Wayne Allard

Mr. ALLARD

Mr. ALLARD. Mr. President, I am introducing a bill dealing with the Granada Relocation Camp, also known as Camp Amache. It played an important, but sad, part in United States history. Camp Amache, one of 10 internment camps in the Nation, was established in August 1942 by the U.S. Government during World War II as a place to house the Japanese from the west coast and was closed on August 15, 1945. This is a significant part of American history and it should be preserved. My bill today will designate the Granada Relocation Camp as a national historic site in Colorado.

Mr. ALLARD. Mr. President, another piece of legislation I am introducing today will authorize the expansion of the boundary of Mesa Verde National Park. The boundary adjustment will allow for the incorporation of 324 acres of land owned by the Henneman family, which is being purchased by the Conservation Fund for conveyance to the park, as well as a 38-acre parcel that will be donated to the park by the Mesa Verde Foundation. Mesa Verde National Park protects some of the best preserved and most notable archeological sites in the world. There are over 4,000 known archeological sites in the park, including 600 cliff dwellings. These sites were constructed by ancestral Puebloans, who occupied this area for over 700 years, from 600 A.D. to 1300 A.D.

Mr. ALLARD. Mr. President, the Baca National Wildlife Refuge Purpose bill will give the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service management tools that will allow the agency to run the Baca National Wildlife Refuge in a way that achieves the most beneficial use of this wonderful natural resource. The Baca National Wildlife Refuge consists of 92,500 acres of wetlands, sage brush, and riparian lands adjacent to the Great Sand Dunes National Park in southern Colorado. I, along with my former colleague from Colorado's 3rd Congressional District, U.S. Representative Scott McInnis, sponsored the legislation that converted the Sand Dunes from a monument to a park. This legislation also authorized the Federal acquisition of the Baca Ranch lands and I remain actively interested in the area's management.

Mr. ALLARD. Mr. President, I am introducing legislation which will extend congressional authorization for the Cache la Poudre Heritage Area in northern Colorado and will give local citizens greater management authority over the area. Under the original legislation, authored by former Colorado. Senator Hank Brown, the Secretary of Interior was to appoint a commission to work with the National Park Service and manage the area, but because of a technicality, the Secretary was unable to appoint the commission. In response, local citizens stepped up and formed the Poudre Heritage Alliance to support the Heritage Area until an official commission could be named. This legislation would rectify this, and empower local residents to continue the work they have been doing on behalf of the heritage area.

Mr. ALLARD. Mr. President, I am introducing a bill that will authorize the EPA to conduct a study of the growth in energy consumption by computer data centers operated by the Federal Government and by private corporations. The study will also examine industry movement toward energy efficient microchips and computer servers, potential cost savings associated with the movement to more efficient machines and what, if any, impacts to performance come with increased efficiency. The results of the study will allow us to more fully understand the impact that the growing number of computers in use throughout the country has on energy consumption. This information will better position Congress to make recommendations to Federal agencies on their energy use and computer selection. It will also provide private industry with information that will allow them to choose computer models that will decrease their energy consumption, making their companies more efficient and profitable.

Mr. ALLARD. Mr. President, currently American seniors enjoy Medicare health plans called cost contracts. Under legislation I am introducing today, seniors will be able to continue utilizing these valued health plans. Medicare cost contract plans are vital to America. Cost contracts provide Medicare beneficiaries in many rural areas and small cities throughout our country with an affordable, high-quality option to the traditional Medicare fee-for-service plan. For many of these beneficiaries, Medicare Advantage plans do not provide access to physicians in the community. Medicare cost contracts are managed care plans that are reimbursed on a cost basis for providing health services. Under current law, cost contracts are one option for Medicare beneficiaries. Cost contract premiums cover Medicare deductibles and additional benefits not covered by basic Medicare. Further, for the costs of a normal Medicare fee-for- service copayment, seniors with cost contracts can use any Medicare provider regardless of whether they participate in the health plans network. This is critical in rural areas where physicians are scarce. Cost contracts are vital to seniors who have them. From New York to Oregon, and even to Hawaii, America's seniors are enrolled in cost contract plans. Cost contracts are especially important in rural Colorado. Of the Coloradans with cost contract plans, 89 percent live in rural Colorado, where few physicians will see patients under straight Medicare or Medicare Advantage. Many beneficiaries who are enrolled in Medicare cost contract plans live on limited incomes. Under the traditional Medicare program, beneficiaries incur considerable out-of-pocket expenses. In addition, Medicare supplemental insurers frequently age-adjust premiums and either refuse coverage or impose coverage restrictions for pre- existing conditions. Medicare cost contract plans provide an affordable alternative. Unfortunately, under current law cost contracts soon will terminate. I believe Congress should work to extend Medicare cost contracts further. My bill, the Medicare Cost Contract Extension and Refinement Act of 2007, would accomplish this by extending by five years the cost contract sunset date of December 31, 2007, to December 31, 2012. Cost contracts have been a bipartisan issue, with bipartisan support in the past. Senator Wyden of Oregon worked to get an extension for cost contracts in the 109th Congress, and I look forward to working with him again during the 110th.

Mr. ALLARD. Mr. President, I turn now to the issue of housing. Congress created the Mark-to-Market Program in 1997 to reduce Section 8 costs while preserving the affordability and availability of low-income rental housing. The purpose of the program is to reduce the property rents to market level while simultaneously restructuring property debt to prevent FHA defaults. Studies seem to show that the program has been an overwhelming success. Nearly 250,000 units of affordable housing have been preserved due to the Mark-to-Market Program. This is affordable housing that would have been permanently lost as affordable otherwise. According to HUD, the program has also saved taxpayers more than $2 billion. The original legislation authorized the Mark-to-Market Program for 4 years, which was subsequently extended for 5 additional years. Therefore, the Mark-to-Market program authority was scheduled to expire on September 30, 2006. Fortunately, the program authority was temporarily extended under the continuing resolutions. When the program was extended in 2001, it appeared that 5 additional years would be sufficient time for nearly all eligible properties to complete the Mark-to-Market process. However, more recent projections show that nearly 78,000 properties will face rent reductions over the next 5 years. It is important to note that even though the program will expire, these Section 8 properties with above market rates will still be required to have their rents reduced to market levels. Without the proper tools to also restructure the debt, many owners will lack sufficient funds for property maintenance or mortgage payments. Because many Section 8 properties are also FHA insured, this will result in a significant number of claims against FHA, in addition to many tenant displacements. Clearly, no one finds this a desirable scenario. Failure to extend the Mark-to-Market Program would be bad for tenants and bad for taxpayers. Thus, I am pleased to join with Senator Reed of Rhode Island in reintroducing the Mark-to-Market Extension Act of 2007. Our bill would extend the program for 5 additional years to allow the remaining properties to go through the Mark-to-Market process. Frankly, I can see no downside to extending the program; It maintains affordable housing for less money. I am pleased to work with industry groups and with my colleagues to see that this very worthwhile program is extended for an additional 5 years.

Mr. ALLARD. Mr. President, the first bill I present today is to address one of the biggest current scourges of our citizens-- methamphetamine abuse. Just this week, a report published by Colorado's Meth Task Force cited Denver as a major distribution center for meth in the U.S. Our Nation has been hard hit by the illegal trafficking of meth across U.S. borders. This is a national issue that is growing at a rate that constantly presents a challenge to our talented law enforcement officials. Through our work on the Combat Meth Act, we have provided them with many tools to fight the domestic production of meth. We are now called upon to respond to the issue of foreign produced meth as it presents a growing threat to the U.S. In just 10 years, meth has become America's worst drug problem--worse than marijuana, cocaine or heroin. My home state of Colorado, like the rest of the Nation, faces challenges associated with the growing epidemic. Although the number of meth labs in the state is on the decline, meth distribution remains rampant because of Denver's location at the intersection of two major interstate highways, both of which serve as pipelines for the distribution of meth after it enters our country. This evidence is echoed by the many local drug task forces, law enforcement officials, and District Attorneys who are tasked with tackling meth within our communities and who I have worked with on this issue. According to estimates from the DEA, an alarming 80 percent of the meth used in the United States comes from larger labs, increasingly abroad, while only 20 percent of the meth consumed in this country comes from small laboratories. Therefore, I propose that we improve efforts to curb the flow of meth both within and across our borders. We must take steps to expand enforcement to reduce the amount of meth being trafficked into the United States by establishing stricter penalties for meth offenders, improving coordination with foreign law enforcement officials, and examining the serious meth problems faced by Indian reservations. The Methamphetamine Trafficking Enforcement Act of 2007 that I am introducing today is a first step to fighting the trafficking of this drug. My bill addresses the distribution issue by dramatically lowering the quantity and dollar amount thresholds for federal criminal prosecution of leaders of methamphetamine distribution rings. The trafficking of meth across our borders makes Federal action necessary, but this is not our war to fight alone. This bill also presses upon the United States Trade Representative, the Secretary of State, the Attorney General, and the Secretary of Homeland Security to include new ways to curb the illicit use and shipment of pseudoephedrine, ephedrine, and similar chemicals in multilateral and bilateral negotiations. Federal law enforcement officials will collaborate with their foreign counterparts to fight meth internationally. Working together, we can find a long term solution. According to the U.S. Department of Justice, the use, production and distribution of meth on Indian lands has increased in the past decade. With limited numbers of tribal law enforcement officials, meth can easily flow into and be trafficked out of many Indian reservations. This bill urges the Attorney General to research and report to Congress the challenges faced by all Indian reservations and make recommendations to help them address meth trafficking and abuse. We must recognize the immediacy of the issue of methamphetamine trafficking. It is important that we protect the U.S. and its borders to ensure national security and the safety of our communities. I look forward to working with my colleagues on this issue and invite them to cosponsor the Methamphetamine Trafficking Enforcement Act of 2007.

Mr. ALLARD. Mr. President, I am introducing the Arkansas Valley Conduit bill, which will ensure the construction of a pipeline that will provide the small, financially strapped towns and water agencies along the lower Arkansas River with safe, clean, affordable water. This project was originally authorized by Congress in 1962, over 40 years ago, as a part of the Fryingpan-Arkansas Project. Due to several long years of drought and increasing Federal water quality standards, current water delivery methods are not enough. By creating an 80- percent Federal, 20-percent local cost share formula to help offset the construction costs of the conduit, this legislation will protect the future of southeastern Colorado's drinking water supplies and prevent further economic hardship.

Mr. ALLARD. Mr. President, another bill dealing with the large military presence in Colorado relates to the expansion of the Army's Pinon Canyon Maneuver Site. Due to an emphasis on rapid mobility, modularity, and maneuverability in recent years, the Army's ability to project force across the battlefield has increased exponentially. As such, the Army transformation is also driving higher their requirement for training space. With its close location to Fort Carson, Pinon Canyon was perfectly suited for the Army's training needs 20 years ago. However, with the arrival of 10,000 new soldiers to Fort Carson, the Army has determined that the size of the site needs to be increased in order to meet Fort Carson's new operational training requirements. I have been told repeatedly by Army officials that the genesis of Fort Carson's expansion proposal occurred when several landowners approached Fort Carson and expressed their strong desire to sell. I also understand that sufficient numbers of willing sellers exist to support a significant expansion of the site. However, many in the community surrounding Pinon Canyon have major questions that need to be answered. In order to get some of these major questions answered, a reporting requirement was placed in the 2006 Defense Authorization bill, approved by both the Senate and the House. However, the Department of Army is restricted on communicating about any specific land acquisition proposal until a waiver for that site has been granted by the Secretary of Defense, which has yet to be granted. Thus, the Army's hands were tied and they were unable to meet the full reporting requirements in the 2006 Defense authorization. I understand the difficult position the Army is on this issue, but I believe it is absolutely necessary that they provide the information to the community and to Congress prior to any acquisition of property. The leadership at Fort Carson has done a great job of reaching out and providing what information it could to the local communities. However, the Pentagon has not been as forthcoming. I believe the Congress and, more importantly, the local communities in Southeastern Colorado need more information before we can decide whether this proposed expansion is necessary and appropriate. With these objectives in mind, today I am introducing a bill that clearly defines the process under which the Army can expand the Pinon Canyon Maneuver Site. This legislation prohibits the use of eminent domain, requires the Army to pay fair market value. Most importantly, the bill does not allow the Army to proceed with land acquisition until it delivers the answers previously sought on the environmental and economic impacts of expansion and also must offer options for compensating the loss of property tax revenue. It is vital that the Army take the time to answer these important questions to help alleviate the affected communities concerns. A number of counties and small towns in Southeastern Colorado could be adversely affected by this expansion, and this study will help us better understand the extent of these impacts and provide options for mitigating them.

Mr. ALLARD. Mr. President, in another area, the events of the past several years remind us of the vital role of first responders in responding to natural disasters and terrorists attacks. It is important that our first responders receive the training needed to make critical, life-saving decisions under emergency circumstances. I believe that an essential element of preparing our first responders is to provide them with hands-on experience in real-world training environments. The importance of real world training was called to my attention by a visit to the Transportation Technology Training Center, TTC, in Pueblo, CO. There, I witnessed first hand the tools at our Nation's disposal to equip our first responders with the training they need, specifically in the context of rail and mass transit. But our national training consortium does not currently include a facility that is uniquely focused on emergency preparedness within the railroad and mass transit environment. The inclusion of TTC would fill a critical gap in its current training agenda. TTC is a federally owned, 52-square-mile multimodal testing and training facility in Pueblo, CO, operated by the Association of American Railroads, AAR. Each year, an average of 1,700 first responders travel to Pueblo, CO, to participate in TTC's training program. The facility has trained more than 20,000 students in its 20- year history. The ERTC is regarded as the ``graduate school'' of hazmat training because of its focus on hands on, true to life, training exercises on actual rail vehicles, including tank cars and passenger rail cars. The ERTC is uniquely positioned to teach emergency response for railway- related emergencies. It is for these reasons that today I introduce a bill authorizing the National Domestic Preparedness Consortium, as expanded to include the Transportation Technology Center in Pueblo, CO, and providing for its coordination and use by the Department of Homeland Security in training the Nation's first responders.

Mr. ALLARD. Mr. President, I am reintroducing legislation to establish a National Veteran's Cemetery in the Pikes Peak Region of Colorado in order to meet the needs of veterans in southern Colorado. This legislation is similar to what I have introduced and supported in the past, and seeks to fill a void for many veterans and their families. Colorado's fifth Congressional District contains the third highest concentration of military retirees in the nation. Recent estimates show that there are as many as 175,000 veterans in the area, when including all of southern Colorado. This legislation will allow thousands of eligible southern Colorado military personnel, both active duty and retired as well as the many veterans living in the area, to have a chance to find their final resting place in the region so many of them have come to love and appreciate. This legislation has been influenced by the growing military retiree and veterans populations in the Pikes Peak region as well as community leaders and local Veterans Service Organizations who have repeatedly brought this issue to my attention over the last several years. It is important to note the passion and perseverance of those that have supported a National Veterans Cemetery and have worked tirelessly on the issue. This legislation is truly citizen-generated and is a testament to the dedication of veterans in the community.

Mr. ALLARD. Mr. President, the National Trails System Willing Seller Act will pave the way for the completion of our Nation's most outstanding national trails. The legislation will amend the National Trails System Act of 1968 to make clear that the Federal Government may purchase land to complete several national trails from willing sellers. The legislation specifically names nine trails that are spread across the nation. The Continental Divide trail, stretching from Mexico through Colorado to the Canadian border, is among the trails that await completion. I was successful in gaining Senate passage of this legislation in the 108th Congress and am hopeful that both the House and Senate will act on the bill this year.

Mr. ALLARD

Mr. ALLARD. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent to speak as if in morning business.

Mr. ALLARD

Mr. ALLARD. Mr. President, I rise today to honor the service and sacrifice of Colorado Springs police officer Kenneth Jordan. My wife Joan and I were deeply saddened to hear of the senseless death of Officer Kenneth Jordan while in the line of duty this past Tuesday in Colorado Springs, CO, during a traffic stop. It takes a person of great courage to become an officer of the law. It takes a strong, hardworking, and considerate individual. It takes a special someone who is willing to pay the ultimate price in protecting the safety of others. Officer Kenneth Jordan was just this person. Unfortunately, Officer Kenneth Jordan paid the ultimate price. Officer Kenneth Jordan was the 12th Colorado Springs police officer to be killed in the line of duty. According to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund, more than 17,500 officers have been killed nationwide since 1792, including 231 in Colorado. The shock to the city of Colorado Springs this week at his death is especially harsh--Kenneth Jordan was the second Colorado Springs officer to be killed this year. Officer Jared Jensen made the ultimate sacrifice last February. The memorial service for officer Kenneth Jordan held at 1 p.m. Monday at New Life Church will be a grim repeat of the day 10 months ago when Officer Jensen was laid to rest. Before Officer Jensen Colorado Springs police had not held a funeral for one of their own in 24 years. A Chicago native at 32 years of age, Kenneth Jordan joined the Colorado Springs Police Department in January 2000 and was known for his unwavering professionalism and strong work ethic. In February 2004, Officer Kenneth Jordan became a DUI officer, whose passion was getting drunk drivers off the road. According to his colleagues, Officer Jordan made 584 DUI arrests since joining this elite team and nearly broke the yearly record of 283 when he made 270 arrests in 2005. Officer Jordan was honored in 2004 by the Mothers Against Drunk Drivers for his dedication to enforcing DUI laws. Officer Kenneth Jordan was a brother and a son. He is survived by his sister, his loving parents and his girlfriend. Kenneth was well liked by his peers and others with whom he came in contact. He was always willing to lend a hand to friend or a stranger alike. The city of Colorado Springs has lost a valuable member of its community, and we are all forever grateful for Officer Kenneth Jordan's service and dedication to the safety and well-being of others. His service to the city of Colorado Springs is highly commendable, and his contributions will be remembered. I extend my deepest sympathy to the family of Officer Kenneth Jordan. May his bravery and unwavering sense of duty serve as a role model for the future generation of law officers. Thank you for your service, Officer Jordan. Rest in peace, Sir. I yield the floor. I suggest the absence of a quorum.

Mr. ALLARD

Mr. ALLARD. Mr. President, today I wish to note the passing and celebrate the life of Milton Friedman. Nobel laureate Friedman was an economist whose work expanded academia to influence Ronald Reagan, Margaret Thatcher, Alan Greenspan, Ben S. Bernanke, and many others. If I may dare to join such company, he also influenced me. Friedman argued that the goal of monetary policy should be long-term, stable growth in the supply of money. He championed individual initiative and deregulation and influenced decisions from severing the dollar from gold to ending the military draft. The Wall Street Journal today quoted Carnegie Mellon University Professor Allan H. Meltzer as saying ``It's hard to think of anyone who's had more of a direct influence on social and economic policy in this generation.'' The PBS airing of his 10-part series ``Free to Choose,'' a defense of free market economics, made a huge impression on me. I watched them all and learned much. Friedman was born in 1912. After graduating from high school before his 16th birthday, Friedman won a scholarship to Rutgers University. He later studied at the University of Chicago, where he met his future wife, Rose Director. Friedman graduated with a master's degree from the University of Chicago in 1933 and earned a doctorate from Columbia University in 1946. He served as an economic adviser during Barry Goldwater's Presidential campaign, won the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 1988, and was most recently a senior research fellow at the Hoover Institution. His contribution to our country was vast, and I mourn his passing.

Mr. ALLARD

Mr. ALLARD. Mr. President, I rise today to congratulate the winners of the United States Professor of the Year Award. Since 1981, this program has saluted outstanding undergraduate instructors throughout the country. This year, a State Professor of the Year was also recognized in 43 States, the District of Columbia and Guam. This award is recognized as one of the most prestigious honors bestowed upon a professor. To be nominated for this award requires dedication to the art of education and excellence in every aspect of the profession. Professors personally vested in each student shape the leaders of tomorrow. These individuals should be proud of their accomplishment. I commend and thank all the winners for your leadership and passion for educating. No doubt you have inspired an untold number of students. I wish you the very best in all your endeavors. Congratulations and best regards. The four national award winners are: Outstanding Baccalaureate Colleges Professor: K.E. Brashier, associate professor of religion and humanities, Reed College, Portland, Ore. Outstanding Community Colleges Professor: Mark Lewine, professor of anthropology, Coyahoga Community College, Cleveland, Ohio Outstanding Doctoral and Research Universities Professor: Alex Filippenko, professor of astronomy, University of California, Berkeley Outstanding Master's Universities and Colleges Professor: Donna C. Boyd, professor of anthropology, Radford University. State Winners: Alabama: Scott Stephens, Professor of Art, University of Montevallo. Arizona: Rene Diaz-Lefebvre, Professor of Psychology, Glendale Community College. Arkansas: Catherine Bordeau, Associate Professor of French, Lyon College. California: David Paddy, Associate Professor of English Language and Literature, Whittier College. Colorado: Daniel Miller, Associate Professor of Astronautics, United States Air Force Academy. Connecticut: Scott Plous, Professor of Psychology, Wesleyan University. Delaware: Alan Fox, Associate Professor of Philosophy, University of Delaware. District of Columbia: Elizabeth Chacko, Associate Professor of Geography and International Affairs, The George Washington University. Florida: William F. Felice, Professor of Political Science, Eckerd College. Georgia: Carmen Acevedo Butcher, Associate Professor of English, Shorter College. Guam: Vivian Dames, Associate Professor, University of Guam. Idaho: James Angresano, Professor of Political Economy, Albertson College of Idaho. Illinois: Miriam Ben-Yoseph, Associate Professor, DePaul University. Indiana: Randy Roberts, Professor of History and American Studies, Purdue University. Iowa: Jeff Barker, Professor of Theatre and Speech, Northwestern College. Kansas: Harald E.L. Prins, University Distinguished Professor of Anthropology, Kansas State University. Kentucky: Frank Wiseman, Professor of Chemistry, Georgetown College. Louisiana: Jo Dale Ales, Assistant Professor for Biology, Baton Rouge Community College. Maine: Eric Landis, Professor of Civil Engineering, University of Maine. Maryland: Joan Murray Naake, Professor of English, Montgomery College, Rockville. Massachusetts: Cathleen K. Stutz, Assistant Professor of Education, Assumption College. Michigan: Elfie Schults-Berndt, Director of Music, Lake Michigan College. Minnesota: Randy Moore, Professor of Biology, University of Minnesota-Twin Cities. Mississippi: Sarah Lea McGuire, Professor of Biology, Millsaps College. Missouri: Lynn Rose, Associate Professor of History, Truman State University. Montana: Robin Gerber, History and Social Sciences Instructor, Miles Community College. Nebraska: Maxine Fawcett-Yeske, Associate Professor of Music, Nebraska Wesleyan University. Nevada: Cheryll Glotfelty, Associate Professor of Literature and the Environment, University of Nevada, Reno. New Hampshire: Paul Christesen, Assistant Professor of Classics, Dartmouth College. New Jersey: Barry V. Qualls, Professor of English, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey. New York: Charles Williamson, Professor in Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Cornell University. North Carolina: Thomas Arcaro, Professor of Sociology, Elon University. Ohio: Ormond Brathwaite, Professor of Biology and Chemistry, Cuyahoga Community College. Oklahoma: Vivian Thomlinson, Associate Professor of English, Cameron University. Oregon: Karen Elizabeth Eifler, Associate Professor of Education, University of Portland. Pennsylvania: Patricia Nestler, Associate Professor of English, Montgomery County Community College. South Carolina: Maria K. Bachman, Associate Professor of English, Coastal Carolina University. Tennessee: George Poe, Professor of French and French Studies, Sewanee: The University of the South. Texas: Jennifer L. O'Loughlin-Brooks, Professor of Psychology, Collin County Community College. Utah: Eric Amsel, Professor of Psychology, Weber State University. Vermont: David T.Z. Mindich, Professor of Journalism and Mass Communication, St. Michael's College. Virginia: Joann Grayson, Professor of Psychology, James Madison University. Washington: David Domke, Associate Professor of Communication, University of Washington. West Virginia: Norman Duffy, Professor of Chemistry, Wheeling Jesuit University. Wisconsin: Donald A. Neumann, Professor in Physical Therapy, Marquette University.

Mr. ALLARD

Mr. ALLARD. Mr. President, I rise today in support of the Military Construction and Veterans Affairs appropriations bill because of its commitment to VA health care as well as its support of vital and necessary military facilities in the State of Colorado. I am pleased that this bill increases funding to essential programs that maintain and improve the quality of life for our veterans. It important to note that this is the sixth consecutive year that Congress has increased funding for veterans health care programs. This year the committee recommends that Veterans Health Administration be appropriated at $32.67 billon, which is a $3.32 billion increase over last year's level. Furthermore, I would like to commend the committee for maintaining their commitment to Capital Asset Realignment Enhanced Services, CARES, process. CARES is the most comprehensive analysis of the VA's health care infrastructure that has ever been conducted and is important in prioritizing the VA's budget. Specifically, I am especially pleased with the committee's recommendation of $52 million for a replacement hospital in Denver, CO. The current Denver VA hospital was built more than 50 years ago and medical technology has far surpassed what the builders of the Denver VA originally envisioned. While I cannot say enough about the care and service our veterans receive at the current facility, many changes and improvements can and should be made, and a new facility is the only way to accomplish these goals. The construction plans present credible proof that a new Fitzsimons facility will increase healthcare quality and quantity for our veterans. It is my hope, and it is a likely one, that a new hospital will also serve as a regional beacon for modern veteran medical care science and will fill an important void for the large number of veterans in Colorado. I would like to acknowledge the recommendation of $161 million for the National Cemetery Administration, which saw an increase of $4.1 million over the fiscal year 2006 level. Specifically, I am pleased the committee recognizes the need for a VA cemetery in the Pikes Peak region of southern Colorado. This area is home to over 125,000 veterans, and would be well served by a national cemetery. Additionally, I support portions of this appropriations bill that recommend $50.1 million for necessary military construction improvements at Fort Carson, and an additional $130.6 million for projects in Colorado. Specifically at Fort Carson, this bill recommends funds for the completion of phase 2 of the airfield arrival/departure complex as well as funds for the Special Operations Complex. Fort Carson, known as the Mountain Post, plays an essential role for the Army. I am also pleased at the committee's recommendation that directs the U.S. Air Force to submit a master infrastructure recapitalization plan for the U.S. Air Force Academy facilities. This plan will begin the process of updating and improving necessary infrastructure concerns. As the Academy enters its sixth decade of operation, these important improvements will better enable the Academy to fulfill its mission of education, training and equipping cadets. Other projects in Colorado funded by this bill includes funds for the Space Test and Evaluation Facility at Schriever Air Force Base, continued construction at the Pueblo Chemical Weapons Depot, $10.7 million for a consolidated fuels facility at Buckley AFB and $7 million for the Air National Guard F-16 Fighter Squadron Operations Center, also at Buckley AFB. These projects are vital to the continued success of our military at all levels. I urge the Senate to expeditiously pass this bill in order to send it to the President's desk as soon as possible. I would also like to thank Chairwoman Hutchison for her leadership and diligence on this committee over the years and look forward to continuing to work with her in the future.

Mr. ALLARD

Mr. ALLARD. Mr. President, I come to the floor today to speak about an issue that would greatly impact this country's physicians and our constituents ability to access care. The issue of physician reimbursements under Medicare is important to me and my Colorado constituents. Congress was able to take steps to address the reimbursement issue for 2006, but once again physicians are faced with the possibility of a decreased reimbursement for 2007. Many physicians and physician groups have contacted Congress, requesting that the problem be addressed. Ellice Zirinski, who works in Family Practice in Arvada, CO, wanted Congress to know that she would strongly urge them to take action and increase Medicare reimbursement to physicians. Should reimbursement decline as legislated, she could no longer afford to give care to her patients and stay in practice. She does not want to jeopardize her patients' access to care. We need to find a way to provide physicians with a positive reimbursement before January 2007. For some time, physicians in Colorado have been concerned with the possibility of a reduction in their reimbursement schedule. I am greatly concerned with the fact that hospitals, nursing homes, and other Medicare providers continue to receive positive updates, while private physicians are forced to no longer accept Medicare patients, or, even worse, forced out of practice. Tom Mino, a Doctor of Osteopathy in Broomfield, CO, told me, ``I may have to consider a change in occupation--or at least move away from solo practice.'' This trend could result in more physicians practicing in an institutional setting instead of private practice. This concerns me greatly. I have heard time and time again that Colorado's rural physicians will have no other choice than to stop accepting Medicare patients. Mark Laitos, an M.D. in Longmont, CO, said, ``I live in a small town. My patients are my friends and my friends are my patients. We go to church together. I won't abandon them, but my biggest worry is that my practice will be overrun with new Medicare patients as more and more of my colleagues make the decision to stop seeing Medicare patients.'' That means that my rural constituents will no longer have access to care. The final conference agreement on the Deficit Reduction Act of 2005, S. 1932, approved February 1, 2006, overrode the mandatory 4.4 percent decrease for 2006 by freezing payments at the 2005 levels. A freeze in the physician reimbursement rate for 2007 is not enough. We need to take steps to ensure that physicians receive a positive reimbursement update. The issue of physician reimbursement affects the entire United States and all of our constituents. Because of this, I urge my colleagues to take the necessary action to ensure that physicians receive a positive Medicare reimbursement update for 2007.

Mr. ALLARD

Mr. ALLARD. Mr. President, today I pay tribute to those individuals from Penrose-St. Francis Hospital in Colorado Springs, CO, who graciously agreed to provide medical attention to retired Air Force veteran Mr. Richard Mc Whorter following a critical injury in April, 2006, while working in Amman, Jordan. The staff of Penrose-St. Francis worked quickly and tirelessly to arrange for the appropriate procedures in order to best help Mr. Mc Whorter given the urgency and unfortunate extenuating circumstances. Most notably, Penrose-St. Frances was willing to absorb all costs for any treatment performed. Tragically, Mr. Mc Whorter passed away prior to his return to the United States for treatment. Nonetheless, the honorable intentions of those at Penrose-St. Francis are worthy of acknowledgment and their demonstration of compassion should serve as an example for others in the health care industry. I would like to thank the following individuals for their kindness and generosity in attempting to save Mr. Mc Whorter following his accident. I would also like to issue my sincere condolences to the Mc Whorter family for their loss. Dr. Dave Ross Dr. Roger Nagy Dr. Bill Chambers Dr. Michael Brown Dr. Glen House President and CEO Rick O'Connell Ms. Pat Burgess

Mr. ALLARD

Mr. ALLARD. Mr. President, today I honor the service and sacrifice of Officer Jared Jensen. My wife Joan and I were deeply saddened to hear of the death of Officer Jared Jensen while in the line of duty. It takes a person of great courage to become an officer of the law. It takes a strong, hardworking, and considerate individual. It takes a special someone who is willing to pay the ultimate price in protecting the safety of others. Officer Jared Jensen was just this person. He served the Colorado Springs Police Department with honor and valor for more than 3 years. Officer Jared Jensen was a dedicated police officer who had a passion for upholding the law. Officer Jared Jensen was a husband, a brother, and a son. He is survived by his wife Natalie, a brother, who also serves the Colorado Springs Police Department, and his loving parents. Among his many hobbies and interests, Officer Jared Jensen was an avid NASCAR racing fan and golfer. Throughout his life, Jared's caring heart was evident in his devotion to family and friends, his love of animals, and his loyalty to his fellow officers with whom he served. The city of Colorado Springs has lost a valuable member of its community, and we are all forever grateful for Officer Jared Jensen's service and dedication to the safety and well-being of others. His service to the city of Colorado Springs is highly commendable, and his contributions will be remembered. On October 6, 2006, the Police Cross and Medal of Valor will be presented to Officer Jared Jensen, posthumously, and given to his widow Natalie at the 21st Annual Medal of Valor Award Ceremony in Colorado Springs, Colorado. These awards represent his extraordinary heroism and honorable service to the Colorado Springs Police Department. I extend my deepest appreciation to Officer Jared Jensen. May his bravery and unwavering sense of duty serve as a role model for the future generation of law officers.

Mr. ALLARD

Mr. ALLARD. Mr. President, 70 years ago, Congress passed a resolution proclaiming that the last Sunday in September be designated as Gold Star Mother's Day. As we approach the last Sunday in September, I would like to take this opportunity to recognize the Gold Star mothers throughout the country and particularly those in the State of Colorado. I hope we will all take time this Sunday, September 24, to honor these mothers and fathers who have so bravely endured the loss of a son or daughter killed while serving in the Armed Forces. Colorado has lost many young men and women to combat since the horrendous attacks of 9/ 11. One day is not long enough for us to ever fully honor these parents who have had to suffer the unmanageable pain of losing a child, but we will try. Across the State of Colorado and across the Nation, many of these mothers have come together not only for support but also to volunteer their time, serving veterans and families of soldiers, encouraging patriotism and national pride, and honor their children through service and allegiance to the United States. Through their volunteer efforts, they keep alive the memory and spirit of those whose lives were lost in the war. They continue to inspire compassion, strength, and faithfulness for all Americans. To mark this weekend, the Blue Star mothers of Colorado will be hosting Colorado's first annual Gold Star Mother's Day weekend. There will be several events throughout the weekend celebrating the lives of those soldiers who so courageously gave the ultimate sacrifice for their Nation. Unfortunately, I will not be able to attend the ceremony myself, but my wife Joan and I send our thoughts and prayers to those who will be attending the event. Words truly cannot express America's gratitude for our Armed Forces and their service and sacrifice to this Nation. Those who have fallen serve a cause greater than themselves and deserve special honor. To their mothers and fathers: You, too, deserve special honor as you continue to carry on the patriotic duties and legacy your sons and daughters sadly could not. I thank you for your courage and for your service to the United States of America. Over the last 3 years, our Nation has been locked in a terrible struggle against radical extremists across the Middle East. I readily admit this fight is one we did not anticipate. But I do know that every life given in the name of freedom has not been given in vain. While they continually experience many dangerous challenges, our men and women of our Armed Forces continue making strides in Iraq and Afghanistan. We have fought a terrible enemy that has no regard for human life. Yet despite our challenges, we have seen tremendous progress, especially toward helping to create partners in our fight against terrorism worldwide. Indeed, much of our success depends on the men and women in the new democratic governments formed in Iraq and Afghanistan, and they are stepping up to the challenge. In Iraq, people from all walks of life--Sunnis, Shias, Kurds--have participated in multiple elections and referendums across the country for the first time in Iraq's history. Remarkably, after democratic elections in Afghanistan, women are holding positions of power in local and national governments, something that was impossible under the Taliban's rule. The sovereign governments are working with regional and international partners in achieving united democracies--an achievement only allowed through our fighting men and women in combat. Many remarkable achievements have been made through the sacrifices of the men and women in the military, but perhaps the most important of all is what has not occurred in our country: since we took military action against these Islamic extremists and brought the fight to them, we have not seen an attack on American soil. The sacrifices that the sons and daughters of our Gold Star mothers have made and continue to make are protecting us on our shores. Unfortunately, we have seen that even after the death of terrorist leaders, such as Abu Mus'ab al- Zarqawi, the forces of Islamic extremists vow that they will continue to wage war on American civilians. Our success against this type of enemy is only ensured by the brave men and women of our Armed Forces. They provide safety and security to our Nation, and we are truly grateful for what they have done. While the cost has been high, the cost of doing nothing would be even greater. These words provide little comfort to the families who have lost loved ones, but we will always remember those who have lost their lives in support of our freedom and thank them for their sacrifice. I ask unanimous consent that a list of fallen heroes from Colorado be printed in the Record.

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

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

Mr. ALLARD

Mr. ALLARD. Mr. President, 70 years ago, Congress passed a resolution proclaiming that the last Sunday in September be designated as Gold Star Mother's Day. As we approach the last Sunday in September, I would like to take this opportunity to recognize the Gold Star Mothers throughout the country and particularly those in the State of Colorado. I hope that we will all take time this Sunday, September 24, to honor these mothers and fathers who have so bravely endured the loss of a son or daughter killed while serving in the Armed Forces. Colorado has lost many young men and women to combat since the horrendous attacks of 9/11. One day is not long enough for us to ever fully honor those parents who have had to suffer the unimaginable pain of losing a child, but we will try. Across the State of Colorado and the rest of the Nation, many of these mothers have come together not only for support but also to volunteer their time serving veterans and families of soldiers, encouraging patriotism and national pride, and honoring their children through service and allegiance to the United States. Through their volunteer efforts, they keep alive the memory and spirit of those whose lives were lost in the war. They continue to inspire compassion, strength, and faithfulness for all Americans. To mark this weekend, the Blue Star Mothers of Colorado will be hosting Colorado's first annual Gold Star Mother's Day Weekend. There will be several events throughout the weekend celebrating the lives of those soldiers who so courageously gave the ultimate sacrifice for their Nation. Unfortunately I will not be able to attend the ceremony myself, but my wife Joan and I want to send our thoughts and prayers to those who will be attending the event. Words truly cannot express America's gratitude for our Armed Forces and their service and sacrifice to this Nation. Those who have fallen have served a cause greater than themselves and deserve special honor. To their mothers and fathers, you too deserve special honor as you continue to carry on the patriotic duties and legacy that your son or daughter sadly could not. I thank you for your courage and for your service to the United States of America. Over the last 3 years, our Nation has been locked in a terrible struggle against radical extremists across the Middle East. And I will readily admit that this fight is one that we did not anticipate. But I do know that every life given in the name of freedom has not been given in vain. While they continually experience many dangerous challenges, our men and women of our Armed Forces continue making strides in Iraq and Afghanistan. We have fought a terrible enemy that has no regard for human life. Yet despite our challenges, we have seen tremendous progress, especially towards helping to create partners in our fight against terrorism worldwide. Indeed, much of our success depends on the men and women in the new democratic governments formed in Iraq and Afghanistan, and they are stepping up to the challenge. In Iraq, people from all walks of life--Sunnis, Shia, and Kurds--have participated in multiple elections and referendums across the country for the first time in Iraq's history. Remarkably, after democratic elections in Afghanistan, women are holding positions of power in local and national governments, something that was impossible under the Taliban's rule. The sovereign governments are working with regional and international partners in achieving united democracies--an achievement only allowed through our fighting men and women in combat. Many remarkable achievements have been made through the sacrifices of the men and women in the military, but perhaps the most important of all is what has not occurred in our own country. Since we took military action against these Islamic extremists and brought the fight to them, we have not seen an attack on American soil. The sacrifices that the sons and daughters of our Gold Star Mothers have made and continue to make are protecting us here on our shores. Unfortunately, we have seen that even after the death of terrorist leaders like Abu Musab al-Zarqawi that the forces of the Islamic extremists vow that they will continue to wage war on American civilians. Our success against this type of enemy is only ensured by the brave men and women of our Armed Forces. They provide the safety and security to our nation, and we are truly grateful for what they have done. While the cost has been high, the cost of doing nothing would be even greater. These words provide little comfort to the families that have lost loved ones. But we will always remember those who have lost their lives in support of our freedom, and thank them for their sacrifice. I ask unanimous consent for the list of fallen heroes from Colorado be printed in the Record.