOULD URGE THE PRESIDENT, 624 00:40:43,001 --> 00:40:46,000 THIS LEGISLATION, TO WORK WITH 625 00:40:46,001 --> 00:40:51,000 OUR PARTNERS IN THE G-8 AND G-20 626 00:40:51,001 --> 00:40:53,000 TO PROMOTE SIMILAR EFFORTS BY 627 00:40:53,001 --> 00:40:55,000 THE INDUSTRL NATIONS OF THE 628 00:40:55,001 --> 00:40:58,000 WORLD, SO THAT WE CAN GET MORE 629 00:40:58,001 --> 00:41:01,000 CREDIBILITY ON THE EITI, THAT IT 630 00:41:01,001 --> 00:41:03,000 BECOMES A MATTER OF PASSAGE FOR 631 00:41:03,001 --> 00:41:05,000 A NATION INTO RESPECTABILITY 632 00:41:05,001 --> 00:41:07,000 INTERNATIONALLY TO JOIN THE EITI 633 00:41:07,001 --> 00:41:08,000 AND TO MAKE SURE THAT THE 634 00:41:08,001 --> 00:41:12,000 CONTRACTS THAT ARE ENTERED INTO 635 00:41:12,001 --> 00:41:14,000 WITH THAT GOVERNMENT ARE SHOWN 636 00:41:14,001 --> 00:41:17,000 TO BE PEOPLE OF THAT NATION. 637 00:41:17,001 --> 00:41:18,000 BOTTOM LINE IS THE ENERGY 638 00:41:18,001 --> 00:41:21,000 SECURITY THROUGH TRANSPARENCY 639 00:41:21,001 --> 00:41:22,000 ACT OF 2009 IS ASKING THE UNITED 640 00:41:22,001 --> 00:41:26,000 STATES TO TAKE A LEADERSHIP 641 00:41:26,001 --> 00:41:28,000 POSITION, A LEADERSHIP POSITION 642 00:41:28,001 --> 00:41:30,000 IN FIGHTING CORRUPTION. 643 00:41:30,001 --> 00:41:31,000 UNFORTUNATELY, MADAM PRESIDENT, 644 00:41:31,001 --> 00:41:34,000 IN TOO MANY OF THE DEVELOPING 645 00:41:34,001 --> 00:41:35,000 COUNTRIES OF THE WORLD, THERE IS 646 00:41:35,001 --> 00:41:37,000 CORRUPTION, AND YOU'VE GOT TO 647 00:41:37,001 --> 00:41:38,000 DEAL WITH THAT CORRUPTION IF 648 00:41:38,001 --> 00:41:39,000 WEE GOING TO BE ABLE TO 649 00:41:39,001 --> 00:41:40,000 DEVELOP THE TYPE OF 650 00:41:40,001 --> 00:41:43,000 RELATIONSHIPS WHERE THAT NATION 651 00:41:43,001 --> 00:41:46,000 CAN DEAL WITH THE POVERTY OF ITS 652 00:41:46,001 --> 00:41:47,000 OWN PEOPLE AND WORK WITH US ON 653 00:41:47,001 --> 00:41:49,000 OUR INTERNATIONAL PRIORITIES. 654 00:41:49,001 --> 00:41:52,000 IT HELPS DEVELOPING COUNTRIES. 655 00:41:52,001 --> 00:41:54,000 WE GIVE SIGNIFICANT RESOURCES 656 00:41:54,001 --> 00:41:56,000 TODAY FOR HUMANITIAN EFFORTS 657 00:41:56,001 --> 00:41:58,000 IN THESE NATIONS. 658 00:41:58,001 --> 00:42:00,000 WELL, THESE NATIONS SHOULD USE 659 00:42:00,001 --> 00:42:01,000 THEIR OWN WEVMENT THIS IS A 660 00:42:01,001 --> 00:42:02,000 HUMANITARIAN ISSUE. 661 00:42:02,001 --> 00:42:04,000 THIS IS A HUMAN RIGHTS ISSUE. 662 00:42:04,001 --> 00:42:06,000 IT ALSO PROVIDES ECONOMIC 663 00:42:06,001 --> 00:42:07,000 OPPORTUNITIES FOR THE PEOPLE OF 664 00:42:07,001 --> 00:42:10,000 THAT AS WELL AS THE 665 00:42:10,001 --> 00:42:12,000 INTERNATIONAL COMMUNITY SO THEY 666 00:42:12,001 --> 00:42:14,000 CAN PARTICIPATE IN AN OPEN WAY 667 00:42:14,001 --> 00:42:15,000 TO HELP THAT NATION SOLVE ITS 668 00:42:15,001 --> 00:42:18,000 ECONOMIC PROBLEMS. 669 00:42:18,001 --> 00:42:22,000 IT HELPS US WITH ENERGY SECURITY GLOBALLY. 670 00:42:22,001 --> 00:42:24,000 WE CAN'T AFFORD 671 00:42:24,001 --> 00:42:26,000 THE WORLD'S RESOURCES AS WE LOOK 672 00:42:26,001 --> 00:42:27,000 INTERNATIONALLY FOR PROBLEMS, 673 00:42:27,001 --> 00:42:28,000 FOR ENERGY SECURITY AND GLOBAL 674 00:42:28,001 --> 00:42:31,000 CLIMATE CHANGE. 675 00:42:31,001 --> 00:42:32,000 AND IT CERTAINLY HELPS IN 676 00:42:32,001 --> 00:42:34,000 REMOVING CONFLICTS IN MANY PARTS 677 00:42:34,001 --> 00:42:35,000 OF THE WORLD 678 00:42:35,001 --> 00:42:38,000 IT'S IN OUR NATIONAL SECURITY 679 00:42:38,001 --> 00:42:39,000 INTEREST TO MAKE THE WORLD SAFER 680 00:42:39,001 --> 00:42:41,000 BECAUSE IT'S USUALLY THE UNITED 681 00:42:41,001 --> 00:42:44,000 STATES THAT'S CALLED UPON FIRST 682 00:42:44,001 --> 00:42:45,000 TO DEAL WITH THESE CONFLICTS. 683 00:42:45,001 --> 00:42:46,000 FOR ALL THESE REASONS, 684 00:42:46,001 --> 00:42:50,000 MADAM PRESIDENT, I URGE MY 685 00:42:50,001 --> 00:42:54,000 COLLEAGUES TO TAKE A LOOK AT THE ENERGY SECURITY THROUGH 686 00:42:54,001 --> 00:42:55,000 TRANSPARENCY ACT OF 2009 AND TO 687 00:42:55,001 --> 00:42:57,000 JOIN US IN MOVING THIS 688 00:42:57,001 --> 00:43:00,000 LEGISLATION FORWARD BECAUSE I 689 00:43:00,001 --> 00:43:02,000 BELIEVE IT DOES PRESENT GREAT 690 00:43:02,001 --> 00:43:05,000 HOPE FOR AMERICA TO LEAD THE 691 00:43:05,001 --> 00:43:07,000 WORLD IN HELPING THESE NATIONS 692 00:43:07,001 --> 00:43:09,000 TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THEIR WEALTH 693 00:43:09,001 --> 00:43:10,000 IN FURTHERING U.S. INTERNATIONAL 694 00:43:10,001 --> 00:43:11,000 GOALS. 695 00:43:11,001 --> 00:43:13,000 WITH THAT, MADAM PRESIDENT, I 696 00:43:13,001 --> 00:43:15,000 WOULD YIELD THE FLOOR AND 697 00:43:15,001 --> 00:43:21,000 SUGGEST THE ABSENCE OF 698 00:43:21,001 --> 00:44:08,000 WILL CALL THE ROLL. 699 00:44:08,001 --> 00:44:09,000 QUORUM CALL: MR. DORGAN: MR. PRESIDENT? 700 00:44:09,001 --> 00:44:10,000 THE PRESIDING OFFICER: THE 701 00:44:10,001 --> 00:44:11,000 SENATOR FROM NORTH DAKOTA. 702 00:44:11,001 --> 00:44:13,000 MR. DORGAN: MADAM PRESIDENT, I ASK UNANIMOUS CONSENT THE QUORUM 703 00:44:13,001 --> 00:44:14,000 CALL BE VACATED. THE PRESIDING OFFICER: WITHOUT 704 00:44:14,001 --> 00:44:15,000 OBJECTION. 705 00:44:15,001 --> 00:44:16,000 MR. DORGAN: MADAM PRESIDENT, I 706 00:44:16,001 --> 00:44:19,000 ASK TO SPEAK IN MORNING BUSINESS 707 00:44:19,001 --> 00:44:20,000 FOR AS MUCH TIME 708 00:44:20,001 --> 00:44:21,000 THE PRESIDING OFFICER: WITHOUT OBJECTION. 709 00:44:21,001 --> 00:44:23,000 MR. DORGAN: MADAM PRESIDENT, 710 00:44:23,001 --> 00:44:24,000 TODAY A NEWS STORY HAD A TITLE, 711 00:44:24,001 --> 00:44:28,000 "LEADING DEM PLANS TO BLOW UP 712 00:44:28,001 --> 00:44:30,000 DEAL WITH BIG PHARMA." 713 00:44:30,001 --> 00:44:31,000 HOPING TO BLOW UP THE 714 00:44:31,001 --> 00:44:33,000 REACHED BETWEEN THE WHITE HOUSE, 715 00:44:33,001 --> 00:44:35,000 DRUG MAKERS AND SENATE FINANCE 716 00:44:35,001 --> 00:44:36,000 COMMITTEE CHAIRMAN MAX BAUCUS BY 717 00:44:36,001 --> 00:44:37,000 INTRODUCING AN AMENDMENT TO THE 718 00:44:37,001 --> 00:44:40,000 FLOOR TO ALLOW PRESCRIPTIO 719 00:44:40,001 --> 00:44:41,000 DRUGSO BE REIMPORTED FROM 720 00:44:41,001 --> 00:44:42,000 CANADA," ET CETERA. 721 00:44:42,001 --> 00:44:44,000 AND THERE'S A PICTURE OF ME. 722 00:44:44,001 --> 00:44:46,000 AND I WOKE UP THIS MORNING NOT 723 00:44:46,001 --> 00:44:47,000 THINKING I WAS GOING TO TRY BLOW 724 00:44:47,001 --> 00:44:48,000 UP ANYTHING, AND I WANTED TO 725 00:44:48,001 --> 00:44:50,000 RESPOND TO THIS 726 00:44:50,001 --> 00:44:53,000 THE 727 00:44:53,001 --> 00:44:57,000 IN THIS CHAMBER, BIPARTISAN 728 00:44:57,001 --> 00:44:59,000 GROUP OF 30 RANGING FROM MYSELF 729 00:44:59,001 --> 00:45:00,000 AND SENATORNOWE AS THE 730 00:45:00,001 --> 00:45:04,000 SPONSOR, SENATOR STABENOW, 731 00:45:04,001 --> 00:45:05,000 SENATOR McCAIN, SO MANY OTHERS 732 00:45:05,001 --> 00:45:06,000 WHO WANT TO DEAL WITH THIS ISSUE 733 00:45:06,001 --> 00:45:08,000 OF F 734 00:45:08,001 --> 00:45:09,000 DRUGS, ARE WE TRYING TO BLOW 735 00:45:09,001 --> 00:45:10,000 SOMETHING UP? 736 00:45:10,001 --> 00:45:11,000 THE ANSWER'S NO. 737 00:45:11,001 --> 00:45:15,000 WE'VE BEEN TRYING FOR A LONG, 738 00:45:15,001 --> 00:45:17,000 LONG IN THIS CHAMBER TO SAY THAT 739 00:45:17,001 --> 00:45:18,000 WE OUGHT TO HAVE FAIR 740 00:45:18,001 --> 00:45:19,000 PRES 741 00:45:19,001 --> 00:45:24,000 THE AMERICAN PEOPLE, AND 742 00:45:24,001 --> 00:45:25,000 PRESENTLY IT'S NOT 743 00:45:25,001 --> 00:45:26,000 MADAM PRESIDENT, THIS IS A PILL 744 00:45:26,001 --> 00:45:28,000 BOTTLE THAT WOULD CONTAIN 745 00:45:28,001 --> 00:45:29,000 LIPITOR. 746 00:45:29,001 --> 00:45:30,000 THAT'S MADE BY PFIZER. 747 00:45:30,001 --> 00:45:32,000 IT IS MADE IN IRELAND AND SENT 748 00:45:32,001 --> 00:45:33,000 AROUND THE WORLD. 749 00:45:33,001 --> 00:45:35,000 THESE TWO BOTTLES ARE IDENTICAL. 750 00:45:35,001 --> 00:45:37,000 ONE IS RED, ONE IS BLUE. 751 00:45:37,001 --> 00:45:38,000 BUT THEY HAD THE SAME PILL MADE 752 00:45:38,001 --> 00:45:40,000 BY THE SAME COMPANY, PUT IN THE 753 00:45:40,001 --> 00:45:41,000 SAME BOTTLE, THIS ONE SHIPPED TO 754 00:45:41,001 --> 00:45:45,000 CANADA, THIS ONE SHIPPED TO THE 755 00:45:45,001 --> 00:45:46,000 UNITED STATES, AND THIS WAS 756 00:45:46,001 --> 00:45:48,000 $1.83 PER TABLET. 757 00:45:48,001 --> 00:45:49,000 THAT'S WHAT THE CANADIAN 758 00:45:49,001 --> 00:45:51,000 CONSUMERS PAID. 759 00:45:51,001 --> 00:45:53,000 AND OUR CONSUMERS GOT TO PAY 760 00:45:53,001 --> 00:45:56,000 $4.48 PER TABLET. 761 00:45:56,001 --> 00:45:57,000 SAME PILL, SAME COMPANY, SAME 762 00:45:57,001 --> 00:45:58,000 BOTTLE, DIFFERENT PRICE. 763 00:45:58,001 --> 00:46:01,000 AMERICAN CONSUMERS, YOU GET TO 764 00:46:01,001 --> 00:46:04,000 PAY THE 765 00:46:04,001 --> 00:46:06,000 $4.48 PER PILL. $1.83. 766 00:46:06,001 --> 00:46:08,000 AND IT'S NOT JUST LIPITOR. 767 00:46:08,001 --> 00:46:09,000 THAT'S THE MOST POPULAR 768 00:46:09,001 --> 00:46:12,000 CHOLESTEROL-LOWERING DRUG. WIDELY TAKEN. 769 00:46:12,001 --> 00:46:13,000 IT IS 770 00:46:13,001 --> 00:46:16,000 IT IS CONSUMERS -- THIS HAPPENS 771 00:46:16,001 --> 00:46:18,000 TO BE CANADA, BUT I COU 772 00:46:18,001 --> 00:46:19,000 HERE FRANCE, GERMANY, SPAIN, 773 00:46:19,001 --> 00:46:21,000 ITALY, AND SO ON. 774 00:46:21,001 --> 00:46:23,000 IT IS THAT WE ARE CHARGED THE 775 00:46:23,001 --> 00:46:27,000 HIGHEST PRICES IN THE WORLD FOR 776 00:46:27,001 --> 00:46:31,000 BRAND-NAME DRUGS. 777 00:46:31,001 --> 00:46:33,000 PLAVIX 73% HIGHER THAN CANADA. 778 00:46:33,001 --> 00:46:35,000 BONIVA, 91% HIGHER THAN CANADA. 779 00:46:35,001 --> 00:46:42,000 ZOCOR, 103% HIGHER THAN CANADA. 780 00:46:42,001 --> 00:46:44,000 AND THE LIST GOES ON. 781 00:46:44,001 --> 00:46:45,000 157% HIGHER THAN THEY PAY IN 782 00:46:45,001 --> 00:46:47,000 CANADA, 194%. 783 00:46:47,001 --> 00:46:51,000 IT IS JUST NOT FAIR. 784 00:46:51,001 --> 00:46:53,000 ONE DAY I SAT ON A HAY BALE AT A 785 00:46:53,001 --> 00:46:54,000 LITTLE FARM RECEPTION WITH A GUY 786 00:46:54,001 --> 00:46:56,000 IN HIS 80'S. 787 00:46:56,001 --> 00:46:58,000 WE SAT THERE JUST TAWSMG HE SAID. 788 00:46:58,001 --> 00:46:59,000 MY WIFE HAS BEEN FIGHTING BREAST 789 00:46:59,001 --> 00:47:01,000 CANCER FOR THREE YEARS. 790 00:47:01,001 --> 00:47:04,000 HE SAID, FOR THREE YEARS WE'VE 791 00:47:04,001 --> 00:47:08,000 DRIVEN TO CANADA 792 00:47:08,001 --> 00:47:16,000 MAX FEN WHERE SHE COULD -- TO 793 00:47:16,001 --> 00:47:17,000 BUY AT THAT FOBUY 794 00:47:17,001 --> 00:47:18,000 I'M SAYING IT'S NOT FAIR. 795 00:47:18,001 --> 00:47:20,000 A GROUP OF US HAVE BEEN TRYING 796 00:47:20,001 --> 00:47:21,000 FOR AON 797 00:47:21,001 --> 00:47:23,000 LEGISLATION THAT ALLOWS 798 00:47:23,001 --> 00:47:25,000 CONSUMER FREEDOM, THE FREEDOM TO 799 00:47:25,001 --> 00:47:28,000 SAY IF THIS IDENT 800 00:47:28,001 --> 00:47:30,000 BEING SOLD IN WINNIPEG, CANADA, 801 00:47:30,001 --> 00:47:32,000 WHY 802 00:47:32,001 --> 00:47:33,000 COUNTRY ACCESS THAT DRUG? 803 00:47:33,001 --> 00:47:34,000 WHY DON'T THEY HAVE 804 00:47:34,001 --> 00:47:36,000 TO ACCESS THAT DRUG? 805 00:47:36,001 --> 00:47:37,000 WAF A PUT OUT IN LEGISLATION A 806 00:47:37,001 --> 00:47:38,000 PIECE OF LEGISLATION -- WE'VE 807 00:47:38,001 --> 00:47:39,000 PUT OUT IN LEGISLATION A PIECE 808 00:47:39,001 --> 00:47:41,000 OF REGULATION THAT ESTABLISHES 809 00:47:41,001 --> 00:47:43,000 MUCH GREATER SECURITY FOR THE 810 00:47:43,001 --> 00:47:46,000 SAFETY OF OUR DRUG SNRIE WITH 811 00:47:46,001 --> 00:47:47,000 BATCH LOTS AND PEDIGREES AND 812 00:47:47,001 --> 00:47:49,000 EVERYTHING THAT ATTACHES TO THE 813 00:47:49,001 --> 00:47:50,000 SECURITY SIDE AND THEN WE SAY 814 00:47:50,001 --> 00:47:52,000 THAT THE AMERICAN PEOPLE CAN 815 00:47:52,001 --> 00:47:53,000 ACCESS THE F.D.A. HFD APPROVED 816 00:47:53,001 --> 00:47:54,000 DRUGS IN THE COUNTRIES THAT HAVE 817 00:47:54,001 --> 00:47:55,000 THE SAME CHAIN OF CUSTODY THAT 818 00:47:55,001 --> 00:47:57,000 WE HAVE AND HAVE THE SAME KIND 819 00:47:57,001 --> 00:47:59,000 OF SAFETY THAT WE HAVE. 820 00:47:59,001 --> 00:48:00,000 GIVE THE AMERICAN PEOPLE THE FREEDOM. 821 00:48:00,001 --> 00:48:03,000 WHEN THEY HAVE THAT FREEDOM TO 822 00:48:03,001 --> 00:48:04,000 ACCESS THOSE IDENTICAL DRUGS AT 823 00:48:04,001 --> 00:48:06,000 A LOWER PRICE SOLD AT A FRACTION 824 00:48:06,001 --> 00:48:07,000 OF THE PRICE IN OTHER 825 00:48:07,001 --> 00:48:08,000 THE WORLD, THEN 826 00:48:08,001 --> 00:48:10,000 PHARMACEUTICAL INDUSTRY WILL BE 827 00:48:10,001 --> 00:48:12,000 REQUIRED TO RE-PRICE THOSE DRUGS 828 00:48:12,001 --> 00:48:14,000 IN THIS COUNTRY AND GIVE THE 829 00:48:14,001 --> 00:48:16,000 AMERICAN PEOPLE FAIR 830 00:48:16,001 --> 00:48:18,000 THAT'S JUST A FACT. 831 00:48:18,001 --> 00:48:20,000 NOW, I UNDERSTAND THAT THE WHITE 832 00:48:20,001 --> 00:48:23,000 HOUSE NEGOTIATED WITH THE PHARMACEUTICAL INDUSTRY AND CAME 833 00:48:23,001 --> 00:48:25,000 UP WITH A PLAN BY WHICH THE?? 834 00:48:25,001 --> 00:48:26,000 PHARMACEUTICAL INDUSTRY OVER 10 835 00:48:26,001 --> 00:48:29,000 YEARS WOULD FILL PART OF WHAT IS 836 00:48:29,001 --> 00:48:30,000 CALLED THE DOUGHNUT HOLE -- IT 837 00:48:30,001 --> 00:48:32,000 IS ALL 838 00:48:32,001 --> 00:48:33,000 SHOULDN'T SAY "CONTROVERSIAL." 839 00:48:33,001 --> 00:48:34,000 IT IS COMPLICATED IN TERMS OF 840 00:48:34,001 --> 00:48:35,000 PEOPLE UNDERSTANDING THE 841 00:48:35,001 --> 00:48:36,000 DOUGHNUT HOLE AS A PORTION OF 842 00:48:36,001 --> 00:48:38,000 THE DRUG BENEFIT IN WHICH THE 843 00:48:38,001 --> 00:48:40,000 SENIORS HAVE TO PAY THEIR OWN 844 00:48:40,001 --> 00:48:42,000 COSTS, SO I UNDERSTAND THERE WAS 845 00:48:42,001 --> 00:48:44,000 AN AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE WHITE 846 00:48:44,001 --> 00:48:46,000 HOUSE AND THE PHARMACEUTICAL 847 00:48:46,001 --> 00:48:47,000 INDUSTRY TO DO THAT. 848 00:48:47,001 --> 00:48:48,000 BUT NOBODY HERE WAS A PART OF 849 00:48:48,001 --> 00:48:50,000 THAT AGREEMENT. 850 00:48:50,001 --> 00:48:51,000 AND THE 30 OR SO OF US WHO HAVE 851 00:48:51,001 --> 00:48:54,000 BEEN VERY STRONGLY WORKING TO 852 00:48:54,001 --> 00:48:56,000 ADDRESS THIS ISSUE FEEL THAT 853 00:48:56,001 --> 00:48:57,000 WHEN THE HEALTH REFORM BILL 854 00:48:57,001 --> 00:48:58,000 COMES TO THE FLOOR OF THE 855 00:48:58,001 --> 00:49:00,000 SENATE, WE WOULD INTEND TO OFFER 856 00:49:00,001 --> 00:49:02,000 THIS AMENDMENT. 857 00:49:02,001 --> 00:49:03,000 IF YOU DON'T DEAL WITH THE 858 00:49:03,001 --> 00:49:05,000 INCREASI COST OF PRESCRIPTION 859 00:49:05,001 --> 00:49:07,000 DRUGS, WHEN YOU TRY TO PUT 860 00:49:07,001 --> 00:49:09,000 DOWNWARD PRESSURE ON THE CT OF 861 00:49:09,001 --> 00:49:10,000 HEALTH CARE, IN MY 862 00:49:10,001 --> 00:49:12,000 YOU'VE FAILED. 863 00:49:12,001 --> 00:49:14,000 ONE OF THE FASTEST AREAS OF COST 864 00:49:14,001 --> 00:49:15,000 INCREASES HAS BEEN PRESCRIPTION DRUGS. 865 00:49:15,001 --> 00:49:17,000 YOU'RE JUST GOING TO LEAVE THAT 866 00:49:17,001 --> 00:49:18,000 ASIDE AND SAY, DON'T PAY ANY 867 00:49:18,001 --> 00:49:20,000 ATTENTION TO THAT, DOESN'T MATTER? 868 00:49:20,001 --> 00:49:21,000 YOU CAN'T DO THAT. 869 00:49:21,001 --> 00:49:23,000 AND SO WE'RE TRYING TO FIND 870 00:49:23,001 --> 00:49:25,000 TO PUT SOME DOWNWARD PRESSURE ON 871 00:49:25,001 --> 00:49:27,000 HEALTHARE PRICES. 872 00:49:27,001 --> 00:49:28,000 AND THAT MUST INCLUDE, IN MY 873 00:49:28,001 --> 00:49:29,000 JUDGMENT, PUTTING SOME DOWNWARD 874 00:49:29,001 --> 00:49:31,000 PRESSURE ON PRESCRIPTION DRUGS. 875 00:49:31,001 --> 00:49:33,000 LET ME BE QUICK TO 876 00:49:33,001 --> 00:49:34,000 THAT THE PHARMACEUTICAL INDUSTRY 877 00:49:34,001 --> 00:49:37,000 DOES IMPORTANT THINGS. 878 00:49:37,001 --> 00:49:38,000 I DON'T WISH THEM ILL AT ALL. 879 00:49:38,001 --> 00:49:39,000 I'VE DONE THINGS THAT SUPPORT 880 00:49:39,001 --> 00:49:42,000 THEM, RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT, 881 00:49:42,001 --> 00:49:44,000 TAX CREDITS AND SO ON. 882 00:49:44,001 --> 00:49:48,000 BUT I HAVE NOT SHALL -- I AM NOT 883 00:49:48,001 --> 00:49:52,000 INTERESTED IN JUST WAITING T 884 00:49:52,001 --> 00:49:53,000 HOTOALLOW THEM TO CONTINUE TO 885 00:49:53,001 --> 00:49:55,000 THEIR BRAND-NAME DRUGS MUCH, 886 00:49:55,001 --> 00:49:56,000 MU 887 00:49:56,001 --> 00:49:57,000 IT IS NOT FAIR AND WHEN THE 888 00:49:57,001 --> 00:49:59,000 HEALTH CARE REFORM BILL COMES TO 889 00:49:59,001 --> 00:50:02,000 THE FLOOR OF THE SENATE, I AND 890 00:50:02,001 --> 00:50:03,000 MY 891 00:50:03,001 --> 00:50:04,000 STABENOW, SENATOR McCAIN RING 892 00:50:04,001 --> 00:50:06,000 MANY OTHERS, A BIPARTISAN GROUP 893 00:50:06,001 --> 00:50:08,000 -- WILL INTEND TO OFFER THIS. 894 00:50:08,001 --> 00:50:09,000 IT IS NOT INTENDED TO BLOW UP 895 00:50:09,001 --> 00:50:11,000 ANYTHING. 896 00:50:11,001 --> 00:50:12,000 WE ARE NOT 897 00:50:12,001 --> 00:50:14,000 SOMETHING UP. 898 00:50:14,001 --> 00:50:15,000 ALL WE'RE GOING TO DO IS DEMAND 899 00:50:15,001 --> 00:50:16,000 THAT SOME COMMONSENSE AND SOME 900 00:50:16,001 --> 00:50:18,000 BASIC FAIRNESS BE ESTABLISHED IN 901 00:50:18,001 --> 00:50:19,000 THE PRICING OF PRESCRIPTION 902 00:50:19,001 --> 00:50:20,000 DRUGS IN THIS COUNTRY 903 00:50:20,001 --> 00:50:22,000 THE WAY TO DO THAT IS TO GIVE 904 00:50:22,001 --> 00:50:24,000 THE AMERICAN PEOPLE THE FREEDOM 905 00:50:24,001 --> 00:50:26,000 TO ACCESS THIS IDENTICAL 906 00:50:26,001 --> 00:50:27,000 PRESCRIPTION DRUG IN OTHER AREAS 907 00:50:27,001 --> 00:50:30,000 WHERE IT IS SOLD AT A FRACTION 908 00:50:30,001 --> 00:50:33,000 OF THE PRICE TO THEIR CONSUMERS. 909 00:50:33,001 --> 00:50:39,000 SO, MADAM PRESIDENT, I, AGAIN, 910 00:50:39,001 --> 00:50:41,000 JUST WNTSEWANTED TO DISABUSE ANYBODY OF 911 00:50:41,001 --> 00:50:42,000 THE NOTION THAT WE'RE GOING TO 912 00:50:42,001 --> 00:50:43,000 BLOW SOMETHING UP. 913 00:50:43,001 --> 00:50:44,000 NOT TRUE. 914 00:50:44,001 --> 00:50:46,000 THE PHARMACEUTICAL INDUSTRY 915 00:50:46,001 --> 00:50:47,000 WOULD NOT LIKE WHAT WE'RE TRYING TO DO. 916 00:50:47,001 --> 00:50:49,000 THEY WOULD LIKE THE CAPABILITY 917 00:50:49,001 --> 00:50:52,000 TO PRICE OUR DRUGS, IN THE CASE 918 00:50:52,001 --> 00:50:54,000 OF LIPITOR, $4.50 TABLET WHEN 919 00:50:54,001 --> 00:50:55,000 THEY TELL IT TO 920 00:50:55,001 --> 00:50:57,000 THAN THAT -- I UNDERSTAND THEY'D 921 00:50:57,001 --> 00:50:58,000 LIKE THAT OPPORTUNITY. 922 00:50:58,001 --> 00:50:59,000 ON BEHALF OF THE AMERICAN 923 00:50:59,001 --> 00:51:01,000 CITIZEN I SAY THAT'S NOT FAIR. 924 00:51:01,001 --> 00:51:03,000 IT IS WRONG AND IT OUGHT CHANGE. 925 00:51:03,001 --> 00:51:04,000 AND IF WE PASS THE REGULATION 926 00:51:04,001 --> 00:51:05,000 THAT WE HAVE INTRODUCED, A 927 00:51:05,001 --> 00:51:08,000 BROAD, BIPARTISAN GROUP HERE IN 928 00:51:08,001 --> 00:51:10,000 THE UNITED STATES SENATE, IT 929 00:51:10,001 --> 00:51:13,000 WILL GIVE THE AMERICAN PEOPLE 930 00:51:13,001 --> 00:51:16,000 THE FREEDOM AND FORCE, IN MY 931 00:51:16,001 --> 00:51:17,000 JUDGMENT, A RE-PRICING TOWARDS FAIR PCING OF PRESCRIPTION 932 00:51:17,001 --> 00:51:19,000 DRUGS IN OUR 933 00:51:19,001 --> 00:51:21,000 SO AGAIN I WANTED TO MAKE A 934 00:51:21,001 --> 00:51:22,000 POINT, WE'RE NOT TRYING ANYTHING UP. 935 00:51:22,001 --> 00:51:23,000 WE ARE TRYING TO FIX SOMETHING 936 00:51:23,001 --> 00:51:25,000 THAT'S WRONG. 937 00:51:25,001 --> 00:51:27,000 AND WE'RE GOING TO TRY TO DO 938 00:51:27,001 --> 00:51:29,000 THAT WHEN THE HEALTH CARE REFORM 939 00:51:29,001 --> 00:51:31,000 BILL COMES TO THE FLOOR OF THE SENATE. 940 00:51:31,001 --> 00:51:34,000 WE HAVE BEEN GUARANTEED -- 941 00:51:34,001 --> 00:51:35,000 SENATOR 942 00:51:35,001 --> 00:51:37,000 OTHERS -- WE WERE INTENDING TO 943 00:51:37,001 --> 00:51:39,000 OFFER IT EARLIER IN THE YEAR. 944 00:51:39,001 --> 00:51:40,000 THE MAJORITY 945 00:51:40,001 --> 00:51:42,000 DO IT HERE. 946 00:51:42,001 --> 00:51:43,000 I WILL MAKE CERTAIN YOU HAVE THE 947 00:51:43,001 --> 00:51:44,000 OPPORTUNITY ON THE FLOOR OF THE SENATE. 948 00:51:44,001 --> 00:51:46,000 THAT'S WHY WHAVE BE IN THE 949 00:51:46,001 --> 00:51:47,000 LINE TOWARDS T 950 00:51:47,001 --> 00:51:49,000 OFFER THE AMENDMENT AND HAVE A DEBATE. 951 00:51:49,001 --> 00:51:51,000 MADAM PRESIDENT, IF I MIGHT JUST 952 00:51:51,001 --> 00:51:56,000 IN A COUPLE OF MINUTES 953 00:51:56,001 --> 00:51:57,000 ANOTHER SUBJECT SAY 954 00:51:57,001 --> 00:51:59,000 SPOKEN OFTEN ABOUT AN ISSUE ON 955 00:51:59,001 --> 00:52:00,000 THE FLOOR OF THE SENATE THAT 956 00:52:00,001 --> 00:52:04,000 GOES BACK SOME DECADE OR SO ON 957 00:52:04,001 --> 00:52:05,000 THE ISSUE OF 958 00:52:05,001 --> 00:52:08,000 AND I'M NOT GOING TO REVISIT ALL 959 00:52:08,001 --> 00:52:11,000 OF THAT THAT HAPPENED 10 YEARS 960 00:52:11,001 --> 00:52:12,000 AGO, BUT I DO WANT TO SAY THIS: 961 00:52:12,001 --> 00:52:13,000 I HAPPE 962 00:52:13,001 --> 00:52:14,000 THE FIRST ITEMS OF BUSINESS THIS 963 00:52:14,001 --> 00:52:15,000 YEAR SHOULD HAVE BEEN FINANCIAL 964 00:52:15,001 --> 00:52:16,000 REFORM, BUT I NO HE THAT OTHERS 965 00:52:16,001 --> 00:52:17,000 DISAGREED. 966 00:52:17,001 --> 00:52:19,000 I KNOW THE PRESIDENT WANTED TO 967 00:52:19,001 --> 00:52:20,000 DO HEALTH CARE FIRST AND SOME 968 00:52:20,001 --> 00:52:21,000 OTHER ITEMS FIRST. 969 00:52:21,001 --> 00:52:22,000 BUT I KNOW THAT THE PRESIDENT 970 00:52:22,001 --> 00:52:24,000 AND HIS TEAM ARE WORKING VERY 971 00:52:24,001 --> 00:52:26,000 HARD NOW ON FINANCIAL REFORM. 972 00:52:26,001 --> 00:52:27,000 IT IS VERY IMPORTANT TO GET THIS 973 00:52:27,001 --> 00:52:29,000 RIGHT. 974 00:52:29,001 --> 00:52:35,000 AND I JUST WANT TO MAKE A POINT 975 00:52:35,001 --> 00:52:36,000 --, I'VE BLN READIN 976 00:52:36,001 --> 00:52:40,000 ABOUT -- I WANT TO DEMONSTRATE 977 00:52:40,001 --> 00:52:42,000 WHAT IS HAPPENING AS A RESULT OF 978 00:52:42,001 --> 00:52:44,000 A NEAR-COLLAPSE OF THE 979 00:52:44,001 --> 00:52:45,000 LAST FALL, A WHOLE SERIES OF 980 00:52:45,001 --> 00:52:47,000 THINGS STEEREDHIS ECONOMY INTO 981 00:52:47,001 --> 00:52:49,000 THE DITCH LAST FALL. 982 00:52:49,001 --> 00:52:51,000 THE DEEPEST RECESSION SINCE THE 983 00:52:51,001 --> 00:52:52,000 GREAT DEPRESSION. 984 00:52:52,001 --> 00:52:55,000 SO NOW WE ARE HERE A YEAR LATER 985 00:52:55,001 --> 00:52:56,000 AND SEPTEMBER 12, 2009, "THE NEW 986 00:52:56,001 --> 00:52:59,000 YORK TIMES" "A YEAR LATER, 987 00:52:59,001 --> 00:53:01,000 LITTLE CHANGE ON WALL 988 00:53:01,001 --> 00:53:03,000 "ONE YEAR AFTER THE COLLAPSE OF 989 00:53:03,001 --> 00:53:05,000 LEHMAN BROTHERS, THE SURPRISE IS 990 00:53:05,001 --> 00:53:07,000 NOT HOW MUCH HAS CHANGED IN THE 991 00:53:07,001 --> 00:53:09,000 FINANCIAL INDUSTRY, BUT HOW 992 00:53:09,001 --> 00:53:15,000 LITTLE." 993 00:53:15,001 --> 00:53:17,000 NOT MUCH CHANGE ON WALL STREET. 994 00:53:17,001 --> 00:53:18,000 SEPTEMBER 15, "THE WASHINGTON 995 00:53:18,001 --> 00:53:21,000 POST," "THE WALL STREET CAY KNEE 996 00:53:21,001 --> 00:53:22,000 KNOW, BACK IN BUSINESS." 997 00:53:22,001 --> 00:53:25,000 THINK OF THAT. 998 00:53:25,001 --> 00:53:26,000 A YEAR AFT 999 00:53:26,001 --> 00:53:28,000 UNBELIEVABLE DEEP RECESSION 1000 00:53:28,001 --> 00:53:31,000 SINCE THE GREAT 1001 00:53:31,001 --> 00:53:32,000 YEAR LATER, "THE WALL STREET 1002 00:53:32,001 --> 00:53:34,000 CASINOBACK IN BUSINESS." 1003 00:53:34,001 --> 00:53:35,000 WHAT ARE THEY TALKING ABOUT? 1004 00:53:35,001 --> 00:53:38,000 CREDIT DEFAULT SWAPS, YOU NAME 1005 00:53:38,001 --> 00:53:41,000 IT ALL KINDS OF EXOTIC PRODUCTS 1006 00:53:41,001 --> 00:53:42,000 WHERE THEY SECURE TIED 1007 00:53:42,001 --> 00:53:43,000 EVERYTHING. 1008 00:53:43,001 --> 00:53:46,000 EVERYBODY MADE A LOT OF MONEY. 1009 00:53:46,001 --> 00:53:48,000 ON THE WAY BACK FROM MAKING 1010 00:53:48,001 --> 00:53:50,000 THEIR DEPOSITS ONE 1011 00:53:50,001 --> 00:53:51,000 DISCOVERED THAT THE ECONOMY HAD 1012 00:53:51,001 --> 00:53:52,000 COLLAPSED BECAUSE A LOST BAD 1013 00:53:52,001 --> 00:53:53,000 DECISIONS HAD 1014 00:53:53,001 --> 00:53:55,000 PEOPLE WHO WERE GAMBLING. 1015 00:53:55,001 --> 00:53:58,000 "A YEAR AFTER LEHMAN, WALL 1016 00:53:58,001 --> 00:54:03,000 STREET'S ACTING LIKE WALL STREET AGAIN." 1017 00:54:03,001 --> 00:54:05,000 NOT MUCH "WALL STREET JOURNAL," AUGUST, 1018 00:54:05,001 --> 00:54:08,000 LAST MONTH, "BANKERS PLAY DRESS 1019 00:54:08,001 --> 00:54:09,000 UP WITH OLD DEALS." 1020 00:54:09,001 --> 00:54:10,000 "IRRESPONSIBLE SECURITIZATION 1021 00:54:10,001 --> 00:54:11,000 HELPED BRING THE FINANCIAL 1022 00:54:11,001 --> 00:54:13,000 SYSTEM TO ITS KNEES. 1023 00:54:13,001 --> 00:54:14,000 YET, AS BANKS START TO HEAL, 1024 00:54:14,001 --> 00:54:16,000 LITTLE SEEMS TO HAVE CHANGED. 1025 00:54:16,001 --> 00:54:20,000 WALL STREET HAS QUICKLY FALLEN 1026 00:54:20,001 --> 00:54:26,000 BACK ON OLD 1027 00:54:26,001 --> 00:54:29,000 AND BY THE WAY, SOME OF THESE 1028 00:54:29,001 --> 00:54:32,000 FDI TRADING. 1029 00:54:32,001 --> 00:54:36,000 THEY JUST PU A CASINO IN THEIR LOBBY. 1030 00:54:36,001 --> 00:54:37,000 THEY JUST AS WELL BE PLAYING KE. 1031 00:54:37,001 --> 00:54:39,000 N NOVMENT THEIR BOARDROOM. 1032 00:54:39,001 --> 00:54:42,000 "WALL STREET'S MANIA FOR 1033 00:54:42,001 --> 00:54:43,000 SHORT-TERM RESULTS HURTS 1034 00:54:43,001 --> 00:54:44,000 ECONOMY." 1035 00:54:44,001 --> 00:54:45,000 LOOK, THE REASON I WANTED TO GO 1036 00:54:45,001 --> 00:54:46,000 THROUGH THIS IS I AGREE NOT MUCH 1037 00:54:46,001 --> 00:54:47,000 HAS CHANGED. 1038 00:54:47,001 --> 00:54:48,000 CERTAINLY NOT ENOUGH HAS 1039 00:54:48,001 --> 00:54:49,000 CHANGED. 1040 00:54:49,001 --> 00:54:50,000 AND THE 1041 00:54:50,001 --> 00:54:53,000 ME, AS WE DEAL WITH THIS ISSUE 1042 00:54:53,001 --> 00:54:56,000 OF FINANCIAL REFORM IS: 1043 00:54:56,001 --> 00:55:00,000 WILL WE ADDRESS A CENTRAL ISSUE 1044 00:55:00,001 --> 00:55:02,000 FOR ME, AND THAT IS THE 1045 00:55:02,001 --> 00:55:03,000 TOO-BIG-TO-FAIL ISSUE. 1046 00:55:03,001 --> 00:55:04,000 WHEN WE HAVE DECIDEES AS A 1047 00:55:04,001 --> 00:55:05,000 MATTER OF 1048 00:55:05,001 --> 00:55:08,000 THERE ARE BIG COMPANIES THAT ARE 1049 00:55:08,001 --> 00:55:11,000 TOO BIG TO FAIL - 1050 00:55:11,001 --> 00:55:12,000 FAIL -- TO ME, THAT'S NO-FAULT 1051 00:55:12,001 --> 00:55:13,000 CAPITALISM. 1052 00:55:13,001 --> 00:55:14,000 WE SAW THAT LAST FALL. 1053 00:55:14,001 --> 00:55:16,000 WE HAD THE TREASURY SECRETARY 1054 00:55:16,001 --> 00:55:17,000 COME TO THE CONGRESS AND HE SAID 1055 00:55:17,001 --> 00:55:19,000 ON THE ONE HAND A FRIDAY, IF YOU 1056 00:55:19,001 --> 00:55:22,000 DON'T PASS A THREE-PAGE BILL 1057 00:55:22,001 --> 00:55:25,000 GIVING ME $700 BILLION AND DOT 1058 00:55:25,001 --> 00:55:26,000 IN THREE DAYS, THERE IS EMINENT COLLAPSE OF THE AMERICAN 1059 00:55:26,001 --> 00:55:27,000 ECON 1060 00:55:27,001 --> 00:55:30,000 THE FACT IS I DIDN'T VOTE FOR 1061 00:55:30,001 --> 00:55:33,000 THE $7 BLION BECAUSE I DIDN'T 1062 00:55:33,001 --> 00:55:34,000 THINK HE HAD THE FOGGIEST IDEA 1063 00:55:34,001 --> 00:55:35,000 WHAT HE WAS GOING TO DO WITH 1064 00:55:35,001 --> 00:55:38,000 THAT MONEY. 1065 00:55:38,001 --> 00:55:39,000 BUT THE PLAIN FACT IS AS WELL AS 1066 00:55:39,001 --> 00:55:40,000 THE VERY FIRMS THAT DID THE KIND 1067 00:55:40,001 --> 00:55:42,000 OF DAMAGE THAT STEERED THIS 1068 00:55:42,001 --> 00:55:45,000 ECONOMY INTO THE DITCH -- BY THE 1069 00:55:45,001 --> 00:55:46,000 WAY, ONE 1070 00:55:46,001 --> 00:55:47,000 THEN-TREAS 1071 00:55:47,001 --> 00:55:52,000 PREVIOUSLY WORKED FOR -- 1072 00:55:52,001 --> 00:55:54,000 DRAMATICALLY EXPANDING LEVERAGE, 1073 00:55:54,001 --> 00:55:55,000 ENGAGED IN UNBELIEVABLY 1074 00:55:55,001 --> 00:55:56,000 SOPHISTICATED, EXOTIC PRODUCTS 1075 00:55:56,001 --> 00:55:58,000 THAT THEY COU 1076 00:55:58,001 --> 00:55:59,000 UNDERSTAND BUT YOU DIDN'T TO 1077 00:55:59,001 --> 00:56:01,000 UNDERSTAND THEM AS LONG AS YOU 1078 00:56:01,001 --> 00:56:03,000 WERE MAKING A LOT OF 1079 00:56:03,001 --> 00:56:05,000 THEM, SECURITIZING ALMOST 1080 00:56:05,001 --> 00:56:08,000 EVERYTHING, THE SCANDAL IN 1081 00:56:08,001 --> 00:56:10,000 SUBPRIME LOANS, PAYING MASSIVE 1082 00:56:10,001 --> 00:56:13,000 BONUSES TO BROKERS TO PUT 1083 00:56:13,001 --> 00:56:14,000 MORTGAGES OUT THERE CALLED 1084 00:56:14,001 --> 00:56:16,000 LIARS' LOANS, PEOPLE DIDN'T HAVE 1085 00:56:16,001 --> 00:56:18,000 TO DESCRIBE THEIR INCOME FOR IN 1086 00:56:18,001 --> 00:56:20,000 ORDER TO GET A MORTGAGE, AND 1087 00:56:20,001 --> 00:56:22,000 THEN SECURITIZE THE GOOD WI 1088 00:56:22,001 --> 00:56:24,000 THE BAD AND SLICE AND DICE LIKE 1089 00:56:24,001 --> 00:56:26,000 YOU WERE CUTTING SAUSAGE AND 1090 00:56:26,001 --> 00:56:27,000 SELL THEM UP TO HEDGE FUNDS AND 1091 00:56:27,001 --> 00:56:28,000 INVESTMENT BANKS. 1092 00:56:28,001 --> 00:56:29,000 EVERYBODY W 1093 00:56:29,001 --> 00:56:31,000 MAKING ALL KINDS OF MONEY 1094 00:56:31,001 --> 00:56:32,000 DESPITE THE FACT THAT THEY WERE 1095 00:56:32,001 --> 00:56:34,000 CREATING THIS HOUSE OF CARDS AND 1096 00:56:34,001 --> 00:56:37,000 THE HOUSE OF CARDS COLLAPSED. 1097 00:56:37,001 --> 00:56:39,000 AND YOU HAD ALL OF THESE FIRMS 1098 00:56:39,001 --> 00:56:40,000 WITH 1099 00:56:40,001 --> 00:56:42,000 EXPOSURE, AND THEN WEERM TOLD, 1100 00:56:42,001 --> 00:56:44,000 YOU KNOW WHAT YOU GOT TO BAIL THEM OUT. 1101 00:56:44,001 --> 00:56:46,000 THEY'RE TOO BHIG TO FAISM THE 1102 00:56:46,001 --> 00:56:48,000 AMERICAN TAXPAYER HAS TO COME 1103 00:56:48,001 --> 00:56:50,000 UP, OPEN THEIR 1104 00:56:50,001 --> 00:56:52,000 PROVIDE THE FUNDS BECAUSE THESE 1105 00:56:52,001 --> 00:56:54,000 FIRMS ARE TOO BIG TO FAIL. 1106 00:56:54,001 --> 00:56:55,000 WHEN WE DO FINANCIAL REFORM, 1107 00:56:55,001 --> 00:56:56,000 THERE'S TOO LITTLE DISCUSSION ABOUT THIS. 1108 00:56:56,001 --> 00:56:58,000 ALL THE DI 1109 00:56:58,001 --> 00:56:59,000 THESE STORIES, WALL STREET IS 1110 00:56:59,001 --> 00:57:01,000 BACK IN BUSINESS AGAIN. 1111 00:57:01,001 --> 00:57:03,000 BANKS STILL TRADING IN 1112 00:57:03,001 --> 00:57:04,000 DERIVATIVES ON THE PROPRIETARY 1113 00:57:04,001 --> 00:57:06,000 ACCOUNT. 1114 00:57:06,001 --> 00:57:07,000 THEY JUST AS WELL PUT UP A 1115 00:57:07,001 --> 00:57:08,000 BLACKJACK TABLE IN THEIR LOBBY. 1116 00:57:08,001 --> 00:57:09,000 NOTHING IS CHANGE. 1117 00:57:09,001 --> 00:57:11,000 AND SO THE QUESTION IS, WHEN WE 1118 00:57:11,001 --> 00:57:14,000 GET TO THIS POINT -- AND IT IS 1119 00:57:14,001 --> 00:57:15,000 VERY SOON, I HOPE -- WILL WE 1120 00:57:15,001 --> 00:57:18,000 SERIOUSLY ADDRESS THE DOCTRINE 1121 00:57:18,001 --> 00:57:20,000 OF TOO-BIG-TO-FAIL? 1122 00:57:20,001 --> 00:57:23,000 BECAUSE IF WE DON'T, WE WILL GO 1123 00:57:23,001 --> 00:57:25,000 DOWN EXACTLY THE SAME ROAD, AND 1124 00:57:25,001 --> 00:57:27,000 MARK MY WORDS, WE'LL FIND THE 1125 00:57:27,001 --> 00:57:29,000 ME DITCH ONCE AGAIN. 1126 00:57:29,001 --> 00:57:31,000 -- ONCE AGAIN FOR THIS ECONOMY. 1127 00:57:31,001 --> 00:57:32,000 WE MUST ADDRESS THIS ISSUE OF 1128 00:57:32,001 --> 00:57:35,000 "TOO BIG TO FAIVMENT" SOME OF 1129 00:57:35,001 --> 00:57:37,000 THE TOO-BIG-TO-FAIL INSTITUTIONS 1130 00:57:37,001 --> 00:57:38,000 GOT 1131 00:57:38,001 --> 00:57:40,000 AMERICAN TAXPAYER AND, BY 1132 00:57:40,001 --> 00:57:41,000 WAY, THEY'VE GOTTEN BIGGER NOW. 1133 00:57:41,001 --> 00:57:43,000 TOO BIG TO FAIL. 1134 00:57:43,001 --> 00:57:44,000 NOW THEY'RE TOO BIGGER TO FAIL, 1135 00:57:44,001 --> 00:57:45,000 I GUESS. 1136 00:57:45,001 --> 00:57:47,000 DOESN'T SOUND LIKE GOOD ENGLISH 1137 00:57:47,001 --> 00:57:49,000 TO ME. 1138 00:57:49,001 --> 00:57:51,000 BUT 1139 00:57:51,001 --> 00:57:53,000 SO YOU MAKE THEM BIGGER? 1140 00:57:53,001 --> 00:57:55,000 MAKES NO SENSE. 1141 00:57:55,001 --> 00:57:57,000 THAT HAS TO BE 1142 00:57:57,001 --> 00:58:00,000 OUR DISCUSSION GOING FORWARD. 1143 00:58:00,001 --> 00:58:01,000 ARE WE GOING TO CONTINUE TO HAVE NO-FAULT CAPITALISM WHERE SOME 1144 00:58:01,001 --> 00:58:03,000 OF THE BIGGEST FINANCIAL 1145 00:58:03,001 --> 00:58:06,000 INSTITUTIONS IN THIS 1146 00:58:06,001 --> 00:58:07,000 ENGAGED IN GAMBLING, TRADING IN 1147 00:58:07,001 --> 00:58:10,000 DERIVATIVES ON THEIR OWN 1148 00:58:10,001 --> 00:58:12,000 FINANCIAL ACCOUNTS IN A 1149 00:58:12,001 --> 00:58:14,000 WHILE THE BANK IS FDIC-INSURED. 1150 00:58:14,001 --> 00:58:16,000 ARE WE GOING TO CONTINUE TO ALLOW THAT? 1151 00:58:16,001 --> 00:58:19,000 OR ARE WE FINALLY GOING TO 1152 00:58:19,001 --> 00:58:20,000 DECIDE THAT THIS DOCTRINE OF TOO 1153 00:58:20,001 --> 00:58:23,000 BIG TO FAIL HAS TO BE ADDRESSED 1154 00:58:23,001 --> 00:58:24,000 AHONK WITH THE OTHER 1155 00:58:24,001 --> 00:58:26,000 ALONG WITH THE OTHER ISSUES? 1156 00:58:26,001 --> 00:58:27,000 RADIO ARE WE GOING TO SECURITIZE 1157 00:58:27,001 --> 00:58:29,000 EVERYTHING, GOING TO CONTINUE TO 1158 00:58:29,001 --> 00:58:30,000 ALLOW THIS UNBLEEFNL EXPANSION OF LEVERAGE? 1159 00:58:30,001 --> 00:58:31,000 ALL OF THESE ARE IMPORTANT 1160 00:58:31,001 --> 00:58:33,000 QUESTIONS. 1161 00:58:33,001 --> 00:58:35,000 AT THE END OF THE DAY, FOR ME, 1162 00:58:35,001 --> 00:58:38,000 THE QUESTION OF THE DOCTRINE OF 1163 00:58:38,001 --> 00:58:42,000 TOO BIG TO FAIL IS OVERRIDING. 1164 00:58:42,001 --> 00:58:43,000 WE MUST END THAT 1165 00:58:43,001 --> 00:58:46,000 AND IT IS NOT JUST ME. 1166 00:58:46,001 --> 00:58:48,000 THERE ARE A GOOD MANY ECONOMISTS 1167 00:58:48,001 --> 00:58:51,000 THAT FEEL THAT THAT MUST BE A 1168 00:58:51,001 --> 00:58:53,000 PART OF OUR FINANCIAL REFORM. 1169 00:58:53,001 --> 00:58:55,000 NOW, MY HOPE IS THAT IN THE 1170 00:58:55,001 --> 00:58:57,000 COMING MONTH OR SO FOLLOWING THE 1171 00:58:57,001 --> 00:58:59,000 DISCUSSION 1172 00:58:59,001 --> 00:59:00,000 THAT WE TURN TO FINANCIAL 1173 00:59:00,001 --> 00:59:01,000 REFORM, AND I'M GOING TO BE ON 1174 00:59:01,001 --> 00:59:04,000 THE FLOOR TALKING AGAIN ABOUT 1175 00:59:04,001 --> 00:59:07,000 THE DOCTRINE OF TOO BIG TO FAIL 1176 00:59:07,001 --> 00:59:09,000 AN 1177 00:59:09,001 --> 00:59:10,000 BOARD'S NOTION OF WHAT THAT 1178 00:59:10,001 --> 00:59:11,000 DOCTRINE MEANS AND WHAT THEIR 1179 00:59:11,001 --> 00:59:13,000 RESPONSIBILITIES ARE. 1180 00:59:13,001 --> 00:59:16,000 MADAM PRESIDENT, I YIELD THE 1181 00:59:16,001 --> 00:59:18,000 FLOOR, AND I MAKE A POINT 1182 00:59:18,001 --> 00:59:19,000 OF ORDER THAT A QUORUM IS NOT PRESENT. 1183 00:59:19,001 --> 00:59:23,000 THE PRESIDING O 1184 00:59:23,001 --> 00:59:33,000 CLERK WILL CALL THE ROLL. 1185 00:59:33,001 --> 00:59:37,000 QUORUM CALL: 1186 00:59:37,001 --> 00:59:38,000 A SENATOR: MADAM 1187 00:59:38,001 --> 00:59:39,000 THE PRESIDING OFFICER: THE 1188 00:59:39,001 --> 00:59:40,000 SENATOR FROM TENNESSEE. 1189 00:59:40,001 --> 00:59:41,000 MR. ALEXANDER: MADAM 1190 00:59:41,001 --> 00:59:42,000 PRESIDENT, ARE WE IN MORNING BUSINESS? 1191 00:59:42,001 --> 00:59:44,000 THE PRESIDING OFFICER: WE ARE 1192 00:59:44,001 --> 00:59:45,000 N RIGHT OUT IN TBHEER A QUORUM 1193 00:59:45,001 --> 00:59:46,000 CALL 1194 00:59:46,001 --> 00:59:47,000 MR. ALEXANDER: I ASK THAT THE QUORUM CALL BE VITIATED. 1195 00:59:47,001 --> 00:59:48,000 THE PRESIDING OFFICER: WITHOUT OBJECTION. 1196 00:59:48,001 --> 00:59:50,000 LOW-INCOME LOCKBOX HOW MUCH TIME 1197 00:59:50,001 --> 00:59:51,000 IS -- 1198 00:59:51,001 --> 00:59:53,000 MR. ALEXANDER: HOW MUCH TIME 1199 00:59:53,001 --> 00:59:54,000 IS REMAINING ON THE REPUBLICAN SIDE? 1200 00:59:54,001 --> 00:59:55,000 THE PRESIDING OFFICER: THE 1201 00:59:55,001 --> 00:59:56,000 TIME IS NOT DIVIDED. 1202 00:59:56,001 --> 00:59:58,000 MR. ALEXANDER: I ASK CONSENT 1203 00:59:58,001 --> 01:00:02,000 THAT WEE PERMITTED TO ENGAGE 1204 01:00:02,001 --> 01:00:03,000 IN A COLLOQUY FOR UP TO 20 MINUTES. 1205 01:00:03,001 --> 01:00:06,000 THE PRESIDING OFFICER: WITHOUT OBJECTION. 1206 01:00:06,001 --> 01:00:07,000 MR. ALEXANDER: THANK YOU, 1207 01:00:07,001 --> 01:00:10,000 MADAM PRESIDENT. 1208 01:00:10,001 --> 01:00:12,000 MADAM PRESIDENT, ALL OF 1209 01:00:12,001 --> 01:00:14,000 HOME IN AUGUST, AND IT WAS 1210 01:00:14,001 --> 01:00:15,000 PRETTY GOOD THING WE WERE, 1211 01:00:15,001 --> 01:00:17,000 BECAUSE THE PEOPLE OF THE UNITED 1212 01:00:17,001 --> 01:00:19,000 STATES HAD A LOT TO SAY TO US 1213 01:00:19,001 --> 01:00:20,000 ABOUT THE HEALTH CARE BILL. 1214 01:00:20,001 --> 01:00:23,000 AND I THINK PRESIDENT OBAMA WAS 1215 01:00:23,001 --> 01:00:25,000 VERY CORRECT WHEN HE SAID THE 1216 01:00:25,001 --> 01:00:29,000 HEALTH CARE REFORM BILL IS 1217 01:00:29,001 --> 01:00:30,000 REALLY A PROXY, REALLY A PROXY 1218 01:00:30,001 --> 01:00:31,000 FOR THE ROLE OF FEDERAL 1219 01:00:31,001 --> 01:00:32,000 GOVEMENT IN OUR EVERYDAY 1220 01:00:32,001 --> 01:00:36,000 LIVES. 1221 01:00:36,001 --> 01:00:37,000 I THINK THAT'S WHAT WE'RE DEBATING. 1222 01:00:37,001 --> 01:00:39,000 ON THE ONE SIDE WE HAVE AN 1223 01:00:39,001 --> 01:00:44,000 EFFORT BY THE MAJORITY AND THE 1224 01:00:44,001 --> 01:00:45,000 PRESIDENT TO DO THIS MASSIVE 1225 01:00:45,001 --> 01:00:47,000 COMPREHENSIVE HEALTH CARE REFORM 1226 01:00:47,001 --> 01:00:50,000 WITH 1,000-PAGE BILLS AND WHITE 1227 01:00:50,001 --> 01:00:51,000 HOUSE CZARS AND TRILLIONS IN 1228 01:00:51,001 --> 01:00:53,000 SPENDING AND TRILLIONS IN DEBT. 1229 01:00:53,001 --> 01:00:54,000 THAT'S ON THE ONE SIDE. 1230 01:00:54,001 --> 01:00:57,000 WE HAVE REPUBLICANS SAYING WE 1231 01:00:57,001 --> 01:01:00,000 WANT HEALTH CARE REFORM, BUT 1232 01:01:00,001 --> 01:01:03,000 LET'S FOCUS ON REDUCING COST, 1233 01:01:03,001 --> 01:01:05,000 COST TO EACH AMERICAN WHO HAS A 1234 01:01:05,001 --> 01:01:06,000 HEALTH CARE POLICY. 1235 01:01:06,001 --> 01:01:08,000 THAT 250 MILLION OF US THAT'S 1236 01:01:08,001 --> 01:01:09,000 WHY TH IS SO PERSONAL. 1237 01:01:09,001 --> 01:01:12,000 THAT IS WHY PEOPLE ARE SHOWING 1238 01:01:12,001 --> 01:01:13,000 UP AT TOWN MEETINGS, NOT SOME 1239 01:01:13,001 --> 01:01:18,000 ABSTRACT THING. 1240 01:01:18,001 --> 01:01:20,000 BECAUSE WE KNOW THAT THERE IS $9 1241 01:01:20,001 --> 01:01:23,000 TRILLION MORE IN DEBT COMING. 1242 01:01:23,001 --> 01:01:24,000 SO I WONDER, MADAM 1243 01:01:24,001 --> 01:01:25,000 -- 1244 01:01:25,001 --> 01:01:28,000 YES. 1245 01:01:28,001 --> 01:01:29,000 I'D BE GLAD TO YIELD FOR A QUESTION. 1246 01:01:29,001 --> 01:01:31,000 MR. McCAIN: FIRST OF ALL, 1247 01:01:31,001 --> 01:01:33,000 CONCERNING THE COST, HOW DO WE 1248 01:01:33,001 --> 01:01:37,000 REALLY KNOW WHAT THE COST IS IF 1249 01:01:37,001 --> 01:01:39,000 WE DON'T 1250 01:01:39,001 --> 01:01:41,000 I THINK ALL OF US HAVE BEEN 1251 01:01:41,001 --> 01:01:44,000 AROUND HERE -- WE'VE TALKED A 1252 01:01:44,001 --> 01:01:46,000 LOT ABOUT 72 H 1253 01:01:46,001 --> 01:01:48,000 ABSOLUTELY IT SHOULD -- 72 1254 01:01:48,001 --> 01:01:50,000 HOURS, THAT ABSOLUTELY THE TEXT 1255 01:01:50,001 --> 01:01:52,000 SHOULD BE ONLINE SO EVERY 1256 01:01:52,001 --> 01:01:55,000 AMERICAN, NOT JUST THE 100 OF US 1257 01:01:55,001 --> 01:01:56,000 WHO ARE FORTUNATE ENOUGH TO BE 1258 01:01:56,001 --> 01:01:58,000 HERE, BUT EVERYMERICAN SHOULD 1259 01:01:58,001 --> 01:01:59,000 HAVE THE RIGHT TO KNOW WHAT A 1260 01:01:59,001 --> 01:02:00,000 FUNDAMENTAL REFORM IN HEALTH 1261 01:02:00,001 --> 01:02:02,000 CARE AMERICA IS ALL ABOUT, AND 1262 01:02:02,001 --> 01:02:03,000 THEY SHOULD BE ABLE TO READ THE 1263 01:02:03,001 --> 01:02:05,000 LEGISLATION IF THEY WANT TO. 1264 01:02:05,001 --> 01:02:07,000 BUT AS 1265 01:02:07,001 --> 01:02:09,000 FRIEND FROM TENNESSEE, HAS HE 1266 01:02:09,001 --> 01:02:10,000 SEEN ANY LEGISLATIVE TEXT 1267 01:02:10,001 --> 01:02:11,000 ANYWHERE? 1268 01:02:11,001 --> 01:02:15,000 IS IT TRUE THAT THE FINANCE 1269 01:02:15,001 --> 01:02:16,000 COMMITTEE IS MOVING 1270 01:02:16,001 --> 01:02:17,000 LEGISLATION THAT THERE IS NO 1271 01:02:17,001 --> 01:02:19,000 LESLATIVE TEXT? 1272 01:02:19,001 --> 01:02:23,000 AND, BY THE WAY, WE FIND OUT NOW 1273 01:02:23,001 --> 01:02:25,000 THAT IF, ACCORDING TO THIS 1274 01:02:25,001 --> 01:02:28,000 BILL -- ACCORDING TO "THE WALL 1275 01:02:28,001 --> 01:02:30,000 STREET JOURNAL" THIS 1276 01:02:30,001 --> 01:02:31,000 MR. BARTHOLD NOT IN A 1277 01:02:31,001 --> 01:02:33,000 FOLLOW-UP LETTER THAT THE 1278 01:02:33,001 --> 01:02:35,000 WILLFUL FAILURE TO FILE -- THAT 1279 01:02:35,001 --> 01:02:37,000 IS TO TAKE THE GOVERNMENT 1280 01:02:37,001 --> 01:02:41,000 OPTION -- WOULD BE PUNISHABLE BY 1281 01:02:41,001 --> 01:02:43,000 A $25,000 FINE OR JAIL TIME 1282 01:02:43,001 --> 01:02:44,000 UNDER SECTION -- UNDER A SECTION 1283 01:02:44,001 --> 01:02:46,000 OF THE BILL. 1284 01:02:46,001 --> 01:02:47,000 MY G 1285 01:02:47,001 --> 01:02:49,000 AMERICANS KNOW THAT. 1286 01:02:49,001 --> 01:02:52,000 HOW MANY AMERICANS ARE AWARE OF THAT? 1287 01:02:52,001 --> 01:02:53,000 ITCH TO TELL MY FRIEND FROM TEN 1288 01:02:53,001 --> 01:02:55,000 -- 1289 01:02:55,001 --> 01:02:57,000 I HAVE TO TELL MY FRIEND FROM 1290 01:02:57,001 --> 01:02:59,000 TEESSEE I WAS 1291 01:02:59,001 --> 01:03:02,000 FIRST SHOULDN'T WE HAVE 1292 01:03:02,001 --> 01:03:04,000 LEGISLATIVE TEXT SO AMERICANS 1293 01:03:04,001 --> 01:03:05,000 SHOULD KNOW WHAT IS 1294 01:03:05,001 --> 01:03:07,000 LEGISL COMMITTEE? 1295 01:03:07,001 --> 01:03:10,000 SECOND OF ALL, SHOULDN'T IT BE 1296 01:03:10,001 --> 01:03:13,000 ON 1297 01:03:13,001 --> 01:03:14,000 9/11 THIS BODY WOULD KNOW ABOUT IT? 1298 01:03:14,001 --> 01:03:16,000 MR. ALEXANDER: THE SENATOR 1299 01:03:16,001 --> 01:03:18,000 FROM ARIZONA IS RIGHT. 1300 01:03:18,001 --> 01:03:19,000 HEND I 1301 01:03:19,001 --> 01:03:20,000 COMMITTEE. 1302 01:03:20,001 --> 01:03:22,000 WE SPENT MANY HOURS IN JUNE OR 1303 01:03:22,001 --> 01:03:23,000 JULY MARKING UP THE FIRST 1304 01:03:23,001 --> 01:03:25,000 VERSION OF THE HEALTH CARE BILL. 1305 01:03:25,001 --> 01:03:26,000 WE FINISHED OUR WORK ABOUT JULY 1306 01:03:26,001 --> 01:03:28,000 15. 1307 01:03:28,001 --> 01:03:30,000 THAT BILL WAS 839 PAGES. 1308 01:03:30,001 --> 01:03:31,000 IT WASN'T EN PRESENTED TO US 1309 01:03:31,001 --> 01:03:33,000 UNTIL EARLY IN SEPTEMBER, AND WE 1310 01:03:33,001 --> 01:03:37,000 STILL DON'T KNOW WHAT IT COSTS. 1311 01:03:37,001 --> 01:03:38,000 I WONDER IF THE SENATOR FROM 1312 01:03:38,001 --> 01:03:41,000 GEORGIA HEARD MUCH ABOUT READING 1313 01:03:41,001 --> 01:03:42,000 THE BILL AND HOW MUCH IT COSTS. 1314 01:03:42,001 --> 01:03:45,000 MR. ISAKSON: THE SENATOR FROM TENNESSEE AND THE SENATOR FROM 1315 01:03:45,001 --> 01:03:48,000 ARIZONA AND I SAT THROUGH 16 1/2 1316 01:03:48,001 --> 01:03:49,000 HOURS OF MARKUP IN THE HEULGT 1317 01:03:49,001 --> 01:03:52,000 COMMITTEE ON A BILL WHICH WAS 1318 01:03:52,001 --> 01:03:53,000 NOT SCORED AND HAD PAGES BLANK, 1319 01:03:53,001 --> 01:03:56,000 AND THEY'RE STILL BLANK. 1320 01:03:56,001 --> 01:03:57,000 WE DIDN'T HAVE TEXT 1321 01:03:57,001 --> 01:03:58,000 THREE TITLENESS THAT BILL. 1322 01:03:58,001 --> 01:04:00,000 WHAT THEY'RE DEVELOPING IN THE 1323 01:04:00,001 --> 01:04:03,000 FINANCE COMMITTEE TODAY, S-PBDZ 1324 01:04:03,001 --> 01:04:04,000 IT, IS THEY'RE TK-PGT CONS TEXT. 1325 01:04:04,001 --> 01:04:05,000 THE LANGUAGE IS SOMEWHERE WE 1326 01:04:05,001 --> 01:04:06,000 HAVE NOT SEEN. 1327 01:04:06,001 --> 01:04:08,000 THIS IS TOO IMPORTANT FOR US TO 1328 01:04:08,001 --> 01:04:09,000 TAKE A GUESS, TOO IMPORTANT FOR 1329 01:04:09,001 --> 01:04:11,000 US TO TAKE A CHANCE. 1330 01:04:11,001 --> 01:04:12,000 IT'S MOST IMPORTANT THAT THE 1331 01:04:12,001 --> 01:04:13,000 CONGRESS KNOW PRECISELY WHAT 1332 01:04:13,001 --> 01:04:15,000 IT'S DOING. 1333 01:04:15,001 --> 01:04:17,000 MR. ALEXANDER: I WOULD ASK THE 1334 01:04:17,001 --> 01:04:19,000 SENATOR FROM ARIZONA OR GEORGIA, 1335 01:04:19,001 --> 01:04:21,000 THEY ARE DEBATING CONCEPTS, BUT 1336 01:04:21,001 --> 01:04:23,000 THEY ARE GETTING DOWN TO SPECIFICS. 1337 01:04:23,001 --> 01:04:24,000 I THINK I SAW IN ONE OF THE 1338 01:04:24,001 --> 01:04:26,000 MORNING NEWSPAPERS THAT NEVADA 1339 01:04:26,001 --> 01:04:31,000 SOMEHOW WAS ANYWHERE RACK 1340 01:04:31,001 --> 01:04:34,000 INCLUDESLY TAKEN CARE 1341 01:04:34,001 --> 01:04:35,000 MIRACULOUSLY TAKEN CARE OF. 1342 01:04:35,001 --> 01:04:37,000 WE'VE HAD DEMOCRATS AND 1343 01:04:37,001 --> 01:04:39,000 REPUBLICANS SAYING IF YOU'RE 1344 01:04:39,001 --> 01:04:40,000 GOING TO EXPAND MEDICAID IN OUR 1345 01:04:40,001 --> 01:04:43,000 STATES, PAY FOR IT. 1346 01:04:43,001 --> 01:04:44,000 AND WHAT HAPPENED IN NEVADA? 1347 01:04:44,001 --> 01:04:45,000 MR. McCAIN: 1348 01:04:45,001 --> 01:04:47,000 FRIEND FROM TENNESSEE, FIRST OF 1349 01:04:47,001 --> 01:04:50,000 L, IT'S CLEAR THAT THE 1350 01:04:50,001 --> 01:04:53,000 DICAID COSTS INCREASES TO THE 1351 01:04:53,001 --> 01:04:54,000 STATES WILL 1352 01:04:54,001 --> 01:04:55,000 THE ORIGINAL VERSION OF THE 1353 01:04:55,001 --> 01:04:57,000 BILL, ACCORDING TO MEDIA 1354 01:04:57,001 --> 01:04:59,000 REPORTS, THE STATE OF NEVADA 1355 01:04:59,001 --> 01:05:03,000 WOULD HAVE, ALONG WITH EVERY 1356 01:05:03,001 --> 01:05:04,000 OTHER STATE, A SIGNIFICANT 1357 01:05:04,001 --> 01:05:07,000 MEDICAID EXPENSE. 1358 01:05:07,001 --> 01:05:08,000 SO SOMEHOW NOW THE LEGISLATION 1359 01:05:08,001 --> 01:05:10,000 HA 1360 01:05:10,001 --> 01:05:12,000 ACCORDING TO MEDIA, BECAUSE -- 1361 01:05:12,001 --> 01:05:13,000 EXCUSE ME -- THE CONCEPT HAS 1362 01:05:13,001 --> 01:05:17,000 BEEN CHANGED BECAUSE WE DON'T 1363 01:05:17,001 --> 01:05:19,000 HAVE LEGISLATIVE LANGUAGE THAT 1364 01:05:19,001 --> 01:05:21,000 FOUR STATES WOULD THEN HAVE 100% 1365 01:05:21,001 --> 01:05:24,000 OF THEIR MEDICAID COSTS ASSUMED 1366 01:05:24,001 --> 01:05:27,000 LONG AS FOUR OR FIVE YEARS. 1367 01:05:27,001 --> 01:05:28,000 THAT'S WHAT GOES ON WITH THE 1368 01:05:28,001 --> 01:05:30,000 LAWS AND SAUCE SAPBLGS BUSINESS 1369 01:05:30,001 --> 01:05:32,000 AROUND HERE. 1370 01:05:32,001 --> 01:05:33,000 -- LAWS AND SAUSAGES BUSINESS 1371 01:05:33,001 --> 01:05:36,000 AROUND HERE. 1372 01:05:36,001 --> 01:05:37,000 I'D LIKE TO ASK AGAIN MY FRIEND 1373 01:05:37,001 --> 01:05:43,000 FROM TENNESSEE, DO YOU THINK 1374 01:05:43,001 --> 01:05:47,000 THAT AMERICANS -- I WOULD ASK 1375 01:05:47,001 --> 01:05:48,000 CONSENT THAT THE ARTICLE 1376 01:05:48,001 --> 01:05:49,000 IN THE "WALL STREET JOURNAL" BE 1377 01:05:49,001 --> 01:05:50,000 MADE PAFRT RECORD. 1378 01:05:50,001 --> 01:05:51,000 THE PRESIDING OFFICER: WITHOUT 1379 01:05:51,001 --> 01:05:53,000 OBJECTION. 1380 01:05:53,001 --> 01:05:54,000 MR. McC 1381 01:05:54,001 --> 01:05:56,000 BAUCUS' BILL INCLUDES AN 1382 01:05:56,001 --> 01:05:59,000 INDIVIDUAL MANDATE ALONG WITH 1383 01:05:59,001 --> 01:06:03,000 WHAT HE CALLS A $1,900 EXCISE 1384 01:06:03,001 --> 01:06:07,000 TAX IF YOU DON'T BUY HEALTH INSURANCE, IT WOULD HAVE BEEN AS 1385 01:06:07,001 --> 01:06:09,000 MUCH AS $3,800. 1386 01:06:09,001 --> 01:06:10,000 AMERICAN SMALL SMALL BUSINESSES ARE 1387 01:06:10,001 --> 01:06:12,000 HURTING MORE THAN ANY OTHER 1388 01:06:12,001 --> 01:06:15,000 GROUP OF AMERICANS TODAY, THE 1389 01:06:15,001 --> 01:06:17,000 CREATORS OF JOBS ARE NOW FACING 1390 01:06:17,001 --> 01:06:19,000 A $1,900 EXCISE TAX. 1391 01:06:19,001 --> 01:06:21,000 AND BY THE WAY, THE PRESIDENT, 1392 01:06:21,001 --> 01:06:25,000 IN RESPONSE TO GEORGE 1393 01:06:25,001 --> 01:06:26,000 NO TAX ENGAGED HERE. 1394 01:06:26,001 --> 01:06:30,000 SO, I WONDER HOW MANY AMERICANS 1395 01:06:30,001 --> 01:06:34,000 ARE AWARE OFHAT AND HOW MANY 1396 01:06:34,001 --> 01:06:36,000 AMERICANS HAVE HAD THE 1397 01:06:36,001 --> 01:06:38,000 OPPORTUNITY TO KNOW EXACTLY 1398 01:06:38,001 --> 01:06:39,000 WHAT -- NOT ONLY WHAT THE COST 1399 01:06:39,001 --> 01:06:41,000 OF THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT AND 1400 01:06:41,001 --> 01:06:42,000 THE RESPECTIVE STATES ARE, BUT 1401 01:06:42,001 --> 01:06:43,000 WHAT ARE THE COSTS TO THE 1402 01:06:43,001 --> 01:06:45,000 INDIVIDUALS WHO AR STRUGGLING 1403 01:06:45,001 --> 01:06:47,000 TO MAKE IT IN AMERICA AT A TIME 1404 01:06:47,001 --> 01:06:48,000 OF ALMOST UNPRECEDENTED 1405 01:06:48,001 --> 01:06:49,000 UNEMPLOYMENT. 1406 01:06:49,001 --> 01:06:51,000 MR. ALEXANDER: THAT'S A VERY GOOD POINT. 1407 01:06:51,001 --> 01:06:52,000 THE SENATOR FROM GEORGIA WAS IN 1408 01:06:52,001 --> 01:06:53,000 SMALL BUSINESS FOR MANY YEARS 1409 01:06:53,001 --> 01:06:54,000 BEFORE HE CAME TO THE UNITED 1410 01:06:54,001 --> 01:06:56,000 STATES SENATE. 1411 01:06:56,001 --> 01:06:58,000 MR. ISAKSON: FOR 22 YEARS I 1412 01:06:58,001 --> 01:07:01,000 RAN A SMALL REAL ESTATE COMPANY. 1413 01:07:01,001 --> 01:07:03,000 WE TED, THE DISTINGUISHED 1414 01:07:03,001 --> 01:07:04,000 SENATORS ON THE TPHRAORBGS TO PASS HEALTH CARE REFORM WHICH 1415 01:07:04,001 --> 01:07:06,000 WOULD HAVE MADE AFFORDABLE 1416 01:07:06,001 --> 01:07:07,000 HEALTH CARE AVAILABLE TO 1417 01:07:07,001 --> 01:07:08,000 INDEPENDENT CONTRACTORS AND 1418 01:07:08,001 --> 01:07:10,000 SMALL BUSINESS PEOPLE, BUT IT 1419 01:07:10,001 --> 01:07:11,000 WAS REJECTED AND WE COULDN'T GET 1420 01:07:11,001 --> 01:07:12,000 A CLOTURE VOTE. 1421 01:07:12,001 --> 01:07:13,000 MR. AL 1422 01:07:13,001 --> 01:07:15,000 JUST FOR A MOMENT BECAUSE I 1423 01:07:15,001 --> 01:07:17,000 OFTEN HEAR IT SAID, YOU 1424 01:07:17,001 --> 01:07:18,000 REPUBLICANS, YOU'RE NOT FOROO 1425 01:07:18,001 --> 01:07:19,000 MUCH ON HEALTH CARE. 1426 01:07:19,001 --> 01:07:20,000 E DIFFERENCE IS WE HAVE A 1427 01:07:20,001 --> 01:07:22,000 LITTLE MORE HUMILITY THAN TO TRY 1428 01:07:22,001 --> 01:07:24,000 TO SAY WE'RE GOING 1429 01:07:24,001 --> 01:07:26,000 THE WHOLE HEALTH CARE 1430 01:07:26,001 --> 01:07:27,000 ONCE, ADD TRILLIONS IN DEBT AND 1431 01:07:27,001 --> 01:07:29,000 FIX THE WHOLE WORLD. 1432 01:07:29,001 --> 01:07:30,000 WE'RE READY TO GO STEP BY STEP. 1433 01:07:30,001 --> 01:07:32,000 AND THAT'S ONE OF THE MOST 1434 01:07:32,001 --> 01:07:33,000 IMPORTANT STEPS, WHICH IS TO 1435 01:07:33,001 --> 01:07:35,000 ALLOW SMALL BUSINESSES TO POOL 1436 01:07:35,001 --> 01:07:37,000 THEIR RESOURCES AND OFFER HEALTH 1437 01:07:37,001 --> 01:07:39,000 CARE TO THEIRMPLOYEES. 1438 01:07:39,001 --> 01:07:41,000 I THINK THE ESTIMATE WAS THAT 1439 01:07:41,001 --> 01:07:43,000 WOULD ADD MAYBE A MILLION NEW 1440 01:07:43,001 --> 01:07:45,000 PEOPLE WHO COULD BE INSURED THAT WAY. 1441 01:07:45,001 --> 01:07:47,000 MR. ISAKSON: OUTSIDE 1442 01:07:47,001 --> 01:07:49,000 ESTIMATES -- NOT MINE -- OF THE 1443 01:07:49,001 --> 01:07:53,000 47 MILLION ALLEGED UNINSURED, UP 1444 01:07:53,001 --> 01:07:58,000 TO 16 MILLION WOULD HAVE HAD 1445 01:07:58,001 --> 01:07:59,000 THE SOERBGTED HEALTH PLANS -FPLS 1446 01:07:59,001 --> 01:08:00,000 THAT -- BECAUSE OF ASSOCIATED 1447 01:08:00,001 --> 01:08:02,000 HE 1448 01:08:02,001 --> 01:08:04,000 THAT'S ONE-THIRD OF THE 1449 01:08:04,001 --> 01:08:05,000 UNINSURED. 1450 01:08:05,001 --> 01:08:07,000 MR. McCAIN: AN IMPORTANT POINT 1451 01:08:07,001 --> 01:08:09,000 SAYING THAT REPUBLICANS HAVE NO PLAN. 1452 01:08:09,001 --> 01:08:11,000 THE FACT 1453 01:08:11,001 --> 01:08:12,000 NO PLAN FOR THE GOVERNMENT TO 1454 01:08:12,001 --> 01:08:14,000 TAKE OVER THE HEALTH CARE S 1455 01:08:14,001 --> 01:08:16,000 IN THAT'S WHAT IT IS. 1456 01:08:16,001 --> 01:08:18,000 WHAT ARE WE FOR? 1457 01:08:18,001 --> 01:08:19,000 WE ARE FOR GOING ACROSS STATE 1458 01:08:19,001 --> 01:08:21,000 LIS SO THAT THESE SMALL 1459 01:08:21,001 --> 01:08:23,000 BUSINESSES AND OTHERS AND INDIVIDUALS THAT THE SE 1460 01:08:23,001 --> 01:08:25,000 FROM GEORGIA USED TO BE ONE AND 1461 01:08:25,001 --> 01:08:26,000 GET THE HEALTH INSURANCE POLICY 1462 01:08:26,001 --> 01:08:27,000 OF THEIR CHOICE. 1463 01:08:27,001 --> 01:08:30,000 WHY SHOULD THEY B RESTRICTED TO 1464 01:08:30,001 --> 01:08:32,000 THE STATE THEY'RE IN WHEN 1465 01:08:32,001 --> 01:08:35,000 PERHAPS THERE ARE MINIMUM 1466 01:08:35,001 --> 01:08:37,000 REQUIREMENTS IN THOSE HEALTH 1467 01:08:37,001 --> 01:08:40,000 INSURERS RESIDING IN THAT STATE 1468 01:08:40,001 --> 01:08:41,000 FOR COVERAG 1469 01:08:41,001 --> 01:08:42,000 WANT NOR NEED? 1470 01:08:42,001 --> 01:08:44,000 WHY DON'T WE ALLOW THE SMALL 1471 01:08:44,001 --> 01:08:46,000 BUSINESS PEOPLE TO PL 1472 01:08:46,001 --> 01:08:48,000 TOGETHER, 1473 01:08:48,001 --> 01:08:50,000 TOGETHER AND NEGOTIATE WITH 1474 01:08:50,001 --> 01:08:51,000 HEALTH INSURERS ACROSS AMERICA 1475 01:08:51,001 --> 01:08:55,000 FOR THE BEST POLICY THEY CAN GET? 1476 01:08:55,001 --> 01:08:57,000 WHY DON'T WE HAVE -- AND WE'RE 1477 01:08:57,001 --> 01:08:59,000 FOR MEDICAL MALPRACTICE REFORM, 1478 01:08:59,001 --> 01:09:00,000 MEDICAL LIABILITY REFORM. 1479 01:09:00,001 --> 01:09:03,000 WE KNOW DOCTORS PRESCRIBE TIME 1480 01:09:03,001 --> 01:09:05,000 AFTER TIME TO PROTECT THEMSELVES 1481 01:09:05,001 --> 01:09:07,000 UNNEED AND UNNECESSARY 1482 01:09:07,001 --> 01:09:08,000 PROCEDURES AND TESTS. 1483 01:09:08,001 --> 01:09:10,000 WE ALL KNOW THAT. 1484 01:09:10,001 --> 01:09:12,000 AND THAT'S IN TENS, IF NOT 1485 01:09:12,001 --> 01:09:15,000 HUNDREDS OF BILLIONS OF DOLLARS. 1486 01:09:15,001 --> 01:09:17,000 WE'RE FOR MEDICAL MALPRACTICE REFORM. 1487 01:09:17,001 --> 01:09:19,000 WHERE IS IT IN ANY BILL THAT'S 1488 01:09:19,001 --> 01:09:21,000 BEEN PROPOSED BY THE OTHER SIDE? 1489 01:09:21,001 --> 01:09:24,000 WE WANT 1490 01:09:24,001 --> 01:09:27,000 WE WANT AN INDIVIDUAL THAT HAS A 1491 01:09:27,001 --> 01:09:31,000 CERTAIN CHRONIC DISEASE TO BE 1492 01:09:31,001 --> 01:09:38,000 TREATED ON THE BASIS OF LONG TERM. 1493 01:09:38,001 --> 01:09:40,000 WE WANT AMERICANS TO 1494 01:09:40,001 --> 01:09:41,000 TO -- WHO HAVE PREEXISTING 1495 01:09:41,001 --> 01:09:43,000 CONDITIONS TO HAVE A RISK POOL 1496 01:09:43,001 --> 01:09:44,000 THEY CAN GO TO -- THAT A RISK 1497 01:09:44,001 --> 01:09:48,000 POOL BE ESTABLISHED SO THEY CAN 1498 01:09:48,001 --> 01:09:50,000 AND INSURERS WILL BID ON THOSE 1499 01:09:50,001 --> 01:09:51,000 PEOPLE WITH SO-CALLED 1500 01:09:51,001 --> 01:09:54,000 PREEXISTING CONDITIONS SO THAT 1501 01:09:54,001 --> 01:09:55,000 EVERY AMERICAN CAN HAVE 1502 01:09:55,001 --> 01:09:56,000 AFFORDABLE AND AVAILABLE HEALTH INSURANCE. 1503 01:09:56,001 --> 01:09:59,000 WE ARE FOR THAT. 1504 01:09:59,001 --> 01:10:00,000 WE ARE FOR MEDICAL 1505 01:10:00,001 --> 01:10:01,000 REFORM. 1506 01:10:01,001 --> 01:10:04,000 WE ARE FOR GOING ACROSS STATE 1507 01:10:04,001 --> 01:10:07,000 LINES TO GET A POLICY OF YOUR CHOICE. 1508 01:10:07,001 --> 01:10:09,000 WE ARE FOR OUTCOME-BASED CARE. 1509 01:10:09,001 --> 01:10:11,000 WE ARE FOR TAKING ON THE 1510 01:10:11,001 --> 01:10:13,000 COMPANIES THAT HAVE CUT AN 1511 01:10:13,001 --> 01:10:14,000 UNHOLY DEAL WITH THE 1512 01:10:14,001 --> 01:10:17,000 ADMINISTRATION WHICH WILL GIVE 1513 01:10:17,001 --> 01:10:18,000 THEM THE OBSCENE PROFITS AND 1514 01:10:18,001 --> 01:10:20,000 THEIR LOBBYISTS. 1515 01:10:20,001 --> 01:10:22,000 THAT MAKES OVER $1 MILLION. 1516 01:10:22,001 --> 01:10:24,000 WE WANT TO BE ABLE TO IMPORT 1517 01:10:24,001 --> 01:10:26,000 DRUGS FROM C 1518 01:10:26,001 --> 01:10:29,000 CHEAPER FOR THE AMERICAN PEOPLE. 1519 01:10:29,001 --> 01:10:33,000 AND WE WANT COMPETION AS THERE 1520 01:10:33,001 --> 01:10:36,000 IS IN MEDICARE PART-D FOR THESE 1521 01:10:36,001 --> 01:10:38,000 PATIENTS THAT ARE -- THAT NEED 1522 01:10:38,001 --> 01:10:40,000 THEM, THAT DON'T HAVE HEALTH INSURANCE. 1523 01:10:40,001 --> 01:10:43,000 SO WE ARE FOR A NUMBER OF 1524 01:10:43,001 --> 01:10:45,000 THINGS, BUT WE ARE NOT FOR A 1525 01:10:45,001 --> 01:10:46,000 GOVERNMENT TAKEOVER OF THE 1526 01:10:46,001 --> 01:10:48,000 HEALTH CARE SYSTEM. 1527 01:10:48,001 --> 01:10:50,000 SO THE NEXT TIME THAT 1528 01:10:50,001 --> 01:10:52,000 THAT THE REPUBLICAN PARTY DOES 1529 01:10:52,001 --> 01:10:55,000 NOT HAVE ANYTHING THAT THEY'RE 1530 01:10:55,001 --> 01:10:57,000 FOR, THEN THEY'RE NOT PAYING ATTENTION. 1531 01:10:57,001 --> 01:10:58,000 AND THERE'S MORE THAT WE ARE 1532 01:10:58,001 --> 01:11:00,000 FOR. 1533 01:11:00,001 --> 01:11:02,000 IT'S GOT TO DO WITH COMPETION 1534 01:11:02,001 --> 01:11:03,000 AND IT'S GOT TO 1535 01:11:03,001 --> 01:11:05,000 AVAILABILITY AND AFFORDABILITY 1536 01:11:05,001 --> 01:11:06,000 OF HEALTH CARE IN AMERICA, NOT A 1537 01:11:06,001 --> 01:11:09,000 GOVERNMENT TAKEOVER, WHICH WE'VE 1538 01:11:09,001 --> 01:11:10,000 SEEN THAT MOVIE BEFORE IN OTHER COUNTRIES. 1539 01:11:10,001 --> 01:11:12,000 MR. ALEXANDER: AS I LISTEN TO 1540 01:11:12,001 --> 01:11:17,000 THE SENATOR FROM ARIZONA, AND I 1541 01:11:17,001 --> 01:11:19,000 WONDER IF THE SENATOR FROM 1542 01:11:19,001 --> 01:11:21,000 GEORGIA IS HAVING THE SAME 1543 01:11:21,001 --> 01:11:23,000 IMPACT, EVERY STEP THAT YOU SAID 1544 01:11:23,001 --> 01:11:26,000 REPUBLICANS ARE FOR, W 1545 01:11:26,001 --> 01:11:27,000 IT'S RUNAWAY JUNK LAWSUITS, 1546 01:11:27,001 --> 01:11:30,000 WHETHER ALLYING SMALL BUSINESSES 1547 01:11:30,001 --> 01:11:31,000 TO POOL THEIR RESOURCES, WHETHER 1548 01:11:31,001 --> 01:11:34,000 IT'S INCENTIVIZING PREVENTION 1549 01:11:34,001 --> 01:11:35,000 AND WELLNESS, ALL OF THOSE ARE 1550 01:11:35,001 --> 01:11:37,000 FOCUSED ON REDUCING COSTS. 1551 01:11:37,001 --> 01:11:38,000 I ASK THE SENATOR FROM GEORGIA, 1552 01:11:38,001 --> 01:11:40,000 I THOUGHT THIS WHOLE DEBATE WAS 1553 01:11:40,001 --> 01:11:43,000 SUPPOSED TO BE ABOUT REDUCING 1554 01:11:43,001 --> 01:11:45,000 COSTS, COSTS TO YOUR HEALTH CARE 1555 01:11:45,001 --> 01:11:47,000 PREMIUM AND COST OF YOUR GOVERNMENT, OUR GOVERNMENT. 1556 01:11:47,001 --> 01:11:49,000 BUT IT SEEMS TO ME ALL WE'RE 1557 01:11:49,001 --> 01:11:51,000 TALKING ABOUT IS MORE BILLIONS, 1558 01:11:51,001 --> 01:11:52,000 MORE DEBT, MORE SPENDING AND 1559 01:11:52,001 --> 01:11:54,000 MORE TAXES. 1560 01:11:54,001 --> 01:11:55,000 MR. ISAKSON: THAT'S THE TWO 1561 01:11:55,001 --> 01:11:58,000 THINGS REPUBLICANS DON'T WANT, 1562 01:11:58,001 --> 01:12:00,000 IS MORE D 1563 01:12:00,001 --> 01:12:02,000 GRANDCHIREN AND CHILDREN, AND 1564 01:12:02,001 --> 01:12:06,000 MORE TAXES. 1565 01:12:06,001 --> 01:12:07,000 ROBERT FROM LOGANVILLE WAS ON MY 1566 01:12:07,001 --> 01:12:09,000 TELETOWN HALL. 1567 01:12:09,001 --> 01:12:10,000 HE SAID SENATOR I WANT TO ASK 1568 01:12:10,001 --> 01:12:11,000 YOU A QUESTIO 1569 01:12:11,001 --> 01:12:13,000 HE SAID THE ADMINISTRATION KEEPS 1570 01:12:13,001 --> 01:12:15,000 TALKING ABOUT THERE BEING $500 1571 01:12:15,001 --> 01:12:16,000 MILLION OF WASTE, FRAUD AND 1572 01:12:16,001 --> 01:12:19,000 ABUSE IN MEDICARE. 1573 01:12:19,001 --> 01:12:22,000 HE SAID IF THAT'S TRUE WHY 1574 01:12:22,001 --> 01:12:24,000 HAVEN'T Y'ALL ALREADY SAVED IT? 1575 01:12:24,001 --> 01:12:25,000 THE PAY-FORS THEY'RE TALKING 1576 01:12:25,001 --> 01:12:28,000 ABOUT TO KEEP US FROM GOING INTO 1577 01:12:28,001 --> 01:12:30,000 DEBT ARE MONIES THAT MAY BE 1578 01:12:30,001 --> 01:12:32,000 THERE, MAY NOT BE THERE, INVOLVE 1579 01:12:32,001 --> 01:12:34,000 RAISING TAXES ON SMALL 1580 01:12:34,001 --> 01:12:36,000 BUSINESSES, THOSE ARE THE THINGS 1581 01:12:36,001 --> 01:12:38,000 WE DON'T WANT TO DO AS REPUBLICANS. 1582 01:12:38,001 --> 01:12:39,000 MR. McCAIN: COULD 1583 01:12:39,001 --> 01:12:41,000 THE SENATOR FROM GEORGIA, DO YOU 1584 01:12:41,001 --> 01:12:42,000 BELIEVE, ONE, THAT SMALL 1585 01:12:42,001 --> 01:12:45,000 BUSINESS PEOPLE IN AMERICAN 1586 01:12:45,001 --> 01:12:47,000 PEOPLE TODAY ARE READY FOR 1587 01:12:47,001 --> 01:12:49,000 ADDITIONAL COST LAID ON THEM TO 1588 01:12:49,001 --> 01:12:51,000 OBTAIN HEALTH INSURANCE FOR 1589 01:12:51,001 --> 01:12:54,000 THEMSELVES AND THEIR KPHRAOES? 1590 01:12:54,001 --> 01:12:56,000 SHOULDN'T WE MAKE IT EASIER AND 1591 01:12:56,001 --> 01:12:59,000 LESS COSTLY RATHER THAN IMPOSING 1592 01:12:59,001 --> 01:13:01,000 A GOVERNMENT MANDATE WHICH MAY 1593 01:13:01,001 --> 01:13:03,000 HAVE TYPES OF HEALTH CARE THAT 1594 01:13:03,001 --> 01:13:07,000 THEY NEITHER WANT NOR NEED OR 1595 01:13:07,001 --> 01:13:12,000 PAY A -- QUOTE -- "EXCISE TAX" 1596 01:13:12,001 --> 01:13:13,000 AND THE SECOND POINT I WOULD 1597 01:13:13,001 --> 01:13:19,000 LIKE TO ASK THE SENATOR ABOUT, 1598 01:13:19,001 --> 01:13:20,000 OF COURSE, IS THIS WHOLE ISSUE 1599 01:13:20,001 --> 01:13:22,000 OF WHAT SHOULD BE THE 1600 01:13:22,001 --> 01:13:24,000 GOVERNMENT'S ROLE IN HEALTH CARE 1601 01:13:24,001 --> 01:13:28,000 IN AMERICA TODAY? 1602 01:13:28,001 --> 01:13:29,000 AND WE 1603 01:13:29,001 --> 01:13:32,000 ADMIT BUT APPRECIATE THE FACT 1604 01:13:32,001 --> 01:13:33,000 THAT MEDICARE IS A 1605 01:13:33,001 --> 01:13:35,000 PROGRAM. 1606 01:13:35,001 --> 01:13:37,000 BUT WE ALSO APPRECIATE THAT THE 1607 01:13:37,001 --> 01:13:39,000 COSTS OF 1608 01:13:39,001 --> 01:13:42,000 SKYROCKETED TO THE POINT WHERE 1609 01:13:42,001 --> 01:13:45,000 WE NOW HAVE A, BY ESTIMATES AS I 1610 01:13:45,001 --> 01:13:47,000 RECALL, A LIABILITY. 1611 01:13:47,001 --> 01:13:48,000 IN OTHER WORDS, OUR KIDS AND OUR 1612 01:13:48,001 --> 01:13:50,000 GRANDKIDS WILL NOT 1613 01:13:50,001 --> 01:13:53,000 SEVEN OR EIGHT YEARS FROM NOW 1614 01:13:53,001 --> 01:13:55,000 UNLESS WE FIX THE ISSUE OF COSTS. 1615 01:13:55,001 --> 01:13:57,000 MR. ALEXANDER: THE SENAT IS -- 1616 01:13:57,001 --> 01:13:59,000 MR. ISAKSON: THE SENATOR IS RIGHT. 1617 01:13:59,001 --> 01:14:01,000 AS OF RIGHT NOW MEDICARE GOES 1618 01:14:01,001 --> 01:14:02,000 BROKE IN 2017. 1619 01:14:02,001 --> 01:14:04,000 ONLY EIGHT YEARS FROM NOW. 1620 01:14:04,001 --> 01:14:05,000 IN THIS BILL, PART OF THE 1621 01:14:05,001 --> 01:14:06,000 PAY-FOR IS TO RAISE THE COST OF 1622 01:14:06,001 --> 01:14:09,000 MEDICAID ON THE STATES TO A 1623 01:14:09,001 --> 01:14:11,000 LEVEL THAT WOULD TAKE GEORGIA'S 1624 01:14:11,001 --> 01:14:13,000 MEDICAID PAYMENTS IN THE YEAR 1625 01:14:13,001 --> 01:14:16,000 2014, STATE TAX DOLLARS, TO BE 1626 01:14:16,001 --> 01:14:18,000 FROM 12% TO 20% OF OUR STATE BUDGET. 1627 01:14:18,001 --> 01:14:19,000 THAT'S NOT THE WAY TO RUN A 1628 01:14:19,001 --> 01:14:20,000 RAILROAD. 1629 01:14:20,001 --> 01:14:21,000 MR. ALEXANDER: GOING BACK TO 1630 01:14:21,001 --> 01:14:23,000 THE SENATOR FROM ARIZONA'S 1631 01:14:23,001 --> 01:14:25,000 POINT, I HEAR SOME OF OUR 1632 01:14:25,001 --> 01:14:28,000 FRIENDS ON THE OTHER SIDE SAY 1633 01:14:28,001 --> 01:14:30,000 YOU'RE RUNNING AROUND WITH SCARE 1634 01:14:30,001 --> 01:14:31,000 CTICS SAYING THERE ARE GOING 1635 01:14:31,001 --> 01:14:32,000 TO BE MEDICARE CUTS. 1636 01:14:32,001 --> 01:14:33,000 I ASK THE SENATOR FROM ARIZONA, 1637 01:14:33,001 --> 01:14:36,000 DID I NOT HEAR PRESIDENT OF THE 1638 01:14:36,001 --> 01:14:38,000 UNITED STATES SAY HE'S GOING TO 1639 01:14:38,001 --> 01:14:41,000 TAKE $1 TRILLION OUT OF 1640 01:14:41,001 --> 01:14:43,000 MEDICARE, OUT OF MEDICARE FOR 1641 01:14:43,001 --> 01:14:45,000 SENIORS, THERE IS ABOUT 45 1642 01:14:45,001 --> 01:14:47,000 MILLION SENIORS ON MEDICARE, 1643 01:14:47,001 --> 01:14:49,000 THEY DEPEND ON KPHAEURBGS AND 1644 01:14:49,001 --> 01:14:51,000 SPEND IT ON A NEW PROGRAM? 1645 01:14:51,001 --> 01:14:52,000 IS THAT NOT WHAT I HEARD HIM SAY? 1646 01:14:52,001 --> 01:14:56,000 MR. McCAIN: THAT'S WHY THERE 1647 01:14:56,001 --> 01:14:58,000 IS A RISING SENTIMENT 1648 01:14:58,001 --> 01:15:01,000 PARTICULARLY AMONG SENIORS 1649 01:15:01,001 --> 01:15:03,000 AGAINST THIS PLAN THAT THE ONE 1650 01:15:03,001 --> 01:15:04,000 PASSED THROUGH THE HOUSE AND 1651 01:15:04,001 --> 01:15:07,000 PASSED THROUGH OUR "HELP" 1652 01:15:07,001 --> 01:15:10,000 COMMITTEE AND IS NOW BEING 1653 01:15:10,001 --> 01:15:12,000 FORMULATED. 1654 01:15:12,001 --> 01:15:14,000 OUR SENIORS AND OUR CITIZENS ARE 1655 01:15:14,001 --> 01:15:16,000 A LOT SMART ARER THAN MANY TIMES 1656 01:15:16,001 --> 01:15:18,000 WE GIVE THEM CREDIT FOR. 1657 01:15:18,001 --> 01:15:22,000 AND THEY KNOW THAT YOU'RE NOT 1658 01:15:22,001 --> 01:15:24,000 GOING TO GET A $500 BILLION IN 1659 01:15:24,001 --> 01:15:26,000 -- QUOTE -- "SAVINGS FROM 1660 01:15:26,001 --> 01:15:27,000 MEDICARE" WITHOUT THERE BE 1661 01:15:27,001 --> 01:15:28,000 REDUCTIONS IN MEDICARE. 1662 01:15:28,001 --> 01:15:30,000 NOW THERE ARE HUNDREDS OF 1663 01:15:30,001 --> 01:15:33,000 BILLIONS OF DOLLARS OF SAVINGS 1664 01:15:33,001 --> 01:15:36,000 THAT CAN BE ENNACTD MEDICARE, 1665 01:15:36,001 --> 01:15:38,000 BUT -- ENACTED IN 1666 01:15:38,001 --> 01:15:39,000 BUT WHY DIDN'T WE START 1667 01:15:39,001 --> 01:15:41,000 YESTERDAY OR AT THE BEGINNING OF 1668 01:15:41,001 --> 01:15:44,000 THIS DEBATE IMPOSING THOSE 1669 01:15:44,001 --> 01:15:46,000 SAVINGS SO THAT WE COULD HAVE A 1670 01:15:46,001 --> 01:15:48,000 DELAY IN THE YEAR WHEN MEDICARE 1671 01:15:48,001 --> 01:15:50,000 GOES BROKE? 1672 01:15:50,001 --> 01:15:52,000 MR. ALEXANDER: MAY I ASK THE 1673 01:15:52,001 --> 01:15:55,000 SENATOR, IF THERE'S SAVINGS IN 1674 01:15:55,001 --> 01:15:56,000 ON MEDICARE? 1675 01:15:56,001 --> 01:15:57,000 MR. ISAKSON: ABSOLUTELY. 1676 01:15:57,001 --> 01:15:58,000 MR. McCAIN: THAT'S AN 1677 01:15:58,001 --> 01:16:00,000 EXCELLENT POINT. 1678 01:16:00,001 --> 01:16:01,000 BUT ALSO THE POINT IS TO ROOT 1679 01:16:01,001 --> 01:16:03,000 OUT THE WASTE, FRAUD, AND ABUSE 1680 01:16:03,001 --> 01:16:04,000 IS GOING TO TAKE TIME 1681 01:16:04,001 --> 01:16:07,000 EFFORT. 1682 01:16:07,001 --> 01:16:09,000 AND IT'S GOING TO REQUIRE SOME 1683 01:16:09,001 --> 01:16:12,000 PRETTY HARD WORK ON OUR PART. 1684 01:16:12,001 --> 01:16:14,000 BUT IT ALSO NEEDS 1685 01:16:14,001 --> 01:16:17,000 OF THE FUNDAMENTALS OF THE -- OF 1686 01:16:17,001 --> 01:16:19,000 THE MEDICARE SYSTEM IN PROVIDING 1687 01:16:19,001 --> 01:16:22,000 MORE COMPETION IN THE FORM F 1688 01:16:22,001 --> 01:16:26,000 PRESCRIPTION DRUGS, IN THE FORM 1689 01:16:26,001 --> 01:16:27,000 OF MEDICAL MALPRACTICE LIABILITY 1690 01:16:27,001 --> 01:16:32,000 REFORMIN THE REFORM IN 1691 01:16:32,001 --> 01:16:33,000 COMPANIES AND -- IN MEDICAID AND 1692 01:16:33,001 --> 01:16:35,000 MEDICARE PATIENTS. 1693 01:16:35,001 --> 01:16:38,000 AND SO THESE REFORMS THAT WE ARE 1694 01:16:38,001 --> 01:16:40,000 ADVOCATING HAVE TO BE ENA 1695 01:16:40,001 --> 01:16:43,000 ORDER TO BRING DOWN THE COST OF 1696 01:16:43,001 --> 01:16:44,000 MEDICARE AND MEDICAID AND 1697 01:16:44,001 --> 01:16:45,000 OVERALL HE 1698 01:16:45,001 --> 01:16:48,000 AMERICA. 1699 01:16:48,001 --> 01:16:49,000 THE COST ESCALATION THAT'S ARE 1700 01:16:49,001 --> 01:16:52,000 BRINGING MEDICARE TO THE CRISIS 1701 01:16:52,001 --> 01:16:53,000 ARE THE SAME KIND OF 1702 01:16:53,001 --> 01:16:54,000 THAT EVERYBODY ELSE IN AMERICA 1703 01:16:54,001 --> 01:16:55,000 IS EXPERIENCING. 1704 01:16:55,001 --> 01:16:57,000 MR. ISAKSON: AND A LOT OF THEM 1705 01:16:57,001 --> 01:17:00,000 ARE BASED IN 1706 01:17:00,001 --> 01:17:01,000 WHICH IS PRACTICED BECAUSE OF 1707 01:17:01,001 --> 01:17:04,000 RUNAWAY LAWSUITS AN VERDICTS. 1708 01:17:04,001 --> 01:17:05,000 THE ADMINISTRATION'S MOST RECENT 1709 01:17:05,001 --> 01:17:07,000 COMMT ABOUT TORT REFORM, WHI 1710 01:17:07,001 --> 01:17:08,000 YOU REFERRED TO IS, THEY WANT TO 1711 01:17:08,001 --> 01:17:10,000 DO A STUDY. 1712 01:17:10,001 --> 01:17:13,000 A STUDY NOT WHAT WE NEED. WE NEED ACTION. 1713 01:17:13,001 --> 01:17:14,000 THAT IS ONE OF THE 1714 01:17:14,001 --> 01:17:15,000 CONTRIBUTORS OF THE RISING COSTS 1715 01:17:15,001 --> 01:17:18,000 OF HEALTH CARE. 1716 01:17:18,001 --> 01:17:22,000 MR. McCAIN: A DEMONSTRATION 1717 01:17:22,001 --> 01:17:24,000 PROJECT CONDUCTED BY THE HEALTH 1718 01:17:24,001 --> 01:17:26,000 AND HUMAN SOURCES SECRETARY, SHE 1719 01:17:26,001 --> 01:17:27,000 WAS A HEAD OF THE TRIAL LAWYERS 1720 01:17:27,001 --> 01:17:29,000 ASSO 1721 01:17:29,001 --> 01:17:31,000 YEARS, SO I'M SURE THAT GIVES 1722 01:17:31,001 --> 01:17:35,000 SIGNIFICANT QUALIFICATIONS TO 1723 01:17:35,001 --> 01:17:37,000 THE PERSON WHO IS TASKED WITH 1724 01:17:37,001 --> 01:17:40,000 THIS, BUT, YOU KNOW, LIFE IS 1725 01:17:40,001 --> 01:17:44,000 FULL OF ANTIDOTES AND EXPERIENCE THAT'S WE 1726 01:17:44,001 --> 01:17:46,000 I WAS DOWN IN MIAMI AT THE PALMETTO HOSPITAL. 1727 01:17:46,001 --> 01:17:48,000 AND I SPOKE TO A 1728 01:17:48,001 --> 01:17:50,000 AND, BY THE WAY, THEY TREAT A 1729 01:17:50,001 --> 01:17:52,000 LARGE NUMBER OF PEOPLE WHO COME 1730 01:17:52,001 --> 01:17:55,000 TO THIS COUNTRY ILLEGALLY. 1731 01:17:55,001 --> 01:17:57,000 AND I ASKED THE SURGEON: HOW ARE 1732 01:17:57,001 --> 01:17:58,000 YOU DOING ON 1733 01:17:58,001 --> 01:18:00,000 INSURANCE PAYMENTS, YOUR 1734 01:18:00,001 --> 01:18:01,000 MALPRACTICE OR MEDICAL LIABILITY 1735 01:18:01,001 --> 01:18:03,000 INSURANCE PAYMENTS? 1736 01:18:03,001 --> 01:18:04,000 I SAID -- HE SAID I DON'T HAVE A PROBLEM. 1737 01:18:04,001 --> 01:18:05,000 I DON'T HAVE IT. 1738 01:18:05,001 --> 01:18:07,000 HE SAID I DON'T HAVE IT BECAUSE 1739 01:18:07,001 --> 01:18:08,000 I COULDN'T AFFORD IT AND 1740 01:18:08,001 --> 01:18:11,000 PROBABLY I'M NOT GOING TO GET 1741 01:18:11,001 --> 01:18:12,000 SUED, BECAUSE IF THEY SUE 1742 01:18:12,001 --> 01:18:13,000 THEY'RE ONLY GOING TO GET 1743 01:18:13,001 --> 01:18:14,000 EVERYTHING THAT I'VE GOT, NOT 1744 01:18:14,001 --> 01:18:17,000 WHAT THE INSURANCE COMPANY HAS. 1745 01:18:17,001 --> 01:18:19,000 SO WE HAVE -- WE'RE GIVING 1746 01:18:19,001 --> 01:18:21,000 PHYSICIANS AND CAREGIVERS 1747 01:18:21,001 --> 01:18:24,000 UNTENABLE OPTION OF EITHER 1748 01:18:24,001 --> 01:18:27,000 PAYING SKYROCKETING MALPRACTICE 1749 01:18:27,001 --> 01:18:31,000 INSURANCE PREMIUMS -- IN SOME 1750 01:18:31,001 --> 01:18:33,000 CASES $200,000 A YEAR FOR 1751 01:18:33,001 --> 01:18:34,000 NEUROSURGEON, OR, AS THIS 1752 01:18:34,001 --> 01:18:37,000 SURGEON DID, AND OTHERS HAVE 1753 01:18:37,001 --> 01:18:38,000 DONE IS JUST I'M NOT GOING HAVE INSURANCE. 1754 01:18:38,001 --> 01:18:40,000 THAT'S NOT AN 1755 01:18:40,001 --> 01:18:41,000 TO DO TO PHYSICIANS IN AMERICA 1756 01:18:41,001 --> 01:18:43,000 OR ANYBODY IN AMERICA. 1757 01:18:43,001 --> 01:18:45,000 MR. ISAKSON: AND THE OTHER CONSEQUENCE OF THAT IS THE 1758 01:18:45,001 --> 01:18:46,000 THREAT OF IT AND THE COST OF 1759 01:18:46,001 --> 01:18:49,000 BECOMING A PHYSICIAN IS DRIVING 1760 01:18:49,001 --> 01:18:50,000 YOUNG PEOPLE TO GO INTO OTHER PROFESSIONS. 1761 01:18:50,001 --> 01:18:51,000 WE'RE GOING TO HAVE A SHORTAGE 1762 01:18:51,001 --> 01:18:53,000 OF PROVIDERS NOT JUST IN 1763 01:18:53,001 --> 01:18:56,000 PHYSICIANS, BUT IN NURSES OR 1764 01:18:56,001 --> 01:18:58,000 CAREGIVERS IF WE HAVE AN OVERLY 1765 01:18:58,001 --> 01:19:00,000 REGULATORY SYSTEM AND 1766 01:19:00,001 --> 01:19:01,000 INDEFENSIBLE TORT SYSTEM. 1767 01:19:01,001 --> 01:19:03,000 MR. ALEXANDER: THE SENATORS FROM 1768 01:19:03,001 --> 01:19:05,000 ARIZONA AND GEORGIA HAVE RAISED 1769 01:19:05,001 --> 01:19:07,000 A NUMBER OF QUESTIONS THAT NEED 1770 01:19:07,001 --> 01:19:09,000 TO BE ANSWERED. 1771 01:19:09,001 --> 01:19:11,000 HOW MUCH ARE THE TRANSFER OF 1772 01:19:11,001 --> 01:19:13,000 MEDICAID GOING TO COST IN STATE TAXES? 1773 01:19:13,001 --> 01:19:14,000 HOW MUCH ARE THE MEDICARE COSTS 1774 01:19:14,001 --> 01:19:15,000 GOING TO COST PEOPLE ON 1775 01:19:15,001 --> 01:19:16,000 MEDICARE? 1776 01:19:16,001 --> 01:19:18,000 ARE PEOPLE ON INDIVIDUAL 1777 01:19:18,001 --> 01:19:20,000 PREMIUMS GOING UP OR DOWN WHICH 1778 01:19:20,001 --> 01:19:21,000 IS WHAT THE CONGRESSIONAL BUDGET 1779 01:19:21,001 --> 01:19:23,000 OFFICE SAID WHY IS THERE NOT 1780 01:19:23,001 --> 01:19:24,000 SOMETHING FOR GETTING RID OF 1781 01:19:24,001 --> 01:19:27,000 JUNK LAWSUITS IN THE BILL? 1782 01:19:27,001 --> 01:19:28,000 WHY DON'T WE HAVE SMALL BUSINESS 1783 01:19:28,001 --> 01:19:29,000 HEALTH INSURANCE POOL? 1784 01:19:29,001 --> 01:19:34,000 AND THE POINT THAT WE MADE WHEN 1785 01:19:34,001 --> 01:19:37,000 WE FIRST CAME ON HERE: IF WE'RE 1786 01:19:37,001 --> 01:19:43,000 TAKING ON 17% OR 18% OF THE 1787 01:19:43,001 --> 01:19:46,000 WHOLE ECONOMY IN ONE OF THESE 1788 01:19:46,001 --> 01:19:48,000 1,000-PAGE-PLUS BILL, WHY DO THE 1789 01:19:48,001 --> 01:19:50,000 SENATORS VOTE DOWN THE BILL THAT 1790 01:19:50,001 --> 01:19:52,000 SAY THAT THE BILL NEEDS TO BE 1791 01:19:52,001 --> 01:19:54,000 ONLINE FOR 72 HOURS SO THAT WE 1792 01:19:54,001 --> 01:19:56,000 AND THE AMERICAN PEOPLE CAN READ IT? 1793 01:19:56,001 --> 01:19:57,000 SHOULDN'T WE READ THE BILL WE'RE 1794 01:19:57,001 --> 01:19:58,000 VOTING ON AND SHOULDN'T WE KNOW 1795 01:19:58,001 --> 01:20:00,000 HOW MUCH IT COSTS BEFORE WE 1796 01:20:00,001 --> 01:20:02,000 START VOTING ON IT? 1797 01:20:02,001 --> 01:20:03,000 MR. McCAIN: THE SENATOR'S 1798 01:20:03,001 --> 01:20:04,000 EXACTLY RIGHT. 1799 01:20:04,001 --> 01:20:07,000 AGAIN, WOULDN'T IT BE NICE FOR 1800 01:20:07,001 --> 01:20:08,000 OUR CONSTITUENTS - BY THE WAY, 1801 01:20:08,001 --> 01:20:11,000 MANY COME TO THE TOWN HALL 1802 01:20:11,001 --> 01:20:15,000 MEETINGS WITH A SIGN THAT SAYS 1803 01:20:15,001 --> 01:20:16,000 "YOU HAVE READ THE BILL?" 1804 01:20:16,001 --> 01:20:18,000 LET THEM READ THE BILL TOO. 1805 01:20:18,001 --> 01:20:20,000 WOULDN'T IT BE NICE IF EVERY 1806 01:20:20,001 --> 01:20:22,000 AMERICAN CITIZEN COULD GO ONLINE 1807 01:20:22,001 --> 01:20:24,000 AND READ THE BILL AND GIVE US 1808 01:20:24,001 --> 01:20:25,000 THEIR THOUGHTS ON HOW IT COULD 1809 01:20:25,001 --> 01:20:27,000 BE MADE BETTER? 1810 01:20:27,001 --> 01:20:29,000 I WON'T COME BACK TO THIS ISSUE 1811 01:20:29,001 --> 01:20:33,000 OF MEDICAL LIABILITY AGAIN, BUT 1812 01:20:33,001 --> 01:20:35,000 PRICE WATERHOUSE COOPER 1813 01:20:35,001 --> 01:20:38,000 SAYS THAT DEFENSIVE MEDICINE 1814 01:20:38,001 --> 01:20:40,000 COULD COST US AS MUCH A 1815 01:20:40,001 --> 01:20:42,000 AS $200 BILLION ANNUALLY. 1816 01:20:42,001 --> 01:20:43,000 SO IFE'RE REALLY INTERESTED IN 1817 01:20:43,001 --> 01:20:47,000 SAVINGS, WHY DON'T WE GO RIGHT AT THAT? 1818 01:20:47,001 --> 01:20:48,000 DO WE NEED A DEMONSTRATION 1819 01:20:48,001 --> 01:20:51,000 PROJECT SOMEPLACE AROUND 1820 01:20:51,001 --> 01:20:53,000 COULD I MENTION ONE OTHER THING, 1821 01:20:53,001 --> 01:20:55,000 AND THEN I'D BE INTERESTED IN MY 1822 01:20:55,001 --> 01:20:59,000 COLLEAGUES' VIEWS ON. 1823 01:20:59,001 --> 01:21:00,000 THIS PROPOSAL ALSO LEVIES NEW 1824 01:21:00,001 --> 01:21:02,000 TAXES ON MEDICAL DEVICES. 1825 01:21:02,001 --> 01:21:03,000 WHY IN THE WORLD WOULD WE WANT 1826 01:21:03,001 --> 01:21:05,000 TO DO THAT? 1827 01:21:05,001 --> 01:21:06,000 MEDICAL DEVICES AND THE BEST 1828 01:21:06,001 --> 01:21:09,000 TECHNOLOGY IN THE WORLD IS 1829 01:21:09,001 --> 01:21:11,000 DEVELOPED HERE IN AMERICA, BUT 1830 01:21:11,001 --> 01:21:13,000 THEY'RE VERY EXPENSIVE AS THEY ARE. 1831 01:21:13,001 --> 01:21:16,000 WHY WOULD WE WANT TO LEVY NEW 1832 01:21:16,001 --> 01:21:17,000 TAXES ON MEDICAL DEVICES WHEN WE 1833 01:21:17,001 --> 01:21:19,000 KNOW VERY WELL THAT IF THE 1834 01:21:19,001 --> 01:21:21,000 INSURANCE COMPANY THEN IS PAYING 1835 01:21:21,001 --> 01:21:22,000 FOR THEM, 1836 01:21:22,001 --> 01:21:26,000 PASSES ON THOSE INCREASED COSTS 1837 01:21:26,001 --> 01:21:27,000 TO THE 1838 01:21:27,001 --> 01:21:28,000 INCREASING THE COST OF HEALTH 1839 01:21:28,001 --> 01:21:30,000 INSURANCE IN AMERICA. 1840 01:21:30,001 --> 01:21:31,000 WHY WOULD 1841 01:21:31,001 --> 01:21:32,000 MR. ISAKSON: AND RAISING THE 1842 01:21:32,001 --> 01:21:34,000 COST TO THE CONSUMER. 1843 01:21:34,001 --> 01:21:37,000 BECAUSE A LOT OF THOSE TYPES OF 1844 01:21:37,001 --> 01:21:39,000 THINGS THAT ARE BEING TAXED ARE 1845 01:21:39,001 --> 01:21:40,000 PURCHASED DISCRETION ORDINARILY, 1846 01:21:40,001 --> 01:21:43,000 ARE PAID FOR OUT OF THE POCKET 1847 01:21:43,001 --> 01:21:46,000 BY THE CONSUMER. 1848 01:21:46,001 --> 01:21:47,000 WHEN 1849 01:21:47,001 --> 01:21:48,000 YOU ARE RAISING THE COST TO THE 1850 01:21:48,001 --> 01:21:49,000 CONSUMER. 1851 01:21:49,001 --> 01:21:52,000 MR. McCAIN: WHAT THE OTHER 1852 01:21:52,001 --> 01:21:55,000 SIDE IS TRYING TO DO HERE 1853 01:21:55,001 --> 01:21:59,000 EXPAND GOVERNMENT, EXPAND 1854 01:21:59,001 --> 01:22:00,000 COVERAGE, AND, YET 1855 01:22:00,001 --> 01:22:02,000 TIME REDUCE COST. 1856 01:22:02,001 --> 01:22:05,000 YOU CAN'T SQUARE THE CIRCLE. 1857 01:22:05,001 --> 01:22:07,000 AND THAT'S WHY THEY KEEP BUMPING 1858 01:22:07,001 --> 01:22:09,000 INTO -- EVERY TIME THERE'S A NEW 1859 01:22:09,001 --> 01:22:10,000 PROPOSAL AND TO MAKE THINGS MORE 1860 01:22:10,001 --> 01:22:13,000 EXPANSIVE AND MORE AVAILABLE, 1861 01:22:13,001 --> 01:22:15,000 THEY RUN INTO ESCALATION AND 1862 01:22:15,001 --> 01:22:16,000 COSTS AND HOW ARE WEOING TO 1863 01:22:16,001 --> 01:22:18,000 PAY FOR IT? 1864 01:22:18,001 --> 01:22:20,000 AND I BELIEVE OUR CONSTITUENTS, 1865 01:22:20,001 --> 01:22:24,000 AGAIN, HAVE FIGURED IT OUT. 1866 01:22:24,001 --> 01:22:28,000 A REESTIMATE OF MILLION TO 1867 01:22:28,001 --> 01:22:30,000 -- $7 TRILLION 1868 01:22:30,001 --> 01:22:35,000 OVER 10 YEARS. 1869 01:22:35,001 --> 01:22:37,000 A 1870 01:22:37,001 --> 01:22:40,000 THAT MIGHT HAVE STIMULATED WALL 1871 01:22:40,001 --> 01:22:41,000 STREET, BUT, FRANKLY, HAS NOT 1872 01:22:41,001 --> 01:22:43,000 STIMULATED MAIN STREET AND NOT 1873 01:22:43,001 --> 01:22:44,000 HAD AN EFFECT ON UNEMPLOYMENT IN 1874 01:22:44,001 --> 01:22:45,000 AMERICA. 1875 01:22:45,001 --> 01:22:48,000 THE NEIGHBORING STATE OF 1876 01:22:48,001 --> 01:22:51,000 CALIFORNIA NOW HAS 12.2% UNEMPLOYMENT. 1877 01:22:51,001 --> 01:22:54,000 AND, SO, THEY CAN'T GET TO WHERE 1878 01:22:54,001 --> 01:22:58,000 THEY WANT TO GO WITHOUT 1879 01:22:58,001 --> 01:22:59,000 INCREASING THAT DEFICIT AND DEBT 1880 01:22:59,001 --> 01:23:02,000 FUTURE GENERATIONS OF AMERICA. 1881 01:23:02,001 --> 01:23:03,000 I WISH THEY WOULD SIT DOWN AND WITH. 1882 01:23:03,001 --> 01:23:05,000 I WISH WE COULD SIT DOWN 1883 01:23:05,001 --> 01:23:06,000 TOGETHER, START WITH THE 1884 01:23:06,001 --> 01:23:07,000 BEGINNING, KNOW -- KNOWING WHAT 1885 01:23:07,001 --> 01:23:09,000 WE KNOW. 1886 01:23:09,001 --> 01:23:10,000 WE'VE ALL BEEN WELL EDUCATED BY 1887 01:23:10,001 --> 01:23:11,000 THIS 1888 01:23:11,001 --> 01:23:15,000 KNOWIN 1889 01:23:15,001 --> 01:23:16,000 KNOWING WHAT WE CAN DO TO 1890 01:23:16,001 --> 01:23:18,000 TO REDUCE HEALTH CARE COSTS IN 1891 01:23:18,001 --> 01:23:20,000 AMERICA AND MAKE IT AFFORDABLE 1892 01:23:20,001 --> 01:23:22,000 AND AVAILABLE. 1893 01:23:22,001 --> 01:23:28,000 UNFORTUNATELY, WE WATCHED THE 1894 01:23:28,001 --> 01:23:29,000 MASMATC--WHAT IS GOING ON IN THE FINANCE 1895 01:23:29,001 --> 01:23:31,000 COMMITTEE. 1896 01:23:31,001 --> 01:23:32,000 MR. ISAKSON: THERE I 1897 01:23:32,001 --> 01:23:34,000 GROUND, BUT YOU'VE GOT TO BE 1898 01:23:34,001 --> 01:23:35,000 WILLING TO FIND IT AND SO FAR 1899 01:23:35,001 --> 01:23:36,000 THAT HASN'T BEEN THE CASE. 1900 01:23:36,001 --> 01:23:38,000 WHEN WE GET TO THAT POINT WE CAN 1901 01:23:38,001 --> 01:23:39,000 SOLVE A LOT OF THE AMERICAN 1902 01:23:39,001 --> 01:23:40,000 PEOPLE'S PROBLEMS. 1903 01:23:40,001 --> 01:23:43,000 BUT RAMMING THROUGH SOMETHING WE 1904 01:23:43,001 --> 01:23:45,000 CAN'T READ, WE CAN'T QUANTIFY, 1905 01:23:45,001 --> 01:23:48,000 AND CAN'T SCORE ISN'T THE RIGHT 1906 01:23:48,001 --> 01:23:51,000 WAY TO 1907 01:23:51,001 --> 01:23:52,000 MR. ALEXAN AMBITIOUS PROGRAM. 1908 01:23:52,001 --> 01:23:54,000 THE STAKES ARE SO HIGH. 1909 01:23:54,001 --> 01:23:56,000 THIS IS NO ABSTRACT DEBATE. 1910 01:23:56,001 --> 01:23:57,000 THE REASON PEOPLE ARE TURNING UP 1911 01:23:57,001 --> 01:24:00,000 AT TOWN HALL MEETINGS, IT'S 1912 01:24:00,001 --> 01:24:02,000 ABOUT YOUR HEALTH INSURANCE. 1913 01:24:02,001 --> 01:24:04,000 AND IT IS ALSO WHETHER 1914 01:24:04,001 --> 01:24:06,000 GOVERNMENT WILL GO BROKE IN A 1915 01:24:06,001 --> 01:24:07,000 FEW YEARS DUMPING BURDENS ON OUR 1916 01:24:07,001 --> 01:24:08,000 CHILDREN AND GRANDCHILDREN. 1917 01:24:08,001 --> 01:24:10,000 WHAT WE'RE SAYING IS WE NEED TO 1918 01:24:10,001 --> 01:24:11,000 READ THE BILL AND WE NEED TO 1919 01:24:11,001 --> 01:24:12,000 KNOW HOW MUCH IT COSTS BEFORE WE 1920 01:24:12,001 --> 01:24:13,000 START VOTING ON IT. 1921 01:24:13,001 --> 01:24:16,000 WE NEED TO READ THE BILL. 1922 01:24:16,001 --> 01:24:17,000 IT NEEDS TO BE ONLINE FOR 72 HOURS. 1923 01:24:17,001 --> 01:24:18,000 THAT'S A MODEST REQUEST, IT 1924 01:24:18,001 --> 01:24:20,000 SEEMS TO ME. 1925 01:24:20,001 --> 01:24:22,000 THAT'S A SHORT PERIOD OF TIME. 1926 01:24:22,001 --> 01:24:23,000 AND THEN WE NEED TO KNOW HOW 1927 01:24:23,001 --> 01:24:24,000 MUCH IT COSTS. 1928 01:24:24,001 --> 01:24:26,000 DOES IT RAISE OUR PREMIUMS OR 1929 01:24:26,001 --> 01:24:27,000 DOES IT LOWER THEM? 1930 01:24:27,001 --> 01:24:30,000 DOES IT CUT YOUR MEDICARE OR 1931 01:24:30,001 --> 01:24:32,000 DOES IT NOT CUT YOUR MEDICARE? 1932 01:24:32,001 --> 01:24:33,000 DOES IT INCREASE THE NATIONAL 1933 01:24:33,001 --> 01:24:34,000 DEBT OR DOES IT NOT INCREASE THE 1934 01:24:34,001 --> 01:24:36,000 NATIONAL DEBT? 1935 01:24:36,001 --> 01:24:37,000 WE NEED TO KNOW THE ANSWER TO 1936 01:24:37,001 --> 01:24:39,000 THOSE QUESTIONS. 1937 01:24:39,001 --> 01:24:41,000 AND IT WOULD BE THE HEIGHT OF 1938 01:24:41,001 --> 01:24:43,000 IRRESPONSIBILITY FOR US TO BEGIN 1939 01:24:43,001 --> 01:24:45,000 TO DEBATE PA BILL THAT AFFECTS 1940 01:24:45,001 --> 01:24:46,000 -- DEBATE A BILL THAT AFFECTS 1941 01:24:46,001 --> 01:24:49,000 17% OF THE ECONOMY AT A TIME 1942 01:24:49,001 --> 01:24:52,000 WHEN THE DEBT IS GOING UP SO 1943 01:24:52,001 --> 01:24:54,000 RAPIDLY WITHOUT HAVING READ THE 1944 01:24:54,001 --> 01:24:55,000 BILL AND HAVING THE 1945 01:24:55,001 --> 01:24:57,000 CONGRESSIONAL BUDGET OFFICE TELL 1946 01:24:57,001 --> 01:24:58,000 US WHAT EVERY PROVISION IN THE 1947 01:24:58,001 --> 01:24:59,000 BILL COSTS. 1948 01:24:59,001 --> 01:25:00,000 MR. McCAIN: IF THE AMERICAN 1949 01:25:00,001 --> 01:25:01,000 PEOPLE WERE ABLE TO KNOW THE 1950 01:25:01,001 --> 01:25:03,000 DETAILS OF THIS LEGISLATION, I 1951 01:25:03,001 --> 01:25:06,000 THINK THEY WOULD BE SURPRISED TO 1952 01:25:06,001 --> 01:25:07,000 KNOW THAT THE NEW TAXES, THE 1953 01:25:07,001 --> 01:25:09,000 MEDICAL DEVICES, THE 1954 01:25:09,001 --> 01:25:14,000 PRESCRIPTION DRUGS, AND OTHER 1955 01:25:14,001 --> 01:25:15,000 TAX INCREASES, THEY 1956 01:25:15,001 --> 01:25:17,000 YEAR 2010, THREE YEARS BEFORE 1957 01:25:17,001 --> 01:25:19,000 THE PROVISIONS IN THE BILL FOR 1958 01:25:19,001 --> 01:25:20,000 -- QUOTE -- "REFORM" ARE 1959 01:25:20,001 --> 01:25:22,000 IMPLEMENTED. 1960 01:25:22,001 --> 01:25:23,000 SO THE -- SO FOR THE NEXTHREE 1961 01:25:23,001 --> 01:25:26,000 YEARS THE COST OF HEALTH CARE 1962 01:25:26,001 --> 01:25:28,000 AND HEALTH INSURANCE 1963 01:25:28,001 --> 01:25:30,000 TO THE NEW TAXES AND FEES, BUT 1964 01:25:30,001 --> 01:25:32,000 THE SO-CALLED REFORMS ARE NOT IMPLEMENTED. 1965 01:25:32,001 --> 01:25:34,000 NOW, WHY DID THEY DO THAT? 1966 01:25:34,001 --> 01:25:38,000 SO THAT THEIR ACTUAL COSTS AS WE 1967 01:25:38,001 --> 01:25:41,000 -- COST IT OUT ON A 10-YEAR 1968 01:25:41,001 --> 01:25:42,000 PERIOD IS DISGUISED BY 1969 01:25:42,001 --> 01:25:45,000 HAVING -- BY BEGINNING THE TAXES 1970 01:25:45,001 --> 01:25:47,000 AND NOT IMPLEMENTING THE REFORMS 1971 01:25:47,001 --> 01:25:49,000 WHICH THEN THE CONGRESSIONAL 1972 01:25:49,001 --> 01:25:51,000 BUDGET OFFICE THEN CAN GIVE A 1973 01:25:51,001 --> 01:25:54,000 COST ESTIMATE WHICH IS LESS 1974 01:25:54,001 --> 01:25:56,000 THAN, FRANKLY, WHAT IT ACTUALLY 1975 01:25:56,001 --> 01:25:58,000 IS IF 1976 01:25:58,001 --> 01:26:00,000 THE SAME TIME SINCE THE TAX 1977 01:26:00,001 --> 01:26:01,000 INCREASES. 1978 01:26:01,001 --> 01:26:02,000 THAT'S A LITTLE COMPLICATED, BUT 1979 01:26:02,001 --> 01:26:03,000 I THINK AMERICANS REALLY NEED TO 1980 01:26:03,001 --> 01:26:05,000 KNOW THAT. 1981 01:26:05,001 --> 01:26:07,000 MR. ISAKSON: AND MY ONLY COMMENT 1982 01:26:07,001 --> 01:26:09,000 IN CLOSING IS SIMPLY THIS - THE 1983 01:26:09,001 --> 01:26:10,000 SENATOR IS EXACTLY RIGHT. 1984 01:26:10,001 --> 01:26:12,000 ONCE THIS HORSE IS OUT OF THE 1985 01:26:12,001 --> 01:26:13,000 BARN, YOU CAN NEVER PUT HIM BACK IN. 1986 01:26:13,001 --> 01:26:14,000 WE HAVE TO GET IT RIGHT TO BEGIN 1987 01:26:14,001 --> 01:26:15,000 WITH. 1988 01:26:15,001 --> 01:26:17,000 WE NEED TO GO BACK TO THE 1989 01:26:17,001 --> 01:26:19,000 DRAWING BOARD AND HAVE A BILL WE 1990 01:26:19,001 --> 01:26:22,000 CAN READ AND A BILL WE CAN AFFORD. MR. ALEXANDER: I WANT TO THANK 1991 01:26:22,001 --> 01:26:27,000 THE SENATOR FROM ARIZONA AND 1992 01:26:27,001 --> 01:26:29,000 SENATOR FROM GEORG GEORGIA. 1993 01:26:29,001 --> 01:26:30,000 WE NEED TO START OVER AND GET IT 1994 01:26:30,001 --> 01:26:33,000 RIGHT. 1995 01:26:33,001 --> 01:26:34,000 IT SEEMS A BASIC THING TO SAY, 1996 01:26:34,001 --> 01:26:36,000 IT'S ALMOST EMBARRASSING TO SAY 1997 01:26:36,001 --> 01:26:37,000 IT ON THE SENATE FLOOR, WE NEED 1998 01:26:37,001 --> 01:26:39,000 TO READ THE BILL BEFORE WE BEGIN 1999 01:26:39,001 --> 01:26:40,000 TO VOTE ON IT AND WE NEED TO 2000 01:26:40,001 --> 01:26:41,000 MAKE SURE WE KNOW WHAT IT COSTS 2001 01:26:41,001 --> 01:26:43,000 BEFORE WE VOTE TON. 2002 01:26:43,001 --> 01:26:46,000 THOSE TWO THI 2003 01:26:46,001 --> 01:26:47,000 THOSE TWO THINGS ARE MINIMUM 2004 01:26:47,001 --> 01:26:48,000 REQUIREMENTS. 2005 01:26:48,001 --> 01:26:51,000 AND FROM THE REPUBLICAN SIDE, WE 2006 01:26:51,001 --> 01:26:52,000 WANT TO REDUCE HEALTH CARE 2007 01:26:52,001 --> 01:26:54,000 COSTS. 2008 01:26:54,001 --> 01:26:55,000 AND RATHER THAN TRY A 2009 01:26:55,001 --> 01:26:57,000 COMPREHENSIVE HEALTH CARE 2010 01:26:57,001 --> 01:26:59,000 REFORM, WE WOULD LIKE TO WORK 2011 01:26:59,001 --> 01:27:01,000 STEP BY STEP IN THE DIRECTION OF 2012 01:27:01,001 --> 01:27:04,000 REDUCING COSTS IN ORDER TO 2013 01:27:04,001 --> 01:27:05,000 REEARN THE TRUST OF THE AMERICAN 2014 01:27:05,001 --> 01:27:06,000 PEEP. 2015 01:27:06,001 --> 01:27:07,000 LE. 2016 01:27:07,001 --> 01:27:11,000 PEOPLE. 2017 01:27:11,001 --> 01:27:13,000 SENATOR McCAIN AND SENATOR 2018 01:27:13,001 --> 01:27:15,000 ISAKSON HAVE TALKED ABOUT 2019 01:27:15,001 --> 01:27:17,000 ALLOWING DOCTORS TO POOL THEIR 2020 01:27:17,001 --> 01:27:20,000 RESOURCES TO 2021 01:27:20,001 --> 01:27:21,000 I THANK THE SENATORS AND YIELD 2022 01:27:21,001 --> 01:27:22,000 THE FLOOR AND NOTE 2023 01:27:22,001 --> 01:27:23,000 OF A QUORUM. 2024 01:27:23,001 --> 01:27:36,000 THE PRESIDING OFFICER: THE CLERK 2025 01:27:36,001 --> 01:31:17,000 WILL CALL THE ROLL. 2026 01:31:17,001 --> 01:31:18,000 QUORUM CALL: 2027 01:31:18,001 --> 01:32:08,000 123450 2028 01:32:08,001 --> 01:32:18,000 QUORUM CALL: 2029 01:32:18,001 --> 01:45:02,000 KAWAI. 2030 01:45:02,001 --> 01:59:54,000 QUORUM CALL: 2031 01:59:54,001 --> 02:00:11,000 QUORUM CAL 2032 02:00:11,001 --> 02:00:12,000 QUORUM CALL: 2033 02:00:12,001 --> 02:00:13,000 MR. McCAIN: I ASK UNANIMOUS 2034 02:00:13,001 --> 02:00:15,000 CONSENT THAT FURTHER 2035 02:00:15,001 --> 02:00:16,000 UNDER THE QUORUM CALL BE 2036 02:00:16,001 --> 02:00:17,000 SUSPENDED. 2037 02:00:17,001 --> 02:00:18,000 PRIM THE SENATOR FROM ARIZONA. 2038 02:00:18,001 --> 02:00:19,000 WITHOUT 2039 02:00:19,001 --> 02:00:20,000 -- THE PRESIDING OFFICER: THE 2040 02:00:20,001 --> 02:00:21,000 SENATOR FROMRIZONA. 2041 02:00:21,001 --> 02:00:22,000 WITHOUT OBJECTION. 2042 02:00:22,001 --> 02:00:24,000 MR. McCAIN: MR. PRESIDENT, I 2043 02:00:24,001 --> 02:00:26,000 RISE TO ADDRESS THE ISSUE OF THE DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE 2044 02:00:26,001 --> 02:00:29,000 APPROPRIATIONS ACT FOR FISCAL 2045 02:00:29,001 --> 02:00:31,000 YEAR 2010, WHICH IS THE PENDING 2046 02:00:31,001 --> 02:00:33,000 BUSINESS BEFORE THE SENATE. 2047 02:00:33,001 --> 02:00:37,000 THE FUNDING PROVIDED IN THIS 2048 02:00:37,001 --> 02:00:39,000 LEGISLATION IS VERY CRUCIAL. 2049 02:00:39,001 --> 02:00:40,000 IT NEEDS TO SUPPORT OUR 2050 02:00:40,001 --> 02:00:41,000 COMMANDERS AS THEY LEAD 2051 02:00:41,001 --> 02:00:42,000 OPERATIONS IN 2052 02:00:42,001 --> 02:00:43,000 AND ELSEWHERE. 2053 02:00:43,001 --> 02:00:46,000 CARE FOR THE MEN AND WOMEN WHO 2054 02:00:46,001 --> 02:00:49,000 ARE IN THE MILITARY, INCLUDING 2055 02:00:49,001 --> 02:00:52,000 MAKING SURE THEY ARE PROVIDED 2056 02:00:52,001 --> 02:00:57,000 FOR AS WELL AS OUR WOUNDED WARRIORS. 2057 02:00:57,001 --> 02:01:00,000 BUT I ALSO NOTE WITH GREAT 2058 02:01:00,001 --> 02:01:02,000 CONCERN AN ALARM -- IN ALARMED 2059 02:01:02,001 --> 02:01:05,000 DISMAY AND EVEN DISGUST THAT 2060 02:01:05,001 --> 02:01:07,000 BILLIONS OF DOLLARS IN WASTEFUL 2061 02:01:07,001 --> 02:01:09,000 EARMARKS, UNREQUESTED, 2062 02:01:09,001 --> 02:01:11,000 UNAUTHORIZED HAVE AGAIN FOUND 2063 02:01:11,001 --> 02:01:13,000 THEIR WAY INTO THIS LEGISLATION. 2064 02:01:13,001 --> 02:01:14,000 AS I'VE SAID BEFORE, THESE ARE 2065 02:01:14,001 --> 02:01:17,000 SERIOUS TIMES, AND 2066 02:01:17,001 --> 02:01:19,000 CONGRESS ARE REQUIRED TO MAKE 2067 02:01:19,001 --> 02:01:21,000 SERIOUS DECISIONS, TOUGH 2068 02:01:21,001 --> 02:01:25,000 DECISIONS THAT MAY GO AGAINST 2069 02:01:25,001 --> 02:01:26,000 THE NATIONAL -- THE SPECIAL INTERESTS. 2070 02:01:26,001 --> 02:01:28,000 I NEED NOT REMIND MY COLLEAGUES 2071 02:01:28,001 --> 02:01:31,000 THAT WE'RE AT WAR OR THAT THE 2072 02:01:31,001 --> 02:01:32,000 NATIONAL DEBT IS GROWING EVER 2073 02:01:32,001 --> 02:01:34,000 LARGER 2074 02:01:34,001 --> 02:01:35,000 RECENTLY THERE WAS A REESTIMATE 2075 02:01:35,001 --> 02:01:38,000 OF THE DEFICIT FOR THE NEXT TEN 2076 02:01:38,001 --> 02:01:39,000 YE 2077 02:01:39,001 --> 02:01:44,000 TRILLION. 2078 02:01:44,001 --> 02:01:48,000 WE ARE FACING DEFICITS OF 2079 02:01:48,001 --> 02:01:50,000 YET T SPENDING GOES ON HERE 2080 02:01:50,001 --> 02:01:51,000 LIKE, AS SOME PEOPLE HAVE SAID, 2081 02:01:51,001 --> 02:01:53,000 A DRUNKEN SAILOR. 2082 02:01:53,001 --> 02:01:55,000 I DON'T USE THAT PHRASE ANYMORE 2083 02:01:55,001 --> 02:01:58,000 BECAUSE I NEVER KNEW A SAILOR 2084 02:01:58,001 --> 02:02:00,000 EITHER DRUNK OR SOBER WITH THE 2085 02:02:00,001 --> 02:02:02,000 IMAGINATION THAT MEMBERS OF 2086 02:02:02,001 --> 02:02:04,000 CONGRESS HAVE, WHICH IS BEST 2087 02:02:04,001 --> 02:02:07,000 EPITOMIZED IN THIS BILL AS I'LL 2088 02:02:07,001 --> 02:02:08,000 POINT OUT SEVERAL PROVISIONS. 2089 02:02:08,001 --> 02:02:11,000 WE CAN'T AFFORD TO WASTE. 2090 02:02:11,001 --> 02:02:13,000 WE CAN'T AFFORD IT. 2091 02:02:13,001 --> 02:02:14,000 IT'S OUR DUTY TO FULLY 2092 02:02:14,001 --> 02:02:17,000 THE FUNDING FOR OUR NATIONAL 2093 02:02:17,001 --> 02:02:20,000 DEFENSE AND ENSURE THAT EACH 2094 02:02:20,001 --> 02:02:23,000 DOLLAR WE SPEND IS SPENT WISELY 2095 02:02:23,001 --> 02:02:24,000 IN DELIVERY OF THE STATED NEED 2096 02:02:24,001 --> 02:02:27,000 2097 02:02:27,001 --> 02:02:35,000 AND NOT IN SPECIAL INTERESTS. 2098 02:02:35,001 --> 02:02:37,000 FUNDING FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF 2099 02:02:37,001 --> 02:02:40,000 DEFENSE, $498 BILLION FOR THE 2100 02:02:40,001 --> 02:02:43,000 BASE BUDGET AND $128 BILLION FOR 2101 02:02:43,001 --> 02:02:47,000 ONGOING 2102 02:02:47,001 --> 02:02:49,000 IRAQ AND AFGHANISTAN. 2103 02:02:49,001 --> 02:02:52,000 INTERESTINGLY, IT'S $3.9 BILLION 2104 02:02:52,001 --> 02:02:55,000 LESS THAN THE 2105 02:02:55,001 --> 02:02:56,000 REQUEST AND THE BILL FURTHER 2106 02:02:56,001 --> 02:02:58,000 REDUCES DEFENSE PROGRAMS 2107 02:02:58,001 --> 02:03:02,000 REQUESTED BY THE PENTAGON TO 2108 02:03:02,001 --> 02:03:04,000 MAKE ROOM FOR $2.5 BILLION IN 2109 02:03:04,001 --> 02:03:07,000 C-17 CARGO AIRCRAFT SLATED FOR 2110 02:03:07,001 --> 02:03:09,000 TERMINATION BY THE 2111 02:03:09,001 --> 02:03:14,000 ADMINISTRATION AND ABOUT $2.7 2112 02:03:14,001 --> 02:03:17,000 BILLION -- I REPEAT -- $2.7 2113 02:03:17,001 --> 02:03:19,000 BILLION IN EARMARKS AND SPECIAL 2114 02:03:19,001 --> 02:03:21,000 INTEREST ITEMS. 2115 02:03:21,001 --> 02:03:24,000 YOU KNOW, I'VE LONG TALKED ABOUT 2116 02:03:24,001 --> 02:03:26,000 THE BROKEN 2117 02:03:26,001 --> 02:03:27,000 PROCESS AND THE CORRUPTION THAT 2118 02:03:27,001 --> 02:03:30,000 IT BREEDS. 2119 02:03:30,001 --> 02:03:32,000 I REMAIN DEEPLY CONCERNED OVER 2120 02:03:32,001 --> 02:03:34,000 THE DAMAGE DONE TO OUR COUNTRY 2121 02:03:34,001 --> 02:03:37,000 AND THE INSTITUTIONS BY -- THAT 2122 02:03:37,001 --> 02:03:40,000 WE ARE SO PROUD TO SERVE IN BY 2123 02:03:40,001 --> 02:03:42,000 THEIR CONTINUED ABUSE. 2124 02:03:42,001 --> 02:03:43,000 WHILE WE'VE MADE SOME PROGRESS 2125 02:03:43,001 --> 02:03:46,000 ON THE ISSUE IN THE LAST COUPLE 2126 02:03:46,001 --> 02:03:50,000 OF YEARS, WE CERTALY HAVE NOT 2127 02:03:50,001 --> 02:03:53,000 GONE NEARLY, NEARLY, NEARLY FAR ENOUGH. 2128 02:03:53,001 --> 02:03:55,000 LEGISLATION WE PASSED IN 2007 2129 02:03:55,001 --> 02:03:58,000 PROVIDED FOR GREATER DISCLOSURE 2130 02:03:58,001 --> 02:04:00,000 OF EARMARKS, AND THAT WAS A GOOD 2131 02:04:00,001 --> 02:04:03,000 STEP FORWARD. 2132 02:04:03,001 --> 02:04:06,000 BUT THE BOTTOM LINE IS WE SIMPLY 2133 02:04:06,001 --> 02:04:08,000 EARMARKS. 2134 02:04:08,001 --> 02:04:12,000 WE NEED TO ELIMINATE THEM. 2135 02:04:12,001 --> 02:04:15,000 WE NEED TO ELIMINATE THEM. 2136 02:04:15,001 --> 02:04:17,000 WE SHOULD ADOPT THE PRACTICE, AS 2137 02:04:17,001 --> 02:04:20,000 WAS THE PRACTICE HERE FOR A 2138 02:04:20,001 --> 02:04:21,000 LONG, LONG TIME, UP UNTIL RECENT 2139 02:04:21,001 --> 02:04:24,000 YEARS THAT WE DIDN'T APPROPRIATE 2140 02:04:24,001 --> 02:04:27,000 UNLESS IT WAS AUTHORIZED. IN THE YEAR THAT I HAVE BEEN 2141 02:04:27,001 --> 02:04:31,000 HERE, I'VE SEEN A TREMENDOUS 2142 02:04:31,001 --> 02:04:32,000 SHIFT FROM AUTHORITY AND 2143 02:04:32,001 --> 02:04:34,000 RESPONSIBILITY FROM THE 2144 02:04:34,001 --> 02:04:36,000 AUTHORIZING COMMITTEES TO THE 2145 02:04:36,001 --> 02:04:39,000 APPROPRIATING COMMITTEES, ANY 2146 02:04:39,001 --> 02:04:40,000 COMMENSURATE RISE IN EARMARK 2147 02:04:40,001 --> 02:04:42,000 AND CORRUPTION. 2148 02:04:42,001 --> 02:04:45,000 I KNOW MY COLLEAGUES DON'T LIKE 2149 02:04:45,001 --> 02:04:47,000 TO HEAR ME USE THE WORD 2150 02:04:47,001 --> 02:04:50,000 CORRUPTION, BUT WE HAVE FORMER 2151 02:04:50,001 --> 02:04:52,000 MEMBERS OF CON FEDERAL PRISON. 2152 02:04:52,001 --> 02:04:54,000 WE HAD A CONGRESSMAN FROM 2153 02:04:54,001 --> 02:04:55,000 CALIFORNIA WHO USED TO LIST THE 2154 02:04:55,001 --> 02:04:58,000 APPROPRIATIONS THAT HE WAS ABLE 2155 02:04:58,001 --> 02:05:00,000 TO GET ON ONE COLUMN AND IN THE 2156 02:05:00,001 --> 02:05:03,000 OTHER COLUMN THE AMOUNT OF MONEY 2157 02:05:03,001 --> 02:05:04,000 THAT HE RECEIVED FOR EARMARKING 2158 02:05:04,001 --> 02:05:07,000 THOSE APPROPRIATIONS. 2159 02:05:07,001 --> 02:05:08,000 THAT'S CORRUION. 2160 02:05:08,001 --> 02:05:10,000 IT'S NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR US TO 2161 02:05:10,001 --> 02:05:11,000 CONTINUE TO LOAD UP 2162 02:05:11,001 --> 02:05:14,000 APPROPRIATIONS BILLS WITH 2163 02:05:14,001 --> 02:05:15,000 WASTEFUL AND SPENDING. 2164 02:05:15,001 --> 02:05:17,000 AMERICANS ALL OVER THIS COUNTRY 2165 02:05:17,001 --> 02:05:19,000 ARE HURTING, PEOPLE ARE LOSING 2166 02:05:19,001 --> 02:05:21,000 THEIR JOBS, THEIR SAVINGS, THEIR HOMES. 2167 02:05:21,001 --> 02:05:24,000 SO WT ARE WE DOING? 2168 02:05:24,001 --> 02:05:25,000 WE CONTINUE THE 2169 02:05:25,001 --> 02:05:28,000 EARMARKING PROCESS, HE WILL 2170 02:05:28,001 --> 02:05:29,000 SRAEUGT PAROCHIALISM AND 2171 02:05:29,001 --> 02:05:32,000 PATRONAGE POLITICS OVER THE TRUE 2172 02:05:32,001 --> 02:05:34,000 NEEDS AND WELFARE OF THIS NATION. 2173 02:05:34,001 --> 02:05:36,000 AND I WILL BE POINTING 2174 02:05:36,001 --> 02:05:38,000 DURING THE COURSE OF THIS DEBATE 2175 02:05:38,001 --> 02:05:40,000 A NUMBER OF EXAMPLES OF 2176 02:05:40,001 --> 02:05:42,000 CORRUPTION WHICH I THINK IS 2177 02:05:42,001 --> 02:05:43,000 REALLY UNACCEPTABLE TO THE 2178 02:05:43,001 --> 02:05:47,000 AMERICAN PEOPLE. 2179 02:05:47,001 --> 02:05:48,000 AND, BY THE WAY, IS ONE OF THE 2180 02:05:48,001 --> 02:05:51,000 REASONS WHY THE AMERICAN PEOPLE 2181 02:05:51,001 --> 02:05:53,000 HAVE RISEN UP IN UNPRECEDENTED 2182 02:05:53,001 --> 02:05:56,000 MANNER IN DEMONSTRATIONSGAINST 2183 02:05:56,001 --> 02:05:57,000 THE WAY WE DO BUSINESS HERE IN 2184 02:05:57,001 --> 02:06:01,000 WASHINGTON. 2185 02:06:01,001 --> 02:06:05,000 SO, I 2186 02:06:05,001 --> 02:06:09,000 DISCLOSURE IS GOOD, BUT IT 2187 02:06:09,001 --> 02:06:11,000 WASN'T TPHAD KWAT DISCLOSURE -- 2188 02:06:11,001 --> 02:06:13,000 INADEQUATE DISCLOSURE 2189 02:06:13,001 --> 02:06:14,000 REQUIREMENTS WHICH LED DUKE 2190 02:06:14,001 --> 02:06:16,000 CUNNINGHAM TO TAKE BRIBES IN 2191 02:06:16,001 --> 02:06:19,000 EXCHANGE FOR DOLING OUT $70 2192 02:06:19,001 --> 02:06:21,000 MILLION TO $80 MILLION OF 2193 02:06:21,001 --> 02:06:23,000 TAXPAYER FUNDS CONTRACTOR. 2194 02:06:23,001 --> 02:06:26,000 IT WAS HIS ABILITY TO FREELY 2195 02:06:26,001 --> 02:06:28,000 EARMARK TAXPAYER FUNDS WITHOUT QUESTION. 2196 02:06:28,001 --> 02:06:30,000 YOU KNOW, DURING THE CAMPAIGN, A 2197 02:06:30,001 --> 02:06:31,000 LOT OF THINGS ARE SAID DURING 2198 02:06:31,001 --> 02:06:34,000 CAMPAIGNS. 2199 02:06:34,001 --> 02:06:37,000 A LOT OF PROMISES ARE MADE, AND 2200 02:06:37,001 --> 02:06:38,000 UNFORTUNATELY SOME ARE NOT KET KEPT. 2201 02:06:38,001 --> 02:06:39,000 THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITE 2202 02:06:39,001 --> 02:06:41,000 STATES PLEDGED DURING HIS 2203 02:06:41,001 --> 02:06:43,000 CAMPAIGN THAT HE WOULD WORK TO 2204 02:06:43,001 --> 02:06:44,000 ELIMINATE EARMARKS. 2205 02:06:44,001 --> 02:06:48,000 THE SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE 2206 02:06:48,001 --> 02:06:49,000 PROMISED TO DRAIN THE SWAMP. 2207 02:06:49,001 --> 02:06:50,000 JUST LAST MONTH THE PRESIDENT OF 2208 02:06:50,001 --> 02:06:52,000 THE UNITED STATES SPOKE IN 2209 02:06:52,001 --> 02:06:53,000 PHOENIX, ARIZONA, TO THE 2210 02:06:53,001 --> 02:06:55,000 VETERANS OF FOREIGN WARS. 2211 02:06:55,001 --> 02:06:57,000 IN THAT SPEECH, THE PRESIDENT'S 2212 02:06:57,001 --> 02:07:00,000 WORDS WERE QUITE COMPELLING 2213 02:07:00,001 --> 02:07:02,000 ABOUT WASTE AND PORK-BARREL 2214 02:07:02,001 --> 02:07:05,000 SP 2215 02:07:05,001 --> 02:07:06,000 WITH THAT SPEECH, THE PRESIDENT 2216 02:07:06,001 --> 02:07:08,000 PROMISED AN TONED -- QUOTE -- 2217 02:07:08,001 --> 02:07:11,000 "SPECIAL INTERESTS 2218 02:07:11,001 --> 02:07:13,000 EXOTIC PROJECTS." UNQUOTE. 2219 02:07:13,001 --> 02:07:14,000 AND REAFFIRMED THAT HE WAS 2220 02:07:14,001 --> 02:07:17,000 LEADING THE CHARGE TO KILL OFF 2221 02:07:17,001 --> 02:07:19,000 PROGRAMS LIKE THE F-22, THE 2222 02:07:19,001 --> 02:07:22,000 SECOND ENGINE FOR THE JOINT 2223 02:07:22,001 --> 02:07:23,000 STRIKE FIGHTER 2224 02:07:23,001 --> 02:07:24,000 OUTRAGEOUSLY EXPENSIVE 2225 02:07:24,001 --> 02:07:27,000 PRESIDENTIAL 2226 02:07:27,001 --> 02:07:28,000 THE PRESIDENT WENT ON TO SAY -- 2227 02:07:28,001 --> 02:07:31,000 AND I QUOTE -- "IF A PROJECT 2228 02:07:31,001 --> 02:07:33,000 DOESN'T SUPPORT OUR TROOPS, WE 2229 02:07:33,001 --> 02:07:35,000 WILL NOT FUND IT. 2230 02:07:35,001 --> 02:07:37,000 IF THE SYSTEM DOESN'T PERFORM 2231 02:07:37,001 --> 02:07:40,000 WELL, WE WILL TERMINATE 2232 02:07:40,001 --> 02:07:42,000 AND IF CONGRESS SENDS ME A 2233 02:07:42,001 --> 02:07:45,000 BILLOWED WITH THAT KIND OF 2234 02:07:45,001 --> 02:07:48,000 WASTE, I WILL VETO IT." 2235 02:07:48,001 --> 02:07:49,000 THIS LEGISLATION, IF THE 2236 02:07:49,001 --> 02:07:50,000 PRESIDENT MEANS THOSE WORDS, 2237 02:07:50,001 --> 02:07:52,000 THIS LEGISLATION SHOULD BE 2238 02:07:52,001 --> 02:07:53,000 VETOED IN ITS PRESENT 2239 02:07:53,001 --> 02:07:54,000 FORTUNATELY BY THE PRESIDENT OF 2240 02:07:54,001 --> 02:07:59,000 THE UNITED STATES. 2241 02:07:59,001 --> 02:08:01,000 HE WENT ON TO SAY, HE WOULD DO 2242 02:08:01,001 --> 02:08:02,000 RIGHT BY OUR TROOPS AND 2243 02:08:02,001 --> 02:08:03,000 TAXPAYERS. 2244 02:08:03,001 --> 02:08:04,000 HE'S RIGHT, WE SHOULD DO RIGHT 2245 02:08:04,001 --> 02:08:07,000 BY OUR TROOPS AND TAXPAYERS. 2246 02:08:07,001 --> 02:08:10,000 THE BILL HAS AT LEAST $5.2 2247 02:08:10,001 --> 02:08:11,000 BILLION IN PROGRAMS THAT THE 2248 02:08:11,001 --> 02:08:14,000 PENTAGON DOESN'T NEED AND DIDN'T 2249 02:08:14,001 --> 02:08:17,000 ASK FOR. 2250 02:08:17,001 --> 02:08:19,000 $5.2 BILLION. 2251 02:08:19,001 --> 02:08:21,000 THE PRESIDENT 2252 02:08:21,001 --> 02:08:23,000 PUT AN ALL-COURT PRESS TO 2253 02:08:23,001 --> 02:08:26,000 TERMINATE THE F-22 PROGRAM IN 2254 02:08:26,001 --> 02:08:27,000 THE FACE OF CONGRESSIONAL 2255 02:08:27,001 --> 02:08:28,000 DETERMINATION TO CONTINUAL 2256 02:08:28,001 --> 02:08:29,000 FUNDING PRODUCTION OF THE 2257 02:08:29,001 --> 02:08:31,000 AIRCRAFT. 2258 02:08:31,001 --> 02:08:33,000 SO WHY WAS THE PRESIDENT SO 2259 02:08:33,001 --> 02:08:35,000 ADAMANT ABOUT TERMINATING THE 2260 02:08:35,001 --> 02:08:38,000 F-22 WHILE AT THE SAME TIME 2261 02:08:38,001 --> 02:08:39,000 POSSIBLY GIVE A FREE RIDE TO TEN 2262 02:08:39,001 --> 02:08:43,000 UNREQUESTED C-17'S IN IN BILL AT 2263 02:08:43,001 --> 02:08:45,000 A COST OF $2.5 BILLION? 2264 02:08:45,001 --> 02:08:47,000 HOW CAN ONE DIFFERENTIATE 2265 02:08:47,001 --> 02:08:49,000 BETWEEN A FIGHTER AIRCRAFT THAT 2266 02:08:49,001 --> 02:08:53,000 THE PENTAGON SAYS FURTHER 2267 02:08:53,001 --> 02:08:54,000 PRODUCTION IS UNNECESSARY FROM A 2268 02:08:54,001 --> 02:08:56,000 CARGO AIRCRAFT THAT THE PENTAGON 2269 02:08:56,001 --> 02:08:57,000 SAYS 2270 02:08:57,001 --> 02:09:00,000 WITH THOSE ON ORDER IS 2271 02:09:00,001 --> 02:09:01,000 SUFFICIENT TO MEET THE 2272 02:09:01,001 --> 02:09:04,000 PENTAGON'S NEEDS EVEN UNDER THE 2273 02:09:04,001 --> 02:09:07,000 MOST STRESSING SITUATIONS? 2274 02:09:07,001 --> 02:09:08,000 WHY HAS 2275 02:09:08,001 --> 02:09:13,000 INCLUDING THE SECRETARY OF 2276 02:09:13,001 --> 02:09:15,000 DEFENSE, BEEN SILENT ON 2277 02:09:15,001 --> 02:09:16,000 BILLION IN MEMBER-REQUESTED 2278 02:09:16,001 --> 02:09:18,000 EARMARKS? 2279 02:09:18,001 --> 02:09:20,000 THESE ARE QUESTIONS FOR WHICH I 2280 02:09:20,001 --> 02:09:23,000 DON'T SPRA 2281 02:09:23,001 --> 02:09:25,000 WHAT I DO KNOW IS THAT THE 2282 02:09:25,001 --> 02:09:27,000 APPROPRIATORS DID NOT ADD $5.2 2283 02:09:27,001 --> 02:09:30,000 BILLION TO THE BILL TO PAY FOR 2284 02:09:30,001 --> 02:09:31,000 THE UNREQUESTED ADDITIONS, BUT 2285 02:09:31,001 --> 02:09:33,000 RATHER SECURED THIS ADDITIONAL 2286 02:09:33,001 --> 02:09:36,000 FUNDING BY OFFSETTING PROGRAMS 2287 02:09:36,001 --> 02:09:39,000 IN OTHER PARTS OF THE BILL. 2288 02:09:39,001 --> 02:09:40,000 SO WHAT DID THE APPROPRIATORS 2289 02:09:40,001 --> 02:09:42,000 DECIDE TO CUT TO MAKE ROOM FOR 2290 02:09:42,001 --> 02:09:45,000 MOST OF THESE UNREQUESTED 2291 02:09:45,001 --> 02:09:49,000 EARMARK AND PORK-BARREL PROJECTS? 2292 02:09:49,001 --> 02:09:51,000 THEY REDUCED $900 MILLION FROM 2293 02:09:51,001 --> 02:09:53,000 THE PRESIDENT'S REQUEST 2294 02:09:53,001 --> 02:09:55,000 AFGHANISTAN SECURITY FORCES FUND 2295 02:09:55,001 --> 02:09:58,000 AT A TIME THE ONE THING WE ARE 2296 02:09:58,001 --> 02:09:59,000 IN AGREEMENT ON, THE ONE THING 2297 02:09:59,001 --> 02:10:02,000 WE'RE IN AGREEMENT ON IS THAT WE 2298 02:10:02,001 --> 02:10:05,000 NEED TO INCREASE THE SIZE AND 2299 02:10:05,001 --> 02:10:06,000 CAPABILITY OF THE AFGHAN ARMY 2300 02:10:06,001 --> 02:10:08,000 AND SECURITY FORCES. 2301 02:10:08,001 --> 02:10:09,000 IT'S A KEY COMPONENT OF THE 2302 02:10:09,001 --> 02:10:15,000 UNITED STATES STRATEGY IN AFGHANISTAN. 2303 02:10:15,001 --> 02:10:16,000 SO THEY CUT IT BY $900 MILLION. 2304 02:10:16,001 --> 02:10:19,000 REDUCING FUNDING IN THE ACCOUNT 2305 02:10:19,001 --> 02:10:21,000 RUNS COUNTER TO OUR GROUND 2306 02:10:21,001 --> 02:10:22,000 FORCES TO ASSUME A GREATER SHARE 2307 02:10:22,001 --> 02:10:25,000 OF RESPONSIBILITY FOR SECURITY 2308 02:10:25,001 --> 02:10:28,000 AS QUICKLY AS 2309 02:10:28,001 --> 02:10:32,000 EQUALLY AS INCREDIBLE, THE BILL 2310 02:10:32,001 --> 02:10:35,000 REDUCES OVER $3 BILLION IN 2311 02:10:35,001 --> 02:10:37,000 OPERATIONS AND MAINTENANCE 2312 02:10:37,001 --> 02:10:38,000 ACCOUNTS THROUGH DIRECT CUTS AND 2313 02:10:38,001 --> 02:10:42,000 MANDATED IN OTHER PROVISIONS IN 2314 02:10:42,001 --> 02:10:45,000 THE BILL BASED ON ECONOMIC 2315 02:10:45,001 --> 02:10:46,000 ASSUMPTIONS AND EXCESS CASH 2316 02:10:46,001 --> 02:10:47,000 BALANCES. 2317 02:10:47,001 --> 02:10:50,000 THE ADMINISTRATION STRONGLY 2318 02:10:50,001 --> 02:10:51,000 OPPOSES THESE CUTS, AND IN A 2319 02:10:51,001 --> 02:10:53,000 STATEMENT ON ADMINISTRATION 2320 02:10:53,001 --> 02:10:56,000 POLICY SAID -- QUOTE -- "THESE 2321 02:10:56,001 --> 02:10:58,000 REDUCTIONS WOULD HURT FORCE 2322 02:10:58,001 --> 02:11:01,000 READINESS AND INCREASE STRESS ON 2323 02:11:01,001 --> 02:11:02,000 THE MILITARY PEOPLE AND 2324 02:11:02,001 --> 02:11:06,000 EQUIPMENT." 2325 02:11:06,001 --> 02:11:09,000 THIS IS THE LIFEBLOOD OF OUR MILITARY. 2326 02:11:09,001 --> 02:11:11,000 THE OPERATIONS AND MAINTENANCE 2327 02:11:11,001 --> 02:11:12,000 OF OUR MEN AND WOMEN IN THE 2328 02:11:12,001 --> 02:11:14,000 MILITARY AND THE EQUIPMENT THAT 2329 02:11:14,001 --> 02:11:16,000 THEY USE IS ABSOLUTELY VITAL. 2330 02:11:16,001 --> 02:11:19,000 SO WHAT DID WE DO? 2331 02:11:19,001 --> 02:11:21,000 TOOK $3 BILLION OUT OF OPERATION 2332 02:11:21,001 --> 02:11:23,000 AND MAINTENANCE AND PUT IT INTO 2333 02:11:23,001 --> 02:11:25,000 THESE PORK BARREL PROJECTS, 2334 02:11:25,001 --> 02:11:30,000 INCLUDING THE C-17. 2335 02:11:30,001 --> 02:11:32,000 SO, I 2336 02:11:32,001 --> 02:11:34,000 FOR SERVICES WITH FUNDS 2337 02:11:34,001 --> 02:11:36,000 OUT DAY-TO-DAY ACTIVITIES SUCH 2338 02:11:36,001 --> 02:11:38,000 AS RECRUITMENT AND FIELDING OF A 2339 02:11:38,001 --> 02:11:40,000 TRAINED AND DREAD DID I FORCE, 2340 02:11:40,001 --> 02:11:41,000 ALL MILITARY TRAING AND 2341 02:11:41,001 --> 02:11:44,000 EXERCISES, FOOD, WEAPONS, SPARE 2342 02:11:44,001 --> 02:11:45,000 PARTS, EQUIPMENT REPAIRS, DEPOT 2343 02:11:45,001 --> 02:11:46,000 MAINTENANCE, SHIP OVERHAULS, 2344 02:11:46,001 --> 02:11:49,000 TRANSPORTATION SERVICES 2345 02:11:49,001 --> 02:11:51,000 INCLUDING AVIATION, FUEL, NAVY 2346 02:11:51,001 --> 02:11:52,000 AND MARINE CORPS, STEAMING DAYS, 2347 02:11:52,001 --> 02:11:55,000 CIVILIAN PERSONNEL MANAGEMENT 2348 02:11:55,001 --> 02:11:56,000 AND PAY AND CHILD-CARE AND 2349 02:11:56,001 --> 02:11:59,000 FAMILY CENTERS. 2350 02:11:59,001 --> 02:12:03,000 YOU KNOW, THE ONE THING IN 2351 02:12:03,001 --> 02:12:04,000 DETE ABOUT AFGHA 2352 02:12:04,001 --> 02:12:07,000 ALMOST EVERYONE IS IN AGREEMENT 2353 02:12:07,001 --> 02:12:09,000 ON IS THAT OUR EQUIPMENT IS 2354 02:12:09,001 --> 02:12:13,000 WEARING OUT AND WE'RE WAY BEHIND 2355 02:12:13,001 --> 02:12:16,000 IN THE REPAIR AND REPLACEMENT OF 2356 02:12:16,001 --> 02:12:17,000 SPARE PARTS, EQUIPMENT, ALL OF 2357 02:12:17,001 --> 02:12:20,000 THE THINGS THAT ARE NECESSARY 2358 02:12:20,001 --> 02:12:22,000 FOR OUR ACTIVITY DUTY FORCES AND 2359 02:12:22,001 --> 02:12:25,000 OUR GUARD AND RESERVE WHO ARE 2360 02:12:25,001 --> 02:12:29,000 FOR ALL PRACTICAL PURPOSES ACTIVE DUTY. 2361 02:12:29,001 --> 02:12:30,000 AND WE ARE 2362 02:12:30,001 --> 02:12:33,000 GUARD CONFIDENCE THAT THE 2363 02:12:33,001 --> 02:12:36,000 PRESIDENT WILL 2364 02:12:36,001 --> 02:12:39,000 McCHRYSTAL AND PETRAEUS AND 2365 02:12:39,001 --> 02:12:41,000 ADMIRAL MULLINS' RECOMMENDATION. 2366 02:12:41,001 --> 02:12:43,000 WE WILL NEED MORE MONEY F 2367 02:12:43,001 --> 02:12:45,000 OPERATIONS AND MAINTENANCE 2368 02:12:45,001 --> 02:12:48,000 BECAUSE WE WILL BE SENDING MORE 2369 02:12:48,001 --> 02:12:52,000 MEN AND WOMEN AND EQUIPMENT TO AFGHANISTAN. 2370 02:12:52,001 --> 02:12:55,000 SO WHAT IS IN THIS BILL? 2371 02:12:55,001 --> 02:12:57,000 A $3 BILLION REDUCTION. 2372 02:12:57,001 --> 02:13:00,000 WELL, AND WHAT'S IN ITS PLACE? 2373 02:13:00,001 --> 02:13:05,000 I'LL BE GOING OVER SOME OF THE 2374 02:13:05,001 --> 02:13:06,000 PROJECTS THAT ARE IN ITS 2375 02:13:06,001 --> 02:13:08,000 MR. PRESIDENT. 2376 02:13:08,001 --> 02:13:10,000 WELL, ONE OF 2377 02:13:10,001 --> 02:13:16,000 ITEMS IN THE LEGISLATION WE'RE CONSIDERING TODAY IS THE 2378 02:13:16,001 --> 02:13:19,000 ADDITION OF $2.5 BILLION, FOR 10 2379 02:13:19,001 --> 02:13:21,000 C-17 GLOBE MASTER CARGO AIRCRAFT. 2380 02:13:21,001 --> 02:13:23,000 FIRST LET'S HAVE A LITTLE BACKGROUND. 2381 02:13:23,001 --> 02:13:25,000 RECOGNIZING THAT THE 2382 02:13:25,001 --> 02:13:28,000 DEPARTMENT'S TOTAL REQUIREMENT 2383 02:13:28,001 --> 02:13:30,000 FOR 180 C-17 AIRCRAFT HAD WELL 2384 02:13:30,001 --> 02:13:33,000 BEEN EXCEEDED FOR THREE 2385 02:13:33,001 --> 02:13:34,000 CONSECUTIVE YEARS, THE BUSH 2386 02:13:34,001 --> 02:13:36,000 ADMINISTRATION HAD ACTIVELY 2387 02:13:36,001 --> 02:13:38,000 TRIED TO CLOSE DOWN THE 2388 02:13:38,001 --> 02:13:40,000 PRODUCTION LINE FOR C-17'S. 2389 02:13:40,001 --> 02:13:42,000 NONETHELESS EARLIER THIS YEAR 2390 02:13:42,001 --> 02:13:44,000 THE HOUSE APPROPRIATIONS 2391 02:13:44,001 --> 02:13:46,000 COMMITTEE DEFENSE APPROPRIATIONS 2392 02:13:46,001 --> 02:13:52,000 SUBCOMMITTEE ADDED 2393 02:13:52,001 --> 02:13:54,000 C-17'S FOR $2.25 BILLION TO THE 2394 02:13:54,001 --> 02:13:56,000 2009 SUPPLEMENTAL SPENDING BILL, 2395 02:13:56,001 --> 02:13:59,000 A BILL THAT IS SUPPOSED TO BE 2396 02:13:59,001 --> 02:14:01,000 USED TO FUND THE WARS IN IRAQ AND 2397 02:14:01,001 --> 02:14:05,000 THE FINAL VERSION OF THAT BILL 2398 02:14:05,001 --> 02:14:08,000 INCLUDED ALL EIGHT OF THESE 2399 02:14:08,001 --> 02:14:10,000 AIRCRAFT. 2400 02:14:10,001 --> 02:14:13,000 WHEN THE SUBCOMMITTEE MET LATER 2401 02:14:13,001 --> 02:14:15,000 TO CONSIDER THE 2010 DEFENSE 2402 02:14:15,001 --> 02:14:27,000 APPROPRIATIONS BILL, IT WENT 2403 02:14:27,001 --> 02:14:30,000 AHEAD AND ADDED THREE 2404 02:14:30,001 --> 02:14:32,000 SO, IT'S 2405 02:14:32,001 --> 02:14:34,000 A LITTLE HARD TO SEE THIS CHART, 2406 02:14:34,001 --> 02:14:37,000 BUT IT'S AN INTERESTING ONE. 2407 02:14:37,001 --> 02:14:38,000 THESE WITH THE C-17'S IN THE AIR 2408 02:14:38,001 --> 02:14:40,000 FORCE'S BUDGET. 2409 02:14:40,001 --> 02:14:42,000 THESE ARE THE C-17'S IN RED THAT 2410 02:14:42,001 --> 02:14:43,000 HAD BEEN ADDED BY CONGRESS. 2411 02:14:43,001 --> 02:14:46,000 EACH YEAR THE DEPARTMENT OF 2412 02:14:46,001 --> 02:14:48,000 DEFENSE AND THE ADMINISTRATION 2413 02:14:48,001 --> 02:14:52,000 HAS SAID: ENOUGH. 2414 02:14:52,001 --> 02:14:53,000 WE HAVE ENOUGH C-17'S. 2415 02:14:53,001 --> 02:14:54,000 OBVIOUSLY THAT HAS NOT BEEN THE 2416 02:14:54,001 --> 02:14:57,000 CASE. 2417 02:14:57,001 --> 02:14:58,000 IT BRINGS US TO WHERE WE ARE NOW 2418 02:14:58,001 --> 02:15:01,000 -- WHERE WE ARE NOW. 2419 02:15:01,001 --> 02:15:02,000 WELL IN EXCESS OF REQUIREMENTS. 2420 02:15:02,001 --> 02:15:04,000 CONTINUING TO SPEND 2421 02:15:04,001 --> 02:15:05,000 DOLLARS FOR AIRCRAFT WE JUST 2422 02:15:05,001 --> 02:15:12,000 DON'T NEED. 2423 02:15:12,001 --> 02:15:14,000 INCLUDING THE EIGHT, KRN-17'S IN 2424 02:15:14,001 --> 02:15:15,000 THE 209 SUPPLEMENTAL. 2425 02:15:15,001 --> 02:15:18,000 THE DEFENSE DEPARTMENT HAS 2426 02:15:18,001 --> 02:15:19,000 BOUGHT A TOTAL OF 13, C-17 2427 02:15:19,001 --> 02:15:21,000 AMENDMENT THE ORIGINAL 2428 02:15:21,001 --> 02:15:22,000 REQUIREMENT WAS 180. 2429 02:15:22,001 --> 02:15:25,000 ACCORDING TO THE MOST RECENT 2430 02:15:25,001 --> 02:15:26,000 STATEMENT OF ADMINISTRATION 2431 02:15:26,001 --> 02:15:28,000 POSITION, THE ADMINISTRATION -- 2432 02:15:28,001 --> 02:15:32,000 QUOTE -- "STRONGLY OBJECTS" 2433 02:15:32,001 --> 02:15:35,000 UNQUOTE TO THE ADDITION OF$2 2434 02:15:35,001 --> 02:15:39,000 .5 BILLION FOR 10 -- COUNT THEM 2435 02:15:39,001 --> 02:15:42,000 -- 10 UNREQUESTED C-17 AIRLIFT AIRCRAFT. 2436 02:15:42,001 --> 02:15:47,000 THE DEPARTMENT'S OWN ANALYSIS 2437 02:15:47,001 --> 02:15:49,000 SHOW THAT THE 205C-17'S ON 2438 02:15:49,001 --> 02:15:51,000 ORDER, TOGETHER WITH THE 2439 02:15:51,001 --> 02:15:53,000 EXISTING FLEET OF C-5 AIRCRAFT 2440 02:15:53,001 --> 02:15:56,000 ARE MORE THAN SUFFICIENT TO MEET 2441 02:15:56,001 --> 02:15:57,000 THE DEPARTMENT'S FUTURE AIRLIFT 2442 02:15:57,001 --> 02:15:59,000 NEEDS EVEN UNDER THE MOST 2443 02:15:59,001 --> 02:16:03,000 STRESSING CONDITIONS. 2444 02:16:03,001 --> 02:16:04,000 IN NO UNCERTAIN TERMS, SECRETARY 2445 02:16:04,001 --> 02:16:08,000 GATES HAS STATED THAT THE 2446 02:16:08,001 --> 02:16:09,000 MILITARY HAS NO NEED TO BUY MORE 2447 02:16:09,001 --> 02:16:13,000 C-17'S. 2448 02:16:13,001 --> 02:16:16,000 SO HERE WE ARE, MY FRIENDS, WITH 2449 02:16:16,001 --> 02:16:19,000 A $3 BILLION CUT IN OPERATIONS 2450 02:16:19,001 --> 02:16:21,000 AND MAINTENANCE WHICH ANY 2451 02:16:21,001 --> 02:16:22,000 OBSERVER, MUCH LESS THE 2452 02:16:22,001 --> 02:16:25,000 ADMINISTRATION AND THE SECRETARY 2453 02:16:25,001 --> 02:16:28,000 OF DEFENSE AND THE JOINT CHIEFS, 2454 02:16:28,001 --> 02:16:29,000 SAY ARE VITAL TO CONTINUING OUR 2455 02:16:29,001 --> 02:16:30,000 OPERATION AND WELL BEING AND 2456 02:16:30,001 --> 02:16:34,000 PROTECTION OF THE MEN AND WOMEN 2457 02:16:34,001 --> 02:16:35,000 IN THE MILITARY, WE'RE 2458 02:16:35,001 --> 02:16:41,000 ADDING $2.5 BILLION FOR C-17'S. 2459 02:16:41,001 --> 02:16:42,000 WHAT KIND OF A TRADEOFF IS THAT? 2460 02:16:42,001 --> 02:16:45,000 SECRETARY GATES HAS STATED THE 2461 02:16:45,001 --> 02:16:46,000 MILITARY HAS NO NEED TO BUY MORE 2462 02:16:46,001 --> 02:16:48,000 C-17. 2463 02:16:48,001 --> 02:16:52,000 WHILE SECRETARY GATES CALLED THE 2464 02:16:52,001 --> 02:16:56,000 C-17 -- QUOTE -- "A TERRIFIC 2465 02:16:56,001 --> 02:16:57,000 AIRCRAFT," AND I AGREE HE 2466 02:16:57,001 --> 02:16:58,000 STRESSED THAT THE AIR FORCE AN 2467 02:16:58,001 --> 02:17:02,000 U.S. TRANSPORTATION C 2468 02:17:02,001 --> 02:17:04,000 -- QUOTE -- "MORE THAN NECESSARY 2469 02:17:04,001 --> 02:17:06,000 STRATEGIC AIRLIFT CAPACITY FOR 2470 02:17:06,001 --> 02:17:10,000 AIRLIFT IN THE NEXT 10 YEARS. 2471 02:17:10,001 --> 02:17:12,000 " NONETHELESS 2472 02:17:12,001 --> 02:17:15,000 PRODUCTION WOULD COST $3 BILLION 2473 02:17:15,001 --> 02:17:18,000 A YEAR FROM 2010 AFTERWARDS. 2474 02:17:18,001 --> 02:17:20,000 IN CONNECTION WITH 2475 02:17:20,001 --> 02:17:21,000 BUDGET REQUEST, THE PRESIDENT 2476 02:17:21,001 --> 02:17:24,000 NOT ONLY REQUEST 2477 02:17:24,001 --> 02:17:26,000 FOR ADDITIONAL C-17'S, BUT ALSO 2478 02:17:26,001 --> 02:17:27,000 RECOMMENDED THIS PROGRAM FOR 2479 02:17:27,001 --> 02:17:29,000 TERMINATION. 2480 02:17:29,001 --> 02:17:31,000 PARTICULARLY IN LIEFT 2481 02:17:31,001 --> 02:17:32,000 FINANCIAL CONSTRAINTS, 2482 02:17:32,001 --> 02:17:35,000 CONTINUING 2483 02:17:35,001 --> 02:17:38,000 DOLLARS FOR MORE C-17'S THAT WE 2484 02:17:38,001 --> 02:17:40,000 JUST DON'T NEED IS BECOMING INCREASINGLY UNSUSTAINABLE. 2485 02:17:40,001 --> 02:17:41,000 FOR THESE REASONS I'LL BE 2486 02:17:41,001 --> 02:17:43,000 OFFERING AN AMENDMENT TO STRIKE 2487 02:17:43,001 --> 02:17:46,000 THE ADDITIONAL 10 AIRCRAFT. 2488 02:17:46,001 --> 02:17:48,000 GIVEN HOW MUCH OUR AIRLIFT 2489 02:17:48,001 --> 02:17:50,000 CAPACITY CURRENTLY EXCEEDS 2490 02:17:50,001 --> 02:17:53,000 OPERATION REQUIREMENT, I SEE 2491 02:17:53,001 --> 02:17:55,000 INTO REASON TO BUY MORE OF THESE 2492 02:17:55,001 --> 02:17:58,000 AIRCRAFTS AT 2493 02:17:58,001 --> 02:18:00,000 KEY ANALYSIS ON T SUBJECT SUCH 2494 02:18:00,001 --> 02:18:01,000 AS THE DEFENSE ANALYSIS REVIEW 2495 02:18:01,001 --> 02:18:02,000 AND DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE 2496 02:18:02,001 --> 02:18:04,000 MOBILITY, CAPABILITIES AND 2497 02:18:04,001 --> 02:18:06,000 REQUIREMENT STUDIES ARE 2498 02:18:06,001 --> 02:18:07,000 COMPLETED. 2499 02:18:07,001 --> 02:18:09,000 SO, MR. PRESIDENT, I WILL BE 2500 02:18:09,001 --> 02:18:13,000 PROPOSING AN AMENDMENT SHORTLY 2501 02:18:13,001 --> 02:18:14,000 THAT I HOPE WILL CORRECT THIS 2502 02:18:14,001 --> 02:18:15,000 REALLY EGREGIOUS ACTION ON THE 2503 02:18:15,001 --> 02:18:17,000 PART OF THE APPROPRIATIONS 2504 02:18:17,001 --> 02:18:19,000 COMMITTEE. 2505 02:18:19,001 --> 02:18:20,000 MEN AND WOMEN IN THE MILITARY 2506 02:18:20,001 --> 02:18:22,000 WHO ARE FIGHTING AND 2507 02:18:22,001 --> 02:18:24,000 THEIR LIVES ON THE LINE DESERVE 2508 02:18:24,001 --> 02:18:26,000 A LOT BETTER THAN THAT. 2509 02:18:26,001 --> 02:18:28,000 NOW I WANT TO TALK FOR A FEW 2510 02:18:28,001 --> 02:18:30,000 MINUTES ABOUT EARMARKS. 2511 02:18:30,001 --> 02:18:32,000 THE PRACTICE OF EARMARKING IS 2512 02:18:32,001 --> 02:18:35,000 DETRIMENTAL TO THE DEPARTMENT 2513 02:18:35,001 --> 02:18:37,000 AND WITH INCREASING FREQUENCY TO 2514 02:18:37,001 --> 02:18:38,000 MELS THEMSELVES. 2515 02:18:38,001 --> 02:18:40,000 THE -- MEMBERS THEMSELVES. 2516 02:18:40,001 --> 02:18:43,000 THE GUILTY PLEAS OF 2517 02:18:43,001 --> 02:18:44,000 CONGRESSIONAL STAFFERS AN 2518 02:18:44,001 --> 02:18:46,000 LOBBYISTS DEMONSTRATE HOW 2519 02:18:46,001 --> 02:18:47,000 EARMARKS HAVE BEEN 2520 02:18:47,001 --> 02:18:48,000 CORRUPT THE LEGISLATIVE 2521 02:18:48,001 --> 02:18:49,000 PROGRESS. 2522 02:18:49,001 --> 02:18:50,000 CHECK THE POLLS. 2523 02:18:50,001 --> 02:18:51,000 THE TRUST AND CONFIDENCE ON THE 2524 02:18:51,001 --> 02:18:53,000 PART OF THE AMERICAN PEOPLE ON 2525 02:18:53,001 --> 02:18:56,000 THE CONGRESS IN THE UNITED 2526 02:18:56,001 --> 02:18:58,000 STATES IS AT AN ALL-TIME LOW AND 2527 02:18:58,001 --> 02:19:01,000 DESERVEDLY SO. 2528 02:19:01,001 --> 02:19:04,000 BY MY PRELIMINARY COUNT, THERE 2529 02:19:04,001 --> 02:19:06,000 ARE ALMOST 070 UNREQUESTED 2530 02:19:06,001 --> 02:19:07,000 700 UNREQUESTED EARMARKS IN THIS 2531 02:19:07,001 --> 02:19:09,000 BILL. 2532 02:19:09,001 --> 02:19:11,000 OVER 400 OF WHICH ARE NOT 2533 02:19:11,001 --> 02:19:13,000 AUTHORIZED IN THE FISCAL YEAR 2534 02:19:13,001 --> 02:19:16,000 2010 DEFENSE NATIONAL AUTHORIZATION ACT. 2535 02:19:16,001 --> 02:19:17,000 THAT REPRESENTS MORE THA 2536 02:19:17,001 --> 02:19:19,000 THAN $1.3 BILLION IN FUNDING FOR 2537 02:19:19,001 --> 02:19:21,000 UNREQUESTED, UNAUTHORIZED MEMBER 2538 02:19:21,001 --> 02:19:24,000 INTEREST ITEMS. 2539 02:19:24,001 --> 02:19:26,000 IT'S UNACCEPTABLE. 2540 02:19:26,001 --> 02:19:27,000 IT'S THE CONSTITUTIONAL DUTY OF 2541 02:19:27,001 --> 02:19:28,000 CONGRESS TO PROVIDE THE 2542 02:19:28,001 --> 02:19:30,000 DEPARTMENT OF DEFENS 2543 02:19:30,001 --> 02:19:32,000 RESOURCES IT NEEDS WHILE 2544 02:19:32,001 --> 02:19:33,000 PROVIDING THE OVERSIGHT OUR 2545 02:19:33,001 --> 02:19:40,000 CONSTITUENTS DEMAND. 2546 02:19:40,001 --> 02:19:41,000 WE HAVE 2547 02:19:41,001 --> 02:19:44,000 TO THE AMERICAN TAXPAYER. 2548 02:19:44,001 --> 02:19:46,000 EVERY TIME WE TUCK PORK IN 2549 02:19:46,001 --> 02:19:49,000 APPROPRIATION MEASURE, WE SHUN THAT RESPONSIBILITY. 2550 02:19:49,001 --> 02:19:50,000 ONE OF THE GREAT UNTOLD STORIES 2551 02:19:50,001 --> 02:19:51,000 OF EARMARKING IS T 2552 02:19:51,001 --> 02:19:53,000 DIVERTED TO SPECIAL INTEREST 2553 02:19:53,001 --> 02:19:54,000 PROJECTS WOULD HAVE OTHERWISE 2554 02:19:54,001 --> 02:19:56,000 HAVE BEEN USED TO ADDRESS THE 2555 02:19:56,001 --> 02:19:57,000 STATED NEEDS OF OUR MILITARY 2556 02:19:57,001 --> 02:19:59,000 SERVICES. 2557 02:19:59,001 --> 02:20:02,000 THE MONEY DS NOT COME FROM 2558 02:20:02,001 --> 02:20:03,000 ANYWHERE BUT THE 2559 02:20:03,001 --> 02:20:04,000 WALLETS AN PURSES. 2560 02:20:04,001 --> 02:20:07,000 -- AND PURSES. 2561 02:20:07,001 --> 02:20:08,000 BUT THE SERVICE 2562 02:20:08,001 --> 02:20:10,000 IN THE BEST POSITION TO ADVISE 2563 02:20:10,001 --> 02:20:12,000 CONGRESS OF THEIR PRIORITIES, 2564 02:20:12,001 --> 02:20:14,000 ARE ROUTINELY SHORTCHANGED SO 2565 02:20:14,001 --> 02:20:17,000 THAT SENATORS AND CONGRESSMEN 2566 02:20:17,001 --> 02:20:22,000 CAN FUND THE 2567 02:20:22,001 --> 02:20:24,000 A SAMPLING: $9.5 MILLION IS IN 2568 02:20:24,001 --> 02:20:28,000 THIS BILL TO FUND RESEARCH IN 2569 02:20:28,001 --> 02:20:34,000 MONTANA ON HYPER SONIC WIND 2570 02:20:34,001 --> 02:20:37,000 TUNNELS CALLED MARIAH. 2571 02:20:37,001 --> 02:20:40,000 THIS SELF-LICKING ICE CREAM CONE 2572 02:20:40,001 --> 02:20:42,000 HAS BEEN W 2573 02:20:42,001 --> 02:20:44,000 UNREQUESTED SINCE 1998. 2574 02:20:44,001 --> 02:20:47,000 THE AIRORCE, LEADER IN HYPER 2575 02:20:47,001 --> 02:20:50,000 SONIC TESTING AND TECHNOL 2576 02:20:50,001 --> 02:20:53,000 LOST INTEREST IN 2004. 2577 02:20:53,001 --> 02:20:55,000 SO APPROPRIATORS MOVED IT TO THE ARMY. 2578 02:20:55,001 --> 02:20:57,000 THE ARMY HAS 2579 02:20:57,001 --> 02:21:00,000 CAPABILITY 2580 02:21:00,001 --> 02:21:02,000 REPORT IN 2005 STATING THEIR 2581 02:21:02,001 --> 02:21:05,000 DISINTEREST IN THE P 2582 02:21:05,001 --> 02:21:09,000 TO DATE THE ARMY HAS NO PLANS TO 2583 02:21:09,001 --> 02:21:11,000 FUND THE MARIAH WIND TUNNEL 2584 02:21:11,001 --> 02:21:12,000 EFFORT AS THEY HAVE STATED IN 2585 02:21:12,001 --> 02:21:14,000 THEIR BUDGET DOCUMENTS. 2586 02:21:14,001 --> 02:21:17,000 THAT HAS NOT KEPT THE CONGRESS 2587 02:21:17,001 --> 02:21:18,000 FROM POURING MORE THA 2588 02:21:18,001 --> 02:21:21,000 THAN $70 MILLION INTO IT. 2589 02:21:21,001 --> 02:21:23,000 MORE 2590 02:21:23,001 --> 02:21:24,000 DISCERNIBLE RETURN. 2591 02:21:24,001 --> 02:21:27,000 ONE GROUP HAS DONE VERY WELL IN 2592 02:21:27,001 --> 02:21:29,000 THE DEAL, HOWEVER. 2593 02:21:29,001 --> 02:21:33,000 OF COURSE I'M REFERRING TO 2594 02:21:33,001 --> 02:21:35,000 LOBBYISTS INCLUDING GAUGE 2595 02:21:35,001 --> 02:21:37,000 L.C., WHOSE C.O.E., 2596 02:21:37,001 --> 02:21:39,000 COINCIDENTALLY HAD B 2597 02:21:39,001 --> 02:21:41,000 STAFFER TO AN APPROPRIATOR FROM MONTANA. 2598 02:21:41,001 --> 02:21:42,000 I INTEND TO OFFER AN AMENDMENT 2599 02:21:42,001 --> 02:21:45,000 TO STRIKE THIS EARMARK FROM THE 2600 02:21:45,001 --> 02:21:47,000 BI AND I CAN ASSURE YOU YOU 2601 02:21:47,001 --> 02:21:49,000 WILL HEAR MORE FROM ME ON THIS. 2602 02:21:49,001 --> 02:21:51,000 WE HAVE SPENT MORE THA 2603 02:21:51,001 --> 02:21:54,000 THAN $70 MILLION ON A PROJECT 2604 02:21:54,001 --> 02:21:57,000 THAT HAS HAD NO RETURN THAT THE 2605 02:21:57,001 --> 02:21:59,000 MILITARY HAS SAID THEY HAVE NO 2606 02:21:59,001 --> 02:22:03,000 INTEREST IN PURSUING. 2607 02:22:03,001 --> 02:22:04,000 $5 MILLION TO THE BATTLESHIP 2608 02:22:04,001 --> 02:22:06,000 U.S. MISSOURI MEMORIAL ASSOCIATION. 2609 02:22:06,001 --> 02:22:08,000 IT'S A PRIVATE ORGANIZATION 2610 02:22:08,001 --> 02:22:10,000 WHICH OWNS AND OPERATES THIS 2611 02:22:10,001 --> 02:22:11,000 BATTLESHIP AS A MUSEUM IN PEARL HARBOR. 2612 02:22:11,001 --> 02:22:14,000 I'M AWARE THAT THE ASSOCIATION 2613 02:22:14,001 --> 02:22:16,000 PLANS T 2614 02:22:16,001 --> 02:22:17,000 DOCK AND REFURBISH IT. 2615 02:22:17,001 --> 02:22:19,000 AND I'M ALSO AWARE THAT IT WAS 2616 02:22:19,001 --> 02:22:21,000 NOT PART OF THE 2617 02:22:21,001 --> 02:22:22,000 AGREEMENT WITH THE DEFENSE 2618 02:22:22,001 --> 02:22:24,000 DEPARTMENT WOULD PAY FOR 2619 02:22:24,001 --> 02:22:26,000 REQUIRED MAINTENANCE. 2620 02:22:26,001 --> 02:22:30,000 I AM ALL FOR NAVY SHIPS BEING 2621 02:22:30,001 --> 02:22:31,000 PLACED IN PLACE WHERE -- PLACES 2622 02:22:31,001 --> 02:22:33,000 WHERE AMERICANS CAN SEE AND 2623 02:22:33,001 --> 02:22:34,000 APPRECIATE THE GREAT SERVICE AND 2624 02:22:34,001 --> 02:22:36,000 SACRIFICE OF THE MEN AND WOMEN 2625 02:22:36,001 --> 02:22:39,000 IN MILITARY, NAVY, AND MARINE 2626 02:22:39,001 --> 02:22:41,000 THE DEAL WAS THAT THEY 2627 02:22:41,001 --> 02:22:43,000 THAT THEY WOULD TAKE CARE OF THE MAINTENANCE OF. 2628 02:22:43,001 --> 02:22:45,000 IT THAT THEY WOULD TAKE CARE OF 2629 02:22:45,001 --> 02:22:47,000 WHATEVER NEEDED EXPENSES ARE. 2630 02:22:47,001 --> 02:22:48,000 SO HERE'S $5 MILLION. 2631 02:22:48,001 --> 02:22:50,000 $25 MILLION FOR THE NATIONAL 2632 02:22:50,001 --> 02:22:52,000 WORLD WAR II MUSEUM IN NEW 2633 02:22:52,001 --> 02:22:53,000 ORLEANS TO HELP PAY FOR THE 2634 02:22:53,001 --> 02:22:56,000 CONSTRUCTION OF NEW FACILITIES 2635 02:22:56,001 --> 02:22:57,000 AS PART OF A $300 MILLION 2636 02:22:57,001 --> 02:23:00,000 EXPANSION. 2637 02:23:00,001 --> 02:23:02,000 IT'S A PRIVATELY FUNDED MUSEUM, 2638 02:23:02,001 --> 02:23:04,000 OPENED I 2639 02:23:04,001 --> 02:23:07,000 HELP OF THE LOUISIANA DELEGATION 2640 02:23:07,001 --> 02:23:08,000 HAS RECEIVED $13 MILLION IN 2641 02:23:08,001 --> 02:23:10,000 DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE FUNDS 2642 02:23:10,001 --> 02:23:12,000 TUCKED INTO 2643 02:23:12,001 --> 02:23:14,000 APPROPRIATIONS BILLS. 2644 02:23:14,001 --> 02:23:17,000 AGAIN, IF THE MEMBERS OF THE APPROPRIATIONS COMMITTEE WOULD 2645 02:23:17,001 --> 02:23:18,000 LIKE TO GO THROUGH THE 2646 02:23:18,001 --> 02:23:20,000 AUTHORIZATION PROCESS AND HAVE 2647 02:23:20,001 --> 02:23:22,000 THIS PROJECT AUTHORIZED, I WOULD 2648 02:23:22,001 --> 02:23:26,000 BE MORE THAN WILLING TO CONSIDER 2649 02:23:26,001 --> 02:23:28,000 IT. 2650 02:23:28,001 --> 02:23:33,000 $13.8 MILLION FOR FE DIFFERENT 2651 02:23:33,001 --> 02:23:35,000 EARMARKS PERTAING TO NANO-2 2652 02:23:35,001 --> 02:23:36,000 RESEARCH OF THE ALMOST 800 2653 02:23:36,001 --> 02:23:38,000 EARMARKS I MENTION 2654 02:23:38,001 --> 02:23:39,000 HUNDREDS ARE FOR HIGH-TECH 2655 02:23:39,001 --> 02:23:41,000 RESEARCH OR DEVICES. 2656 02:23:41,001 --> 02:23:43,000 I ASKED MY COLLEAGUES 2657 02:23:43,001 --> 02:23:45,000 CAPABLE OF WEIGHING THE MERITS 2658 02:23:45,001 --> 02:23:47,000 OF SPECIFIC TECHNOLOGIES 2659 02:23:47,001 --> 02:23:49,000 THEY FUND IN THIS BILL. 2660 02:23:49,001 --> 02:23:51,000 $20 MILLION FOR A CENTER AT THE 2661 02:23:51,001 --> 02:23:53,000 UNIVERSITY OF MASSACHUSETTS 2662 02:23:53,001 --> 02:23:55,000 DEDICATED TO EDUCATING THE 2663 02:23:55,001 --> 02:23:56,000 GENERAL PUBLIC, STUDENTS, 2664 02:23:56,001 --> 02:23:57,000 TEACHERS, NEW SENATORS, AND 2665 02:23:57,001 --> 02:23:59,000 SENATE STAFF ABOUT THE ROLE AND 2666 02:23:59,001 --> 02:24:01,000 IMPORT 2667 02:24:01,001 --> 02:24:04,000 THE SENATE WAS NEITHER REQUESTED 2668 02:24:04,001 --> 02:24:05,000 IN THE PRESIDENT'S BUDGET NOR 2669 02:24:05,001 --> 02:24:08,000 AUTHORIZED BY CONGRESS. 2670 02:24:08,001 --> 02:24:10,000 AND, 2671 02:24:10,001 --> 02:24:12,000 QUESTION SHOULD BE 2672 02:24:12,001 --> 02:24:13,000 WHETHER $20 MILLION SHOULD BE 2673 02:24:13,001 --> 02:24:15,000 APPROPRIATED FOR A PROJE 2674 02:24:15,001 --> 02:24:17,000 HAS NOTHING TO DO WITH THE 2675 02:24:17,001 --> 02:24:20,000 DEFENSE OF THIS NATION. 2676 02:24:20,001 --> 02:24:23,000 IT MAY BE A 2677 02:24:23,001 --> 02:24:25,000 WHY COULDN'T WE GET IT 2678 02:24:25,001 --> 02:24:26,000 AUTHORIZED? 2679 02:24:26,001 --> 02:24:28,000 $10 MILLION, AS USUAL, TO THE 2680 02:24:28,001 --> 02:24:32,000 UNIVERSITY O 2681 02:24:32,001 --> 02:24:34,000 PROGRAM CALLED THE PANNA RAMMIC 2682 02:24:34,001 --> 02:24:38,000 SURVEY TELESCOPE AND RAID 2683 02:24:38,001 --> 02:24:40,000 RESPONSE 2684 02:24:40,001 --> 02:24:42,000 ON THE SERVICE I 2685 02:24:42,001 --> 02:24:46,000 REASONABLE NEED FOR THE AIR 2686 02:24:46,001 --> 02:24:49,000 FORCE AS A 2687 02:24:49,001 --> 02:24:51,000 SITUATIONAL AIR AWARENESS. 2688 02:24:51,001 --> 02:24:53,000 THE AIR FORCE WOULDN'T BE 2689 02:24:53,001 --> 02:24:55,000 GETTING MUCH OF A 2690 02:24:55,001 --> 02:24:59,000 THIS PROGRAM, SINCE IT WILL ONLY 2691 02:24:59,001 --> 02:25:00,000 BE ALLOWED TO USE 2692 02:25:00,001 --> 02:25:02,000 5% OF THE TIME. 2693 02:25:02,001 --> 02:25:03,000 THE AIR FORCE IS 2694 02:25:03,001 --> 02:25:08,000 PAYING $5 MILLION TO DEVELOP AND 2695 02:25:08,001 --> 02:25:10,000 MAINTAIN THE TELESCOPE AND THEY 2696 02:25:10,001 --> 02:25:14,000 THE AIR FORCE PACE $10 MILLION 2697 02:25:14,001 --> 02:25:15,000 TO THE UNIVERSITY AND RECEIVE 2698 02:25:15,001 --> 02:25:17,000 RECEIVES $500,000 IN RETURN. 2699 02:25:17,001 --> 02:25:19,000 ONCE MORE, THE AIR FOR 2700 02:25:19,001 --> 02:25:21,000 IN THE NINE-YEAR LIFE OF THIS 2701 02:25:21,001 --> 02:25:23,000 EARMARK REQUESTED A SINGLE 2702 02:25:23,001 --> 02:25:25,000 DOLLAR FOR THE PROGRAM. 2703 02:25:25,001 --> 02:25:28,000 SO 2704 02:25:28,001 --> 02:25:29,000 BEEN FORCED TO SPEND MORE THA 2705 02:25:29,001 --> 02:25:31,000 THAN $75 MILLION OF ITS BUDGET 2706 02:25:31,001 --> 02:25:34,000 ALLOCATION ON A PROGRAM IT 2707 02:25:34,001 --> 02:25:39,000 DOESN'T WANT BUT MIGHT BE ABLE 2708 02:25:39,001 --> 02:25:41,000 TO USE ONLY TO BE DENIED USE 95% 2709 02:25:41,001 --> 02:25:43,000 OF THE TIME. 2710 02:25:43,001 --> 02:25:44,000 I DON'T DISPUTE SOME OF THE 2711 02:25:44,001 --> 02:25:46,000 EARMARKS LISTED IN THIS BILL 2712 02:25:46,001 --> 02:25:47,000 HAVE VALUE. 2713 02:25:47,001 --> 02:25:51,000 I'M SURE THEY DO. 2714 02:25:51,001 --> 02:25:53,000 I PROTEST THE PROGRESS WHERE 2715 02:25:53,001 --> 02:25:54,000 CONGRESS -- SO THAT MEMBERS CAN 2716 02:25:54,001 --> 02:25:55,000 DELIVER TAX DOLLARS TO THEIR 2717 02:25:55,001 --> 02:25:56,000 CONSTITUENTS FOR PROGRAMS WHICH 2718 02:25:56,001 --> 02:25:59,000 MAY HAVE NOTHING TO DO WITH THE 2719 02:25:59,001 --> 02:26:03,000 DEFENSE OF OUR NATION. 2720 02:26:03,001 --> 02:26:04,000 AT A TIME WE CAN LEAST AFFORD TO 2721 02:26:04,001 --> 02:26:05,000 MISUSE RESOURCES. 2722 02:26:05,001 --> 02:26:07,000 WE KNOW THAT THE ECONOMY IS 2723 02:26:07,001 --> 02:26:10,000 TAKING A BEATING OVER THE LAST YEAR. 2724 02:26:10,001 --> 02:26:15,000 UNEMPLOYMENT IS JUST UNDER 2725 02:26:15,001 --> 02:26:16,000 THE NATIONAL DEBT I 2726 02:26:16,001 --> 02:26:19,000 IS $11.8 TRILLION. 2727 02:26:19,001 --> 02:26:25,000 WE WILL PROVIDE $20 MILLION TO A 2728 02:26:25,001 --> 02:26:28,000 CENTER WHOSE PURPOSE IS TO 2729 02:26:28,001 --> 02:26:31,000 THE USE OF THE 2730 02:26:31,001 --> 02:26:33,000 WE ARE ALL REQUIRED TO MAKE SACRIFICES. 2731 02:26:33,001 --> 02:26:34,000 IT'S ABOUT TIME WE START TO SET 2732 02:26:34,001 --> 02:26:36,000 AN EXAMPLE. 2733 02:26:36,001 --> 02:26:39,000 TODAY'S "WASHINGTON POST", AN 2734 02:26:39,001 --> 02:26:42,000 ARTICLE BY GEOFFREY SMITH, 2735 02:26:42,001 --> 02:26:44,000 "DEFENSE BILL LAUDED 2736 02:26:44,001 --> 02:26:45,000 HOUSE CONTAINS BILLIONS IN EARMARKS." 2737 02:26:45,001 --> 02:26:47,000 MR. PRESIDENT, I ASK UNANIMOUS 2738 02:26:47,001 --> 02:26:49,000 CONSENT THAT THIS MORNING'S 2739 02:26:49,001 --> 02:26:52,000 "WASHINGTON POST" STORY ENTITLED 2740 02:26:52,001 --> 02:26:56,000 "DEFENSE BILL LAUDED BY WHITE 2741 02:26:56,001 --> 02:26:57,000 HOUSE CONTINUES -- CONTAS 2742 02:26:57,001 --> 02:26:58,000 BILLIONS IN EARMARKS." 2743 02:26:58,001 --> 02:26:59,000 THE PRESIDING OFFICER: WITHOUT 2744 02:26:59,001 --> 02:27:00,000 OBJECTION. 2745 02:27:00,001 --> 02:27:04,000 MR. McCAIN: AS PART OF THIS 2746 02:27:04,001 --> 02:27:07,000 PRESIDENT OBAMA HAS REPEATEDLY 2747 02:27:07,001 --> 02:27:09,000 - 2748 02:27:09,001 --> 02:27:11,000 SPECIAL INTERESTS AND ENTRENCHED 2749 02:27:11,001 --> 02:27:13,000 LOBBYISTS THAT HE 2750 02:27:13,001 --> 02:27:15,000 DISTORTED MILITARY PRIORITIES 2751 02:27:15,001 --> 02:27:16,000 AND BLOATED APPROPRIATIINGS IN 2752 02:27:16,001 --> 02:27:17,000 THE PAST -- APPROPRIATIONS IN 2753 02:27:17,001 --> 02:27:20,000 THE PAST." 2754 02:27:20,001 --> 02:27:23,000 IN AUGUST I TOLD YOU THAT HE 2755 02:27:23,001 --> 02:27:26,000 TOLD A 2756 02:27:26,001 --> 02:27:29,000 VETERANS OF FOREIGN WAR, IF 2757 02:27:29,001 --> 02:27:30,000 THERE IS A BUNCH OF PORK, I WILL VETO. 2758 02:27:30,001 --> 02:27:32,000 MR. PRESIDENT, THIS BILL FITS 2759 02:27:32,001 --> 02:27:34,000 THAT DESCRIPTION. 2760 02:27:34,001 --> 02:27:36,000 IT GOES ON -- THE BILL WOULD 2761 02:27:36,001 --> 02:27:38,000 ADD $1 BILLION FOR AN EXTRA 2762 02:27:38,001 --> 02:27:39,000 DESTROYER, THE DEFENSE 2763 02:27:39,001 --> 02:27:42,000 DEPARTMENT DID NOT WHY IT TALKS 2764 02:27:42,001 --> 02:27:44,000 ABOUT THE C-17'S AND THE SENATE 2765 02:27:44,001 --> 02:27:45,000 PROPOSED SHIFT OF MORE THA 2766 02:27:45,001 --> 02:27:47,000 THAN $3 BILLION FROM OPERATIONS 2767 02:27:47,001 --> 02:27:50,000 AN MAINTENANCE ACCOUNTS TO 2768 02:27:50,001 --> 02:27:53,000 NOT REQUEST. 2769 02:27:53,001 --> 02:27:57,000 NO VETO WAS THREATENED OVER THOSE PROVISIONS. 2770 02:27:57,001 --> 02:27:59,000 AND I WANT TO SAY, AGAIN, MR. 2771 02:27:59,001 --> 02:28:00,000 PRESIDENT, I'M SURE THAT THE 2772 02:28:00,001 --> 02:28:03,000 MANAGERS OF THIS BILL WILL 2773 02:28:03,001 --> 02:28:05,000 SOMEHOW TRY TO JUSTIFY THIS 2774 02:28:05,001 --> 02:28:08,000 TRANSFER OUT OF OPERATIONS AND 2775 02:28:08,001 --> 02:28:09,000 MAINTENANCE INTO THE C-17. 2776 02:28:09,001 --> 02:28:12,000 IT'S NOT A CREDIBLE ARGUMENT. 2777 02:28:12,001 --> 02:28:14,000 IT'S NOT A CREDIBLE ARGUMENT. 2778 02:28:14,001 --> 02:28:18,000 THE ABSENCE OF SUCH A THREAT 2779 02:28:18,001 --> 02:28:23,000 PROVOKE WINSLO WHEELER, DIRECTOR 2780 02:28:23,001 --> 02:28:27,000 OF A MILITARY REFORM PROJECT TO 2781 02:28:27,001 --> 02:28:30,000 DESCRIBE THAT LONG-TIME SENATE 2782 02:28:30,001 --> 02:28:31,000 -- SENATE -- SENATE -- SENIOR 2783 02:28:31,001 --> 02:28:33,000 OBAMA AIDES RESPONDED THAT THE 2784 02:28:33,001 --> 02:28:35,000 WHITE HOUSE NEVER SOUGHT TO FIX 2785 02:28:35,001 --> 02:28:36,000 THE PROBLEM OF EARMARKS IN ONE 2786 02:28:36,001 --> 02:28:37,000 YEAR. 2787 02:28:37,001 --> 02:28:39,000 THE PRESIDENT HAS BEEN 2788 02:28:39,001 --> 02:28:40,000 FROM DAY ONE, HE WANTS TO CHANGE 2789 02:28:40,001 --> 02:28:41,000 THE WAY THAT BUSINESS GETS 2790 02:28:41,001 --> 02:28:44,000 IN WASHINGTON. 2791 02:28:44,001 --> 02:28:45,000 ONE THING I KNOW ABOUT EGREGIOUS 2792 02:28:45,001 --> 02:28:47,000 PRACTICES, IF YOU DON'T STOP 2793 02:28:47,001 --> 02:28:49,000 THEM EARLY IN AN ADMINISTRATION, 2794 02:28:49,001 --> 02:28:51,000 YOU NEVER WERE. 2795 02:28:51,001 --> 02:28:55,000 NOW, IT WILL BE ALLEGED THAT 2796 02:28:55,001 --> 02:28:56,000 EARMARKS ARE DOWN SOME -- THAN 2797 02:28:56,001 --> 02:28:58,000 THEY WERE BEFORE. 2798 02:28:58,001 --> 02:29:00,000 IT'S AN IMPORTANT STEP FORWARD. 2799 02:29:00,001 --> 02:29:02,000 AND THE FIGURES, THEY'LL SAY -- 2800 02:29:02,001 --> 02:29:05,000 THE SPONSOR OF THE BILL W 2801 02:29:05,001 --> 02:29:08,000 EARMARKS ARE DOWN 27% IN THE 2802 02:29:08,001 --> 02:29:10,000 HOUSE AND 19% IN THE HOUSE. 2803 02:29:10,001 --> 02:29:11,000 THESE FIGURES ARE THE MOST 2804 02:29:11,001 --> 02:29:12,000 FLATTERING THE WHITE HOUSE COULD 2805 02:29:12,001 --> 02:29:14,000 HAVE USED. 2806 02:29:14,001 --> 02:29:16,000 THEY REFER TO THE NUMBER OF 2807 02:29:16,001 --> 02:29:17,000 EARMARKS IN 2808 02:29:17,001 --> 02:29:18,000 SPENDING. 2809 02:29:18,001 --> 02:29:19,000 TOTAL SPENDING ON MILITARY 2810 02:29:19,001 --> 02:29:22,000 EARMARKS IN THE SENATE DECLINED 2811 02:29:22,001 --> 02:29:25,000 BY ONLY 11% FROM THE $3 BILLION 2812 02:29:25,001 --> 02:29:27,000 APPROVED BY CONGRESS LAST YEAR. 2813 02:29:27,001 --> 02:29:30,000 DESPITE THE FACT THAT EARMARKS 2814 02:29:30,001 --> 02:29:31,000 ARE DOWN, THERE'S STILL NEARLY 2815 02:29:31,001 --> 02:29:35,000 800 FOR PROJECTS THAT ROSE TO 2816 02:29:35,001 --> 02:29:37,000 THE TOP BY POLICAL POWER 2817 02:29:37,001 --> 02:29:39,000 RATHER THAN PROJECT MERIT SAID 2818 02:29:39,001 --> 02:29:42,000 RYAN ALEXANDER, PRESIDENT OF 2819 02:29:42,001 --> 02:29:43,000 TAXPAYERS 2820 02:29:43,001 --> 02:29:46,000 QUOTE, "THE PRESIDENT NEEDS TO 2821 02:29:46,001 --> 02:29:48,000 TAKE A HARDER LINE AGAINST WASTE 2822 02:29:48,001 --> 02:29:49,000 AND POLITICAL GAMESMANSHIP 2823 02:29:49,001 --> 02:29:52,000 PARTICULARLY IN THE DEFENSE 2824 02:29:52,001 --> 02:29:53,000 BILL, WHICH IS PAYING FOR TWO 2825 02:29:53,001 --> 02:29:55,000 YEARS." 2826 02:29:55,001 --> 02:29:56,000 HAVE AN AMENDMENT AT THE DESK 2827 02:29:56,001 --> 02:29:57,000 AND ASK FOR ITS IMMEDIATE 2828 02:29:57,001 --> 02:29:58,000 CONSIDERATION. 2829 02:29:58,001 --> 02:30:01,000 THE PRESIDING OFFICER: THE BILL 2830 02:30:01,001 --> 02:30:03,000 IS NOT YET PENDING. 2831 02:30:03,001 --> 02:30:04,000 MORNING BUSINESS IS CLOSED, 2832 02:30:04,001 --> 02:30:05,000 UNDER THE PREVIOUS ORDER THE 2833 02:30:05,001 --> 02:30:09,000 SENATE WILL RESUME CONSIDERATION 2834 02:30:09,001 --> 02:30:10,000 OF H.R. 2835 02:30:10,001 --> 02:30:13,000 WILL REPORT. 2836 02:30:13,001 --> 02:30:14,000 THE CLERK: 2837 02:30:14,001 --> 02:30:15,000 MAKING APPROPR 2838 02:30:15,001 --> 02:30:18,000 DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE FOR THE 2839 02:30:18,001 --> 02:30:19,000 FISCAL YEAR ENDING 2840 02:30:19,001 --> 02:30:22,000 2010, AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES. 2841 02:30:22,001 --> 02:30:23,000 MR. McCAIN: MR. MR. PRESIDENT? 2842 02:30:23,001 --> 02:30:24,000 THE PRESIDING OFFICER: THE 2843 02:30:24,001 --> 02:30:25,000 SENATOR FROM AIR AIR. 2844 02:30:25,001 --> 02:30:27,000 MR. McCAIN: MR. PRESIDENT, I HAVE A A 2845 02:30:27,001 --> 02:30:28,000 AND ASK 2846 02:30:28,001 --> 02:30:29,000 CONSIDERATION. THE PRESIDING OFFICER: THE CLERK 2847 02:30:29,001 --> 02:30:30,000 WILL REPORT. 2848 02:30:30,001 --> 02:30:31,000 THE CLERK: THE SENATOR FROM 2849 02:30:31,001 --> 02:30:34,000 ARIZONA, MR. McCAIN, PROSES 2850 02:30:34,001 --> 02:30:35,000 MR. McCAIN: MR. PRESIDENT, I 2851 02:30:35,001 --> 02:30:36,000 ASK FURTHER READING OF THE 2852 02:30:36,001 --> 02:30:37,000 AMENDMENT BE DISPENSED WITH. 2853 02:30:37,001 --> 02:30:39,000 THE ESIDING OFFICER: WITHOUT OBJECTION. 2854 02:30:39,001 --> 02:30:40,000 MR. McCAIN: MR. PRESIDENT, THE 2855 02:30:40,001 --> 02:30:42,000 AMENDMENT DESCRIEKS FUNDING 2856 02:30:42,001 --> 02:30:44,000 IN -- STRIKESUND NOT GUILTY 2857 02:30:44,001 --> 02:30:46,000 THE DEFENSE APPROPRIATIONS BILL 2858 02:30:46,001 --> 02:30:47,000 FO 2859 02:30:47,001 --> 02:30:48,000 NEED NOR CAN AFFORD. 2860 02:30:48,001 --> 02:30:52,000 THE AMENDMENT ALSO REDIRECTS 2861 02:30:52,001 --> 02:30:53,000 THOSE FOUND CRITICALLY 2862 02:30:53,001 --> 02:30:54,000 OPERATIONS AND MAINTENANCE 2863 02:30:54,001 --> 02:30:57,000 ACCOUNTS WHICH THE APPROPRIATORS 2864 02:30:57,001 --> 02:30:59,000 HAVE SEEN FIT TO CUT. 2865 02:30:59,001 --> 02:31:02,000 AT ABOUT $250 MILLION PER 2866 02:31:02,001 --> 02:31:03,000 AIRCRAFT, THE TOTAL COST TO THE 2867 02:31:03,001 --> 02:31:07,000 TAXPAYER OF THE 2868 02:31:07,001 --> 02:31:08,000 THIS BILL 2869 02:31:08,001 --> 02:31:09,000 BUT HOW ARE WE PAYING FOR THESE 2870 02:31:09,001 --> 02:31:11,000 AIRCRAFT? 2871 02:31:11,001 --> 02:31:13,000 FROM THE CUTS MADE IN THE BILL, 2872 02:31:13,001 --> 02:31:15,000 IT APPEARS MUCH OF THE OFFSET 2873 02:31:15,001 --> 02:31:17,000 FOR PAYING FOR THE TEN AIRCRAFT 2874 02:31:17,001 --> 02:31:19,000 FALLS ON THE O&M ACCOUNTS. 2875 02:31:19,001 --> 02:31:22,000 SO WHY ARE WE BUYING C-17'S THAT 2876 02:31:22,001 --> 02:31:25,000 WE DON'T NEED AND CAN'T AFFORD 2877 02:31:25,001 --> 02:31:28,000 WHILE AT THE SAME 2878 02:31:28,001 --> 02:31:30,000 OVERALL O&M ACCOUNTS BY $3 BILLION? 2879 02:31:30,001 --> 02:31:32,000 NOW, I AM SURE THAT THE MANAGERS 2880 02:31:32,001 --> 02:31:34,000 OF THE BILL WILL JUSTIFY THIS 2881 02:31:34,001 --> 02:31:37,000 CUT IN OPERATIONS AND MAINTENANCE. 2882 02:31:37,001 --> 02:31:38,000 I WOULD RELY ON THE JUDGMENT OF 2883 02:31:38,001 --> 02:31:39,000 THE SECRETARY OF DEFENSE AND THE 2884 02:31:39,001 --> 02:31:41,000 CHAIRMAN AND MEMBERS OF THE 2885 02:31:41,001 --> 02:31:43,000 JOINT CHIEFS OF STAFF, WHO WILL 2886 02:31:43,001 --> 02:31:47,000 TELL YOU THEY NEED THIS MONEY 2887 02:31:47,001 --> 02:31:48,000 FOR OPERATIONS AND MAINTENANCE. 2888 02:31:48,001 --> 02:31:51,000 I HOPE 2889 02:31:51,001 --> 02:31:53,000 WHAT IT REALLY MEANS 2890 02:31:53,001 --> 02:31:54,000 IF THIS BILL PASSES WITH THESE 2891 02:31:54,001 --> 02:31:55,000 CUTS, THE AIR FORCE IN 2892 02:31:55,001 --> 02:31:57,000 PARTICULAR WOULD BE FORCED TO 2893 02:31:57,001 --> 02:31:58,000 DECREASE FUNDING FOR TRAING, 2894 02:31:58,001 --> 02:31:59,000 EQUIPMENT, DEPOT MAINTENANCE AND 2895 02:31:59,001 --> 02:32:01,000 THE RESTORATION AND 2896 02:32:01,001 --> 02:32:03,000 MODERNIZATION OF AIR BASES 2897 02:32:03,001 --> 02:32:05,000 ACROSS THE UNITED STATES, AND 2898 02:32:05,001 --> 02:32:08,000 THEY WOULD NOT 2899 02:32:08,001 --> 02:32:10,000 THE ARMY, NAVY, MARINE CORPS AND 2900 02:32:10,001 --> 02:32:11,000 NATIONAL GUARD WOULD 2901 02:32:11,001 --> 02:32:12,000 OUT ON THE WRONG END OF THESE 2902 02:32:12,001 --> 02:32:16,000 CUTS AND WOULD BE FORCED TO 2903 02:32:16,001 --> 02:32:18,000 REDUCE FUNDING FOR FACILITIES, 2904 02:32:18,001 --> 02:32:19,000 SUSTAINMENT, TRAING AND RECRUITING. 2905 02:32:19,001 --> 02:32:22,000 AFTER EIGHT YEARS OF WAR, THE 2906 02:32:22,001 --> 02:32:25,000 ARMY'S EQUIPMENT READINESS HAS 2907 02:32:25,001 --> 02:32:26,000 FALLEN TO TRULY WORRISOME LEVELS. 2908 02:32:26,001 --> 02:32:28,000 IN TESTIMONY BEFORE THE ARM 2909 02:32:28,001 --> 02:32:31,000 SERVICES COMMITTEE THIS YEAR, 2910 02:32:31,001 --> 02:32:32,000 SECRETARY OF THE ARMY PETE 2911 02:32:32,001 --> 02:32:33,000 GUERRIN SAID -- AND I QUOTE -- 2912 02:32:33,001 --> 02:32:36,000 "PREDICTABLE AND TIMELY FUNDING 2913 02:32:36,001 --> 02:32:38,000 IS KEY FOR US TO BE ABLE TO 2914 02:32:38,001 --> 02:32:41,000 OPERATE AN ORGANIZATION THE SIZE 2915 02:32:41,001 --> 02:32:42,000 OF THE UNITED STATES ARMY. 2916 02:32:42,001 --> 02:32:45,000 WHEN FUNDING IS UNPREDICTABLE, 2917 02:32:45,001 --> 02:32:46,000 IT MAKES IT VERY HARD TO PLAN 2918 02:32:46,001 --> 02:32:47,000 LONG TERM." 2919 02:32:47,001 --> 02:32:50,000 MR. PRESIDENT, I'VE SEEN A 2920 02:32:50,001 --> 02:32:52,000 HOLLOW ARMY, DEEPLY DEGRADED IN 2921 02:32:52,001 --> 02:32:54,000 THE DECADE AFTER VIETNAM AND 2922 02:32:54,001 --> 02:32:56,000 AGAIN DURING THE DRAWDOWN OF THE 1990'S. 2923 02:32:56,001 --> 02:32:58,000 TODAY'S FORCES ARE NOT IN SUCH 2924 02:32:58,001 --> 02:33:01,000 DIRE STRAITS AS THOSE, BUT EIGHT 2925 02:33:01,001 --> 02:33:03,000 YEARS OF WAR HAS TAKEN ITS TOLL 2926 02:33:03,001 --> 02:33:05,000 ON THE ARMY, MARINES, GUARD 2927 02:33:05,001 --> 02:33:07,000 RESERVE COMPONENT GROUND FORCES. 2928 02:33:07,001 --> 02:33:08,000 AS GENERAL GEORGE CASEY SAID IN 2929 02:33:08,001 --> 02:33:10,000 TESTIMONY THIS SPRING -- 2930 02:33:10,001 --> 02:33:13,000 QUOTE -- "CURRENT DEMAND FOR OUR 2931 02:33:13,001 --> 02:33:14,000 FORCES 2932 02:33:14,001 --> 02:33:16,000 SUPPLY, PARTICULARLY IN A 2933 02:33:16,001 --> 02:33:17,000 OF WAR, I URGE MY COLLEAGUES TO 2934 02:33:17,001 --> 02:33:21,000 INVEST IN THE RECAPITALIZATION 2935 02:33:21,001 --> 02:33:24,000 OF OUR GROUND FORCES, NOT FUND 2936 02:33:24,001 --> 02:33:26,000 AIRCRAFT WE NEITHER NEED NOR 2937 02:33:26,001 --> 02:33:27,000 AFFORD WITH THOSE INVESTMENTS. 2938 02:33:27,001 --> 02:33:28,000 FINAL, I WANT TO MENTION THE 2939 02:33:28,001 --> 02:33:30,000 ARMY RE -- 2940 02:33:30,001 --> 02:33:31,000 FINALLY, I WANT TO MENTION THE 2941 02:33:31,001 --> 02:33:32,000 ARMY RESERVE AND NATIONAL GUARD 2942 02:33:32,001 --> 02:33:33,000 IN WHICH GENERAL CASEY 2943 02:33:33,001 --> 02:33:35,000 DESCRIBED -- QUOTE -- 2944 02:33:35,001 --> 02:33:36,000 "PERFORMING AN OPERATIONAL ROLE 2945 02:33:36,001 --> 02:33:38,000 FOR WHICH THEY WERE NEITHER 2946 02:33:38,001 --> 02:33:41,000 ORIGINALLY DESIGNED NOR RECESSED." 2947 02:33:41,001 --> 02:33:43,000 IN MY VIEW, ANY DOUBT THEIR 2948 02:33:43,001 --> 02:33:45,000 OPERATIONS AND MAINTENANCE -- 2949 02:33:45,001 --> 02:33:47,000 CUT IN THEIR OPERATIONS AND MAY 2950 02:33:47,001 --> 02:33:49,000 NOT THEN IN ACCOUNTS WILL -- 2951 02:33:49,001 --> 02:33:51,000 MAINTENANCE ACCOUNTS WILL 2952 02:33:51,001 --> 02:33:53,000 DEGRADE THEIR ABILITY TO RESPOND 2953 02:33:53,001 --> 02:33:54,000 EITHER AT HOME OR 2954 02:33:54,001 --> 02:33:55,000 AND I AM SURE THE SECRETARY OF 2955 02:33:55,001 --> 02:33:57,000 DEFENSE WOULD SAY HE WOULD LIKE 2956 02:33:57,001 --> 02:34:00,000 A LOT MORE BECAUSE OF THE 2957 02:34:00,001 --> 02:34:02,000 ALREADY WEAR AND TEAR AND 2958 02:34:02,001 --> 02:34:03,000 DEGRADATION OF MUCH OF OUR 2959 02:34:03,001 --> 02:34:06,000 EQUIPMENT AND CAPABILITIES. 2960 02:34:06,001 --> 02:34:07,000 WE CAN AND MUST DO BETTER. 2961 02:34:07,001 --> 02:34:09,000 LEFT UNCORRECTED, WHAT WE WOULD 2962 02:34:09,001 --> 02:34:11,000 DO IN THIS BILL IS EFFECTIVELY 2963 02:34:11,001 --> 02:34:12,000 FUND THE PURCHASE OF NEW 2964 02:34:12,001 --> 02:34:15,000 AIRCRAFT THAT WE NEITHER NEED 2965 02:34:15,001 --> 02:34:16,000 NOR CAN AFFORD WITH CRITICAL 2966 02:34:16,001 --> 02:34:17,000 SUSTAINMENT MONEY. 2967 02:34:17,001 --> 02:34:20,000 THAT WOULD HAVE A SIGNIFICANT 2968 02:34:20,001 --> 02:34:22,000 IMPACT ON OUR ABILITY TO PROVIDE 2969 02:34:22,001 --> 02:34:23,000 THE DAY-TO-DAY OPERATIONAL 2970 02:34:23,001 --> 02:34:25,000 FUNDING THAT OUR SERVICEMEN AND 2971 02:34:25,001 --> 02:34:26,000 WOMEN AND THEIR FAMILIES 2972 02:34:26,001 --> 02:34:28,000 DESE 2973 02:34:28,001 --> 02:34:30,000 THE MERITS OF THE C-17 EARMARK ITSELF. 2974 02:34:30,001 --> 02:34:31,000 IF SOME OF THOSE REMARKS SOUND 2975 02:34:31,001 --> 02:34:33,000 FAMILIAR, THAT'S BECAUSE I WAS 2976 02:34:33,001 --> 02:34:37,000 ON THE FLOOR LESS THAN THREE 2977 02:34:37,001 --> 02:34:38,000 MONTHS AGO SPEAKING ABOUT C-17'S 2978 02:34:38,001 --> 02:34:39,000 WHEN THE SENATE APPROPRIATIONS 2979 02:34:39,001 --> 02:34:43,000 COMMITTEE EARMARKED EIGHT OF 2980 02:34:43,001 --> 02:34:45,000 THES 2981 02:34:45,001 --> 02:34:48,000 SUPPLEMENTAL APPROPRIATIONS BILL 2982 02:34:48,001 --> 02:34:49,000 AT A COST OF $2.25 BILLION. 2983 02:34:49,001 --> 02:34:51,000 THAT'S RIGHT, IN JUST THREE 2984 02:34:51,001 --> 02:34:58,000 MONTHS, 2985 02:34:58,001 --> 02:35:03,000 $5 BILLION FOR 18 C-17 AIRCRAFT 2986 02:35:03,001 --> 02:35:06,000 AFFORD. 2987 02:35:06,001 --> 02:35:07,000 AGAINST THAT BACKDROP, OVER THE 2988 02:35:07,001 --> 02:35:09,000 LAST THREE YEARS, 2989 02:35:09,001 --> 02:35:11,000 HOUSE HAS ACTIVELY BEEN TRYING 2990 02:35:11,001 --> 02:35:13,000 TO CLOSE DOWN COUNTRY-17 2991 02:35:13,001 --> 02:35:15,000 PRODUCTION LINE -- CLOSE DOWN 2992 02:35:15,001 --> 02:35:17,000 THE C-17 PRODUCTION LINE, ASKING 2993 02:35:17,001 --> 02:35:18,000 FOR AS MUCH AS $3 BILLION PER 2994 02:35:18,001 --> 02:35:20,000 YEAR TO SHUT DOWN THE LINE. 2995 02:35:20,001 --> 02:35:21,000 BUT OVER THAT SAME PERKED THE 2996 02:35:21,001 --> 02:35:29,000 APPROPRIATORS HAVE BEEN WORKING 2997 02:35:29,001 --> 02:35:31,000 IN THE EXACT 2998 02:35:31,001 --> 02:35:32,000 AND CONTINUED FUNDING IN 2999 02:35:32,001 --> 02:35:33,000 SUPPLEMENTAL WAR FUNDING BILLS, 3000 02:35:33,001 --> 02:35:36,000 BILLS THAT ARE SUPPOSED TO BE 3001 02:35:36,001 --> 02:35:37,000 USED TO FUND THE WARS IN IRAQ 3002 02:35:37,001 --> 02:35:39,000 AND AFGHANISTAN. 3003 02:35:39,001 --> 02:35:41,000 SO DESPITE THAT THE 3004 02:35:41,001 --> 02:35:46,000 DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE'S OVERALL 3005 02:35:46,001 --> 02:35:48,000 REQUIREMENTS FOR C-17'S TON SIT'S CONTINUE 3006 02:35:48,001 --> 02:35:49,000 TO SIT AT 180. 3007 02:35:49,001 --> 02:35:50,000 THE APPROPRIATORS HAVE REQUIRED 3008 02:35:50,001 --> 02:35:54,000 THE DEPARTMENT TO BUY THROUGH 3009 02:35:54,001 --> 02:35:56,000 FISCAL YEAR 2007 A TOTAL OF 3010 02:35:56,001 --> 02:35:57,000 AND THEY'VE DONE SO BEFORE TWO 3011 02:35:57,001 --> 02:35:59,000 KEY STUDIES HAVE BEEN COMPLETED. 3012 02:35:59,001 --> 02:36:00,000 THIS CHART ILLUSTRATES WHAT'S 3013 02:36:00,001 --> 02:36:03,000 GOING ON HERE. 3014 02:36:03,001 --> 02:36:05,000 MARKED IN RED ARE THOSE C-17'S 3015 02:36:05,001 --> 02:36:06,000 THE APPROPRIATORS HAVE ADDED. WHY? 3016 02:36:06,001 --> 02:36:08,000 BECAUSE OUR SERVICEMEN AND WOMEN 3017 02:36:08,001 --> 02:36:09,000 NEED THEM? 3018 02:36:09,001 --> 02:36:13,000 NO. 3019 02:36:13,001 --> 02:36:14,000 IN 2008 -- 2007, 2008, 2009, 3020 02:36:14,001 --> 02:36:15,000 2010, THE AIR FORCE BUDGETED 3021 02:36:15,001 --> 02:36:17,000 MONEY TO CLOSE THE LINE EACH AND 3022 02:36:17,001 --> 02:36:19,000 EVERY 3023 02:36:19,001 --> 02:36:20,000 IS THE REASON SOME SORT OF NEW 3024 02:36:20,001 --> 02:36:21,000 STIMULUS PACKAGE WHICH WILL 3025 02:36:21,001 --> 02:36:22,000 CREATE NEW JOBS? 3026 02:36:22,001 --> 02:36:24,000 NO. 3027 02:36:24,001 --> 02:36:26,000 THAT'S BECAUSE, AS I 3028 02:36:26,001 --> 02:36:30,000 THEY'VE ADDED THREE DOZEN MORE 3029 02:36:30,001 --> 02:36:32,000 C-17 THAN NEED. 3030 02:36:32,001 --> 02:36:34,000 IN FACT, RIGHT NOW THE BACKLOG 3031 02:36:34,001 --> 02:36:35,000 OF C-17 IS SUCH THAT BOEING WILL 3032 02:36:35,001 --> 02:36:37,000 NOT BEGIN BUILDING THESE 3033 02:36:37,001 --> 02:36:38,000 AIRCRAFT EARMARKED BY THE 3034 02:36:38,001 --> 02:36:41,000 APPROPRIATORS 3035 02:36:41,001 --> 02:36:42,000 YEARS. 3036 02:36:42,001 --> 02:36:45,000 IN THE BILL WE'RE DEBATING 3037 02:36:45,001 --> 02:36:46,000 TODAY, THE TEN C-17'S THAT THE 3038 02:36:46,001 --> 02:36:49,000 APPROPRIATORS WANT TO FUND WOULD 3039 02:36:49,001 --> 02:36:50,000 BRING THE TOTAL NUMBER OF C-17'S 3040 02:36:50,001 --> 02:36:53,000 THAT THE SENATE APPROPRIATIONS 3041 02:36:53,001 --> 02:36:56,000 COMMITTEE HAS ADDED ABOVE ANY 3042 02:36:56,001 --> 02:36:57,000 VALIDATED MILITARY REQUIREMENT 3043 02:36:57,001 --> 02:37:02,000 TO 44. 3044 02:37:02,001 --> 02:37:03,000 ENOUGH IS ENOUGH. 3045 02:37:03,001 --> 02:37:06,000 SO THE STATEMENT OF 3046 02:37:06,001 --> 02:37:07,000 ADMINISTRATION POLICY, THE 3047 02:37:07,001 --> 02:37:11,000 ADMINISTRATION -- QUOTE -- 3048 02:37:11,001 --> 02:37:14,000 "STRONGLY OBJECTS TO THE ADMINISTRATION -- THE ADDITION 3049 02:37:14,001 --> 02:37:17,000 OF $2.5 BILLION IN FUNDING FOR 3050 02:37:17,001 --> 02:37:18,000 TEN UNREQUESTED C-17 AIRCRAFT. 3051 02:37:18,001 --> 02:37:22,000 THE DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE OWN 3052 02:37:22,001 --> 02:37:24,000 ANALYSIS SHOWS THAT THE 205 3053 02:37:24,001 --> 02:37:26,000 C-17'S IN THE FORCE ORDER 3054 02:37:26,001 --> 02:37:28,000 TOGETHER WITH THE EXISTING FLEET 3055 02:37:28,001 --> 02:37:29,000 OF C-5 AIRCRAFT ARE SUFFICIENT 3056 02:37:29,001 --> 02:37:31,000 TO MEET THE DEPARTMENT'S FUTURE 3057 02:37:31,001 --> 02:37:33,000 AIRLIFT NEEDS, EVEN UNDER THE 3058 02:37:33,001 --> 02:37:34,000 MOST STRESSING CONDITIONS." 3059 02:37:34,001 --> 02:37:37,000 SECRETARY GATES HAS LIKEWISE 3060 02:37:37,001 --> 02:37:39,000 SAID VERY CLEARLY THAT THE 3061 02:37:39,001 --> 02:37:41,000 MILITARY HAS NO ND TO BUY MORE 3062 02:37:41,001 --> 02:37:43,000 C-17'S SECRETARY GATES CALLED 3063 02:37:43,001 --> 02:37:45,000 THE C-17, AND I AGREE, A 3064 02:37:45,001 --> 02:37:46,000 TERRIFIC AIRCRAFT. 3065 02:37:46,001 --> 02:37:48,000 HE STRESSED EARLIER THIS YEAR 3066 02:37:48,001 --> 02:37:52,000 THAT THE AIR FORCE AND THE U.S. 3067 02:37:52,001 --> 02:37:53,000 TRANSPORTAON COMMAND -- 3068 02:37:53,001 --> 02:37:54,000 QUOTE -- "HAVE MORE THAN 3069 02:37:54,001 --> 02:37:55,000 NECESSARY STRATEGIC AIRLIFT 3070 02:37:55,001 --> 02:37:59,000 CAPACITY FOR AIRCRAFT OVER THE 3071 02:37:59,001 --> 02:38:00,000 NEXT TEN YEARS." 3072 02:38:00,001 --> 02:38:02,000 NONETHELESS, CONTINUING C-17 3073 02:38:02,001 --> 02:38:04,000 PRODUCTION WOULD COST ABOUT 3074 02:38:04,001 --> 02:38:07,000 $3 BILLION PER YEAR FROM 2010 3075 02:38:07,001 --> 02:38:09,000 AFTERWARDS. 3076 02:38:09,001 --> 02:38:10,000 THERE IS LITTLE REASON WHY, IN 3077 02:38:10,001 --> 02:38:13,000 CONNECTION WITH THE 2010 BUDGET 3078 02:38:13,001 --> 02:38:14,000 REQUEST, THE PRESIDENT NOT ONLY 3079 02:38:14,001 --> 02:38:16,000 REQUESTED NO FUNDING FOR 3080 02:38:16,001 --> 02:38:18,000 ADDITIONAL C-17'S BUT ALSO 3081 02:38:18,001 --> 02:38:19,000 RECOMMENDED THIS PROGRAM FOR 3082 02:38:19,001 --> 02:38:23,000 TERMINATION. 3083 02:38:23,001 --> 02:38:25,000 IN LIGHT OF TODAY'S FINANCIAL 3084 02:38:25,001 --> 02:38:26,000 EXIGENCIES, TONGUE SPEND 3085 02:38:26,001 --> 02:38:28,000 BILLIONS -- CONTINUING TO SPEND 3086 02:38:28,001 --> 02:38:29,000 BILLIONS OF DOLLARS FOR 3087 02:38:29,001 --> 02:38:30,000 THAT THE PENTAGON JUST DOESN'T 3088 02:38:30,001 --> 02:38:32,000 NEED AND CAN'T AFFORD IS 3089 02:38:32,001 --> 02:38:33,000 BECOMING INCREASINGLY 3090 02:38:33,001 --> 02:38:37,000 UNSUSTAINABLE. 3091 02:38:37,001 --> 02:38:40,000 SO -- MORE SO THAN ALMOST ANY 3092 02:38:40,001 --> 02:38:41,000 OTHER EARMARK EAR MARK I'VE DISCUSSED ON 3093 02:38:41,001 --> 02:38:43,000 THE FLOOR, THIS EARMARK SHOWS 3094 02:38:43,001 --> 02:38:44,000 THAT OUR PRIORITIES ARE JUST 3095 02:38:44,001 --> 02:38:46,000 ABOUT THE OPPOSITE OF WHERE THEY 3096 02:38:46,001 --> 02:38:48,000 SHOULD BE. 3097 02:38:48,001 --> 02:38:50,000 FOR THAT REASON, I AM PERSUADED 3098 02:38:50,001 --> 02:38:52,000 BY THE STRENGTH OF SECRETARY 3099 02:38:52,001 --> 02:38:53,000 GATES' OPPOSITION AND I FIND 3100 02:38:53,001 --> 02:38:55,000 UNACCEPTABLE THE APPARENT SOURCE 3101 02:38:55,001 --> 02:38:57,000 OF FUNDING FOR THIS EARMARK AND 3102 02:38:57,001 --> 02:38:58,000 URGE THE MEMBERS OF THIS BODY TO 3103 02:38:58,001 --> 02:39:00,000 SUPPORT MY AMENDME 3104 02:39:00,001 --> 02:39:03,000 AS I MENTIONED BEFORE, THE 3105 02:39:03,001 --> 02:39:06,000 AMENDMENT WOU 3106 02:39:06,001 --> 02:39:07,000 FROM FUNDING -- FROM BUYING THE 3107 02:39:07,001 --> 02:39:10,000 C-17'S WE DON'T NEED AND CAN'T 3108 02:39:10,001 --> 02:39:11,000 AFFORD TO CRITICALLY OPERATIONS 3109 02:39:11,001 --> 02:39:13,000 AN 3110 02:39:13,001 --> 02:39:16,000 ARE THE LIFEBLOOD OF OUR TROOPS 3111 02:39:16,001 --> 02:39:18,000 AND THEIR FILIES. 3112 02:39:18,001 --> 02:39:19,000 SO WE HAVE A CHOICE IN THIS 3113 02:39:19,001 --> 02:39:21,000 AMENDMENT, MR. PRESIDENT. 3114 02:39:21,001 --> 02:39:25,000 WE CAN EITHER CONTINUE TO FUND 3115 02:39:25,001 --> 02:39:27,000 AN AIRPLANE 3116 02:39:27,001 --> 02:39:28,000 NEITHER WANTS NOR NEEDS, OR WE 3117 02:39:28,001 --> 02:39:31,000 CAN RESTORE THE CUTS IN FUNDING 3118 02:39:31,001 --> 02:39:32,000 IN OPERATIONS AND MAINTENANCE 3119 02:39:32,001 --> 02:39:33,000 WHICH, ACCORDING TO THE 3120 02:39:33,001 --> 02:39:35,000 TESTIMONY OF EVERY 3121 02:39:35,001 --> 02:39:36,000 LEADER, IS BADLY NEEDED AND 3122 02:39:36,001 --> 02:39:38,000 WANTED. 3123 02:39:38,001 --> 02:39:39,000 THE BODY WILL BE PRESENTED WITH 3124 02:39:39,001 --> 02:39:41,000 THAT CHOICE. 3125 02:39:41,001 --> 02:39:43,000 MR. PRESIDENT, I ASK FOR THE 3126 02:39:43,001 --> 02:39:44,000 YEAS AND NAYS ON THIS AMENDMENT. 3127 02:39:44,001 --> 02:39:45,000 THE PRESIDING OFFICER: IS THERE 3128 02:39:45,001 --> 02:39:48,000 A SUFFICIENT SECOND? 3129 02:39:48,001 --> 02:39:49,000 THERE APPEARS TO BE. 3130 02:39:49,001 --> 02:39:50,000 MR. McCAIN: YIELD THE FLOOR. 3131 02:39:50,001 --> 02:39:51,000 MR. BROWN: 3132 02:39:51,001 --> 02:39:52,000 SR. MR. PRE THE PRESIDING OFFICER: THE 3133 02:39:52,001 --> 02:39:54,000 SENATOR FROM OHIO. 3134 02:39:54,001 --> 02:39:55,000 MR. BROWN: THANKS, MR. PRESIDENT. 3135 02:39:55,001 --> 02:39:56,000 I ASK UNANIMOUS CONSENT TO SPEAK 3136 02:39:56,001 --> 02:39:57,000 AS IF IN MORNING BUSINESS FOR UP 3137 02:39:57,001 --> 02:39:59,000 TO TEN MINUTES. THE PRESIDING OFFICER: WITHOUT 3138 02:39:59,001 --> 02:40:01,000 OBJECTION. 3139 02:40:01,001 --> 02:40:02,000 MR. BROWN: THANK YOU, MR. PRESIDENT. 3140 02:40:02,001 --> 02:40:04,000 AS CONGRESS DEBATES HEALTH 3141 02:40:04,001 --> 02:40:05,000 REFORM AND CLIMATE CHANGE, WE 3142 02:40:05,001 --> 02:40:07,000 MUST ALSO REMBER THAT 3143 02:40:07,001 --> 02:40:09,000 EDUCATION IS ANOTHER ONE OF THE 3144 02:40:09,001 --> 02:40:11,000 GREAT MORAL ISSUES OF OUR TIME. 3145 02:40:11,001 --> 02:40:14,000 LAST WEEK, MY WASHITON OFFICE 3146 02:40:14,001 --> 02:40:15,000 WAS HONORED TO HAVE DEANTHONY 3147 02:40:15,001 --> 02:40:17,000 CUMMINGS SERVE AS AN INTERN FOR 3148 02:40:17,001 --> 02:40:19,000 THE DAY. 3149 02:40:19,001 --> 02:40:20,000 DEANTHONY WAS ONE OF ONLY 60 3150 02:40:20,001 --> 02:40:22,000 STUDENTS SELECTED 3151 02:40:22,001 --> 02:40:24,000 TRAVEL TO WASHINGTON AND 3152 02:40:24,001 --> 02:40:25,000 PARTICIPATE IN JOB CORPS DAY 45, 3153 02:40:25,001 --> 02:40:27,000 YEARS OF BUILDING LIVES AND 3154 02:40:27,001 --> 02:40:28,000 LAUNCHING CAREERS. 3155 02:40:28,001 --> 02:40:30,000 FOR MORE THAN FOU DECADES, JOB 3156 02:40:30,001 --> 02:40:33,000 CORPS CENTERS AROUND THE NATION 3157 02:40:33,001 --> 02:40:34,000 HAVE PROVIDED VOCATIONAL AND 3158 02:40:34,001 --> 02:40:36,000 ACADEMIC TRAING FOR NEARLY 3159 02:40:36,001 --> 02:40:37,000 3 MILLION ECONOMICALLY 3160 02:40:37,001 --> 02:40:39,000 DISADVANTAGED YOUNG AMERICANS. 3161 02:40:39,001 --> 02:40:40,000 DEANTHONY'S ENROLLED IN THE 3162 02:40:40,001 --> 02:40:42,000 CINCINNATI JOB CORPS SUPER, 3163 02:40:42,001 --> 02:40:43,000 WHERE HE'S SERVING HIS SECOND 3164 02:40:43,001 --> 02:40:44,000 TERM AS CLASS PREDENT. 3165 02:40:44,001 --> 02:40:46,000 I VISITED WITH HIM SEVERAL 3166 02:40:46,001 --> 02:40:48,000 MONTHS AGO AND HIS FRIENDS AT 3167 02:40:48,001 --> 02:40:50,000 JOB CORPS THERE. 3168 02:40:50,001 --> 02:40:52,000 THE OLDEST SIB BLING, 3169 02:40:52,001 --> 02:40:53,000 DETHONY WANTS TO SET A GOOD 3170 02:40:53,001 --> 02:40:55,000 EXAMPLE FOR HIS FAMILY. 3171 02:40:55,001 --> 02:40:56,000 HE SAID THAT JOB CORPS' PREPARED 3172 02:40:56,001 --> 02:40:57,000 HIM FOR COLLEGE, WHERE HE WANTS 3173 02:40:57,001 --> 02:40:58,000 TO STUDY PSYCHOLOGY AND 3174 02:40:58,001 --> 02:41:00,000 POLITICAL SCIENCE. 3175 02:41:00,001 --> 02:41:01,000 HE TOLD ME WANTS TO RUN FOR 3176 02:41:01,001 --> 02:41:03,000 ELECTIVE OFFIC SOMEDAY TO SERVE 3177 02:41:03,001 --> 02:41:05,000 HIS CONTRACT. 3178 02:41:05,001 --> 02:41:06,000 HE DESERVES AN EDUCATION SYSTEM 3179 02:41:06,001 --> 02:41:07,000 THAT HELPS HIM GET THERE. 3180 02:41:07,001 --> 02:41:09,000 IN THE COMING WEEKS, THE SENATE 3181 02:41:09,001 --> 02:41:11,000 WILL TAKE UP A MAJOR BILL TO 3182 02:41:11,001 --> 02:41:14,000 EXPAND STUDENT AID AND EDUCATION 3183 02:41:14,001 --> 02:41:16,000 FUNDING AT NO ADDITIONAL COST TO TAXPAYERS. 3184 02:41:16,001 --> 02:41:17,000 FOR ASPIRING COLLEGE STUDENTS 3185 02:41:17,001 --> 02:41:19,000 LIKE DEANTHONY, THE BILL WOULD 3186 02:41:19,001 --> 02:41:22,000 MOVE ALL 3187 02:41:22,001 --> 02:41:24,000 TO THE MORE EFFICIENT AND LESS 3188 02:41:24,001 --> 02:41:26,000 COSTLY PUBLIC DIRECT LOAN 3189 02:41:26,001 --> 02:41:28,000 PROGRAM. 3190 02:41:28,001 --> 02:41:30,000 THE $87 BILLION IN SAVINGS OVER 3191 02:41:30,001 --> 02:41:32,000 TEN YEARS CAN BE INVESTED IN 3192 02:41:32,001 --> 02:41:34,000 EDUCATIONAL STUDENTS FOR OUR 3193 02:41:34,001 --> 02:41:35,000 STUDENTS, FOR OUR FUTURE 3194 02:41:35,001 --> 02:41:36,000 TEACHERS AND DOCTORS AND 3195 02:41:36,001 --> 02:41:39,000 ENGINEERS AND SCIENTISTS AND 3196 02:41:39,001 --> 02:41:41,000 COMPUTER TECHNICIANS AND 3197 02:41:41,001 --> 02:41:42,000 FARMERS. 3198 02:41:42,001 --> 02:41:43,000 THE BILL WILL PROTECT A 3199 02:41:43,001 --> 02:41:45,000 STUDENT'S PURCHASING POWER OF A 3200 02:41:45,001 --> 02:41:48,000 PELL GRANT BY ENSURING THAT THE 3201 02:41:48,001 --> 02:41:49,000 MAXIMUM GRANT GROWS FASTER THAN 3202 02:41:49,001 --> 02:41:51,000 INFLATION, AS SENATOR CASEY FROM 3203 02:41:51,001 --> 02:41:53,000 PENNSYLVANIA HERE, WHO'S WITH US 3204 02:41:53,001 --> 02:41:55,000 TODAY SITTING NEAR ME, WAS -- HE 3205 02:41:55,001 --> 02:41:57,000 AND I LAST YEAR WORKED TO RAISE 3206 02:41:57,001 --> 02:41:58,000 THOSE PELL GRANTS THAT HADN'T 3207 02:41:58,001 --> 02:42:00,000 BEEN RAISED IN FIVE OR SIX YEARS 3208 02:42:00,001 --> 02:42:01,000 AND GET THEM TO THE PLACE WHERE 3209 02:42:01,001 --> 02:42:02,000 STUDENTS HAVE MORE OPPORTUNITY 3210 02:42:02,001 --> 02:42:04,000 TO GO TO SCHOOL. 3211 02:42:04,001 --> 02:42:05,000 FOR STUDENTS ATTENDING COLLEGE 3212 02:42:05,001 --> 02:42:10,000 TODAY, THE MAXIMUM PELL GRANT IS 3213 02:42:10,001 --> 02:42:12,000 NOW $5,3050, AN HISTORIC HIGH. 3214 02:42:12,001 --> 02:42:13,000 BY ELIMINATING WASTEFUL 3215 02:42:13,001 --> 02:42:15,000 SUBSIDIES TO LENDERS, WE CAN 3216 02:42:15,001 --> 02:42:17,000 MAKE COLLEGE MORE AFFORDABLE AND 3217 02:42:17,001 --> 02:42:19,000 FOCUS OUR ATTENTION ON RETENTION 3218 02:42:19,001 --> 02:42:20,000 AND STUDENT SUCCESS. 3219 02:42:20,001 --> 02:42:21,000 AND THAT'S WHERE ONE OF THE 3220 02:42:21,001 --> 02:42:22,000 NATION'S MOST VALUABLE RESOURCES 3221 02:42:22,001 --> 02:42:24,000 PLAYS A CRITICAL ROLE. 3222 02:42:24,001 --> 02:42:25,000 THE COMMUNITY COLLEGE 3223 02:42:25,001 --> 02:42:26,000 ESSENTIAL TO TRAING OUR 3224 02:42:26,001 --> 02:42:29,000 TALENTED WORKERS AND STUDENTS 3225 02:42:29,001 --> 02:42:31,000 FOR NEW JOBS IN NEW INDUSTRIES. 3226 02:42:31,001 --> 02:42:33,000 LAST MONTH, "THE NEW YORK TIMES" 3227 02:42:33,001 --> 02:42:36,000 REPORTED HOW SINCLAIR COMMUNITY 3228 02:42:36,001 --> 02:42:37,000 COLLEGE IN DAYTON FOCUSES ON 3229 02:42:37,001 --> 02:42:39,000 JOBS, NOT JUST DEGREES. 3230 02:42:39,001 --> 02:42:41,000 PRESIDENT OBAMA'S AMERICAN 3231 02:42:41,001 --> 02:42:43,000 GRADUATION INITIATIVE HAS 3232 02:42:43,001 --> 02:42:45,000 PROPOSED INVESTING $12 BILLION 3233 02:42:45,001 --> 02:42:47,000 IN COMMUNITY COLLEGES AND 3234 02:42:47,001 --> 02:42:48,000 INCREASINGLY NUMBER OF COMMUNITY 3235 02:42:48,001 --> 02:42:50,000 COLLEGE GRADUATES BY 5 MILLION 3236 02:42:50,001 --> 02:42:52,000 OVER THE NEXT DECADE. 3237 02:42:52,001 --> 02:42:54,000 DR. JILL BIDEN, ONE OF THE 3238 02:42:54,001 --> 02:42:57,000 NATION'S MOST ELOQUENT RECOGNIZE 3239 02:42:57,001 --> 02:42:59,000 ON COMMUNITY COLLEGES, SAID, "COMMUNITY COLLEGES CHANGE LIVES 3240 02:42:59,001 --> 02:43:01,000 AND SERVE AS A GATEWAY TO 3241 02:43:01,001 --> 02:43:03,000 OPPORTUNITY FOR STUDENTS AT ALL 3242 02:43:03,001 --> 02:43:04,000 STAGES OF THEIR LIVES AND 3243 02:43:04,001 --> 02:43:06,000 CAREERS 3244 02:43:06,001 --> 02:43:07,000 A FEW MONTHS AGO AT A 3245 02:43:07,001 --> 02:43:08,000 CONSTITUENT COFFEE IN 3246 02:43:08,001 --> 02:43:10,000 WASHINGTON, I MET AN OHIOAN WHO 3247 02:43:10,001 --> 02:43:11,000 INSPIRED ME. 3248 02:43:11,001 --> 02:43:13,000 DENAI FROM COLUMBUS GREW UP WITH 3249 02:43:13,001 --> 02:43:14,000 13 DIFFERENT FOSTER CARE 3250 02:43:14,001 --> 02:43:16,000 FAMILIES AND SPENTIME AT THE 3251 02:43:16,001 --> 02:43:17,000 DEPARTMENT OF YOUTH SERVICES. 3252 02:43:17,001 --> 02:43:19,000 BUT SHE BELIEVED THAT BETTER 3253 02:43:19,001 --> 02:43:20,000 THINGS WERE AHEAD FOR HER. 3254 02:43:20,001 --> 02:43:22,000 DENAI WORKED HARD, SHE EARNED 3255 02:43:22,001 --> 02:43:24,000 HER G.E.D., SHE ENROLLED IN 3256 02:43:24,001 --> 02:43:26,000 COLUMBUS STATE UNIVERSITY. 3257 02:43:26,001 --> 02:43:27,000 SHE'S NOW FINISHING UP NURSING 3258 02:43:27,001 --> 02:43:28,000 SCHOOL AND WILL START A NEW JOB 3259 02:43:28,001 --> 02:43:30,000 IN THE FALL. 3260 02:43:30,001 --> 02:43:31,000 LEGISLATION LIKE THE 3261 02:43:31,001 --> 02:43:33,000 STUDENT SUCCESS ACT, WHICH I 3262 02:43:33,001 --> 02:43:35,000 RECENTLY INTRODUCED, WILL HELP 3263 02:43:35,001 --> 02:43:36,000 COMMUNITY COLLEGE GRADUATES 3264 02:43:36,001 --> 02:43:37,000 GENERATE -- WILL HELP COMMUNITY 3265 02:43:37,001 --> 02:43:38,000 COLLEGE GENERATE BETTER OUTCOME 3266 02:43:38,001 --> 02:43:39,000 FOR THEIR STUDENTS. 3267 02:43:39,001 --> 02:43:41,000 IT'S THAT TYPE OF FEDERAL 3268 02:43:41,001 --> 02:43:43,000 INVESTMENT THAT WILL HELP 3269 02:43:43,001 --> 02:43:45,000 PRESIDENTS OF OHIO'S COLLEGES 3270 02:43:45,001 --> 02:43:46,000 AND UNIVERSITIES PROVIDE THE 3271 02:43:46,001 --> 02:43:48,000 RESOURCES FOR STUDENT SUCCESS ON 3272 02:43:48,001 --> 02:43:50,000 CAMPUSES ALL OVER MY STATE. 3273 02:43:50,001 --> 02:43:51,000 FOR THE LAST -- 3274 02:43:51,001 --> 02:43:53,000 FOR T 3275 02:43:53,001 --> 02:43:55,000 ME -- I'VE HELD THE OHIO COLLEGE 3276 02:43:55,001 --> 02:43:57,000 PRESIDENT'S CONFERENCE 3277 02:43:57,001 --> 02:43:58,000 BRINGS TOGETHER PRESIDENTS OF 3278 02:43:58,001 --> 02:43:59,000 OHIO'SWO- 3279 02:43:59,001 --> 02:44:00,000 COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES TO 3280 02:44:00,001 --> 02:44:02,000 CRAFT EDUCATION POLICY IN 3281 02:44:02,001 --> 02:44:03,000 WASHINGTON THAT MEETS THE NEEDS 3282 02:44:03,001 --> 02:44:05,000 OF OHIO STUDENTS. 3283 02:44:05,001 --> 02:44:07,000 SOME 55 COLLEGE PRESI 3284 02:44:07,001 --> 02:44:09,000 OF THE LAST TWO YEARS HAVE 3285 02:44:09,001 --> 02:44:10,000 ATTENDED AND SHARED THEIR 3286 02:44:10,001 --> 02:44:12,000 EXPERIENCES AND IDEAS AND VIEWS 3287 02:44:12,001 --> 02:44:14,000 AND BEST PRACTICES WITH ONE ANOTHER. 3288 02:44:14,001 --> 02:44:16,000 MUCH OF WHAT WE DISCUSSED IS 3289 02:44:16,001 --> 02:44:17,000 WHAT PRESIDENT OBAMA'S EXPLAINED 3290 02:44:17,001 --> 02:44:19,000 BEFORE, THAT IT'S NOT ENOUGHOR 3291 02:44:19,001 --> 02:44:20,000 OUR ECONOMY JUST TO RECOVER. 3292 02:44:20,001 --> 02:44:23,000 WE MUST REBUILD IT AND THAT 3293 02:44:23,001 --> 02:44:25,000 STARTS IN OUR CLASSROOMS. 3294 02:44:25,001 --> 02:44:27,000 REFORMING FEDERAL STUDENT LOAN 3295 02:44:27,001 --> 02:44:28,000 PROGRAMS FREES UP RESOURCES TO 3296 02:44:28,001 --> 02:44:30,000 MODERNIZE SCHOOLS AND STRENGTHEN 3297 02:44:30,001 --> 02:44:32,000 EARLY CHILDHOOD 3298 02:44:32,001 --> 02:44:34,000 THE IMPACT OF THESE INVESTMTS 3299 02:44:34,001 --> 02:44:36,000 WILL, OF COURSE, SPAN GENERATIONS. 3300 02:44:36,001 --> 02:44:37,000 STUDENT LOAN REFORM GIVES US AN 3301 02:44:37,001 --> 02:44:39,000 OPPORTUNITY TO ADDRESS ANOTHER 3302 02:44:39,001 --> 02:44:41,000 PROBLEM THAT HAS BECOME MORE 3303 02:44:41,001 --> 02:44:43,000 ACUTE BECSE OF THE ECONOMIC CRIS. 3304 02:44:43,001 --> 02:44:45,000 TOO MANY OF OUR NATION'S 3305 02:44:45,001 --> 02:44:46,000 STUDENTS ARE SIGNING AWAY THEIR 3306 02:44:46,001 --> 02:44:49,000 ECONOMIC FUTURE WHEN THEY SIGN 3307 02:44:49,001 --> 02:44:52,000 UP FOR COLLEGE. 3308 02:44:52,001 --> 02:44:54,000 IN 2007, 63% OF OHIO GRADUATES 3309 02:44:54,001 --> 02:44:56,000 AT PUBLIC COLLEGES FINISHED 3310 02:44:56,001 --> 02:44:59,000 SCHOOL WITH AN AVERAGE DETECT OF 3311 02:44:59,001 --> 02:45:03,000 $21,000. 3312 02:45:03,001 --> 02:45:04,000 75% -- 75% OF OHIO GRADUATES AT 3313 02:45:04,001 --> 02:45:08,000 PRIVATE COLLEGES FINISHED SCHOOL 3314 02:45:08,001 --> 02:45:09,000 WITH AN AVERAGE DEBT OF $22,700. 3315 02:45:09,001 --> 02:45:12,000 PRIVATE LOANS TYPICAL, THOUGH, 3316 02:45:12,001 --> 02:45:15,000 HAVE HIGHER INTEREST RATES THAT 3317 02:45:15,001 --> 02:45:17,000 CAN TOP 18% AND HAVE FEWER 3318 02:45:17,001 --> 02:45:19,000 REPAYMENT ONGSES THAN LOANS -- 3319 02:45:19,001 --> 02:45:20,000 OPTIONS THAN LOANS ADMINISTERED 3320 02:45:20,001 --> 02:45:22,000 DIRECTLY BY THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION. 3321 02:45:22,001 --> 02:45:24,000 ACCORDING TO ANALYSIS BY THE 3322 02:45:24,001 --> 02:45:26,000 PROJECT IN STUDENT DEBT, 3323 02:45:26,001 --> 02:45:28,000 TWO-THIRDS OF STUDENT LOAN 3324 02:45:28,001 --> 02:45:29,000 BORROWERS DIDN'T EXHAUST THEIR 3325 02:45:29,001 --> 02:45:31,000 FEDERAL LOAN ELIGIBILITY. 3326 02:45:31,001 --> 02:45:33,000 THAT'S WHY I INTRODUCED THE 3327 02:45:33,001 --> 02:45:35,000 PRIVATE STUDENT LOAN DEBT SWAP ACT. 3328 02:45:35,001 --> 02:45:38,000 UNDER MY DEBT SWAP BILL, IF YOU 3329 02:45:38,001 --> 02:45:39,000 HAVE AN EXPENSIVE AND 3330 02:45:39,001 --> 02:45:41,000 UNAFFORD 3331 02:45:41,001 --> 02:45:42,000 LOAN YOU COULD USE YOUR 3332 02:45:42,001 --> 02:45:44,000 REMAING FEDERAL STUDENT LOAN 3333 02:45:44,001 --> 02:45:46,000 ELIGIBILITY TO PAY OFF OR AT 3334 02:45:46,001 --> 02:45:47,000 LEAST PAY DOWN SOME OF THAT 3335 02:45:47,001 --> 02:45:49,000 LOAN. 3336 02:45:49,001 --> 02:45:52,000 BY SWAPPING EXPENSIVE PRIVATE 3337 02:45:52,001 --> 02:45:54,000 LOAN DEBT -- SOMETIMES WITH 3338 02:45:54,001 --> 02:45:55,000 LOCAL BANKS -- OR NATIONAL BANKS 3339 02:45:55,001 --> 02:45:58,000 OF 18% INTEREST -- BY SWAPPING 3340 02:45:58,001 --> 02:45:59,000 EXPENSIVE PRIVATE LOAN DEBT WITH 3341 02:45:59,001 --> 02:46:02,000 LOW-COST FEDERAL STUDENT LOANS 3342 02:46:02,001 --> 02:46:04,000 CAPPED AT UNDER 7%, BORROWERS 3343 02:46:04,001 --> 02:46:06,000 COULD MUCH MORE READILY REPAY 3344 02:46:06,001 --> 02:46:07,000 THEIR LOANS. 3345 02:46:07,001 --> 02:46:08,000 THIS LEGISLATION WOULDN'T 3346 02:46:08,001 --> 02:46:10,000 INCREASE GOVERNMENT SPENDING. 3347 02:46:10,001 --> 02:46:12,000 IN FACT, IT'S LIKELY TO REDUCE IT. 3348 02:46:12,001 --> 02:46:14,000 EXPANDED PELL GRANTS AND A 3349 02:46:14,001 --> 02:46:16,000 STRONG DEBT SWAP BILL WOULD HELP 3350 02:46:16,001 --> 02:46:18,000 OWEIANS LIKE 3351 02:46:18,001 --> 02:46:20,000 TEACHER FROM COUL LEE DOUGH IN 3352 02:46:20,001 --> 02:46:22,000 NORTHWEST, OHIO. 3353 02:46:22,001 --> 02:46:23,000 DURING COLLEGE KIMBERLY TOOK OUT 3354 02:46:23,001 --> 02:46:25,000 COLLEGE LOANS EXPECTING TO 3355 02:46:25,001 --> 02:46:27,000 CONSOLIDATE THEM AFTER GRADUATING. 3356 02:46:27,001 --> 02:46:28,000 AFTER ACCEPTING A TEACH POSITION 3357 02:46:28,001 --> 02:46:31,000 HER LENDERS WOULDN'T LET -- 3358 02:46:31,001 --> 02:46:32,000 WOULD NOT CONSOLIDATEHE 3359 02:46:32,001 --> 02:46:34,000 BECAUSE OF THE ECONOMY. 3360 02:46:34,001 --> 02:46:37,000 SHE'S A TEACHER -- KIM BEERILY 3361 02:46:37,001 --> 02:46:38,000 IS A TEACHER AT A LOW-INCOME 3362 02:46:38,001 --> 02:46:39,000 HEAD START SCHOOL. 3363 02:46:39,001 --> 02:46:41,000 SO SHE DOESN'T MAKE AS MUCH 3364 02:46:41,001 --> 02:46:43,000 MONEY AS A TEACHER AT A PUBLIC HIGH SCHOOL. 3365 02:46:43,001 --> 02:46:44,000 SHE HAS FOUR LARGE LOANS WITH 3366 02:46:44,001 --> 02:46:46,000 FOUR DIFFERENT INTEREST RATES, 3367 02:46:46,001 --> 02:46:48,000 ALL OF THEM SLICK HIGHER THAN 3368 02:46:48,001 --> 02:46:51,000 FEDERAL STUDENT LOAN RATES. 3369 02:46:51,001 --> 02:46:55,000 SHE SHOULDN'T HAVE TO SPEND THE 3370 02:46:55,001 --> 02:46:56,000 REST OF HER CAREER PAYING OFF LOANS. 3371 02:46:56,001 --> 02:46:58,000 "AT THIS POINT, SOMEONE ELSE 3372 02:46:58,001 --> 02:47:00,000 WILL STRO PAY OFF THE LOAN LONG 3373 02:47:00,001 --> 02:47:01,000 AFTER I'M GONE." 3374 02:47:01,001 --> 02:47:03,000 IMAGINE THAT, A HEAD START 3375 02:47:03,001 --> 02:47:05,000 TEACHER WHO WENT TO COLLEGE, 3376 02:47:05,001 --> 02:47:07,000 PLAYED BY THE RULES, TOOK OUT 3377 02:47:07,001 --> 02:47:09,000 OUT LOANS, THINKS SHE WILL NEVER 3378 02:47:09,001 --> 02:47:11,000 BE ABLE TO PAY THIS LOAN BACK 3379 02:47:11,001 --> 02:47:12,000 BECAUSE OF THE EXORBITANTLY HIGH 3380 02:47:12,001 --> 02:47:13,000 INTEREST RATE CHARGED BY THE 3381 02:47:13,001 --> 02:47:14,000 BANKS. 3382 02:47:14,001 --> 02:47:15,000 PRIVATE STUDENT LOANS WITH 3383 02:47:15,001 --> 02:47:17,000 ENORMOUS INTEREST RATES ARE 3384 02:47:17,001 --> 02:47:18,000 DRIVING YOUNG AMERICANS INTO 3385 02:47:18,001 --> 02:47:21,000 NEVER-ENDING DEBT. 3386 02:47:21,001 --> 02:47:22,000 FLOSS AMERICAN DREAM IN REACH IN 3387 02:47:22,001 --> 02:47:23,000 THAT SCENARIO FOR THE KIMBERLYS 3388 02:47:23,001 --> 02:47:28,000 OF THE WORLD. 3389 02:47:28,001 --> 02:47:29,000 JUST A SENSE OF HOPELESSNESS AND HELPLESSNESS. 3390 02:47:29,001 --> 02:47:32,000 JO F. KENNEDY SAID OUR PROGRESS 3391 02:47:32,001 --> 02:47:33,000 AS A NATION CAN BE NO SWIFTER 3392 02:47:33,001 --> 02:47:36,000 THAN OUR PROGRESS IN EDUCATION. 3393 02:47:36,001 --> 02:47:40,000 IN PORTSMOUTH IN L. 3394 02:47:40,001 --> 02:47:41,000 MIVMENT A, IN TOL TOLEDO, AKRON, IN 3395 02:47:41,001 --> 02:47:43,000 MASON, WE HAVE LEADERS IN OUR 3396 02:47:43,001 --> 02:47:45,000 COMMUNITY LIKE KIMBERLY TEACHING 3397 02:47:45,001 --> 02:47:46,000 IN OUR 3398 02:47:46,001 --> 02:47:50,000 HEALING PEOPLE IN OUR HOSPITALS. 3399 02:47:50,001 --> 02:47:51,000 YEARS FROM NOW DEAN ON THIS KNOW 3400 02:47:51,001 --> 02:47:52,000 CUMMINS SHOULD BE ABLE TO 3401 02:47:52,001 --> 02:47:54,000 REPRESENT THE STATE OF OHIO 3402 02:47:54,001 --> 02:47:55,000 BECAUSE THERE WAS AN EDUCATION 3403 02:47:55,001 --> 02:47:56,000 SYSTEM THAT BELIED IN HIM. 3404 02:47:56,001 --> 02:47:57,000 THE STUDENT AID REFORM BILL 3405 02:47:57,001 --> 02:47:59,000 SPART OF THE PROGRESS WE SEEK 3406 02:47:59,001 --> 02:48:01,000 THAT ALLOWS A CHILD, A WORKING 3407 02:48:01,001 --> 02:48:02,000 MOTHER, AN OLDER WORKER TO 3408 02:48:02,001 --> 02:48:05,000 BELIEVE IN THIS NATION IF YOU 3409 02:48:05,001 --> 02:48:07,000 WORK HARD AND PLAY BY THE RULES 3410 02:48:07,001 --> 02:48:08,000 YOU, TOO, CAN HAVE PART OF THE 3411 02:48:08,001 --> 02:48:10,000 AMERICAN DREAM. THANK YOU, MR. PRESIDENT. 3412 02:48:10,001 --> 02:48:12,000 I YIELD THE FLOOR. 3413 02:48:12,001 --> 02:48:14,000 I 3414 02:48:14,001 --> 02:48:16,000 HAWAII FOR HIS THE PRESIDING OFFICER: THE ? 3415 02:48:16,001 --> 02:48:17,000 SENATOR FROM HAWAII. 3416 02:48:17,001 --> 02:48:19,000 MR. INOUYE: MR. PRESIDENT, I HAVE SIX UNANIMOUS CONSENT 3417 02:48:19,001 --> 02:48:20,000 REQUESTS FOR COMMITTEES TO MEET 3418 02:48:20,001 --> 02:48:21,000 DURING TODAY'S SESSION OF THE 3419 02:48:21,001 --> 02:48:23,000 SENATE. 3420 02:48:23,001 --> 02:48:25,000 THEY HAVE THE 3421 02:48:25,001 --> 02:48:26,000 MAJORITY AND NATURALS. 3422 02:48:26,001 --> 02:48:28,000 ACCORDINGLY, I ASK UNANIMOUS 3423 02:48:28,001 --> 02:48:30,000 CONSENT THAT THE 3424 02:48:30,001 --> 02:48:31,000 AGREED TO AND THAT THESE 3425 02:48:31,001 --> 02:48:32,000 REQUESTS BE PRINTED IN THE 3426 02:48:32,001 --> 02:48:36,000 RECORD. THE PRESIDING OFFICER: WITHOUT 3427 02:48:36,001 --> 02:48:37,000 OBJECTION. 3428 02:48:37,001 --> 02:48:39,000 THE SENATOR FROM MISSOURI. 3429 02:48:39,001 --> 02:48:41,000 MR. BOND: MR. PRESIDENT, THANK 3430 02:48:41,001 --> 02:48:42,000 THE FLOOR MANAGERS. 3431 02:48:42,001 --> 02:48:44,000 I ASK UNANIMOUS CONSENT THAT MY 3432 02:48:44,001 --> 02:48:46,000 MILITARY FELLOW, LIEUTENANT 3433 02:48:46,001 --> 02:48:47,000 COLONEL JOHN MORETH, BE GRANTED 3434 02:48:47,001 --> 02:48:51,000 FLOOR PRIVILEGES FOR THE 3435 02:48:51,001 --> 02:48:52,000 CONSIDERATION ON THE FLOOR. 3436 02:48:52,001 --> 02:48:53,000 THE PRESIDING OFFICER: WITHOUT 3437 02:48:53,001 --> 02:48:56,000 OBJECTION. 3438 02:48:56,001 --> 02:48:57,000 MR. BOND: I THANK THE CHAIR. 3439 02:48:57,001 --> 02:48:59,000 MR. PRESIDENT, THERE'S NO DOUBT 3440 02:48:59,001 --> 02:49:00,000 THAT THERE MAY BE T 3441 02:49:00,001 --> 02:49:03,000 DEFENSE BUDGET THAT YOU COULD 3442 02:49:03,001 --> 02:49:05,000 CHARACTERIZE AS EXPENSIVE, OVER 3443 02:49:05,001 --> 02:49:07,000 BUDGET AND BEHIND-SCHEDULE 3444 02:49:07,001 --> 02:49:10,000 PROGRAMS BUT THE C-17 AIRCRAFT 3445 02:49:10,001 --> 02:49:12,000 IS 3446 02:49:12,001 --> 02:49:14,000 IT IS SO BEWHICH WOULDERING AND 3447 02:49:14,001 --> 02:49:16,000 DISAPPOINTINGS THAT SOME OF THIS 3448 02:49:16,001 --> 02:49:17,000 CHAMBER'S WELL-KNOWN BUBT HAWKS 3449 02:49:17,001 --> 02:49:21,000 ARE TOPPED A MODEL PROCUREMENT 3450 02:49:21,001 --> 02:49:23,000 PROGRAM AND A BOON FOR TAXPAYERS. 3451 02:49:23,001 --> 02:49:25,000 OUR MOST IMPORTANT CONCERN, OF 3452 02:49:25,001 --> 02:49:27,000 COURSE, IS FOR OUR WAR FIGHTERS 3453 02:49:27,001 --> 02:49:30,000 AND NATIONAL SECURITY, WHICH I 3454 02:49:30,001 --> 02:49:31,000 WILL 3455 02:49:31,001 --> 02:49:32,000 MOMENT. 3456 02:49:32,001 --> 02:49:33,000 BUT LET ME ADDRESS WHAT SEEMS 3457 02:49:33,001 --> 02:49:36,000 LIKE THE PRIMARY CONCERN FOR 3458 02:49:36,001 --> 02:49:37,000 SOME OF MY COLLEAGUES: THE 3459 02:49:37,001 --> 02:49:39,000 BUDGET. 3460 02:49:39,001 --> 02:49:40,000 INVESTING IN THE C-17 IS 3461 02:49:40,001 --> 02:49:44,000 ACTUALLY A BETTER USE OF 3462 02:49:44,001 --> 02:49:49,000 TAXPAYER DOLLARS THAN THE 3463 02:49:49,001 --> 02:49:51,000 OBSOLETE AND UN 3464 02:49:51,001 --> 02:49:54,000 THE C-17'S ARE PLANES WE NEED 3465 02:49:54,001 --> 02:49:57,000 AND WE CAN AFFORD. 3466 02:49:57,001 --> 02:50:04,000 THE GENERAL ACCOUNTING OFFICE 3467 02:50:04,001 --> 02:50:07,000 HAS FOUND THAT 3468 02:50:07,001 --> 02:50:11,000 WOULD TAKE SEVEN REHABBED AND 3469 02:50:11,001 --> 02:50:15,000 REMANUFACTURED C-5A'S AT A COST 3470 02:50:15,001 --> 02:50:17,000 OF 3471 02:50:17,001 --> 02:50:20,000 TO EQUAL THE CAPABILITY OF JUST 3472 02:50:20,001 --> 02:50:22,000 ONE NEW C-17. 3473 02:50:22,001 --> 02:50:24,000 NOW, THEY'VE GOT TO HAVE THAT AIRLIFT. 3474 02:50:24,001 --> 02:50:28,000 THEY'RE PLANNING RIGHT NOW -- 3475 02:50:28,001 --> 02:50:30,000 RIGHT NOW THE C-5A IS PART OF T 3476 02:50:30,001 --> 02:50:35,000 BUT IT CAN'T CONTINUE AS IT IS, 3477 02:50:35,001 --> 02:50:37,000 AND YOU CAN GET A C-17 FOR A LOT 3478 02:50:37,001 --> 02:50:40,000 LESS THAN YOU CAN REMANUFACTURE 3479 02:50:40,001 --> 02:50:42,000 AND REHAB ONE OF THE OLD 3480 02:50:42,001 --> 02:50:44,000 AND THAT DOESN'T EVEN WORK S 3481 02:50:44,001 --> 02:50:47,000 GOOD. 3482 02:50:47,001 --> 02:50:48,000 MY BIGGEST CONCERN, OF COURSE, 3483 02:50:48,001 --> 02:50:49,000 IS NATIONAL SECURITY. 3484 02:50:49,001 --> 02:50:53,000 SOME OF MY COLLEAGUES HAVE 3485 02:50:53,001 --> 02:50:54,000 ATTACKED THE C-17 AS A SPECIAL 3486 02:50:54,001 --> 02:50:55,000 INTEREST IM. 3487 02:50:55,001 --> 02:50:57,000 I 3488 02:50:57,001 --> 02:50:59,000 INVESTING IN THE C-17 IS IN THE 3489 02:50:59,001 --> 02:51:01,000 SPECIAL INTEREST OF OUR WAR FIGHTERS. 3490 02:51:01,001 --> 02:51:06,000 IT IS CRITICAL TO OUR NATIONAL SECURITY INTERESTS. 3491 02:51:06,001 --> 02:51:07,000 IT GIVES US THE HEAVYLIFT AIR 3492 02:51:07,001 --> 02:51:08,000 MOBILITY THAT WE REQUIRE THESE 3493 02:51:08,001 --> 02:51:11,000 DAYS. 3494 02:51:11,001 --> 02:51:12,000 THE C-17 IS A PROVEN, 3495 02:51:12,001 --> 02:51:15,000 COMBAT-TESTED AIRLIFT THAT IS 3496 02:51:15,001 --> 02:51:17,000 ESSENTIAL TO THE FIGHT WE'RE IN 3497 02:51:17,001 --> 02:51:20,000 RIGHT NOW AND IT HAS BEEN A 3498 02:51:20,001 --> 02:51:21,000 WORKHORSE IN IRAQ 3499 02:51:21,001 --> 02:51:22,000 SOME OF MY COLLEAGUES HAVE 3500 02:51:22,001 --> 02:51:24,000 MENTIONED, WE ARE AT WAR. 3501 02:51:24,001 --> 02:51:26,000 I COULDN'T AGREE MORE THAT THIS 3502 02:51:26,001 --> 02:51:28,000 IS OUR PRIMARY CONCERN, WHICH IS 3503 02:51:28,001 --> 02:51:29,000 AGAIN WHY 3504 02:51:29,001 --> 02:51:34,000 IMPORTANT. 3505 02:51:34,001 --> 02:51:36,000 HEATING UP, THE WAR IN IRAQ 3506 02:51:36,001 --> 02:51:38,000 CONTINUING, OUR AIRLIFT NEEDS 3507 02:51:38,001 --> 02:51:40,000 ARE ONLY GROWING. 3508 02:51:40,001 --> 02:51:44,000 LET ME TELL YOU, MR. PRESIDENT, CONGRESSIONAL RESEARCH SERVICE 3509 02:51:44,001 --> 02:51:46,000 HAS INDICATED THAT THE C-17 WAS 3510 02:51:46,001 --> 02:51:48,000 DESIGNED TO FLY 1,000 HOURS PER 3511 02:51:48,001 --> 02:51:50,000 YEAR OVER 30 YEARS. 3512 02:51:50,001 --> 02:51:53,000 BUT AS OUR OVERSEAS 3513 02:51:53,001 --> 02:51:56,000 HAVE GROWN, SOME AIRCRAFT HAVE 3514 02:51:56,001 --> 02:51:59,000 EVEN REACHED 2,400 FLYING HOURS 3515 02:51:59,001 --> 02:52:01,000 IN A SINGLE YEAR. 3516 02:52:01,001 --> 02:52:03,000 MY COLLEAGUE FROM ARIZONA HAS 3517 02:52:03,001 --> 02:52:04,000 JUST POINTED OUT THAT EQUIPMENT 3518 02:52:04,001 --> 02:52:06,000 IS BEING WORN OUT QUICKLY IN 3519 02:52:06,001 --> 02:52:10,000 IRAQ AND AFGHANISTAN, AND THAT'S 3520 02:52:10,001 --> 02:52:13,000 NO DOUBT TRUE, BUT ONE KEY PIECE 3521 02:52:13,001 --> 02:52:16,000 OF OUR EQUIPMENT THERE IS OUR 3522 02:52:16,001 --> 02:52:19,000 HEAVY AIRLIFT CAPABILITY. 3523 02:52:19,001 --> 02:52:21,000 THE HEAVY USAGE IS IN ADDITION 3524 02:52:21,001 --> 02:52:22,000 TO THE GROWTH OF THE ARMY AND 3525 02:52:22,001 --> 02:52:24,000 MARINE CORPS. 3526 02:52:24,001 --> 02:52:25,000 THE LOGISTICS, DIFFICULTY OF 3527 02:52:25,001 --> 02:52:26,000 GETTING SUPPLIES INTO 3528 02:52:26,001 --> 02:52:28,000 AFGHANISTAN, AND THE NEED FOR 3529 02:52:28,001 --> 02:52:31,000 INCREASED HUMANITARIAN 3530 02:52:31,001 --> 02:52:33,000 SMART-POWER MISSIONS IN 3531 02:52:33,001 --> 02:52:36,000 AFGHANISTAN, IRAQ, 3532 02:52:36,001 --> 02:52:37,000 AROUND THE WORLD ARE ALL REASONS 3533 02:52:37,001 --> 02:52:38,000 WHY I URGE MY COLLEAGUES TO 3534 02:52:38,001 --> 02:52:41,000 SUPPORT THE PROVISION IN THE 3535 02:52:41,001 --> 02:52:42,000 BILL THAT WOULD ADD THE LONG 3536 02:52:42,001 --> 02:52:44,000 LEAD TIME PURCHASE THAT WE NEED 3537 02:52:44,001 --> 02:52:48,000 RIGHT NOW TO MAKE SURE THAT WE 3538 02:52:48,001 --> 02:52:52,000 CAN 3539 02:52:52,001 --> 02:52:55,000 C-17'S AS THE NEEDS DEVELOP. 3540 02:52:55,001 --> 02:52:57,000 THAT THE DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE 3541 02:52:57,001 --> 02:52:59,000 AND THE PRESIDENT DO NOT WANT 3542 02:52:59,001 --> 02:53:01,000 MORE, THEY HAVE ENOUGH C-17'S 3543 02:53:01,001 --> 02:53:05,000 AND C-5'S TO DO THE JOB. 3544 02:53:05,001 --> 02:53:07,000 HOWEVER, THE C-5A WITH A 50% 3545 02:53:07,001 --> 02:53:12,000 READINESS LEVEL, A PER-HOUR 3546 02:53:12,001 --> 02:53:14,000 OPERATING COST OF $29,000, AND 3547 02:53:14,001 --> 02:53:18,000 40 MAINTENANCE MAN HOURS PER ONE 3548 02:53:18,001 --> 02:53:20,000 HOUR 3549 02:53:20,001 --> 02:53:21,000 INEFFECTIVE AND OVERLY COSTLY TO 3550 02:53:21,001 --> 02:53:25,000 RUN. 3551 02:53:25,001 --> 02:53:27,000 BY REPLACING THESE OBSOLETE AND 3552 02:53:27,001 --> 02:53:29,000 INEFFECTIVE COSTLY C-5A'S WITH 3553 02:53:29,001 --> 02:53:32,000 THE NEW C-17'S WHICH THIS 3554 02:53:32,001 --> 02:53:35,000 DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE TO DO BY 3555 02:53:35,001 --> 02:53:38,000 LIFTING A TRULY SPECIAL 3556 02:53:38,001 --> 02:53:39,000 LEGISLATIVE INTEREST PROHIBITION 3557 02:53:39,001 --> 02:53:42,000 SAYING IN THE PAST THEY COULD 3558 02:53:42,001 --> 02:53:44,000 NOT RETIRE THEM, WE CAN SAVE 3559 02:53:44,001 --> 02:53:47,000 MONEY, PROVIDE A MORE RELIABLE 3560 02:53:47,001 --> 02:53:48,000 CAPABILITY FOR OUR WAR FIGHTER, 3561 02:53:48,001 --> 02:53:50,000 AND PRESERVE INDUSTRIAL 3562 02:53:50,001 --> 02:53:52,000 CAPABILITY FOR THE FUTURE. 3563 02:53:52,001 --> 02:53:54,000 NOW, I'VE TALKED ABOUT THE 3564 02:53:54,001 --> 02:53:56,000 IMPORTANCE OF INVESTING IN OUR 3565 02:53:56,001 --> 02:53:57,000 AIRLIFT CAPABILITY FOR OUR WAR 3566 02:53:57,001 --> 02:54:00,000 FIGHTERS AND OUR EFFORTS IN 3567 02:54:00,001 --> 02:54:02,000 AFGHANISTAN AND IRAQ. 3568 02:54:02,001 --> 02:54:06,000 BUT AS AMERICA'S ONLY LARGE 3569 02:54:06,001 --> 02:54:07,000 AIRLIFT PRODUCTION LINE, THE 3570 02:54:07,001 --> 02:54:12,000 C-17RODUCTION LINE, FENLDZED, 3571 02:54:12,001 --> 02:54:13,000 WOULD PUT AT RISK OUR NATION'S 3572 02:54:13,001 --> 02:54:15,000 LONG-TERM SECURITY, ELIMINATING 3573 02:54:15,001 --> 02:54:18,000 THE ONLY LARGE AIRLIFT 3574 02:54:18,001 --> 02:54:20,000 PRODUCTION LINE IN THE U.S. 3575 02:54:20,001 --> 02:54:21,000 WOULD DEMONSTRATE A LACK OF 3576 02:54:21,001 --> 02:54:23,000 UNDERSTANDING AND APPRECIATION 3577 02:54:23,001 --> 02:54:26,000 FOR THE SKILL SETS AND EFFORTS 3578 02:54:26,001 --> 02:54:28,000 NEED TO BUILD THESE AIRCRAFT. 3579 02:54:28,001 --> 02:54:31,000 WITHOUT A FOLLOW-ON PROGRAM AND 3580 02:54:31,001 --> 02:54:33,000 BECAUSE WE HAVE ALREADY SHRUNK 3581 02:54:33,001 --> 02:54:35,000 OUR AEROSPACE 3582 02:54:35,001 --> 02:54:38,000 SUCH A LOW LEVEL, ONCE THESE 3583 02:54:38,001 --> 02:54:42,000 SKILLED WORKERS -- 3584 02:54:42,001 --> 02:54:43,000 ENGINEERS, DESIGNERS AND THEIR 3585 02:54:43,001 --> 02:54:44,000 EXPERTISE ARE GONE -- WE DO NOT 3586 02:54:44,001 --> 02:54:48,000 GET THEM BACK. 3587 02:54:48,001 --> 02:54:50,000 IF WE LOSE THE SKILL 3588 02:54:50,001 --> 02:54:52,000 ENGINEERS, DESIGNERS AND OTHERS, 3589 02:54:52,001 --> 02:54:53,000 WE WILL BE FORCED TO TURN TO 3590 02:54:53,001 --> 02:54:55,000 EUROPE. 3591 02:54:55,001 --> 02:54:57,000 MORE AND MORE THIS INDUSTRIAL 3592 02:54:57,001 --> 02:54:59,000 TALENT AND WORK FORCE WHICH 3593 02:54:59,001 --> 02:55:00,000 MANUFACTURES THE CRITICAL AND 3594 02:55:00,001 --> 02:55:02,000 UNIQUE EQUIPMENT WHICH HELPS US 3595 02:55:02,001 --> 02:55:03,000 FIGHT AND WIN OUR WARS, IS BEING 3596 02:55:03,001 --> 02:55:05,000 EVISCERATED. 3597 02:55:05,001 --> 02:55:09,000 WITHOUT ADIBBLE FUNDING, OUR 3598 02:55:09,001 --> 02:55:12,000 AEROSPACE ENGINEER, DESIGN WILL ATROPHY. 3599 02:55:12,001 --> 02:55:13,000 THIS WILL PUT AT RISK OUR 3600 02:55:13,001 --> 02:55:16,000 COMPETITIVENESS IN THE GLOBAL 3601 02:55:16,001 --> 02:55:17,000 MARKET, 0 OUR ABILITY TO ADDRESS 3602 02:55:17,001 --> 02:55:20,000 FUTURE AIRLIFT REQUIREMENTS AND 3603 02:55:20,001 --> 02:55:22,000 PUT AT RISK 30,000 AMERICAN JOBS 3604 02:55:22,001 --> 02:55:24,000 STRETCHED ACROSS 43 3605 02:55:24,001 --> 02:55:27,000 THIS IS NOT ABOUT PRESERVING 3606 02:55:27,001 --> 02:55:28,000 JOBS IN TOUGH ECONOMIC TIMES, 3607 02:55:28,001 --> 02:55:30,000 ALTHOUGH I 3608 02:55:30,001 --> 02:55:32,000 ADMI 3609 02:55:32,001 --> 02:55:36,000 A BIG STUDENT INHE STIMULUS 3610 02:55:36,001 --> 02:55:37,000 BILL TO RECOMMEND IN STIMULATING 3611 02:55:37,001 --> 02:55:39,000 THE DEFENSE PRODUCTION. 3612 02:55:39,001 --> 02:55:40,000 THEY DIDN'T PUT A SINGLE DOLLAR 3613 02:55:40,001 --> 02:55:43,000 IN DEFENSE PRODUCTION NEEDS, 3614 02:55:43,001 --> 02:55:44,000 WHICH IS WHERE WE HAVE 3615 02:55:44,001 --> 02:55:47,000 TREMENDOUS NEEDS. 3616 02:55:47,001 --> 02:55:48,000 THE C-17'S ADDED BY THE SENATE 3617 02:55:48,001 --> 02:55:51,000 ADDRESS A SHORTSIGHTED DECISION 3618 02:55:51,001 --> 02:55:52,000 ON THE PART OF THE 3619 02:55:52,001 --> 02:55:55,000 ADMINISTRATION. 3620 02:55:55,001 --> 02:55:57,000 THAT DECISION TOOK FOR GRANTED 3621 02:55:57,001 --> 02:55:59,000 THE INNOVATION OF OUR DEFENSE 3622 02:55:59,001 --> 02:56:02,000 INDUSTRIAL BASE, BUT WE CANNOT 3623 02:56:02,001 --> 02:56:05,000 AFFORD TO LET THAT WITHER, 3624 02:56:05,001 --> 02:56:09,000 BECAUSE THEIR PROPOSAL WOULD GET 3625 02:56:09,001 --> 02:56:10,000 OU OF WORK THE PEOPLE WHO HAVE 3626 02:56:10,001 --> 02:56:12,000 DESIGNED THESE AIRCRAFT. 3627 02:56:12,001 --> 02:56:14,000 WE FIND IN THE PAST WHEN WE'VE 3628 02:56:14,001 --> 02:56:17,000 SHUT DOWN THESE ACQUISITION 3629 02:56:17,001 --> 02:56:20,000 LINES, THE SKILLED ENGINEERS, 3630 02:56:20,001 --> 02:56:22,000 FOR ONE EXAMPLE, WENT TO WORK AT DISNEY. THAT'S GREAT. 3631 02:56:22,001 --> 02:56:24,000 IT IS GOOD WORK. 3632 02:56:24,001 --> 02:56:25,000 BUT IT IS NOT PROTECTING OUR 3633 02:56:25,001 --> 02:56:29,000 NATIONAL DEFENSE. 3634 02:56:29,001 --> 02:56:32,000 AFTER THE DRACONIAN DEFENSE CUTS 3635 02:56:32,001 --> 02:56:36,000 DURING 3636 02:56:36,001 --> 02:56:38,000 ADMINISTRATION, T ARSE MILLION -- THE 3637 02:56:38,001 --> 02:56:41,000 ARSENAL SHRUNK. 3638 02:56:41,001 --> 02:56:44,000 THERE WAS AN 3639 02:56:44,001 --> 02:56:46,000 IN INNOVATION. 3640 02:56:46,001 --> 02:56:49,000 THE C-17 PRODUCTION WILL SHUT 3641 02:56:49,001 --> 02:56:51,000 DOWN IN 2010 WITHOUT THESE 10 3642 02:56:51,001 --> 02:56:53,000 AIRCRAFT AND THE STARTING 3643 02:56:53,001 --> 02:56:54,000 PRODUCTION WOULD BE INCREDIBLY 3644 02:56:54,001 --> 02:56:56,000 DIFFICULT AND EXPENSIVE, 3645 02:56:56,001 --> 02:56:58,000 ACCORDING TO THE G.A.O., UP TO 3646 02:56:58,001 --> 02:57:00,000 $1 BILLION. 3647 02:57:00,001 --> 02:57:02,000 THE G.A.O. STUDY FURTHER NOTED 3648 02:57:02,001 --> 02:57:04,000 THAT CAREFUL PLANNING IS NEEDED 3649 02:57:04,001 --> 02:57:06,000 TO ENSURE THAT THE C-17 3650 02:57:06,001 --> 02:57:09,000 PRODUCTION LINE IS NOT ENDED 3651 02:57:09,001 --> 02:57:11,000 PREMATURELY AND LATER RESTARTED 3652 02:57:11,001 --> 02:57:13,000 AT SUBSTANTIAL COST. 3653 02:57:13,001 --> 02:57:15,000 ADDITIONALLY, THE G.A.O. FOUND 3654 02:57:15,001 --> 02:57:18,000 THAT BOTH THE MANUFACTURER AND 3655 02:57:18,001 --> 02:57:19,000 AIR FORCE AGREE THAT SHUTTING 3656 02:57:19,001 --> 02:57:22,000 DOWN THE 3657 02:57:22,001 --> 02:57:23,000 WOULD BE NEITHER FEASIBLE NOR 3658 02:57:23,001 --> 02:57:25,000 CO 3659 02:57:25,001 --> 02:57:27,000 KEEPING THE C-17 LINE OPEN IS 3660 02:57:27,001 --> 02:57:29,000 CRITICAL NOT ONLY FOR OUR 3661 02:57:29,001 --> 02:57:31,000 NATIONAL DEFENSE BUT FOR 3662 02:57:31,001 --> 02:57:33,000 THOUSANDS OF AMERICAN 3663 02:57:33,001 --> 02:57:34,000 WHO RELY ON THIS AIRCRAFT FOR 3664 02:57:34,001 --> 02:57:37,000 THEIR LIVELIHOOD. 3665 02:57:37,001 --> 02:57:39,000 WITH THE WANING DEMAND FOR 3666 02:57:39,001 --> 02:57:41,000 COMMERCIAL AIRCRAFT AND A LULL 3667 02:57:41,001 --> 02:57:42,000 IN MILITARY JET PRODUCTION, IT 3668 02:57:42,001 --> 02:57:44,000 IS MORE CRITICAL THAN EVER THAT 3669 02:57:44,001 --> 02:57:46,000 WE MAINTAIN THE AEROSPACE 3670 02:57:46,001 --> 02:57:48,000 INDUSTRIAL BASE THAT RUNS THE 3671 02:57:48,001 --> 02:57:49,000 ONLY REMAINI WIDE-BODY 3672 02:57:49,001 --> 02:57:50,000 ASSEMBLY LINE IN THE UNITED 3673 02:57:50,001 --> 02:57:53,000 STATES. 3674 02:57:53,001 --> 02:57:54,000 I URGE MY COLLEAGUES TO EXERCISE 3675 02:57:54,001 --> 02:57:57,000 THEIR CONSTITUTIONAL AUTHORITY 3676 02:57:57,001 --> 02:57:58,000 AND NOT GO ALONG WITH WHAT I 3677 02:57:58,001 --> 02:58:01,000 BELIEVE WILL BE SHOWN VERY 3678 02:58:01,001 --> 02:58:04,000 SHORTLY, IF WE MAKE THE 3679 02:58:04,001 --> 02:58:09,000 DECISION, TO HAVE BEEN VERY SHORTSIGHTED. 3680 02:58:09,001 --> 02:58:11,000 THIS IS A DECISION THAT WE UNDER OUR CONSTITUTIONAL 3681 02:58:11,001 --> 02:58:12,000 RESPONSIBILITY CAN AND MUST MAKE 3682 02:58:12,001 --> 02:58:15,000 HERE. 3683 02:58:15,001 --> 02:58:16,000 WE CANNOT AFFORD DISASTROUS 3684 02:58:16,001 --> 02:58:18,000 DEFENSE CUTS COMING OUT OF THE 3685 02:58:18,001 --> 02:58:22,000 OFFICE OF MANAGEMENT AND BUDGET, 3686 02:58:22,001 --> 02:58:24,000 WHICH IS WHY WE FOUGHT AND WON 3687 02:58:24,001 --> 02:58:26,000 IN C 3688 02:58:26,001 --> 02:58:28,000 IT IS CRITICAL THAT MY 3689 02:58:28,001 --> 02:58:29,000 COLLEAGUES JOIN WITH ME IN 3690 02:58:29,001 --> 02:58:31,000 SUPPORTING THE MANAGERS OF THE 3691 02:58:31,001 --> 02:58:34,000 BILL ON THE FLOOR, AGAIN, TO 3692 02:58:34,001 --> 02:58:36,000 FIGHT A SHORTSIGHTED ATTEMPT TO 3693 02:58:36,001 --> 02:58:38,000 EVISCERATE OUR WAR FIGHTERS' 3694 02:58:38,001 --> 02:58:40,000 AIRLIFT CAPABILITY AND OUR 3695 02:58:40,001 --> 02:58:43,000 NATION'S INDUSTRIAL BASE. 3696 02:58:43,001 --> 02:58:44,000 BOTH CRITICAL ELEMENTS FOR THE 3697 02:58:44,001 --> 02:58:47,000 LONG-TERM SECURITY AND FUTURE OF 3698 02:58:47,001 --> 02:58:49,000 OUR COUNTRY. 3699 02:58:49,001 --> 02:58:51,000 MR. PRESIDENT, I URGE MY 3700 02:58:51,001 --> 02:58:54,000 COLLEAGUES JOIN ME 3701 02:58:54,001 --> 02:58:58,000 TH 3702 02:58:58,001 --> 02:59:01,000 MR. PRESIDENT, I THANK THE CHAIR 3703 02:59:01,001 --> 02:59:03,000 CHAIR, AND I SUGGT THE ABSENCE OF A 3704 02:59:03,001 --> 02:59:04,000 QUORUM. 3705 02:59:04,001 --> 02:59:08,000 THE PRESIDING OFFICER: THE 3706 02:59:08,001 --> 02:59:24,000 CLERK WILL CALL THE ROLL. 3707 02:59:24,001 --> 02:59:25,000 QUORUM CALL: 3708 02:59:25,001 --> 02:59:26,000 MR. JOHANNS: MR. PRESIDENT? THE PRESIDING OFFICER: THE 3709 02:59:26,001 --> 02:59:27,000 SENATOR? NEVADA. 3710 02:59:27,001 --> 02:59:28,000 MR. JONNS: I ASK UNANIMOUS 3711 02:59:28,001 --> 02:59:29,000 CONSENT TO SPEAK IN MORNING 3712 02:59:29,001 --> 02:59:30,000 BUSINESS FOR 10 MINUTES. 3713 02:59:30,001 --> 02:59:31,000 THE PRESIDING OFFICER: WE ARE 3714 02:59:31,001 --> 02:59:32,000 IN A QUORUM 3715 02:59:32,001 --> 02:59:33,000 MR. JOHANNS: I ASK THAT THE 3716 02:59:33,001 --> 02:59:34,000 QUORUM CALL BE SET ASIDE. 3717 02:59:34,001 --> 02:59:36,000 THE PRESIDING OFFICER: WITHOUT OBJECTION. 3718 02:59:36,001 --> 02:59:38,000 MR. JOHANNS: NOW I ASK TO -- 3719 02:59:38,001 --> 02:59:40,000 UNANIMOUS CONSENT TO SPEAK IN 3720 02:59:40,001 --> 02:59:41,000 MORNING BUSINESS FOR ABOUT 12 MINUTES. 3721 02:59:41,001 --> 02:59:42,000 THE PRESIDING OFFICER: WITHOUT 3722 02:59:42,001 --> 02:59:44,000 OBJECTIO 3723 02:59:44,001 --> 02:59:46,000 MR. JOHANNS: MR. PRESIDENT, 3724 02:59:46,001 --> 02:59:48,000 MANY HAVE COME TO THIS CHAMBER. 3725 02:59:48,001 --> 02:59:50,000 THEY'VE TALKED ABOUT THEIR 3726 02:59:50,001 --> 02:59:53,000 CONSTITUENTS AND THE CONCERNS 3727 02:59:53,001 --> 02:59:55,000 THAT HAVE BEEN EXPRESSED TO US 3728 02:59:55,001 --> 02:59:56,000 ABOUT HEALTH CARE AND HOW THEIR 3729 02:59:56,001 --> 02:59:59,000 FAMILIES WOULD BE DIRECTLY 3730 02:59:59,001 --> 03:00:01,000 IMPACTED. 3731 03:00:01,001 --> 03:00:02,000 THE FRUSTRATION DRIVING MANY OF 3732 03:00:02,001 --> 03:00:03,000 THOSE INDIVIDUALS WHO HAVE 3733 03:00:03,001 --> 03:00:07,000 WRITTEN TO US, PICKED UP THE 3734 03:00:07,001 --> 03:00:08,000 PHONE, ATTENDED A TOWN HALL 3735 03:00:08,001 --> 03:00:11,000 MEETING CONTINUES. 3736 03:00:11,001 --> 03:00:13,000 THEY WORRY THAT WE'RE NOT 3737 03:00:13,001 --> 03:00:17,000 LISTENING HERE. 3738 03:00:17,001 --> 03:00:19,000 THAT THOSE WHO ARE RAISING 3739 03:00:19,001 --> 03:00:21,000 CONCERNS ABOUT THE PRESIDENT'S 3740 03:00:21,001 --> 03:00:23,000 HEALTH CARE PROPOSALS BELIEVE 3741 03:00:23,001 --> 03:00:24,000 THAT SOMEHOW THEY ARE DEFENDING 3742 03:00:24,001 --> 03:00:27,000 THE STATUS QUO, AND THAT COULD 3743 03:00:27,001 --> 03:00:29,000 NOT BE FURTHER FROM THE TRUTH. 3744 03:00:29,001 --> 03:00:32,000 WE CAN ALL AGREE THAT HEALTH 3745 03:00:32,001 --> 03:00:35,000 CARE COSTS ARE RISING AT RATES 3746 03:00:35,001 --> 03:00:36,000 THAT CREATE HARDSHIPS ACROSS OUR 3747 03:00:36,001 --> 03:00:37,000 COUNTRY. 3748 03:00:37,001 --> 03:00:38,000 THEY IMPACT FAMILIES AND 3749 03:00:38,001 --> 03:00:40,000 BUSINESSES AND ULTIMATELY 3750 03:00:40,001 --> 03:00:42,000 THEY'RE NOT SUSTAINABLE FOR 3751 03:00:42,001 --> 03:00:44,000 FEDERAL AND STATE BUDGETS. 3752 03:00:44,001 --> 03:00:46,000 NOW THERE ARE MANY THINGS, I 3753 03:00:46,001 --> 03:00:48,000 BELIEVE, THAT THERE WOULD BE 3754 03:00:48,001 --> 03:00:51,000 VERY, VERY UNIVERSAL AGREEMENT UPON. 3755 03:00:51,001 --> 03:00:53,000 FOR EXAMPLE, I SUPPORT INSURANCE 3756 03:00:53,001 --> 03:00:54,000 MARKET REFORMS THAT INCREASE 3757 03:00:54,001 --> 03:00:57,000 ACCESS TO INSURANCE FOR PEOPLE 3758 03:00:57,001 --> 03:01:00,000 WHO HAVE PREEXISTING CONDITIONS. 3759 03:01:00,001 --> 03:01:03,000 MANY OF US DO HERE IN THE SENATE. 3760 03:01:03,001 --> 03:01:05,000 I SUPPORT ALLOWING SMALL 3761 03:01:05,001 --> 03:01:07,000 BUSINESSES TO BAND TOGETHER TO 3762 03:01:07,001 --> 03:01:08,000 BRING DOWN HEALTH INSURANCE 3763 03:01:08,001 --> 03:01:09,000 PREMIUMS. 3764 03:01:09,001 --> 03:01:12,000 MANY HERE DO. 3765 03:01:12,001 --> 03:01:14,000 I SUPPORT SUBSIDIES FOR THOSE 3766 03:01:14,001 --> 03:01:15,000 WHO TRULY CANNOT AFFORD 3767 03:01:15,001 --> 03:01:19,000 INSURANCE, HELP THEM BUY DOWN 3768 03:01:19,001 --> 03:01:23,000 THEIR PREMIUMS, THEIR 3769 03:01:23,001 --> 03:01:25,000 DEDUCTIBLES, THEIR CO-PAYS. 3770 03:01:25,001 --> 03:01:28,000 AGAIN, MANY HERE DO. 3771 03:01:28,001 --> 03:01:31,000 I SUPPORT MEL MACK REFORM THAT 3772 03:01:31,001 --> 03:01:33,000 WOULD CURB COSTS. 3773 03:01:33,001 --> 03:01:35,000 AGAIN, MANY HERE DO. 3774 03:01:35,001 --> 03:01:36,000 THESE COMMONSEN REFORMS AND 3775 03:01:36,001 --> 03:01:38,000 OTHERS THAT WE COULD MENTION 3776 03:01:38,001 --> 03:01:40,000 COULD BE THE CORNERSTONE OF WHAT 3777 03:01:40,001 --> 03:01:42,000 I BELIEVE WOULD BE A TRULY 3778 03:01:42,001 --> 03:01:47,000 BIPARTISAN SOLUTION TO OUR 3779 03:01:47,001 --> 03:01:48,000 HEALTH CARE CRISIS. 3780 03:01:48,001 --> 03:01:49,000 BUT I BELIEVE THE CURRENT 3781 03:01:49,001 --> 03:01:50,000 PROPOSALS HAVE VEERED IN A VERY 3782 03:01:50,001 --> 03:01:52,000 DIFFERENT DIRECTION. 3783 03:01:52,001 --> 03:01:54,000 I CANNOT SUPPORT SO-CALLED 3784 03:01:54,001 --> 03:01:57,000 REFORM THAT LOWERS THE QUALITY 3785 03:01:57,001 --> 03:02:00,000 OF OUR HEALTH CARE, COMPROMISES 3786 03:02:00,001 --> 03:02:03,000 E DOCTOR-PATIENT RELATIONSHIP, 3787 03:02:03,001 --> 03:02:04,000 DRASTICALLY INCREASED COSTS FOR 3788 03:02:04,001 --> 03:02:06,000 AMERICANS. 3789 03:02:06,001 --> 03:02:07,000 YET, I WORRY THAT THE PROVISIONS 3790 03:02:07,001 --> 03:02:09,000 WORKING THEIR WAY THROUGH THE 3791 03:02:09,001 --> 03:02:13,000 SENATE FINANCE COMMITTEE APPEAR 3792 03:02:13,001 --> 03:02:16,000 TO DO PRECISELY THAT. 3793 03:02:16,001 --> 03:02:17,000 INCREASE COSTS AND JEOPARDIZE QUALITY. 3794 03:02:17,001 --> 03:02:21,000 I DON'T BELIEVE THAT IT IS THE 3795 03:02:21,001 --> 03:02:22,000 KIND OF HEALTH CARE REFORM THAT 3796 03:02:22,001 --> 03:02:26,000 AMERICANS HAVE SENT US TO 3797 03:02:26,001 --> 03:02:29,000 WASHINGTON TO 3798 03:02:29,001 --> 03:02:31,000 IN OUR CURRENT ECONOMIC CRISIS, 3799 03:02:31,001 --> 03:02:33,000 THE LAST THING AMERICAN FAMILIES 3800 03:02:33,001 --> 03:02:35,000 NEED IS TO SEE MORE OF THEIR 3801 03:02:35,001 --> 03:02:37,000 PAYCHECKS GOING TO PAY TAXES. 3802 03:02:37,001 --> 03:02:38,000 THIS LEGISLATION PRESENTS A 3803 03:02:38,001 --> 03:02:40,000 DARNED IF YOU DO, DARNED IF YOU 3804 03:02:40,001 --> 03:02:42,000 DON'T SCENARIO. 3805 03:02:42,001 --> 03:02:45,000 IT TAXES YOU IF YOU HAVE 3806 03:02:45,001 --> 03:02:46,000 INSURANCE AND IT TAXES YOU IF 3807 03:02:46,001 --> 03:02:48,000 YOU DON'T. 3808 03:02:48,001 --> 03:02:51,000 PEOPLE WHO DEPEND UPON MEDICAL 3809 03:02:51,001 --> 03:02:53,000 DEVICES WILL SEE PRICES RISE. 3810 03:02:53,001 --> 03:02:57,000 AND SO WILL INDIVIDUALS WHO TAKE 3811 03:02:57,001 --> 03:02:59,000 PRESCRIPTION DRUGS. 3812 03:02:59,001 --> 03:03:02,000 STATES WILL HAVE TO RAISE MONEY 3813 03:03:02,001 --> 03:03:05,000 TO PAY FOR WHAT I REGARD AS AN 3814 03:03:05,001 --> 03:03:06,000 UNFAIR UNFUNDED MEDICARE 3815 03:03:06,001 --> 03:03:07,000 MANDATE. 3816 03:03:07,001 --> 03:03:08,000 HAVING BEEN A GOVERNOR, I CAN 3817 03:03:08,001 --> 03:03:10,000 TELL THAT YOU REALLY THERE ARE 3818 03:03:10,001 --> 03:03:12,000 LIMITED CHOICES IN STATE 3819 03:03:12,001 --> 03:03:14,000 BUDGETS, AND STATE BUDGETS ARE 3820 03:03:14,001 --> 03:03:15,000 IN CRISIS TODAY. 3821 03:03:15,001 --> 03:03:17,000 THEY'RE EITHER GOING TO HAVE TO 3822 03:03:17,001 --> 03:03:19,000 RAISE TA 3823 03:03:19,001 --> 03:03:20,000 REVENUE TO DEAL WITH THAT 3824 03:03:20,001 --> 03:03:23,000 MANDATE OR THEY'RE GOING TO HAVE 3825 03:03:23,001 --> 03:03:26,000 TO DO SOMETHING EQUALLY AS 3826 03:03:26,001 --> 03:03:27,000 UNPLEASANT, AND THAT IS CUT 3827 03:03:27,001 --> 03:03:28,000 PROGRAMS. 3828 03:03:28,001 --> 03:03:31,000 WHICH STATE PROGRAMS DO YOU 3829 03:03:31,001 --> 03:03:33,000 THINK AMERICANS WILL WANT TO 3830 03:03:33,001 --> 03:03:37,000 SACRIFICE SO WASHINGTON CAN HAVE 3831 03:03:37,001 --> 03:03:39,000 ITS WAY WITH THE STATES IN THE 3832 03:03:39,001 --> 03:03:42,000 MEDICAID 3833 03:03:42,001 --> 03:03:45,000 I CAN TELL YOU FROM EXPERIENCE 3834 03:03:45,001 --> 03:03:48,000 CUTTING PROGRAMS IS AN 3835 03:03:48,001 --> 03:03:49,000 IMPOSSIBLE DECISION, A SO IS 3836 03:03:49,001 --> 03:03:52,000 RAISING TAXES. 3837 03:03:52,001 --> 03:03:53,000 STATES SHOULD NOT BE PUT IN A 3838 03:03:53,001 --> 03:03:57,000 DIFFICULT POSITION AGAIN AND 3839 03:03:57,001 --> 03:03:58,000 AGAIN BY AN OVERREACHING FEDERAL GOVERNMENT. 3840 03:03:58,001 --> 03:04:01,000 EMPLOYERS WILL BE TAXED IN ORDER 3841 03:04:01,001 --> 03:04:03,000 TO PAY FOR REQUIRED HEALTH CARE 3842 03:04:03,001 --> 03:04:05,000 INSURANCE FOR THEIR EMPLOYEES. 3843 03:04:05,001 --> 03:04:09,000 THESE TAXES WILL CREATE 3844 03:04:09,001 --> 03:04:10,000 FINANCIAL HEARTBURN THAT 3845 03:04:10,001 --> 03:04:12,000 DOCTOR'S PRESCRIPTION CAN EASE. 3846 03:04:12,001 --> 03:04:14,000 THIS LEGISLATION WILL REQUIRE 3847 03:04:14,001 --> 03:04:17,000 EVERY AMERICAN TO HAVE HEALTH 3848 03:04:17,001 --> 03:04:21,000 INSURANCE WITH LIMITED EXCEPTIONS. 3849 03:04:21,001 --> 03:04:22,000 AND NOT JUST ANY HEALTH 3850 03:04:22,001 --> 03:04:23,000 INSURANCE. 3851 03:04:23,001 --> 03:04:27,000 IT REQUIRES HEALTH INSURANCE 3852 03:04:27,001 --> 03:04:29,000 THAT MEETS SPECIFIC 3853 03:04:29,001 --> 03:04:31,000 QUALIFICATIONS THAT THE 3854 03:04:31,001 --> 03:04:33,000 BURE 3855 03:04:33,001 --> 03:04:35,000 WILL DICTATE. THE FINANCE COMMITTEE BILL WOULD 3856 03:04:35,001 --> 03:04:37,000 REQUIRE YOU TO SPEND A CERTAIN 3857 03:04:37,001 --> 03:04:39,000 SHARE OF YOUR INCOME BEFORE 3858 03:04:39,001 --> 03:04:42,000 BECOMING ELIGIBLE FOR HEALTH 3859 03:04:42,001 --> 03:04:44,000 INSURANCE SUBSIDIES. 3860 03:04:44,001 --> 03:04:46,000 UNDER THE ORIGINAL FINANCE 3861 03:04:46,001 --> 03:04:47,000 COMMITTEE PROPOSAL, THE 3862 03:04:47,001 --> 03:04:51,000 CONGRESSIONAL BUDGET OFFICE 3863 03:04:51,001 --> 03:04:54,000 ESTIMATED THAT AN INDIVIDUAL WHO 3864 03:04:54,001 --> 03:04:55,000 MAKES $3 2,400 A YEAR -- NOT A 3865 03:04:55,001 --> 03:05:01,000 LOT OF MONEY -- WOULD BE 3866 03:05:01,001 --> 03:05:03,000 REQUIRED TO PAY $4,100 IN HEALTH 3867 03:05:03,001 --> 03:05:06,000 CARE INSURANCE PREMIUMS BEFORE 3868 03:05:06,001 --> 03:05:08,000 BECOMING ELIGIBLE FOR A SUBSIDY. 3869 03:05:08,001 --> 03:05:13,000 THAT INDIVIDUAL WOULD ALSO BE 3870 03:05:13,001 --> 03:05:16,000 REQUIRED TO PAY ON AVERAGE 3871 03:05:16,001 --> 03:05:17,000 $1,600 IN CO-PAYMENTS AND 3872 03:05:17,001 --> 03:05:19,000 DEDUCTIBLES. THESE INDIVIDUALS WOULD BE 3873 03:05:19,001 --> 03:05:22,000 REQUIRED THROUGH THE GOVERNMENT 3874 03:05:22,001 --> 03:05:24,000 MANDATE, AGAIN, THEY WOULD BE 3875 03:05:24,001 --> 03:05:28,000 REQUIRED TO SPEND 18% OF THEIR 3876 03:05:28,001 --> 03:05:30,000 INCOME ON HEAL 3877 03:05:30,001 --> 03:05:32,000 SURPRISINGLY, THE CHEAPER 3878 03:05:32,001 --> 03:05:34,000 CATASTROPHIC COVERAGE THAT SOME 3879 03:05:34,001 --> 03:05:38,000 WOULD PREFER WOULD NOT BE 3880 03:05:38,001 --> 03:05:42,000 CONSIDERED A SO-CALLED QUALIFIED 3881 03:05:42,001 --> 03:05:43,000 PLAN; THEREFORE, 3882 03:05:43,001 --> 03:05:44,000 FURTHERMORE, IF YOU CHOOSE NOT 3883 03:05:44,001 --> 03:05:48,000 TO HAVE HEALTH INSURANCE THAT 3884 03:05:48,001 --> 03:05:51,000 MEETS THESE QUALIFICATIONS, YOU 3885 03:05:51,001 --> 03:05:55,000 COULD BE FORCED TO PAY OUT AS 3886 03:05:55,001 --> 03:05:56,000 MUCH AS $1,900 IN ADDITIONAL 3887 03:05:56,001 --> 03:05:57,000 TAXES PER FAMILY. 3888 03:05:57,001 --> 03:05:59,000 THE INTERNAL REVENUE SERVICE 3889 03:05:59,001 --> 03:06:02,000 WILL BE KNOCKING ON YOUR DOOR TO 3890 03:06:02,001 --> 03:06:06,000 MAKE SURE THAT YOU LITERALLY BUY 3891 03:06:06,001 --> 03:06:08,000 INTO FEDERALLY DICTATED HEALTH 3892 03:06:08,001 --> 03:06:12,000 CARE REFORM EFFORTS. 3893 03:06:12,001 --> 03:06:14,000 I'VE HEARD FROM MANY NEBRASKANS 3894 03:06:14,001 --> 03:06:17,000 WHO FEEL AS IF THIS INDIVIDUAL 3895 03:06:17,001 --> 03:06:19,000 MANDATE IS REALLY A DIRECT 3896 03:06:19,001 --> 03:06:22,000 ASSAULT ON THEIR FREEDOM. 3897 03:06:22,001 --> 03:06:23,000 MOST PEOPLE DO NOT LIKE THE 3898 03:06:23,001 --> 03:06:25,000 NOTION THAT WASHINGTON TELLS 3899 03:06:25,001 --> 03:06:27,000 THEM HOW TO LIVE THEIR LIVES, 3900 03:06:27,001 --> 03:06:30,000 AND IMPOSING AN INDIVIDUAL 3901 03:06:30,001 --> 03:06:31,000 MANDATE TAX REALLY RUBS 3902 03:06:31,001 --> 03:06:36,000 AMERICANS THE WRONG WAY. 3903 03:06:36,001 --> 03:06:37,000 NOT ONLY 3904 03:06:37,001 --> 03:06:39,000 THEY MUST BUY INSURANCE, BUT WE 3905 03:06:39,001 --> 03:06:41,000 ARE TELLING THEM WHAT KIND OF 3906 03:06:41,001 --> 03:06:44,000 INSURANCE THEY MUST BUY. 3907 03:06:44,001 --> 03:06:47,000 NOW, I KNOW SOME, INCLUDING OUR 3908 03:06:47,001 --> 03:06:52,000 PRESIDENT, ARGUE THIS ISN'T A TAX. 3909 03:06:52,001 --> 03:06:55,000 RATHER, IT'S SIMPLY A SHARED 3910 03:06:55,001 --> 03:06:56,000 RESPONSIBILITY WELL, THE VERY 3911 03:06:56,001 --> 03:06:57,000 LANGUAGE IN THE FINANCE 3912 03:06:57,001 --> 03:06:59,000 COMMITTEE PLAN CLEARLY STATES 3913 03:06:59,001 --> 03:07:05,000 THAT THIS IS A TAX. 3914 03:07:05,001 --> 03:07:07,000 AND IT BRINGS IN ABOUT $20 BILLION. 3915 03:07:07,001 --> 03:07:10,000 WHERE'S THE PRESIDENT'S PROMISE 3916 03:07:10,001 --> 03:07:12,000 THAT HE WOULD NOT RAISE TAXES ON 3917 03:07:12,001 --> 03:07:14,000 INDIVIDUALS WHO MAKE UNDER 3918 03:07:14,001 --> 03:07:17,000 $250,000 A YEAR? 3919 03:07:17,001 --> 03:07:19,000 WELL, IT'S NONEXISTENT. 3920 03:07:19,001 --> 03:07:22,000 LAST WEEK THIS WAS MADE 3921 03:07:22,001 --> 03:07:25,000 DURING THE FINANCE COMMITTEE MARKUP. 3922 03:07:25,001 --> 03:07:30,000 WHEN ASKED ABOUT THE EFFECT OF 3923 03:07:30,001 --> 03:07:32,000 THIS TAX ON THE 3924 03:07:32,001 --> 03:07:34,000 THE CHIEF STAFF FOR THE JOINT 3925 03:07:34,001 --> 03:07:35,000 COMMITTEE ON TAXATION RESPONDED 3926 03:07:35,001 --> 03:07:38,000 -- AND I QUOTE -- "WE WOULD 3927 03:07:38,001 --> 03:07:42,000 EXPECT THAT SOME PEOPLE PAYING 3928 03:07:42,001 --> 03:07:44,000 WOULD MAKE LESS THAN $250,000." UNQUOTE. 3929 03:07:44,001 --> 03:07:47,000 FOR HARD-WORKING FAMILIES, THE 3930 03:07:47,001 --> 03:07:50,000 INDIVIDUAL MANDATES WILL LOAD 3931 03:07:50,001 --> 03:07:53,000 THEM UP WITH A FANCY BENEFIT 3932 03:07:53,001 --> 03:07:55,000 PLAN COVERING SERVICES THEY MAY 3933 03:07:55,001 --> 03:07:58,000 NOT WANT OR NEED. 3934 03:07:58,001 --> 03:08:01,000 AND THEY WILL BE REQUIRED TO BUY 3935 03:08:01,001 --> 03:08:02,000 IT OR THEIR GOVERNMENT 3936 03:08:02,001 --> 03:08:04,000 PENALIZE THEM. 3937 03:08:04,001 --> 03:08:07,000 NOW, THIS IS A COMPLEX AND IT'S 3938 03:08:07,001 --> 03:08:10,000 A FUNDAMENTAL SHIFT IN HOW WE 3939 03:08:10,001 --> 03:08:11,000 APPROACH HEALTH CARE 3940 03:08:11,001 --> 03:08:13,000 GREAT COUNTRY. 3941 03:08:13,001 --> 03:08:16,000 AND, INDEED, IN HOW MUCH THE 3942 03:08:16,001 --> 03:08:21,000 GOVERNMENT DICTATES THE HEALTH 3943 03:08:21,001 --> 03:08:22,000 CARE DECISION OF EACH AND EVERY 3944 03:08:22,001 --> 03:08:23,000 AMERICAN. 3945 03:08:23,001 --> 03:08:26,000 FURTHERMORE, THIS LEGISLATION 3946 03:08:26,001 --> 03:08:30,000 RAISES MONEY BY TAXING INSURANCE 3947 03:08:30,001 --> 03:08:32,000 COMPANIES, MEDICAL DEVICE 3948 03:08:32,001 --> 03:08:33,000 MANUFACTURERS, AND PRESCRIPTION 3949 03:08:33,001 --> 03:08:35,000 DRUG 3950 03:08:35,001 --> 03:08:37,000 DOES ANYBODY DOUBT FOR A MINUTE 3951 03:08:37,001 --> 03:08:39,000 THAT THAT WILL BE PASSED ON TO 3952 03:08:39,001 --> 03:08:41,000 THE AVERAGE GUY? 3953 03:08:41,001 --> 03:08:43,000 THERE'S LITTLE DOUBT THAT THESE 3954 03:08:43,001 --> 03:08:46,000 INCREASED TAXES WILL LEAD TO 3955 03:08:46,001 --> 03:08:50,000 HIGHER PREMIUMS, MORE EXPENSIVE 3956 03:08:50,001 --> 03:08:53,000 MEDICAL EQUIPMENT, AND HIGHER 3957 03:08:53,001 --> 03:08:55,000 DRUG PRICES FOR AMERICANS. 3958 03:08:55,001 --> 03:08:58,000 THESE INDUSTRIES WILL COMPENSATE 3959 03:08:58,001 --> 03:08:59,000 FOR THE ADDED TAX BY RAISING 3960 03:08:59,001 --> 03:09:02,000 PRICES. 3961 03:09:02,001 --> 03:09:04,000 ULTIMATELY, RAISING THE COST OF 3962 03:09:04,001 --> 03:09:05,000 HEALTH CARE IN THIS COUNTRY. 3963 03:09:05,001 --> 03:09:08,000 ADDITIONALLY, THIS PLAN IS 3964 03:09:08,001 --> 03:09:09,000 LIKELY TO DECREASE RESEARCH AND 3965 03:09:09,001 --> 03:09:12,000 DEVELOPMENT IN THE HEALTH CARE 3966 03:09:12,001 --> 03:09:15,000 SECTOR, WHICH HAS BEEN A MAJOR 3967 03:09:15,001 --> 03:09:17,000 DRIVER OF INNOVATION AND 3968 03:09:17,001 --> 03:09:20,000 IMPROVEMENTS IN HEALTH CARE QUALITY. 3969 03:09:20,001 --> 03:09:24,000 CREATING POLICY THAT DECREASES 3970 03:09:24,001 --> 03:09:25,000 THE QUALITY OF OUR HEALTH CARE 3971 03:09:25,001 --> 03:09:28,000 MAKES NO SENSE. 3972 03:09:28,001 --> 03:09:30,000 IT IS COUNTERPRODUCTIVE. 3973 03:09:30,001 --> 03:09:32,000 REQUIRING, MANDATING EMPLOYERS 3974 03:09:32,001 --> 03:09:34,000 TO PROVIDE HEALTH INSURANCE TO 3975 03:09:34,001 --> 03:09:38,000 THEIR EMPLOYEES OR BE FINED OR 3976 03:09:38,001 --> 03:09:39,000 TAXED JUST DOESN'T MAKE SENSE. 3977 03:09:39,001 --> 03:09:43,000 THE FINANCE COMMITTEE PROPOSAL 3978 03:09:43,001 --> 03:09:48,000 IS EXPECTED TO COLLECT $27 3979 03:09:48,001 --> 03:09:49,000 BILLION WORTH OF THOSE FINES OR 3980 03:09:49,001 --> 03:09:52,000 TAXES. 3981 03:09:52,001 --> 03:09:55,000 IN TOUGH ECONOMIC TIMES WITH 3982 03:09:55,001 --> 03:09:57,000 UNEMPLOYMENT ALMOST IN DOUBLE 3983 03:09:57,001 --> 03:09:59,000 DIGITS AND FORECAST TO GO INTO 3984 03:09:59,001 --> 03:10:00,000 DOUBLE DIGITS, PUTTING MORE 3985 03:10:00,001 --> 03:10:05,000 REQUIREMENTS AND MANDATES ON JOB 3986 03:10:05,001 --> 03:10:07,000 CREATORS AND JOB SUSTAINERS IS COUNTERPRODUCTIVE. 3987 03:10:07,001 --> 03:10:09,000 EMPLOYERS WILL THINK TWICE ABOUT 3988 03:10:09,001 --> 03:10:12,000 HIRING MORE WORKERS. 3989 03:10:12,001 --> 03:10:14,000 THERE IS LITTLE DOUBT THAT THESE 3990 03:10:14,001 --> 03:10:15,000 INCREASED TAXES WILL LEAD TO 3991 03:10:15,001 --> 03:10:17,000 HIGHER INSURANCE PREMIUMS, MORE 3992 03:10:17,001 --> 03:10:19,000 EXPENSIVE MEDICAL EQUIPMENT AND 3993 03:10:19,001 --> 03:10:22,000 H HIGHER DRUG PRICES FOR 3994 03:10:22,001 --> 03:10:25,000 AMERICANS FPLT THESE INDUSTRIES 3995 03:10:25,001 --> 03:10:29,000 WILL COMPENSATE BY RAISING THEIR PRICES. 3996 03:10:29,001 --> 03:10:31,000 THEY JUST SIMPLY WILL. 3997 03:10:31,001 --> 03:10:32,000 MR. PRESIDENT, I FEAR THAT 3998 03:10:32,001 --> 03:10:33,000 LOW-INCOME AMERICANS WILL SUFFER 3999 03:10:33,001 --> 03:10:36,000 THE MOST. 4000 03:10:36,001 --> 03:10:38,000 THEY NEED THOSE JOBS. 4001 03:10:38,001 --> 03:10:41,000 WE MUST CAREFULLY EVALUATE THE 4002 03:10:41,001 --> 03:10:44,000 DETAILS OF THIS LEGISLATION AND 4003 03:10:44,001 --> 03:10:48,000 INSURE THAT OUR ATTEMPTS TO MAKE 4004 03:10:48,001 --> 03:10:51,000 THINGS BETTER, WHICH I BELIEVE 4005 03:10:51,001 --> 03:10:53,000 WE CAN DO IN A BIPARTISAN WAY, 4006 03:10:53,001 --> 03:10:54,000 DON'T ULTIMATELY MAKE THIS WORSE. 4007 03:10:54,001 --> 03:10:55,000 I WOULD SUGGEST IN TOUGH 4008 03:10:55,001 --> 03:10:57,000 ECONOMIC TIMES CREATING 4009 03:10:57,001 --> 03:10:59,000 LEGISLATION THAT INCREASES THE 4010 03:10:59,001 --> 03:11:03,000 COST OF HEALTH CARE AND RAISES 4011 03:11:03,001 --> 03:11:05,000 TAXES IS NOT TRUE HEALTH CARE 4012 03:11:05,001 --> 03:11:06,000 MR. PRESIDENT, I YIELD THE 4013 03:11:06,001 --> 03:11:07,000 FLOOR. THE PRESIDING OFFICER: THE 4014 03:11:07,001 --> 03:11:08,000 MAJORITY LEADER. 4015 03:11:08,001 --> 03:11:11,000 MR. REID: I ASK UNANIMOUS 4016 03:11:11,001 --> 03:11:12,000 CONSENT THE SEN 4017 03:11:12,001 --> 03:11:13,000 RES. 290. 4018 03:11:13,001 --> 03:11:14,000 THE PRESIDING OFFICER: WITHOUT 4019 03:11:14,001 --> 03:11:18,000 OBJECTION. 4020 03:11:18,001 --> 03:11:20,000 THE CLERK WILL 4021 03:11:20,001 --> 03:11:22,000 CONSTITUTE THE MAJORITY PARTY'S 4022 03:11:22,001 --> 03:11:25,000 MEMBERSHIP ON CERTAIN COMMITTEES 4023 03:11:25,001 --> 03:11:28,000 FOR THE 111th CONGRESS OR 4024 03:11:28,001 --> 03:11:29,000 UNTIL THEIR CHOSEN. 4025 03:11:29,001 --> 03:11:30,000 THE PRESIDING OFFICER: MR. PRESIDENT? 4026 03:11:30,001 --> 03:11:31,000 THE PRESIDING OFFICER: WITHOUT 4027 03:11:31,001 --> 03:11:33,000 OBJECTION, WE'LL PROCEED TO THE MEASURE. 4028 03:11:33,001 --> 03:11:34,000 MR. REID: THANK YOU, 4029 03:11:34,001 --> 03:11:36,000 MR. PRESIDENT. 4030 03:11:36,001 --> 03:11:37,000 WITH THE FILLING OF SENATOR 4031 03:11:37,001 --> 03:11:39,000 KENNEDY'S SEAT BY THE STATE OF 4032 03:11:39,001 --> 03:11:44,000 MASSACHUSETTS, WE NOW ARE 4033 03:11:44,001 --> 03:11:46,000 REARRANGINGHE 4034 03:11:46,001 --> 03:11:47,000 SOME HAVE BEEN VACANT SINCE HIS DEATH. 4035 03:11:47,001 --> 03:11:49,000 SO I WOULD ASK UNANIMOUS CONSENT 4036 03:11:49,001 --> 03:11:51,000 THE RESOLUTION BE AGREED TO, THE MO 4037 03:11:51,001 --> 03:11:52,000 THE 4038 03:11:52,001 --> 03:12:03,000 THE PRESIDING OFFICER: WITHOUT OBJECTION. 4039 03:12:03,001 --> 03:12:05,000 SO ORDERED 4040 03:12:05,001 --> 03:12:06,000 MR. COCHRAN: MR. PRESIDENT? THE PRESIDING OFFICER: THE 4041 03:12:06,001 --> 03:12:09,000 SENATOR FROM MISSISSIPPI. 4042 03:12:09,001 --> 03:12:13,000 MR. COCHRAN: MR. PRESIDENT, 4043 03:12:13,001 --> 03:12:15,000 THE SENATE REALIZES THE BUSINESS 4044 03:12:15,001 --> 03:12:19,000 TODAY IS THE ADMINISTRATION'S 4045 03:12:19,001 --> 03:12:21,000 FISCAL YEAR 4046 03:12:21,001 --> 03:12:23,000 PROPOSALS, OUR COMMITTEE ON 4047 03:12:23,001 --> 03:12:27,000 APPROP 4048 03:12:27,001 --> 03:12:30,000 KNOWS, IN THE REGULAR ORDER, 4049 03:12:30,001 --> 03:12:31,000 HEARINGS, TOOKING ADVANTAGE OF 4050 03:12:31,001 --> 03:12:33,000 ADVICE FROM TESTIMONY AND 4051 03:12:33,001 --> 03:12:34,000 SUGGESTIONS RECEIVED BY OTHER 4052 03:12:34,001 --> 03:12:36,000 SENATORS ON AND OFF THE 4053 03:12:36,001 --> 03:12:38,000 COMMITTEE ABOUT THE PROVISIONS 4054 03:12:38,001 --> 03:12:42,000 OF THIS IMPORTANT LEGISLATION. 4055 03:12:42,001 --> 03:12:44,000 IT SETS OUT, AS THE SENATE 4056 03:12:44,001 --> 03:12:45,000 APPRECIATES, THE FUNDING THAT 4057 03:12:45,001 --> 03:12:46,000 WOULD BE PERMITTED BY THE 4058 03:12:46,001 --> 03:12:47,000 DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE FOR THE 4059 03:12:47,001 --> 03:12:49,000 NEXT FISCAL 4060 03:12:49,001 --> 03:12:52,000 SO THE SUBJECT WE HAVE TODAY 4061 03:12:52,001 --> 03:12:55,000 BEFORE US IS SPECIFICALLY AN 4062 03:12:55,001 --> 03:12:58,000 ISSUE INVOLVING A 4063 03:12:58,001 --> 03:13:00,000 PROVISION IN THE 4064 03:13:00,001 --> 03:13:02,000 ADMINISTRATION'S FISCA 4065 03:13:02,001 --> 03:13:03,000 2010 DEFENSE BUDGET PROPOSAL. 4066 03:13:03,001 --> 03:13:05,000 THE ADMINISTRATION PROPOSED 4067 03:13:05,001 --> 03:13:08,000 SEVERAL FUNDING CUTS FOR WEAPONS 4068 03:13:08,001 --> 03:13:10,000 PROGRAMS THAT THEY DEEMED UNNEED. 4069 03:13:10,001 --> 03:13:13,000 THE SENATE APPROPRIATIONS 4070 03:13:13,001 --> 03:13:15,000 COMMITTEE AT HIS HEARINGS AND 4071 03:13:15,001 --> 03:13:18,000 HIS DELIBERATIONS REVIEWED EACH 4072 03:13:18,001 --> 03:13:19,000 OF THE 4073 03:13:19,001 --> 03:13:21,000 AGREED WITH THE RECOMMENDATIONS 4074 03:13:21,001 --> 03:13:22,000 SET FORTH IN THE 4075 03:13:22,001 --> 03:13:27,000 ADMINISTRATION'S BUDGET SUBCOMMITTEAL. 4076 03:13:27,001 --> 03:13:29,000 THIS BILL DOES NOT -- BUDGET SUBMITTAL. 4077 03:13:29,001 --> 03:13:32,000 THIS 4078 03:13:32,001 --> 03:13:34,000 ADDITIONAL FUNDING FOR F-22 4079 03:13:34,001 --> 03:13:37,000 AIRCRAFT, PRESIDENTIAL 4080 03:13:37,001 --> 03:13:41,000 ALTERNATE ENGINE, THE COMBAT 4081 03:13:41,001 --> 03:13:43,000 SEARCH AND RESCUE HELICOPTER, 4082 03:13:43,001 --> 03:13:45,000 THE KINETIC ENERGY INTERCEPTOR 4083 03:13:45,001 --> 03:13:47,000 AND 4084 03:13:47,001 --> 03:13:50,000 WERE PROPOSED FOR FUNDING 4085 03:13:50,001 --> 03:13:53,000 BY THIS ADMINISTRATION. 4086 03:13:53,001 --> 03:13:56,000 THE C-17 AIRCRAFT IS AN AREA 4087 03:13:56,001 --> 03:14:01,000 WHERE WE DID NOT 4088 03:14:01,001 --> 03:14:04,000 THE COMMITTEE PROPOSED $2.5 4089 03:14:04,001 --> 03:14:07,000 BILLION BE INCLUDED IN THE 4090 03:14:07,001 --> 03:14:10,000 FOR TEN ADDITIONAL AIRCRAFT. 4091 03:14:10,001 --> 03:14:12,000 AS WE ALL KNOW, THE DEFENSE 4092 03:14:12,001 --> 03:14:18,000 DEPARTMENT IS NOT I 4093 03:14:18,001 --> 03:14:21,000 CONGRESS WHEN IT RECOMMENDED 4094 03:14:21,001 --> 03:14:23,000 PROGRAM TERMINATIONS OF THE 4095 03:14:23,001 --> 03:14:27,000 F-117 STEALTH FIGHTER AND THE 4096 03:14:27,001 --> 03:14:30,000 SR PB 22S -- AND THE V-22 OSPREY. 4097 03:14:30,001 --> 03:14:32,000 THE C-17 IS THE CURRENT BACKBONE 4098 03:14:32,001 --> 03:14:35,000 OF OUR STRATEGIC 4099 03:14:35,001 --> 03:14:43,000 CAPABILITY, AND IT WILL BE 4100 03:14:43,001 --> 03:14:44,000 DECADES TO COME. 4101 03:14:44,001 --> 03:14:47,000 C-17'S ARE BEING UTE HRAOEUDZ 4102 03:14:47,001 --> 03:14:51,000 OVER THE WORLD -- UTILIZED OVER 4103 03:14:51,001 --> 03:14:53,000 THE WORLD AT A FASTER PACE THAN ANTICIPATED. 4104 03:14:53,001 --> 03:14:56,000 WHILE THEY COMPRISE 60% OF THE 4105 03:14:56,001 --> 03:14:58,000 AIR FORCE'S STRATEGIC AIR FORCE 4106 03:14:58,001 --> 03:15:01,000 FLEET, THEY COMPRISE 4107 03:15:01,001 --> 03:15:04,000 STRATEGIC AIRLIFT MISSIONS. 4108 03:15:04,001 --> 03:15:05,000 THIS DEMAND FOR C-17 LIFT 4109 03:15:05,001 --> 03:15:11,000 CAPABILITY IS ONLY GOING TO GROW 4110 03:15:11,001 --> 03:15:14,000 AS NEW AIRLIFT MISSIONSMERGE. 4111 03:15:14,001 --> 03:15:18,000 ALREADY ARE RAPID DEPLOYMENT OF 4112 03:15:18,001 --> 03:15:20,000 THEATER MISSILE 4113 03:15:20,001 --> 03:15:23,000 COUNTERINSURGENCY OPERATIONS, AS 4114 03:15:23,001 --> 03:15:25,000 WELL AS GROWING AIRLIFT DEMANDS 4115 03:15:25,001 --> 03:15:28,000 FOR AN EXPANDING ARMY AND MARINE 4116 03:15:28,001 --> 03:15:31,000 CORPS. 4117 03:15:31,001 --> 03:15:33,000 FAILURE TO FUND THE C-17 WILL 4118 03:15:33,001 --> 03:15:35,000 RESULT IN THE UNITED STATES 4119 03:15:35,001 --> 03:15:37,000 SHUTTING DOWN ITS AIRLIFT 4120 03:15:37,001 --> 03:15:39,000 MANUFACTURING BASE AT A 4121 03:15:39,001 --> 03:15:42,000 WHEN THE DEMAND FOR AIRLIFT IS 4122 03:15:42,001 --> 03:15:45,000 LIKELY TO GROW. 4123 03:15:45,001 --> 03:15:47,000 ALLOWING THE C-17 SUPPLY BASE 4124 03:15:47,001 --> 03:15:50,000 AND PRODUCTION LIN 4125 03:15:50,001 --> 03:15:52,000 AND THEN TRYING TO RECONSTITUTE 4126 03:15:52,001 --> 03:15:53,000 IT WOULD COST BILLIONS OF 4127 03:15:53,001 --> 03:15:56,000 DOLLARS AND TAKE YEARS TO 4128 03:15:56,001 --> 03:15:58,000 ACCOMPLISH. 4129 03:15:58,001 --> 03:16:00,000 THE DEFENSE REVIEW AND THE 4130 03:16:00,001 --> 03:16:03,000 UPCOMING MOBILITY CAPABILITY AND 4131 03:16:03,001 --> 03:16:06,000 REQUIREMEN 4132 03:16:06,001 --> 03:16:08,000 REASSESSING OUR STRATEGIC 4133 03:16:08,001 --> 03:16:11,000 AIRLIFT REQUIREMENTS. 4134 03:16:11,001 --> 03:16:13,000 UNTIL THOSE REQUIREMENTS ARE 4135 03:16:13,001 --> 03:16:16,000 REEVALUATED, THE C-17'S SHOULD 4136 03:16:16,001 --> 03:16:18,000 BE INCLUDED IN THIS BIL 4137 03:16:18,001 --> 03:16:23,000 THE AIR FORCE CHIEF OF STAFF HAS 4138 03:16:23,001 --> 03:16:29,000 STATED THAT HE BELIEVES 205 4139 03:16:29,001 --> 03:16:32,000 C-17'S AND 4140 03:16:32,001 --> 03:16:36,000 TO MEET STRATEGIC AIRLIFT REQUIREMENTS. 4141 03:16:36,001 --> 03:16:38,000 AND PROCURING MORE THAN THE 205 4142 03:16:38,001 --> 03:16:41,000 C-17'S ALREADY PURCHASED SHOULD 4143 03:16:41,001 --> 03:16:44,000 INVOLVE A LIKE 4144 03:16:44,001 --> 03:16:47,000 RETIREMENT OF C-5-A AIRCRAFT. 4145 03:16:47,001 --> 03:16:48,000 PRIOR TO THE FISCAL YEAR OF 2009 4146 03:16:48,001 --> 03:16:50,000 SUPPLEMENTAL APPROPRIATIONS ACT 4147 03:16:50,001 --> 03:16:51,000 IN JUNE OF THIS YEAR, THE AIR 4148 03:16:51,001 --> 03:16:55,000 FORCE WAS PROHIBITED FROM 4149 03:16:55,001 --> 03:16:57,000 RETIRING THE OLDER AND 4150 03:16:57,001 --> 03:16:59,000 CAPABLE C-5-A'S. 4151 03:16:59,001 --> 03:17:01,000 NOW THAT THE DEPARTMENT HAS A 4152 03:17:01,001 --> 03:17:03,000 AUTHORITY TO RETIRE THESE 4153 03:17:03,001 --> 03:17:06,000 AIRCRAFT, WE SHOULD REPLACE A 4154 03:17:06,001 --> 03:17:07,000 NUMBER OF THEM WITH A HIGHLY 4155 03:17:07,001 --> 03:17:08,000 CAPABLE AIRCRAFT IN PRODUCTION 4156 03:17:08,001 --> 03:17:10,000 TODAY. 4157 03:17:10,001 --> 03:17:14,000 THE GOVERNMENT 4158 03:17:14,001 --> 03:17:19,000 OFFICE HAS CONCLUDED AND I QUOTE 4159 03:17:19,001 --> 03:17:23,000 -- "1 WILL TAKE SEVEN FULLY 4160 03:17:23,001 --> 03:17:25,000 MODERNIZED C-5'S 4161 03:17:25,001 --> 03:17:27,000 OF $132 MILLION EACH TO ATTAIN 4162 03:17:27,001 --> 03:17:29,000 THE EQUIVALENT CAPABILITY 4163 03:17:29,001 --> 03:17:32,000 ACHIEVED BY BUYING ONE 4164 03:17:32,001 --> 03:17:36,000 ADDITIONAL C-17 AT 4165 03:17:36,001 --> 03:17:39,000 OF $276 MILLION. 4166 03:17:39,001 --> 03:17:41,000 IN OTHER WORDS, IT WOULD COS 4167 03:17:41,001 --> 03:17:44,000 COST $924 MILLION TO 4168 03:17:44,001 --> 03:17:50,000 SEVEN C-5'S TO GET THE SAME 4169 03:17:50,001 --> 03:17:52,000 CAPABILITY OF ONE C-17 COSTIN 4170 03:17:52,001 --> 03:17:55,000 COSTING $276 MILLION. 4171 03:17:55,001 --> 03:17:57,000 BASED ON THE 4172 03:17:57,001 --> 03:18:00,000 NEEDS AND THE NEW AUTHORITY TO 4173 03:18:00,001 --> 03:18:02,000 RETIRE THE AGING AND 4174 03:18:02,001 --> 03:18:05,000 HARD-TO-MAINTAIN C-5 AIRCRAFT, 4175 03:18:05,001 --> 03:18:09,000 WE ADDED THE $2.5 BILLION TO 4176 03:18:09,001 --> 03:18:12,000 SUSTAIN PRODUCTION OF THE C-17 4177 03:18:12,001 --> 03:18:14,000 PROGRAM FOR ONE ADDITIONAL YEAR. 4178 03:18:14,001 --> 03:18:16,000 THIS ADDITIONAL YEAR WILL GIVE 4179 03:18:16,001 --> 03:18:19,000 THE DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE TIME 4180 03:18:19,001 --> 03:18:21,000 TO COMPLETE THEIR AIRLIFT 4181 03:18:21,001 --> 03:18:25,000 REVIEWS AND PRESERVE THE OPTION 4182 03:18:25,001 --> 03:18:27,000 OF ADDING 4183 03:18:27,001 --> 03:18:30,000 AIRLIFT FLEET. 4184 03:18:30,001 --> 03:18:33,000 IF FUNDING FOR C-17'S ELIMINATED 4185 03:18:33,001 --> 03:18:34,000 IN THIS BILL 4186 03:18:34,001 --> 03:18:38,000 STUDIES DETERMINE ADDITIONAL 4187 03:18:38,001 --> 03:18:40,000 AIRLIFT IS 4188 03:18:40,001 --> 03:18:42,000 THERE WILL BE A SIGNIFICANT COST 4189 03:18:42,001 --> 03:18:44,000 IN INCREASES AND DELAYS IN 4190 03:18:44,001 --> 03:18:46,000 GETTING THE AIRCRAFT TO THE 4191 03:18:46,001 --> 03:18:48,000 FLEET. 4192 03:18:48,001 --> 03:18:50,000 AT WORSE IT WILL BE COST 4193 03:18:50,001 --> 03:18:52,000 PROHIBITED TO RESTART THE LINE 4194 03:18:52,001 --> 03:18:54,000 AND OUR SERVICE MEN AND WOMEN 4195 03:18:54,001 --> 03:18:57,000 WILL BE DENIED EQUIPMENT NEEDED 4196 03:18:57,001 --> 03:18:59,000 TO PERFORM THEIR MISSIONS. 4197 03:18:59,001 --> 03:19:00,000 THAT, MR. 4198 03:19:00,001 --> 03:19:03,000 TOTALLY UNACCEPTABLE. 4199 03:19:03,001 --> 03:19:11,000 AND I URGE A NO VOTE ON THE 4200 03:19:11,001 --> 03:19:13,000 McCAIN AMENDMENT. 4201 03:19:13,001 --> 03:19:17,000 THE PRESIDING OFFICER: THE 4202 03:19:17,001 --> 03:19:19,000 SENATOR FROM HAWAII. 4203 03:19:19,001 --> 03:19:22,000 MR. INOUYE: THE STATE 4204 03:19:22,001 --> 03:19:24,000 ABOUT TO PRESENT MAY APPEAR A 4205 03:19:24,001 --> 03:19:27,000 BIT REDUNDANT AFTER LISTENING TO 4206 03:19:27,001 --> 03:19:29,000 THE GREAT STATEMENT FROM THE 4207 03:19:29,001 --> 03:19:31,000 SENATOR OF MISSISSIPPI, THE VICE 4208 03:19:31,001 --> 03:19:34,000 CHAI 4209 03:19:34,001 --> 03:19:40,000 BUT AS CHAIRMAN OF THIS 4210 03:19:40,001 --> 03:19:41,000 COMMITTEE, I WANT TO SAY THIS 4211 03:19:41,001 --> 03:19:44,000 REDUNDANCY TO SAY THAT ARE 4212 03:19:44,001 --> 03:19:47,000 SENATOR COCHRAN AND I 4213 03:19:47,001 --> 03:19:49,000 TEAM AND WE AGREE WITH THE 4214 03:19:49,001 --> 03:19:50,000 PROVISIONS IN THIS 4215 03:19:50,001 --> 03:19:52,000 AND IN THE INTEREST OF THIS BODY 4216 03:19:52,001 --> 03:19:53,000 IT SHOULD BE NOTED THAT THIS 4217 03:19:53,001 --> 03:20:00,000 MEASURE WAS PASSED AND PRESENTED 4218 03:20:00,001 --> 03:20:01,000 TO THE SENATE BY A VOTE OF 30-0. 4219 03:20:01,001 --> 03:20:05,000 UNANIMOUS. 4220 03:20:05,001 --> 03:20:07,000 A 4221 03:20:07,001 --> 03:20:10,000 THE COMMITTEE AFTER DUE 4222 03:20:10,001 --> 03:20:12,000 CONSIDERION UNANIMOUSLY. 4223 03:20:12,001 --> 03:20:13,000 $636 BILLION BILL COMING OUT OF 4224 03:20:13,001 --> 03:20:15,000 THE COMMITTEE AFTER DUE 4225 03:20:15,001 --> 03:20:16,000 CONSIDERATION UNANIMOUSLY. 4226 03:20:16,001 --> 03:20:20,000 MR. PRESIDENT, THE AMENDMENT BY 4227 03:20:20,001 --> 03:20:21,000 THE SENATOR FROM ARIZONA, 4228 03:20:21,001 --> 03:20:24,000 ARIZONA, $6 MILLION FUNDS 4229 03:20:24,001 --> 03:20:25,000 PROVIDED IN THIS BILL TO SUSTAIN 4230 03:20:25,001 --> 03:20:27,000 THE C-17 PROGRAM. 4231 03:20:27,001 --> 03:20:30,000 AS I INDICATED THAT VICE 4232 03:20:30,001 --> 03:20:33,000 CHAIRMAN AND COCHRAN AND 4233 03:20:33,001 --> 03:20:37,000 PROPOSED AND THE COMMITTEE 4234 03:20:37,001 --> 03:20:43,000 ACCEPTED OUR RECOMMENDATION 4235 03:20:43,001 --> 03:20:46,000 PROCURE ADDITIONAL 1 AIRCRAFT. 4236 03:20:46,001 --> 03:20:49,000 IF APPROVED 4237 03:20:49,001 --> 03:20:51,000 C-17 INVENTORY TO 223 AIRCRAFT. 4238 03:20:51,001 --> 03:20:53,000 WE BELIEVE THIS IS A CRITICAL 4239 03:20:53,001 --> 03:20:54,000 INVESTMENT WHICH 4240 03:20:54,001 --> 03:20:57,000 OUR NATIONAL SECURITY STRATEGY 4241 03:20:57,001 --> 03:21:00,000 AND ADD MUCH TO THE NEEDED 4242 03:21:00,001 --> 03:21:03,000 AIRLIFT CAPABILITY. 4243 03:21:03,001 --> 03:21:05,000 MR. PRESIDENT, THERE 4244 03:21:05,001 --> 03:21:08,000 MAIN REASONS THAT THE COMMITTEE 4245 03:21:08,001 --> 03:21:11,000 SUPPORTED ADDING FUNDING FOR THE 4246 03:21:11,001 --> 03:21:13,000 C-17. 4247 03:21:13,001 --> 03:21:14,000 FIRST, AS EVERYONE IN THE 4248 03:21:14,001 --> 03:21:17,000 MILITARY FROM SENIOR LEADERSHIP 4249 03:21:17,001 --> 03:21:19,000 TO THE SOLDIERS 4250 03:21:19,001 --> 03:21:22,000 TRANSPORTED WILL AGREE, IT 4251 03:21:22,001 --> 03:21:24,000 SIMPLY PUT, A SUPERB AIRCRAFT. 4252 03:21:24,001 --> 03:21:27,000 THE C-17 REPRESENTS THE FINEST 4253 03:21:27,001 --> 03:21:31,000 IN MILITARY TECHNOLOGY. 4254 03:21:31,001 --> 03:21:32,000 IT IS 4255 03:21:32,001 --> 03:21:36,000 HIGHLY CAPABLE. 4256 03:21:36,001 --> 03:21:38,000 IN SHORT, MR. PRESIDENT, IT HAS 4257 03:21:38,001 --> 03:21:41,000 NO DETRACTORS. 4258 03:21:41,001 --> 03:21:43,000 SECOND, WE BELIEVE 4259 03:21:43,001 --> 03:21:45,000 SHOW THA 4260 03:21:45,001 --> 03:21:47,000 ARE NEEDED TO MEET 4261 03:21:47,001 --> 03:21:51,000 REQUIREMENTS DESPITE THAT IT IS 4262 03:21:51,001 --> 03:21:55,000 BEING RECOMMENDED BY THE 4263 03:21:55,001 --> 03:21:57,000 AND, THIRD, C-17 EODIES THE 4264 03:21:57,001 --> 03:22:01,000 ONLY STRATEGIC AIRLIFT 4265 03:22:01,001 --> 03:22:03,000 PRODUCTION PROGRAM IN NATION. 4266 03:22:03,001 --> 03:22:05,000 AS THE SENATOR FROM MISSOURI 4267 03:22:05,001 --> 03:22:07,000 POINTED OUT , THAT THERE IS 4268 03:22:07,001 --> 03:22:08,000 NOTHING ON THE PLANNING LEDGER 4269 03:22:08,001 --> 03:22:10,000 TO REPLACE IT. 4270 03:22:10,001 --> 03:22:13,000 IF WE CUT OFF THE PRODUCTION AT 4271 03:22:13,001 --> 03:22:14,000 THIS MOMENT, IT WILL 4272 03:22:14,001 --> 03:22:16,000 UNAFFORDABLE TO RESTART THIS 4273 03:22:16,001 --> 03:22:18,000 PROGRAM. 4274 03:22:18,001 --> 03:22:22,000 MR. PRESIDENT, 4275 03:22:22,001 --> 03:22:26,000 THE U.S. MILITARY WITH ESSENTIAL 4276 03:22:26,001 --> 03:22:37,000 FLEXIBILITY TO RESPOND ON NOTICE. 4277 03:22:37,001 --> 03:22:38,000 OUR AIR FLEET ALLOWS 4278 03:22:38,001 --> 03:22:41,000 AND OPERATIONAL PLANS. 4279 03:22:41,001 --> 03:22:42,000 THERE IS NOT A MILITARY SCENARIO 4280 03:22:42,001 --> 03:22:47,000 IN EXISTENCE TODAY WHICH CAN BE 4281 03:22:47,001 --> 03:22:48,000 PUT IN 4282 03:22:48,001 --> 03:22:51,000 AIRLIFT 4283 03:22:51,001 --> 03:22:53,000 THE C-17 WAS DESIGNED 4284 03:22:53,001 --> 03:22:55,000 SPECIFICALLY TO MEET VIRTUALLY 4285 03:22:55,001 --> 03:22:57,000 ALL OF THE NEEDS OF OUR WAR 4286 03:22:57,001 --> 03:23:00,000 FIGHTERS. 4287 03:23:00,001 --> 03:23:02,000 MR. PRESIDENT, IT IS THE ONLY 4288 03:23:02,001 --> 03:23:05,000 AIRCRAFT -- 4289 03:23:05,001 --> 03:23:10,000 THAT HAS THE ABILITY BOTH TO FLY 4290 03:23:10,001 --> 03:23:11,000 GREAT DISTANCES AND TO LAND ON ON 4291 03:23:11,001 --> 03:23:12,000 AIR FIELDS ANYWHERE IN THE 4292 03:23:12,001 --> 03:23:15,000 WORLD. 4293 03:23:15,001 --> 03:23:17,000 THAT IS VERY 4294 03:23:17,001 --> 03:23:19,000 WE DON'T HAVE LONG 4295 03:23:19,001 --> 03:23:21,000 PREPARED FOR US IN FAROFF 4296 03:23:21,001 --> 03:23:24,000 COUNTRIES. 4297 03:23:24,001 --> 03:23:27,000 WHEN TEAMED WITH THE 4298 03:23:27,001 --> 03:23:30,000 C-130 AND C-5, 4299 03:23:30,001 --> 03:23:33,000 THE NATION WITH THE 4300 03:23:33,001 --> 03:23:34,000 TO DELIVER OUTSIZED 4301 03:23:34,001 --> 03:23:35,000 FORCES WHEREVER THEY MAY BE 4302 03:23:35,001 --> 03:23:39,000 LOCATED. 4303 03:23:39,001 --> 03:23:42,000 WE BELIEVE THE C-17 IS TODAY THE 4304 03:23:42,001 --> 03:23:44,000 FINEST AIRCRAFT IN 4305 03:23:44,001 --> 03:23:48,000 ARSENAL. 4306 03:23:48,001 --> 03:23:51,000 WITH ITS NEW 4307 03:23:51,001 --> 03:23:52,000 STRUCTURES, IT CAN 4308 03:23:52,001 --> 03:23:55,000 HIGH CAPABILITY RATE. 4309 03:23:55,001 --> 03:23:59,000 THIS IS A TERM USED BY THE AIR 4310 03:23:59,001 --> 03:24:00,000 FORCE TO 4311 03:24:00,001 --> 03:24:03,000 ABILITY TO 4312 03:24:03,001 --> 03:24:04,000 COMPARATIVE DATA PROVIDED BY THE 4313 03:24:04,001 --> 03:24:08,000 GOVERNMENT ACCOUNTABILITY OFFICE 4314 03:24:08,001 --> 03:24:11,000 IN NOVEMBER OF 2008, SHOWED T 4315 03:24:11,001 --> 03:24:14,000 THE C-17 WAS 4316 03:24:14,001 --> 03:24:17,000 SUCCESSFULLY PERFORM ITS MISSION 4317 03:24:17,001 --> 03:24:20,000 IN EXCESS OF 85% OF THE TIME. 4318 03:24:20,001 --> 03:24:22,000 I THINK WE SHOULD NOTE THAT. 4319 03:24:22,001 --> 03:24:24,000 85% OF THE TIME THEY'RE ABLE TO 4320 03:24:24,001 --> 03:24:29,000 PERFORM THE MISSION. 4321 03:24:29,001 --> 03:24:31,000 ON THE OTHER HAND, THE AGING C-5 4322 03:24:31,001 --> 03:24:35,000 WAS ONLY ABLE TO MEET ITS 4323 03:24:35,001 --> 03:24:36,000 TIME. 4324 03:24:36,001 --> 03:24:39,000 -- 58% OF THE TIME. 4325 03:24:39,001 --> 03:24:41,000 FOR OUR MEN AND 4326 03:24:41,001 --> 03:24:44,000 UNIFORM, WHAT THIS MEANS IS IF 4327 03:24:44,001 --> 03:24:46,000 THEY'RE DEPENDING ON A C-17; 4328 03:24:46,001 --> 03:24:48,000 THEIR NEEDS -- C-17, THEIR NEEDS 4329 03:24:48,001 --> 03:24:50,000 WILL ONLY BE ADDRESSED LITTLE 4330 03:24:50,001 --> 03:24:53,000 MORE THAN HALF THE TIME. 4331 03:24:53,001 --> 03:24:54,000 WHILE THE C-17 WILL MEET THEIR 4332 03:24:54,001 --> 03:24:55,000 NEEDS MORE THAN EIGHT TIMES OUT 4333 03:24:55,001 --> 03:24:58,000 OF 10. 4334 03:24:58,001 --> 03:25:03,000 IN ADDITION, THE C-17 IS MUCH 4335 03:25:03,001 --> 03:25:06,000 EAPER TO OPERATE THAN THE C-5. 4336 03:25:06,001 --> 03:25:08,000 IT IS TRUE THAT A C-5 HAS THE 4337 03:25:08,001 --> 03:25:10,000 CAPACITY TO CARRY MORE CARGO. 4338 03:25:10,001 --> 03:25:13,000 BUT IN THE ACTUAL USAGE BY THE 4339 03:25:13,001 --> 03:25:15,000 AIR FORKS THE COST -- AIR FORCE, 4340 03:25:15,001 --> 03:25:18,000 THE COST PER FLIGHT NOW OF THE 4341 03:25:18,001 --> 03:25:20,000 C-17 IS ONLY 40% OF THE COST OF 4342 03:25:20,001 --> 03:25:23,000 THE C-5. 4343 03:25:23,001 --> 03:25:25,000 THE AIR FORCE HAS INFORMED 4344 03:25:25,001 --> 03:25:30,000 TODAY ITS CURRENT STATISTICS 4345 03:25:30,001 --> 03:25:33,000 SHOW THAT IT COSTS $6.42 TO FLY 4346 03:25:33,001 --> 03:25:40,000 ONE POUND OF CARGO FROM SOUTH 4347 03:25:40,001 --> 03:25:43,000 CAROLINA TO BAGHDAD ON A C-17. 4348 03:25:43,001 --> 03:25:45,000 $6.42 FROM SOUTH CAROLINA TO 4349 03:25:45,001 --> 03:25:50,000 BAGHDAD. 4350 03:25:50,001 --> 03:25:53,000 BUT $13.64 TO FLY 4351 03:25:53,001 --> 03:25:57,000 FLY THE SAME ITEM ON A C-5. WHY? 4352 03:25:57,001 --> 03:25:59,000 BECAUSE THE C-5 IS UNRELIABLE. 4353 03:25:59,001 --> 03:26:01,000 BECAUSE WE RARELY NEED 4354 03:26:01,001 --> 03:26:04,000 EITHER PLAN TO ITS MAXIMUM 4355 03:26:04,001 --> 03:26:07,000 CAPACITY ON AN AVERAGE MISSION 4356 03:26:07,001 --> 03:26:09,000 AND 4357 03:26:09,001 --> 03:26:11,000 AND MODERNIZED IN COMPARISON TO 4358 03:26:11,001 --> 03:26:14,000 THE C-5. 4359 03:26:14,001 --> 03:26:18,000 WE 4360 03:26:18,001 --> 03:26:20,000 OLDER, OUTDATED C-5. 4361 03:26:20,001 --> 03:26:23,000 OPPONENTS MIGHT ARGUE 4362 03:26:23,001 --> 03:26:24,000 MODERNIZE THE C-5, IT WILL BE 4363 03:26:24,001 --> 03:26:25,000 ABLE TO OVERCOME MANY OF THESE 4364 03:26:25,001 --> 03:26:29,000 PROBLEMS. 4365 03:26:29,001 --> 03:26:32,000 I WOULD CONCUR THAT A MODERNIZED 4366 03:26:32,001 --> 03:26:34,000 C-5 WOULD BE AIRCRAFT. 4367 03:26:34,001 --> 03:26:37,000 HOWEVER, I WOULD POINT OUT THAT 4368 03:26:37,001 --> 03:26:40,000 THE 4369 03:26:40,001 --> 03:26:42,000 HAS BEEN PLAGUED WITH DELAYS AND 4370 03:26:42,001 --> 03:26:45,000 COST OVERRUNS. 4371 03:26:45,001 --> 03:26:47,000 BECAUSE OF THE HIGH COST OF THE 4372 03:26:47,001 --> 03:26:48,000 C-5 MODERNIZATION PROGRAM, THE 4373 03:26:48,001 --> 03:26:52,000 DEFENSE DEPARTMENT DECIDED THAT 4374 03:26:52,001 --> 03:27:00,000 IT 4375 03:27:00,001 --> 03:27:02,000 MODERNIZE ALL 4376 03:27:02,001 --> 03:27:04,000 AND CUT THE PROGRAM TO 52. 4377 03:27:04,001 --> 03:27:06,000 MR. PRESIDENT, THAT MNS OUR 4378 03:27:06,001 --> 03:27:11,000 MILITARY WILL BE DEPENDENT ON 59 4379 03:27:11,001 --> 03:27:13,000 OF THE OLD AND OFTEN BROKEN 4380 03:27:13,001 --> 03:27:16,000 C-5'S THAT COST TWICE AS MUCH TO 4381 03:27:16,001 --> 03:27:18,000 OPERATE AS THE C-17 FOR THE 4382 03:27:18,001 --> 03:27:22,000 FORESEEABLE FUTURE. 4383 03:27:22,001 --> 03:27:24,000 THAT'S 47% OF THE C-5 FLEET THAT 4384 03:27:24,001 --> 03:27:27,000 WON'T BE UPDATED AND WILL BE 4385 03:27:27,001 --> 03:27:33,000 UNABLE TO OPERATE EFFICIENTLY TO 4386 03:27:33,001 --> 03:27:34,000 MEET OUR MILITARY NEEDS. 4387 03:27:34,001 --> 03:27:37,000 THE GOVERNMENT ACCOUNTABILITY 4388 03:27:37,001 --> 03:27:40,000 OFFICE NOTED THAT ADDITIONAL 4389 03:27:40,001 --> 03:27:42,000 INVESTMENTS IN THE C-17 MAY BE ATTRACTIVE. 4390 03:27:42,001 --> 03:27:45,000 IT CALCULATED 4391 03:27:45,001 --> 03:27:46,000 DEPARTMENT WOULD NEED TO MODER 4392 03:27:46,001 --> 03:27:53,000 MODERNIZE, AS SENATOR COCHRAN 4393 03:27:53,001 --> 03:27:57,000 POINTED OUT, SEVEN 4394 03:27:57,001 --> 03:28:00,000 MODERNIZE SEVEN C-5 4395 03:28:00,001 --> 03:28:06,000 EQUIVALENT CAPABILITY OF 4396 03:28:06,001 --> 03:28:09,000 SO YOU'RE GOING TO TAKE SEVEN 4397 03:28:09,001 --> 03:28:10,000 C-5'S TO DO THE WORK 4398 03:28:10,001 --> 03:28:11,000 C-17 4399 03:28:11,001 --> 03:28:13,000 BUT, MR. PRESIDENT, IT WOULD 4400 03:28:13,001 --> 03:28:16,000 COST THREE TIMES AS MUCH TO 4401 03:28:16,001 --> 03:28:18,000 MODERNIZE THE SEVEN C-5'S AS IT 4402 03:28:18,001 --> 03:28:20,000 WOULD TO PURCHASE ONE C-17. 4403 03:28:20,001 --> 03:28:23,000 AND I'D 4404 03:28:23,001 --> 03:28:25,000 PRESIDENT, THAT THE C-17 IS A 4405 03:28:25,001 --> 03:28:29,000 FULLY 4406 03:28:29,001 --> 03:28:31,000 COSTS 4407 03:28:31,001 --> 03:28:34,000 WHILE THE C-5 MODERNIZATION 4408 03:28:34,001 --> 03:28:36,000 PROGRAM IS STILL IN ITS INFANCY. 4409 03:28:36,001 --> 03:28:37,000 IF THERE'S ONE THING THAT WE 4410 03:28:37,001 --> 03:28:40,000 KNOW ABOUT DEFENSE PROGRAMS, IT 4411 03:28:40,001 --> 03:28:42,000 IS THAT NEW PROGRAM COSTS 4412 03:28:42,001 --> 03:28:45,000 GENERALLY INCREASE 4413 03:28:45,001 --> 03:28:47,000 EARLY YEARS. 4414 03:28:47,001 --> 03:28:51,000 MR. PRESIDENT, SOME MAY ADDRESS 4415 03:28:51,001 --> 03:28:55,000 THE SENATE AND SAY THAT WE 4416 03:28:55,001 --> 03:28:56,000 NEED ANYMORE C-17'S. 4417 03:28:56,001 --> 03:28:59,000 THEY NOTE THAT 4418 03:28:59,001 --> 03:29:01,000 FORC 4419 03:29:01,001 --> 03:29:03,000 THE 213 THAT WE ALREADY HAVE 4420 03:29:03,001 --> 03:29:07,000 I'D 4421 03:29:07,001 --> 03:29:09,000 PRESIDENT, THAT IN 2002, THE 4422 03:29:09,001 --> 03:29:11,000 COMMANDER OF THE U.S. 4423 03:29:11,001 --> 03:29:14,000 TRANSPORTATION COM 4424 03:29:14,001 --> 03:29:18,000 THAT A C-17 REQUIREMENT WAS 4425 03:29:18,001 --> 03:29:21,000 222 C-17'S. 4426 03:29:21,001 --> 03:29:24,000 HOWEVER, THE 2005 MOBILITY 4427 03:29:24,001 --> 03:29:25,000 CAPABILITY STUDY ALSO RAISES 4428 03:29:25,001 --> 03:29:26,000 QUESTIONS ABOUT HOW MANY 4429 03:29:26,001 --> 03:29:27,000 AIRCRAFT ARE REQUIRED. 4430 03:29:27,001 --> 03:29:30,000 THIS STUDY, WHICH 4431 03:29:30,001 --> 03:29:34,000 BE THE BASIS OF OUR STRATEGIC 4432 03:29:34,001 --> 03:29:37,000 AIRLIFT 4433 03:29:37,001 --> 03:29:41,000 IDENTIFIED THE NEED OF BETWEEN 4434 03:29:41,001 --> 03:29:42,000 292 AND 383 STRATEGIC AIRLIFT 4435 03:29:42,001 --> 03:29:46,000 AIRCRAFT. 4436 03:29:46,001 --> 03:29:49,000 A 4437 03:29:49,001 --> 03:29:54,000 MODERNIZED C-5'S. 4438 03:29:54,001 --> 03:29:58,000 IN THE FORCE TODAY WE 4439 03:29:58,001 --> 03:30:02,000 C-5'S AND 205 C-17'S. 4440 03:30:02,001 --> 03:30:04,000 A TOTAL OF 315 AIRCRAFT. 4441 03:30:04,001 --> 03:30:06,000 NEAR THE BOTTOM OF THE 4442 03:30:06,001 --> 03:30:07,000 REQUIREMENT LEVEL. 4443 03:30:07,001 --> 03:30:12,000 BUT, MR. PRESIDENT, THAT DOESN'T 4444 03:30:12,001 --> 03:30:14,000 IN THE LAST DEFENSE REVIEW IN 4445 03:30:14,001 --> 03:30:16,000 2006, THE DEFENSE DEPAR 4446 03:30:16,001 --> 03:30:18,000 OPTED TO KEEP ITS TOTAL 4447 03:30:18,001 --> 03:30:22,000 INVENTORNEAR THE BOTTOM OF 4448 03:30:22,001 --> 03:30:32,000 THIS REQUIREMENT RANGE WITH 180 4449 03:30:32,001 --> 03:30:36,000 ALTHOUGH WE HAVE ADDED C-17'S 4450 03:30:36,001 --> 03:30:38,000 SINCE THAT TIME AND 4451 03:30:38,001 --> 03:30:40,000 C-5, THE MOST IMPORTANT 4452 03:30:40,001 --> 03:30:44,000 QUADRENNIAL REPORT BASED ON THE 4453 03:30:44,001 --> 03:30:50,000 PLAN TO MODERNIZE A 4454 03:30:50,001 --> 03:30:53,000 WITH A PLAN TO ONLY MODERNIZE 4455 03:30:53,001 --> 03:30:54,000 A52 C-5'S, THE AIRLIFT 4456 03:30:54,001 --> 03:30:55,000 CAPABILITY OF THE FLEET IS 4457 03:30:55,001 --> 03:30:56,000 DRASTICALLY DIMINISHED. 4458 03:30:56,001 --> 03:30:59,000 IN 2008, 4459 03:30:59,001 --> 03:31:00,000 AIR FORCE AIR MOBILITY COMMAND 4460 03:31:00,001 --> 03:31:03,000 EXPRESSES CONCERN WITH THI PLAN. 4461 03:31:03,001 --> 03:31:07,000 HE TESTIFIED THAT THE PLAN WITH 4462 03:31:07,001 --> 03:31:12,000 52 MODERNIZED C-5'S AND 213 4463 03:31:12,001 --> 03:31:13,000 C-17'S WILL NOT PROVIDE 4464 03:31:13,001 --> 03:31:14,000 STRATEGIC AIRLIFT THAT WE 4465 03:31:14,001 --> 03:31:16,000 REQUIRE. 4466 03:31:16,001 --> 03:31:17,000 I WOULD ALSO NOTE THAT THESE 4467 03:31:17,001 --> 03:31:19,000 EA 4468 03:31:19,001 --> 03:31:22,000 INTO ACCOUNT TODAY'S FORCE 4469 03:31:22,001 --> 03:31:24,000 STRUCTURE AND THAT IS A VERY 4470 03:31:24,001 --> 03:31:28,000 IMPORTANT POINT. 4471 03:31:28,001 --> 03:31:31,000 SINCE THAT MOBILITY STUDY AND 4472 03:31:31,001 --> 03:31:34,000 THE QUADRENNIAL REVIEW, WE HAVE 4473 03:31:34,001 --> 03:31:36,000 TRANSFORMED OUR ARMY, CREATIN 4474 03:31:36,001 --> 03:31:41,000 ADDITIONAL COMBAT CAPABILITY 4475 03:31:41,001 --> 03:31:42,000 THAT REQUIRES AIRLIFT. 4476 03:31:42,001 --> 03:31:45,000 WE HAVE INCREASED THE END 4477 03:31:45,001 --> 03:31:50,000 STRENGTH OF OUR MARINE 4478 03:31:50,001 --> 03:31:51,000 WE HAVE COMMAND. 4479 03:31:51,001 --> 03:31:56,000 ALL OF THESE HAVE INCREASED 4480 03:31:56,001 --> 03:31:57,000 AIRLIFT NEEDS 4481 03:31:57,001 --> 03:31:59,000 AT THE SAME TIME, PROVISIONS IN 4482 03:31:59,001 --> 03:32:02,000 IRAQ AND AFGHANISTAN ARE AGING 4483 03:32:02,001 --> 03:32:04,000 OUR AIR FLEET BEYOND ANTICIPATED RATE 4484 03:32:04,001 --> 03:32:05,000 WE ARE FLYING THE WINGS OFF OUR 4485 03:32:05,001 --> 03:32:08,000 C-17 FLEET. 4486 03:32:08,001 --> 03:32:11,000 IN NOVEMBER OF 2007, THE AIR 4487 03:32:11,001 --> 03:32:13,000 FORCE ACHIEVE OF STAFF 4488 03:32:13,001 --> 03:32:16,000 RECOMMENDED BUYING 44 ADDITIONAL 4489 03:32:16,001 --> 03:32:19,000 C-17'S TO 4490 03:32:19,001 --> 03:32:21,000 LEVEL. 4491 03:32:21,001 --> 03:32:28,000 ON THE 2009 UNFUNDED 4492 03:32:28,001 --> 03:32:31,000 ASKED FOR AN ADDITIONAL 15 C-17 4493 03:32:31,001 --> 03:32:34,000 AI 4494 03:32:34,001 --> 03:32:37,000 OBJECTIVE OF 248 C-17'S. 4495 03:32:37,001 --> 03:32:38,000 MR. PRESIDENT, OUR MILITARY 4496 03:32:38,001 --> 03:32:40,000 AIRCRAFT. 4497 03:32:40,001 --> 03:32:44,000 OUR FORCES HAVE GROWN SINCE 4498 03:32:44,001 --> 03:32:45,000 LAST STUDIES WERE WRITTEN AND 4499 03:32:45,001 --> 03:32:47,000 OUR PLANS HAVE BEEN ALTERED TO 4500 03:32:47,001 --> 03:32:48,000 CUT BACK ON OUR 4501 03:32:48,001 --> 03:32:50,000 PROGRAM. 4502 03:32:50,001 --> 03:32:51,000 IT SEEMS TO ME THAT 4503 03:32:51,001 --> 03:32:54,000 NOTWITHSTANDING THE PLAN OFFERED 4504 03:32:54,001 --> 03:32:55,000 BY THE DEFENSE DEPARTMENT, THE 4505 03:32:55,001 --> 03:32:57,000 COUNTRY HAS A CHOICE WE CAN 4506 03:32:57,001 --> 03:33:00,000 EITHER AGREE 4507 03:33:00,001 --> 03:33:04,000 THE C-5'S OR WE CAN CONTINUE TO 4508 03:33:04,001 --> 03:33:05,000 PROCURE ADDITIONAL C-17'S, AS 4509 03:33:05,001 --> 03:33:08,000 NOTED EARLIER. 4510 03:33:08,001 --> 03:33:13,000 AND AS NOTED, THE G.A.O. 4511 03:33:13,001 --> 03:33:14,000 DISCOVERED A NEW C-17 OFFERS 4512 03:33:14,001 --> 03:33:15,000 GREA 4513 03:33:15,001 --> 03:33:18,000 PRICE. 4514 03:33:18,001 --> 03:33:19,000 TO ME AND TO MANY OF MY 4515 03:33:19,001 --> 03:33:22,000 COLLEAGUES, THIS JUST MAKES GOOD 4516 03:33:22,001 --> 03:33:24,000 SENSE. 4517 03:33:24,001 --> 03:33:27,000 UNLESS WE ACT THIS YEAR APPROVE THE RECOMMENDATION FROM 4518 03:33:27,001 --> 03:33:29,000 THIS COMMITTEE, WE WON'T HAVE A 4519 03:33:29,001 --> 03:33:30,000 CHOICE 4520 03:33:30,001 --> 03:33:34,000 WITHOUT THE FUNDS IN THIS BILL, 4521 03:33:34,001 --> 03:33:36,000 THE C-17 PROGRAM WILL BEGIN TO 4522 03:33:36,001 --> 03:33:38,000 SHUT 4523 03:33:38,001 --> 03:33:41,000 I SAY TO MY COLLEAGUES, THIS IS 4524 03:33:41,001 --> 03:33:44,000 A CRITICAL DECISION AND WE HAVE 4525 03:33:44,001 --> 03:33:46,000 TO BE CERTAIN ON OUR COURSE. 4526 03:33:46,001 --> 03:33:48,000 AS THE G.A.O. WAS NOTED 4527 03:33:48,001 --> 03:33:51,000 QUOTE -- "CAREFUL PLANNING IS 4528 03:33:51,001 --> 03:33:55,000 NEED TO ENSURE C-17 PRODUCTION 4529 03:33:55,001 --> 03:33:58,000 IS NOT ENDED PREMATURELY." 4530 03:33:58,001 --> 03:34:03,000 THAT'S THE G.O. 4531 03:34:03,001 --> 03:34:04,000 RESTARTING PRODUCTION WOULD BE 4532 03:34:04,001 --> 03:34:08,000 FEASIBLE -- WOULD NOT BE 4533 03:34:08,001 --> 03:34:10,000 FEASIBLE OR COST-EFFECTIVE. 4534 03:34:10,001 --> 03:34:12,000 EARLIER THIS DECADE, ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS, THE DEFENSE 4535 03:34:12,001 --> 03:34:14,000 DEPARTMENT URGED THE CON 4536 03:34:14,001 --> 03:34:20,000 ALLOW IT TO BEGIN TO RETIRE THE 4537 03:34:20,001 --> 03:34:23,000 OLDEST AND 4538 03:34:23,001 --> 03:34:25,000 IT, TOO, THE DEPARTMENT ALSO BELIEVED THAT PURCHASING 4539 03:34:25,001 --> 03:34:28,000 ADDITIONAL C-17'S WAS A FAR 4540 03:34:28,001 --> 03:34:30,000 SUPERIOR CHOICE TO MEET OUR 4541 03:34:30,001 --> 03:34:32,000 AIRLIFT NEEDS. 4542 03:34:32,001 --> 03:34:36,000 HOWEVER, EACH YEAR THE CONGRESS 4543 03:34:36,001 --> 03:34:38,000 REFUSED 4544 03:34:38,001 --> 03:34:40,000 RETI 4545 03:34:40,001 --> 03:34:41,000 EVENTUALLY THE PENTAGON GAVE UP 4546 03:34:41,001 --> 03:34:46,000 TRYING AND DECIDED IT WOULD 4547 03:34:46,001 --> 03:34:48,000 STUCK WITH THE UNRELIABLE C-5'S. 4548 03:34:48,001 --> 03:34:50,000 WHEN IT 4549 03:34:50,001 --> 03:34:52,000 UPGRADE ALL THE OLD C-5'S TO AT 4550 03:34:52,001 --> 03:34:55,000 LEAST MAKE THE BEST OF A BAD 4551 03:34:55,001 --> 03:34:58,000 SITUATION, THE COST OVERRUNS 4552 03:34:58,001 --> 03:35:02,000 DELAYS IN THE C-5 MODERNIZATION 4553 03:35:02,001 --> 03:35:03,000 PROGRAM MADE THAT DECISION UNAFFORDABLE. 4554 03:35:03,001 --> 03:35:04,000 AND, MR. PRESIDENT, I WOULD 4555 03:35:04,001 --> 03:35:09,000 POINT OUT THAT THE CONGRESS 4556 03:35:09,001 --> 03:35:11,000 RECTIFIED THIS 4557 03:35:11,001 --> 03:35:13,000 IN THE SUPPLEMENTAL AND ALLOWED 4558 03:35:13,001 --> 03:35:15,000 THE AIR FORCE TO BEGIN TO RETIRE 4559 03:35:15,001 --> 03:35:19,000 THESE AGED AIRCRAFT. 4560 03:35:19,001 --> 03:35:21,000 WE KNOW THAT IT MAKES ECONOMICAL 4561 03:35:21,001 --> 03:35:23,000 SENSE TO R 4562 03:35:23,001 --> 03:35:27,000 PERFORMING AIRCRAFT AND TO 4563 03:35:27,001 --> 03:35:29,000 WE'RE LOOKING FORWARD TO THE AIR 4564 03:35:29,001 --> 03:35:34,000 FORCE REVISITING THIS ISSUE IN 4565 03:35:34,001 --> 03:35:36,000 THE FY 2011 4566 03:35:36,001 --> 03:35:39,000 RENEWED PLAN TO RETIRE THE 4567 03:35:39,001 --> 03:35:44,000 OLDEST C-5'S 4568 03:35:44,001 --> 03:35:45,000 REPLACE THEM WITH NEW C-17'S. 4569 03:35:45,001 --> 03:35:46,000 MR. PRESIDENT, IN THIS YEAR'S 4570 03:35:46,001 --> 03:35:48,000 BUDGET, THE SECRETARY OF DEFENSE 4571 03:35:48,001 --> 03:35:53,000 HAS MADE SOME TOUGH DECISIONS 4572 03:35:53,001 --> 03:35:55,000 AND PRESENTED THEM TO US. 4573 03:35:55,001 --> 03:35:56,000 HE HAS OPTED TO KILL THE F-22, 4574 03:35:56,001 --> 03:36:00,000 THE JOINT STRIKE FIGHTER 4575 03:36:00,001 --> 03:36:02,000 ENGINE, THE VH-71 PRESIDENTIAL 4576 03:36:02,001 --> 03:36:03,000 HELICOPTER, THE COMBAT 4577 03:36:03,001 --> 03:36:06,000 SEARCH-AND-RESCUE HELICOPTER, 4578 03:36:06,001 --> 03:36:08,000 AND THE KINETIC INTERCEPTOR. 4579 03:36:08,001 --> 03:36:11,000 IN THE BILL BEFORE THE SENATE AT 4580 03:36:11,001 --> 03:36:14,000 THIS MOMENT, WE HAVE SUPPORTED 4581 03:36:14,001 --> 03:36:16,000 THESE RECOMMENDATIONS 4582 03:36:16,001 --> 03:36:17,000 WILL BE CANDID THAT I'M NOT 4583 03:36:17,001 --> 03:36:19,000 CONFIDENT THAT EACH OF THESE 4584 03:36:19,001 --> 03:36:21,000 RECOMMENDATIONS IS IN OUR 4585 03:36:21,001 --> 03:36:25,000 NATION'S INTEREST. 4586 03:36:25,001 --> 03:36:27,000 BUT IN GENERAL, I SUPPORT THE 4587 03:36:27,001 --> 03:36:33,000 THERE'S ONLY ONE PROGRAM THAT 4588 03:36:33,001 --> 03:36:34,000 THE VICE CHAIRMAN AND I 4589 03:36:34,001 --> 03:36:35,000 STRONGLY ENOUGH TO REVERSE THE 4590 03:36:35,001 --> 03:36:41,000 RECOMMENDATION OF THE SECRETARY 4591 03:36:41,001 --> 03:36:42,000 AND THAT IS THE C-17. 4592 03:36:42,001 --> 03:36:44,000 I'VE EXPLAINED AT SOME LENGTH 4593 03:36:44,001 --> 03:36:47,000 WHY IT IS COST-EFFECTIVE, IT IS 4594 03:36:47,001 --> 03:36:49,000 CAPABLE, AND IT IS NEEDED AND, 4595 03:36:49,001 --> 03:36:51,000 THEREFORE, I URGE MY COLLEAGUES, MR. PRESIDENT, TO REJECT THE 4596 03:36:51,001 --> 03:36:55,000 AMENDMENT OF THE SENATOR FROM 4597 03:36:55,001 --> 03:36:58,000 ARIZONA 4598 03:36:58,001 --> 03:37:00,000 CONT 4599 03:37:00,001 --> 03:37:14,000 IT'S IN OUR NATION'S INTEREST. 4600 03:37:14,001 --> 03:37:15,000 I THANK YOU, SIR. A SENATOR: MR. PRESIDE 4601 03:37:15,001 --> 03:37:17,000 THE PRESIDING OFFICER: THE 4602 03:37:17,001 --> 03:37:18,000 SENATOR FROM NEBRASKA. 4603 03:37:18,001 --> 03:37:19,000 MR. JOHANNS: MR. PRESIDENT, I 4604 03:37:19,001 --> 03:37:20,000 ASK THAT THE QUORUM CALL BE VITIATED. 4605 03:37:20,001 --> 03:37:21,000 THE PRESIDING OFFICER: WITHOUT 4606 03:37:21,001 --> 03:37:22,000 OBJECTION. 4607 03:37:22,001 --> 03:37:25,000 MR. JOHANNS: MR. PRESINT, I ASK THAT THE CURRENT AMENDMENT 4608 03:37:25,001 --> 03:37:28,000 BE SET ASIDE AND THAT WE CALL UP 4609 03:37:28,001 --> 03:37:30,000 AMENDMENT NUMBER 2484. 4610 03:37:30,001 --> 03:37:32,000 THE PRESIDING OFFICER: IS THERE 4611 03:37:32,001 --> 03:37:33,000 OBJECTION? 4612 03:37:33,001 --> 03:37:37,000 WITHOUT OBJECTION, SO ORDERED. 4613 03:37:37,001 --> 03:37:38,000 THE CLERK 4614 03:37:38,001 --> 03:37:40,000 THE CLERK: THE SENATOR FROM 4615 03:37:40,001 --> 03:37:43,000 NEBRASKA, MR. JOHANNS, PROPOSES 4616 03:37:43,001 --> 03:37:45,000 AN AMEND 4617 03:37:45,001 --> 03:37:46,000 MR. ON JOHANNS: MR. PRESIDENT -- 4618 03:37:46,001 --> 03:37:48,000 MR. JOHANNS: MR. PRESIDENT, I 4619 03:37:48,001 --> 03:37:49,000 ASK THAT THE REMAINDER OF THE 4620 03:37:49,001 --> 03:37:50,000 AMENDMENT READING BE DISPENSED WITH. 4621 03:37:50,001 --> 03:37:51,000 THE PRESIDING OFFICER: WITHOUT 4622 03:37:51,001 --> 03:37:55,000 OBJECTION. 4623 03:37:55,001 --> 03:37:56,000 RISE TO PRESENT AMENDMENT 2484. 4624 03:37:56,001 --> 03:37:57,000 ACTUAL, THIS IS AN AMENDMENT 4625 03:37:57,001 --> 03:37:59,000 THAT WE'VE -- 4626 03:37:59,001 --> 03:38:02,000 ACTUALLY, THIS IS AN AMENDMENT 4627 03:38:02,001 --> 03:38:03,000 THAT WE'VE ACTED ON IN PREVIOUS 4628 03:38:03,001 --> 03:38:04,000 PROPRIATION 4629 03:38:04,001 --> 03:38:05,000 IN FACT, THIS IS AN ANDMENT 4630 03:38:05,001 --> 03:38:08,000 THAT DEALS WITH NO FUNDING FOR 4631 03:38:08,001 --> 03:38:13,000 THE ORGANIZATION ACORN. 4632 03:38:13,001 --> 03:38:15,000 IN THE PREVIOUS INTERIOR BILL, 4633 03:38:15,001 --> 03:38:19,000 THIS PASSED IN A VERY BIPARTISAN 4634 03:38:19,001 --> 03:38:21,000 WAY WITH AN 85-11 VOTE. IN THE HOUSING AND 4635 03:38:21,001 --> 03:38:23,000 TRANSPORTATION BILL, AGAIN A 4636 03:38:23,001 --> 03:38:26,000 VERY BIPARTISAN VOTE, 83-7. 4637 03:38:26,001 --> 03:38:27,000 THIS IS AN AMENDMENT 4638 03:38:27,001 --> 03:38:33,000 OVERWHELMING SUPPORT OF THIS 4639 03:38:33,001 --> 03:38:34,000 BODY. 4640 03:38:34,001 --> 03:38:36,000 MY COMMENTS RELATIVE TO THIS 4641 03:38:36,001 --> 03:38:37,000 ORGANIZATION ARE A MATTER OF THE RECORD. 4642 03:38:37,001 --> 03:38:39,000 MR. PRESIDENT, I DON'T FEEL A 4643 03:38:39,001 --> 03:38:41,000 NEED TO LAY THOSE OUT AGAIN, BUT 4644 03:38:41,001 --> 03:38:44,000 I WANT TO PRESENT THIS AMENDNT 4645 03:38:44,001 --> 03:38:48,000 ON THIS APPROPRIATIONS BILL, AND 4646 03:38:48,001 --> 03:38:53,000 WE HAVE REACHED AN UNDERSTANDING 4647 03:38:53,001 --> 03:38:55,000 THAT THIS CAN BE ACCEPT BY VOICE 4648 03:38:55,001 --> 03:38:57,000 VOTE AND I JUST WANT TO INDICATE 4649 03:38:57,001 --> 03:38:59,000 THAT THAT WILL BE ACCEPTABLE 4650 03:38:59,001 --> 03:39:00,000 ME. 4651 03:39:00,001 --> 03:39:03,000 THE PRESIDING OFFICER: IS THERE 4652 03:39:03,001 --> 03:39:05,000 FURTHER DEBATE ON THE AMENDMENT? 4653 03:39:05,001 --> 03:39:07,000 IF NOT, ALL THOSE IN FAVOR SAY 4654 03:39:07,001 --> 03:39:10,000 AYE. 4655 03:39:10,001 --> 03:39:12,000 THE AYES APPEAR TO HAVE IT. 4656 03:39:12,001 --> 03:39:14,000 THE AYES DO HAVE IT. 4657 03:39:14,001 --> 03:39:15,000 THE AMENDMENT IS AGREED TO. 4658 03:39:15,001 --> 03:39:17,000 MR. JOHANNS: THANK YOU, MR. PRESIDENT. 4659 03:39:17,001 --> 03:39:19,000 I YIELD, AND I NOTE T 4660 03:39:19,001 --> 03:39:25,000 OF A QUORUM. THE PRESIDING OFFICER: THE CLERK 4661 03:39:25,001 --> 03:44:53,000 WILL CALL THE ROLL. 4662 03:44:53,001 --> 03:54:50,000 QUORUM CALL: 4663 03:54:50,001 --> 03:54:52,000 QUORUM CALL: 4664 03:54:52,001 --> 03:54:53,000 MR. INOUYE: I ASK TO RESCIND 4665 03:54:53,001 --> 03:54:54,000 THE QUORUM CALL. 4666 03:54:54,001 --> 03:54:55,000 THE PRESIDING OFFICER: WITHOUT OBJECTION. 4667 03:54:55,001 --> 03:54:57,000 MR. INOUYE: THE PENDING 4668 03:54:57,001 --> 03:54:58,000 BUSINESS BEFORE THE NATIONAL IS 4669 03:54:58,001 --> 03:55:01,000 THE DEFENSE APPROPRIATIONS BILL 4670 03:55:01,001 --> 03:55:03,000 FOR FY SPH 2010. 4671 03:55:03,001 --> 03:55:05,000 THIS MEASURE CONTAINS 4672 03:55:05,001 --> 03:55:08,000 APPROXIMATELY $636 BLION 4673 03:55:08,001 --> 03:55:10,000 INCLUDING NEARLY 4674 03:55:10,001 --> 03:55:13,000 CONTINUE THE FIGHT AGAINST 4675 03:55:13,001 --> 03:55:16,000 TERRORISM IN 4676 03:55:16,001 --> 03:55:19,000 AROUND SOUTHWEST ASIA. 4677 03:55:19,001 --> 03:55:21,000 IT CONTAINS FUNDS TO PAY OUR MEN 4678 03:55:21,001 --> 03:55:24,000 D WOMEN IN UNIFORM, AS WELL AS 4679 03:55:24,001 --> 03:55:27,000 FUNDS TO OPERATE OUR FORCES AND 4680 03:55:27,001 --> 03:55:30,000 TO TAKE CARE OF OUR WOUNDED. 4681 03:55:30,001 --> 03:55:32,000 IT PROVIDES THE MONEY REQUIRED 4682 03:55:32,001 --> 03:55:34,000 TO EQUIP THE WAR FIGHTER AND TO 4683 03:55:34,001 --> 03:55:35,000 DEVELOP NEW WEAPONS SYSTEMS SO 4684 03:55:35,001 --> 03:55:40,000 THAT THEY MAY BE PROTECTED IN 4685 03:55:40,001 --> 03:55:42,000 THE FUTURE. 4686 03:55:42,001 --> 03:55:44,000 MR. PRESIDENT, TODAY IS 4687 03:55:44,001 --> 03:55:46,000 SEPTEMBER 29. 4688 03:55:46,001 --> 03:55:49,000 THE FISCAL YEAR ENDS TOMORROW, 4689 03:55:49,001 --> 03:55:50,000 AND I BELIEVE THAT ALL OF US 4690 03:55:50,001 --> 03:55:52,000 SHOULD KNOW THAT. 4691 03:55:52,001 --> 03:55:55,000 ON THURSDAY, THE DEPARTMENT OF 4692 03:55:55,001 --> 03:56:01,000 DEFENSE WILL BEGIN 4693 03:56:01,001 --> 03:56:02,000 A CONTINUING 4694 03:56:02,001 --> 03:56:04,000 STOPGAP MEASURE REQUIRED BECAUSE 4695 03:56:04,001 --> 03:56:08,000 THE CONGRESS HASN 4696 03:56:08,001 --> 03:56:09,000 ACTION ON ITS 12 APPROPRIATIONS MEASURES. 4697 03:56:09,001 --> 03:56:12,000 MR. PRESIDENT, I WANT TO POINT 4698 03:56:12,001 --> 03:56:13,000 OUT THAT THE APPROPRIATIONS 4699 03:56:13,001 --> 03:56:16,000 COMMITTEE REPORTED ITS FIRST 4700 03:56:16,001 --> 03:56:19,000 FISCAL YEAR 2010 BILL IN THE 4701 03:56:19,001 --> 03:56:24,000 SENATE ON JUNE 18. 4702 03:56:24,001 --> 03:56:26,000 MORE THAN THREE MONTHS AGO. 4703 03:56:26,001 --> 03:56:27,000 AND 4704 03:56:27,001 --> 03:56:30,000 10, NEARLY THREE WEEKS A 4705 03:56:30,001 --> 03:56:31,000 AND ALL OF THE OTHER BILLS WERE 4706 03:56:31,001 --> 03:56:35,000 REPORTED BEFORE THE AUGUS 4707 03:56:35,001 --> 03:56:37,000 RECESS. 4708 03:56:37,001 --> 03:56:41,000 HOWEVER, BECAUSE OF THE 4709 03:56:41,001 --> 03:56:43,000 SCHEDULING PROBLEMS WE'VE 4710 03:56:43,001 --> 03:56:44,000 THIS SENATE HAS PASSED JUST SIX 4711 03:56:44,001 --> 03:56:47,000 BILLS. 4712 03:56:47,001 --> 03:56:50,000 WE HAVE SPENT THE BETTER PART OF 4713 03:56:50,001 --> 03:56:51,000 SEVEN WEEKS ON THE FLOOR TO PASS 4714 03:56:51,001 --> 03:56:55,000 THESE BILLS. 4715 03:56:55,001 --> 03:56:58,000 I'D LIKE TO NOTE, MR. PRESIDENT, 4716 03:56:58,001 --> 03:56:59,000 THAT IN 4717 03:56:59,001 --> 03:57:01,000 APPROPRIATIONS MEASURES WERE 4718 03:57:01,001 --> 03:57:03,000 TAKEN UP AND PASSED BY THIS BODY 4719 03:57:03,001 --> 03:57:05,000 IN ONE OR TWO DAYS. 4720 03:57:05,001 --> 03:57:09,000 NOW IT IS NEARLY ONE WEEK OR 4721 03:57:09,001 --> 03:57:11,000 EACH BILL. MR. PRESIDENT, THE SENATE IS 4722 03:57:11,001 --> 03:57:13,000 KNOWN FOR BEING A DELIBERATIVE 4723 03:57:13,001 --> 03:57:15,000 BODY, BUT THIS IS 4724 03:57:15,001 --> 03:57:18,000 THAT THE SENATE HAS BEEN ON THIS 4725 03:57:18,001 --> 03:57:21,000 IMPORTANT BILL, AND UP UNTIL A 4726 03:57:21,001 --> 03:57:25,000 FEW MINUTES AGO, NOT A SINGLE 4727 03:57:25,001 --> 03:57:27,000 AMENDMENT HAS YET TO BE OFFERED. 4728 03:57:27,001 --> 03:57:28,000 MOREOVER, AT THIS POINT, ONLY 4729 03:57:28,001 --> 03:57:31,000 EIGHT AMENDMENTS HAVE BEEN 4730 03:57:31,001 --> 03:57:33,000 FILED. 4731 03:57:33,001 --> 03:57:36,000 AND WE HAVE SEEN THIS PATTERN 4732 03:57:36,001 --> 03:57:37,000 WEEK AFTER WEEK. 4733 03:57:37,001 --> 03:57:39,000 OUR COLLEAGUES ARE WAITING DAYS 4734 03:57:39,001 --> 03:57:41,000 BEFORE GETTING SERIOUS ABOUT 4735 03:57:41,001 --> 03:57:43,000 THESE BILLS. 4736 03:57:43,001 --> 03:57:45,000 THE IMPACT OF THESE DELAYS IS 4737 03:57:45,001 --> 03:57:48,000 THAT THE END 4738 03:57:48,001 --> 03:57:50,000 IS UPON US AND WE ARE NEARLY 4739 03:57:50,001 --> 03:57:53,000 ONLY HALFWAY DONE COMPLETING 4740 03:57:53,001 --> 03:57:56,000 SENATE ACTION ON OUR BILLS AND 4741 03:57:56,001 --> 03:57:58,000 ONLY ONE OF THE 4742 03:57:58,001 --> 03:58:01,000 BEEN REPORTED OUT OF THE 4743 03:58:01,001 --> 03:58:02,000 CONFERENCE COMMITTEE. 4744 03:58:02,001 --> 03:58:04,000 MR. PRESIDENT, AT THIS JUNCTURE 4745 03:58:04,001 --> 03:58:10,000 I'D LIKE TO NOTE THAT WE'VE HAD 4746 03:58:10,001 --> 03:58:12,000 12 MEASURES 4747 03:58:12,001 --> 03:58:13,000 SUBCOMMITTEES, THREE REPORTED 4748 03:58:13,001 --> 03:58:16,000 THE BILL TO THE SENE ON A VOTE 4749 03:58:16,001 --> 03:58:20,000 OF 29-1. 4750 03:58:20,001 --> 03:58:24,000 NOT QUITE 4751 03:58:24,001 --> 03:58:27,000 THE REMAINING NIGHT SUBCOMMITTEE 4752 03:58:27,001 --> 03:58:28,000 BILLS, AFTER DUE DELIBERATION, 4753 03:58:28,001 --> 03:58:30,000 DEBATED, AND DISCUSSION, WAS 4754 03:58:30,001 --> 03:58:33,000 PASSED BY THE SENATE. 4755 03:58:33,001 --> 03:58:35,000 THE SENATE COMMITTEE. 4756 03:58:35,001 --> 03:58:36,000 THEN REPORTED TO THIS SENATE 4757 03:58:36,001 --> 03:58:39,000 WITH THE RECOMMEND DHAITION IT 4758 03:58:39,001 --> 03:58:40,000 BE PASSED BY A VOTE OF 30-0. 4759 03:58:40,001 --> 03:58:44,000 UNANIMOUS. 4760 03:58:44,001 --> 03:58:46,000 THIS MEASURE BEFORE US WAS 4761 03:58:46,001 --> 03:58:49,000 ADOPTED BY THIS APPROPRIATIONS 4762 03:58:49,001 --> 03:58:52,000 COMMITTEE MADE UP OF LIBERAL 4763 03:58:52,001 --> 03:58:54,000 MEMBERS, CONSERVATIVE MEMBERS, 4764 03:58:54,001 --> 03:58:57,000 MIDDLE-OF-THE-ROAD AND WHATEVER 4765 03:58:57,001 --> 03:59:00,000 YOU WANT, MEN, WOMEN, BY A VOTE 4766 03:59:00,001 --> 03:59:02,000 OF 30-0, UNANIMOUS. 4767 03:59:02,001 --> 03:59:04,000 MR. PRESIDENT, IN JANUARY WHEN I 4768 03:59:04,001 --> 03:59:05,000 BECAME CHAIRMAN OF THIS 4769 03:59:05,001 --> 03:59:07,000 COMMITTEE, IT WAS APPARENT TO ME 4770 03:59:07,001 --> 03:59:09,000 THAT THE SENATE AND THE 4771 03:59:09,001 --> 03:59:13,000 LEGISLATIVE BRANC 4772 03:59:13,001 --> 03:59:15,000 CONTROL OVER THE BUDGET PROCESS. 4773 03:59:15,001 --> 03:59:17,000 WE HAD NOT PASSED ALL OF OUR 4774 03:59:17,001 --> 03:59:21,000 SPENDING BILLS AND FREE-STANDING 4775 03:59:21,001 --> 03:59:24,000 MEASURES SINCE 2005. 4776 03:59:24,001 --> 03:59:27,000 WE ONLY ACCOMPLISHED THAT FEA 4777 03:59:27,001 --> 03:59:30,000 ONCE DURING THE PAST DECADE. 4778 03:59:30,001 --> 03:59:31,000 IN MANY CASES WE HAVE 4779 03:59:31,001 --> 03:59:34,000 TO LARGE OMNIBUS BILLS TO 4780 03:59:34,001 --> 03:59:36,000 COMPLETE OUR WORK. 4781 03:59:36,001 --> 03:59:38,000 THE SENATE HAD NOT BEEN ALLOWED 4782 03:59:38,001 --> 03:59:40,000 TO DEBATE OR AMEND MANY OF THE 4783 03:59:40,001 --> 03:59:42,000 MEASURES THAT WERE PASSED, AND, 4784 03:59:42,001 --> 03:59:48,000 MR. PRESIDENT, THIS IS NO WAY TO 4785 03:59:48,001 --> 03:59:50,000 RUN THE GOVERNMENT. CHAIRMAN COCHRAN AND I 4786 03:59:50,001 --> 03:59:51,000 AGRE 4787 03:59:51,001 --> 03:59:53,000 PRACTICE. 4788 03:59:53,001 --> 03:59:56,000 WE VOWED TO PASS 12 BILLS AND TO 4789 03:59:56,001 --> 03:59:57,000 SEND THEM TO 4790 03:59:57,001 --> 04:00:00,000 INDIVIDUALLY. 4791 04:00:00,001 --> 04:00:02,000 WE HAVE PASSED THOSE 12 BILLS IN 4792 04:00:02,001 --> 04:00:04,000 A TIMELY FASHION AND PRESENTED 4793 04:00:04,001 --> 04:00:07,000 THAT TO THE SENATE. 4794 04:00:07,001 --> 04:00:09,000 AND, MR. PRESIDENT, OUR LEADERS 4795 04:00:09,001 --> 04:00:12,000 FULLY SUPPORTED US IN THIS PLAN. 4796 04:00:12,001 --> 04:00:14,000 I WOULD REMIND MY 4797 04:00:14,001 --> 04:00:16,000 THAT THE ENTIRE REPUBLICAN 4798 04:00:16,001 --> 04:00:18,000 CAUCUS SENT A LETTER TO THE 4799 04:00:18,001 --> 04:00:20,000 MAJORITY LEADER URGING HIM TO 4800 04:00:20,001 --> 04:00:24,000 FOLLOW THIS APPROACH. 4801 04:00:24,001 --> 04:00:26,000 BUT WHEN IT CAME TO PUT THIS IN 4802 04:00:26,001 --> 04:00:28,000 PRACTICE, INSTEAD OF WORKING TO 4803 04:00:28,001 --> 04:00:30,000 GET THIS ACCOMPLISHED, WE HAVE 4804 04:00:30,001 --> 04:00:34,000 BEEN HAMSTRUNG BY SLOW PROGRESS 4805 04:00:34,001 --> 04:00:35,000 IN EACH AND EVERY BILL. 4806 04:00:35,001 --> 04:00:36,000 MR. PRESIDENT, WE'RE WELL AWARE 4807 04:00:36,001 --> 04:00:38,000 THAT MEMBERS HAVE AMENDMENTS 4808 04:00:38,001 --> 04:00:41,000 THEY WISH TO HAVE CONSIDERED ON 4809 04:00:41,001 --> 04:00:46,000 THIS AND OTHER BILLS. 4810 04:00:46,001 --> 04:00:47,000 WE UNDERSTAND THAT. 4811 04:00:47,001 --> 04:00:48,000 AND HAVE BEEN WAITING TO 4812 04:00:48,001 --> 04:00:49,000 THEM. 4813 04:00:49,001 --> 04:00:51,000 SENATOR COCHRAN AND I CAME TO 4814 04:00:51,001 --> 04:00:53,000 THE FLOOR THURSDAY NIGHT, BUT 4815 04:00:53,001 --> 04:00:54,000 WERE TOLD THAT THERE WAS NOTHING 4816 04:00:54,001 --> 04:00:55,000 TO DO. 4817 04:00:55,001 --> 04:00:58,000 WE CAME HERE ON FRIDAY MORNING 4818 04:00:58,001 --> 04:01:02,000 WITH THE SAME 4819 04:01:02,001 --> 04:01:09,000 WE'RE 4820 04:01:09,001 --> 04:01:11,000 WE H 4821 04:01:11,001 --> 04:01:13,000 THE APPROACH TAKEN BY A FEW OF 4822 04:01:13,001 --> 04:01:15,000 OUR COLLEAGUES HAS PUT US IN A 4823 04:01:15,001 --> 04:01:17,000 POSITION IN WHICH THE GOVERNMENT 4824 04:01:17,001 --> 04:01:18,000 MUST NOW BEGIN TO OPERATE ON A 4825 04:01:18,001 --> 04:01:20,000 CONTINUING RESOLUTION. 4826 04:01:20,001 --> 04:01:23,000 AND, MR. PRESIDENT, WHAT DOES 4827 04:01:23,001 --> 04:01:25,000 THAT MEAN TO OUR AGENCIES? 4828 04:01:25,001 --> 04:01:28,000 IT MEANS THAT THEY MUST THROW 4829 04:01:28,001 --> 04:01:29,000 OUT THEIR PLANS FOR OPERATIONS 4830 04:01:29,001 --> 04:01:32,000 AND STREAMLINE ACTIVITIES SO 4831 04:01:32,001 --> 04:01:36,000 THAT ONLY THE MOST ESSENTIAL 4832 04:01:36,001 --> 04:01:38,000 OPERATIONS 4833 04:01:38,001 --> 04:01:40,000 CONTINUING RESOLUTIONS WILL 4834 04:01:40,001 --> 04:01:43,000 CONTINUE PROGRAMS THAT HAVE 4835 04:01:43,001 --> 04:01:47,000 EXPIRED AND NO LONGER NEEDED. 4836 04:01:47,001 --> 04:01:50,000 AND THE NEW PROGRAMS WILL 4837 04:01:50,001 --> 04:01:51,000 REPLACE THEM, WILL NOT BE IN 4838 04:01:51,001 --> 04:01:53,000 PLACE. 4839 04:01:53,001 --> 04:01:54,000 IT MEANS THEY MUST DELAY 4840 04:01:54,001 --> 04:01:56,000 PURCHASES UNTI 4841 04:01:56,001 --> 04:01:57,000 THAT THE RESOURCE THEY ARE 4842 04:01:57,001 --> 04:01:58,000 SEEKING WILL BE APPROVED. 4843 04:01:58,001 --> 04:01:59,000 IN THE CASE OF THE DEFENSE 4844 04:01:59,001 --> 04:02:01,000 DEPARTMENT, IT MEANS THEY HAVE 4845 04:02:01,001 --> 04:02:05,000 TO DELAY STARTING NEW WEAPONS 4846 04:02:05,001 --> 04:02:09,000 DEVELOPMENT AND PROCUREMENT PROGRAMS. 4847 04:02:09,001 --> 04:02:11,000 SOME OF MY FISCALLY CONSERVATIVE 4848 04:02:11,001 --> 04:02:13,000 COLLEAGUES MIGHT APPLAUD, AND 4849 04:02:13,001 --> 04:02:15,000 THEY THINK 4850 04:02:15,001 --> 04:02:16,000 CUTTING SPENDING. 4851 04:02:16,001 --> 04:02:18,000 BUT, UNFORTUNATELY, 4852 04:02:18,001 --> 04:02:21,000 MR. PRESIDENT, THEY'RE 4853 04:02:21,001 --> 04:02:24,000 IN FACT, WE ARE ONLY RUNNING UP 4854 04:02:24,001 --> 04:02:26,000 EXPENSES AS WE FOLLOW 4855 04:02:26,001 --> 04:02:29,000 PENNY-WISE, POUND-FOOLISH 4856 04:02:29,001 --> 04:02:30,000 PRACTICES WHICH COST MORE IN THE 4857 04:02:30,001 --> 04:02:31,000 LONG RUN. 4858 04:02:31,001 --> 04:02:33,000 AND THEY SAY, MR. PRESIDENT, 4859 04:02:33,001 --> 04:02:34,000 SENATE RULES ARE WRITTEN TO 4860 04:02:34,001 --> 04:02:37,000 PROTECT THE RIGHTS OF THE 4861 04:02:37,001 --> 04:02:40,000 MINORITY AND TO ENSURE THAT 4862 04:02:40,001 --> 04:02:42,000 LEGISLATION IS CAREFULLY REVIEWED. 4863 04:02:42,001 --> 04:02:46,000 BUT IT IS ALSO TRUE THAT WHEN 4864 04:02:46,001 --> 04:02:48,000 TIME IS OF THE ESSENCE, THE 4865 04:02:48,001 --> 04:02:50,000 DELIBERATIVE PROCESS IS 4866 04:02:50,001 --> 04:02:53,000 FREQUENTLY TURNED ON ITS HEAD 4867 04:02:53,001 --> 04:02:55,000 AND 4868 04:02:55,001 --> 04:02:57,000 THROUGH WITH NO TIME TO DEBATE 4869 04:02:57,001 --> 04:02:58,000 OR OPPORTUNITY TO OFFER 4870 04:02:58,001 --> 04:02:59,000 AMENDMENTS. 4871 04:02:59,001 --> 04:03:01,000 RATHER THAN DELAY THESE BILLS 4872 04:03:01,001 --> 04:03:04,000 WHICH HAVE MINIMAL 4873 04:03:04,001 --> 04:03:06,000 LEAVING THE BODY NO CHOICE BUT 4874 04:03:06,001 --> 04:03:09,000 TO ADOPT EXPEDITED PROCEDURES TO 4875 04:03:09,001 --> 04:03:10,000 COMPLETE ACTION, LET US PROCEED 4876 04:03:10,001 --> 04:03:13,000 A PACE TO GET THIS AND 4877 04:03:13,001 --> 04:03:15,000 FIVE BILLS THROUGH THE SENATE AS 4878 04:03:15,001 --> 04:03:17,000 QUICKLY AS POSSIBLE. 4879 04:03:17,001 --> 04:03:19,000 BECAUSE, MR. PRESIDENT, IT IS 4880 04:03:19,001 --> 04:03:23,000 THE RESPONSIBILITY OF CONGRESS 4881 04:03:23,001 --> 04:03:25,000 TO ENSURE THE TAXPAYER FUNDS CAN 4882 04:03:25,001 --> 04:03:26,000 BE EXPANDED EFFICIENTLY BY 4883 04:03:26,001 --> 04:03:28,000 PASSING EACH OF THESE 4884 04:03:28,001 --> 04:03:31,000 APPROPRIATIONS MEASURES WITHOUT 4885 04:03:31,001 --> 04:03:35,000 DEPENDING ON CONTINUING 4886 04:03:35,001 --> 04:03:37,000 RESOLUTIONS OR OMNIBUS MEASURES. 4887 04:03:37,001 --> 04:03:40,000 MR. PRESIDENT, I URGE ALL OF MY 4888 04:03:40,001 --> 04:03:42,000 COLLEAGUES TO 4889 04:03:42,001 --> 04:03:44,000 CAN COMPLETE OUR WORK, THE WORK 4890 04:03:44,001 --> 04:03:46,000 OF THIS NATION. 4891 04:03:46,001 --> 04:03:49,000 I YIELD TH 4892 04:03:49,001 --> 04:03:50,000 ABSENCE OF A 4893 04:03:50,001 --> 04:03:55,000 THE PRESIDING OFFICER: THE 4894 04:03:55,001 --> 04:05:12,000 CLERK WILL CALL THE ROLL. 4895 04:05:12,001 --> 04:05:14,000 QUORUM CALL: 4896 04:05:14,001 --> 04:05:15,000 THE PRESIDING OFFICER: WITHOUT 4897 04:05:15,001 --> 04:05:16,000 OBJECTION. MR. INOUYE: MR. PRESIDENT, I 4898 04:05:16,001 --> 04:05:18,000 ASK UNIMOUS CONSENT THAT A 4899 04:05:18,001 --> 04:05:20,000 MILITARY FELLOW IN THE OFFICE OF 4900 04:05:20,001 --> 04:05:24,000 SENATOR CHRISTOPHER DODD, 4901 04:05:24,001 --> 04:05:26,000 CAPTAIN LINDSEY GEORGE, GRANTED FLOOR PRIVILEGES FOR THE 4902 04:05:26,001 --> 04:05:28,000 CONSIDERATION OF THIS MEASURE, 4903 04:05:28,001 --> 04:05:29,000 H.R. 3326, THE DEFENSE 4904 04:05:29,001 --> 04:05:30,000 APPROPRIATIONS BILL. 4905 04:05:30,001 --> 04:05:32,000 THE PR 4906 04:05:32,001 --> 04:05:37,000 OBJECTION, SO ORDERED. 4907 04:05:37,001 --> 04:05:42,000 MR. INOUYE: THE PRESIDING OFFICER: THE 4908 04:05:42,001 --> 04:21:01,000 CLERK WILL CALL THE ROLL. 4909 04:21:01,001 --> 04:21:06,000 QUORUM CALL: 4910 04:21:06,001 --> 04:21:08,000 QUORUM CALL: 4911 04:21:08,001 --> 04:21:11,000 A SENATOR: MR. PRESIDENT? 4912 04:21:11,001 --> 04:21:12,000 THE SENATOR FROM 4913 04:21:12,001 --> 04:21:14,000 MR. DODD: MR. PRESIDENT, I'M 4914 04:21:14,001 --> 04:21:16,000 GOING TO TAKE A FEW MINUTES HERE AND ADDRESS THE PENDING 4915 04:21:16,001 --> 04:21:18,000 AMENDMENT IF I MAY, AND THEN AT 4916 04:21:18,001 --> 04:21:20,000 THE CONCLUSION OF 4917 04:21:20,001 --> 04:21:21,000 I'D LIKE TO ASK THAT WE GO INTO 4918 04:21:21,001 --> 04:21:22,000 MORNING BUSINESS FOR A FEW 4919 04:21:22,001 --> 04:21:23,000 MINUTES TO ADDRESS ANOTHER 4920 04:21:23,001 --> 04:21:25,000 MAER THAT 4921 04:21:25,001 --> 04:21:27,000 JCT OF THE PENDING LEGISLATION 4922 04:21:27,001 --> 04:21:28,000 -- SUBJECT OF THE PENDING 4923 04:21:28,001 --> 04:21:29,000 LEGISLATION IF THAT'S 4924 04:21:29,001 --> 04:21:30,000 PE 4925 04:21:30,001 --> 04:21:31,000 THE PRESIDING OFFICER: IS THERE OBJECTION? 4926 04:21:31,001 --> 04:21:32,000 WITHOUT OBJECTION, SO ORDERED. 4927 04:21:32,001 --> 04:21:35,000 MR. DODD: I RISE IN STR 4928 04:21:35,001 --> 04:21:37,000 OPPOSITION TO 4929 04:21:37,001 --> 04:21:38,000 MY FRIEND FROM ARIZONA THAT 4930 04:21:38,001 --> 04:21:41,000 WOULD -- THAT'S NOTHING LESS 4931 04:21:41,001 --> 04:21:42,000 THAN THAT IS AT STAKE WITH THIS 4932 04:21:42,001 --> 04:21:45,000 AMENDMENT. 4933 04:21:45,001 --> 04:21:48,000 IRREPARABLY DAMAGING OUR COMBAT 4934 04:21:48,001 --> 04:21:51,000 READINESS AND DEPRIVE OUR TROOPS 4935 04:21:51,001 --> 04:21:52,000 OF RESOURCES. 4936 04:21:52,001 --> 04:21:54,000 THAT'S WHAT'S INVOLVED WITH THE 4937 04:21:54,001 --> 04:21:56,000 ADOPTION OF THE AMENDMENT BY THE 4938 04:21:56,001 --> 04:21:59,000 SENATOR FROM ARIZONA IF IT'S ADOPTED. 4939 04:21:59,001 --> 04:22:01,000 I WOULD LIKE TO INTRODUCE THREE 4940 04:22:01,001 --> 04:22:02,000 WORKERS 4941 04:22:02,001 --> 04:22:05,000 THESE THREE INDIVIDUALS WORKING 4942 04:22:05,001 --> 04:22:06,000 ON THIS ENGINE. 4943 04:22:06,001 --> 04:22:08,000 THEY'RE REMOVING TEST 4944 04:22:08,001 --> 04:22:13,000 AFTER COMPLETING TESTING ON A 4945 04:22:13,001 --> 04:22:15,000 POWER FU, CUTTING-EDGING -- ON A 4946 04:22:15,001 --> 04:22:17,000 POWERFUL, CUTTING-EDGE ENGINE. 4947 04:22:17,001 --> 04:22:20,000 THE MAN ON OVER 4948 04:22:20,001 --> 04:22:24,000 HE HAS BEEN WORKING AT PRATT 4949 04:22:24,001 --> 04:22:25,000 WHITNEY FOR 37 YEARS. 4950 04:22:25,001 --> 04:22:28,000 THE MAN IN THE MIDDLE IS STEVEN. 4951 04:22:28,001 --> 04:22:30,000 HE SPENT F 4952 04:22:30,001 --> 04:22:31,000 FORCE BEFORE COMING TO PRATT 4953 04:22:31,001 --> 04:22:33,000 WHITNEY AND HAS A 4954 04:22:33,001 --> 04:22:35,000 CENTURY OF AVIATION EXPERIENCE. 4955 04:22:35,001 --> 04:22:37,000 AND ON THE SIGHT HIS 4956 04:22:37,001 --> 04:22:38,000 MICHAEL, WITH 15 YEARS OF 4957 04:22:38,001 --> 04:22:40,000 EXPERIENCE ON THE 4958 04:22:40,001 --> 04:22:42,000 EIGHT AS A SUPERVISOR AT THIS FACILITY. 4959 04:22:42,001 --> 04:22:44,000 IF WE EFFECTIVELY LAY OFF THESE 4960 04:22:44,001 --> 04:22:48,000 WORKERS AND THE 30,000 AMERICANS 4961 04:22:48,001 --> 04:22:51,000 LIKE THEM 4962 04:22:51,001 --> 04:22:52,000 THE 4963 04:22:52,001 --> 04:22:55,000 TREMENDOUS PAIN AND HARDSHIP AT 4964 04:22:55,001 --> 04:22:58,000 A TIME WHEN OUR LEAST AFFORD. 4965 04:22:58,001 --> 04:23:00,000 IT IN MY 4966 04:23:00,001 --> 04:23:03,000 CONNECTICUT, 29th IN TOTAL 4967 04:23:03,001 --> 04:23:07,000 POPULATION, BUT 4968 04:23:07,001 --> 04:23:12,000 RECEIVED WORD THAT PRATT WHITNEY 4969 04:23:12,001 --> 04:23:14,000 WOULD CLOSE FAC 4970 04:23:14,001 --> 04:23:17,000 HARTFORD COSTING 1,000 4971 04:23:17,001 --> 04:23:21,000 IF THIS FAILS, MY STATE'S 4972 04:23:21,001 --> 04:23:23,000 EMPLOYER WILL LOSE 12,000 JOBS. 4973 04:23:23,001 --> 04:23:27,000 MEN LIKE 4974 04:23:27,001 --> 04:23:29,000 HAVE 100 YEARS OF EXPERIENCE IN 4975 04:23:29,001 --> 04:23:30,000 MAINTAING -- TO MAINTAIN 4976 04:23:30,001 --> 04:23:32,000 SUPERIORITY IN THE WORLD IN THE 4977 04:23:32,001 --> 04:23:35,000 ARE THE 4978 04:23:35,001 --> 04:23:38,000 OUR 4979 04:23:38,001 --> 04:23:40,000 TO MEN IN CRITICAL AREAS OF THE 4980 04:23:40,001 --> 04:23:41,000 PERHAPS MY COLLEAGUES ARE NOT 4981 04:23:41,001 --> 04:23:42,000 PERSUADED BY THE IMMINENT LOSS 4982 04:23:42,001 --> 04:23:43,000 OF JOBS. 4983 04:23:43,001 --> 04:23:45,000 IF THAT WERE THE ARGUMENT, I 4984 04:23:45,001 --> 04:23:46,000 SUPPOSE EVERYONE 4985 04:23:46,001 --> 04:23:47,000 I WANT MY COLLEAGUES TO 4986 04:23:47,001 --> 04:23:49,000 UNDERSTANDHAT'S AT STAKE IF 4987 04:23:49,001 --> 04:23:50,000 THIS AMENDMENT IS ADOPTED WHEN 4988 04:23:50,001 --> 04:23:53,000 IT COMES TO A CRITICAL COMPONENT 4989 04:23:53,001 --> 04:23:54,000 IN A MAJOR PART 4990 04:23:54,001 --> 04:23:59,000 COMMITTED TO DEVELOPING THIS 4991 04:23:59,001 --> 04:24:01,000 KIND OF TEC TECHNOLOG 4992 04:24:01,001 --> 04:24:03,000 SOME MIGHT BE PERMITTED TO 4993 04:24:03,001 --> 04:24:04,000 AFFECT THE LIVELIHOOD OF 30,000 4994 04:24:04,001 --> 04:24:06,000 PEOPLE. 4995 04:24:06,001 --> 04:24:08,000 I WOULD SAY THINK OF THESE THREE INVIDUALS. 4996 04:24:08,001 --> 04:24:10,000 WITH YEARS OF EXPERIENCE AND 4997 04:24:10,001 --> 04:24:11,000 COMPETENT SI HAVE ALLOWED US TO 4998 04:24:11,001 --> 04:24:12,000 MAINTAIN 4999 04:24:12,001 --> 04:24:14,000 UNPARALLELED IN THE WORLD. 5000 04:24:14,001 --> 04:24:15,000 ACCORDING TO THE AIR FORCE OVER 5001 04:24:15,001 --> 04:24:17,000 THE LAST THREE YEARS IN THE 5002 04:24:17,001 --> 04:24:22,000 MILITARY CENTER COMMANDLONE, 5003 04:24:22,001 --> 04:24:25,000 THE C-17 HAS FLOWN 100,000 5004 04:24:25,001 --> 04:24:26,000 AIRLIFT 5005 04:24:26,001 --> 04:24:29,000 THAN 300,000 TONS OF CARGO AND 5006 04:24:29,001 --> 04:24:30,000 EXECUTED NEARLY 2,000 AIR DROPS. 5007 04:24:30,001 --> 04:24:32,000 ACCORDING TO THE GENERAL 5008 04:24:32,001 --> 04:24:35,000 ACCOUNTING OFFICE, THE C-17'S 5009 04:24:35,001 --> 04:24:37,000 HAVE DELIVERED MORE 5010 04:24:37,001 --> 04:24:40,000 2.4 MILL 5011 04:24:40,001 --> 04:24:41,000 CARGO TO IRAQ AND AFGHANISTAN 5012 04:24:41,001 --> 04:24:43,000 ALONE. 5013 04:24:43,001 --> 04:24:46,000 THAT'S 2.4 MILLION TONS OF SUPPLY. 5014 04:24:46,001 --> 04:24:47,000 EVERYTHING FROM CRITICAL GEAR TO 5015 04:24:47,001 --> 04:24:49,000 LARGE VEHICLES. 5016 04:24:49,001 --> 04:24:51,000 THE GENERAL ACCOUNTABILITY 5017 04:24:51,001 --> 04:24:53,000 OFFICE ALSO NOTES THAT THIS 5018 04:24:53,001 --> 04:24:56,000 AIRCRAFT HAS 5019 04:24:56,001 --> 04:25:00,000 -- "DRAWN PRAISE DURING COMBAT OPERATIONS." 5020 04:25:00,001 --> 04:25:01,000 AND LISTEN 5021 04:25:01,001 --> 04:25:07,000 READINESS RATE. 5022 04:25:07,001 --> 04:25:09,000 COMPARED TO 5023 04:25:09,001 --> 04:25:11,000 RATE. 5024 04:25:11,001 --> 04:25:13,000 THE C-17 IS THE MOST RELIABLE 5025 04:25:13,001 --> 04:25:15,000 AIRLIFT PLANE IN OUR ARSENAL. 5026 04:25:15,001 --> 04:25:17,000 AND IT'S ALSO THE MOST VERSATILE. 5027 04:25:17,001 --> 04:25:21,000 UNLIKE ANY OTHER AIRCRAFT THAT 5028 04:25:21,001 --> 04:25:23,000 WE HAVE, THE C-17 CAN COMPLETE 5029 04:25:23,001 --> 04:25:25,000 COMBAT, HUMANITARIAN, 5030 04:25:25,001 --> 04:25:26,000 TRANSPORTS MISSIONS ALL OVER THE 5031 04:25:26,001 --> 04:25:28,000 WORLD. 5032 04:25:28,001 --> 04:25:30,000 THANKS TO ITS UNIQUE ABILITY TO 5033 04:25:30,001 --> 04:25:32,000 TAKE OFF AND LAND IN DIFFICULT 5034 04:25:32,001 --> 04:25:34,000 ENVIRONMENTS, REMOTE AIRFIELDS 5035 04:25:34,001 --> 04:25:36,000 OR IN 5036 04:25:36,001 --> 04:25:38,000 ARE SHORTENED OR DEGRADED. 5037 04:25:38,001 --> 04:25:39,000 THE AIR FORCE REPORTS THAT THE 5038 04:25:39,001 --> 04:25:43,000 C-17 IS ABLE TO TAKE OFF AND 5039 04:25:43,001 --> 04:25:47,000 LAND ON 65% OF THE WORLD'S SOIL. 5040 04:25:47,001 --> 04:25:50,000 WHEREAS OLDER AIRLIFT PLANES CAN 5041 04:25:50,001 --> 04:25:55,000 ONLY LAND ON 6%. 5042 04:25:55,001 --> 04:25:56,000 THIS VERSITILITY MAKES THE C-17 5043 04:25:56,001 --> 04:25:57,000 COUNTERINSURGENCY AND 5044 04:25:57,001 --> 04:25:58,000 HU 5045 04:25:58,001 --> 04:26:00,000 MISSIONS THE WORLD OVER. 5046 04:26:00,001 --> 04:26:04,000 IT CAN OPERATE NOT ONLY IN IRAQ 5047 04:26:04,001 --> 04:26:07,000 AND AFGHANISTAN, BUT IN 5048 04:26:07,001 --> 04:26:10,000 RWANDA AND SUDAN AND ANARTICA. 5049 04:26:10,001 --> 04:26:12,000 TODAY I FEEL IT IS TAKEN 5050 04:26:12,001 --> 04:26:15,000 GRANTED AND OUR COMMITMENTS 5051 04:26:15,001 --> 04:26:16,000 OVSEAS SINCE 5052 04:26:16,001 --> 04:26:18,000 FAR GREATER BURDEN ONS THIS 5053 04:26:18,001 --> 04:26:19,000 AIRCRAFT THAN WE ANNED FOR. 5054 04:26:19,001 --> 04:26:21,000 THE CONGRESSIONAL 5055 04:26:21,001 --> 04:26:24,000 SERVICE REPORTS THAT THE C-17 5056 04:26:24,001 --> 04:26:27,000 WAS DESIGNED TO FLY 1,000 HOURS 5057 04:26:27,001 --> 04:26:28,000 PER YEAR WITH AN EXPECTED LIFE 5058 04:26:28,001 --> 04:26:30,000 SPAN OF 30 YEARS. 5059 04:26:30,001 --> 04:26:34,000 AS OUR OVERSEAS COMMITMENTS HAVE 5060 04:26:34,001 --> 04:26:36,000 GROWN 5061 04:26:36,001 --> 04:26:39,000 AVERAGED 1,250 HOURS PER 5062 04:26:39,001 --> 04:26:41,000 AIRCRAFT AND 5063 04:26:41,001 --> 04:26:42,000 2,400 FLYING HOURS IN A SINGLE 5064 04:26:42,001 --> 04:26:44,000 YEAR. 5065 04:26:44,001 --> 04:26:45,000 GENERAL AUTHOR LIGHT, THE AIR 5066 04:26:45,001 --> 04:26:47,000 MOBITY COMMANDER, HAS 5067 04:26:47,001 --> 04:26:50,000 THIS RATE THE C-17'S MAY HAVE A 5068 04:26:50,001 --> 04:26:52,000 LIFE SPAN AS SHORT AS 22 YEARS 5069 04:26:52,001 --> 04:26:55,000 WITH A MISSION CRITICAL AIRCRAFT 5070 04:26:55,001 --> 04:26:57,000 IS DUE T 5071 04:26:57,001 --> 04:26:59,000 EARLIER THAN 5072 04:26:59,001 --> 04:27:02,000 ONE WILL BE, WE ARE CHARGED WIT 5073 04:27:02,001 --> 04:27:04,000 EQUIPPING OUR TROOPS IN THE 5074 04:27:04,001 --> 04:27:05,000 FIELD AND MUST ADJUST OUR 5075 04:27:05,001 --> 04:27:06,000 PROCUREMENT PLANS AND WE MUST DO 5076 04:27:06,001 --> 04:27:10,000 IT NOW. 5077 04:27:10,001 --> 04:27:11,000 SOME OF T 5078 04:27:11,001 --> 04:27:14,000 ALREADY 15 YEARS OLD. 5079 04:27:14,001 --> 04:27:18,000 LAST JULY THE 5080 04:27:18,001 --> 04:27:20,000 E ARMY BY 30,000 SOLDIERS. 5081 04:27:20,001 --> 04:27:22,000 I, ALONG WITH NEARLY ALL OF 5082 04:27:22,001 --> 04:27:25,000 COLLEAGUES SPRKTSD THAT 5083 04:27:25,001 --> 04:27:28,000 TO MEET OUR GROWING SECURITY 5084 04:27:28,001 --> 04:27:30,000 DEMANDS. 5085 04:27:30,001 --> 04:27:31,000 BUT WE TOOK 5086 04:27:31,001 --> 04:27:33,000 TOOK THAT VOTE, MR. PRESIDENT, 5087 04:27:33,001 --> 04:27:35,000 WE INCURRED AN OBLIGATION AS 5088 04:27:35,001 --> 04:27:36,000 WELL TO PROVIDE THOSE TROOPS 5089 04:27:36,001 --> 04:27:40,000 WITH THE SUPPORT THAT THEY'LL 5090 04:27:40,001 --> 04:27:41,000 NEED IN ORDER TO DO THEIR JOBS. 5091 04:27:41,001 --> 04:27:43,000 CHAIRMAN DAN INOUYE AND MEMBERS 5092 04:27:43,001 --> 04:27:45,000 OF THE SENATE 5093 04:27:45,001 --> 04:27:47,000 COITTEE HAVE DEM 5094 04:27:47,001 --> 04:27:50,000 INCREDIBLE FORESIGHT BY 5095 04:27:50,001 --> 04:27:51,000 TO 5096 04:27:51,001 --> 04:27:53,000 THIS IMPORTANT FLEET. 5097 04:27:53,001 --> 04:27:55,000 IN THIS AMENDMENT TO UNDO THEIR 5098 04:27:55,001 --> 04:27:57,000 GOOD WORK PREVAILS, WE'RING 5099 04:27:57,001 --> 04:27:58,000 DISIFS TO OUR TRO 5100 04:27:58,001 --> 04:28:00,000 WE'RE ALSO DOING A GREAT DISIFS 5101 04:28:00,001 --> 04:28:02,000 TO OUR TAXPAYERS. 5102 04:28:02,001 --> 04:28:03,000 THE AUTHOR OF THIS AMENDME 5103 04:28:03,001 --> 04:28:05,000 HAVE SAID THAT WE SHOULD KILL 5104 04:28:05,001 --> 04:28:06,000 THE C-17 NOW AND WAIT FOR A 5105 04:28:06,001 --> 04:28:08,000 GOVERNMENT STUDY DOWN THE ROAD 5106 04:28:08,001 --> 04:28:09,000 TO SEE WHETHER OR NOT WE NEED 5107 04:28:09,001 --> 04:28:11,000 MORE OF THESE AIRCRAFT. 5108 04:28:11,001 --> 04:28:14,000 IF WE KILL THE C-17, WE WILL 5109 04:28:14,001 --> 04:28:15,000 LOSE OUR ONLY WIDE BODY ASSEMBLY 5110 04:28:15,001 --> 04:28:17,000 LINE IN THE UNITED STATES. 5111 04:28:17,001 --> 04:28:18,000 ACCORDING TO THE GENERAL 5112 04:28:18,001 --> 04:28:22,000 ACCOUNBILITY OFFICE, IT WILL 5113 04:28:22,001 --> 04:28:25,000 COST UP TO $1 BILLION TO RESTART 5114 04:28:25,001 --> 04:28:27,000 THE LINE WHEN IT INEVITABLY 5115 04:28:27,001 --> 04:28:28,000 DAWNS ON US THAT WE NEED THE 5116 04:28:28,001 --> 04:28:30,000 MILITARY CARGO PLANES TO SUPPORT 5117 04:28:30,001 --> 04:28:32,000 OUR TROOPS IN THE FIELD. 5118 04:28:32,001 --> 04:28:33,000 AN IF WE HAND THESE THREE 5119 04:28:33,001 --> 04:28:35,000 INDIVIDUALS AND THE 30,000 OF 5120 04:28:35,001 --> 04:28:37,000 THEIR FELLOW WORKERS AROUND THE 5121 04:28:37,001 --> 04:28:39,000 COUNTRY PINK SLIPS IN THE NEXT 5122 04:28:39,001 --> 04:28:41,000 FEW DAYS, WHO DO WE THINK IS 5123 04:28:41,001 --> 04:28:43,000 GOING TO BUILD THOSE PLANES DOWN THE ROAD? 5124 04:28:43,001 --> 04:28:45,000 BY THE WAY, IF WE CHOOSE TO TRY 5125 04:28:45,001 --> 04:28:49,000 AND TAKE UP THE 5126 04:28:49,001 --> 04:28:51,000 EXTENDING THE LIVES OF THE 5127 04:28:51,001 --> 04:28:53,000 C-5-A'S, WE NEED TO OVERHAUL AND 5128 04:28:53,001 --> 04:28:56,000 REPAIR SEVEN OF THEM AT A COST 5129 04:28:56,001 --> 04:28:59,000 OF 5130 04:28:59,001 --> 04:29:00,000 TO EQUAL WHAT WE'RE DOING TO 5131 04:29:00,001 --> 04:29:01,000 BUYING A C-17. 5132 04:29:01,001 --> 04:29:03,000 MR. PRESIDENT, THIS AMENDMENT 5133 04:29:03,001 --> 04:29:04,000 WOULD HURT OUR WORKERS, OUR 5134 04:29:04,001 --> 04:29:05,000 TROOPS, AND OUR NATIONAL 5135 04:29:05,001 --> 04:29:08,000 SECURITY. 5136 04:29:08,001 --> 04:29:10,000 IT IS MASSIVE EXPENDITURE 5137 04:29:10,001 --> 04:29:12,000 DISGUISED AS A SHORT-TERM SAVINGS. 5138 04:29:12,001 --> 04:29:14,000 IT IS THE VERY DEFINITION OF 5139 04:29:14,001 --> 04:29:16,000 CUTTING OFF OUR KNOWS DESPITE 5140 04:29:16,001 --> 04:29:17,000 OUR FACE WHEN IT 5141 04:29:17,001 --> 04:29:18,000 CRITICAL NEEDS OF OUR TROOPS IN 5142 04:29:18,001 --> 04:29:20,000 THE FEEL. 5143 04:29:20,001 --> 04:29:22,000 WHATEVER VIEWS YOU MAY HAVE ON 5144 04:29:22,001 --> 04:29:23,000 AFGHANISTAN OR ON IRAQ, WE WANT 5145 04:29:23,001 --> 04:29:25,000 TO MAKE SURE THAT OUR TROOPS, 5146 04:29:25,001 --> 04:29:26,000 WHEREVER THEY ARE, HAVE THE 5147 04:29:26,001 --> 04:29:28,000 CAPABILITY OF RECEIVING T 5148 04:29:28,001 --> 04:29:30,000 SUPPORT THAT THEY 5149 04:29:30,001 --> 04:29:32,000 DEPRIVING THEM OF THIS AIRCRAFT, 5150 04:29:32,001 --> 04:29:34,000 BY DEPENDING UPON AN AIRCRAFT 5151 04:29:34,001 --> 04:29:37,000 GETTING OLDER AND OLDER AND OLD 5152 04:29:37,001 --> 04:29:38,000 ARE BY THE DAY AND NO IDEAS OF 5153 04:29:38,001 --> 04:29:39,000 REPLACING THEM AT ALL,E PUT 5154 04:29:39,001 --> 04:29:40,000 THESE TROOPS AND OUR NATIONAL 5155 04:29:40,001 --> 04:29:42,000 SECURITY AT RISK. 5156 04:29:42,001 --> 04:29:44,000 AND, SO, MR. PRESIDENT, WHILE 5157 04:29:44,001 --> 04:29:46,000 THERE IS A PAROCHIAL 5158 04:29:46,001 --> 04:29:47,000 ACKNOWLEDGE THAT, THERE IS A FAR 5159 04:29:47,001 --> 04:29:49,000 BRODEUR ONE COMBINED TO THE 5160 04:29:49,001 --> 04:29:51,000 BORDERS OF MY STATE. 5161 04:29:51,001 --> 04:29:52,000 THIS ISSUE GOES FAR BEYOND 5162 04:29:52,001 --> 04:29:54,000 LIMITATIONS OF ONE JURISDICTION. 5163 04:29:54,001 --> 04:29:56,000 IT GOES TO OUR VERY CAPABILITIES 5164 04:29:56,001 --> 04:29:58,000 AS A NATION TO RESPOND BOTH IN 5165 04:29:58,001 --> 04:30:00,000 TERMS OF MILITARY CAPACITY AS 5166 04:30:00,001 --> 04:30:02,000 WELL AS HUMANITARIAN NEEDS. 5167 04:30:02,001 --> 04:30:05,000 THE FACT THAT 86% OF THESE 5168 04:30:05,001 --> 04:30:06,000 AIRCRAFT ARE READY A 5169 04:30:06,001 --> 04:30:08,000 ONLY 53% OF THE C-5'S. 5170 04:30:08,001 --> 04:30:10,000 THE FACT THAT WE CAN LAND THIS 5171 04:30:10,001 --> 04:30:11,000 AIRCRAFT IN AS MANY DIVERSE 5172 04:30:11,001 --> 04:30:13,000 PLACES 5173 04:30:13,001 --> 04:30:14,000 AND THE ALTERNATIVE IS VERY 5174 04:30:14,001 --> 04:30:16,000 LIMITED, INDEED. 5175 04:30:16,001 --> 04:30:17,000 IT SEEMS THESE A 5176 04:30:17,001 --> 04:30:18,000 TO PREVAIL. 5177 04:30:18,001 --> 04:30:20,000 TODAY WHEN THE VOTE OCCURS, I 5178 04:30:20,001 --> 04:30:21,000 WOULD URGE MY COLLEAGUES TO 5179 04:30:21,001 --> 04:30:23,000 SUPPORT THE COMMITTEE, THOS WHO 5180 04:30:23,001 --> 04:30:25,000 HAVE DONE THE WORK ON THIS, WHO 5181 04:30:25,001 --> 04:30:26,000 UNDERSTAND WHAT IS AT STAKE AND 5182 04:30:26,001 --> 04:30:27,000 REJECT THE AMENDMENT THAT WOULD 5183 04:30:27,001 --> 04:30:31,000 CUT OUT THESE AIRCRAFT. 5184 04:30:31,001 --> 04:30:33,000 CONSENT TO MOVE TO A MATTER 5185 04:30:33,001 --> 04:30:34,000 OTHER 5186 04:30:34,001 --> 04:30:36,000 DISCUSSED. 5187 04:30:36,001 --> 04:30:37,000 THE PRESIDING OFFICER: IS THERE OBJECTION? 5188 04:30:37,001 --> 04:30:40,000 WITHOUT OBJECTION. 5189 04:30:40,001 --> 04:30:41,000 MR. DODD: IT HAS BEEN A 5190 04:30:41,001 --> 04:30:46,000 TUMULTUOUS YEAR I IRAN. 5191 04:30:46,001 --> 04:30:47,000 THE IRANIAN REGIME PURSUED ITS 5192 04:30:47,001 --> 04:30:49,000 NUCLEAR ACTIVITIES AN REPRESS 5193 04:30:49,001 --> 04:30:51,000 ITS ONLY PEOPLE AS WE SAW IN THE 5194 04:30:51,001 --> 04:30:52,000 WAKE OF THIS 5195 04:30:52,001 --> 04:30:54,000 ILLEGITIMATE ELECTIONS WHERE 5196 04:30:54,001 --> 04:30:55,000 BRAVE AND PEACEFUL PROTESTERS 5197 04:30:55,001 --> 04:30:57,000 WERE VIOLENTLY ATTACKED. 5198 04:30:57,001 --> 04:30:59,000 IF IRAN WERE TO ACQUIRE NUCLEAR 5199 04:30:59,001 --> 04:31:00,000 WEAPON CAPABILITIES, IT WOULD 5200 04:31:00,001 --> 04:31:03,000 POSE A SIGNIFICANT THREAT TO THE 5201 04:31:03,001 --> 04:31:05,000 PEACE AND 5202 04:31:05,001 --> 04:31:06,000 EAST, ESPECIALLY TO OUR CLOSE 5203 04:31:06,001 --> 04:31:09,000 ALLY IN THE STATE O 5204 04:31:09,001 --> 04:31:10,000 TO MENTION OTHERS IN THE REGION 5205 04:31:10,001 --> 04:31:12,000 AS WELL AS TO OURSELVES. 5206 04:31:12,001 --> 04:31:13,000 FOR YEARS THE IRANIAN REGIME 5207 04:31:13,001 --> 04:31:15,000 REFUSED REASONABLE REQUESTS BY 5208 04:31:15,001 --> 04:31:17,000 THE INTERNATIONAL COMMUNITY AND 5209 04:31:17,001 --> 04:31:18,000 FAILED TO MEET ITS OBLIGATIONS 5210 04:31:18,001 --> 04:31:21,000 UNDER INTERNATIONAL 5211 04:31:21,001 --> 04:31:27,000 NONPROLIFERATION RULES. 5212 04:31:27,001 --> 04:31:29,000 VERY AGGRESSIVE 5213 04:31:29,001 --> 04:31:32,000 DUEL-TRACK A-- DUAL-TRACK 5214 04:31:32,001 --> 04:31:34,000 APPROACH WITH SUSTAINED PRESSURE 5215 04:31:34,001 --> 04:31:35,000 TO ECONOMI 5216 04:31:35,001 --> 04:31:38,000 WARNING THAT IRAN WILL NOT BE 5217 04:31:38,001 --> 04:31:39,000 ABLE TO RUN OUT THE CLOCK. 5218 04:31:39,001 --> 04:31:40,000 AS CHAIRMAN OF THE SENATE 5219 04:31:40,001 --> 04:31:41,000 BANKING COMMITTEE, I INTEND TO 5220 04:31:41,001 --> 04:31:42,000 INTRODUCE LEGISLATION, 5221 04:31:42,001 --> 04:31:43,000 MR. PRESIDENT, TO ARM THIS 5222 04:31:43,001 --> 04:31:47,000 ADMINISTRATION WITH THE ABILITY 5223 04:31:47,001 --> 04:31:49,000 TO IMPOSE TOUGH, 5224 04:31:49,001 --> 04:31:50,000 SANCTIONS IF THE 5225 04:31:50,001 --> 04:31:51,000 GOVERNMENT DOES NOT RESPOND TO 5226 04:31:51,001 --> 04:31:53,000 THE ADMINISTRATION'S FINAL 5227 04:31:53,001 --> 04:31:54,000 DIPLOMATIC EFFORT IN THE COMING WEEKS. 5228 04:31:54,001 --> 04:31:56,000 WE MUST CONFRONT IRAN'S 5229 04:31:56,001 --> 04:31:57,000 GOVERNMENT ABOUT ITS LONG RECORD 5230 04:31:57,001 --> 04:31:59,000 OF DUPLICITY AND DECEPTION ON 5231 04:31:59,001 --> 04:32:00,000 ITS NUCLEAR FACILITIES. 5232 04:32:00,001 --> 04:32:03,000 LAST WEEK, PRESIDENT OBAMA 5233 04:32:03,001 --> 04:32:04,000 REVEALED THAT IRAN IS BUILDING A 5234 04:32:04,001 --> 04:32:06,000 SECRET URANIUM ENRICHMENT 5235 04:32:06,001 --> 04:32:07,000 FACILITY IN VIOLATION OF 5236 04:32:07,001 --> 04:32:08,000 INTERNATIONAL RULES. 5237 04:32:08,001 --> 04:32:11,000 THE PRESIDENT AND OUR ALLIES 5238 04:32:11,001 --> 04:32:14,000 HAVE RIGHTLY INSISTED ON PROMPT 5239 04:32:14,001 --> 04:32:15,000 ACCESS TO THE IAEA INSPECTORS TO 5240 04:32:15,001 --> 04:32:16,000 THIS FACILITY. 5241 04:32:16,001 --> 04:32:19,000 AND OVER THE WEEKEND, IRAN MOVED 5242 04:32:19,001 --> 04:32:21,000 FORWARD ON PROVOCATIVE MISSILE TESTS. 5243 04:32:21,001 --> 04:32:23,000 IN TWO DAYS, THE UNITED STATES 5244 04:32:23,001 --> 04:32:25,000 AND OUR ALLIES WILL BEGIN KEY 5245 04:32:25,001 --> 04:32:27,000 TALKS WITH IRAN'S LEADERS. 5246 04:32:27,001 --> 04:32:29,000 UNFORTUNATELY, MR. PRESIDENT, 5247 04:32:29,001 --> 04:32:30,000 IRAN'S PRESIDENT HAS ALREADY 5248 04:32:30,001 --> 04:32:32,000 SUGGESTED THAT APPROPRIATE 5249 04:32:32,001 --> 04:32:35,000 LIMITS TO HIS COUNTRY'S NUCLEAR 5250 04:32:35,001 --> 04:32:37,000 ENRICHMENT PROGRAM ARE OFF THE TABLE. 5251 04:32:37,001 --> 04:32:39,000 STRONG INTERNATIONAL REJECTION 5252 04:32:39,001 --> 04:32:42,000 OF ELECTION ABUSES, RENEWED 5253 04:32:42,001 --> 04:32:44,000 SUPPORT OF OUR ALLIES, 5254 04:32:44,001 --> 04:32:47,000 INTENTIONS WITHIN THE IRANIAN 5255 04:32:47,001 --> 04:32:49,000 REGIME NOW BREAKING INTO 5256 04:32:49,001 --> 04:32:50,000 ALL ARE REASONS FOR HOPE THAT 5257 04:32:50,001 --> 04:32:51,000 IRAN MIGHT BE FORCED TO CHANGE 5258 04:32:51,001 --> 04:32:55,000 COURSE. 5259 04:32:55,001 --> 04:32:57,000 BUT IT WILL BE HARD, TO PUT IT 5260 04:32:57,001 --> 04:32:59,000 MILD, DIFFICULT, TO PUT IT MILDLY. 5261 04:32:59,001 --> 04:33:00,000 2 WILL REQUIRE SUSTAINED 5262 04:33:00,001 --> 04:33:02,000 DIPLATIC EFFORTS TO ENSURE 5263 04:33:02,001 --> 04:33:04,000 THAT ALL OF OUR PARTNERS, THE 5264 04:33:04,001 --> 04:33:05,000 RUSSIANS, THE CHINA, THE INDIANS 5265 04:33:05,001 --> 04:33:06,000 AND MODERATE ARAB STATES 5266 04:33:06,001 --> 04:33:07,000 THROUGHOUT THE MIDDLE EAST JOIN 5267 04:33:07,001 --> 04:33:10,000 IN THIS EFFORT. 5268 04:33:10,001 --> 04:33:11,000 WE WILL ONLY SUCCEED IF IRAN IS 5269 04:33:11,001 --> 04:33:13,000 CONFRONTED BY THE PROSPECT OF 5270 04:33:13,001 --> 04:33:14,000 SUSTAINED, PROGRESSIVELY 5271 04:33:14,001 --> 04:33:15,000 INTENSIFYING, MULTILATERAL 5272 04:33:15,001 --> 04:33:16,000 ECONOMIC AND DIPLOMATIC PRESSURE 5273 04:33:16,001 --> 04:33:18,000 ON ITS GOVERNMENT, INCLUDING 5274 04:33:18,001 --> 04:33:20,000 TOUGHER SANCTIONS. 5275 04:33:20,001 --> 04:33:22,000 THIS WEEK'S NEGOTIATIONS SHOULD 5276 04:33:22,001 --> 04:33:25,000 CONFRONT IRAN'S LEADERS WITH A 5277 04:33:25,001 --> 04:33:28,000 CLEAR CHOICE: END ILLEGITIMATE 5278 04:33:28,001 --> 04:33:29,000 EFFORTS TO ENRICH URANIUM, HALT 5279 04:33:29,001 --> 04:33:30,000 PROLIFERATION EFFORTS AND STOP 5280 04:33:30,001 --> 04:33:33,000 SUPPORT FOR TERRORISTS AROUND 5281 04:33:33,001 --> 04:33:34,000 THE WORLD OR CONTINUE TO DEEPEN 5282 04:33:34,001 --> 04:33:35,000 IRAN'S ISOLATION AND RUIN ITS 5283 04:33:35,001 --> 04:33:37,000 ECONOMY. 5284 04:33:37,001 --> 04:33:40,000 I SUPPORT THE ADMINISTRATION'S 5285 04:33:40,001 --> 04:33:42,000 EFFORTS TO ENGAGE IRAN WHILE 5286 04:33:42,001 --> 04:33:43,000 MAKI CLEAR THAT BITING 5287 04:33:43,001 --> 04:33:44,000 SANCTIONS WILL FOLLOW IF THEY 5288 04:33:44,001 --> 04:33:46,000 CONTINUE TO REFUSE TO MEET THE 5289 04:33:46,001 --> 04:33:47,000 DEMANDS OF THE INTERNATIONAL 5290 04:33:47,001 --> 04:33:49,000 COMMUNITY FOR GREATER 5291 04:33:49,001 --> 04:33:50,000 TRANSPARENCY. 5292 04:33:50,001 --> 04:33:52,000 ADMINISTRATION OFFICIALS HAVE 5293 04:33:52,001 --> 04:33:53,000 OUTLINED TO ME A MENU OF 5294 04:33:53,001 --> 04:33:56,000 ADDITIONAL TOUGH MULTILATERAL 5295 04:33:56,001 --> 04:33:57,000 SANCTIONS THAT THEY'RE 5296 04:33:57,001 --> 04:33:59,000 CONSIDERING IMPOSING AND ARE 5297 04:33:59,001 --> 04:34:00,000 WORKING TO BROADEN SUPPORT AMONG 5298 04:34:00,001 --> 04:34:01,000 OUR ALLIES. 5299 04:34:01,001 --> 04:34:02,000 CONGRESS MUST EQUIP THE 5300 04:34:02,001 --> 04:34:04,000 PRESIDENT WITH A FULL RANGE OF 5301 04:34:04,001 --> 04:34:05,000 TOOLS TO DEAL WITH THE THREATS 5302 04:34:05,001 --> 04:34:07,000 PASSED BY IRAN. 5303 04:34:07,001 --> 04:34:08,000 IN THE LAST CONGRESS, THE 5304 04:34:08,001 --> 04:34:09,000 BANKING COMMITTEE, WHICH I CHAIR 5305 04:34:09,001 --> 04:34:13,000 CHAIR, APPROVED COMPREHENSIVE 5306 04:34:13,001 --> 04:34:14,000 LEGISLATION TO IMPROVE TOUGH -- 5307 04:34:14,001 --> 04:34:16,000 APPROVE TOUGH, NEW SANCTIONS ON 5308 04:34:16,001 --> 04:34:18,000 THE GOVERNMENT OF IRAN, 5309 04:34:18,001 --> 04:34:19,000 AUTHORIZING INVESTORS TO DIVEST 5310 04:34:19,001 --> 04:34:22,000 FROM COMPANY'S ACTIVE IN IRAN'S 5311 04:34:22,001 --> 04:34:23,000 ENERGY SECTOR AND TO COMBAT 5312 04:34:23,001 --> 04:34:24,000 BLACK-MARKET NETWORKS SPREADING 5313 04:34:24,001 --> 04:34:25,000 WEAPONS AROUND THE WORLD. 5314 04:34:25,001 --> 04:34:26,000 UNFORTUNATELY, FLOOR 5315 04:34:26,001 --> 04:34:28,000 CONSIDERATION IN THIS BODY WAS 5316 04:34:28,001 --> 04:34:31,000 REPEATEDLY BLOED BY A SMALL 5317 04:34:31,001 --> 04:34:33,000 MINORITY IN THIS CHAMBER. 5318 04:34:33,001 --> 04:34:34,000 GIVE ENTHE RISING STAKES, I 5319 04:34:34,001 --> 04:34:35,000 CONTINUE TO WORK WITH MY 5320 04:34:35,001 --> 04:34:38,000 COMMITTEE COLLEAGUES, RANK 5321 04:34:38,001 --> 04:34:41,000 MEMBER SHELBY OF ALABAMA TO 5322 04:34:41,001 --> 04:34:42,000 PRESS FORWARD TOR FOR SIMILAR 5323 04:34:42,001 --> 04:34:43,000 SANCTIONS AND LEGISLATION IN THE 5324 04:34:43,001 --> 04:34:45,000 NEXT FEW WEEKS. 5325 04:34:45,001 --> 04:34:48,000 I WANT TO CONGRATULATE MY COLLEAGUE FROM CONNECTICUT, 5326 04:34:48,001 --> 04:34:49,000 SENATOR LIEBERMAN, AND SENATOR 5327 04:34:49,001 --> 04:34:50,000 BAYH AMONG OTHERS FOR THEIR 5328 04:34:50,001 --> 04:34:51,000 LEADERSHIP ON THIS ISSUE AS 5329 04:34:51,001 --> 04:34:53,000 WELL, INCLUDING THEIR 5330 04:34:53,001 --> 04:34:54,000 LEGISLATION TO IMPOSE EVEN 5331 04:34:54,001 --> 04:34:56,000 FURTHER SANCTIONS ON ENTITIES 5332 04:34:56,001 --> 04:34:59,000 INVOLVED IN IMPORTING GASOLINE 5333 04:34:59,001 --> 04:35:01,000 TO IRAN 5334 04:35:01,001 --> 04:35:02,000 EFFORTS TO EXPAND ITS DOMESTIC 5335 04:35:02,001 --> 04:35:04,000 REFINING CAPACITY. 5336 04:35:04,001 --> 04:35:06,000 IRAN'S ENERGY SECTOR IS A KEY 5337 04:35:06,001 --> 04:35:08,000 SOURCE OF REVENUE TO THE 5338 04:35:08,001 --> 04:35:10,000 GOVERNMENT, AND IRAN IS 5339 04:35:10,001 --> 04:35:11,000 ESPECIALLY SUSCEPTIBLE BECAUSE 5340 04:35:11,001 --> 04:35:12,000 OF ITS DEPENDENCE ON IMPORTED 5341 04:35:12,001 --> 04:35:13,000 GASOLINE. 5342 04:35:13,001 --> 04:35:14,000 AND SO I WILL INTEGRATE THESE 5343 04:35:14,001 --> 04:35:16,000 CRITICAL PROVISIONS INTO THE 5344 04:35:16,001 --> 04:35:17,000 LEGISLATION I'MING OFFERING IN 5345 04:35:17,001 --> 04:35:18,000 THE NEXT FEW -- I'LL BE OFFERING 5346 04:35:18,001 --> 04:35:19,000 IN THE NEXT FEW DAYS. 5347 04:35:19,001 --> 04:35:22,000 OUR LEGISLATION WILL BE A TARING 5348 04:35:22,001 --> 04:35:23,000 EXPETD STRATEGIC -- TARGETED AND 5349 04:35:23,001 --> 04:35:24,000 STRATEGIC MAXIMIZING THE 5350 04:35:24,001 --> 04:35:26,000 ECONOMIC LEVERAGE OF THE UNITED 5351 04:35:26,001 --> 04:35:29,000 STATES AND 5352 04:35:29,001 --> 04:35:30,000 ALLIES AND INVESTORS WHILE AVOIG 5353 04:35:30,001 --> 04:35:31,000 THE RISKS OF A MORE 5354 04:35:31,001 --> 04:35:33,000 INDISCRIMINATE -- AVOIDING THE 5355 04:35:33,001 --> 04:35:34,000 RISKS OF A MORE INDISCRIMINATE APPROACH. 5356 04:35:34,001 --> 04:35:36,000 THE BILL WOULD ALSO EXPAND 5357 04:35:36,001 --> 04:35:37,000 COVERAGE UNDER THE IRAN 5358 04:35:37,001 --> 04:35:38,000 SANCTIONS ACT TO INCLUDE 5359 04:35:38,001 --> 04:35:39,000 FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS, 5360 04:35:39,001 --> 04:35:41,000 UNDERWRITES, GUARANTORS AND 5361 04:35:41,001 --> 04:35:43,000 OTHER BUSINESS ENTITIES AND 5362 04:35:43,001 --> 04:35:44,000 EXTEND THE APPLICABILITY OF 5363 04:35:44,001 --> 04:35:45,000 SANCTIONS TO OIL AND GAS 5364 04:35:45,001 --> 04:35:49,000 PIPELINES AND TANKERS. 5365 04:35:49,001 --> 04:35:50,000 IT WOULD IMPOSE A BROAD BAN ON 5366 04:35:50,001 --> 04:35:53,000 IMPORTS DIRECTLY FROM IRAN TO 5367 04:35:53,001 --> 04:35:55,000 THE UNITED STATES AND EXPORTS 5368 04:35:55,001 --> 04:35:57,000 FROM THE UNITED STATES TO IRAN 5369 04:35:57,001 --> 04:35:59,000 OF THOSE FEW ITEMS THAT THEY ARE 5370 04:35:59,001 --> 04:36:01,000 STILL ABLE -- THEY ARE STILL 5371 04:36:01,001 --> 04:36:02,000 ABLE TO BE SHIPPED WHILE 5372 04:36:02,001 --> 04:36:03,000 EXEMPTING FOOD AND MEDICINES. 5373 04:36:03,001 --> 04:36:05,000 IT WILL STRENGTHEN EXISTING 5374 04:36:05,001 --> 04:36:08,000 AUTHORITY FOR A FREEZING OF 5375 04:36:08,001 --> 04:36:10,000 ASSETS OF IRANIANS ACTIVE IN 5376 04:36:10,001 --> 04:36:11,000 WEAPONS OF PROLIFERATION OR 5377 04:36:11,001 --> 04:36:12,000 TERRORISACTIVITY AND MAKE 5378 04:36:12,001 --> 04:36:14,000 CLEAR THAT THE UNITED STATES 5379 04:36:14,001 --> 04:36:15,000 ENTIES WHO ESTABLISH A 5380 04:36:15,001 --> 04:36:16,000 SUBSIDIARY TO GET AROUND U.S. 5381 04:36:16,001 --> 04:36:18,000 SANCTION LAWS WILL BE HELD 5382 04:36:18,001 --> 04:36:20,000 LIABLE FOR THE ACTIVITIES OF 5383 04:36:20,001 --> 04:36:21,000 THEIR SUBSIDIARIES. 5384 04:36:21,001 --> 04:36:23,000 FINALLY, MR. PRESIDENT, WHAT WE 5385 04:36:23,001 --> 04:36:25,000 WILL BE PROPOSING IMPOSES NEW 5386 04:36:25,001 --> 04:36:27,000 REQUIREMENTS THAT THE PRESIDENT 5387 04:36:27,001 --> 04:36:29,000 ACTUALLY MAKE A DETERMINATION 5388 04:36:29,001 --> 04:36:32,000 AND REPORT EVERY SIX MONTHS TO 5389 04:36:32,001 --> 04:36:33,000 CONGRESS REGARDING THE 5390 04:36:33,001 --> 04:36:35,000 SANCTIONABILITY OF ELIGIBLE 5391 04:36:35,001 --> 04:36:36,000 INVESTMENTS IN IRAN'S ENERGY SECTOR. 5392 04:36:36,001 --> 04:36:38,000 MR. PRESIDENT, IN ADDITION TO 5393 04:36:38,001 --> 04:36:40,000 EXPANDING U.S. SANCTIONS, THE 5394 04:36:40,001 --> 04:36:42,000 LEGISLATION THAT I'LL BE WRITING 5395 04:36:42,001 --> 04:36:44,000 WOULD ALSO PROVIDE A SIMPLE 5396 04:36:44,001 --> 04:36:46,000 FORMULA AUTHORIZING DIVESTMENT 5397 04:36:46,001 --> 04:36:47,000 FROM FIRMS WHICH INVEST 5398 04:36:47,001 --> 04:36:48,000 SIGNIFICANT AMOUNTS IN IRAN'S 5399 04:36:48,001 --> 04:36:49,000 ENERGY SECTOR. 5400 04:36:49,001 --> 04:36:52,000 WITH PROVISIONS PATTERNED AFTER 5401 04:36:52,001 --> 04:36:53,000 THE SUDAN ACCOUNTABILITY AND 5402 04:36:53,001 --> 04:36:54,000 DIVESTMENT ACT ENACT 5403 04:36:54,001 --> 04:36:55,000 AGO. 5404 04:36:55,001 --> 04:36:57,000 MANY OF US BELIEVE, 5405 04:36:57,001 --> 04:36:58,000 MR. PRESIDENT, THAT AMERICANS 5406 04:36:58,001 --> 04:37:00,000 SHOULD BE ABLE TO DIVEST FROM 5407 04:37:00,001 --> 04:37:03,000 ENERGY FIRMS DOING BUSINESS WITH 5408 04:37:03,001 --> 04:37:05,000 THE IRANIAN REGIME WHOSE 5409 04:37:05,001 --> 04:37:07,000 POLICIES THEY ABHOR AND WHICH 5410 04:37:07,001 --> 04:37:08,000 INDIRECTLY HP TO PROP UP THAT REGIME. 5411 04:37:08,001 --> 04:37:10,000 THEY SHOULD BE GIVEN THE TOOLS 5412 04:37:10,001 --> 04:37:13,000 THEY NEED TO MAKE SOCIALLY 5413 04:37:13,001 --> 04:37:17,000 RESPONSIBLE DECISIONS, AND 5414 04:37:17,001 --> 04:37:18,000 INVESTORS WHO CHOOSE TO DIVEST 5415 04:37:18,001 --> 04:37:20,000 STATES' LARGE PENSION AND MUTUAL 5416 04:37:20,001 --> 04:37:22,000 FUNDS AND OTHERS SHOULD BE HELD 5417 04:37:22,001 --> 04:37:24,000 HARMLESS FOR THESE DECISIONS. 5418 04:37:24,001 --> 04:37:26,000 INVESTING IN IRAN IS RISKY 5419 04:37:26,001 --> 04:37:28,000 BUSINESS, AND INVESTORS SHOULD 5420 04:37:28,001 --> 04:37:29,000 BE FULLY INFORMED OF THOSE RISKS 5421 04:37:29,001 --> 04:37:31,000 GOING IN. 5422 04:37:31,001 --> 04:37:33,000 THE LEGISLATION WE'LL BE WRITING 5423 04:37:33,001 --> 04:37:34,000 DOES NOT REQUIRE DIVESTMENT, IT 5424 04:37:34,001 --> 04:37:36,000 SIMPLY PERMITS IT. 5425 04:37:36,001 --> 04:37:38,000 FINALLY, THIS BILL WOULD PROVIDE 5426 04:37:38,001 --> 04:37:39,000 INCENTIVES FOR COUNTRIES TO 5427 04:37:39,001 --> 04:37:40,000 STRENGTHEN THEIR EXPORT CONTROL 5428 04:37:40,001 --> 04:37:43,000 SYSTEMS TO STOP THE ILLEGAL 5429 04:37:43,001 --> 04:37:44,000 DIVERSION OF SENSITIVE, DUAL-USE 5430 04:37:44,001 --> 04:37:47,000 TECHNOLOGY TO COUNTRIES LIKE 5431 04:37:47,001 --> 04:37:48,000 IRAN AND IMPOSE TOUGH, NEW 5432 04:37:48,001 --> 04:37:50,000 LICENSING REQUIREMENTS ON THOSE 5433 04:37:50,001 --> 04:37:52,000 WHO REFUSE TO COOPERATE. 5434 04:37:52,001 --> 04:37:54,000 AS WE CONFRONT THE REALITIES OF 5435 04:37:54,001 --> 04:37:55,000 A GLOBAL MARKETPLACE, WITH 5436 04:37:55,001 --> 04:37:57,000 MANUFACTURERS ASSEMBLING PARTS 5437 04:37:57,001 --> 04:38:00,000 OF COMPLEX MACHINERY SUCH AS 5438 04:38:00,001 --> 04:38:03,000 AIRCRAFT AND COMPUTERS FROM A 5439 04:38:03,001 --> 04:38:05,000 SUPPLY CHAIN SPANNING THE GLOBE 5440 04:38:05,001 --> 04:38:08,000 AND AS REGIMES LIKE IRAN AND 5441 04:38:08,001 --> 04:38:09,000 NORTH KOREA AND SYRIA TROLL 5442 04:38:09,001 --> 04:38:11,000 VARIOUS TRANSSHIPMENT00S FOR 5443 04:38:11,001 --> 04:38:13,000 SUCH PARTS TO A-- 5444 04:38:13,001 --> 04:38:14,000 HUBS FOR SUCH PARTS TO ASSEMBLE 5445 04:38:14,001 --> 04:38:15,000 HIGH-TECH WEAPONS, IT MAKES 5446 04:38:15,001 --> 04:38:16,000 SENSE, IN MY VIEW, TO ADDRESS 5447 04:38:16,001 --> 04:38:18,000 THIS PROBLEM HEAD-O. WE HAVE 5448 04:38:18,001 --> 04:38:20,000 DEVELOPED A WAY TO DO THIS WITH 5449 04:38:20,001 --> 04:38:21,000 AN ARRAY OF CARROTS AND STICKS 5450 04:38:21,001 --> 04:38:25,000 TO PROD UNWILLING COUNTRIES TO 5451 04:38:25,001 --> 04:38:26,000 GET SERIOUS ABOUT DEVELOPING AND 5452 04:38:26,001 --> 04:38:27,000 IMPLEMENTING TOUGH, 5453 04:38:27,001 --> 04:38:28,000 COMPREHENSIVE EXPORT CONTROL 5454 04:38:28,001 --> 04:38:29,000 RULES AND SYSTEMS. 5455 04:38:29,001 --> 04:38:32,000 OUR EUROPEAN AND OTHER ALLIES 5456 04:38:32,001 --> 04:38:34,000 CONTINUE TO WORK CLOSELY WITH 5457 04:38:34,001 --> 04:38:36,000 THE UNITED STATES TO INCREASE 5458 04:38:36,001 --> 04:38:37,000 ECONOMIC AND DIPLOMATIC PRESSURE 5459 04:38:37,001 --> 04:38:39,000 ON IRAN. 5460 04:38:39,001 --> 04:38:41,000 I BELIEVE OUR LEGISLATION WILL 5461 04:38:41,001 --> 04:38:42,000 COMPLEMENT AND REINFORCE THOSE 5462 04:38:42,001 --> 04:38:46,000 ONGOING DIPLOMATIC EFFORTS AND 5463 04:38:46,001 --> 04:38:47,000 SEND A VERY, VERY CLEAR 5464 04:38:47,001 --> 04:38:48,000 CLEAR SIGNAL, MR. PRESIDENT, TO 5465 04:38:48,001 --> 04:38:50,000 IRAN'S GOV 5466 04:38:50,001 --> 04:38:53,000 STORE IF THEY CHOOSE TO CONTINUE 5467 04:38:53,001 --> 04:38:54,000 TO FLAUNT THE WILL OF THE 5468 04:38:54,001 --> 04:38:55,000 INTERNATIONAL COMMUNITY. 5469 04:38:55,001 --> 04:38:57,000 CONGRESS WILL BE MOVING FORWARD 5470 04:38:57,001 --> 04:38:58,000 ON THE SAME TIMETABLE THAT THE 5471 04:38:58,001 --> 04:39:01,000 PRESIDENT AND OUR ALLIES HAVE 5472 04:39:01,001 --> 04:39:03,000 SET FOR THIS FALL TO UNDERSCORE 5473 04:39:03,001 --> 04:39:06,000 TO IRAN'S LEADERS THE HUGE PRICE 5474 04:39:06,001 --> 04:39:07,000 THEY WILL PAY ECONOMICALLY, 5475 04:39:07,001 --> 04:39:09,000 POLITICALLY, DIPLOMATICALLY AND 5476 04:39:09,001 --> 04:39:10,000 OTHERWISE IF THEY DO NOT CHANGE 5477 04:39:10,001 --> 04:39:11,000 COURSE. 5478 04:39:11,001 --> 04:39:13,000 MR. PRESIDENT, THE GOVERNMENT OF 5479 04:39:13,001 --> 04:39:16,000 IRAN MUST COME CLEAN ON ITS 5480 04:39:16,001 --> 04:39:18,000 NU NUCLEAR PROGRAM, WHICH AS 5481 04:39:18,001 --> 04:39:19,000 PRESIDENT OBAMA OBSERVED LAST 5482 04:39:19,001 --> 04:39:20,000 WEEK, REPRESENTS A DIREC 5483 04:39:20,001 --> 04:39:22,000 CHALLENGE TO THE BASIC 5484 04:39:22,001 --> 04:39:24,000 FOUNDATION OF THE NONP 5485 04:39:24,001 --> 04:39:25,000 I WOULD HOPE THAT MY COLLEAGUES 5486 04:39:25,001 --> 04:39:26,000 WOULD JOIN US IN SUPPORTING 5487 04:39:26,001 --> 04:39:29,000 THESE EFFORTS IN THE COMING 5488 04:39:29,001 --> 04:39:30,000 WEEKS, TO MAKE CLEAR TO THE 5489 04:39:30,001 --> 04:39:31,000 IRANIANS THAT WE IN THE UNITED 5490 04:39:31,001 --> 04:39:34,000 STATES CONGRESS, DEMOCRATS AND 5491 04:39:34,001 --> 04:39:35,000 REPUBLICANS ALIKE, WILL STAND 5492 04:39:35,001 --> 04:39:36,000 WITH THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED 5493 04:39:36,001 --> 04:39:38,000 STATES IN OR COMMON 5494 04:39:38,001 --> 04:39:41,000 DETERMINATION TO CONFRONT THIS 5495 04:39:41,001 --> 04:39:42,000 PROBLEM 5496 04:39:42,001 --> 04:39:45,000 MR. PRESIDENT, WE'LL HAVE OUR 5497 04:39:45,001 --> 04:39:47,000 HEARING ON 5498 04:39:47,001 --> 04:39:48,000 BANKING COMMITTEE AND MY 5499 04:39:48,001 --> 04:39:51,000 INTENTION IS THAT SHORTLY 5500 04:39:51,001 --> 04:39:53,000 THEREAFTER, A WEEK OR SOHRAVE, 5501 04:39:53,001 --> 04:39:57,000 THEREAFTER, TO COMBINE THE SARAH 5502 04:39:57,001 --> 04:39:58,000 YES, SIR PROPOSALS -- THAT HAVE BEEN -- 5503 04:39:58,001 --> 04:40:00,000 COMBINE THE VARIOUS PROPOSALS 5504 04:40:00,001 --> 04:40:01,000 THAT HAVE BEEN OFFERED INTO ONE COMPREHENSIVE BILL. 5505 04:40:01,001 --> 04:40:04,000 I, LIKE OTHERS, BELIEVE WE 5506 04:40:04,001 --> 04:40:05,000 SHOULD TAKE NO OPTIONS OFF THE TABLE,&WE UNDERSTAND THE 5507 04:40:05,001 --> 04:40:07,000 IMPLICATIONS OF THAT. 5508 04:40:07,001 --> 04:40:09,000 AND I HOPE MOST OF US AGREE, AT 5509 04:40:09,001 --> 04:40:11,000 LEAST I HOPE WE DO, THAT EVERY 5510 04:40:11,001 --> 04:40:12,000 EFFORT SHOULD BE MADE 5511 04:40:12,001 --> 04:40:13,000 THIS MATTER SHORT OF THE USE OF 5512 04:40:13,001 --> 04:40:14,000 MILITARY FORCE. 5513 04:40:14,001 --> 04:40:15,000 BUT OBVIOUSLY THAT OPTION 5514 04:40:15,001 --> 04:40:16,000 REMAINS OUT THERE. 5515 04:40:16,001 --> 04:40:17,000 BUT I BELIEVE WHAT WE'RE 5516 04:40:17,001 --> 04:40:19,000 PROPOSG HERE IS A SANCTIONS 5517 04:40:19,001 --> 04:40:20,000 REGIME ALONG WITH THE NEEDED 5518 04:40:20,001 --> 04:40:22,000 COOPERATION, RATHER, OF OTHER 5519 04:40:22,001 --> 04:40:26,000 NATIONS AROUND THE WORLD WILL 5520 04:40:26,001 --> 04:40:27,000 SEND THAT UNEQUIVOCAL MESSAGE. 5521 04:40:27,001 --> 04:40:29,000 NOTHING WOULD BE MORE IMPORTANT 5522 04:40:29,001 --> 04:40:31,000 AT THIS HOUR THAN TO SEND THAT 5523 04:40:31,001 --> 04:40:32,000 CLEAR, UNITED MESSAGE FROM THIS 5524 04:40:32,001 --> 04:40:33,000 BODY AND THE OTHER OF OUR 5525 04:40:33,001 --> 04:40:36,000 DETERMINATION TO USE ALL THE 5526 04:40:36,001 --> 04:40:37,000 TOOLS AVAILABLE TO US SHORT OF 5527 04:40:37,001 --> 04:40:39,000 THAT MILITARY USE TO BRING ABOUT 5528 04:40:39,001 --> 04:40:41,000 THE DESIRED CHANGE WE SEEK. 5529 04:40:41,001 --> 04:40:42,000 BUT IF THAT SULD FAIL, THOSE 5530 04:40:42,001 --> 04:40:44,000 OTHER 5531 04:40:44,001 --> 04:40:46,000 MY HOPE IS WE WOULD NEVER HAVE 5532 04:40:46,001 --> 04:40:47,000 TO GET THERE, AND BY ADOPTING 5533 04:40:47,001 --> 04:40:48,000 THIS STRONG LEGISLATION, MY HOPE 5534 04:40:48,001 --> 04:40:49,000 WOULD BE THAT THEY WOULD 5535 04:40:49,001 --> 04:40:52,000 UNDERSTAND HOW SERIOUS WE ARE IN 5536 04:40:52,001 --> 04:40:53,000 OUR DETERMINATION TO ACHIEVE THE 5537 04:40:53,001 --> 04:40:55,000 COMMON GOAL BEING SOUGHT BY THIS 5538 04:40:55,001 --> 04:40:57,000 ADMINISTRATION AND ALL OF US IN THIS BODY. 5539 04:40:57,001 --> 04:41:00,000 AND WITH 5540 04:41:00,001 --> 04:41:01,000 YIELD THE 5541 04:41:01,001 --> 04:41:02,000 MR. CASEY: MR. PRESIDENT? 5542 04:41:02,001 --> 04:41:04,000 THE PRESIDING OFFICER: THE 5543 04:41:04,001 --> 04:41:07,000 SENATOR FROM PENNSYLVANIA. 5544 04:41:07,001 --> 04:41:09,000 MR. CASEY: MR. PRESIDENT, I RISE 5545 04:41:09,001 --> 04:41:10,000 IN -- AND WOULD FIRST ASK 5546 04:41:10,001 --> 04:41:11,000 UNANIMOUS CONSENT THAT I BE 5547 04:41:11,001 --> 04:41:13,000 PE MORNING BUSINESS. 5548 04:41:13,001 --> 04:41:14,000 THE PRESIDING OFFICER: WITHOUT OBJECTION. 5549 04:41:14,001 --> 04:41:16,000 MR. CASEY: MR. PRESIDENT, I RISE 5550 04:41:16,001 --> 04:41:18,000 TODAY WITH RESPECT TO IRAN'S 5551 04:41:18,001 --> 04:41:21,000 NUCLEAR PROGRAM AND I WANT TO 5552 04:41:21,001 --> 04:41:23,000 COMMEND THE -- THE COMMENTS BY 5553 04:41:23,001 --> 04:41:25,000 OUR SENATOR FROM CONNECTICUT, 5554 04:41:25,001 --> 04:41:26,000 OUR CHAIRMAN OF THE BANKING 5555 04:41:26,001 --> 04:41:27,000 COMMITTEE, SENATOR DODD, ON HIS 5556 04:41:27,001 --> 04:41:31,000 PRENTATION JUST A FEW MOMENTS 5557 04:41:31,001 --> 04:41:32,000 AGO. 5558 04:41:32,001 --> 04:41:34,000 LIKE SO MANY AMERICANS, WE'VE 5559 04:41:34,001 --> 04:41:35,000 LEARNED A LOT IN THE LAST COUPLE 5560 04:41:35,001 --> 04:41:38,000 OF DAYS WHICH IS TROUBLING. 5561 04:41:38,001 --> 04:41:40,000 THE IRANIAN REGIME, DISCREDITED 5562 04:41:40,001 --> 04:41:42,000 THIS SUMMER BY THE DEPLORABLE 5563 04:41:42,001 --> 04:41:43,000 REPRESSION OF PEACEFUL 5564 04:41:43,001 --> 04:41:44,000 PRO-DEMOCRACY DEMONSTRATORS 5565 04:41:44,001 --> 04:41:48,000 ACROSS THE COUNTRY, HAS REACHED 5566 04:41:48,001 --> 04:41:49,000 A NEW LOW ON THE INTERNATIONAL STAGE. 5567 04:41:49,001 --> 04:41:54,000 AND, AGAIN, I SPEAK TODAY OF THE 5568 04:41:54,001 --> 04:41:55,000 RANKING MEMBEREERNLG THE 5569 04:41:55,001 --> 04:41:57,000 REGIME, THE IRANIAN GOVERNMENT, 5570 04:41:57,001 --> 04:42:00,000 NOT THE PEOPLE OF IRAN. 5571 04:42:00,001 --> 04:42:03,000 THE DISCLOSURE OF THE URANIUM 5572 04:42:03,001 --> 04:42:05,000 ENRICHMENT FACILITY NEAR THE C 5573 04:42:05,001 --> 04:42:06,000 OF COHM, SHOULD SERVE AS A 5574 04:42:06,001 --> 04:42:09,000 WAKE-UP CALL FOR THOSE WHO 5575 04:42:09,001 --> 04:42:11,000 BELIEVED THAT IRAN'S NUCLEAR 5576 04:42:11,001 --> 04:42:13,000 PROGRAM WAS ONLY FOR PEACEFUL PURPOSES. 5577 04:42:13,001 --> 04:42:14,000 IT CONTINUES, THE REGIME CONTINUES, TO DECEIVE THE 5578 04:42:14,001 --> 04:42:15,000 INTERNATIONAL COMMUNITY ABOUT 5579 04:42:15,001 --> 04:42:16,000 ITS NUCLEAR INTENTIONS AND 5580 04:42:16,001 --> 04:42:20,000 PROGRAM DEVELOPMENT. 5581 04:42:20,001 --> 04:42:21,000 IT CONTINUES TO THREATEN OUR 5582 04:42:21,001 --> 04:42:22,000 ALLY, ISRAEL. 5583 04:42:22,001 --> 04:42:23,000 IT CONTINUES TO DISREGARD 5584 04:42:23,001 --> 04:42:25,000 INTERNATIONAL. 5585 04:42:25,001 --> 04:42:30,000 AND, YES, MR. PRESIDENT, THE 5586 04:42:30,001 --> 04:42:31,000 REGIME CONTINUES TO DIRECTLY 5587 04:42:31,001 --> 04:42:32,000 THREATEN THE NATIONAL SECURITY 5588 04:42:32,001 --> 04:42:33,000 INTERESTS OF THE UNITED STATES. 5589 04:42:33,001 --> 04:42:35,000 AS THE ADMINISTRATION BEGINS 5590 04:42:35,001 --> 04:42:36,000 TALKS ON THURSDAY, WE IN THE 5591 04:42:36,001 --> 04:42:40,000 SENATE SHOULD BE PREPARE TO DO 5592 04:42:40,001 --> 04:42:42,000 OUR PART AND PASS TOUGHER 5593 04:42:42,001 --> 04:42:43,000 SANCTIONS ON THE IRANIAN REGIME 5594 04:42:43,001 --> 04:42:45,000 TO COMPEL ITS COMPLIAE WITH 5595 04:42:45,001 --> 04:42:46,000 INTERNATIONAL STANDARDS. 5596 04:42:46,001 --> 04:42:48,000 WE HAVE A RESPONSIBILITY TO 5597 04:42:48,001 --> 04:42:51,000 PROVIDE THE ADMINISTRATION THE 5598 04:42:51,001 --> 04:42:54,000 TOOLS IT NEEDS TO MAXIMIZE 5599 04:42:54,001 --> 04:42:56,000 PRESSURE ON THIS INCREASINGLY 5600 04:42:56,001 --> 04:42:58,000 INTRANSIGENT IRANIAN REGIME. 5601 04:42:58,001 --> 04:43:00,000 I APPLAUD THE ADMINISTRATION'S 5602 04:43:00,001 --> 04:43:03,000 APPROACH IN RECALIBRATING U.S. 5603 04:43:03,001 --> 04:43:04,000 ENGAGEMENT AROUND THE WORLD. 5604 04:43:04,001 --> 04:43:06,000 AT A MINIMUM, THIS INTERNATIONAL 5605 04:43:06,001 --> 04:43:09,000 EFFORT WILL RESTORE AMERICA'S 5606 04:43:09,001 --> 04:43:11,000 LONG-HELD REPUTATION OF BEING AN 5607 04:43:11,001 --> 04:43:12,000 HONEST BROKER OF A COUNTRY THAT 5608 04:43:12,001 --> 04:43:15,000 VALUES DIPLOMACYND OF A 5609 04:43:15,001 --> 04:43:17,000 COUNTRY THAT VALUES 5610 04:43:17,001 --> 04:43:18,000 RELATIONSHIPS WITH ALLIES AND 5611 04:43:18,001 --> 04:43:19,000 WELCOMES NEW ONES. 5612 04:43:19,001 --> 04:43:21,000 INTERNATIONALLY, THE UNITED 5613 04:43:21,001 --> 04:43:23,000 STATES IS ON A BETTER FOOTING 5614 04:43:23,001 --> 04:43:25,000 THAN IT HAS BEEN IN YEARS. 5615 04:43:25,001 --> 04:43:26,000 TIES WITH ALLIES HAVE BEEN 5616 04:43:26,001 --> 04:43:28,000 STRENGTHENED. 5617 04:43:28,001 --> 04:43:31,000 THOSE ON THE FENCE, LIKE RUSSIA 5618 04:43:31,001 --> 04:43:32,000 AND CHINA IN THIS PARTICULAR 5619 04:43:32,001 --> 04:43:34,000 QUESTION, ARE SHOWING SIGNS OF 5620 04:43:34,001 --> 04:43:35,000 COOPERATION ON ISSUES THAT ARE 5621 04:43:35,001 --> 04:43:36,000 CRITICAL TO OUR NATIONAL 5622 04:43:36,001 --> 04:43:39,000 INTEREST. 5623 04:43:39,001 --> 04:43:40,000 AND OUR ADVERSARIES, NOT SURE TO 5624 04:43:40,001 --> 04:43:41,000 YOU TO DEMONIZE THE UNITED 5625 04:43:41,001 --> 04:43:43,000 STATES LIKE THEY USED TO DO, ARE 5626 04:43:43,001 --> 04:43:45,000 ON THEIR HEELS. 5627 04:43:45,001 --> 04:43:46,000 THE ADMINISTRATION'S DIPLOMAC 5628 04:43:46,001 --> 04:43:50,000 OFFENSIVE HAS PUT US INTO A 5629 04:43:50,001 --> 04:43:52,000 POSITION WHERE WE HAVE A STRONG 5630 04:43:52,001 --> 04:43:53,000 COALITION GOING INTO THESE 5631 04:43:53,001 --> 04:43:56,000 IMPORTANT DISCUSSIONS ON THURSDAY. 5632 04:43:56,001 --> 04:43:57,000 THE EVENTS OF THE LAST WEEK ARE 5633 04:43:57,001 --> 04:43:59,000 UNFORTUNATE EVIDENCE OF THE 5634 04:43:59,001 --> 04:44:01,000 IRANIAN REGIME'S DECEIT, 5635 04:44:01,001 --> 04:44:02,000 DEFIANCE, AND DISREGARD FOR 5636 04:44:02,001 --> 04:44:04,000 INTERNATIONAL STANDARDS FOR 5637 04:44:04,001 --> 04:44:06,000 PEACE AND SECURITY. 5638 04:44:06,001 --> 04:44:09,000 FIRST, ON MONDAY, THE IRANIAN 5639 04:44:09,001 --> 04:44:10,000 REGIME SENT A LETTER TO THE IAEA 5640 04:44:10,001 --> 04:44:14,000 DISCLOSING THE EXISTENCE OF THE 5641 04:44:14,001 --> 04:44:15,000 SECOND ENRICHMENT REFINING 5642 04:44:15,001 --> 04:44:17,000 FACILITY. 5643 04:44:17,001 --> 04:44:19,000 A SITE THAT THE U.S. AND ISRAELI 5644 04:44:19,001 --> 04:44:23,000 INTELLIGCE REPORTEDLY HAVE 5645 04:44:23,001 --> 04:44:24,000 BEEN TRACKING FOR YEARS. 5646 04:44:24,001 --> 04:44:27,000 THIS MISSIVE DENIED THAT THE 5647 04:44:27,001 --> 04:44:32,000 SITE WAS INTENDED FOR NUCLEAR 5648 04:44:32,001 --> 04:44:33,000 PURPOSES THROUGH THE 3,000 5649 04:44:33,001 --> 04:44:34,000 CENTRIFUGES WHO WERE CLEARLY 5650 04:44:34,001 --> 04:44:36,000 MEANT FOR WEAPONS-GRADE 5651 04:44:36,001 --> 04:44:38,000 REFINEMENT. 5652 04:44:38,001 --> 04:44:39,000 MOREOVER, THE SITE WAS BURIED 5653 04:44:39,001 --> 04:44:41,000 DEEP SPURNED GROUND AND UNDER 5654 04:44:41,001 --> 04:44:43,000 PROTECTION BY -- UNDERGROUND AND 5655 04:44:43,001 --> 04:44:44,000 UNDER PROTECTION BY THE ELITE 5656 04:44:44,001 --> 04:44:46,000 REVOLUTIONARY GUARD, NOT THE 5657 04:44:46,001 --> 04:44:47,000 TYPICAL PROTOCOL FOR A PEACEFUL 5658 04:44:47,001 --> 04:44:49,000 ERGY SITE. 5659 04:44:49,001 --> 04:44:53,000 ON WEDNESDAY, THE IRANIAN 5660 04:44:53,001 --> 04:44:54,000 PRESIDENT, MR. AHMADINEJAD, USED 5661 04:44:54,001 --> 04:44:56,000 HIS TIME AT THE ROSTRUM AT THE 5662 04:44:56,001 --> 04:44:58,000 UNITED NATIONS, NOT TO WELCOME A 5663 04:44:58,001 --> 04:44:59,000 NEW DAY OF ENGAGEMENT WITH THE 5664 04:44:59,001 --> 04:45:01,000 INTERNATIONAL COMMUNITY, BUT IN 5665 04:45:01,001 --> 04:45:02,000 TYPICAL FASHION, TO RAIL AGAINST 5666 04:45:02,001 --> 04:45:04,000 ISRAEL. 5667 04:45:04,001 --> 04:45:07,000 THIS DESPERATE ATTEMPT TO DIVERT 5668 04:45:07,001 --> 04:45:08,000 ATTENTION AWAY FROM HIS OWN 5669 04:45:08,001 --> 04:45:09,000 INTERNAL POLITICAL PROBLEM AS 5670 04:45:09,001 --> 04:45:10,000 WELL AS HIS GOVERNMENT'S 5671 04:45:10,001 --> 04:45:12,000 DECEITFUL NUCLEAR PROGRAM ONCE 5672 04:45:12,001 --> 04:45:14,000 AGAIN SHOWED THAT THIS REGIME IS 5673 04:45:14,001 --> 04:45:18,000 NOT A RESPONSIBLE ACTOR ON THE 5674 04:45:18,001 --> 04:45:19,000 WORLD STAGE. 5675 04:45:19,001 --> 04:45:22,000 IRAN'S PEOPLE RECOGNIZED THIS 5676 04:45:22,001 --> 04:45:24,000 LAST JUNE BY VOTING AGAINST 5677 04:45:24,001 --> 04:45:25,000 MR. AHMADINEJAD AND HIS BRAND OF 5678 04:45:25,001 --> 04:45:27,000 POLITICS. 5679 04:45:27,001 --> 04:45:30,000 THE WORLD WITNESSED ON LIVE 5680 04:45:30,001 --> 04:45:31,000 TELEVISION HOW MR. AHMADINEJAD 5681 04:45:31,001 --> 04:45:34,000 USED THE DEMOCRATIC PROCESS 5682 04:45:34,001 --> 04:45:35,000 HIS PEOPLE PAID DEARLY, PAID 5683 04:45:35,001 --> 04:45:37,000 DEARLY, FOR THE AUDACITY OF 5684 04:45:37,001 --> 04:45:38,000 THEIR VOTE. 5685 04:45:38,001 --> 04:45:40,000 FINALLY, OVER THE WEEKEND, 5686 04:45:40,001 --> 04:45:42,000 IRAN'S NEWS SERVICE REPORTED 5687 04:45:42,001 --> 04:45:44,000 THREE ROUNDS OF MISSILE TESTS, 5688 04:45:44,001 --> 04:45:45,000 INCLUDING THOSE CAPABLE OF 5689 04:45:45,001 --> 04:45:48,000 HITTING ISRAELI. 5690 04:45:48,001 --> 04:45:50,000 GENERAL SALAMI, HEAD OF THE 5691 04:45:50,001 --> 04:45:52,000 REVOLUTIONARY AIR FORCE SAYS 5692 04:45:52,001 --> 04:45:54,000 THAT THE DRILLS WERE MEANT TO 5693 04:45:54,001 --> 04:45:56,000 SHOW THAT IRAN IS PREPARED TO 5694 04:45:56,001 --> 04:45:58,000 CRUSH ANY MILITARY THREAT FROM 5695 04:45:58,001 --> 04:45:59,000 ANOTHER COUNTRY. 5696 04:45:59,001 --> 04:46:02,000 THISSER RADIC DISPLAY WILL 5697 04:46:02,001 --> 04:46:04,000 ACTUALLY WEAKEN IRAN'S HAND IN 5698 04:46:04,001 --> 04:46:06,000 GENE AND WILL HOPEFULLY SERVE 5699 04:46:06,001 --> 04:46:08,000 TO CONVINCE OUR RUSSIAN AND 5700 04:46:08,001 --> 04:46:10,000 CHINESE FRIENDS THAT THE IRANIAN 5701 04:46:10,001 --> 04:46:13,000 REGIME IS NOT A CREDIBLE ACTOR 5702 04:46:13,001 --> 04:46:15,000 NOR A RELIABLE TRADING PARTNER. 5703 04:46:15,001 --> 04:46:19,000 AND SO AFTER THIS DISTURBING BUT 5704 04:46:19,001 --> 04:46:20,000 STRANGELY PREDICTABLE WEEK OF 5705 04:46:20,001 --> 04:46:21,000 IRANIAN REGIME BEHAVIOR, 5706 04:46:21,001 --> 04:46:22,000 AMERICAN NEGOTIATORS WILL HEAD 5707 04:46:22,001 --> 04:46:24,000 TO GENEVA. 5708 04:46:24,001 --> 04:46:27,000 THIS IS THE FIRST OFFICIAL AND 5709 04:46:27,001 --> 04:46:29,000 DIRECT MEETING WITH IRANIAN 5710 04:46:29,001 --> 04:46:31,000 NEGOTIATORS IN 30 YEARS, LEADING 5711 04:46:31,001 --> 04:46:32,000 THE AMERICAN DELEGATION IS 5712 04:46:32,001 --> 04:46:33,000 AMBASSADOR BILL BURNS, ONE OF 5713 04:46:33,001 --> 04:46:34,000 MECHANIC'S MOST RESPECTED 5714 04:46:34,001 --> 04:46:36,000 DIPLOMATS. 5715 04:46:36,001 --> 04:46:38,000 HANG SERVED IN RUSSIA, 5716 04:46:38,001 --> 04:46:40,000 AMBASSADOR BURNS IS 5717 04:46:40,001 --> 04:46:41,000 TO ADDRESS THE COMPLEX 5718 04:46:41,001 --> 04:46:43,000 INTERNATIONAL DIMENSIONS IN THIS 5719 04:46:43,001 --> 04:46:45,000 DIPLOMATIC PROBLEM. 5720 04:46:45,001 --> 04:46:46,000 WE WILL BE WELL-REPRESENTED IN 5721 04:46:46,001 --> 04:46:49,000 GENEVA, AND I WISH AMBASSADOR 5722 04:46:49,001 --> 04:46:50,000 BURNS AND HIS TEAM THE BEST IN 5723 04:46:50,001 --> 04:46:51,000 WHAT WILSURELY BE A 5724 04:46:51,001 --> 04:46:53,000 CHALLENGING ASSIGNMENT. 5725 04:46:53,001 --> 04:46:57,000 IRAN IS NOT GOING IN THESE 5726 04:46:57,001 --> 04:46:58,000 NEGOTIATIONS ON SURE FOOTING. 5727 04:46:58,001 --> 04:46:59,000 THE INTERNATIONAL COMMUNITY HAS 5728 04:46:59,001 --> 04:47:01,000 NEVER BEEN UNITED. 5729 04:47:01,001 --> 04:47:03,000 LED BY THE UNITED STATES, 5730 04:47:03,001 --> 04:47:05,000 BRITAIN, GERMANY, AND FRANCE, 5731 04:47:05,001 --> 04:47:08,000 OPPOSITION TO IRAN'S NUCLEAR 5732 04:47:08,001 --> 04:47:11,000 PROGRAM IS BASED IN FACT -- IS 5733 04:47:11,001 --> 04:47:13,000 BASE -- IN FACT, ROOTED IN A 5734 04:47:13,001 --> 04:47:15,000 WILLINGNESS TO ENGAGE IN BACKUP 5735 04:47:15,001 --> 04:47:17,000 A FIRL AND CLEAR MESSAGE: 5736 04:47:17,001 --> 04:47:19,000 AN IRAN WITH NUCLEAR WEAPONS IS 5737 04:47:19,001 --> 04:47:20,000 UNACCEPTABLE UNDER ANY 5738 04:47:20,001 --> 04:47:21,000 CIRCSTANCES. 5739 04:47:21,001 --> 04:47:23,000 LET ME REPEAT THAT. 5740 04:47:23,001 --> 04:47:24,000 AN IRAN WITH NUCLEAR WEAPONS IS 5741 04:47:24,001 --> 04:47:26,000 UNACCEPTABLE UNDER ANY 5742 04:47:26,001 --> 04:47:30,000 CIRCUMSTANCES. 5743 04:47:30,001 --> 04:47:32,000 THIS MESSAGE IS GAINING STRONGER 5744 04:47:32,001 --> 04:47:33,000 RESONANCE WITH CHINA AND RUSSIA. 5745 04:47:33,001 --> 04:47:35,000 THE RUSSIAN PRESIDENT'S COMMENTS 5746 04:47:35,001 --> 04:47:37,000 AT THE UNIVERSITY OF PITTSBURGH 5747 04:47:37,001 --> 04:47:38,000 LAST WEEK INDICATED A 5748 04:47:38,001 --> 04:47:40,000 WILLINGNESS TO CONSIDER 5749 04:47:40,001 --> 04:47:42,000 SANCTIONS. 5750 04:47:42,001 --> 04:47:43,000 THIS IS POTENTIALLY A REMARKABLE 5751 04:47:43,001 --> 04:47:45,000 BREAKTHROUGH BECAUSE IF THE 5752 04:47:45,001 --> 04:47:46,000 RUSSIANS ARE WILLING TO SUPPORT 5753 04:47:46,001 --> 04:47:48,000 INTERNATIONAL SANCTIONS, THE 5754 04:47:48,001 --> 04:47:51,000 CHINESE COULD BE LEFT ALONE 5755 04:47:51,001 --> 04:47:54,000 AMONG THE P-5-PLUS-1 GROUP AMONG 5756 04:47:54,001 --> 04:47:56,000 THAT DETERMINATION. 5757 04:47:56,001 --> 04:47:57,000 WHILE CHINA RELIES UPON IRAN FOR 5758 04:47:57,001 --> 04:47:58,000 SUBSTANTIAL FUEL IMPORTS, I 5759 04:47:58,001 --> 04:48:00,000 TRUST THAT THEY ARE CAREFULLY 5760 04:48:00,001 --> 04:48:04,000 WEIGHING THEIR NEED FOR ENERGY 5761 04:48:04,001 --> 04:48:06,000 AGAINST IRAN'S INCREASINGLY 5762 04:48:06,001 --> 04:48:07,000 IRRADIC AND IRRESPONSIBLE BEHAOR. 5763 04:48:07,001 --> 04:48:10,000 THE OPPORTUNITY COSTS OF DOING 5764 04:48:10,001 --> 04:48:11,000 BLISS WITH THIS REGIME HAVE 5765 04:48:11,001 --> 04:48:13,000 INCREASED CONSIDERABLY AND MAY 5766 04:48:13,001 --> 04:48:15,000 BE TOO HIGH A PRICE TO PAY. 5767 04:48:15,001 --> 04:48:18,000 I HOPE THAT THE CHINESE WILL 5768 04:48:18,001 --> 04:48:19,000 SUPPORT INTERNATIONALESTS TO 5769 04:48:19,001 --> 04:48:21,000 PRESSURE THIS IRANIAN REGIME AT 5770 04:48:21,001 --> 04:48:23,000 THIS CRITICAL TIME WITH THE 5771 04:48:23,001 --> 04:48:25,000 UNDERSTANDING THAT THESE EFFORTS 5772 04:48:25,001 --> 04:48:28,000 COULD ULTIMATELY RESULT IN A 5773 04:48:28,001 --> 04:48:29,000 MORE RELIABLE AND STABLE PARTNER 5774 04:48:29,001 --> 04:48:31,000 IN TEHRAN. 5775 04:48:31,001 --> 04:48:33,000 IT IS NEXT TO IMPOSSIBLE THAT 5776 04:48:33,001 --> 04:48:35,000 THE IRANIAN REGIME WILL BE ABLE 5777 04:48:35,001 --> 04:48:37,000 TO PROVE THAT ITS NUCLEAR SITES 5778 04:48:37,001 --> 04:48:39,000 ARE FOR PEACEFUL PURPOSES BY 5779 04:48:39,001 --> 04:48:40,000 THIS THURSDAY. 5780 04:48:40,001 --> 04:48:42,000 THE OBAMA ADMISTRATION NEEDS 5781 04:48:42,001 --> 04:48:44,000 TO BE READY TO MOVE QUICKLY AND 5782 04:48:44,001 --> 04:48:47,000 BUILD ON INTERNATIONAL MOMENTUM 5783 04:48:47,001 --> 04:48:48,000 CREATED OVER THE PAST WEEK TO 5784 04:48:48,001 --> 04:48:51,000 PRESSURE THIS REGIME. 5785 04:48:51,001 --> 04:48:52,000 THAT IS WHY WE IN THE SENATE 5786 04:48:52,001 --> 04:48:53,000 NEED TO BE READY TO PLAY OUR 5787 04:48:53,001 --> 04:48:55,000 PART TO SUPPORT THE 5788 04:48:55,001 --> 04:48:56,000 ADMINISTRATION AND MOVE ON SANCTIONS. 5789 04:48:56,001 --> 04:48:58,000 WE CURRENTLY IS HAVE TWO 5790 04:48:58,001 --> 04:48:59,000 PROPOSALS ON IRAN PENDING BEFORE 5791 04:48:59,001 --> 04:49:01,000 US. 5792 04:49:01,001 --> 04:49:03,000 FIRST, THE IRAN SANCTIONS 5793 04:49:03,001 --> 04:49:05,000 ENABLING ACT IS A MEASURE 5794 04:49:05,001 --> 04:49:07,000 INTRODUCED BY SENATOR BROWNBACK 5795 04:49:07,001 --> 04:49:08,000 AND I. 5796 04:49:08,001 --> 04:49:10,000 WE INTRODUCED THIS LAST MAY. 5797 04:49:10,001 --> 04:49:12,000 THIS WOULD ALLOW STATE AND LOCAL 5798 04:49:12,001 --> 04:49:13,000 GOVERNMENT PENSION FUNDS TO 5799 04:49:13,001 --> 04:49:17,000 DIVEST FROM COMPANIES THAT DO 5800 04:49:17,001 --> 04:49:19,000 MORE THAN $20 MILLION IN 5801 04:49:19,001 --> 04:49:20,000 BUSINESS WITH THE IRANIAN ENERGY 5802 04:49:20,001 --> 04:49:23,000 SECTOR. 5803 04:49:23,001 --> 04:49:25,000 SECOND -- THE SECOND BILL, THE 5804 04:49:25,001 --> 04:49:27,000 IRANIAN REFINED PETROLEUM 5805 04:49:27,001 --> 04:49:29,000 SANCTIONS ACT, INTRODUCED BY 5806 04:49:29,001 --> 04:49:30,000 SENATORS BAYH AND KYL, 5807 04:49:30,001 --> 04:49:32,000 EXPLICITLY EMPOWERS THE 5808 04:49:32,001 --> 04:49:34,000 PRESIDENT TO IMPOSE NEW ECONOMIC 5809 04:49:34,001 --> 04:49:36,000 SANCTIONS ON FOREIGN FIRMS 5810 04:49:36,001 --> 04:49:38,000 INVOLVED IN THE EXPORT OF 5811 04:49:38,001 --> 04:49:40,000 GASOLINE OR OTHER REFINED 5812 04:49:40,001 --> 04:49:42,000 PETROLEUM PRODUCTS TO THE 5813 04:49:42,001 --> 04:49:43,000 ISLAMIC REPUBLIC OF IRAN. 5814 04:49:43,001 --> 04:49:46,000 I'M COSPONSOR OF THIS BILL ALONG 5815 04:49:46,001 --> 04:49:47,000 WITH MORE THAN 75 OF MY SENATE 5816 04:49:47,001 --> 04:49:49,000 COLLEAGUES. 5817 04:49:49,001 --> 04:49:51,000 THE IRAN SANCTIONS ENABLING ACT 5818 04:49:51,001 --> 04:49:52,000 IS MODELED ON SIMILAR 5819 04:49:52,001 --> 04:49:55,000 LEGISLATION PASSED IN RESPONSE 5820 04:49:55,001 --> 04:49:58,000 TO THE GENOCIDE IN SUDAN. 5821 04:49:58,001 --> 04:50:01,000 18 STATE LEGISLATURES HAVE 5822 04:50:01,001 --> 04:50:02,000 PASSED INDIVIDUAL IRAN SANCTION 5823 04:50:02,001 --> 04:50:04,000 MEURES AND OUR LEGISLATION 5824 04:50:04,001 --> 04:50:06,000 WOULD BRING THOSE STATE EFFORTS 5825 04:50:06,001 --> 04:50:08,000 INTO LINE WITH FEDERAL LAW. 5826 04:50:08,001 --> 04:50:10,000 WHEN PRESIDENT OBAMA W IN THE 5827 04:50:10,001 --> 04:50:12,000 SENATE, HE INTRODUCED AN EARLIER 5828 04:50:12,001 --> 04:50:15,000 VERSION OF THIS LEGISLATION. 5829 04:50:15,001 --> 04:50:18,000 IT WAS RIGHT IN 2007, AND IT'S 5830 04:50:18,001 --> 04:50:20,000 RIGHT IN 2009. 5831 04:50:20,001 --> 04:50:24,000 ANALYSTS HAVE ESTIMATED THAT 5832 04:50:24,001 --> 04:50:25,000 IRAN REQUIRES $20 BILLION 5833 04:50:25,001 --> 04:50:26,000 ANNUALLY FOR INVESTMENTS IN ITS 5834 04:50:26,001 --> 04:50:28,000 OIL AND NATURAL GAS SECTOR. 5835 04:50:28,001 --> 04:50:29,000 THIS SECTOR DIRECTLY PROVIDES 5836 04:50:29,001 --> 04:50:30,000 FUNDING FOR IRAN'S NUCLEAR 5837 04:50:30,001 --> 04:50:33,000 PROGRAM AS WELL AS ITS SUPPORT 5838 04:50:33,001 --> 04:50:35,000 FOR INTERNATIONAL TERRORISM. 5839 04:50:35,001 --> 04:50:37,000 IRAN WILL ONLY CEASE ITS IS 5840 04:50:37,001 --> 04:50:39,000 LITTLE I THINK NUCLEAR PROGRAM, 5841 04:50:39,001 --> 04:50:42,000 END ITS SUPPORT FOR TERRORISTS 5842 04:50:42,001 --> 04:50:45,000 IN HAMAS AND HEZBOLLAH, AND STOP 5843 04:50:45,001 --> 04:50:47,000 ARMING MILITANT GROUPS IN IRAQ 5844 04:50:47,001 --> 04:50:48,000 WHEN IT IS COMPELLED TO PAY AN 5845 04:50:48,001 --> 04:50:50,000 ECONOMIC PRICE. 5846 04:50:50,001 --> 04:50:52,000 WE'RE ENTERING A CRITICAL PHASE 5847 04:50:52,001 --> 04:50:55,000 IN PRESIDENT OBAMA'S STRATEGY OF 5848 04:50:55,001 --> 04:50:57,000 ENGAIMENT WITH IRAN, WHERE 5849 04:50:57,001 --> 04:50:58,000 TEHRAN WILL FACE A TRUE TEST 5850 04:50:58,001 --> 04:51:00,000 RIGHT NOW. 5851 04:51:00,001 --> 04:51:02,000 I 0 HOPE THAT THE OCTOBER 1 5852 04:51:02,001 --> 04:51:06,000 NEGOTIATION WILL THREAD A FREEZE 5853 04:51:06,001 --> 04:51:10,000 IN IRAN'S NUCLEAR ENRICHMENT 5854 04:51:10,001 --> 04:51:11,000 EFFORTS AND ULTIMATELY A NUCLEAR 5855 04:51:11,001 --> 04:51:12,000 WEAPONS-FREE IRAN. 5856 04:51:12,001 --> 04:51:14,000 WILL THE REGIME ACCEPT THE 5857 04:51:14,001 --> 04:51:16,000 PRESIDENT'S GENUINE OFFER OF 5858 04:51:16,001 --> 04:51:18,000 DIALOGUE AND COMPLY WITH 5859 04:51:18,001 --> 04:51:20,000 INTERNATIONAL NUCLEAR STANDARDS 5860 04:51:20,001 --> 04:51:22,000 OR WILL IT CONTINUE A LOSING 5861 04:51:22,001 --> 04:51:24,000 STRATEGY THAT SERVES TO DEEPEN 5862 04:51:24,001 --> 04:51:26,000 ITS OWN ISOLATION? 5863 04:51:26,001 --> 04:51:28,000 THESE ARE QUESTIONS FOR THE 5864 04:51:28,001 --> 04:51:29,000 IRANIAN REGIME, AND THEY MUST 5865 04:51:29,001 --> 04:51:31,000 ANSWER THESE QUESTIONS. 5866 04:51:31,001 --> 04:51:35,000 IF LAST WEEK IS ANY INDICATION, 5867 04:51:35,001 --> 04:51:36,000 CONGRESS SHOULD BE PREPARED TO 5868 04:51:36,001 --> 04:51:37,000 SEND THE PRESIDENT THE LEVERAGE 5869 04:51:37,001 --> 04:51:39,000 HE NEEDS TO SEND A MESSAGE TO 5870 04:51:39,001 --> 04:51:41,000 THE REGIME THAT AMERICA CANNOT 5871 04:51:41,001 --> 04:51:42,000 AND WILL NOT ACCEPT AN IRAN WITH 5872 04:51:42,001 --> 04:51:43,000 NUCLEAR WEAPONS. 5873 04:51:43,001 --> 04:51:45,000 THE ADMINISTRATION NEEDS ALL THE 5874 04:51:45,001 --> 04:51:48,000 TOOLS AT ITS DISPOSAL TO 5875 04:51:48,001 --> 04:51:49,000 INCREASE PRESSURE ON THE REGIME, 5876 04:51:49,001 --> 04:51:53,000 DIPLOMATICALLY, POLITICALLY, AND 5877 04:51:53,001 --> 04:51:55,000 THROUGH MORE STRINGENT ECONOMIC SANCTIONS. 5878 04:51:55,001 --> 04:51:56,000 I CALL ON MY COLLEAGUES TO 5879 04:51:56,001 --> 04:51:57,000 LISTEN TO LEGISLATURES IN SO 5880 04:51:57,001 --> 04:51:59,000 MANY STATES ACROSS THE COUNTRY 5881 04:51:59,001 --> 04:52:00,000 WHO HAVE PASSED DIVESTMENT 5882 04:52:00,001 --> 04:52:02,000 MEASURES ALREADY. 5883 04:52:02,001 --> 04:52:05,000 THE AMERICAN PEOPLE DO NOT WANT 5884 04:52:05,001 --> 04:52:06,000 ANYTHING TO DO WITH INVESTING IN 5885 04:52:06,001 --> 04:52:10,000 THIS REGIME. 5886 04:52:10,001 --> 04:52:11,000 LET'S PASS DIVESTMENT AND 5887 04:52:11,001 --> 04:52:12,000 PETROLEUM SANCTIONS AND SEND A 5888 04:52:12,001 --> 04:52:14,000 MESSAGE TO THIS REGIME AND TO 5889 04:52:14,001 --> 04:52:18,000 THE INTERNATIONAL COMMUNITY THAT 5890 04:52:18,001 --> 04:52:19,000 A NUCLEAR-ARMED IRAN IS UNACCEPTABLE. 5891 04:52:19,001 --> 04:52:20,000 MR. PRESIDENT, I YIELD THE FLOOR 5892 04:52:20,001 --> 04:52:23,000 AND WOULD NOTE 5893 04:52:23,001 --> 04:52:24,000 QUORUM. 5894 04:52:24,001 --> 04:52:29,000 THE PRESIDING OFFICER: THE 5895 04:52:29,001 --> 05:05:20,000 CLERK WILL CALL THE ROLL. 5896 05:05:20,001 --> 05:05:21,000 QUORUM CALL: 5897 05:05:21,001 --> 05:05:22,000 THE PRESING OFFICER: THE 5898 05:05:22,001 --> 05:05:24,000 SENATOR FROM HAWAII. MR. INOUYE: I ASK THAT THE 5899 05:05:24,001 --> 05:05:25,000 QUORUM CALL BE RESCINDED. 5900 05:05:25,001 --> 05:05:26,000 THE PRESIDING OFFICER: WITHOUT 5901 05:05:26,001 --> 05:05:27,000 OBJE 5902 05:05:27,001 --> 05:05:30,000 MR. INOUYE: MR. PRESIDENT, 5903 05:05:30,001 --> 05:05:31,000 EARLR THE SENATOR FROM ARIZONA 5904 05:05:31,001 --> 05:05:35,000 RAISED CONCERNS THAT THE 5905 05:05:35,001 --> 05:05:37,000 COMMITTEE ON APPROPRIATIONS HAVE 5906 05:05:37,001 --> 05:05:40,000 REDUCED FUNDING IN THE OPERATION 5907 05:05:40,001 --> 05:05:42,000 AND MAINTENANCE 5908 05:05:42,001 --> 05:05:47,000 MR. PRESIDENT, AS I NOTED IN MY 5909 05:05:47,001 --> 05:05:49,000 OPENING STATEMENT, THIS 5910 05:05:49,001 --> 05:05:52,000 COMMITTEE OF OURS VIEWS THE 5911 05:05:52,001 --> 05:05:54,000 ENTIRE BUDGET 5912 05:05:54,001 --> 05:05:56,000 BASED ON THAT REVIE 5913 05:05:56,001 --> 05:05:57,000 AND THE REVIEW CAME OUT WITH 5914 05:05:57,001 --> 05:06:00,000 VARIOUS RESULTS. 5915 05:06:00,001 --> 05:06:03,000 AND I'D LIKE 5916 05:06:03,001 --> 05:06:13,000 THEM WITH YOU. 5917 05:06:13,001 --> 05:06:17,000 FOR 5918 05:06:17,001 --> 05:06:19,000 BEFORE I DO 5919 05:06:19,001 --> 05:06:21,000 WANT TO POINT OUT TO MY 5920 05:06:21,001 --> 05:06:24,000 COLLEAGUES THAT THE BUDGET THAT 5921 05:06:24,001 --> 05:06:27,000 WE ARE CONSIDERING AT THIS 5922 05:06:27,001 --> 05:06:28,000 MOMENT WAS FORMULATED ABOUT A 5923 05:06:28,001 --> 05:06:30,000 YEAR AGO. 5924 05:06:30,001 --> 05:06:33,000 A YEAR AGO. 5925 05:06:33,001 --> 05:06:35,000 THAT'S WHEN THE PROCESS BEGAN. 5926 05:06:35,001 --> 05:06:38,000 AND I 5927 05:06:38,001 --> 05:06:40,000 AGREE THAT SINCE THAT TIME MUCH 5928 05:06:40,001 --> 05:06:41,000 HAS CHANGED. 5929 05:06:41,001 --> 05:06:43,000 AND, THEREFORE, THE COMMITTEE 5930 05:06:43,001 --> 05:06:46,000 FELT THAT WE OWE IT TO THE 5931 05:06:46,001 --> 05:06:48,000 SENATE TO APPLY THE FUNDS THAT 5932 05:06:48,001 --> 05:06:51,000 WE RECOMMEND WHERE THEY ARE MOST 5933 05:06:51,001 --> 05:06:54,000 NEED AT THIS MOMENT, N 5934 05:06:54,001 --> 05:06:56,000 THEY WERE NEEDED A YEAR AGO 5935 05:06:56,001 --> 05:06:58,000 FOR EXAMPLE, THE REDUCTIONS TO 5936 05:06:58,001 --> 05:07:00,000 OPERATIONS AND 5937 05:07:00,001 --> 05:07:06,000 PROGRAMS THAT WE 5938 05:07:06,001 --> 05:07:08,000 BASED ON A LACK OF JUSTIFICATION 5939 05:07:08,001 --> 05:07:09,000 OR CHANGED REQUIREMENTS. 5940 05:07:09,001 --> 05:07:11,000 THE FUNDS WERE NOT REDUCED 5941 05:07:11,001 --> 05:07:16,000 BECAUSE OF A NEED TO TRANSFER 5942 05:07:16,001 --> 05:07:19,000 FUNDING TO OTHER APPROPRIATIONS. 5943 05:07:19,001 --> 05:07:23,000 THE SENATOR FROM ARIZONA 5944 05:07:23,001 --> 05:07:24,000 CERTAIN FUNDING TO 5945 05:07:24,001 --> 05:07:26,000 EARMARKS. 5946 05:07:26,001 --> 05:07:28,000 THE O&M ACCOUNTS -- OPERATION 5947 05:07:28,001 --> 05:07:31,000 AN 5948 05:07:31,001 --> 05:07:34,000 REDUCE IN THIS FISCAL YEAR 2010 5949 05:07:34,001 --> 05:07:38,000 BASE BUDT FOR 5950 05:07:38,001 --> 05:07:42,000 JUST LET ME EXPLAIN A 5951 05:07:42,001 --> 05:07:45,000 $500 MILLION, OFF HALF A BILLION 5952 05:07:45,001 --> 05:07:47,000 DOLLARS, WAS -- OR HALF A 5953 05:07:47,001 --> 05:07:48,000 BILLION DOLLARS, WAS NOT A CUT 5954 05:07:48,001 --> 05:07:51,000 AS SUGGESTED BY THE SENATOR FROM 5955 05:07:51,001 --> 05:07:52,000 ARIZONA, BUT IT WAS RATHER A 5956 05:07:52,001 --> 05:07:54,000 TRANSFER FROM THE BASE BUDGET 5957 05:07:54,001 --> 05:07:55,000 REQUEST TO THE OVERSEAS 5958 05:07:55,001 --> 05:07:57,000 CONTINGENCY OPERATION BUDGET 5959 05:07:57,001 --> 05:07:58,000 BECAUSE THE RESOURCES FOR 5960 05:07:58,001 --> 05:08:01,000 CERTAIN PROGRAMS WERE MORE 5961 05:08:01,001 --> 05:08:03,000 APPROPRIATELY FUNDED FOR THE 5962 05:08:03,001 --> 05:08:10,000 IRAQ AND AFGHANISTAN WAR. 5963 05:08:10,001 --> 05:08:13,000 THIS 5964 05:08:13,001 --> 05:08:15,000 $100 MILLION WAS REDUCED BASED 5965 05:08:15,001 --> 05:08:16,000 ON ADMINISTRATIVE SAVING 5966 05:08:16,001 --> 05:08:18,000 PROPOSALS. 5967 05:08:18,001 --> 05:08:19,000 IN APRIL OF THIS YEAR THE OFFICE 5968 05:08:19,001 --> 05:08:22,000 OF MANAGEMENT AND BUDGET WAS 5969 05:08:22,001 --> 05:08:25,000 DIRECTED BY THE PRESIDENT TO 5970 05:08:25,001 --> 05:08:28,000 WORK WITH AGENCIES TO IDENTIFY 5971 05:08:28,001 --> 05:08:30,000 CUTS TO THE AINISTRATIVE BUDGETS. 5972 05:08:30,001 --> 05:08:35,000 SEPARATE AND APART FROM THOSE 5973 05:08:35,001 --> 05:08:39,000 IDENTIFIED BY THE FY 2010 5974 05:08:39,001 --> 05:08:42,000 BUDGET, BEYOND THAT, THE D.O.D. 5975 05:08:42,001 --> 05:08:45,000 SAVINGS IDENTIFIED 5976 05:08:45,001 --> 05:08:50,000 ADMINISTRATION WAS $100 MILLION 5977 05:08:50,001 --> 05:08:53,000 IN F 5978 05:08:53,001 --> 05:08:57,000 THESE FUNDS TO OTHER PROJECTS. 5979 05:08:57,001 --> 05:09:00,000 AND FINALLY $100 MILLION WAS CUT 5980 05:09:00,001 --> 05:09:03,000 FROM THE SECURITY PROGRAM 5981 05:09:03,001 --> 05:09:07,000 BECAUSE THAT WAS NOT AUTHORIZED 5982 05:09:07,001 --> 05:09:08,000 BY THE SENATE ARMED SERVICES 5983 05:09:08,001 --> 05:09:10,000 COMMITTEE. 5984 05:09:10,001 --> 05:09:12,000 MR. PRESIDENT, WE DO THIS TYPE 5985 05:09:12,001 --> 05:09:14,000 OF REVIEW EVERY YEAR. 5986 05:09:14,001 --> 05:09:17,000 EVERY YEAR SOMEONE COMPLAINS 5987 05:09:17,001 --> 05:09:19,000 THAT THEIR PROGRAMS WERE CUT. 5988 05:09:19,001 --> 05:09:20,000 AND, MR. PRESIDENT, WE STAND BY 5989 05:09:20,001 --> 05:09:24,000 OUR RECOMMENDATIONS. 5990 05:09:24,001 --> 05:09:25,000 WE DO MORE TO ENHANCE THE 5991 05:09:25,001 --> 05:09:29,000 READINESS OF THE FORCES IN THIS 5992 05:09:29,001 --> 05:09:31,000 BILL THAN WAS REQUESTED. 5993 05:09:31,001 --> 05:09:35,000 KEEP IN MIND THAT S 5994 05:09:35,001 --> 05:09:40,000 BUDGET WAS DRAFTED, WE HAVE 5995 05:09:40,001 --> 05:09:45,000 REQUESTED AND ADDED 30,000 TROOPS. 5996 05:09:45,001 --> 05:09:47,000 WE DO SO BY PROVIDING EQUIPMENT 5997 05:09:47,001 --> 05:09:48,000 TO OUR NATIONAL GUARD AND RESERVES. 5998 05:09:48,001 --> 05:09:50,000 EVERYONE SUPPORTS THE NATIONA 5999 05:09:50,001 --> 05:09:51,000 GUARD, BUT WE GIVE THEM 6000 05:09:51,001 --> 05:09:53,000 SECONDHAND TOOLS. 6001 05:09:53,001 --> 05:09:56,000 IT'S ABOUT TIME THEY GOT SOME GOOD ONES. 6002 05:09:56,001 --> 05:10:00,000 WE DO SO 6003 05:10:00,001 --> 05:10:04,000 TO BUY MRAP'S TO PROTECT OUR TROOPS. 6004 05:10:04,001 --> 05:10:08,000 AND, YES, WE DO SO TO BUY MORE 6005 05:10:08,001 --> 05:10:11,000 C-17'S TO CARRY OUR FORCES 6006 05:10:11,001 --> 05:10:12,000 WHEREVER OUR LEADERS SEND THEM. 6007 05:10:12,001 --> 05:10:14,000 I THANK YOU VERY MUCH AND 6008 05:10:14,001 --> 05:10:15,000 SUGGEST THE ABSENCE OF A 6009 05:10:15,001 --> 05:10:21,000 THE PRESIDING OFFICER: THE 6010 05:10:21,001 --> 05:11:02,000 CLERK WILL CALL THE 6011 05:11:02,001 --> 05:11:03,000 QUORUM CALL: 6012 05:11:03,001 --> 05:11:04,000 MR. JOHNSON: MR. PRESIDENT? 6013 05:11:04,001 --> 05:11:05,000 THE PRESIDING OFFICER: THE 6014 05:11:05,001 --> 05:11:07,000 SENATORROM SOUTH DAKOTA. 6015 05:11:07,001 --> 05:11:10,000 MR. JOHNSON: I ASK UNANIMOUS 6016 05:11:10,001 --> 05:11:12,000 CONSENT THAT THE QUORUM CALL BE SUSPENDED. 6017 05:11:12,001 --> 05:11:13,000 THE PRESIDING OFFICER: WITHOUT 6018 05:11:13,001 --> 05:11:15,000 OBJECTION. UNDER THE PREVIOUS ORDER, THE 6019 05:11:15,001 --> 05:11:17,000 SENATE WILL NOW PROCEED TO 6020 05:11:17,001 --> 05:11:18,000 EXECUTIVE SESSION TO CONSIDER 6021 05:11:18,001 --> 05:11:21,000 THE FOLLOWING NOMINATION WHICH 6022 05:11:21,001 --> 05:11:23,000 THE CLERK WILL 6023 05:11:23,001 --> 05:11:25,000 THE CLERK: 6024 05:11:25,001 --> 05:11:27,000 JUDICIARY, JEFFREY L. VIKEN OF 6025 05:11:27,001 --> 05:11:28,000 SOUTH DAKOTA, TO BE UNITED 6026 05:11:28,001 --> 05:11:31,000 STATES DISTRICT JUDGE FOR THE 6027 05:11:31,001 --> 05:11:32,000 DISTRICT OF SOUTH DAKOTA. 6028 05:11:32,001 --> 05:11:33,000 THE PRESIDING OFFICER: THE 6029 05:11:33,001 --> 05:11:35,000 SENATOR FROM SOUTH DAKOTA. 6030 05:11:35,001 --> 05:11:39,000 MR. JOHNSON: 6031 05:11:39,001 --> 05:11:43,000 YOU KNOW, ONE OF THE DUTIES OF 6032 05:11:43,001 --> 05:11:47,000 THE 6033 05:11:47,001 --> 05:11:48,000 THE ATD VICE AND -- ADVICE AND 6034 05:11:48,001 --> 05:11:50,000 CONSENT OF JUDGES APPOINTED BY 6035 05:11:50,001 --> 05:11:51,000 THE PRESIDENT TO THE BENCH. 6036 05:11:51,001 --> 05:11:55,000 THE LIFETIME APPOINTMENT OF A 6037 05:11:55,001 --> 05:11:56,000 JUDGE IS A VERY SERIOUS 6038 05:11:56,001 --> 05:12:01,000 DECISION, ONE THAT HAS LASTING 6039 05:12:01,001 --> 05:12:03,000 PACT ON OUR DEMOCRACY. 6040 05:12:03,001 --> 05:12:07,000 TODAY THE SENATE TAKES UP THE 6041 05:12:07,001 --> 05:12:10,000 NOMINATION OF JEFFREY VIKEN TO 6042 05:12:10,001 --> 05:12:12,000 BE U.S. F DAKOTA. 6043 05:12:12,001 --> 05:12:15,000 IT IS THIS NOMINATION THAT I 6044 05:12:15,001 --> 05:12:19,000 WISH TO SPEAK OF TODAY. 6045 05:12:19,001 --> 05:12:22,000 SO FAR THIS 6046 05:12:22,001 --> 05:12:23,000 NEW PRESIDENT, WE HAVE CONFIRMED 6047 05:12:23,001 --> 05:12:27,000 TWO JUDGES. 6048 05:12:27,001 --> 05:12:29,000 ONE OF THOSE JUDGES IS SUPREME 6049 05:12:29,001 --> 05:12:33,000 COURT JUSTICE SONIA SOTOMAYOR 6050 05:12:33,001 --> 05:12:34,000 AND THE OTHER IS A SECOND 6051 05:12:34,001 --> 05:12:36,000 CIRCUIT JUDGE. 6052 05:12:36,001 --> 05:12:39,000 I'M PROUD TO HAVE A SOUTH 6053 05:12:39,001 --> 05:12:44,000 DAKOTAN AS A THIRD JUDGE TO BE 6054 05:12:44,001 --> 05:12:46,000 CONFIRMED BY THE SENATE. 6055 05:12:46,001 --> 05:12:48,000 HOWEVER, WE'RE NINE MONTHS INTO 6056 05:12:48,001 --> 05:12:51,000 THIS NEW ADMINISTRATION, AND WE 6057 05:12:51,001 --> 05:12:54,000 HAVE ONLY CONFIRMED TWO JUDGES. 6058 05:12:54,001 --> 05:12:57,000 I MUST SAY THAT I THINK THE 6059 05:12:57,001 --> 05:13:00,000 PROCESS OF NOMINATING AND 6060 05:13:00,001 --> 05:13:03,000 CONFIRMING JUDGES HAS BECOME 6061 05:13:03,001 --> 05:13:05,000 INCREASINGLY OVERPOLITICIZED. 6062 05:13:05,001 --> 05:13:07,000 WHILE I BELIEVEHAT THE 6063 05:13:07,001 --> 05:13:18,000 PRESIDENT SHOULD HAVE SOME 6064 05:13:18,001 --> 05:13:20,000 LATITUDE IN SELECTING J 6065 05:13:20,001 --> 05:13:24,000 JEFF ATTENDED LAW SCHOOL AT THE 6066 05:13:24,001 --> 05:13:25,000 UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH DAKOTA WHERE 6067 05:13:25,001 --> 05:13:29,000 OUR ATTENDANCE OVERLAPPED. 6068 05:13:29,001 --> 05:13:31,000 I RECEIVED MY LAW DEGREE IN 6069 05:13:31,001 --> 05:13:33,000 1975, AND JEFF RECEIVED HIS LAW 6070 05:13:33,001 --> 05:13:37,000 DEGREE IN 6071 05:13:37,001 --> 05:13:39,000 JEFF HAS SERVED AS ASSISTANT 6072 05:13:39,001 --> 05:13:41,000 U.S. ATTORNEY AND ACTING U.S. 6073 05:13:41,001 --> 05:13:45,000 ATTORNEY FOR SOUTH DAKOTA BEFORE 6074 05:13:45,001 --> 05:13:46,000 GOING INTO PRIVATE PRACTICE. 6075 05:13:46,001 --> 05:13:51,000 HIS EXTRAORDINARY REPUTATION OF 6076 05:13:51,001 --> 05:13:53,000 SKILL AND INTEGRITY DURING HIS 6077 05:13:53,001 --> 05:13:55,000 YEARS OF PUBLIC AND PRIVATE LAW 6078 05:13:55,001 --> 05:13:58,000 PRACTICE WILL TRANSLATE WELL AND 6079 05:13:58,001 --> 05:14:01,000 BENEFIT THIS COURT. 6080 05:14:01,001 --> 05:14:04,000 THE SAME CAN BE SAID OF HIS 6081 05:14:04,001 --> 05:14:05,000 TENURE AS FEDERAL PUBLIC 6082 05:14:05,001 --> 05:14:09,000 DEFENDER FOR NORTH AND SOUTH 6083 05:14:09,001 --> 05:14:13,000 DAKOTA, A JOB HE HAS HELD SINCE 2003. 6084 05:14:13,001 --> 05:14:15,000 REGARDING HIS NOMINATION, JEFF 6085 05:14:15,001 --> 05:14:17,000 RECEIVED A WELL-QUALIFIED RATING 6086 05:14:17,001 --> 05:14:18,000 FROM THE AMERICAN BAR 6087 05:14:18,001 --> 05:14:22,000 ASSOCIATION. 6088 05:14:22,001 --> 05:14:23,000 IT IS CLEAR THAT HE HAS AN 6089 05:14:23,001 --> 05:14:25,000 ACCOMPLISHED RESUME AND MANY 6090 05:14:25,001 --> 05:14:28,000 YEARS OF PUBLIC SERVICE 6091 05:14:28,001 --> 05:14:30,000 IT IS A GREAT HONOR THAT 6092 05:14:30,001 --> 05:14:31,000 PRESIDENT OBAMA HAS PLACED ON 6093 05:14:31,001 --> 05:14:33,000 JEFF. 6094 05:14:33,001 --> 05:14:36,000 WE ARE VERY FORTUNATE TO HAVE A 6095 05:14:36,001 --> 05:14:39,000 GREAT MEMBER OF THE SOUTH DAKOTA 6096 05:14:39,001 --> 05:14:40,000 LEGAL COMMUNITY NOMINATED TO 6097 05:14:40,001 --> 05:14:41,000 THIS POST. 6098 05:14:41,001 --> 05:14:45,000 JEFF HAS MANY YEARS OF PUBLIC 6099 05:14:45,001 --> 05:14:46,000 SERVICE 6100 05:14:46,001 --> 05:14:49,000 HIS FUTURE WORK FOR THE PEOPLE 6101 05:14:49,001 --> 05:14:51,000 OF SOUTH DAKOTA. 6102 05:14:51,001 --> 05:14:55,000 MOST IMPORTANTLY, HIS NOMINATION 6103 05:14:55,001 --> 05:14:58,000 TO THE BENCH IS FOR JUST AND THE 6104 05:14:58,001 --> 05:14:59,000 RULE OF LAW FOR 6105 05:14:59,001 --> 05:15:02,000 DAKOTA, BUT FOR OUR NATION. 6106 05:15:02,001 --> 05:15:08,000 I HAVE KNOWN JEFF FOR A LONG TIME. 6107 05:15:08,001 --> 05:15:10,000 I FIND 6108 05:15:10,001 --> 05:15:13,000 GOOD, MORAL CHARACTER AND STANDING IN THE COMMUNITY. 6109 05:15:13,001 --> 05:15:15,000 MR. PRESIDENT, IT IS WITH GREAT 6110 05:15:15,001 --> 05:15:18,000 SATISFACTION THAT I WILL CAST MY 6111 05:15:18,001 --> 05:15:21,000 VOTE TODAY FOR THE CONFIRMATION 6112 05:15:21,001 --> 05:15:23,000 OF JEFF VIKEN TO BE THE NEXT 6113 05:15:23,001 --> 05:15:24,000 U.S. FEDERAL DISTRICT JUDGE FOR 6114 05:15:24,001 --> 05:15:27,000 SOUTH DAKOTA. 6115 05:15:27,001 --> 05:15:30,000 I URGE MY COLLEAGUES TO SUPPORT 6116 05:15:30,001 --> 05:15:36,000 THIS VERY QUALIFIED NOMINEE AND 6117 05:15:36,001 --> 05:15:37,000 THANK YOU AND I YIELD THE FLOOR. 6118 05:15:37,001 --> 05:15:38,000 A SENATOR: MR. PRESIDENT 6119 05:15:38,001 --> 05:15:39,000 THE PRESIDING OFFICER: THE 6120 05:15:39,001 --> 05:15:41,000 SENATOR FROM ALABAMA. 6121 05:15:41,001 --> 05:15:43,000 MR. SESSIONS: MR. PRESIDENT, I 6122 05:15:43,001 --> 05:15:45,000 THANK THE -- SENATOR JOH 6123 05:15:45,001 --> 05:15:47,000 HIS COMMENTS AND VALUE HIS 6124 05:15:47,001 --> 05:15:50,000 OPINIONS IN THIS NOMINATION AND 6125 05:15:50,001 --> 05:15:53,000 LOOK F 6126 05:15:53,001 --> 05:15:54,000 NOMINEE BE CONFIRMED. 6127 05:15:54,001 --> 05:15:58,000 THE CONFIRMATION PROCESS WE HAVE 6128 05:15:58,001 --> 05:15:59,000 IN THIS COUNTRY IS A VERY 6129 05:15:59,001 --> 05:16:04,000 IMPORTANT MATTER. 6130 05:16:04,001 --> 05:16:07,000 OUR DEMOCRATIC COLLEAGUES 6131 05:16:07,001 --> 05:16:09,000 UNDERSTANDABLY INCLINED TO BE 6132 05:16:09,001 --> 05:16:11,000 SU 6133 05:16:11,001 --> 05:16:14,000 PRESIDENT PUTS UP AND IT'S JUST 6134 05:16:14,001 --> 05:16:17,000 BEEN A RECOGNIZED RESPONSIBILITY 6135 05:16:17,001 --> 05:16:18,000 FOR THE MINORITY 6136 05:16:18,001 --> 05:16:21,000 PARTY THAT'S NOT OF THE 6137 05:16:21,001 --> 05:16:23,000 PRESIDENT'S 6138 05:16:23,001 --> 05:16:25,000 QUESTIONS AND DIG INTO THESE 6139 05:16:25,001 --> 05:16:27,000 NOMINEES AND MOVE THE GOOD ONES 6140 05:16:27,001 --> 05:16:32,000 AND RAISE THE APPROPRIATE 6141 05:16:32,001 --> 05:16:37,000 QUESTIONS IF THERE'S A PROBLEM. 6142 05:16:37,001 --> 05:16:38,000 SO, 6143 05:16:38,001 --> 05:16:42,000 IMPRESSIVE BACKGROUND. 6144 05:16:42,001 --> 05:16:43,000 EARLY IN HIS KA, REHE WAS AN 6145 05:16:43,001 --> 05:16:45,000 ENACTING UNITED STATES ATTORNEY. 6146 05:16:45,001 --> 05:16:48,000 HE WAS ALSO A FEDERAL PUBLIC 6147 05:16:48,001 --> 05:16:52,000 DEFENDER AND A MEMBER OF THE 6148 05:16:52,001 --> 05:16:54,000 TRIAL LAWYERS, A BEHALF BAR 6149 05:16:54,001 --> 05:16:59,000 ASSOCIATION IN SOUTH DAKOTA. 6150 05:16:59,001 --> 05:17:00,000 HE HAS BEEN IN PRIVATE 6151 05:17:00,001 --> 05:17:02,000 FOR 22 YEARS AND THE LAST 16 6152 05:17:02,001 --> 05:17:04,000 HE'S BEEN A FEDERAL PUBLIC 6153 05:17:04,001 --> 05:17:06,000 DEFENDER WHERE HE DEFENDS 6154 05:17:06,001 --> 05:17:09,000 CRIMINAL CASES. 6155 05:17:09,001 --> 05:17:10,000 SO 6156 05:17:10,001 --> 05:17:12,000 PUBLIC DEFENDER. 6157 05:17:12,001 --> 05:17:14,000 I GUESS THAT'S A PRETTY GOOD MAX. 6158 05:17:14,001 --> 05:17:16,000 AND I'M HAP 6159 05:17:16,001 --> 05:17:18,000 WORK OUT THIS AGREEMENT WITH 6160 05:17:18,001 --> 05:17:21,000 MAJORITY AND PROCESS THIS 6161 05:17:21,001 --> 05:17:23,000 NOMINATION VERY QUICKLY TO GO FORWARD. 6162 05:17:23,001 --> 05:17:25,000 ACTUALLY, HE WAS VOTED OUT ON 6163 05:17:25,001 --> 05:17:27,000 THE FIRST APPEARANCE BEFORE THE 6164 05:17:27,001 --> 05:17:29,000 COMMITTEE AND IS ALREADY ON THE 6165 05:17:29,001 --> 05:17:32,000 FLOOR. 6166 05:17:32,001 --> 05:17:34,000 BUT I WOULD NOTE, FOR SOME 6167 05:17:34,001 --> 05:17:37,000 PEOPLE WHO 6168 05:17:37,001 --> 05:17:38,000 BEEN A DRAGGING OF FEET ON THE 6169 05:17:38,001 --> 05:17:43,000 NOMINATIONS, THAT THE PRESIDENT 6170 05:17:43,001 --> 05:17:45,000 DID NOT SEND THIS NOMINATION 6171 05:17:45,001 --> 05:17:48,000 FORWARD, HIS FIRST DISTRICT 6172 05:17:48,001 --> 05:17:50,000 COURT NOMINEE TO THE SENATE 6173 05:17:50,001 --> 05:17:52,000 UNTIL JUNE 25, A FEW MONTHS AGO, 6174 05:17:52,001 --> 05:17:54,000 OR WEEKS AGO, WHEN 6175 05:17:54,001 --> 05:17:55,000 COMMITTEE AT THAT TIME WAS 6176 05:17:55,001 --> 05:18:01,000 CONSUMED WITH THE SUPREME COURT 6177 05:18:01,001 --> 05:18:03,000 NOMINATION OF NOW JUSTICE SONIA SOTOMAYOR. 6178 05:18:03,001 --> 05:18:05,000 CHAIRMAN LEAHY DID NOT REPORT 6179 05:18:05,001 --> 05:18:07,000 HIS NOMINATION UNTIL AFTER THAT 6180 05:18:07,001 --> 05:18:08,000 CONFIRMATION PROCESS WAS OVER 6181 05:18:08,001 --> 05:18:11,000 UNTIL AFTER LABOR DAY. 6182 05:18:11,001 --> 05:18:13,000 SO WE WERE ABLE THEN TO 6183 05:18:13,001 --> 05:18:14,000 TIME AGREEMENT AND VOTE THE 6184 05:18:14,001 --> 05:18:17,000 NOMINEE OUT AND ALSO TO VOTE ON 6185 05:18:17,001 --> 05:18:19,000 THE 6186 05:18:19,001 --> 05:18:23,000 LYNCH, WHO IS A HIGHLY ABLE MOM 6187 05:18:23,001 --> 05:18:26,000 ME BUT AN ACT -- NOMINEE, BUT AN 6188 05:18:26,001 --> 05:18:29,000 ACTIVIST JUDGE 6189 05:18:29,001 --> 05:18:31,000 THAT -- TOO CLOSE TO MY WAY OF 6190 05:18:31,001 --> 05:18:33,000 THINKING WITH JUSTICE BRENNAN ON 6191 05:18:33,001 --> 05:18:35,000 THE SUPREME COURT, FOR WHOM HE CLERKED. 6192 05:18:35,001 --> 05:18:36,000 SO I THINK IT'S HEALTHY FOR US 6193 05:18:36,001 --> 05:18:40,000 TO ASK QUESTIONS. 6194 05:18:40,001 --> 05:18:41,000 I VOTED FOR JUDGE LYNCH FOR THE 6195 05:18:41,001 --> 05:18:43,000 SECOND C 6196 05:18:43,001 --> 05:18:44,000 HE WAS CONFIRMED BY A VERY LARGE 6197 05:18:44,001 --> 05:18:46,000 VOTE. 6198 05:18:46,001 --> 05:18:50,000 SO WE'LL CONTINUE TO WORK WITH 6199 05:18:50,001 --> 05:18:51,000 THE NOMINEE AND MOVE -- WITH THE 6200 05:18:51,001 --> 05:18:55,000 MAJORITY PARTY AND THE PRESIDENT 6201 05:18:55,001 --> 05:18:56,000 AND MOVE THE NOMINEES AND -- IN 6202 05:18:56,001 --> 05:18:59,000 AN APPROPRIATE PACE. 6203 05:18:59,001 --> 05:19:03,000 I WANTED 6204 05:19:03,001 --> 05:19:04,000 MORE ABOUT THE PACE OF 6205 05:19:04,001 --> 05:19:05,000 NOMINATIONS. 6206 05:19:05,001 --> 05:19:07,000 YOU KNOW, IT'S NOT POSSIBLE FOR 6207 05:19:07,001 --> 05:19:08,000 THE SENATE TO CONFIRM A 6208 05:19:08,001 --> 05:19:11,000 NOMINATION UNTIL THE PRESIDENT 6209 05:19:11,001 --> 05:19:16,000 HAS NOMINATED ONE. 6210 05:19:16,001 --> 05:19:18,000 AND I'VE HEARD MY COLLEAGUE, 6211 05:19:18,001 --> 05:19:21,000 CHAIRMAN SENATOR LEAHY, TALK 6212 05:19:21,001 --> 05:19:23,000 ABOUT THAT WE HAVEN'T HAD ENOUGH CONFIRMATIONS. 6213 05:19:23,001 --> 05:19:26,000 BUT I WOULD NOTE THAT THERE IS 6214 05:19:26,001 --> 05:19:27,000 AN 11% VACANCY RATE IN THE 6215 05:19:27,001 --> 05:19:29,000 FEDERAL COURTS. 6216 05:19:29,001 --> 05:19:30,000 THAT'S NOT AN EXTRAORDINARILY 6217 05:19:30,001 --> 05:19:32,000 HIGH VACANCY RATE. 6218 05:19:32,001 --> 05:19:33,000 IT TAKES SOME TIME TO DO 6219 05:19:33,001 --> 05:19:34,000 BACKGROUND CHECKS. 6220 05:19:34,001 --> 05:19:35,000 AND FOR THE PRESIDENT TO 6221 05:19:35,001 --> 05:19:38,000 CONSIDER THE PEOPLE HE MIGHT 6222 05:19:38,001 --> 05:19:40,000 WANT TO NOMINATE AND TO CONSULT 6223 05:19:40,001 --> 05:19:47,000 WITH MEMBERS OF THE SENATE, AS 6224 05:19:47,001 --> 05:19:50,000 HE DOES SO, I WOULD 6225 05:19:50,001 --> 05:19:52,000 THAT AT THIS MOMENT THERE'S 74 6226 05:19:52,001 --> 05:19:55,000 DISTRICT COURT VACANCI 6227 05:19:55,001 --> 05:19:57,000 FEDERAL DISTRICT COURT VACANCIES 6228 05:19:57,001 --> 05:20:00,000 AS JUDGE VIKEN IS NOMINATED FOR ONE. 6229 05:20:00,001 --> 05:20:01,000 BUT THERE 6230 05:20:01,001 --> 05:20:03,000 BEFORE THE 6231 05:20:03,001 --> 05:20:05,000 THERE ARE 28 CIRCUIT AND 6232 05:20:05,001 --> 05:20:07,000 DISTRICT COURT SEATS THAT ARE 6233 05:20:07,001 --> 05:20:09,000 DEEMED TO BE JUDICIAL 6234 05:20:09,001 --> 05:20:11,000 EMERGENCIES, BUT ONLY SIX 6235 05:20:11,001 --> 05:20:15,000 NOMINEES HAVE BEE SUBMITTED TO 6236 05:20:15,001 --> 05:20:21,000 THE SENATE FOR THOSE JUDICIAL EMERGENCY SEATS. 6237 05:20:21,001 --> 05:20:23,000 SO I WOULD JUST SAY THAT IT IS 6238 05:20:23,001 --> 05:20:24,000 -- WE CAN'T CONFIRM SOMEBODY 6239 05:20:24,001 --> 05:20:26,000 UNTIL THEY'RE NOMINATED. 6240 05:20:26,001 --> 05:20:28,000 WE CAN'T DO A BACKGROUND CHECK 6241 05:20:28,001 --> 05:20:30,000 ON A NOMINEE UNTIL THEY'VE BEEN NOMINATED. 6242 05:20:30,001 --> 05:20:32,000 WE CAN'T HAVE THE INFORMATION 6243 05:20:32,001 --> 05:20:33,000 AND THEIR RECORD SUBMITTED AND 6244 05:20:33,001 --> 05:20:35,000 THE F.B.I. BACKGROUNDS AND ALL 6245 05:20:35,001 --> 05:20:37,000 THAT TAKE PLACE. 6246 05:20:37,001 --> 05:20:41,000 AND THE BAR ASSOCIATION 6247 05:20:41,001 --> 05:20:44,000 EVALUATIONS. 6248 05:20:44,001 --> 05:20:45,000 SO I -- I WOULD JUST MAKE MY 6249 05:20:45,001 --> 05:20:50,000 COMMITMENT THAT WE'LL CONTINUE 6250 05:20:50,001 --> 05:20:55,000 TO MOVE NOMINEES 6251 05:20:55,001 --> 05:20:56,000 MR. VIKEN AND -- IN A TIMELY 6252 05:20:56,001 --> 05:20:58,000 FASHION. 6253 05:20:58,001 --> 05:21:01,000 I REVIEWED HIS RECORD. 6254 05:21:01,001 --> 05:21:02,000 I ALSO CAREFULLY REVIEWED HIS 6255 05:21:02,001 --> 05:21:03,000 RESPONSES TO QUESTIONS FROM 6256 05:21:03,001 --> 05:21:05,000 SENATE JUDICIARY COMMITTEE. 6257 05:21:05,001 --> 05:21:06,000 AND ONE OF HIS ANSWERS I HAVE TO 6258 05:21:06,001 --> 05:21:08,000 NOTE WAS TROUBLING TO ME. 6259 05:21:08,001 --> 05:21:09,000 HE STATED THAT 6260 05:21:09,001 --> 05:21:12,000 FITS PRESIDENT OBAMA'S STANDARD 6261 05:21:12,001 --> 05:21:14,000 FOR THE TYPE OF JUDGES HE WILL 6262 05:21:14,001 --> 05:21:16,000 NOMINATE TO F 6263 05:21:16,001 --> 05:21:19,000 THAT IS, HE MEETS THE 6264 05:21:19,001 --> 05:21:29,000 PRESIDENT'S EMPATHY STANDARD. PRESIDENT OBAMA DESCRIBED THAT 6265 05:21:29,001 --> 05:21:32,000 STANDARD AS FOLLOWS: THE 6266 05:21:32,001 --> 05:21:34,000 PRESIDENT SAID THIS: WE NEED 6267 05:21:34,001 --> 05:21:36,000 SOMEBODY WHO'S GOT THE HEART 6268 05:21:36,001 --> 05:21:41,000 THE EMPATHY TO RECOGNIZE WHAT 6269 05:21:41,001 --> 05:21:43,000 THE EMPATHYO UNDERSTAND WHAT 6270 05:21:43,001 --> 05:21:45,000 IT'S LIKE TO BE POOR OR 6271 05:21:45,001 --> 05:21:49,000 AFRICAN-AMERICAN OR GAY OR 6272 05:21:49,001 --> 05:21:50,000 DISABLED OR OLD AND THAT'S THE 6273 05:21:50,001 --> 05:21:53,000 CRITERIA BY WHICH I'M GOING TO 6274 05:21:53,001 --> 05:21:56,000 BE SELECTING MY JUDGES. 6275 05:21:56,001 --> 05:21:58,000 IN 2005, WHEN THEN SENATOR OBAMA 6276 05:21:58,001 --> 05:22:01,000 WAS ON THE -- IN THE 6277 05:22:01,001 --> 05:22:04,000 HE EXPLAINED ON THE FLOOR HERE 6278 05:22:04,001 --> 05:22:06,000 HIS 6279 05:22:06,001 --> 05:22:08,000 ONROBERTS, WHO I THINK WAS -- 6280 05:22:08,001 --> 05:22:10,000 JOHN ROBERTS, WHO I THINK WAS 6281 05:22:10,001 --> 05:22:13,000 ONE OF THE FINEST NOMINEES WE 6282 05:22:13,001 --> 05:22:14,000 HAVE SEEN IN DECADES AND WHOSE 6283 05:22:14,001 --> 05:22:16,000 TESTIMONY BEFORE THE JUDICIARY 6284 05:22:16,001 --> 05:22:19,000 COMMITTEE WAS JUST STUNNING IN 6285 05:22:19,001 --> 05:22:22,000 ITS IMPSSIV 6286 05:22:22,001 --> 05:22:24,000 OF THE LEGAL 6287 05:22:24,001 --> 05:22:26,000 COMPREHENSIVE KNOWLEDGE OF HOW 6288 05:22:26,001 --> 05:22:28,000 THE COURT WORKED AND CASES -- IT 6289 05:22:28,001 --> 05:22:31,000 WASN'T A CASE BROUGHT UP THAT HE 6290 05:22:31,001 --> 05:22:32,000 DIDN'T SEEM TO FULLY K 6291 05:22:32,001 --> 05:22:33,000 VIRTUALLY EVERY CASE THAT THE 6292 05:22:33,001 --> 05:22:35,000 SUPREME COURT EVER WRITTEN HE 6293 05:22:35,001 --> 05:22:38,000 SEEMED TO BE KNOWLEDGEABLE ABOUT. 6294 05:22:38,001 --> 05:22:41,000 HE 6295 05:22:41,001 --> 05:22:44,000 HE VOTED AGAINST JUDGE ROBERTS 6296 05:22:44,001 --> 05:22:46,000 AND STATED THAT 5% OF CASES ARE 6297 05:22:46,001 --> 05:22:48,000 DETERMINED BY -- QUOTE -- "ONE'S 6298 05:22:48,001 --> 05:22:50,000 DEEPEST VALUES AND CORE CONCERNS 6299 05:22:50,001 --> 05:22:52,000 AND THE DEPTH AND BREADTH OF 6300 05:22:52,001 --> 05:22:53,000 ONE'S EMPATHY." 6301 05:22:53,001 --> 05:22:55,000 CLOSE QUOTE. 6302 05:22:55,001 --> 05:22:56,000 NOW, WE CAN ONLY TAKE TS TO 6303 05:22:56,001 --> 05:22:59,000 MEAN THAT THE PRESIDENT BELIEVES 6304 05:22:59,001 --> 05:23:01,000 THAT IN 5% OF ALL CASES JUDGES 6305 05:23:01,001 --> 05:23:03,000 SHOULD NOT SET ASIDE THEIR 6306 05:23:03,001 --> 05:23:05,000 PERSONAL BELIEFS BIASES OR 6307 05:23:05,001 --> 05:23:07,000 EXPERIENCES. 6308 05:23:07,001 --> 05:23:09,000 AND I THINK THIS IS A RADICAL 6309 05:23:09,001 --> 05:23:12,000 AND A 6310 05:23:12,001 --> 05:23:14,000 THE MOST IMPORTANT PILLAR, THE 6311 05:23:14,001 --> 05:23:16,000 FUNDAMENTAL PILLAR OF THE 6312 05:23:16,001 --> 05:23:17,000 JUDICIAL SYSTEM, JUDICIAL 6313 05:23:17,001 --> 05:23:19,000 IMPARTIALITY. 6314 05:23:19,001 --> 05:23:21,000 WHATEVER THE EMPATHY STANDARD 6315 05:23:21,001 --> 05:23:23,000 IS, IT'S NOT LAW. 6316 05:23:23,001 --> 05:23:24,000 AND WE HAVE COURTS OF LAW IN 6317 05:23:24,001 --> 05:23:27,000 THIS COUNTRY. 6318 05:23:27,001 --> 05:23:29,000 WHENEVER A JUDGE 6319 05:23:29,001 --> 05:23:32,000 PERSONAL BELIEFS, BIASES OR 6320 05:23:32,001 --> 05:23:34,000 EXPERIENCE TO MAKE A DECISION 6321 05:23:34,001 --> 05:23:38,000 THAT FAVORS ONE PARTY, IS IT NOT 6322 05:23:38,001 --> 05:23:40,000 TRUE THAT HE NECESSARILY HAS, 6323 05:23:40,001 --> 05:23:42,000 THEREFORE, DISFAVORED THE OTHER 6324 05:23:42,001 --> 05:23:45,000 PARTY AS A RESULT OF HIS 6325 05:23:45,001 --> 05:23:48,000 PERSONAL BELIEFS AND BIASES. 6326 05:23:48,001 --> 05:23:50,000 FROM THE JUDGE'S SO CALL 6327 05:23:50,001 --> 05:23:52,000 EMPATHY, THERE'S A LITIGANT WHO LOSES. 6328 05:23:52,001 --> 05:23:54,000 NOT ON THE BASIS OF LAW, BUT 6329 05:23:54,001 --> 05:23:56,000 BECAUSE A JUDGE DID NOT IDENTIFY 6330 05:23:56,001 --> 05:23:58,000 WITH THEM. 6331 05:23:58,001 --> 05:24:00,000 SO WHEN A PERSON IS NOMINATED TO 6332 05:24:00,001 --> 05:24:02,000 OUR FEDERAL BENCH, WE ASK THEM 6333 05:24:02,001 --> 05:24:07,000 TO TAKE A JUDICIAL OATH BEFE 6334 05:24:07,001 --> 05:24:09,000 THE OATH 6335 05:24:09,001 --> 05:24:10,000 HONORED AMERICAN TRADITION OF 6336 05:24:10,001 --> 05:24:12,000 BLIND JUSTICE. 6337 05:24:12,001 --> 05:24:16,000 THE OATH SAYS THIS -- QUOTE -- 6338 05:24:16,001 --> 05:24:19,000 "I DO SOLEMNLY SWEAR THAT I WILL 6339 05:24:19,001 --> 05:24:24,000 ADMINISTER JUSTICE WITHOUT 6340 05:24:24,001 --> 05:24:25,000 RESPECT TO PERSONS. 6341 05:24:25,001 --> 05:24:27,000 AND DO EQUAL RIGHT TO THE POOR 6342 05:24:27,001 --> 05:24:31,000 AND TO THE RICH. 6343 05:24:31,001 --> 05:24:34,000 AND THAT I WILLAITHFULLY AND 6344 05:24:34,001 --> 05:24:36,000 IMPARTIALLY DISCHARGE AND FORM 6345 05:24:36,001 --> 05:24:38,000 ALL OF THE DUTIES INCUMBENT UPON 6346 05:24:38,001 --> 05:24:40,000 ME UNDER THE CONSTITUTION AND 6347 05:24:40,001 --> 05:24:42,000 LAWS OF 6348 05:24:42,001 --> 05:24:43,000 HELP ME GOD." 6349 05:24:43,001 --> 05:24:45,000 IMPLEASEED TO SAY THAT THE 6350 05:24:45,001 --> 05:24:47,000 SUPREME COURT HAS NOT YET STRUCK 6351 05:24:47,001 --> 05:24:50,000 DOWN SO HELP ME GOD IN THE OATH. 6352 05:24:50,001 --> 05:24:52,000 AND, HOPEFULLY, THEY NEVER WILL. 6353 05:24:52,001 --> 05:24:55,000 THE PRESENT STANDARD FOR 6354 05:24:55,001 --> 05:24:56,000 JUDICIAL NOMINEES, I THINK, 6355 05:24:56,001 --> 05:24:58,000 PLAINLY, CONFLICTS WITH THAT OATH. 6356 05:24:58,001 --> 05:25:00,000 AND WE'VE HAD A BIG DISCUSSION ABOUT THAT. 6357 05:25:00,001 --> 05:25:02,000 AND IT'S NOT A LITTLE BITTY 6358 05:25:02,001 --> 05:25:06,000 MATTER. 6359 05:25:06,001 --> 05:25:08,000 IT'S NOT A SMALL MATTER. 6360 05:25:08,001 --> 05:25:09,000 JUDGES TAKE THE OATH TO BE 6361 05:25:09,001 --> 05:25:11,000 IMPARTIAL. 6362 05:25:11,001 --> 05:25:12,000 I PRACTICED LAW 6363 05:25:12,001 --> 05:25:15,000 FOR MANY YEARS. 6364 05:25:15,001 --> 05:25:17,000 AN I'VE ALWAYS BELIEVED AND A 6365 05:25:17,001 --> 05:25:19,000 JUDGE WHO HEARD MY CASE WOULD 6366 05:25:19,001 --> 05:25:20,000 RULE ON THE LAW FAIRLY AND 6367 05:25:20,001 --> 05:25:21,000 OBJECTIVELY. 6368 05:25:21,001 --> 05:25:24,000 AND IF I LOST AND DID NOT HAVE A 6369 05:25:24,001 --> 05:25:26,000 SUFFICIENT LAW O 6370 05:25:26,001 --> 05:25:28,000 LOGIC TO -- TO SUPPORT MY 6371 05:25:28,001 --> 05:25:30,000 POSITION I DIDN'T EXPECT TO 6372 05:25:30,001 --> 05:25:37,000 PREVAIL. 6373 05:25:37,001 --> 05:25:41,000 AND THAT'S THE KIND OF CON CONCEPT 6374 05:25:41,001 --> 05:25:43,000 THAT UNDERLIES AMERICAN JUSTICE. 6375 05:25:43,001 --> 05:25:45,000 ASIDE FROM DAVID 6376 05:25:45,001 --> 05:25:48,000 ALMOST EVERY ONE OF PRESIDENT 6377 05:25:48,001 --> 05:25:51,000 OBAMA'S NOMINEES, INCLUDING 6378 05:25:51,001 --> 05:25:53,000 JUSTICE SOTOMAYOR HAVE OBJECT -- 6379 05:25:53,001 --> 05:25:54,000 I FOUND 6380 05:25:54,001 --> 05:25:57,000 HE BELIEVES HE FITS THAT 6381 05:25:57,001 --> 05:26:00,000 STANDARD TO BE CONCERNING. 6382 05:26:00,001 --> 05:26:01,000 HOWEVER, HE HAS ALSO 6383 05:26:01,001 --> 05:26:03,000 ACKNOWLEDGED IN HIS ANSWERS TO 6384 05:26:03,001 --> 05:26:08,000 QUESTIONS WE SUBMITTED TO HIM 6385 05:26:08,001 --> 05:26:09,000 FOR THE RECORD 6386 05:26:09,001 --> 05:26:11,000 COMPLETE VIEW. 6387 05:26:11,001 --> 05:26:13,000 NOW, THIS IS WHAT HE SAID IN HIS 6388 05:26:13,001 --> 05:26:15,000 ANSWER IN WRITING -- QUOTE -- "A 6389 05:26:15,001 --> 05:26:18,000 JUDGE'S CONSIDERATION OF A CASE 6390 05:26:18,001 --> 05:26:22,000 MUST ALWAYS BE GOVERNED 6391 05:26:22,001 --> 05:26:25,000 ATTENTION TO T FACTS PRESENTED 6392 05:26:25,001 --> 05:26:26,000 BY THE 6393 05:26:26,001 --> 05:26:29,000 ESTABLISHED LAW. 6394 05:26:29,001 --> 05:26:30,000 EMPATHY IS A PERSONAL 6395 05:26:30,001 --> 05:26:32,000 CHARACTERISTIC WHICH MAY ASSIST 6396 05:26:32,001 --> 05:26:33,000 A JUDGE IN ANALYZING THE HUMAN 6397 05:26:33,001 --> 05:26:36,000 CIRCUMSTANCES WHICH BRING PEOPLE 6398 05:26:36,001 --> 05:26:39,000 BEFORE THE COURT. 6399 05:26:39,001 --> 05:26:47,000 BUT THE LAW -- BUT THE LAW 6400 05:26:47,001 --> 05:26:49,000 NOT THE PERSONAL EXPERIENCES OF 6401 05:26:49,001 --> 05:26:51,000 JURISTS IS THE PATH TO JUSTICE 6402 05:26:51,001 --> 05:26:52,000 IN CONSIDERING EACH CASE." 6403 05:26:52,001 --> 05:26:53,000 CLOSE QUOTE. 6404 05:26:53,001 --> 05:26:56,000 I THINK THAT'S OK. 6405 05:26:56,001 --> 05:27:00,000 I'M NOT SURE HOW YOU CAN HAVE 6406 05:27:00,001 --> 05:27:01,000 ANY EMPATHY OF A PERSONAL 6407 05:27:01,001 --> 05:27:03,000 CH 6408 05:27:03,001 --> 05:27:04,000 LIKE TO DISAGREE WH THE 6409 05:27:04,001 --> 05:27:06,000 PRESIDENT WHO NOMINATED. 6410 05:27:06,001 --> 05:27:08,000 THAT'S A PRETTY GOOD STATEMENT OVERALL. 6411 05:27:08,001 --> 05:27:09,000 AND HE ALSO STATED THAT HE 6412 05:27:09,001 --> 05:27:17,000 BELIEVES -- QUOTE -- "THE ROLE 6413 05:27:17,001 --> 05:27:20,000 OF A JERL DISTRICT JUDGE -- 6414 05:27:20,001 --> 05:27:22,000 COMPETENCE, A STRONG WORK ETHIC. TRUE. 6415 05:27:22,001 --> 05:27:24,000 IMPARTIAL AND DISPASSIONATE 6416 05:27:24,001 --> 05:27:28,000 CONSIDERATION OF PROVEN FACTS 6417 05:27:28,001 --> 05:27:30,000 AND 6418 05:27:30,001 --> 05:27:32,000 FIDELITY TO BINDING AND 6419 05:27:32,001 --> 05:27:33,000 PERSUASIVE PRECEDENT AND RESPECT 6420 05:27:33,001 --> 05:27:34,000 FOR ALL WHO APPEAR BEFORE THE 6421 05:27:34,001 --> 05:27:35,000 COURT. 6422 05:27:35,001 --> 05:27:37,000 CLOSE QUOTE. 6423 05:27:37,001 --> 05:27:40,000 I THINK THAT'S A GOOD STATEMENT. 6424 05:27:40,001 --> 05:27:43,000 AND I THINK IT -- IF HE'LL 6425 05:27:43,001 --> 05:27:45,000 ACCORDING TO THOSE STANDARDS, HE 6426 05:27:45,001 --> 05:27:47,000 WILL DO WELL, AND I BELIEVE HE 6427 05:27:47,001 --> 05:27:53,000 WILL. 6428 05:27:53,001 --> 05:27:55,000 I'M GLAD TO SEE HE'S AN HONORS 6429 05:27:55,001 --> 05:27:57,000 GRADUATE, BUT DIDN'T GO TO SOME 6430 05:27:57,001 --> 05:27:59,000 OF THESE SCHOOLS, SENATOR 6431 05:27:59,001 --> 05:28:01,000 WENT TO SCHOOL IN SOUTH DAKOTA, 6432 05:28:01,001 --> 05:28:02,000 UNIVERSITY, AN HONORS GRADUATE 6433 05:28:02,001 --> 05:28:04,000 THERE. 6434 05:28:04,001 --> 05:28:06,000 HE PRACTICED LAW 6435 05:28:06,001 --> 05:28:07,000 OVER THE YEARS, A LOT OF PRACTICE 6436 05:28:07,001 --> 05:28:09,000 AND IN THE COURSE OF THAT YOU 6437 05:28:09,001 --> 05:28:10,000 LEARN THAT JUDGES REALLY -- THE 6438 05:28:10,001 --> 05:28:12,000 GOOD JUDGES DO CONSISTENTLY TRY 6439 05:28:12,001 --> 05:28:14,000 TO REACH THE RIGHT, 6440 05:28:14,001 --> 05:28:16,000 DISPASSIONATE RESULT, AND I 6441 05:28:16,001 --> 05:28:18,000 THINK HE 6442 05:28:18,001 --> 05:28:21,000 STATEMENTS ABOUT EMPATHY THAT 6443 05:28:21,001 --> 05:28:23,000 ARE NOT PERFECT, BUT MY JUDGMENT 6444 05:28:23,001 --> 05:28:25,000 IS THAT HE'S BEEN IN THE 6445 05:28:25,001 --> 05:28:27,000 COURTROOM, HE'S BEEN BEFORE GOOD 6446 05:28:27,001 --> 05:28:31,000 JUDGES AND I'M HOPEFUL HE'S 6447 05:28:31,001 --> 05:28:33,000 GOING TO BE A VERY GOOD JUDGE. 6448 05:28:33,001 --> 05:28:35,000 BUT WE'LL SEE. 6449 05:28:35,001 --> 05:28:38,000 AND I THINK IT'S -- 6450 05:28:38,001 --> 05:28:40,000 BECOME EVEN MORE PROBLEMATIC IF 6451 05:28:40,001 --> 05:28:46,000 YOU'RE NOMINATED FOR THE SUPREME 6452 05:28:46,001 --> 05:28:52,000 BECAUSE THOSE HIGHER COURTS SEEM 6453 05:28:52,001 --> 05:28:58,000 TO BE THE ONE -- ONES WHO FEEL 6454 05:28:58,001 --> 05:29:00,000 LESS COMPUNCTION IN ALLOWING 6455 05:29:00,001 --> 05:29:02,000 THEIR PERSONAL VIEWS IN THE CASES. 6456 05:29:02,001 --> 05:29:04,000 THIS JUDGE IS 6457 05:29:04,001 --> 05:29:06,000 BY THE U.S. SUPREME COURT, BUT 6458 05:29:06,001 --> 05:29:08,000 ALSO HIS CIRCUIT -- THE CIRCUIT 6459 05:29:08,001 --> 05:29:09,000 PRECEDENT AND BECAUSE HE STATED 6460 05:29:09,001 --> 05:29:12,000 HE BELIEVES THAT THE RULE -- 6461 05:29:12,001 --> 05:29:14,000 ROLE OF 6462 05:29:14,001 --> 05:29:17,000 IMPARTIAL AND 6463 05:29:17,001 --> 05:29:19,000 CONSIDERATION OF PROVEN FACTS 6464 05:29:19,001 --> 05:29:21,000 AND RECENT LEGAL ARGUMENTS, 6465 05:29:21,001 --> 05:29:24,000 FIDELITY TO BINDING AND 6466 05:29:24,001 --> 05:29:26,000 I'LL CERTAINLY GIVE HIM 6467 05:29:26,001 --> 05:29:28,000 BENEFIT OF THE DOUBT AND VOTE IN 6468 05:29:28,001 --> 05:29:30,000 FAVOR OF HIS NOMINATION AND HOPE 6469 05:29:30,001 --> 05:29:32,000 HE WILL VOTE 6470 05:29:32,001 --> 05:29:35,000 STATEMENTS AND WILL INTERPRET 6471 05:29:35,001 --> 05:29:36,000 THE LAW AS WRITTEN, REFRAIN FROM 6472 05:29:36,001 --> 05:29:39,000 IMPOSING PERSONAL VIEWS IN HIS 6473 05:29:39,001 --> 05:29:40,000 DECISION AND WILL 6474 05:29:40,001 --> 05:29:43,000 FOLLOW THE OATH TO UPHOLD THE 6475 05:29:43,001 --> 05:29:47,000 CONSTITUTION FIRST AN MOAR MOST 6476 05:29:47,001 --> 05:29:50,000 DIDN'T LE IT HE SHOULD UPHOLD IT. 6477 05:29:50,001 --> 05:29:51,000 I WOULD LIKE TO QUOTE FROM AN 6478 05:29:51,001 --> 05:29:53,000 ESSAY BY A FORMER CHAIRMAN OF 6479 05:29:53,001 --> 05:29:55,000 THE JUDICIARY 6480 05:29:55,001 --> 05:29:56,000 HATCH, WHICH WAS PUBLISHED ON 6481 05:29:56,001 --> 05:29:59,000 CONSTITUTION DAY. 6482 05:29:59,001 --> 05:30:01,000 HE SAID THIS -- QUOTE -- "THE 6483 05:30:01,001 --> 05:30:04,000 CONSTITUTION, ITS WORDS AND 6484 05:30:04,001 --> 05:30:06,000 THEIR MEANING WAS ESTABLISHED BY 6485 05:30:06,001 --> 05:30:13,000 THE PEOPLE, CAN CAN ONLY BE 6486 05:30:13,001 --> 05:30:15,000 SACREDLY OBLIGATORY UPON ALL 6487 05:30:15,001 --> 05:30:17,000 GOVERNMENT 6488 05:30:17,001 --> 05:30:19,000 THAT IS WHY THE DEBATE OVER 6489 05:30:19,001 --> 05:30:20,000 JUDICIAL SELECTION IS REALLY 6490 05:30:20,001 --> 05:30:23,000 DEBATE OVER JUDICIAL POWER. 6491 05:30:23,001 --> 05:30:25,000 IT IS A DEBATE OVER WHETHER THE 6492 05:30:25,001 --> 05:30:27,000 CONSTITUTION CONOLS JUDGES OR 6493 05:30:27,001 --> 05:30:28,000 JUDGES CONTROL THE CONSTITUTION. 6494 05:30:28,001 --> 05:30:32,000 OVER WHETHER THE CONSTITUTION 6495 05:30:32,001 --> 05:30:34,000 REALLY IS WITH NOTHING LESS -- 6496 05:30:34,001 --> 05:30:36,000 OVER WHAT THE CONSTITUTION 6497 05:30:36,001 --> 05:30:37,000 REALLY IS WITH NOTHING LESS THAN 6498 05:30:37,001 --> 05:30:39,000 LIBERTY AT STAKE. 6499 05:30:39,001 --> 05:30:43,000 I THINK THAT' 6500 05:30:43,001 --> 05:30:45,000 STATEMENT. 6501 05:30:45,001 --> 05:30:47,000 THE ROLE OF A 6502 05:30:47,001 --> 05:30:50,000 WHY AT ITS MOST BASE LEVEL 6503 05:30:50,001 --> 05:30:52,000 POLICY IN A DEMOCRACY MUST BE 6504 05:30:52,001 --> 05:30:55,000 SET BY THE ELECTED BRANCHES WHO 6505 05:30:55,001 --> 05:30:58,000 ARE ACCOUNTABLE TO THE PEOPLE. 6506 05:30:58,001 --> 05:31:00,000 AND JUDGES ARE TO BE NEUTRAL 6507 05:31:00,001 --> 05:31:02,000 ARBITERS OF DISPUTES, DECIDING 6508 05:31:02,001 --> 05:31:03,000 THE CASES BASED ON THE LAW AND 6509 05:31:03,001 --> 05:31:05,000 THE FACTS, WITHOUT A 6510 05:31:05,001 --> 05:31:07,000 THEIR PERSONAL, POLITICAL, 6511 05:31:07,001 --> 05:31:09,000 IDEOLOGICAL VIEWS OR BIASES TO 6512 05:31:09,001 --> 05:31:12,000 ENTER PROCESS. 6513 05:31:12,001 --> 05:31:14,000 THAT'S WHY THEY PUT ON A ROBE, 6514 05:31:14,001 --> 05:31:16,000 TO SUGGEST THEIR IMPARTIALITY. 6515 05:31:16,001 --> 05:31:18,000 THAT'S WHY THEY TAKE THE OATH 6516 05:31:18,001 --> 05:31:22,000 THAT I QUOTED FROM. 6517 05:31:22,001 --> 05:31:24,000 THAT'S THE KEY INGREDIENT OF OUR 6518 05:31:24,001 --> 05:31:25,000 LEGAL SYSTEM, THE GREATEST LEGAL 6519 05:31:25,001 --> 05:31:26,000 SYSTEM THE WORLD HAS EVER KNO 6520 05:31:26,001 --> 05:31:58,000 I THANK THE CHAIR AND WOULD 6521 05:31:58,001 --> 05:32:00,000 YIELD THE FLOOR. 6522 05:32:00,001 --> 05:32:02,000 The Presiding Officer: 6523 05:32:02,001 --> 05:32:04,000 YIELDS TIME? 6524 05:32:04,001 --> 05:36:17,000 IF NO ONE YIELDS 6525 05:36:17,001 --> 05:36:19,000 BE 6526 05:36:19,001 --> 05:36:21,000 A Senator: MR. PRESIDENT. 6527 05:36:21,001 --> 05:36:23,000 THE PRO SIDING OFFICER: THE 6528 05:36:23,001 --> 05:36:25,000 SENATOR FROM VERMONT. 6529 05:36:25,001 --> 05:36:27,000 MR. LEAHY: WHAT IS THE 6530 05:36:27,001 --> 05:36:29,000 PARLIAMENTARY SITUATION? 6531 05:36:29,001 --> 05:36:31,000 THE PRESIDING 6532 05:36:31,001 --> 05:36:33,000 NOMINATION IS THE PENDING 6533 05:36:33,001 --> 05:36:34,000 QUESTION. 6534 05:36:34,001 --> 05:36:41,000 MR. LEAHY: HOW MUCH TIME IS 6535 05:36:41,001 --> 05:36:44,000 AVAILABLE TO EACH SIDE? 6536 05:36:44,001 --> 05:36:46,000 THE PRO SIDING OFFICER: 17 1/2 6537 05:36:46,001 --> 05:36:48,000 MINUTES 6538 05:36:48,001 --> 05:36:54,000 CHAIRMAN. 6539 05:36:54,001 --> 05:36:58,000 5 1/2 MINUTES REMAIN WITH THE 6540 05:36:58,001 --> 05:37:01,000 REPUBLICAN -- THE VICE CHAIRMAN. MR. LEAHY: THANK YOU. 6541 05:37:01,001 --> 05:37:04,000 THANK YOU VERY MUCH. 6542 05:37:04,001 --> 05:37:06,000 I THANK THE DISTINGUISHED 6543 05:37:06,001 --> 05:37:09,000 PRESIDING OFFICER, MY DEAR 6544 05:37:09,001 --> 05:37:11,000 FRIEND FROM NEW JERSEY. 6545 05:37:11,001 --> 05:37:14,000 WE'RE CONSIDERING THE NOMINATION 6546 05:37:14,001 --> 05:37:15,000 OF JEFFREY VIKEN FOR A LIFETIME 6547 05:37:15,001 --> 05:37:18,000 APPOINTMENT TO THE U.S. DISTRICT 6548 05:37:18,001 --> 05:37:19,000 COURT 6549 05:37:19,001 --> 05:37:21,000 DAKOTA. 6550 05:37:21,001 --> 05:37:23,000 THE DISTINGUISHED SENIOR SENATOR 6551 05:37:23,001 --> 05:37:27,000 FROM SOUTH DAKOTA, 6552 05:37:27,001 --> 05:37:31,000 HAS ALREADY SPOKEN, AND THIS 6553 05:37:31,001 --> 05:37:32,000 NOMINEE IS HERE WITH HIS 6554 05:37:32,001 --> 05:37:36,000 STRONG -- WITH SENATOR 6555 05:37:36,001 --> 05:37:38,000 STRONG SUPPORT. 6556 05:37:38,001 --> 05:37:42,000 PRESIDENT OBAMA NOMINATED 6557 05:37:42,001 --> 05:37:44,000 MR. VIKEN. 6558 05:37:44,001 --> 05:37:45,000 SENATOR JOHNSON HAD SUP 6559 05:37:45,001 --> 05:37:52,000 HIM, AND SENATOR THUNE, 6560 05:37:52,001 --> 05:37:55,000 BIPARTISAN SUPPORT. 6561 05:37:55,001 --> 05:38:00,000 IT'S GOING TO B THE 6562 05:38:00,001 --> 05:38:01,000 SENATE CONFIRM -- EVEN THOUGH 6563 05:38:01,001 --> 05:38:03,000 IT'S ALMOST THE END OF 6564 05:38:03,001 --> 05:38:05,000 SEPTEMBER, IT'S THE FIRST SENATE 6565 05:38:05,001 --> 05:38:06,000 CONFIRMATION FOR A FEDERAL 6566 05:38:06,001 --> 05:38:09,000 DISTRICT COURT JUDGE AND THE 6567 05:38:09,001 --> 05:38:11,000 FIRST TO FILL ONE OF 74 CURRENT 6568 05:38:11,001 --> 05:38:15,000 FEDERAL TRIAL COURT VACANCIES. 6569 05:38:15,001 --> 05:38:17,000 THERE ARE MORE 6570 05:38:17,001 --> 05:38:20,000 VACANCIES THROUGHOUT THE FERAL 6571 05:38:20,001 --> 05:38:24,000 JUDICIARY, AND WE'RE SOON 6572 05:38:24,001 --> 05:38:25,000 TO BE AT NEAR-RECORD LEVEL. 6573 05:38:25,001 --> 05:38:27,000 I ACCOMMODATED THE RANKING 6574 05:38:27,001 --> 05:38:28,000 MEMBER AND OTHER REPUBLICANS ON 6575 05:38:28,001 --> 05:38:31,000 THE JUDICIARY COMMITTEE BY 6576 05:38:31,001 --> 05:38:33,000 POSTPONING A HEARING ON 6577 05:38:33,001 --> 05:38:34,000 MR. VIKEN'S NOMINATION WHILE WE 6578 05:38:34,001 --> 05:38:36,000 CONSIDERED THE RECENT SUPREME 6579 05:38:36,001 --> 05:38:38,000 COURT NOMINATION OR THE NAME 6580 05:38:38,001 --> 05:38:40,000 WOULD HAVE BEEN HERE 6581 05:38:40,001 --> 05:38:42,000 BUT I AM PLEASED THAT THE 6582 05:38:42,001 --> 05:38:43,000 COMMITTEE UNANIMOUSLY REPORTED 6583 05:38:43,001 --> 05:38:47,000 THE NOMINATION AT THE BEGINNING 6584 05:38:47,001 --> 05:38:50,000 OF THIS MONTH BY A 6585 05:38:50,001 --> 05:38:52,000 AND I THINK THAT THE VOTE 6586 05:38:52,001 --> 05:38:54,000 TONIGHT 6587 05:38:54,001 --> 05:38:55,000 GU 6588 05:38:55,001 --> 05:38:57,000 OVERWHELMINGLY POSITIVE VOTE, 6589 05:38:57,001 --> 05:38:58,000 AND I HOPE IT'S A SIGN THAT WE 6590 05:38:58,001 --> 05:39:00,000 MIGHT FINALLY, FINALLY START 6591 05:39:00,001 --> 05:39:02,000 MAKING SOME PROGRESS ON JUDICIAL 6592 05:39:02,001 --> 05:39:03,000 NOMINATIONS AND DO 6593 05:39:03,001 --> 05:39:07,000 EXPEDITIOUSLY. 6594 05:39:07,001 --> 05:39:10,000 THE SENATE HAS TO DO A BETTER 6595 05:39:10,001 --> 05:39:13,000 OF REGULARLY CONSIDERING QUALIFIED, NONCONTROVERSIAL 6596 05:39:13,001 --> 05:39:14,000 NOMINEES TO FILL VACANCIES ON 6597 05:39:14,001 --> 05:39:18,000 THE FEDERAL BENCH WITHOUT 6598 05:39:18,001 --> 05:39:21,000 NEEDLESS AND 6599 05:39:21,001 --> 05:39:22,000 I LOOK AROUND THIS CHAMBER. 6600 05:39:22,001 --> 05:39:23,000 I BELIEVE I HAVE BEEN HERE 6601 05:39:23,001 --> 05:39:24,000 LONGER THAN ANYBO 6602 05:39:24,001 --> 05:39:27,000 PRESENTLY ON THE FLOOR. 6603 05:39:27,001 --> 05:39:30,000 I SAW MY DISTINGUISHED 6604 05:39:30,001 --> 05:39:32,000 COLLEAGUE, SENATOR INOUYE, WHO 6605 05:39:32,001 --> 05:39:34,000 HAS SERVED HERE LONGER THAN I HAVE. 6606 05:39:34,001 --> 05:39:38,000 I HAVE BEEN HERE 35 YEARS. 6607 05:39:38,001 --> 05:39:39,000 I HAVE BEEN HERE UNDER BOTH 6608 05:39:39,001 --> 05:39:40,000 REPUBLICAN AND DEMOCRATIC 6609 05:39:40,001 --> 05:39:41,000 PRESIDENTS. 6610 05:39:41,001 --> 05:39:44,000 I HAVE NEVER SEEN A SITUATION 6611 05:39:44,001 --> 05:39:46,000 WHERE THERE IS THIS KIND OF S 6612 05:39:46,001 --> 05:39:48,000 WALKING OF 6613 05:39:48,001 --> 05:39:49,000 WE HAVE GOT TO GO BACK TO THE 6614 05:39:49,001 --> 05:39:52,000 WAY WE HAVE TRADITIONALLY DONE 6615 05:39:52,001 --> 05:39:55,000 IT FOR THE GOOD OF THE COUNTRY. 6616 05:39:55,001 --> 05:39:57,000 I MENTION THAT DURING -- I WAS 6617 05:39:57,001 --> 05:40:02,000 BRIEFLY CHAIRMAN OF THE JUDICIARY COMMITTEE DURING 6618 05:40:02,001 --> 05:40:04,000 PRESIDEN 6619 05:40:04,001 --> 05:40:07,000 EVEN THOUGH WE HAD HADHE 6620 05:40:07,001 --> 05:40:10,000 UNFORTUNATE EXPERNCE OF 61 OF 6621 05:40:10,001 --> 05:40:13,000 PRESIDENT CLINTON'S NOMINEES 6622 05:40:13,001 --> 05:40:14,000 BEING POCKET FILIBUSTERED 6623 05:40:14,001 --> 05:40:20,000 THEN-REPUBLICAN MAJORITY, WHEN I 6624 05:40:20,001 --> 05:40:24,000 CAME IN DURING 6625 05:40:24,001 --> 05:40:27,000 A YEAR AND A HALF, 6626 05:40:27,001 --> 05:40:28,000 100 OF PRES 6627 05:40:28,001 --> 05:40:30,000 NOMINEES. 6628 05:40:30,001 --> 05:40:34,000 AN ALL-TIME RECORD. 6629 05:40:34,001 --> 05:40:35,000 AN 6630 05:40:35,001 --> 05:40:36,000 GETTING NOMINEES THROUGH. 6631 05:40:36,001 --> 05:40:37,000 THAT WAS BY A DEMOCRATIC 6632 05:40:37,001 --> 05:40:39,000 MAJORITY WITH A REPUBLICAN 6633 05:40:39,001 --> 05:40:41,000 PRESIDENT. 6634 05:40:41,001 --> 05:40:43,000 NOW, I DO WANT TO THANK THE 6635 05:40:43,001 --> 05:40:44,000 COMMITTEE'S RANKING MEMBER, 6636 05:40:44,001 --> 05:40:46,000 SENATOR SESSIONS. 6637 05:40:46,001 --> 05:40:50,000 I SEE SENATOR SESSIONS ON THE FLOOR. 6638 05:40:50,001 --> 05:40:53,000 I DO WANT TO THANK HIM. 6639 05:40:53,001 --> 05:40:57,000 I, AS I 6640 05:40:57,001 --> 05:40:59,000 BACK THIS NOMINEE, THE VIKEN 6641 05:40:59,001 --> 05:41:04,000 NOMINATION, BECAUSE OF THE 6642 05:41:04,001 --> 05:41:10,000 NOMINATION FOR SOTOM 6643 05:41:10,001 --> 05:41:12,000 GIVE TIME TO PREPARE. 6644 05:41:12,001 --> 05:41:13,000 SOTOMAYOR WE MOVED QUICKLY 6645 05:41:13,001 --> 05:41:15,000 THROUGH. 6646 05:41:15,001 --> 05:41:18,000 I WANT TO THANK HIM FOR HIS 6647 05:41:18,001 --> 05:41:19,000 NOMINATION OF MR. VIKEN AT OUR 6648 05:41:19,001 --> 05:41:21,000 BUSINESS MEETING ON SEPTEMBER 10 6649 05:41:21,001 --> 05:41:23,000 WITHOUT AN UNNECESSARY HOLDOVER 6650 05:41:23,001 --> 05:41:24,000 PERIOD. 6651 05:41:24,001 --> 05:41:26,000 UNFORTUNATELY, NOW THAT IT 6652 05:41:26,001 --> 05:41:28,000 BEEN ON THE CALENDAR, STILL IT 6653 05:41:28,001 --> 05:41:29,000 HA 6654 05:41:29,001 --> 05:41:30,000 TO SCHEDULE SENATE APPROVAL OF A 6655 05:41:30,001 --> 05:41:32,000 NONCONTROVERSIAL NOMINEE WHO IS 6656 05:41:32,001 --> 05:41:38,000 PROBABLY GOING TO BE UNANIMOUSLY 6657 05:41:38,001 --> 05:41:40,000 CONFIRMED, AND SHOULD BE. 6658 05:41:40,001 --> 05:41:41,000 THROUGH THE WIDE RANGE OF 6659 05:41:41,001 --> 05:41:42,000 EXPERIENCE MR. VIKEN HAS. 6660 05:41:42,001 --> 05:41:44,000 HE IS CURRENTLY THE FEDERAL 6661 05:41:44,001 --> 05:41:45,000 DEFENDER FOR THE COMBINED 6662 05:41:45,001 --> 05:41:46,000 DISTRICTS OF NORTH DAKOTA AND 6663 05:41:46,001 --> 05:41:48,000 SOUTH DAKOTA. 6664 05:41:48,001 --> 05:41:50,000 NOT JUST THE POPULATION, BUT FOR 6665 05:41:50,001 --> 05:41:55,000 THOSE OF US WHO HAV 6666 05:41:55,001 --> 05:41:57,000 NEW ENGLAND, THE AREA IS 6667 05:41:57,001 --> 05:41:58,000 COVERED -- THE AREAS 6668 05:41:58,001 --> 05:42:02,000 ENORMOUS. 6669 05:42:02,001 --> 05:42:03,000 HE SERVED AS 6670 05:42:03,001 --> 05:42:05,000 ATTORNEY. 6671 05:42:05,001 --> 05:42:06,000 IS ACTING U. ATTORNEY FOR 6672 05:42:06,001 --> 05:42:07,000 SOUTH DAK 6673 05:42:07,001 --> 05:42:08,000 HE SPENT MORE THAN TWO DECADES 6674 05:42:08,001 --> 05:42:10,000 IN PRIVATE PRACTICE. 6675 05:42:10,001 --> 05:42:12,000 HE HAS BEEN BOTH PROSECUTOR AND DEFENDER. 6676 05:42:12,001 --> 05:42:16,000 HIS NOMINATION 6677 05:42:16,001 --> 05:42:18,000 HIGHEST RATING POSSIBLE. 6678 05:42:18,001 --> 05:42:19,000 WELL QUALIFIED FOR THE AMERICAN 6679 05:42:19,001 --> 05:42:20,000 BAR ASSOCIATION'S STANDING 6680 05:42:20,001 --> 05:42:21,000 COMMITTEE ON THE FEDERAL 6681 05:42:21,001 --> 05:42:22,000 JUDICIARY. 6682 05:42:22,001 --> 05:42:26,000 I WOULD URGE SENATORS TO GIVE 6683 05:42:26,001 --> 05:42:28,000 HIM A STRONG BIPARTISAN VOTE. 6684 05:42:28,001 --> 05:42:30,000 AND THEN DO A BETTER JOB OF 6685 05:42:30,001 --> 05:42:32,000 FILLING THE RISING NUMBER OF 6686 05:42:32,001 --> 05:42:34,000 JUDICIAL VACANCIES TO ENSURE 6687 05:42:34,001 --> 05:42:36,000 THAT JUSTICE IS 6688 05:42:36,001 --> 05:42:38,000 DENIED TO ANY AMERICAN BECAUSE 6689 05:42:38,001 --> 05:42:42,000 OF OVERBURDENED COURTS. 6690 05:42:42,001 --> 05:42:45,000 AND I WOULD HOPE THAT 6691 05:42:45,001 --> 05:42:47,000 THREATENING FILIBUSTERS OF 6692 05:42:47,001 --> 05:42:48,000 PRESIDENT OBAMA'S JUDICIAL 6693 05:42:48,001 --> 05:42:50,000 NOMINEES, THE OTHER S 6694 05:42:50,001 --> 05:42:51,000 WORK TO TREAT HIS NOMINEES 6695 05:42:51,001 --> 05:42:54,000 FAIRLY, AS DID I WITH PRESIDENT 6696 05:42:54,001 --> 05:42:55,000 BUSH'S NOMINEES. 6697 05:42:55,001 --> 05:42:57,000 I POINT OUT BY THIS TIME IN 6698 05:42:57,001 --> 05:42:59,000 PRESIDENT BUSH'S FIRST TERM, WE 6699 05:42:59,001 --> 05:43:04,000 HAD ALREADY CONFIRMED SIX OF HIS 6700 05:43:04,001 --> 05:43:05,000 NOMINATIONS TO 6701 05:43:05,001 --> 05:43:06,000 AND DISTRICT COURTS. 6702 05:43:06,001 --> 05:43:09,000 WE HAVE CONFIRMED ONE OF 6703 05:43:09,001 --> 05:43:11,000 PRESIDENT OBAMA'S NOMINEES TO 6704 05:43:11,001 --> 05:43:12,000 CIRCUIT COURT. 6705 05:43:12,001 --> 05:43:15,000 NINE MONTHS INTO PRESIDENT 6706 05:43:15,001 --> 05:43:17,000 OBAMA'S FIRST TERM, WE CONFIRMED 6707 05:43:17,001 --> 05:43:18,000 ONLY ONE OF HIS LOWER COURT 6708 05:43:18,001 --> 05:43:22,000 NOMINEES, EVEN THOUGH HE MADE 6709 05:43:22,001 --> 05:43:24,000 THOSE NOMINEES TWO MONTHS 6710 05:43:24,001 --> 05:43:25,000 EARLIER THAN PRESIDENT BUSH DID. 6711 05:43:25,001 --> 05:43:27,000 WE CAN DO BETTER. 6712 05:43:27,001 --> 05:43:28,000 NOT JUST THAT THE SENATE CAN DO 6713 05:43:28,001 --> 05:43:29,000 BETTER. 6714 05:43:29,001 --> 05:43:31,000 THE AMERICAN PEOPLE DESERVE BETTER. 6715 05:43:31,001 --> 05:43:34,000 AFTE MONTHS OF DELAY, ON 6716 05:43:34,001 --> 05:43:38,000 SEPTEMBER 17, THE SENATE FINALLY 6717 05:43:38,001 --> 05:43:39,000 CONFIRMED 6718 05:43:39,001 --> 05:43:40,000 SERVE IN THE SECOND CIRCUIT. 6719 05:43:40,001 --> 05:43:45,000 I KNOW THAT CIRCUIT WELL. 6720 05:43:45,001 --> 05:43:46,000 THAT'S THEIRCUIT THAT I -- 6721 05:43:46,001 --> 05:43:49,000 ADMITTED TO. 6722 05:43:49,001 --> 05:43:51,000 IT COVERS THE STATES OF VERMONT, 6723 05:43:51,001 --> 05:43:54,000 NEW YORK AND CONNECTICUT. 6724 05:43:54,001 --> 05:43:56,000 DESPITE THE FACT THAT JUDGE 6725 05:43:56,001 --> 05:43:58,000 LYNCH'S NOMINATION WAS NONCONTROVERSIAL, DESPITE THE 6726 05:43:58,001 --> 05:43:59,000 FACT IT WAS REPORTED OUT OF 6727 05:43:59,001 --> 05:44:00,000 COMMITTEE UNANIMOUSLY WITH THE 6728 05:44:00,001 --> 05:44:02,000 STRONG SUPPORT OF REPUBLICAN AND 6729 05:44:02,001 --> 05:44:04,000 DEMOCRATIC MEMBERS, IT STILL 6730 05:44:04,001 --> 05:44:07,000 TOOK THREE MONTHS AFTER HIS 6731 05:44:07,001 --> 05:44:09,000 NOMINATION WAS REPORTED BY THE 6732 05:44:09,001 --> 05:44:10,000 COMMITTEE FOR THE SENATE TO 6733 05:44:10,001 --> 05:44:12,000 CONFIRM IT. 6734 05:44:12,001 --> 05:44:13,000 DELAYED AND DELAYED AND 6735 05:44:13,001 --> 05:44:15,000 AND YOU WOULD THINK THERE MUST 6736 05:44:15,001 --> 05:44:18,000 BE SOME CONTROVERSY, BUT 6737 05:44:18,001 --> 05:44:20,000 FINALLY VOTED, THE VOTE WAS 6738 05:44:20,001 --> 05:44:24,000 94-3. 6739 05:44:24,001 --> 05:44:26,000 NOW, 6740 05:44:26,001 --> 05:44:29,000 MONTHS BECAUSE 6741 05:44:29,001 --> 05:44:30,000 OF 100 SENATORS WANT TO HOLD IT 6742 05:44:30,001 --> 05:44:31,000 UP, THAT'S NOT BEING 6743 05:44:31,001 --> 05:44:35,000 RESPONSIBLE, A THAT'S NOT 6744 05:44:35,001 --> 05:44:38,000 SHOWING THE TYPE OF DEFERENCE 6745 05:44:38,001 --> 05:44:40,000 THE -- TO THE JUDICIARY THAT WE 6746 05:44:40,001 --> 05:44:43,000 SHOULD. 6747 05:44:43,001 --> 05:44:45,000 IN THE TO THE JUDICIARY COMMITTEE 6748 05:44:45,001 --> 05:44:46,000 REMAIN PENDING ON THE EXECUTIVE 6749 05:44:46,001 --> 05:44:48,000 CALENDAR, SOME OF THEM FROM BACK 6750 05:44:48,001 --> 05:44:50,000 BE 6751 05:44:50,001 --> 05:44:52,000 FIVE OF THE NOMINATIONS ARE FOR 6752 05:44:52,001 --> 05:44:53,000 APPOINTMENTS TO BE ASSISTANT 6753 05:44:53,001 --> 05:44:55,000 ATTORNEYS GENERAL AT 6754 05:44:55,001 --> 05:44:57,000 DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE. 6755 05:44:57,001 --> 05:44:59,000 FIVE OUT OF A TOTAL OF 11 6756 05:44:59,001 --> 05:45:00,000 DIVISIONS AT THE DEPARTMENT. 6757 05:45:00,001 --> 05:45:02,000 AS A RESULT OF THE SENATE'S 6758 05:45:02,001 --> 05:45:05,000 DELAY AND INACTION, FIVE 6759 05:45:05,001 --> 05:45:06,000 CRITAL DIVISIONS AT THE 6760 05:45:06,001 --> 05:45:07,000 DEPARTMENT. 6761 05:45:07,001 --> 05:45:09,000 THE OFFICE OF LEGAL COUNSEL, THE 6762 05:45:09,001 --> 05:45:11,000 CIVIL RIGHTS DIVISION, THE TAX 6763 05:45:11,001 --> 05:45:12,000 DIVISION, THE OFFICE OF LEGAL 6764 05:45:12,001 --> 05:45:15,000 POLICY, AND THE ENVIRONMENT AND 6765 05:45:15,001 --> 05:45:18,000 NATURAL RESOURCES DIVISION. 6766 05:45:18,001 --> 05:45:21,000 JUST THINK OF THAT. 6767 05:45:21,001 --> 05:45:23,000 FIVE CRITICAL PARTS OF THE JUSTICE DEPARTMENT REMAIN 6768 05:45:23,001 --> 05:45:26,000 WITHOUT 6769 05:45:26,001 --> 05:45:28,000 PRESIDENTIAL NOMINEES. 6770 05:45:28,001 --> 05:45:30,000 NOW, REPUBLICANS HAVE HELD THESE 6771 05:45:30,001 --> 05:45:33,000 UP, EVEN THOUGH E PRESIDENT 6772 05:45:33,001 --> 05:45:36,000 EVEN THOUGH THEY'VE PASSED OUT 6773 05:45:36,001 --> 05:45:37,000 OF THE SENATE JUDICIARY COMMITTEE. 6774 05:45:37,001 --> 05:45:38,000 IF YOU DON'T LIKE THE PEOPLE, 6775 05:45:38,001 --> 05:45:41,000 VOTE AGAINST THEM. 6776 05:45:41,001 --> 05:45:43,000 LET'S HAVE A VOTE, UP OROWN. 6777 05:45:43,001 --> 05:45:46,000 PRESIDENT OBAMA MADE HIS FIRST 6778 05:45:46,001 --> 05:45:47,000 JUDICIAL NOMIN 6779 05:45:47,001 --> 05:45:50,000 MARCH. I REMEMBER IT. 6780 05:45:50,001 --> 05:45:52,000 IT WAS SNOWING LIKE MAD. 6781 05:45:52,001 --> 05:45:54,000 HE NOMINATED DAVID HAMILTON TO 6782 05:45:54,001 --> 05:45:55,000 THE SEVENTH CIRCUIT. 6783 05:45:55,001 --> 05:45:59,000 THAT'S BEEN ON THE EXECUTIVE 6784 05:45:59,001 --> 05:46:01,000 CALENDAR SINCE EARLY JUNE, EVEN 6785 05:46:01,001 --> 05:46:03,000 THOUGH IT HAS THE SUPPORT OF THE 6786 05:46:03,001 --> 05:46:04,000 SENIOR-MOST REPUBLICAN IN THE 6787 05:46:04,001 --> 05:46:06,000 SENATE AND ONE OF THE MOST 6788 05:46:06,001 --> 05:46:07,000 DISTINGUISHED SENATORS OF EITHER 6789 05:46:07,001 --> 05:46:09,000 PARTY THAT'S EVER SERVED, 6790 05:46:09,001 --> 05:46:10,000 NATOR LUGAR. 6791 05:46:10,001 --> 05:46:12,000 THE NOMINATION OF JUDGE 6792 05:46:12,001 --> 05:46:14,000 DAVIS TO THE FOURTH CIRCUIT WAS 6793 05:46:14,001 --> 05:46:18,000 REPORTED BY THE COMMITTEE ON 6794 05:46:18,001 --> 05:46:19,000 JUNE 4 BY A VOTE OF 16-3. 6795 05:46:19,001 --> 05:46:22,000 CAN'T GET IT CON 6796 05:46:22,001 --> 05:46:25,000 SENATE. 6797 05:46:25,001 --> 05:46:26,000 THESE NOMINATIO OF JUDGE 6798 05:46:26,001 --> 05:46:29,000 BEVERLY MARTIN TO THE 11th 6799 05:46:29,001 --> 05:46:31,000 CIRCUIT WAS REPORTED UNANIMOUSLY 6800 05:46:31,001 --> 05:46:34,000 FROM THE 6801 05:46:34,001 --> 05:46:36,000 ON SEPTEMBER 10 AND STRONGLY 6802 05:46:36,001 --> 05:46:39,000 SUPPORTED BY THE TWO REPUBLICAN 6803 05:46:39,001 --> 05:46:41,000 SENATORS FROM HER STATE. 6804 05:46:41,001 --> 05:46:43,000 STILL CAN'T GET IT SCHEDULED OR 6805 05:46:43,001 --> 05:46:46,000 CONSIDERED. 6806 05:46:46,001 --> 05:46:48,000 NOW, 6807 05:46:48,001 --> 05:46:49,000 ARE SOON 120 UNLESS WE START 6808 05:46:49,001 --> 05:46:50,000 MOVING FORWARD. 6809 05:46:50,001 --> 05:46:51,000 I MENTION THAT JUST BECAUSE WE 6810 05:46:51,001 --> 05:46:53,000 SHOULD HAVE THE HISTORY BEFORE 6811 05:46:53,001 --> 05:46:56,000 US. 6812 05:46:56,001 --> 05:47:01,000 AT LEAST THE ONE BRIGHT SPOT IS 6813 05:47:01,001 --> 05:47:06,000 MOVING MR. VIKEN 6814 05:47:06,001 --> 05:47:09,000 AT 5:15, IT IS A MR. VIKEN. 6815 05:47:09,001 --> 05:47:10,000 AT 6:15, IT WILL BE JUDGE VIKEN. 6816 05:47:10,001 --> 05:47:12,000 I CONGRATULATE HIM AND HIS FAMILY. 6817 05:47:12,001 --> 05:47:14,000 I REMEMBER HIM COMING BEFORE OUR 6818 05:47:14,001 --> 05:47:15,000 COMMITTEE, A WONDERFUL PEN, A 6819 05:47:15,001 --> 05:47:18,000 WONDERFUL FAMILY. 6820 05:47:18,001 --> 05:47:20,000 I CAN SEE WHY THE TWO SENATORS 6821 05:47:20,001 --> 05:47:22,000 -- 6822 05:47:22,001 --> 05:47:24,000 DEMOCRATIC SENATOR, JUNIOR 6823 05:47:24,001 --> 05:47:25,000 SENATOR, A REPUBLICAN SENATOR -- 6824 05:47:25,001 --> 05:47:27,000 BOTH SUPPORT 6825 05:47:27,001 --> 05:47:30,000 HE SHOULD BE A JUDGE. 6826 05:47:30,001 --> 05:47:31,000 BUT 6827 05:47:31,001 --> 05:47:33,000 MOVING THESE A LITTLE MORE 6828 05:47:33,001 --> 05:47:35,000 EXPEDITIOUSLY. 6829 05:47:35,001 --> 05:47:43,000 MR. PRESIDENT, WHAT IS THE TIME 6830 05:47:43,001 --> 05:47:45,000 THE PRESIDING OFFICER: THE 6831 05:47:45,001 --> 05:47:51,000 SENATOR HAS SIX MINUTES, 45 6832 05:47:51,001 --> 05:47:55,000 SECONDS 6833 05:47:55,001 --> 05:47:56,000 THE MINORITY HAS FIVE AND A HALF MINUTES. 6834 05:47:56,001 --> 05:48:01,000 MR. LEAHY: I SUGGEST THE ABSENCE OF A QUORUM AND ASK 6835 05:48:01,001 --> 05:48:02,000 CONSENT THE TIME BE 6836 05:48:02,001 --> 05:48:06,000 THE PRESIDING OFFICER: THE 6837 05:48:06,001 --> 05:57:27,000 CLERK WILL CALL THE ROLL. 6838 05:57:27,001 --> 05:57:29,000 QUORUM CALL: 6839 05:57:29,001 --> 05:57:31,000 MR. LEVIN: I ASK UNANIMOUS CONSENT THAT FURTHER PROCEEDINGS 6840 05:57:31,001 --> 05:57:32,000 UNDER THE QUORUM CALL BE DISPENSED WITH. 6841 05:57:32,001 --> 05:57:33,000 THE PRESIDING OFFICER: WITHOUT OBJECTION. 6842 05:57:33,001 --> 05:57:34,000 MR. LEVIN: MR. PRESIDENT, I 6843 05:57:34,001 --> 05:57:35,000 SUPPORT THE McCAIN AMENDMENT 6844 05:57:35,001 --> 05:57:38,000 THAT WOULD STRIKE THE $2.5 6845 05:57:38,001 --> 05:57:40,000 BILLION IN ADDITIONAL FUNDING 6846 05:57:40,001 --> 05:57:41,000 FOR C-17 AIRCRAFT IN THE 6847 05:57:41,001 --> 05:57:42,000 COMMITTEE-REPORTED BILL AND TO 6848 05:57:42,001 --> 05:57:44,000 RESTORE SERIOUS CUTS THAT WERE 6849 05:57:44,001 --> 05:57:46,000 MADE IN THE 6850 05:57:46,001 --> 05:57:50,000 IN PART TO IFT FUNDS TO 6851 05:57:50,001 --> 05:57:51,000 SUPPORT CONTINUED C-17 6852 05:57:51,001 --> 05:57:54,000 TERMINATING PRODUCTION, LIKE 6853 05:57:54,001 --> 05:57:55,000 CLOSING A BASE, 6854 05:57:55,001 --> 05:57:57,000 ECONOMIC LOSS FOR THE 6855 05:57:57,001 --> 05:57:58,000 COMMUNITIES INVOLVED. 6856 05:57:58,001 --> 05:58:01,000 IT INVOLVES PAIN. 6857 05:58:01,001 --> 05:58:02,000 WE NEED THAT UP CLOSE A PERSONAL. 6858 05:58:02,001 --> 05:58:03,000 -- WE UNDERSTAND THAT UP CLOSE 6859 05:58:03,001 --> 05:58:05,000 AND PERSONAL. 6860 05:58:05,001 --> 05:58:07,000 WE MUST DO SO FROM TIME TO TIME, 6861 05:58:07,001 --> 05:58:08,000 MAKE THESE DIFFICULT DECISIONS, 6862 05:58:08,001 --> 05:58:09,000 AND WE HAVE TO DO THAT FOR WHAT 6863 05:58:09,001 --> 05:58:11,000 IS BEST FOR THE NATION AND FOR 6864 05:58:11,001 --> 05:58:12,000 THE MEN AND WOMEN IN THE ARMED 6865 05:58:12,001 --> 05:58:13,000 FORCES. 6866 05:58:13,001 --> 05:58:15,000 BECAUSE AS SECRETARY GAT 6867 05:58:15,001 --> 05:58:17,000 IN A LETTER TO ME TODAY 6868 05:58:17,001 --> 05:58:19,000 EXPRESSING SUPPORT FOR ENDING 6869 05:58:19,001 --> 05:58:21,000 C-17 PRODUCTION, THE DEPARTMENT 6870 05:58:21,001 --> 05:58:24,000 DOES NOT NEED ADDITIONAL C-17'S 6871 05:58:24,001 --> 05:58:26,000 TO MEET STRATEGIC NEEDS. 6872 05:58:26,001 --> 05:58:28,000 FIRST, I WANT TO AGREE WITH 6873 05:58:28,001 --> 05:58:29,000 CHAIRMAN INOUYE THAT THE C-17 IS 6874 05:58:29,001 --> 05:58:31,000 A FINE AIRCRAFT. 6875 05:58:31,001 --> 05:58:33,000 I HAVE BEEN A STRONG SUPPORTER 6876 05:58:33,001 --> 05:58:34,000 OF THE C-17 PROGRAM, EVEN WHEN 6877 05:58:34,001 --> 05:58:36,000 IT WAS HAVING GROWING PAINS 6878 05:58:36,001 --> 05:58:38,000 EARLY IN THE PROGRAM. 6879 05:58:38,001 --> 05:58:40,000 IF WE DID NOT ALREADY HAVE A 6880 05:58:40,001 --> 05:58:41,000 C-17 AIRCRAFT FLEET, WE WOULD 6881 05:58:41,001 --> 05:58:44,000 HAVE TO CREATE ONE. 6882 05:58:44,001 --> 05:58:46,000 THIS IS NOT A QUESTION OF 6883 05:58:46,001 --> 05:58:50,000 WHETHER WE SHOULD BUY THE C-17. 6884 05:58:50,001 --> 05:58:53,000 WE 6885 05:58:53,001 --> 05:58:55,000 OF 213 AIRCRAFT. 6886 05:58:55,001 --> 05:58:56,000 IT IS A QUESTION OF HOW MANY 6887 05:58:56,001 --> 05:58:58,000 C-17'S DO WE NEED? 6888 05:58:58,001 --> 05:59:00,000 ON THAT POINT, I WROTE A LETTER 6889 05:59:00,001 --> 05:59:02,000 TO THE CURRENT CHIEF OF STAFF, 6890 05:59:02,001 --> 05:59:03,000 GENERAL SWARTS, WHO WAS THEN 6891 05:59:03,001 --> 05:59:04,000 COMMANDER OF THE U.S. 6892 05:59:04,001 --> 05:59:05,000 TRANSPORTATION COMMAND, IN 6893 05:59:05,001 --> 05:59:07,000 NOVEMBER OF 2007. 6894 05:59:07,001 --> 05:59:10,000 I ASKED FOR HIS PROFESSIONAL 6895 05:59:10,001 --> 05:59:15,000 OPINION AS TO WHETHER WE NEEDED 6896 05:59:15,001 --> 05:59:16,000 C-17 6897 05:59:16,001 --> 05:59:17,000 AIRCRAFT THE AIRCRAFT HAD 6898 05:59:17,001 --> 05:59:18,000 ALREADY BOUGHT. 6899 05:59:18,001 --> 05:59:19,000 HE GAVE US HIS PERSONAL AND 6900 05:59:19,001 --> 05:59:21,000 PROFESSIONAL OPINION AND HE SAID 6901 05:59:21,001 --> 05:59:22,000 THAT SINCE YOU ASKED FOR MY 6902 05:59:22,001 --> 05:59:26,000 PERSONAL AND PROFESSIONAL 6903 05:59:26,001 --> 05:59:28,000 OPINION, I BELIEVE THAT 205 6904 05:59:28,001 --> 05:59:30,000 C-17'S AND 111 C-5'S IS THE 6905 05:59:30,001 --> 05:59:33,000 CORRECT MIX FOR THE FUTURE. 6906 05:59:33,001 --> 05:59:34,000 D HE EXPLAINED HOW HE 6907 05:59:34,001 --> 05:59:37,000 THAT OPINION. 6908 05:59:37,001 --> 05:59:38,000 I WOULD ASK UNANIMOUS CONSENT, 6909 05:59:38,001 --> 05:59:40,000 MR. PRESIDENT, TO MAKE THOSE 6910 05:59:40,001 --> 05:59:42,000 LETTERS FROM GENERAL SCHWARTZ 6911 05:59:42,001 --> 05:59:43,000 PART OF THE RECORD AND I ALSO 6912 05:59:43,001 --> 05:59:44,000 WOULD ASK UNANIMOUS CONSENT THAT -- 6913 05:59:44,001 --> 05:59:45,000 THE PRESIDING OFFICER: WITHOUT OBJECTION. 6914 05:59:45,001 --> 05:59:47,000 MR. LEVIN: I WOULD ALSO ASK 6915 05:59:47,001 --> 05:59:49,000 UNANIMOUS CONSENT THAT THE 6916 05:59:49,001 --> 05:59:50,000 LETTER THAT I RECEIVED FROM 6917 05:59:50,001 --> 05:59:53,000 SECRETARY GATES ALSO 6918 05:59:53,001 --> 05:59:55,000 PART OF THE RECORD AT THIS TIME. OBJECTION. 6919 05:59:55,001 --> 05:59:58,000 MR. LEVIN: AND THALT 6920 05:59:58,001 --> 05:59:59,000 O-- AND THAT THEBALANCE OF MY STATEMENT BE 6921 05:59:59,001 --> 06:00:00,000 INSERTED IN THE RECORD. 6922 06:00:00,001 --> 06:00:03,000 THE PRESIDING OFFICER: WITHOUT 6923 06:00:03,001 --> 06:00:04,000 OBJECTION. 6924 06:00:04,001 --> 06:00:05,000 MR. LEVIN: MR. PRESIDENT, I 6925 06:00:05,001 --> 06:00:10,000 WOULD ASK THAT MY REMARKS 6926 06:00:10,001 --> 06:00:11,000 RELATIVE TO THIS ISSUE BE PLACED 6927 06:00:11,001 --> 06:00:13,000 IN THE RECORD NOT TO INTERRUPT 6928 06:00:13,001 --> 06:00:14,000 THE DEBATE RELATIVE TO THE JUDICIAL APPOINTMENT THAT'S 6929 06:00:14,001 --> 06:00:15,000 BEFORE US. 6930 06:00:15,001 --> 06:00:19,000 THE PRESIDING OFFIC 6931 06:00:19,001 --> 06:00:20,000 OBJECTION. 6932 06:00:20,001 --> 06:00:23,000 MR. LEAHY: MR. PRESIDENT, I 6933 06:00:23,001 --> 06:00:24,000 AS THE PRESIDING OFFICER: IS 6934 06:00:24,001 --> 06:00:26,000 THERE A SUFFICIENT 6935 06:00:26,001 --> 06:00:34,000 THERE APPEARS TO BE A SUFFICIENT SECOND. 6936 06:00:34,001 --> 06:10:04,000 THE CLERK WILL CALL THE ROLL. 6937 06:10:04,001 --> 06:26:48,000 VOTE: VOTE: VOTE: 6938 06:26:48,001 --> 06:26:50,000 VOTE: 6939 06:26:50,001 --> 06:26:51,000 THE PRESIDING OFFICER: ANY 6940 06:26:51,001 --> 06:26:55,000 SENATORS WHO WISH TO CHANGE 6941 06:26:55,001 --> 06:27:01,000 THEIR VOTE OR CAST THEIR VOTE? 6942 06:27:01,001 --> 06:27:02,000 HEARING NONE, THIS VOTE IS 99 YEAS. 6943 06:27:02,001 --> 06:27:11,000 NO NAYS. 6944 06:27:11,001 --> 06:27:14,000 AND THE NOMINATION IS CONFIRMED. 6945 06:27:14,001 --> 06:27:15,000 A MOTION 6946 06:27:15,001 --> 06:27:17,000 CONSIDERED. 6947 06:27:17,001 --> 06:27:18,000 -- IS CONSIDERED MADE AND LAID 6948 06:27:18,001 --> 06:27:20,000 UPON THE TABLE. 6949 06:27:20,001 --> 06:27:22,000 THE PRESIDENT SHALL BE NOTIFIED 6950 06:27:22,001 --> 06:27:25,000 OF THE SENATE'S ACTION AN SENATE 6951 06:27:25,001 --> 06:27:33,000 RETURNS -- 6952 06:27:33,001 --> 06:27:34,000 RETURNS TO 6953 06:27:34,001 --> 06:27:37,000 THE PRESIDING OFFICER: THE 6954 06:27:37,001 --> 06:27:38,000 SENATOR FROM NORTH DAKOTA. 6955 06:27:38,001 --> 06:27:40,000 A SENATOR: 6956 06:27:40,001 --> 06:27:41,000 CONSENT TO BE ALLOWED TO SPEAK 6957 06:27:41,001 --> 06:27:47,000 FOR ONE MINUTE. THE PRESIDING OFFICER: WITHOUT 6958 06:27:47,001 --> 06:27:49,000 OBJECTION. 6959 06:27:49,001 --> 06:27:51,000 A SENATOR: MR. PRESIDENT? THE PRESIDING OFFICER: THE 6960 06:27:51,001 --> 06:27:52,000 SENATOR FROM IOWA. 6961 06:27:52,001 --> 06:27:54,000 A SENATOR:R. PRESIDENT, WOULD 6962 06:27:54,001 --> 06:27:57,000 I BE IN ORDER TO SPEAK AS IF IN 6963 06:27:57,001 --> 06:27:59,000 MORNING BUSINESS? 6964 06:27:59,001 --> 06:28:00,000 THE PRESIDING OFFICER: YES, OF 6965 06:28:00,001 --> 06:28:03,000 COURSE. 6966 06:28:03,001 --> 06:28:04,000 MR. GRASSLEY: OK. 6967 06:28:04,001 --> 06:28:11,000 THE PRESIDING OFFICER: THE 6968 06:28:11,001 --> 06:28:12,000 SENATE'S NOT IN ORDER. 6969 06:28:12,001 --> 06:28:16,000 THE SENATE SHOULD COME TO ORDER, 6970 06:28:16,001 --> 06:28:18,000 PLEASE. 6971 06:28:18,001 --> 06:28:19,000 THE SENATOR FROM IOWA. 6972 06:28:19,001 --> 06:28:24,000 MR. GRASSLEY: OK. 6973 06:28:24,001 --> 06:28:28,000 MR. PRESIDENT, I RISE TODAY TO 6974 06:28:28,001 --> 06:28:32,000 RESPOND TO BRIAN 6975 06:28:32,001 --> 06:28:34,000 ARTICLE PUBLISHED AUGUST 31, 6976 06:28:34,001 --> 06:28:37,000 2009, IN 6977 06:28:37,001 --> 06:28:40,000 ENTITLED "THE REAL COST OF CHEAP FOOD." 6978 06:28:40,001 --> 06:28:42,000 I WOULD ASK PEOPLE TO READ 6979 06:28:42,001 --> 06:28:44,000 BUT ALSO AS YOU READ IT, TAKE 6980 06:28:44,001 --> 06:28:46,000 INTO CONSIDERATION MY VIEW OF IT. 6981 06:28:46,001 --> 06:28:47,000 MY VIEW OF IT ISN'T VERY 6982 06:28:47,001 --> 06:28:48,000 POSITIVE. 6983 06:28:48,001 --> 06:28:53,000 THE PRESIDING OFFICER: EXCUSE ME. 6984 06:28:53,001 --> 06:28:54,000 THE SENATE'S NOT IN ORDER. 6985 06:28:54,001 --> 06:28:57,000 THANK YOU. 6986 06:28:57,001 --> 06:29:00,000 THE SENATOR FROM IOWA. 6987 06:29:00,001 --> 06:29:02,000 MR. GRASSLEY: I SAY MY VIEW OF 6988 06:29:02,001 --> 06:29:04,000 MR. WALSH'S ARTICLE IS NOT VERY 6989 06:29:04,001 --> 06:29:07,000 POSITIVE BECAUSE, UNFORTUNATELY, 6990 06:29:07,001 --> 06:29:13,000 I SEE THIS ARTICLE AS ONE OF THE 6991 06:29:13,001 --> 06:29:16,000 MOST SKEWED AND ONE-SIDED 6992 06:29:16,001 --> 06:29:18,000 ARTICLES I'VE EVER HAD THE 6993 06:29:18,001 --> 06:29:20,000 OPPORTUNITY TO READ, 6994 06:29:20,001 --> 06:29:24,000 PARTICULARLY IN MAINSTR MEDIA. 6995 06:29:24,001 --> 06:29:25,000 THIS REPORT WAS FAR FROM 6996 06:29:25,001 --> 06:29:27,000 OBJECTIVE JOURNALISM. 6997 06:29:27,001 --> 06:29:28,000 IT SEEMS TO ME WHEN PEOPLE ARE 6998 06:29:28,001 --> 06:29:30,000 TALKING ABOUT AMERICA'S FOOD 6999 06:29:30,001 --> 06:29:32,000 CRIS AND HOW TO FIX IT, IT 7000 06:29:32,001 --> 06:29:34,000 OUGHT TO BE VERY I 7001 06:29:34,001 --> 06:29:37,000 ACCURATE. 7002 06:29:37,001 --> 06:29:39,000 BEFORE OUTLINING THE 7003 06:29:39,001 --> 06:29:40,000 FACTUAL ERRORS THAT THE AUTHOR 7004 06:29:40,001 --> 06:29:44,000 PRESENTS IN HIS ARTICLE, I WILL 7005 06:29:44,001 --> 06:29:47,000 MENTION THAT 7006 06:29:47,001 --> 06:29:51,000 AND SUSTAINABLE AGRICULTURE. 7007 06:29:51,001 --> 06:29:53,000 IN FACT, NORMAN BORLOG, FATHER 7008 06:29:53,001 --> 06:29:56,000 OF THE GREEN REVOLUTION, AND 7009 06:29:56,001 --> 06:29:58,000 FROM MY HOME STATE OF IOWA, IS 7010 06:29:58,001 --> 06:30:00,000 CREDITED FOR CREATING A 7011 06:30:00,001 --> 06:30:02,000 SUSTAINABLE AGRICULTURAL SYSTEM 7012 06:30:02,001 --> 06:30:06,000 DECADES AGO. 7013 06:30:06,001 --> 06:30:09,000 AND, AS YOU MAYNOW, THE -- THE 7014 06:30:09,001 --> 06:30:12,000 NOBEL PEACE PRIZE WINNER OF 7015 06:30:12,001 --> 06:30:14,000 1970, N 7016 06:30:14,001 --> 06:30:18,000 I JUST REFERRED TO, RECENTLY 7017 06:30:18,001 --> 06:30:21,000 PASSED AWAY AT 7018 06:30:21,001 --> 06:30:22,000 WHAT THIS ARTICLE REFERS TO THE 7019 06:30:22,001 --> 06:30:25,000 NYMAN RANCH. 7020 06:30:25,001 --> 06:30:26,000 WHAT NYMAN RANCH AND OTHER 7021 06:30:26,001 --> 06:30:29,000 ORGANIC FARMERS ACROSS IOWA AND 7022 06:30:29,001 --> 06:30:30,000 OUR NATION ARE GOING IS TO BE 7023 06:30:30,001 --> 06:30:31,000 COMMENDED. 7024 06:30:31,001 --> 06:30:33,000 THESE PRODUCERS ARE PROVIDING 7025 06:30:33,001 --> 06:30:36,000 ADDITIONAL CHOICES TO CONSUMERS 7026 06:30:36,001 --> 06:30:39,000 AND CREATING HIGHLY PROFITABLE 7027 06:30:39,001 --> 06:30:40,000 SMALL FARMS WHICH CAN HELP 7028 06:30:40,001 --> 06:30:43,000 SUSTAIN RURAL COMMUNITIES. 7029 06:30:43,001 --> 06:30:45,000 IN FACT, THE NATIONAL 7030 06:30:45,001 --> 06:30:50,000 AGRICULTURAL STATISTICS SERVICE 7031 06:30:50,001 --> 06:30:53,000 REPORTS THAT IN 2007, 7032 06:30:53,001 --> 06:30:54,000 ORGANIC FARMS WERE LOCATED IN MY 7033 06:30:54,001 --> 06:30:56,000 STATE OF IOWA. 7034 06:30:56,001 --> 06:30:59,000 THAT BEING SAID, I'M 7035 06:30:59,001 --> 06:31:00,000 DISAPPOINTED THAT AN INFORMATION 7036 06:31:00,001 --> 06:31:04,000 SOURCE LIKE I REFERRED TO FROM 7037 06:31:04,001 --> 06:31:09,000 "TIME" MAGAZINE BY THE AUTHOR 7038 06:31:09,001 --> 06:31:13,000 MR. WALSH 7039 06:31:13,001 --> 06:31:16,000 MAGAZINE TO BE KNOWN AS A NEWS 7040 06:31:16,001 --> 06:31:18,000 MAGAZINE HAS RESORTED TO AN 7041 06:31:18,001 --> 06:31:21,000 INACCURATE, INCOMPLETE, AND 7042 06:31:21,001 --> 06:31:23,000 UNFAIR REFLECTION OF FAMILY 7043 06:31:23,001 --> 06:31:26,000 FARMERS, AND I WAN TO EMPHASIZE 7044 06:31:26,001 --> 06:31:27,000 THE WORD 7045 06:31:27,001 --> 06:31:28,000 WITH "FARMERS" FROM ACROSS THE 7046 06:31:28,001 --> 06:31:31,000 UNITED STATES. 7047 06:31:31,001 --> 06:31:35,000 SO I TAKE A FEW MINUTES HERE ON 7048 06:31:35,001 --> 06:31:37,000 THE SENATE FLOOR TO REFUTE A FEW 7049 06:31:37,001 --> 06:31:38,000 MAIN POINTS THAT THIS AUTHOR HAS 7050 06:31:38,001 --> 06:31:42,000 MADE. 7051 06:31:42,001 --> 06:31:45,000 FIRST, I WANT TO DISCUSS HOW OUR 7052 06:31:45,001 --> 06:31:48,000 NATION'S FARMERS ARE STEWARDS OF 7053 06:31:48,001 --> 06:31:49,000 OUR LAND, PROTECTING AND CARING 7054 06:31:49,001 --> 06:31:50,000 FOR THEIR LIVESTOCK AND OUR 7055 06:31:50,001 --> 06:31:54,000 ENVIRONMENT. 7056 06:31:54,001 --> 06:31:56,000 SECONDLY, I WAN 7057 06:31:56,001 --> 06:31:59,000 POPULATION GROWTH AND THE 7058 06:31:59,001 --> 06:32:01,000 GROWING DEMANDS TO PRODUCE SAFE 7059 06:32:01,001 --> 06:32:03,000 AND AFFORDABLE 7060 06:32:03,001 --> 06:32:06,000 AND FINALLY, I WILL ADDRESS HOW 7061 06:32:06,001 --> 06:32:11,000 BOTH ORGANIC AGRICULTURE AND 7062 06:32:11,001 --> 06:32:13,000 CONVENTIONAL AGRICUL 7063 06:32:13,001 --> 06:32:15,000 COMPLEMENTARY NEEDS AND CAN 7064 06:32:15,001 --> 06:32:18,000 COEXIST IN HARMONY. 7065 06:32:18,001 --> 06:32:21,000 AS 7066 06:32:21,001 --> 06:32:22,000 I HAVE BEEN A FAMILY FARMER ALL 7067 06:32:22,001 --> 06:32:24,000 MY LIFE. 7068 06:32:24,001 --> 06:32:28,000 NOW, OF COURSE, I HAVE 7069 06:32:28,001 --> 06:32:30,000 CREDIT TO MY SON ROBIN FOR DOING 7070 06:32:30,001 --> 06:32:34,000 MOST OF THE WORK ON THE FARM AND 7071 06:32:34,001 --> 06:32:37,000 A GRANDSON IN THAT FARMING OPERATION. 7072 06:32:37,001 --> 06:32:38,000 AND ONE THING YOU FIND OUT AS A 7073 06:32:38,001 --> 06:32:40,000 GRANDFATHER, WHEN YOU 7074 06:32:40,001 --> 06:32:42,000 GRANDSON IN THE FARMING 7075 06:32:42,001 --> 06:32:44,000 OPERATION, GREARS -- GRANDFATHERS AREN'T QUITE AS 7076 06:32:44,001 --> 06:32:47,000 IMPORTANT AS THEY USED TO BE. 7077 06:32:47,001 --> 06:32:48,000 BUT MY SON ROBIN AND I CRO 7078 06:32:48,001 --> 06:32:50,000 SHARE OUR LAND AND WE HAVE TAKEN 7079 06:32:50,001 --> 06:32:51,000 GREAT PRIDE OVER THE YEARS IN 7080 06:32:51,001 --> 06:32:53,000 BOTH CARING FOR OUR LIVESTOCK 7081 06:32:53,001 --> 06:32:55,000 AND CONSERVING OUR NATURAL 7082 06:32:55,001 --> 06:32:58,000 RESOURCES WHILE PRODUCING 7083 06:32:58,001 --> 06:33:00,000 BOUNTIFUL CORN AND SOIBEAN 7084 06:33:00,001 --> 06:33:01,000 HARVESTS. 7085 06:33:01,001 --> 06:33:03,000 WE'RE NOT UNLIKE TENS OF 7086 06:33:03,001 --> 06:33:05,000 THOUSANDS OF OTHER FARMERS 7087 06:33:05,001 --> 06:33:06,000 ACROSS IOWA AND THIS COUNTRY 7088 06:33:06,001 --> 06:33:10,000 WHOSE LIVELIHOOD DEPENDS ON 7089 06:33:10,001 --> 06:33:12,000 TAKING CARE OF OUR AND ANIMALS. 7090 06:33:12,001 --> 06:33:15,000 AND I WOULD GIVE CREDIT TO THE 7091 06:33:15,001 --> 06:33:17,000 NEW OCCUPANT OF THE PRESIDING 7092 06:33:17,001 --> 06:33:18,000 OFFICER'S CHAIR, SENATOR TESTER, 7093 06:33:18,001 --> 06:33:21,000 FROM MONTANA, FOR BEING ANOTHER 7094 06:33:21,001 --> 06:33:23,000 FAMILY FARMER AS WELL AND BEING 7095 06:33:23,001 --> 06:33:26,000 A GOOD CARETAKER OF THE ENVIRONMENT. 7096 06:33:26,001 --> 06:33:28,000 WITH FINAL PASSAGE OF THE FOOD 7097 06:33:28,001 --> 06:33:30,000 CONSERVATION AND ENERGY ACT OF 7098 06:33:30,001 --> 06:33:32,000 2008, ALSO KNOWN AS THE FARM 7099 06:33:32,001 --> 06:33:35,000 BILL, CONGRESS MADE ONE OF THE 7100 06:33:35,001 --> 06:33:36,000 LARGEST COMMITMENTS TO 7101 06:33:36,001 --> 06:33:40,000 CONSERVATION THAT THIS NATION 7102 06:33:40,001 --> 06:33:41,000 HAS EVER SEEN. 7103 06:33:41,001 --> 06:33:45,000 AN ADDITIONAL $6 BILLION IN NEW 7104 06:33:45,001 --> 06:33:47,000 MONEY 7105 06:33:47,001 --> 06:33:50,000 LANDS PROGRAMS SUCH AS 7106 06:33:50,001 --> 06:33:53,000 CONSERVATION STEWARDSHIP 7107 06:33:53,001 --> 06:33:55,000 PROGRAM, THE WETLANDS RESERVE 7108 06:33:55,001 --> 06:33:56,000 PROGRAM, AND THE FARM LAND 7109 06:33:56,001 --> 06:34:00,000 PROTECTION PROGRAM. 7110 06:34:00,001 --> 06:34:02,000 EVEN ON MY OWN FARM, WE USED NO 7111 06:34:02,001 --> 06:34:06,000 TILL FOR OUR BEANS, MINIMUM 7112 06:34:06,001 --> 06:34:08,000 TILLAGE FOR OUR CORN, AND WE PUT 7113 06:34:08,001 --> 06:34:10,000 IN WETLANDS, A WATERWAY AND A 7114 06:34:10,001 --> 06:34:12,000 GRASS STRIP, EVEN THOUGH WE 7115 06:34:12,001 --> 06:34:15,000 MOSTLY FLAT FARM LAND. 7116 06:34:15,001 --> 06:34:18,000 ROBIN AND I ARE REQUIRED TO DO THIS. 7117 06:34:18,001 --> 06:34:21,000 WE DO IT BECAUSE WE KNOW AS 7118 06:34:21,001 --> 06:34:23,000 STEWARDS OF OUR ENVIRONMENT, OUR 7119 06:34:23,001 --> 06:34:24,000 FARM WILL BENEFIT IN THE LONG 7120 06:34:24,001 --> 06:34:27,000 RUN. 7121 06:34:27,001 --> 06:34:28,000 IN OTHER WORDS, IT'S 7122 06:34:28,001 --> 06:34:30,000 ECONOMICALLY GOOD TO BE GOOD 7123 06:34:30,001 --> 06:34:33,000 STEWARDS OF THE LAND. 7124 06:34:33,001 --> 06:34:35,000 IT PUTS MONEY IN YOUR POCKET. 7125 06:34:35,001 --> 06:34:38,000 AND WE'LLE ABLE TO THEN IN THE 7126 06:34:38,001 --> 06:34:41,000 FINAL ANALYSIS PASS THE 7127 06:34:41,001 --> 06:34:42,000 OPERATION DOWN TO OUR 7128 06:34:42,001 --> 06:34:45,000 GRANDCHILDREN AND GREAT 7129 06:34:45,001 --> 06:34:47,000 GRANDCHILDREN. 7130 06:34:47,001 --> 06:34:48,000 THAT'S ONE OF THE MAIN POINTS 7131 06:34:48,001 --> 06:34:51,000 THE AUTHOR OF THE "TIME 7132 06:34:51,001 --> 06:34:52,000 ARTICLE, MR. WALSH, TOTALLY 7133 06:34:52,001 --> 06:34:56,000 MISSES. 7134 06:34:56,001 --> 06:34:58,000 HE BASICALLY DEMONIZES 7135 06:34:58,001 --> 06:35:00,000 PRODUCTION AGRICULTURE. 7136 06:35:00,001 --> 06:35:01,000 MR. WALSH I 7137 06:35:01,001 --> 06:35:05,000 FAMILY FARMERS IN OUR COUNTRY 7138 06:35:05,001 --> 06:35:09,000 ARE THOSE WHO LIVE ON 30 ACRES 7139 06:35:09,001 --> 06:35:11,000 OF 7140 06:35:11,001 --> 06:35:14,000 BE FURTHER FROM THE TRUTH. 7141 06:35:14,001 --> 06:35:18,000 FAMILY FARMERS CAN OPERATE SMALL 7142 06:35:18,001 --> 06:35:20,000 FARMS, BUT THEY CAN ALSO OPERATE 7143 06:35:20,001 --> 06:35:21,000 LARGE FARMS, AND IF GIVEN THE 7144 06:35:21,001 --> 06:35:24,000 OPPORTUNITY, THEY WANT TO BE 7145 06:35:24,001 --> 06:35:25,000 ABLE TO PASS THAT FARM ON TO 7146 06:35:25,001 --> 06:35:26,000 FUTURE GENERATIONS OF THE 7147 06:35:26,001 --> 06:35:29,000 FAMILY. 7148 06:35:29,001 --> 06:35:33,000 IT MAKES ABSOLUTELY NO SENSE TO 7149 06:35:33,001 --> 06:35:36,000 IMPLY THAT THESE PRODUCERS WOULD 7150 06:35:36,001 --> 06:35:39,000 PURPOSELY DEPLETE OUR RESOURCES 7151 06:35:39,001 --> 06:35:41,000 R A QUICK BUCK. 7152 06:35:41,001 --> 06:35:44,000 THERE HAS NEVER BEEN A QUICK 7153 06:35:44,001 --> 06:35:46,000 BUCK IN FARMING, BUT I CAN 7154 06:35:46,001 --> 06:35:49,000 PROVIDE -- BUT IT CAN PROVIDE 7155 06:35:49,001 --> 06:35:50,000 OVER A 7156 06:35:50,001 --> 06:35:52,000 SUSTAINABLE LIFESTYLE. 7157 06:35:52,001 --> 06:35:55,000 I'M GOING TO USE THREE CHARTS 7158 06:35:55,001 --> 06:35:57,000 DURING MY PRESENTATION, AND THE 7159 06:35:57,001 --> 06:36:00,000 FIRST ONE ISNE THAT'S GOING TO 7160 06:36:00,001 --> 06:36:03,000 BE USED TO REFUTE SOME OF THE 7161 06:36:03,001 --> 06:36:06,000 ACCUSATI 7162 06:36:06,001 --> 06:36:07,000 PRODUCERS AROUND THE UNITED 7163 06:36:07,001 --> 06:36:10,000 STATES CONTINUE TO BECOME MORE 7164 06:36:10,001 --> 06:36:12,000 AND MORE EFFICIENT IN THEIR 7165 06:36:12,001 --> 06:36:17,000 PRODUCTION PRACTICES, AND THIS 7166 06:36:17,001 --> 06:36:19,000 CHART SHOWS IN THE LAST 25 YEARS 7167 06:36:19,001 --> 06:36:23,000 , WE HAVE BEEN ABLE TO 7168 06:36:23,001 --> 06:36:25,000 PRODUCE MORE BUSHELS OF CORN 7169 06:36:25,001 --> 06:36:26,000 WITH LESS FERTILIZER. 7170 06:36:26,001 --> 06:36:28,000 NOW, GET THIS. 7171 06:36:28,001 --> 06:36:32,000 EVERYBODY THINKS THE COMMERCIAL 7172 06:36:32,001 --> 06:36:34,000 AND FAMILY FARMERS -- FARMER IS 7173 06:36:34,001 --> 06:36:35,000 JUST POURING ON THE FERTILIZER 7174 06:36:35,001 --> 06:36:38,000 WITHOUT ANY CARE WHATSOEVER 7175 06:36:38,001 --> 06:36:40,000 ABOUT THE ENVIRONMENT, JUST TO 7176 06:36:40,001 --> 06:36:43,000 PRODUCE, PRODUCE, PRODUCE. 7177 06:36:43,001 --> 06:36:46,000 BUT THAT DOESN'T MAKE YOU MONEY, 7178 06:36:46,001 --> 06:36:49,000 AND PARTICULARLY IN RECENT YEARS 7179 06:36:49,001 --> 06:36:54,000 WITH THE HIGH INCREASE IN THE 7180 06:36:54,001 --> 06:36:55,000 PRICE OF PHOSPHOROUS, POTASSIUM, 7181 06:36:55,001 --> 06:36:58,000 AND ESPECIALLY NITROGEN. 7182 06:36:58,001 --> 06:37:00,000 THIS IS ABSOLUTELY 7183 06:37:00,001 --> 06:37:02,000 COURSE TO GO IF YOU'RE A FARMER 7184 06:37:02,001 --> 06:37:04,000 THAT JUST THINKS POURING MORE 7185 06:37:04,001 --> 06:37:05,000 FERTILIZER ON IS GOING TO MAKE 7186 06:37:05,001 --> 06:37:08,000 YOU MORE MONEY. 7187 06:37:08,001 --> 06:37:10,000 BUT WHAT WE SHOW HERE IS IN THE 7188 06:37:10,001 --> 06:37:14,000 LAST 25 YEARS, WE HAVE BEEN ABLE 7189 06:37:14,001 --> 06:37:17,000 TO PRODUCE MORE CORN WITH EVEN 7190 06:37:17,001 --> 06:37:19,000 LESS FERTILIZER, AND YOU CAN SEE 7191 06:37:19,001 --> 06:37:25,000 IT HERE IN THE DOWNWARD TRENDS 7192 06:37:25,001 --> 06:37:27,000 OF NITROGEN, PHOSPHATE 7193 06:37:27,001 --> 06:37:28,000 POTASH. 7194 06:37:28,001 --> 06:37:31,000 WE USE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF 7195 06:37:31,001 --> 06:37:35,000 AGRICULTURAL DATA COMPILED BY 7196 06:37:35,001 --> 06:37:38,000 THE FERTILIZER INSTITUTE THAT 7197 06:37:38,001 --> 06:37:42,000 NITROGEN, PHOSPHATE AND POTASH 7198 06:37:42,001 --> 06:37:43,000 EFFICIENCY ARE GROWING. 7199 06:37:43,001 --> 06:37:45,000 -- GROWING IN CORN PRODUCTION. 7200 06:37:45,001 --> 06:37:47,000 TO PUT I ANOTHER WAY, WE'RE 7201 06:37:47,001 --> 06:37:50,000 GROWING MORE BUSHELS OF CORN PER 7202 06:37:50,001 --> 06:37:52,000 POUND OF NUTRIENT APPLIED. 7203 06:37:52,001 --> 06:37:56,000 THIS IS IN DIRECT CONTRADICTION 7204 06:37:56,001 --> 06:38:00,000 TO THE IMPRESSION THAT "TIME" 7205 06:38:00,001 --> 06:38:01,000 MAGAZINE AUTHOR 7206 06:38:01,001 --> 06:38:06,000 WITH H STATEMENTS. 7207 06:38:06,001 --> 06:38:08,000 WE KNOW THAT THE HYPOXIA IS 7208 06:38:08,001 --> 06:38:11,000 PARTLY A NATURAL PHENOMENON, BUT 7209 06:38:11,001 --> 06:38:13,000 SCIENTISTS GENERALLY AGREE THAT 7210 06:38:13,001 --> 06:38:15,000 NITRATES FROM AGRICULTURE AND 7211 06:38:15,001 --> 06:38:16,000 OTHER MAN MADE FACTORS 7212 06:38:16,001 --> 06:38:19,000 CONTRIBUTE TO IT. 7213 06:38:19,001 --> 06:38:21,000 WHEN THE HYPOXIA ZONE FORMS -- 7214 06:38:21,001 --> 06:38:23,000 AND MOST OF THE TIME WE TALK 7215 06:38:23,001 --> 06:38:25,000 ABOUT THIS IN THE GULF OF 7216 06:38:25,001 --> 06:38:27,000 MEXICO -- IT DOES, IN FACT, 7217 06:38:27,001 --> 06:38:31,000 DISPLACE FISH, BUT IT IS 7218 06:38:31,001 --> 06:38:34,000 PARTICULARLY UNFAIR TO TRY TO 7219 06:38:34,001 --> 06:38:37,000 QUANTIFY IMPACTS ON THE FISHING 7220 06:38:37,001 --> 06:38:38,000 INDUSTRY BECAUSE THERE ISN'T 7221 06:38:38,001 --> 06:38:39,000 SUFFICIENT DATA TO BACK THAT 7222 06:38:39,001 --> 06:38:41,000 CLAIM UP. 7223 06:38:41,001 --> 06:38:43,000 TECHNOLOGY HAS ALLOWED FARMERS 7224 06:38:43,001 --> 06:38:47,000 TO APPLY THE EXACT AMOUNT OF 7225 06:38:47,001 --> 06:38:49,000 FERTILIZER IN THE RIGHT WAY SO 7226 06:38:49,001 --> 06:38:54,000 THAT THERE ISN'T EXCESS. 7227 06:38:54,001 --> 06:38:55,000 HOWEVER, EVEN ORGANIC FARMING, 7228 06:38:55,001 --> 06:39:00,000 WHICH THE AUTHOR SEEMS TO HOLD 7229 06:39:00,001 --> 06:39:02,000 IN HIGHEST OF ESTEEM, USES 7230 06:39:02,001 --> 06:39:05,000 MANURE FROM ANIMALS FOR 7231 06:39:05,001 --> 06:39:08,000 FERTILIZER, WHICH ALSO CONTAINS 7232 06:39:08,001 --> 06:39:10,000 NITROGEN AND SOIL NATURALLY 7233 06:39:10,001 --> 06:39:12,000 CONTAINS NITROGEN THAT UNDER 7234 06:39:12,001 --> 06:39:15,000 CERTAIN CIRCUMSTANCES OF TOO 7235 06:39:15,001 --> 06:39:19,000 MUCH RAIN OR TOO MUCH 7236 06:39:19,001 --> 06:39:21,000 IN THE GROUND CAN EVENTUALLY GET 7237 06:39:21,001 --> 06:39:23,000 INTO OUR STREAMS. 7238 06:39:23,001 --> 06:39:26,000 THAT'S TRUE WHETHER IT'S NATURAL 7239 06:39:26,001 --> 06:39:29,000 FR 7240 06:39:29,001 --> 06:39:31,000 FROM COMMERCIAL FERTILIZER. 7241 06:39:31,001 --> 06:39:34,000 FARMERS HAVE BEEN EMPLOYING 7242 06:39:34,001 --> 06:39:36,000 CONSERVATION PRACTICES LIKE NO 7243 06:39:36,001 --> 06:39:38,000 TILL, BUFFER STRIPS AND WETLANDS 7244 06:39:38,001 --> 06:39:42,000 JUST LIKE IAVE ON MY FARM TO 7245 06:39:42,001 --> 06:39:43,000 PREVENT SOIL EROSION AND KEEP 7246 06:39:43,001 --> 06:39:47,000 RUN-OFF FROM GOING DIRECTLY INTO 7247 06:39:47,001 --> 06:39:49,000 THE WATERWAYS FOR YEARS. 7248 06:39:49,001 --> 06:39:51,000 AND I ANTICIPATE THAT ESPECIALLY 7249 06:39:51,001 --> 06:39:55,000 UNDER THIS NEW FARM BILL THAT 7250 06:39:55,001 --> 06:39:57,000 THESE PRACTICES WILL GROW. 7251 06:39:57,001 --> 06:40:01,000 IN ADDITION, RESEARCH IS 7252 06:40:01,001 --> 06:40:02,000 STARTING TO SHIFT ON HYPOXIA 7253 06:40:02,001 --> 06:40:04,000 ISSUES IN REGARD TO THE GULF OF 7254 06:40:04,001 --> 06:40:06,000 MEXICO. 7255 06:40:06,001 --> 06:40:09,000 THERE IS INCREASING RECOGNITION 7256 06:40:09,001 --> 06:40:11,000 THAT CAUSES OF HYPOXIA RELATE 7257 06:40:11,001 --> 06:40:14,000 STRONGLY TO MANMADE ALTERATION 7258 06:40:14,001 --> 06:40:16,000 OF THE ENTIRE SYSTEM INCLUDING 7259 06:40:16,001 --> 06:40:22,000 CHANNELIZATION OF THE 7260 06:40:22,001 --> 06:40:23,000 MISSISSIPPI, REVERSAL OF THE 7261 06:40:23,001 --> 06:40:25,000 ECHAFALIA RIVER IN ALABAMA, AND 7262 06:40:25,001 --> 06:40:28,000 EXTREME LOSS OF WETLANDS AND 7263 06:40:28,001 --> 06:40:31,000 BARRIER ISLANDS THAT FILTER 7264 06:40:31,001 --> 06:40:35,000 NUTRIENTS AND PROTECT AGAINST 7265 06:40:35,001 --> 06:40:37,000 STORM SURGES, NOT SOLELY 7266 06:40:37,001 --> 06:40:40,000 NUTRIENT ISSUES, AS THIS AUTHOR 7267 06:40:40,001 --> 06:40:43,000 WOULD IMPLY. 7268 06:40:43,001 --> 06:40:46,000 THE UNITED STATES ENVIRONMENTAL 7269 06:40:46,001 --> 06:40:49,000 PROTECTION AGENCY E.P.A., THE 7270 06:40:49,001 --> 06:40:53,000 E.P.A. VALENTINES ADVISORY BOARD 7271 06:40:53,001 --> 06:40:56,000 HAS A HYPOXIA REPORT OUT 7272 06:40:56,001 --> 06:40:58,000 INDICATING THAT 22% OF THE 7273 06:40:58,001 --> 06:41:01,000 NITROGEN AND 34% OF THE 7274 06:41:01,001 --> 06:41:04,000 PHOSPHOROUS LOADS CAN BE 7275 06:41:04,001 --> 06:41:06,000 ATTRIBUTED TO POINT SOURCE 7276 06:41:06,001 --> 06:41:11,000 RATHER THAN AGRICULTURE AS FAR 7277 06:41:11,001 --> 06:41:13,000 AS THE HYPOXIA PROBLEM IN THE 7278 06:41:13,001 --> 06:41:14,000 GULF OF MEXICO IS CONCERNED. 7279 06:41:14,001 --> 06:41:18,000 ADDITION, THE ENVIRONMENTAL 7280 06:41:18,001 --> 06:41:21,000 PROTECTION AGENCY ESTIMATES THAT 7281 06:41:21,001 --> 06:41:23,000 OVER TWO TRILLION GALLONS OF 7282 06:41:23,001 --> 06:41:25,000 UNTREATED COMBINED SEWER OVER 7283 06:41:25,001 --> 06:41:27,000 FLOW RUN INTO OUR NATION'S 7284 06:41:27,001 --> 06:41:30,000 WATERWAYS EACH YEAR, A THE 7285 06:41:30,001 --> 06:41:32,000 ARMY CORPS OF ENGINEERS PREDICT 7286 06:41:32,001 --> 06:41:35,000 PROJECTS DUMP MILLIONS OF YARDS 7287 06:41:35,001 --> 06:41:38,000 OF NUTRIENT-RICH SOIL INTO THE 7288 06:41:38,001 --> 06:41:41,000 MISSOURI AND OTHER RIVERS FOR 7289 06:41:41,001 --> 06:41:43,000 HABITAT RESTORATION PURPOSES 7290 06:41:43,001 --> 06:41:45,000 THAT ALSO CONTRIBUTE. 7291 06:41:45,001 --> 06:41:47,000 THESE TYPES OF DREDGING PROJECTS 7292 06:41:47,001 --> 06:41:50,000 IN THE MISSOURI RIVER FLOOD 7293 06:41:50,001 --> 06:41:55,000 PLAIN ALONE MAY REP 7294 06:41:55,001 --> 06:41:57,000 MUCH AS 8% OF THE SPRING'S TOTAL 7295 06:41:57,001 --> 06:41:59,000 PHOSPHOROUS DISCHARGE, LEADING 7296 06:41:59,001 --> 06:42:00,000 TO PROBLEMS IN THE GULF OF 7297 06:42:00,001 --> 06:42:02,000 MEXICO. 7298 06:42:02,001 --> 06:42:05,000 TECHNOLOGY IN CORN PRODUCTION IN 7299 06:42:05,001 --> 06:42:08,000 THE UNITED STATES OVER THE LAST 7300 06:42:08,001 --> 06:42:14,000 100 YEARS HAS BEEN REMARKABLE. 7301 06:42:14,001 --> 06:42:17,000 FROM ABOUT 1860- 7302 06:42:17,001 --> 06:42:20,000 AVERAGED ABOUT JUST 25 BUSHELS PER ACRE. 7303 06:42:20,001 --> 06:42:22,000 NOT UNTIL THE 1950'S THROUGH 7304 06:42:22,001 --> 06:42:26,000 1980'S WHEN CORN BREEDERS BEGAN 7305 06:42:26,001 --> 06:42:27,000 USING DOUBLECROSS 7306 06:42:27,001 --> 06:42:30,000 SINGLE 7307 06:42:30,001 --> 06:42:31,000 SEE THESE GREAT ADVANCES IN 7308 06:42:31,001 --> 06:42:34,000 YIELDS OF CORN. 7309 06:42:34,001 --> 06:42:36,000 JUST IN THE LAST TEN YEARS, WE 7310 06:42:36,001 --> 06:42:39,000 HAVE SEEN 7311 06:42:39,001 --> 06:42:42,000 BIOTECHNOLOGY WHICHAVE 7312 06:42:42,001 --> 06:42:45,000 PROVIDED YIELDS OVER 150 BUSHELS 7313 06:42:45,001 --> 06:42:48,000 PER ACRE, AND THIS AUTHOR, 7314 06:42:48,001 --> 06:42:52,000 MR. WALSH, CLEARLY VIEWS 7315 06:42:52,001 --> 06:42:55,000 BIOTECHNOLOGY AS A BAD THING 7316 06:42:55,001 --> 06:42:57,000 WHEN, IN 7317 06:42:57,001 --> 06:43:00,000 DROUGHT RESISTANCE AND NEWT 7318 06:43:00,001 --> 06:43:01,000 REPRESENTATIVE USE EFFICIENCY IS 7319 06:43:01,001 --> 06:43:05,000 ACTUALLY IMPROVING CORN'S 7320 06:43:05,001 --> 06:43:07,000 PERFORMANCES WITH LESS INPUTS, 7321 06:43:07,001 --> 06:43:10,000 AS DEMONSTRATED BY THIS CHART. 7322 06:43:10,001 --> 06:43:11,000 MANY OF OUR TECHNOLOGY COMPANIES 7323 06:43:11,001 --> 06:43:15,000 ARE EXPECTING THEIR YIELD TRENDS 7324 06:43:15,001 --> 06:43:17,000 TO EXCEED 300-BUSHEL PER ACRE IN 7325 06:43:17,001 --> 06:43:19,000 COMING YEARS, AND FOR SOMEONE 7326 06:43:19,001 --> 06:43:21,000 LIKE ME WHO HAS BEEN FARMING FOR 7327 06:43:21,001 --> 06:43:24,000 50 YEARS, IT'S ALMOST 7328 06:43:24,001 --> 06:43:27,000 UNIMAGINABLE BUT EXCITING AT THE 7329 06:43:27,001 --> 06:43:31,000 SAME 7330 06:43:31,001 --> 06:43:32,000 PROJECTED YIELDS THAT WE'RE 7331 06:43:32,001 --> 06:43:36,000 HEARING FROM. 7332 06:43:36,001 --> 06:43:37,000 I WANT TO TURN TO ANOTHER CHART 7333 06:43:37,001 --> 06:43:40,000 NOW. 7334 06:43:40,001 --> 06:43:42,000 IT DEALS WITH ANOTHER ISSUE 7335 06:43:42,001 --> 06:43:43,000 THAT'S VERY IMPORTANT FOR US TO 7336 06:43:43,001 --> 06:43:46,000 UNDERSTAND WHEN WE'RE TALKING 7337 06:43:46,001 --> 06:43:48,000 ABOU 7338 06:43:48,001 --> 06:43:55,000 AND REDUCING POLLUTION. 7339 06:43:55,001 --> 06:43:57,000 IN FACT, 7340 06:43:57,001 --> 06:44:01,000 90 MILLION ACRES -- NOW, LET ME 7341 06:44:01,001 --> 06:44:04,000 PUT 90 MILLION ACRES IN -- IN 7342 06:44:04,001 --> 06:44:06,000 COMPARISON TO ABOUT 90 MILLION ACRES. 7343 06:44:06,001 --> 06:44:08,000 I THINK IT'S MORE LIKE 7344 06:44:08,001 --> 06:44:13,000 87 MILLION ACRES THIS YEAR OF 7345 06:44:13,001 --> 06:44:14,000 CORN BEING PRODUCED, OR TWO 7346 06:44:14,001 --> 06:44:16,000 CORN BEING PRODUCED. 7347 06:44:16,001 --> 06:44:18,000 SO I'M REFERRING TO 7348 06:44:18,001 --> 06:44:21,000 90 MILLION ACRES HERE ON THIS 7349 06:44:21,001 --> 06:44:26,000 CHART -- OR 7350 06:44:26,001 --> 06:44:28,000 IN 1950, 7351 06:44:28,001 --> 06:44:29,000 90 MILLION ACRES OF CROP LAND IN 7352 06:44:29,001 --> 06:44:31,000 AMERICA WAS SIMPLY USED TO FUEL 7353 06:44:31,001 --> 06:44:34,000 OUR AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTION. 7354 06:44:34,001 --> 06:44:36,000 SO LET'S GET IT STRAIGHT. 7355 06:44:36,001 --> 06:44:38,000 IT TOOK 90 MILLION ACRES OF 7356 06:44:38,001 --> 06:44:43,000 CROPS JUS 7357 06:44:43,001 --> 06:44:45,000 HORSES AND ALL OF THE MULES THAT 7358 06:44:45,001 --> 06:44:49,000 PROVIDED THE WORK AND THE ENERGY 7359 06:44:49,001 --> 06:44:50,000 ON OUR AGRICULTURAL LAND. 7360 06:44:50,001 --> 06:44:51,000 YOU KNOW, BEFORE THE TRACTORS 7361 06:44:51,001 --> 06:44:53,000 WERE INVENTED. 7362 06:44:53,001 --> 06:44:55,000 NOW, IF YOU ADD UP ALL OF THE 7363 06:44:55,001 --> 06:44:58,000 LAND IN THE UNITED STATES BEING 7364 06:44:58,001 --> 06:45:02,000 USED TO PRODUCE CORN, WHEAT, AND 7365 06:45:02,001 --> 06:45:03,000 SOYBEANS 7366 06:45:03,001 --> 06:45:06,000 ACRES TODAY. 7367 06:45:06,001 --> 06:45:07,000 SO LESS THAN 100 YEARS AGO WE 7368 06:45:07,001 --> 06:45:10,000 WOULD HAVE BEEN USING NEARLY 7369 06:45:10,001 --> 06:45:13,000 HALF OF THE ACRES IN THE UNITED 7370 06:45:13,001 --> 06:45:17,000 STES JUST TO FEED THE DRAFT 7371 06:45:17,001 --> 06:45:20,000 ANIMALS THAT PRODUCE THE POWER 7372 06:45:20,001 --> 06:45:26,000 TO TILL THE SOIL AND TO PRODUCE 7373 06:45:26,001 --> 06:45:28,000 OF CORN PER ACRE COMPARED TO THE 7374 06:45:28,001 --> 06:45:30,000 150-SOME BUSHELS PER AIRVEG NOW 7375 06:45:30,001 --> 06:45:32,000 THAT WE'LL -- ACRE NOW THAT WE 7376 06:45:32,001 --> 06:45:33,000 WILL HAVE IN THE UNITED STATES 7377 06:45:33,001 --> 06:45:35,000 OF CORN PRODUCTION. 7378 06:45:35,001 --> 06:45:41,000 BY 2050 IT'S ESTIMATED THAT THE 7379 06:45:41,001 --> 06:45:44,000 WORLD'S POPULATION WILL EXCEED 7380 06:45:44,001 --> 06:45:46,000 9.3 MILLION PEOPLE COMPARED TO 7381 06:45:46,001 --> 06:45:48,000 -- THAT'S 6 BILLION PEOPLE 7382 06:45:48,001 --> 06:45:50,000 COMPARED TO 6 7383 06:45:50,001 --> 06:45:54,000 NOW. 7384 06:45:54,001 --> 06:45:56,000 AS THE WORLD DEMANDS FOR KNEW 7385 06:45:56,001 --> 06:45:58,000 TRENT-RICH FOOD AND PROTEIN 7386 06:45:58,001 --> 06:46:02,000 CONTINUE TO GROW, AS BOTH INCOME 7387 06:46:02,001 --> 06:46:04,000 LE 7388 06:46:04,001 --> 06:46:06,000 DEVEPING NATIONS, AMERICA'S 7389 06:46:06,001 --> 06:46:09,000 FARMERS ARE READY TO ANSWER THAT 7390 06:46:09,001 --> 06:46:10,000 CALL TO HELP FEED THE INCREASING 7391 06:46:10,001 --> 06:46:11,000 NUMBER OF PEOPLE AROUND THE 7392 06:46:11,001 --> 06:46:13,000 WORLD. 7393 06:46:13,001 --> 06:46:16,000 AND MOST PEOPLE WOULD TELL YOU 7394 06:46:16,001 --> 06:46:18,000 TODAY NOT BY PUTTING MORE LAND 7395 06:46:18,001 --> 06:46:22,000 INTO PRODUCTION BUT BY GETTING 7396 06:46:22,001 --> 06:46:25,000 MORE FROM EACH ACRE OF LAND, AS 7397 06:46:25,001 --> 06:46:26,000 THAT PRODUCTIVITY AND YIELD 7398 06:46:26,001 --> 06:46:29,000 INCREASES VERY DRAMATICALLY, AS 7399 06:46:29,001 --> 06:46:31,000 IT HAS IN THE 7400 06:46:31,001 --> 06:46:34,000 INTO THE FIEWMP. 7401 06:46:34,001 --> 06:46:37,000 NOW, MR. WALSH OF "TIME" 7402 06:46:37,001 --> 06:46:38,000 MAGAZINE ATTACKS ANIMAL AGRICULTURE THROUGHOUT THIS 7403 06:46:38,001 --> 06:46:43,000 ARTICLE. 7404 06:46:43,001 --> 06:46:45,000 HIS THEME IS THAT IF ANIMAL 7405 06:46:45,001 --> 06:46:47,000 DOESN'T ROAM FREE ON THE WES 7406 06:46:47,001 --> 06:46:49,000 PRAIRIE AND EAT GRASS, IT SIMPLY 7407 06:46:49,001 --> 06:46:50,000 COULDN'T BE HEALTHY OR SAFE TO 7408 06:46:50,001 --> 06:46:53,000 EAT. 7409 06:46:53,001 --> 06:46:55,000 MR. WALSH CITES THE PEW 7410 06:46:55,001 --> 06:46:57,000 COMMISSION ON INDUSTRIAL FARM 7411 06:46:57,001 --> 06:47:00,000 ANIMAL PRODUCTION IN HIS 7412 06:47:00,001 --> 06:47:02,000 ANALYSIS OF WHY ANIMALS TREATED 7413 06:47:02,001 --> 06:47:05,000 WITH ANTIBIOTICS PRODUCE MEAT 7414 06:47:05,001 --> 06:47:08,000 UNSAFE TO EAT. 7415 06:47:08,001 --> 06:47:11,000 HOWEVER, THE AMERICAN VETERINARY 7416 06:47:11,001 --> 06:47:12,000 MEDICAL ASSOCIATION RESPONDED TO 7417 06:47:12,001 --> 06:47:16,000 THE PEW REPORT WITH A LENGTHY 7418 06:47:16,001 --> 06:47:19,000 REPORT OF THEIR OWN WHICH THE 7419 06:47:19,001 --> 06:47:22,000 AUTHOR, MR. WALSH, CONVENIENTLY 7420 06:47:22,001 --> 06:47:24,000 FAILS TO MENTION. 7421 06:47:24,001 --> 06:47:27,000 PERHAPS BECAUSE THE AMERICAN 7422 06:47:27,001 --> 06:47:32,000 VETERINARY MEDICINE ASSOCIATION 7423 06:47:32,001 --> 06:47:37,000 STUDY SAID -- QUOTE -- "A 7424 06:47:37,001 --> 06:47:39,000 SCIENTIFIC HUMAN-ANIMAL NEXUS 7425 06:47:39,001 --> 06:47:42,000 CONNECTING ANTIMICROBIAL 7426 06:47:42,001 --> 06:47:44,000 TREATMENTS IN ANIMALS WITH 7427 06:47:44,001 --> 06:47:46,000 FOODBORNE OR ENVIRONMENTALLY 7428 06:47:46,001 --> 06:47:48,000 CONTRACTED HUM DISEASES HAS 7429 06:47:48,001 --> 06:47:51,000 NOT BEEN PROVEN." 7430 06:47:51,001 --> 06:47:53,000 LIVESTOCK PRODUCERS TAKE VERY 7431 06:47:53,001 --> 06:47:55,000 SERIOUSLY THEIR RESPONSIBILITY 7432 06:47:55,001 --> 06:47:58,000 TO PROVIDE SAFE AND ABUNDANT 7433 06:47:58,001 --> 06:48:00,000 FOOD TO THE GENERAL PUBLIC. 7434 06:48:00,001 --> 06:48:03,000 DAIRY, POULTRY AND LIVESTOCK 7435 06:48:03,001 --> 06:48:06,000 FARMERS HAVE MADE A VOLUNTARY 7436 06:48:06,001 --> 06:48:08,000 COMMITMENT TO USING ANTIBIOTICS 7437 06:48:08,001 --> 06:48:11,000 RESPONSIBLY. 7438 06:48:11,001 --> 06:48:12,000 BY DEVELOPING RESPONSIBLE USE 7439 06:48:12,001 --> 06:48:15,000 GUIDELINES, THESE INDUSTRIES 7440 06:48:15,001 --> 06:48:19,000 HAVE PROACTIVELY TAKEN STEPS TO 7441 06:48:19,001 --> 06:48:22,000 SAFEGUARD BOTH HUMAN AND ANIMAL 7442 06:48:22,001 --> 06:48:24,000 HEALTH, AND MR. WALSH MAKES NO 7443 06:48:24,001 --> 06:48:28,000 ON ISSUE AFTER ISSUE, I'VE 7444 06:48:28,001 --> 06:48:29,000 WORKED ON MY MAIN PRIORITY, IS 7445 06:48:29,001 --> 06:48:32,000 THAT THE POLICY DECISIONS WE 7446 06:48:32,001 --> 06:48:34,000 MAKE MUSTING BASED ON SOUND 7447 06:48:34,001 --> 06:48:35,000 SCIENCE -- MUST BE BASED ON 7448 06:48:35,001 --> 06:48:37,000 SOUND SCIENCE AND 7449 06:48:37,001 --> 06:48:40,000 POLITICAL IDEOLOGY. 7450 06:48:40,001 --> 06:48:42,000 WE'VE SEEN STUDIES THAT INDICATE 7451 06:48:42,001 --> 06:48:45,000 THE RISK OF FOODBORNE BACTERIA 7452 06:48:45,001 --> 06:48:47,000 ON MEAT INCREASES WHEN 7453 06:48:47,001 --> 06:48:50,000 ANTIBIOTICS THAT HELP SUPPRESS 7454 06:48:50,001 --> 06:48:52,000 ANIMAL DISEASE ARE REMOVED, 7455 06:48:52,001 --> 06:48:55,000 ACTUALLY MAWING OUR FOOD -- 7456 06:48:55,001 --> 06:48:57,000 MAKING OUR FOOD LESS SAFE TO 7457 06:48:57,001 --> 06:48:58,000 EAT, AND DOES MR. WALSH TAKE 7458 06:48:58,001 --> 06:49:01,000 THAT INTO CONSIDERATION? 7459 06:49:01,001 --> 06:49:04,000 WE ONLY HAVE TO TURN TO OUR 7460 06:49:04,001 --> 06:49:08,000 NEIGHBOR ACROSS THE ATLANTIC TO 7461 06:49:08,001 --> 06:49:11,000 SEE HOW A BAN ON ANTIBIOTICS HAS 7462 06:49:11,001 --> 06:49:12,000 PLAYED OUT, BECAUSE THE EUROPEAN 7463 06:49:12,001 --> 06:49:16,000 UNION MADE A DECISION TO PHASE 7464 06:49:16,001 --> 06:49:18,000 OUT THE USE OF ANTIBIOTICS AS 7465 06:49:18,001 --> 06:49:21,000 GROWTH PROMOTERS OVER 15 YEARS 7466 06:49:21,001 --> 06:49:24,000 AGO, AND IN 1998 DENMARK 7467 06:49:24,001 --> 06:49:27,000 INSTITUTED A FULL VOLUNTARY BAN 7468 06:49:27,001 --> 06:49:33,000 WHICH 7469 06:49:33,001 --> 06:49:37,000 AFTER THE BAN WAS IMPLEMENTED IN 7470 06:49:37,001 --> 06:49:42,000 1999, PORK PRODUCERS SAW AN 7471 06:49:42,001 --> 06:49:45,000 IMMEDIATE INCREASE IN PIGLET 7472 06:49:45,001 --> 06:49:47,000 MORTALITY AND POSTWEANING DIARRHEA. 7473 06:49:47,001 --> 06:49:49,000 DR. SCOTT HERD, A FORMER U.S. 7474 06:49:49,001 --> 06:49:51,000 DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE DEPUTY 7475 06:49:51,001 --> 06:49:53,000 UNDER SECRETARY FOR FOOD AND 7476 06:49:53,001 --> 06:49:55,000 SAFETY AND A PROFESSOR AT IOWA 7477 06:49:55,001 --> 06:49:57,000 STATE UNIVERSITY COLLEGE OF 7478 06:49:57,001 --> 06:50:00,000 VETERINARY MEDICINE, RELEASED A 7479 06:50:00,001 --> 06:50:04,000 STUDY WHICH SHOWS THAT WHEN PIGS 7480 06:50:04,001 --> 06:50:06,000 HAVE BEEN SICK 7481 06:50:06,001 --> 06:50:09,000 THAT THEY HAVE GREATER PRESENCE 7482 06:50:09,001 --> 06:50:11,000 OF FOOD SAFETY PATHOGE ON 7483 06:50:11,001 --> 06:50:15,000 THEIR CARCASSES WHEN SLAUGHTERED. 7484 06:50:15,001 --> 06:50:18,000 SO I WANT 7485 06:50:18,001 --> 06:50:20,000 ON IN DENMARK 7486 06:50:20,001 --> 06:50:23,000 LAST CHART. 7487 06:50:23,001 --> 06:50:24,000 THE EFFECTS OF BANNING 7488 06:50:24,001 --> 06:50:26,000 ANTIBIOTICS. 7489 06:50:26,001 --> 06:50:29,000 AND WE HAVE A DANISH MODEL HERE, 7490 06:50:29,001 --> 06:50:33,000 AND IT DOESN'T PROJECT VERY 7491 06:50:33,001 --> 06:50:36,000 GOOD, HEALTHY ANIMAL AGRICULTURE 7492 06:50:36,001 --> 06:50:40,000 OR FOR THE SAFETY OUR CONSUMING 7493 06:50:40,001 --> 06:50:42,000 REPUBLIC -- OR CONSUMING PUBLIC. 7494 06:50:42,001 --> 06:50:43,000 IF THIS BAN HAD RESULTED IN 7495 06:50:43,001 --> 06:50:45,000 IMPROVEMENT OF PUBLIC HEALTH -- 7496 06:50:45,001 --> 06:50:48,000 IN OTHER WORDS, THE BAN THAT THE 7497 06:50:48,001 --> 06:50:52,000 EUROPEAN UNION PUT ON ANTIBIOTICS, TELECOMMUNICATIONLY 7498 06:50:52,001 --> 06:50:53,000 TELECOMMUNICATION-- PARTICULARLY IN DENMARK -- IF 7499 06:50:53,001 --> 06:50:55,000 THIS BEEN HAD RESULTED IN 7500 06:50:55,001 --> 06:50:58,000 IMPROVEMENT TO PUBLIC HEALTH, 7501 06:50:58,001 --> 06:51:00,000 SUFFERING CONSEQUENCES LIKE 7502 06:51:00,001 --> 06:51:03,000 PIGLET MORTALITY WOULD MAKE SENSE. 7503 06:51:03,001 --> 06:51:05,000 BUT THE SCIENCE DOES NOT BACK UP 7504 06:51:05,001 --> 06:51:08,000 THAT POSITIVE IMPROVEMENTS IN 7505 06:51:08,001 --> 06:51:11,000 PUBLIC HEALTH HAS OCCURRED TO 7506 06:51:11,001 --> 06:51:13,000 THE DENMARK, AND AS A RULT OF 7507 06:51:13,001 --> 06:51:16,000 THE DENMARK BAN. 7508 06:51:16,001 --> 06:51:19,000 IN FACT, THE WORLD HEALTH 7509 06:51:19,001 --> 06:51:22,000 ORGANIZATION IN 2002 RELEASE ADD 7510 06:51:22,001 --> 06:51:25,000 STUDY ON ANTIMICROBIAL 7511 06:51:25,001 --> 06:51:27,000 RESISTANCE AND COULD FIND NO 7512 06:51:27,001 --> 06:51:28,000 PUBLIC HEALTH BENEFIT FROM THE 7513 06:51:28,001 --> 06:51:32,000 DENMARK BAN. 7514 06:51:32,001 --> 06:51:35,000 IT IS TRUE THAT OVERALL USE OF 7515 06:51:35,001 --> 06:51:37,000 ANTIBIOTICS IN DENMARK HAS 7516 06:51:37,001 --> 06:51:40,000 DECLINED, BUT THERE HAS BEEN A 7517 06:51:40,001 --> 06:51:42,000 SIGNIFICANT INCREASE IN THE USE 7518 06:51:42,001 --> 06:51:46,000 OF THERAPEUTIC ANTIBIOTICS WHICH 7519 06:51:46,001 --> 06:51:47,000 ARE USED TO TREAT AND CONTROL 7520 06:51:47,001 --> 06:51:50,000 DISEASES. 7521 06:51:50,001 --> 06:51:54,000 I THINK IT IS AN INTERESTING 7522 06:51:54,001 --> 06:51:57,000 STATISTIC -- AN INTERESTING 7523 06:51:57,001 --> 06:51:59,000 STATISTIC IS THAT IN 2009 THE 7524 06:51:59,001 --> 06:52:02,000 USE OF THERAPEUTIC ANTIBIOTICS 7525 06:52:02,001 --> 06:52:05,000 IN DANISH PIGS IS GREATER THAN 7526 06:52:05,001 --> 06:52:06,000 WHAT WAS USED TO PREVENT THE 7527 06:52:06,001 --> 06:52:11,000 DISEASE AND TO PROMOTE GROWTH 7528 06:52:11,001 --> 06:52:14,000 PRIOR TO THE BAN IN 1999. 7529 06:52:14,001 --> 06:52:18,000 SO I THINK IT'S VERY EASY TO SEE 7530 06:52:18,001 --> 06:52:20,000 THAT IF YOU LOOK AT THE SCIENCE 7531 06:52:20,001 --> 06:52:22,000 -- AND MR. WALSH CONVENIENTLY 7532 06:52:22,001 --> 06:52:25,000 FOR EXAMPLE OTHERS IN IT -- THAT 7533 06:52:25,001 --> 06:52:28,000 THERE IS THE PRACTICE IN THE 7534 06:52:28,001 --> 06:52:31,000 UNITED STATES IS SUPERIOR TO THE 7535 06:52:31,001 --> 06:52:35,000 PRACTICE OF THE BAN IN DENMARK. 7536 06:52:35,001 --> 06:52:37,000 WE HAD A 2009 IOWA STATE 7537 06:52:37,001 --> 06:52:39,000 UNIVERSITY STUDY ESTIMATING 7538 06:52:39,001 --> 06:52:41,000 PRODUCTION COSTS WOULD RISE BY 7539 06:52:41,001 --> 06:52:44,000 $6 PER PIG IN THE FIRST YEAR OF 7540 06:52:44,001 --> 06:52:46,000 A PROHIBITION IF A SIMILAR BAN 7541 06:52:46,001 --> 06:52:49,000 WAS IMPOSED IN THE UNITED 7542 06:52:49,001 --> 06:52:52,000 STATES, AS IT IS IN DENMARK. 7543 06:52:52,001 --> 06:52:54,000 OVER 10 YEARS THE CUMULATIVE 7544 06:52:54,001 --> 06:52:56,000 COST TO THE U.S. PORK INDUSTRY 7545 06:52:56,001 --> 06:52:59,000 WOULD EXCEED $1 BILLION. 7546 06:52:59,001 --> 06:53:04,000 THIS WOULD ALL BE ON TOP 7547 06:53:04,001 --> 06:53:08,000 STIVMENESTIMATED$4.6 BILLION U.S. PORK PROVIDERS 7548 06:53:08,001 --> 06:53:10,000 HAVE LOST SINCE SEPTEMBER 2007 7549 06:53:10,001 --> 06:53:13,000 DUE TO A PERFECT STORM OF EVENTS 7550 06:53:13,001 --> 06:53:16,000 WITHIN THAT INDUSTRY. 7551 06:53:16,001 --> 06:53:18,000 THE AUTHOR, MR. WALSH, ALSO 7552 06:53:18,001 --> 06:53:21,000 POINTS TO RECENT RECALLS IN 7553 06:53:21,001 --> 06:53:23,000 NUTS, FRIEWLTS, AND VEGETABLES 7554 06:53:23,001 --> 06:53:24,000 AS EVIDENCE THAT CONVENTIONAL 7555 06:53:24,001 --> 06:53:26,000 AGRICULTURE IS HARMFUL AND 7556 06:53:26,001 --> 06:53:29,000 UNSAFE. 7557 06:53:29,001 --> 06:53:32,000 WHAT MR. WALSH CHOOSES 7558 06:53:32,001 --> 06:53:35,000 IS THAT SALOMON NECESSARILY LOW 7559 06:53:35,001 --> 06:53:38,000 AND E. COLI ARE NATURALLY 7560 06:53:38,001 --> 06:53:41,000 INCURRING -- NATURALLY OCCURRING 7561 06:53:41,001 --> 06:53:44,000 IN ORGANISMS WIT PROPER 7562 06:53:44,001 --> 06:53:46,000 HANDLING, PROCESSING, AND COOKING. 7563 06:53:46,001 --> 06:53:47,000 BUT, WITH THAT, IF YOU HANDLE 7564 06:53:47,001 --> 06:53:51,000 THEM PROPERLY, IF YOU PROCESS 7565 06:53:51,001 --> 06:53:53,000 THEM PROPERLY, IF YOU COOK THEM 7566 06:53:53,001 --> 06:53:57,000 PROPERLY, THOSE RISKS CAN BE 7567 06:53:57,001 --> 06:53:59,000 MINIMIZED OR EVEN ELIMINATED. 7568 06:53:59,001 --> 06:54:01,000 ORGANIC AGRICULTURE IS NOT 7569 06:54:01,001 --> 06:54:03,000 SOMEHOW EXEMPT FROM BEING 7570 06:54:03,001 --> 06:54:04,000 AFFECTED BY THESE BACTERIA, AS 7571 06:54:04,001 --> 06:54:05,000 MAYBE MR. WALSH MIGHT WANT YOU 7572 06:54:05,001 --> 06:54:07,000 TO BELIEVE. 7573 06:54:07,001 --> 06:54:09,000 IN FACT, ONE OF THE MAIN 7574 06:54:09,001 --> 06:54:11,000 CHALLE 7575 06:54:11,001 --> 06:54:14,000 SAFETY SYSTEM HAS BEEN THE 7576 06:54:14,001 --> 06:54:15,000 PERPETUAL UNDERFUNDING OF THE 7577 06:54:15,001 --> 06:54:16,000 FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION, 7578 06:54:16,001 --> 06:54:18,000 AND I HOPE THAT THE SENATE WILL 7579 06:54:18,001 --> 06:54:19,000 BE ABLE TO UNDERTAKE A 7580 06:54:19,001 --> 06:54:22,000 COMPREHENSIVE FOOD SAFETY REFORM 7581 06:54:22,001 --> 06:54:23,000 YET THIS YEAR AND GIVE VERY 7582 06:54:23,001 --> 06:54:25,000 SERIOUS CONSIDERATION AND 7583 06:54:25,001 --> 06:54:28,000 ATTENTION TO THE FUNDING 7584 06:54:28,001 --> 06:54:29,000 DEFICIENCIES OF THAT AGENCY. 7585 06:54:29,001 --> 06:54:32,000 AMERICAN CONSUMERS DEMAND NOT 7586 06:54:32,001 --> 06:54:34,000 ONLY A SAFE AND ABUNDANT FOOD 7587 06:54:34,001 --> 06:54:37,000 SUPPLY BUT ALSO AN 7588 06:54:37,001 --> 06:54:39,000 SELECTION TO FEED THEIR FAMILIES 7589 06:54:39,001 --> 06:54:42,000 NUTRITIOUS AND HEALTHY FOOD. 7590 06:54:42,001 --> 06:54:44,000 THE AUTHOR FAILS TO RECOGNIZE 7591 06:54:44,001 --> 06:54:47,000 THAT PERSONAL CHOICE IS PART OF 7592 06:54:47,001 --> 06:54:49,000 THAT EQUATION. 7593 06:54:49,001 --> 06:54:52,000 ASK ANY AMERICAN CONSUMER. 7594 06:54:52,001 --> 06:54:54,000 WHILE LESS THAN 1% OF 7595 06:54:54,001 --> 06:54:57,000 AGRICULTURE IS FARMED ORGAN 7596 06:54:57,001 --> 06:54:59,000 CLIRKS AS HE PONTS OUT, A SIMPLE 7597 06:54:59,001 --> 06:55:03,000 ECONOMICS LESSON WOULD TELL US 7598 06:55:03,001 --> 06:55:06,000 THAT 7599 06:55:06,001 --> 06:55:11,000 DIRECT RELATIONSHIP TO ONE AND ANOTHER. 7600 06:55:11,001 --> 06:55:15,000 IN 2008, AMERICANS SPENT 9.6% OF 7601 06:55:15,001 --> 06:55:17,000 THEIR DISPOSABLE PERSONAL ON 7602 06:55:17,001 --> 06:55:19,000 FOOD 7603 06:55:19,001 --> 06:55:21,000 THIS HAS STEADILY DECREASED 7604 06:55:21,001 --> 06:55:25,000 SINCE THE LATE 1920'S WHEN 7605 06:55:25,001 --> 06:55:28,000 NEARLY 24% OF OUR INCOME WAS 7606 06:55:28,001 --> 06:55:30,000 SPENT FOR FOOD INTAKE. 7607 06:55:30,001 --> 06:55:33,000 OUR CONSUMERS HAVE DEMANDED AN 7608 06:55:33,001 --> 06:55:34,000 AFFORDABLE FOOD SUPPLY, AND OUR 7609 06:55:34,001 --> 06:55:36,000 AGRICULTURAL INDUSTRY HAS 7610 06:55:36,001 --> 06:55:39,000 ANSWERED THAT CALL. 7611 06:55:39,001 --> 06:55:41,000 OTHER NATIONS WITH LESS DEVELOPED AGRICULTURAL 7612 06:55:41,001 --> 06:55:43,000 INDUSTRIES THAN THE UNITED 7613 06:55:43,001 --> 06:55:47,000 STATES SPEND ANYWHERE FROM 7614 06:55:47,001 --> 06:55:49,000 BETWEEN 12% TO 45% OF THEIR 7615 06:55:49,001 --> 06:55:53,000 INCOME ON FOOD. 7616 06:55:53,001 --> 06:55:55,000 AT THE SAME TIME, THE PRODUCERS 7617 06:55:55,001 --> 06:55:58,000 ARE PROVIDING NEW -- EFFICIENT 7618 06:55:58,001 --> 06:56:00,000 AND ARE PROVIDING U.S. CON 7619 06:56:00,001 --> 06:56:02,000 AREL 7620 06:56:02,001 --> 06:56:04,000 THE FARM SHARE BEING RETAI 7621 06:56:04,001 --> 06:56:07,000 THE PRODUCER -- NERKDZ THE 7622 06:56:07,001 --> 06:56:09,000 FAMILY FARMER -- HAS 7623 06:56:09,001 --> 06:56:14,000 SAME TIME BEEN DECREASING. 7624 06:56:14,001 --> 06:56:17,000 FOR EXAMPLE, IN THE YEARS 2000 7625 06:56:17,001 --> 06:56:22,000 TO 2006, THE FARM VALUE RANGED 7626 06:56:22,001 --> 06:56:23,000 FROM 5% TO 6% FOR CEREALS AND 7627 06:56:23,001 --> 06:56:25,000 BAKERY PRODUCTS COMPARED TO WHAT 7628 06:56:25,001 --> 06:56:26,000 IT IS BEING PAID AT THE RETAIL 7629 06:56:26,001 --> 06:56:28,000 LEVEL. 7630 06:56:28,001 --> 06:56:30,000 COSTS IN PASSAGING OR PROCESSING 7631 06:56:30,001 --> 06:56:32,000 AND TRANSPORTATION ACCOUNT FOR 7632 06:56:32,001 --> 06:56:34,000 MORE OF THE ACCOUNTS AT THE -- 7633 06:56:34,001 --> 06:56:35,000 MOST OF THE COSTS AT THE GROCERY 7634 06:56:35,001 --> 06:56:36,000 LEVEL. 7635 06:56:36,001 --> 06:56:39,000 CONVENTIONAL AGRICULTURE 7636 06:56:39,001 --> 06:56:40,000 PRODUCERS ARE NOT GETTING RICH. 7637 06:56:40,001 --> 06:56:42,000 INSTEAD, THEY ARE PRODUCING THE 7638 06:56:42,001 --> 06:56:45,000 SAFEST, MOST ABUNDANT, MOST 7639 06:56:45,001 --> 06:56:47,000 REASONABLY PRICED 7640 06:56:47,001 --> 06:56:49,000 WORLD FOR OUR CONSUMERS AT A 7641 06:56:49,001 --> 06:56:53,000 TIME WHEN THEIR SHARE OF THE 7642 06:56:53,001 --> 06:56:55,000 FOOD VALUE IS NOT INCREASING. 7643 06:56:55,001 --> 06:56:57,000 PERHAPS MR. WALSH, THE "TIME" 7644 06:56:57,001 --> 06:56:58,000 AUTHOR, BELIEVES WE SHOULD BE 7645 06:56:58,001 --> 06:57:00,000 SPENDING A HIGHER PERCENTAGE OF 7646 06:57:00,001 --> 06:57:02,000 OUR INCOME ON FOOD. 7647 06:57:02,001 --> 06:57:03,000 HOWEVER, BECAUSE OF THE 7648 06:57:03,001 --> 06:57:07,000 FINANCIAL SITUATION OUR NATION 7649 06:57:07,001 --> 06:57:09,000 IS FACING WITH INCLUDING 7650 06:57:09,001 --> 06:57:12,000 FAMILIES OUT OF WORK AND WITH 7651 06:57:12,001 --> 06:57:15,000 LOWER DISPOSABLE INCOME, THESE 7652 06:57:15,001 --> 06:57:19,000 CITIZENS WOULD BE OUTRAGED IF 7653 06:57:19,001 --> 06:57:20,000 SUDDENLY THEIR FOOD EXPENDITURE SKYROCKETED. 7654 06:57:20,001 --> 06:57:22,000 THE ECONOMIC RESEARCH SERVICE AT 7655 06:57:22,001 --> 06:57:24,000 THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF 7656 06:57:24,001 --> 06:57:29,000 AGRICULTURE REPORTED THAT TOTAL 7657 06:57:29,001 --> 06:57:34,000 CONSUMED IN THE UNITED STATES 7658 06:57:34,001 --> 06:57:38,000 WAS $1.1 TRILLION IN 2008, A 7659 06:57:38,001 --> 06:57:41,000 3.3% INCREASE FROM THE $1.128 7660 06:57:41,001 --> 06:57:44,000 TRILLION IN 2007. 7661 06:57:44,001 --> 06:57:47,000 PRICES ARE NATURALLY RISING 7662 06:57:47,001 --> 06:57:49,000 BECAUSE OF HIGHER COSTS TO DO BUSINESS, INCLUDING 7663 06:57:49,001 --> 06:57:52,000 TRANSPORTATION COSTS. 7664 06:57:52,001 --> 06:57:55,000 BUT DO 7665 06:57:55,001 --> 06:57:58,000 FEASIBLE TO SEE THESE PRICES GO 7666 06:57:58,001 --> 06:57:59,000 EVEN HIGHER SO THAT THE AUTHOR, 7667 06:57:59,001 --> 06:58:02,000 MR. WALSH, CAN FURTHER PROMOTE 7668 06:58:02,001 --> 06:58:04,000 WHAT I CONSIDER A POLITICAL 7669 06:58:04,001 --> 06:58:07,000 AGENDA? 7670 06:58:07,001 --> 06:58:08,000 GROWING ALL OF 7671 06:58:08,001 --> 06:58:11,000 ORGANICALLY WILL TAKE MORE LAND, 7672 06:58:11,001 --> 06:58:14,000 COST MORE MONEY TO PRODUCE, 7673 06:58:14,001 --> 06:58:16,000 DRIVE PRICES UP, AND ULTIMATELY 7674 06:58:16,001 --> 06:58:18,000 MAKE FOOD EVEN LESS AFFORDABLE 7675 06:58:18,001 --> 06:58:20,000 TO THOSE IN NEED. 7676 06:58:20,001 --> 06:58:22,000 I APPRECIATE THE OPPORTUNITIES 7677 06:58:22,001 --> 06:58:24,000 THAT ORGANIC AGRICULTURE HAS 7678 06:58:24,001 --> 06:58:26,000 MADE POSSIBLE FOR FARMERS IN MY 7679 06:58:26,001 --> 06:58:27,000 STATE OF IOWA, AND I'M SURE 7680 06:58:27,001 --> 06:58:29,000 OTHER SENATORS WOULD SAY THE 7681 06:58:29,001 --> 06:58:32,000 SAME FOR THEIR 7682 06:58:32,001 --> 06:58:33,000 IT HAS TRULY ALLOWED OUR 7683 06:58:33,001 --> 06:58:35,000 SMALLEST FARMERS TO FLOURISH AND 7684 06:58:35,001 --> 06:58:37,000 RECEIVE PREMIUM FOR 7685 06:58:37,001 --> 06:58:39,000 CROPS AND LIVESTOCK. 7686 06:58:39,001 --> 06:58:41,000 IT HAS 7687 06:58:41,001 --> 06:58:43,000 HAS HELPED US TEA 7688 06:58:43,001 --> 06:58:46,000 WHERE THEIR FOOD COMES FROM. 7689 06:58:46,001 --> 06:58:49,000 I AGREE WITH THE AUTHOR THAT 7690 06:58:49,001 --> 06:58:50,000 FIRST LADY MICHELLE OBAMA'S AND 7691 06:58:50,001 --> 06:58:52,000 THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF 7692 06:58:52,001 --> 06:58:53,000 AGRICULTURE'S 7693 06:58:53,001 --> 06:58:55,000 BRINGING MORE VISIBILITY TO 7694 06:58:55,001 --> 06:58:57,000 ED 7695 06:58:57,001 --> 06:58:59,000 WHERE THEIR FOOD COMES FROM. 7696 06:58:59,001 --> 06:59:01,000 I COMND THEM FOR 7697 06:59:01,001 --> 06:59:03,000 IMPORTANT ISSUES RELATING TO OUR 7698 06:59:03,001 --> 06:59:06,000 HEALTH BY EATING FRESH FRUITS 7699 06:59:06,001 --> 06:59:08,000 AND VEGETABLES. 7700 06:59:08,001 --> 06:59:09,000 ORGANIC AGRICULTURE AND 7701 06:59:09,001 --> 06:59:11,000 CONVENTIONAL AGRICULTURE CAN 7702 06:59:11,001 --> 06:59:13,000 COEXIST. 7703 06:59:13,001 --> 06:59:16,000 BOTH WILL BE DRIVEN BY DEMANDS 7704 06:59:16,001 --> 06:59:19,000 AND BOTH PROVIDE IMPORTANT 7705 06:59:19,001 --> 06:59:21,000 CHOICES FOR THE U.S. CONSUMER. 7706 06:59:21,001 --> 06:59:23,000 SOME CONSUMERS 7707 06:59:23,001 --> 06:59:25,000 LOCALLY GROWN FOODS. 7708 06:59:25,001 --> 06:59:26,000 OTHERS WILL SHOP FOR THE 7709 06:59:26,001 --> 06:59:29,000 COST-EFFECTIVENESS IN THEIR 7710 06:59:29,001 --> 06:59:32,000 TIGHT HOUSEHOLD BUDGETS. 7711 06:59:32,001 --> 06:59:34,000 IT'S TIME -- IT'S TIME FOR 7712 06:59:34,001 --> 06:59:37,000 "TIME" MAGAZINE AND MR. WALSH TO 7713 06:59:37,001 --> 06:59:38,000 START BEING HONEST WITH THEIR 7714 06:59:38,001 --> 06:59:39,000 READERS. 7715 06:59:39,001 --> 06:59:41,000 THE NEXT TIME THE MAGAZINE WANTS 7716 06:59:41,001 --> 06:59:43,000 TO RUN A STORY THAT CLEARLY 7717 06:59:43,001 --> 06:59:45,000 REFLECTS THE AUTHOR'S PERSONAL 7718 06:59:45,001 --> 06:59:48,000 VIEWS, THEY SHOULD IDENTIFY THAT 7719 06:59:48,001 --> 06:59:50,000 ARTICLE AS SUCH. 7720 06:59:50,001 --> 06:59:52,000 I EXPECT THE NEXT ARTICLE THAT 7721 06:59:52,001 --> 06:59:55,000 "TIME" PUBLISHES ON AGRICULTURE 7722 06:59:55,001 --> 06:59:58,000 TO BE BETTER-RESEARCHED AND TO 7723 06:59:58,001 --> 06:59:59,000 PRESENT A MORE BALANCED VIEW. 7724 06:59:59,001 --> 07:00:01,000 I YIELD THE FLOOR 7725 07:00:01,001 --> 07:00:05,000 THE ABSENCE OF A QUORUM. THE PRESIDING OFFICER: THE 7726 07:00:05,001 --> 07:00:13,000 CLERK WILL CALL THE ROLL. 7727 07:00:13,001 --> 07:14:35,000 QUORUM CALL: 7728 07:14:35,001 --> 07:14:36,000 QUORUM CALL: 7729 07:14:36,001 --> 07:14:37,000 MR. REID: SPLP? 7730 07:14:37,001 --> 07:14:38,000 THE PRESIDING OFFICER: THE 7731 07:14:38,001 --> 07:14:39,000 MAJORITY LEADER. 7732 07:14:39,001 --> 07:14:40,000 MR. REID: I ASK UNANIMOUS 7733 07:14:40,001 --> 07:14:41,000 CONSENT THAT THE CALL OF THE 7734 07:14:41,001 --> 07:14:42,000 QUORUM BE TERMINATED. 7735 07:14:42,001 --> 07:14:43,000 THE PRESIDING OFFICER: WITHOUT OBJECTION. 7736 07:14:43,001 --> 07:14:45,000 MR. REID: I ASK UNANIMOUS 7737 07:14:45,001 --> 07:14:48,000 CONSENT THAT THE SENATE PROCEED 7738 07:14:48,001 --> 07:14:50,000 TO CALENDAR 7739 07:14:50,001 --> 07:14:52,000 THAT THE NOMINATIONS BE 7740 07:14:52,001 --> 07:14:53,000 CONFIRMED EN BLOC, THE MOTION TO 7741 07:14:53,001 --> 07:14:54,000 RECONSIDER BE LAID ON THE TABLE 7742 07:14:54,001 --> 07:14:56,000 EN BLOC, AND NO FURTHER MOTIONS BE IN ORDER. 7743 07:14:56,001 --> 07:14:57,000 THAT ANY STATEMENTS RELATING TO 7744 07:14:57,001 --> 07:14:59,000 THE NOMINATIONS APPEAR AT THE 7745 07:14:59,001 --> 07:15:01,000 APPROPRIATE PLACE IN THE RECORD 7746 07:15:01,001 --> 07:15:03,000 AS IF READ, PROVIDED FURTHER, 7747 07:15:03,001 --> 07:15:05,000 THAT THE PRESIDENT IS 7748 07:15:05,001 --> 07:15:06,000 OF 7749 07:15:06,001 --> 07:15:07,000 RETURN TO LEGISLATIVE SESSION. 7750 07:15:07,001 --> 07:15:13,000 THE PRESIDIN 7751 07:15:13,001 --> 07:15:16,000 OBJECTION. 7752 07:15:16,001 --> 07:15:17,000 MR. REID: MR. PRESIDENT, FAUX ON 7753 07:15:17,001 --> 07:15:19,000 WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 30, 7754 07:15:19,001 --> 07:15:22,000 FOLLOWING A PERIOD OF MORNING 7755 07:15:22,001 --> 07:15:26,000 BUSINESS, THE SENATE PROCEED TO 7756 07:15:26,001 --> 07:15:27,000 TO ACCOMPANY H.R. 2918, LEGISLATIVE BRCH 7757 07:15:27,001 --> 07:15:30,000 APPROPRIATION. 7758 07:15:30,001 --> 07:15:33,000 ALL DEBATE UNTIL 4:30 BE EQUAL 7759 07:15:33,001 --> 07:15:37,000 DIVIDED AND CONTROLLED BETWEEN 7760 07:15:37,001 --> 07:15:41,000 SENATOR NELSON OF NEBRASKA OR 7761 07:15:41,001 --> 07:15:42,000 SENATOSENATOR MURKOWSKI. 7762 07:15:42,001 --> 07:15:43,000 AND THAT NO AMENDMENTS BE IN 7763 07:15:43,001 --> 07:15:45,000 ORDER TO THE NEGOTIATIONS. 7764 07:15:45,001 --> 07:15:47,000 I FURTHER ASK CONSENT FOLLOWING 7765 07:15:47,001 --> 07:15:48,000 THE DISPOSITION OF THE POINTS OF 7766 07:15:48,001 --> 07:15:51,000 ORDER THAT THE MOTION -- IF THE 7767 07:15:51,001 --> 07:15:52,000 MOTION TO WAIVE IS SUCCESSFUL, 7768 07:15:52,001 --> 07:15:53,000 THE SENATE PROCEED TO THE 7769 07:15:53,001 --> 07:15:54,000 ADOPTION OF THE CONFERENCE 7770 07:15:54,001 --> 07:15:56,000 REPORT IMMEDIATELY WITH TWO 7771 07:15:56,001 --> 07:15:57,000 MINUTES BEING EQUALLY 7772 07:15:57,001 --> 07:15:58,000 PRIOR TO EACH VOTE. THE PRESIDING OFFICER: WITHOUT 7773 07:15:58,001 --> 07:16:00,000 OBJECTION. 7774 07:16:00,001 --> 07:16:02,000 MR. REID: WITH WITH RESPECT TO 7775 07:16:02,001 --> 07:16:03,000 THE CONFEREES ON THE DEPARTMENT 7776 07:16:03,001 --> 07:16:08,000 OF DEFENSE, I ASK UNANIMOUS 7777 07:16:08,001 --> 07:16:10,000 CONSENT THAT SENATOR KIRK AND 7778 07:16:10,001 --> 07:16:11,000 LeMIEUX TO REPLACE SENATOR 7779 07:16:11,001 --> 07:16:12,000 KENNEDY AND SENATOR MARTINEZ. THE PRESIDING OFFICER: WITHOUT 7780 07:16:12,001 --> 07:16:14,000 OBJECTION. MR. REID: I ASK UNANIMOUS 7781 07:16:14,001 --> 07:16:17,000 CONSENT THAT 7782 07:16:17,001 --> 07:16:21,000 RELATIONS 7783 07:16:21,001 --> 07:16:23,000 H.R. 3 -- H.R. 2171, EN BLOC, -- 7784 07:16:23,001 --> 07:16:24,000 LET ME DO THAT AGAIN, MR. 7785 07:16:24,001 --> 07:16:25,000 PRESIDENT. I ASK UNANIMOUS CONSENT FOREIGN 7786 07:16:25,001 --> 07:16:26,000 RELATIONS COMMITTEE BE 7787 07:16:26,001 --> 07:16:30,000 DISCHARGED FROM FURTHER ARE 7788 07:16:30,001 --> 07:16:35,000 CONSIDERATION OF H.R. 3593, AND 7789 07:16:35,001 --> 07:16:37,000 PROCEED TO THEIR IMMEDIATE 7790 07:16:37,001 --> 07:16:40,000 THE PRESIDING OFFICER: THE CLERK WILL REPORT. 7791 07:16:40,001 --> 07:16:41,000 THE CLERK: H.R. 3593, 7792 07:16:41,001 --> 07:16:43,000 AMEND THE UNITED STATES 7793 07:16:43,001 --> 07:16:44,000 INTERNATIONAL BROADCASTING ACT 7794 07:16:44,001 --> 07:16:46,000 OF 1994 TO EXTEND BY ONE YEAR 7795 07:16:46,001 --> 07:16:49,000 THE OPERATION OF 7796 07:16:49,001 --> 07:16:51,000 ASIA AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES M 7797 07:16:51,001 --> 07:16:54,000 H.R. 2131, AN ACT TO AMEND THE 7798 07:16:54,001 --> 07:16:57,000 FOREIGN AFFAIRS RESTRUCTURE ACT 7799 07:16:57,001 --> 07:16:58,000 OF 1998 AND SO FORTH. 7800 07:16:58,001 --> 07:16:59,000 THE PRESIDING OFFICER: WITHOUT 7801 07:16:59,001 --> 07:17:01,000 OBJECTION, THE MEASURE 7802 07:17:01,001 --> 07:17:03,000 DISCHARGED EN BLOC. 7803 07:17:03,001 --> 07:17:04,000 AND THE SENATE PROCEEDS TO THEM EN BC. 7804 07:17:04,001 --> 07:17:05,000 MR. REID: I ASK U 7805 07:17:05,001 --> 07:17:09,000 CONSENT THE BILLS BE READ A 7806 07:17:09,001 --> 07:17:10,000 THIRD TIME AND PASSED EN BLOC, THE MOTION TO RECONSIDER BE LAID 7807 07:17:10,001 --> 07:17:12,000 ON THE TABLE WITH NO INTERVENING 7808 07:17:12,001 --> 07:17:13,000 ACTION OR 7809 07:17:13,001 --> 07:17:14,000 ANY STATEMENTS RELATING TO THIS 7810 07:17:14,001 --> 07:17:16,000 MATTER APPEAR AT THE APPROPRIATE 7811 07:17:16,001 --> 07:17:17,000 PLACE IN THE RECORD AS IF GIVEN. 7812 07:17:17,001 --> 07:17:20,000 THE PRESID 7813 07:17:20,001 --> 07:17:21,000 OBJECTION. 7814 07:17:21,001 --> 07:17:22,000 MR. REID: I ASK UNANIMOUS 7815 07:17:22,001 --> 07:17:23,000 CONSENT THE COMMERCE ARE SCIENCE 7816 07:17:23,001 --> 07:17:24,000 AND TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE BE 7817 07:17:24,001 --> 07:17:26,000 DISCHARGED FROM FURTHER 7818 07:17:26,001 --> 07:17:27,000 CONSIDERATION OF S. 2856789. THE PRESIDING OFFICER: THE CLERK 7819 07:17:27,001 --> 07:17:29,000 WILL REPORT. 7820 07:17:29,001 --> 07:17:30,000 THE CLERK: S. RES. 285, 7821 07:17:30,001 --> 07:17:33,000 SUPPORTING THE GOALS AND 7822 07:17:33,001 --> 07:17:34,000 OF NATIONAL CYBER 7823 07:17:34,001 --> 07:17:35,000 AWARENESS MONTH AND RAISING 7824 07:17:35,001 --> 07:17:36,000 AWARENESS AND ENHANCING THE 7825 07:17:36,001 --> 07:17:38,000 STATE OF C 7826 07:17:38,001 --> 07:17:39,000 UNITED STATES. THE PRESIDING OFFICER: WITHOUT 7827 07:17:39,001 --> 07:17:40,000 OBJECTION, THE COMMITTEE IS 7828 07:17:40,001 --> 07:17:41,000 DISCHARGED AND THE SENATE WILL 7829 07:17:41,001 --> 07:17:42,000 PROCEED TO THE MEASURE. 7830 07:17:42,001 --> 07:17:43,000 MR. REID: I ASK UNANIMOUS 7831 07:17:43,001 --> 07:17:45,000 CONSENT THAT THE RESOLUTION BE 7832 07:17:45,001 --> 07:17:46,000 AGREED TO, THE PREAMBLE BE 7833 07:17:46,001 --> 07:17:47,000 AGREED TO, THE MOTION TO 7834 07:17:47,001 --> 07:17:48,000 RECONSIDER BE LAID UPON THE 7835 07:17:48,001 --> 07:17:49,000 TABLE EN BLOC. 7836 07:17:49,001 --> 07:17:50,000 THE PRESIDING OFFI OBJECTION. 7837 07:17:50,001 --> 07:17:51,000 MR. REID: ANY STATEMENTS 7838 07:17:51,001 --> 07:17:52,000 RELATING TO THIS MATTER APPEAR 7839 07:17:52,001 --> 07:17:53,000 AT THE APPROPRIATE 7840 07:17:53,001 --> 07:17:54,000 RECORD AS IF GIVEN. 7841 07:17:54,001 --> 07:18:11,000 THE PRESIDING OFFICER: WITHOUT 7842 07:18:11,001 --> 07:18:12,000 OBJECTION. 7843 07:18:12,001 --> 07:18:15,000 MR. REID: MR. PRESIDENT, I ASK 7844 07:18:15,001 --> 07:18:16,000 UNANIMOUS CONSENT THE SENATE 7845 07:18:16,001 --> 07:18:17,000 TH 7846 07:18:17,001 --> 07:18:20,000 WILL REPORT. 7847 07:18:20,001 --> 07:18:22,000 THE CLERK: S. RES. 293, RELATIVE 7848 07:18:22,001 --> 07:18:23,000 TO THE DEATH OF 7849 07:18:23,001 --> 07:18:25,000 BELMAN, FORMER UNITED STATES 7850 07:18:25,001 --> 07:18:27,000 SENATOR FOR THE STATE OF 7851 07:18:27,001 --> 07:18:28,000 OKLAHOMA. 7852 07:18:28,001 --> 07:18:29,000 THE PRESIDG OFFICER: WITHOUT OBJECTION, THE SENATE PROCEEDS 7853 07:18:29,001 --> 07:18:30,000 TO THE MEASURE. 7854 07:18:30,001 --> 07:18:32,000 MR. REID: I ASK UNANIMO 7855 07:18:32,001 --> 07:18:34,000 CONSENT THE RESOLUTION BE AGREED 7856 07:18:34,001 --> 07:18:35,000 TO, THE PREAMBLE BE AGREED TO EN 7857 07:18:35,001 --> 07:18:36,000 BLOC, AND THE MOTION TO 7858 07:18:36,001 --> 07:18:38,000 RECONSIDER BE LAID ON THE TAIL 7859 07:18:38,001 --> 07:18:42,000 HE BE BLOCK. 7860 07:18:42,001 --> 07:18:43,000 THE PRESIDING OFFICER: BLOCK. -- BE LAID ON THE TABLE, EN BLOC. 7861 07:18:43,001 --> 07:18:45,000 THE PRESIDING OFFICER: WITHOUT OBJECTION. 7862 07:18:45,001 --> 07:18:46,000 MR. REID: MR. PRESIDENT, I ASK 7863 07:18:46,001 --> 07:18:48,000 UNANIMOUS CONSENT THAT WHEN THE SENATE COMPLETES ITS BUSINESS 7864 07:18:48,001 --> 07:18:49,000 TOE, IT ADJOURN UNTIL TOMORROW 7865 07:18:49,001 --> 07:18:50,000 MORNING, WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 7866 07:18:50,001 --> 07:18:51,000 30, AT 10:00 A.M. 7867 07:18:51,001 --> 07:18:52,000 FOLLOWING THE PRAYER AND THE 7868 07:18:52,001 --> 07:18:54,000 PLEDGE, THE JOURNAL OF 7869 07:18:54,001 --> 07:18:55,000 PROCEEDINGS, THE MORNING HOUR BE 7870 07:18:55,001 --> 07:18:56,000 DEEMED EXPIRED, THE TIME FOR THE 7871 07:18:56,001 --> 07:18:57,000 TWO LEADERS BE RESERVED FOR 7872 07:18:57,001 --> 07:18:59,000 THEIR U 7873 07:18:59,001 --> 07:19:00,000 THE SENATE THEN PROCEED TO A 7874 07:19:00,001 --> 07:19:01,000 PERIOD OF MORNING BUSINESS FOR 7875 07:19:01,001 --> 07:19:03,000 NOT HOUR WITH SENATORS PERMITTED 7876 07:19:03,001 --> 07:19:04,000 TO SPEAK UP TO TEN MINIMUM EACH 7877 07:19:04,001 --> 07:19:05,000 WITH THE TIME EQUALLY DIVIDED 7878 07:19:05,001 --> 07:19:06,000 AND CONTROLLED BETWEEN THE TWO 7879 07:19:06,001 --> 07:19:07,000 LEADERS HOYER DESIGNEES, WITH 7880 07:19:07,001 --> 07:19:08,000 THE REPUBLICANS CONTROLLING THE 7881 07:19:08,001 --> 07:19:10,000 FIRST HALF, THE MAJORITY 7882 07:19:10,001 --> 07:19:11,000 CONTROLLING THE FINAL HALF. 7883 07:19:11,001 --> 07:19:13,000 FOLLOWING MORNING BUSINESS, THE SENATE PROCEED TO THE 7884 07:19:13,001 --> 07:19:15,000 CONSIDERATION OF THE CONFERENCE 7885 07:19:15,001 --> 07:19:18,000 REPORT TO ACCOMPANY H.R. 2918, 7886 07:19:18,001 --> 07:19:19,000 THE LEGISLATIVE BRANCH 7887 07:19:19,001 --> 07:19:20,000 APPROPRIATIONS ACT, A PROVIDED 7888 07:19:20,001 --> 07:19:21,000 UNDER THE PREVIOUS ORDER. 7889 07:19:21,001 --> 07:19:24,000 FINALLY, I ASK THE SENATE RECESS 7890 07:19:24,001 --> 07:19:27,000 FROM 12:30 UNTIL 2:15 P.M. TO 7891 07:19:27,001 --> 07:19:28,000 ALLOW FOR THE WEEKLY CAUCUS LUNCHES. 7892 07:19:28,001 --> 07:19:29,000 THE PRESIDING OFFICER: WITHOUT 7893 07:19:29,001 --> 07:19:30,000 OBJECTION. 7894 07:19:30,001 --> 07:19:32,000 MR. REID: MR. PRESIDENT THERE, 7895 07:19:32,001 --> 07:19:34,000 WILL BE AT LEAST THREE VOTES 7896 07:19:34,001 --> 07:19:35,000 AROUND 4:30 TOMORROW AFTERNOON. 7897 07:19:35,001 --> 07:19:36,000 IF THERE'S NO FURTHER BUSINESS 7898 07:19:36,001 --> 07:19:38,000 TO COME BEFORE THE SENATE, I ASK 7899 07:19:38,001 --> 07:19:40,000 THE 7900 07:19:40,001 --> 07:19:42,000 PROVISIONS OF S. RES. 293, AS A 7901 07:19:42,001 --> 07:19:46,000 MARK OF FURTHER RESPECT TO 7902 07:19:46,001 --> 07:19:47,000 FORMER SENATOR HENRY BELMAN OF OKLAHOMA. 7903 07:19:47,001 --> 07:19:48,000 THE PRESIDING OFFICER: UNDER THE 7904 07:19:48,001 --> 07:19:49,000 PREVIOUS ORDER, THE SENATE 7905 07:19:49,001 --> 07:19:51,000 STANDS ADJOURNED UNTIL 10:00 7906 07:19:51,001 --> 07:19:54,000 A.M. ON WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 30, 7907 07:19:54,001 --> 07:19:55,000 2009, AND DOES SO AS A MARK OF 7908 07:19:55,001 --> 07:19:58,000 FURTHER RESPECT TO THE MEMORY OF