George Allen

Mr. ALLEN

Mr. ALLEN. I believe so. Mr. President, my amendment was filed before the Senator's and his was filed after. I have not read the Senator's amendment, but as modified, the best I have heard from talking to Senator Stevens and listening to the Senator from Massachusetts, they seem to be very close, if not identical.

Mr. ALLEN. I would say, Mr. President, to the Senator from Massachusetts, this is an opportunity for all of us to come together in a bipartisan fashion. I know one of the occasions when I was at Walter Reed Hospital the Senator from Massachusetts was there at the same time. And we see the outstanding work the professionals provide for those men and women who have been injured. This is one issue where I believe all Americans, regardless of party, regardless of region, need to come together to make sure funding is there. I thank the Senator from Massachusetts.

Mr. ALLEN. The point is, my amendment was going to be $19 million regardless. And my view was, we needed added funding, and this will make it absolutely clear.

Mr. ALLEN. Yes, as modified. Thank you. However, the point is it is $19 million, and it shall be appropriated for this function.

Mr. ALLEN. Yes.

Mr. ALLEN. I would have to look at the details. That is why I mentioned the Senator from Illinois, and I and others, I think, share the same concern. The main point, the main concern--which is making sure the professional services were there, the adequacy of the devices, the adequacy of the health care professionals--I think was actually fairly identical. I have not looked at the measure of the Senator from Illinois. It appears that we are going down the same stream, in the same direction.

Mr. ALLEN. Mr. President, I am proposing an amendment to provide an additional $12 million that shall be available to the Defense and Veterans Brain Injury Center and centers all across our country. We are in the midst of a war against terrorist organizations. They are vile. They are hate filled. They are al-Qaida, they are Hezbollah, Islamic Jihad, Hamas, and a variety of different organizations. The battlefronts are all over the world. We have troops deployed in Iraq. We have troops in Afghanistan. Our friends and allies are having to fight Hezbollah, a puppet surrogate of Iran. These terrorists have hit all over the world. They have hit, obviously, in Iraq and Afghanistan. They have hit in Israel. They have hit in Jordan. They have hit in India, the Philippines, Indonesia, Spain, and London. They are still trying to hit us. Fortunately, the British intercepted airplanes that would be used in another terrorist attack. They use a lot of different devices in this war. They use bombs and a variety of IEDs. They use rocket-propelled grenades. They use land mines. I was talking to a woman from Afghanistan a couple weeks ago. I asked for her perspective of Afghanistan. She said that things are better, but the terrorists are hitting schools. I asked: Why are they hitting schools? And she said: Because we are educating women in Afghanistan, and from the al-Qaida/Taliban point of view, women are not to be educated. Our service men and women are serving very courageously in Iraq and Afghanistan and other places in the world. They deserve to have the best possibile equipment when they go into battle or into dangerous combat zones. We need to make sure our troops are outfitted with the best body armor, the most technologically advanced armaments, weapons, and communication devices that are possible so that they are safe and that we can defeat these terrorist enemies. The same principles apply when our brave men and women return home from the theaters of war. We need to make sure our servicemembers receive the best possible medical care for any injuries that may have arisen while they were in these combat zones. We need to make sure our soldiers receive the proper mental health treatment to deal with any issues of post-traumatic stress disorder or appropriate counseling to help adjust back into civilian life. For those soldiers returning home with an injury, we need to make sure our medical treatment facilities have sufficient funding and also the professional services and the most up-to-date technology so our servicemembers receive the quality care they deserve. One of the more prevalent injuries in Iraq right now for our soldiers is traumatic brain injuries. According to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, a traumatic brain injury occurs when a sudden trauma causes damage to the brain. Traumatic brain injury can result when the head suddenly and violently hits an object or when an object pierces the skull and enters brain tissue. According to the Office of the Surgeon General of the Army, 64 percent of soldiers recently wounded in Operation Iraqi Freedom sustained blast injuries, which are the leading cause of traumatic brain injuries for Active-Duty military personnel in war zones. These blast injuries are the result, as I said earlier, of RPGs, rocket- propelled grenades, or IEDs, otherwise known as or short for improvised explosive devices, and also landmines. Soldiers, I say to the Presiding Officer and my colleagues, suffering injuries from these devices require specialized care from providers with experience in treating traumatic brain injuries. One of the key components of this care is the Defense and Veterans Brain Injury Center, which is located at Walter Reed Army Medical Center--the site that receives more casualties from theaters of operations than any other military treatment facility. The Defense and Veterans Brain Injury Center provides state-of-the- art medical care, innovative clinical research initiatives, and educational programs on traumatic brain injury to assist Active-Duty servicemembers and veterans. The Brain Injury Center is actually a multisite medical care facility with operations in California, Texas, Florida, Minnesota, North Carolina, and in my home Commonwealth of Virginia. In Virginia, the Hunter Holmes McGuire VA Medical Center serves as a national referral center for traumatic brain injury cases and other diseases. They partner with Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond to provide the best quality service for treatment and recovery, as well as research. And I suspect the facilities in other States, probably provide similar services. I just know very much about the McGuire facility in Richmond and also the Walter Reed site and have seen the expert staff as they review the daily incoming casualty reports and identify the patients who have sustained injuries caused by blasts or falls or other incidents. They have evaluated and treated hundreds of patients. These centers really do provide outstanding specialized care, such as rehabilitation--for speech and physical rehabilitation--and education. These patients need to be helped to return to the highest possible level of function. These centers are performing a very admirable job and doing the best they can; however, we need to make sure, whether it is McGuire in Richmond, whether it is Walter Reed, or one of these facilities in Minnesota or Florida or Texas or California or North Carolina--this work I have seen at these centers, at least at McGuire in Richmond and Walter Reed, are providing great services. I can tell you firsthand, by the way, how the soldiers are reacting to it and also the response from family members who are seeing slow but steady progress for many of their loved ones. They greatly appreciate it. That is why I am offering this amendment, to make available from the Defense Health Programs an additional $12 million, which would increase it from $7 million to $19 million--an additional $12 million in funding that shall be available to the Defense and Veterans Brain Injury Centers for this work, including blast mitigation. It is my view this is the least we should do. This is exactly what we should be trying to do to help our men and women who are bravely sacrificing so much to protect our freedom at home while trying to advance freedom for other people around the world. George Washington cautioned that ``the willingness of future generations to fight for their country, no matter how just the cause, will be proportional to how they perceive previous veterans are treated.'' This amendment is a long step forward--a long step forward-- in that direction, and I strongly urge my colleagues in the Senate to support my amendment, as modified. I understand other colleagues apparently share my concerns about the adequacy of such needed funding for brain injury services. I hope the Senator from Illinois, who I know shares my views on this issue, and other Senators on both sides of the aisle--that we could work together in a bipartisan manner to get this job done, to make sure we effectuate this bipartisan solution for this very pressing need to make sure those who have brain injuries--head trauma and injuries from blasts--whether in Afghanistan, whether in Iraq, or anywhere else in combat zones--to make sure they have the right treatment. We have the professionals in this country, but we need to make sure they have adequate funding for this clear and present need. Mr. President, I yield the floor.

Mr. ALLEN. Mr. President, I call up my amendment, No. 4883, and I send a modification to the desk and I ask the reading of the amendment be dispensed with.

Mr. ALLEN. I say to the Senator from Massachusetts, I hope that Senator Stevens and the committee will accept my amendment. I would not want to speak for them. But I surely so urge them. I think our body would support it. It is a very good amendment to help out in the funding for our soldiers, the men and women who come back with head injuries.

Mr. ALLEN. I would be pleased to yield.

Mr. ALLEN. Mr. President, I wanted to call up amendment No. 4883. I was waiting for our chairman to be here, and ask I be recognized to offer this amendment. It will take approximately 5 or 6 minutes to offer the amendment.

Mr. ALLEN

Mr. ALLEN. I yield.

Mr. ALLEN

Mr. ALLEN. Mr. President, I thank the distinguished chairman of the Finance Committee for his willingness to work with me to address this issue. section 701

Mr. ALLEN. Mr. President, I would like to engage in a brief colloquy with the distinguished chairman of the Finance Committee, Senator Grassley, regarding changes to the limitations on pension deductions in sections 801 and 803. The legislation, in section 801, increases the deduction limit for defined benefit plans for years after December 31, 2005. Increasing this limit will encourage employers to contribute more to their defined benefit plans. However, if an employer has both a defined benefit plan and a defined contribution plan there is a separate deduction limit that applies to employers with a combination of plans. Thus, this legislation in section 803, also updates the limitation on deductions where an employer has a combination of such plans effective for contributions made for taxable years after December 31, 2005. The change in section 803 eliminates the deduction limit for combinations of defined benefit and defined contribution plans for employers that do not contribute more than 6 percent of compensation to a defined contribution plan. If an employer has a combination of plans and wants to contribute more than 6 percent of compensation to a defined contribution plan, the legislation also has a provision in section 801 which permits employers to exclude defined benefit plans whose benefits are guaranteed by the PBGC, from the limits applicable to combinations of defined benefit plans and defined contribution plans. But, unlike the other two provisions I described above which permit employers to increase their contributions to defined benefit plans effective for years after December 31, 2005, it appears that this last related provision regarding guaranteed plans may inadvertently not have the same effective date as the other two. It seems to me that if we are encouraging employers to fully fund their defined benefit pension plans, that the effective dates for these provisions should all be effective as of December 31, 2005. I am hopeful that we will examine this issue and can correct this technical oversight.

Mr. ALLEN

Mr. ALLEN. Mr. President, I am pleased to announce the centennial anniversary of the historic city of Galax. The centennial celebration created and will continue to create community awareness of opportunities for the preservation of Galax's rich heritage. In addition, this event will foster pride in Galax's educational, cultural, social, and economic resources and will encourage the brainstorming of ways to ensure a bright future for the city of Galax. Throughout the year, the city of Galax has come up with exciting ways to celebrate its centennial. July was Freedom Celebration Month in Galax which included a Fourth of July parade and the Virginia State Barbeque Championship. August is Musical Heritage Celebration Month and will include the Annual Old Fiddler's Convention, as well as the Annual Championship Rodeo. September is Free Enterprise, Agriculture and Industry Month and will feature a play on the history of the city of Galax, as well as events with authors Sharyn McCrumb and Robert Chappell. This centennial celebration of the city of Galax is a great way to remember its history, appreciate its current state, and look forward to its bright future. Over the years I have enjoyed many opportunities to join the people of the city of Galax for events, festivals, and meetings, and I am proud to be a part of this centennial celebration and look forward to sharing in many more events in the coming years.

Mr. ALLEN

Mr. ALLEN. Mr. President, I am pleased to acknowledge the 100th anniversary of the Planters Company which has had a fruitful working relationship with Suffolk County over the past century and has one of its major production facilities located there. To celebrate, Planters has embarked on a 4- month, cross-country tour visiting landmarks in Planters' history. Over the past century Planters has consistently delivered a variety of fresh-tasting nuts and has also developed an American icon in the internationally famous Mr. Peanut. On Tuesday, June 13, 2006 Planters NUTmobile and Centennial Display Tour made a stop in Suffolk, VA. Visitors got the opportunity to meet and interact with Mr. Peanut, sample fresh roasted peanuts, view Planters and Mr. Peanut collectibles from the past century, and put themselves in moments and events throughout Planters and American history using green screen technology. Over the past century Planters' Suffolk facility has enjoyed a wonderful relationship with the city of Suffolk. The Planters Suffolk facility produces a variety of nut products. Planters has employed thousands of Virginians over the years, and many more have enjoyed and benefited from both its products and its reputation in the Suffolk community. Planters has been a model for the type of relationship that should exist between communities and businesses over the past century, and we look forward to working with them for the next 100 years.

Mr. ALLEN

Mr. ALLEN. Mr. President, I am pleased to announce the sesquicentennial anniversary of historic Wise County. The centennial celebration has created and will continue to create community awareness of opportunities for the preservation of Wise County's rich heritage. In addition, this event will foster pride in Wise County's educational, cultural, social, and economic resources and will encourage the brainstorming of ways to ensure a bright future for Wise County. Throughout the year Wise County has come up with exciting ways to celebrate its centennial birthday. In May there was a kickoff ceremony to begin the celebration, as well as a Business Appreciation Day. Other presentations include a play on the history of Wise County, a Miss Sesquicentennial Pageant, and a presentation of Coal Camp Songs. The celebration will culminate with the 150th Birthday Bash on from noon until 11:00 pm on August 12 at the Lonesome Pine Raceway, which will feature food, games, music and fun. The sesquicentennial celebration of Wise County is a great way to remember its history, appreciate its current state, and look forward to its bright future. Over the years, I have enjoyed many opportunities to join the people of Wise County for events, festivals, and meetings, and I am proud to be a part of this sesquicentennial celebration and look forward to sharing in many more events in the coming years.

Mr. ALLEN

Mr. ALLEN. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the Committee on Veterans' Affairs be authorized to meet during the session of the Senate on Monday, July 31, 2006, to hold a markup to consider the nominations of Patrick W. Dunne to be Assistant Secretary for Policy & Planning and Thomas E. Harvey to be Assistant Secretary for Congressional Affairs, Department of Veterans' Affairs. The meeting will take place in the Reception Room off the Senate floor in the Capitol following the first rollcall vote of the day for the Senate currently scheduled for 5:30 p.m.

Mr. ALLEN. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the Committee on Foreign Relations be authorized to meet during the session of the Senate on Monday, July 31, 2006, at 3 p.m. to hold a hearing on nominations.

Mr. ALLEN. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the Committee on Finance be authorized to meet during the session on Monday, July 31, 2006, immediately following the next vote on the Senate Floor (tentatively scheduled to occur at 5:30 p.m.), in the President's Room, S-216 of the Capitol, to consider approving recommendations on proposed legislation implementing the U.S.-Peru Trade Promotion Agreement, and to consider favorably reporting S. 3495, to authorize the extension of nondiscriminatory treatment (normal trade relations treatment) to the products of Vietnam.

Mr. ALLEN

Mr. ALLEN. I would say to the chairman of the Energy Committee, I wanted to get on that committee in this session because I really do believe energy independence, energy security is the most important issue facing our country. The Senator has provided great leadership, working with a variety of different forces, and getting things done on a bipartisan basis. I agree that Senator Martinez was absolutely crucial in this bipartisan effort. I would hope, though, that you recognize that while I am introducing this amendment, I know my colleague, Senator Warner, has a different sort of amendment, trying to get to the same point. I hope I can count on you, and I hope the American people can count on you to work in a bipartisan fashion in the future, whether this year or future years, to allow the people of Virginia, if they so desire, to explore off our coasts and use this as a model in sharing revenues with the States because I think sharing of revenues with the States will be an incentive for States to help the national mission of energy independence and not allow that good energy to stay there fallow in deep water off our Outer Continental Shelves.

Mr. ALLEN. Will the Senator yield?

Mr. ALLEN. If I may, Mr. President----

Mr. ALLEN. I am certain.

Mr. ALLEN. Mr. President, I rise this afternoon in strong support of the Gulf of Mexico Energy Security Act. This is commonsense legislation. It will have a powerful and positive impact on one of the truly most important challenges facing our country today: we need to reduce the price of gas. We need to reduce our dependence on foreign sources of energy. It needs to be reduced for our competitiveness. We need to reduce the dependence on energy for our national security, especially the amount of foreign oil we get from the Middle East. American households, families, and businesses are paying high prices for gasoline. They are paying high prices for natural gas as well as diesel. Our country, the United States of America, is far too dependent on a single source of energy which is primarily located in a hostile, unstable region of the world, 8,000 miles away. This dependence that we have on the Middle East needs to be reduced. We have paid a very high price for our energy dependence, not just in the actual cost of energy--which has skyrocketed in the last year, harming individuals, harming families, harming manufacturing jobs, having an adverse impact on our farmers and small businesses--we have also, as Americans, paid a high price in terms of our national security since our economy is becoming increasingly vulnerable to the whims of some Iranian mullah or some dictator in Venezuela. Moreover, there is increasing demand around the world. Every barrel of oil produced in Saudi Arabia or Iran or anywhere else is in competition with the growing economies in Central Europe, and the very large growing economies in India and China--all competing for that same barrel of oil. This dependence on foreign oil is a serious problem, a serious challenge which requires and demands a serious long-term solution. The old brain-dead energy policies of the past are not going to work in today's innovative and expanding global economy. We need to adopt a comprehensive, 21st century energy program that will increase energy affordability, energy reliability, and, above all, our mission of energy independence. The best way to strengthen our energy independence is through more American energy diversity. We need to adopt a flexible, diverse portfolio of energy options. That, also, of course, first and foremost, must include increased domestic energy production, including American oil and natural gas. As to clean coal, American coal, we are the ``Saudi Arabia'' of the world in coal, and we ought to be using clean coal technology for electricity generation as well as gasifying coal or making it into a diesel-like fuel. We also ought to be using American advanced nuclear power for electricity generation. We need to increase our refinery capacity. Right now, refineries are going at 100 percent capacity. When they shift from one formulary to another, there is disruption, increased prices, some shortages, and not just at the refineries but also in the pipelines. So we need more refineries in this country. We need, as Americans, to conserve and become more efficient and smart in the use of our energy and our methods and even the engines of propulsion. We also need to unleash the power to free, creative minds and free markets right here in America. We have to unleash the best scientists, the best engineers, and the best technicians in the world. It is time to put them to work to develop a 21st century energy program. Fuel cells can be part of it. Hybrids, clean-burning natural gas, the use of biofuels, whether that is soy diesel or ethanol, are part of the innovative ideas. Also, with advancements in nanotechnology, materials can be lighter and stronger, needing less energy to propel that particular vehicle. Nanotechnology is also making solar photovoltaics much more of a part of our options. Lithium-ion batteries are moving forward, and that is another method of propulsion for the future. We have to adopt, we have to be determined, and we have to move forward with a comprehensive 21st century energy independence policy focused on energy production, innovation, and diversity. When we do that, we will see lower gas prices for American consumers. We will see more jobs for American workers and a stronger, more competitive and safer America in the world. I believe that the Gulf of Mexico Energy Security Act, which is designed to expand deepwater exploration in the Gulf of Mexico, is an important first step toward a long-term energy solution. Although, I know there is much more to be done--and I will be offering an amendment to allow other States to have the same options as well--but this is a bipartisan measure, a bill crafted by Chairman Domenici and Senator Bingaman, with the support of Senators from, expectedly, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama, and also breakthrough leadership from the Senators--including the Presiding Officer, Senator Martinez--from Florida. This measure is going to permit energy exploration of 1.7 million acres in the eastern Gulf of Mexico, otherwise known as lease sale 181. It would also lift the production moratorium or ban for 6.3 million acres south of that area. Experts estimate that by permitting exploration of this area, we will eventually extract 1.26 billion barrels of oil and 5.8 trillion cubic feet of natural gas. This home-produced American energy can run our cars, heat our homes, power our factories. And, best of all, the money stays right here in America instead of being sent outside of America. This will have a big impact on jobs. People wonder: Why does it matter for jobs? Well, the natural gas aspect of this is very important. Our manufacturers of chemicals and fertilizers--which affects so many of us, particularly the farmers, but everything we use--those manufacturing jobs could be anywhere in the world, whether it is for chemicals, whether it is for fertilizers, manufacturing tires in Danville, VA, at the Goodyear plant. Those tires could be manufactured anywhere. And the cost of natural gas, the affordability, the reliability of it matters a great deal. Plastics can be manufactured everywhere. But plastic manufacturers rely a great deal on petroleum-based products as well as natural gas. Forestry products for paper, cardboard, and lumber use natural gas. Again, it is very important we have affordable natural gas to keep those jobs in America rather than going overseas. Now, as a former Governor, I believe a large portion of the royalties from the new deepwater exploration should be shared with the adjacent States. That is why I am supporting the revenue-sharing portion of this legislation, notwithstanding opposition from the White House. In this legislation, as much as 37.5 percent of the available revenues will go to the Gulf Coast States, many of which were severely damaged by Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. Now, these revenues will free up money for worthy projects, such as education, transportation, and coastal shoreline erosion remediation. This is an outstanding bill. It will increase jobs and income, obviously, in the Gulf Coast States. It will help Alabama, Mississippi, and Louisiana, and Florida, but also the whole country. What is most important is that for the whole country this will increase the affordability of energy. It will increase our reliability of having energy in every State in our Union. This bill will not harm our environment. I would remind my colleagues that hundreds of deepwater oil rigs were in the paths of Hurricane Katrina and Rita, and although these rigs were shut down and disabled by the roaring winds and the rising seas, not one of them released oil into the Gulf of Mexico. So this is a good record of performance that should alleviate any concerns about environmental safety. I believe so strongly in this measure and this program that I want my own Commonwealth of Virginia to participate in it. This is why I am offering an amendment. And I will continue in the months and years ahead to allow not only the Gulf of Mexico States to share in revenues, and to permit those folks to have the deepwater exploration, but I want to permit and allow the people of Virginia to explore for oil and/or natural gas 50 miles off of our coastline and no closer than 25 miles from any neighboring State. It would be a completely voluntary arrangement. My amendment allows deepwater exploration if that is the will of the people of Virginia. It simply gives the people an option. It gives the people a choice. And I sincerely believe the people of Virginia will choose to allow deepwater exploration once they are conversant with the facts and the opportunities. In fact, the General Assembly of Virginia, 2 years in a row, has passed legislation, with bipartisan support, to allow deepwater Outer Continental Shelf exploration far off the coast of Virginia. Here are the facts. In the far part of the eastern seaboard, 45 miles off of our coast, Cuba is exploring for natural gas. Then in Canada, off the Grand Banks and the Maritime Provinces, they are exploring for oil and natural gas. Now, for the U.S. area, and near Virginia, according to the Minerals Management Service, there are 1.23 billion barrels of oil and 11.68 trillion cubic feet of natural gas along the Mid-Atlantic Outer Continental Shelf. This remarkable, significant amount of energy is just sitting there, waiting for us to use it. Yet Federal law prevents the people of Virginia and America from using it. Now, the gasoline prices are surging at over $3 per gallon. It is, to me, unbelievable and irresponsible to continue this obstructionist, detrimental restriction and regulation on Virginia and other States. In my amendment, I have ensured that the people of Virginia are able to reap the benefits of any successful deepwater exploration far off our Virginia coast. Using Senator Domenici's legislation as a model, I have established that 37.5 percent of revenues would be allocated to Virginia. I recommend that half of these revenues would go to much needed transportation projects in Virginia. It could be for the third crossing down in Hampton Roads or for the widening of a variety of interstates across our Commonwealth. That would get half of the revenue. A quarter of the revenue would go to reducing instate tuition at our Virginia colleges, and another quarter of the revenues would go to the coastal communities which are the counties on the eastern shore of Northampton and Accomack and to Virginia Beach, which they may want to use for shoreline or beach, sand replenishment. Now, how much money are we talking here? Experts estimate that it could be nearly $3 billion over a period of time. That's right, $3 billion--all paid into Virginia's treasury, benefiting all Virginians, whether it is in education, whether it is for the shoreline, or improving our transportation. Now, if Senators from other States think to themselves: I wouldn't want to have those jobs and those billions of dollars for my State, I would only say to them: Fine. That is your choice. I respect that choice. But please allow us in Virginia to make a choice as well, a choice that helps us and does not hurt any of the other States at all. We did not get into this energy dependence challenge and predicament overnight, and we are not going to get out of it overnight. This legislation is a vitally important aspect of bolstering our energy security for generations to come. I support it, and I strongly advocate its swift passage because it is a long stride forward toward our ultimate American goal of America's energy independence. And for the future, I encourage my colleagues to support what I consider to be my fair, commonsense approach to empower the people of Virginia to explore for oil and/or natural gas in the deep water off our Outer Continental Shelf, if they so choose to do so. This expanded proposal is consistent with the principles of federalism and free choice, and it respects the will of the people. It is a win-win situation for jobs, competitiveness, and, most importantly, it will incentivize and encourage the people of the States to join in with our national mission of energy independence. I hope the underlying bill passes, of course. And I look forward--I see the chairman is here. I commend him for his outstanding work in a bipartisan manner. And I see Senator Landrieu here from Louisiana as well. This is a long stride forward. But please understand, Mr. Chairman, that I am going to continue fighting for Virginia. It is good for Virginia. It is also good for America because we need to have America independent from foreign sources of energy, particularly that from the Middle East. I say to the Senator, thank you for your leadership. Mr. President, I yield the floor.