George Allen

Mr. ALLEN

Mr. ALLEN. I would be glad to yield to the Senator from South Carolina.

Mr. ALLEN. Mr. President, I rise today to speak to an issue of great importance to the people of the Commonwealth of Virginia, the operations at two airports important to all Senators, and to the issue of local control. I support the managers' amendment and the legislation before the Senate today. This is an important bill. I was very concerned when this bill passed the Senate Commerce Committee with an amendment that increased the number of flights at Reagan National Airport by 12. Those flights were designated to fly beyond the so-called ``perimeter''--a rule that restricts the length of flights at Reagan National to a maximum 1,250 miles. Through the managers' amendment today, the language increasing flights at Reagan National has been dropped. I appreciate the chairman of the Commerce Committee's willingness to work with me to see that this provision was not included in the final bill on the Senate floor. I have several very serious concerns about congress increasing the number of flights beyond the perimeter at National Airport, all of which were detailed in a letter I submitted to the majority leader on May 9, 2003. There is a critical principle at stake here that cannot be overlooked by the Senate. The right of the people of Virginia to decide what is best for their communities without unwarranted Federal intrusion is at stake here. The responsibility for operating the airports at Reagan National and Dulles is up to the local and regional airport authority, not Congress. Yet each time this body considers FAA reauthorization, we must revisit attempts at Federal intrusion on an issue of local control. There is an extremely delicate balance between how Reagan National is designed to operate in conjunction with the international hub at Dulles Airport. Congressional intervention, even in the form of a few more flights, disrupts that balance and creates a slippery slope that undermines this region's ability to determine for itself what is in our own best interests. I believe that a permanent solution to this continual Federal intrusion into local affairs needs to be found. The Senate and House of Representatives should strengthen the mandate we have already given to the local airport authority to make decisions on whether to increase flights at Reagan National or not, especially with respect to flying beyond the perimeter.

Mr. ALLEN

Mr. ALLEN. Mr. President, I rise today to condemn the ongoing repression of the democracy movement in Burma. This latest crackdown has included the rearrest and injury of Daw Aung San Suu Kyi and brutal attacks on her supporters. Burma's regime has ignored the basic human rights of its citizens and is intent only on preserving its own brutal grip on power. Since last May, the international community has significantly decreased pressure on Burma's regime. During that time, we have seen only increased abuses. The numbers are staggering: Burma's regime has forcibly conscripted 70,000 child soldiers, far more than any other country in the world. The regime has tortured and locked up 1,400 political prisoners. Even worse, the regime has borrowed a tactic from the Bosnian war by using rape as a weapon of war, heaping misery on countless women and girls. Clearly, the United States and the international community must more actively address the situation and Burma and take available steps to prevent further violence against those seeking desired democratic reform. As my colleague from Kentucky Senator McConnell has stated forcefully and eloquently over the last two weeks, the United States must provide international leadership. Next week, Thailand's Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra will be visiting Washington, DC to meet with the President and other senior government officials. This meeting would provide an ideal opportunity to urge the Prime Minister to make every effort to formulate a policy to help bring about positive change in Burma. I say to the people of Burma that the people of the United States support you and share your values. We admire your courage, and commend your bravery. We will continue to support your struggle, as long as this oppressive regime remains in power. The United States has a long history of supporting democratic change and condemning regimes that repress and disregard the will of the people. This most recent attack on democratic reformers in Burma only underscores the need for the U.S. to be vigilant in voicing strong disapproval with the actions of the current regime, and assist the legitimately elected leaders of Burma to bring much needed democratic reform and respect for universally recognized human rights to the people of Burma.

Mr. ALLEN

Mr. ALLEN. Mr. President, today I congratulate the University of Virginia Men's Lacrosse team for their victory in the NCAA Division 1 men's lacrosse championship with a 9 to 7 victory over the previously top-ranked Johns Hopkins University and submit a resolution expressing the congratulations of the United States Senate to these young men. The University of Virginia Cavaliers Lacrosse Team captured their second National Championship title in five years, finishing the 2003 season with a record of 15 wins and 2 losses, a university record. Head Coach Don Starsia has coached the men's lacrosse team for the past 11 years and each year has led the team to the NCAA tournament; also a university record. As a Cavalier myself, I want to express the pride felt by all students, faculty and alumni of the University of Virginia at this tremendous accomplishment by the men's lacrosse team. Coach Starsia and his coaching staff; Marc Van Arsdale, David Curry and Hannon Wright, deserve much of the credit for the accomplishment of these student athletes and should also be commended. The members of the University of Virginia 2003 Men's Lacrosse team have indeed made their university proud and should be applauded for their leadership, both on and off the playing field. I congratulate Mike Abbott, Andrew Agoliati, Jimmy Barter, Ryan Binder, Ned Bowen, Dough Brody, Patrick Buchanan, David Burman, John Christmas, Michael Culver, Jack deVilliers, Kyle Dixon, Andrew Faraone, Jon Focht, Newton Gentry, Foster Gilbert, Brendan Gill, Billy Glading, Charlie Glazer, Zach Heffner, Brett Hughes, Tilman Johnson, Hunter Kass, Nathan Kenney, Ted Lamade, Jared Little, Kevin McGrath, J.J. Morrissey, Justin Mullen, Chris Ourisman, Matt Paquet, Matt Poskay, Derrick Preuss, Chris Rotelli, A.J. Shannon, Hatcher Snead, Calvin Sullivan, Ryan Thompson, Matt Ward, Trey Whitty, Joe Yevoli, trainer Katie Serenelli, the team doctor, Dan Mistry, and manager Kristin Madl for their accomplishments. I hope my colleagues will join with Senator Warner and me to pass this Resolution recognizing the National Champion University of Virginia Men's Lacrosse team.

Mr. ALLEN

Mr. ALLEN. Mr. President, I rise today to honor a great American, a great patriot, a courageous Airman, husband and father, LTC William Watkins III of Halifax County, VA. Lieutenant Colonel Watkins fought so that our families--all Americans--could lead our lives and freedoms in greater security. His mission was noble--and embodies the absolute greatest of the American ideas. Lieutenant Colonel Watkins' F-15 went down on April 7 near Tikrit, Iraq. His courageous actions contributed to the success of our mission--the prevention of the spread of weapons of mass destruction, and the permanent removal of the heavy boot of oppression from the throats of the Iraqi people. Lieutenant Colonel Watkins left his home and family to travel around the world to liberate an oppressed people--most whom he had never met. There was no personal benefit, there was no monetary reward. When Lieutenant Colonel Watkins was called to action, he knew the mission, the purpose and the goal was larger than one man. He answered his country's call with a simple, ``yes sir''--steady in his love for the cause of freedom. Shortly after Lieutenant Colonel Watkins death, The Danville Register and Bee, his hometown paper, aptly noted: We live in a safe, free and prosperous country because men like Watkins have always been willing to sacrifice their lives to protect the birthright of every American. It is a sacrifice made on behalf of millions of people who don't have to risk anything . . . Watkins' sacrifice on behalf of freedom will help protect many lives in the future. The world was better with Watkins in it, and it is safer because he was willing to fight to make it that way. Truer words were never written. William Watkins was recently promoted to lieutenant colonel. A promotion well deserved. He graduated from the U.S. Naval academy in 1989 and served as a flight officer in the Navy for 12 years. In 2001, he transferred to the Air Force to continue his service to his country--where he served as a weapons system officer. He loved this country. Serving our country wasn't something Lieutenant Colonel Watkins ``did.'' It was something he lived. His wife, Major Melissa Watkins, continues to serve our country as an intelligence officer. And while we will never know her and her children's loss or pain, we continue to hold them in prayer and support them in all ways possible. No tribute, no speech will replace Lieutenant Colonel Watkins. His children will grow up never knowing this truly great American. He will be missed. And, while it certainly does not fill the void left by his death, the greatest tribute to his life can be summed up by one act, one moment that will live in each of our memories forever. It is the moment that a free Iraqi people, liberated from the chains of oppression, gathered in central Baghdad, breathed their first breaths of freedom and tore down the statue of the vile, ruthless dictator Saddam Hussein. So, each time we see that footage of that historic event, each time we hear of the end of Saddam's ruthless, torturous regime, each time an Iraqi speaks their mind, we should, we must, remember the sacrifices of great, giving American servicemen and women like LTC William Watkins. May he rest in peace, knowing how grateful we are and that we will support his family.

Mr. ALLEN

Mr. ALLEN. Thank you, Madam President. I thank the chairman of the Foreign Relations Committee, Senator Lugar, for his outstanding leadership on this issue. I also very much agree with the remarks made by Senator Hutchison of Texas. As far as an enlarged NATO, we have had hearings on the mending of fences and the moving forward that we will need to have as a country with our Allies with a new sense of realism insofar as NATO and certain alliances--who we can always count on and who we sometimes may not be able to count on in the future. I rise today to specifically address the issue of the enlargement of NATO. I offer my very strong support for the enlargement of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization alliance. The NATO alliance, over the decades, has had a positive impact on the world. Since the days I was Governor of Virginia, I have been a long-time advocate of enlarging NATO, with new countries to contribute to security and also to advance individual liberty. I was an advocate of admitting Poland, the Czech Republic, and Hungary, and they have been good participatory members. You can see how the advancement of liberty has allowed the people of those countries to have greater freedoms and greater prosperity. I believe that enlarging the alliance will bring even greater peace and security to the world, as well as confirm the value of economic reforms that will offer all people greater individual freedoms and protection of their rights. The reforms and progress that have been made by Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Bulgaria, and Romania have transformed once communist, oppressive states into vibrant democracies that appreciate the newly reborn freedom to control their own destinies. These nations are ascending into NATO at a serious time for the NATO alliance. As these countries have made a positive transformation, so must NATO transform from the cold war deterrent it has so successfully been over the last 50 years into an alliance that is able to adapt to meet the new challenges facing the world and the partner nations of NATO. NATO and its members must now develop the ability to meet the threat of global terrorism wherever it may arise. This will no doubt be challenging, as the structure and strategy of the NATO alliance for decades has been to prepare for traditional conflict against the Soviet Union. To meet the defense needs of today, all NATO nations will need to make a commitment to the forces and the resources that are necessary to root out and defeat state-sponsored and itinerant terrorism beyond the shores of the United States and Europe. The seven nations that are poised to join NATO will be asked to take an immediate role in implementing this new mission. While it is unrealistic to ask these countries to meet the defense spending levels of the United States, the alliance should urge these new members to establish an expertise and an unmatched capability in a particular area of combating terrorism. NATO does not particularly need large, traditional forces or armaments. The alliance, rather, needs skilled units that can neutralize the devastating impacts of chemical or biological weapons, as well as seasoned intelligence organizations to ensure that NATO and its members are always able to thwart terrorist conspiracies or attacks before they are executed. The seven aspirant countries have had to overcome significant political and economic difficulties to reach the precipice of NATO membership. Transforming a socialist-focused economy to one that is market based requires tremendous perseverance and visionary leadership and also an appreciation of liberty on the part of the people of these countries. Indeed, the people of these nations have made their decisions and their choices. And now the economies of the aspirant countries are growing markets with potential for prosperous growth. These experiences will help these nations as they adjust to the burden of collective defense and make the responsible decisions that come with NATO membership. I am confident that these countries--whether they are in the Baltics or Central Europe or Southeastern Europe--will continue to meet their responsibilities. You may ask, why are you so confident? Look at what these aspirant countries are already doing, and have been doing, in the current year and recent years. One must look only at the peacekeeping missions currently, and those that have been going on for several years in the Balkans. You can look at the war in Afghanistan, and also the conflict in Iraq to conclude that not only will these nations be prepared to take the mantle of NATO membership--but are already contributing to the safety and security of all members. Their contributions and support have been substantive and significant in these current times of need. NATO will certainly become a stronger alliance, with the capabilities and the vitality these prospective new members bring to the partnership. I see these seven new members actually revitalizing NATO. There are concerns that have been expressed about the adherence and the unity of NATO. These seven countries will bring a revitalization, an appreciation for the importance of NATO and the freedoms and values we stand for. When you discuss the expansion of NATO, the benefits of membership are often the focus. However, it is important to understand the tremendous value the alliance, and especially the United States, gains when these seven countries are offered membership. We have seen the impact of these nations in the positions and actions taken during the recent military conflict in disarming Iraq. When the alliance first addressed the Iraq issue, it was these countries that immediately voiced their support for offering protection to an ally. Once the conflict began, these countries offered staging support as well as troops and chemical weapons teams which ensured Allied Forces were prepared to confront all possible battlefield scenarios. In particular, Bulgaria and Romania were helpful with their bases. The alliance experienced a disconcerting event earlier this year when a member nation, Turkey, requested defense assistance. Critics again questioned the value and importance of NATO. However, those trying days highlighted the importance of this alliance to the United States. And while there was a small number of members who disagreed with the United States, the vast majority were in agreement with our policy and were extremely helpful in moving the alliance to assist Turkey in their defense needs. Beyond the military conflict in Iraq, expanding the membership in NATO continues to be in the interest of this country. As the United States continues to confront terrorism on all fronts, we will need the continued support and intelligence assistance to make our efforts successful. Again, I feel confident these nations will take the lead in developing specialized programs that are needed within NATO. Again, the aspirant countries are being asked to put together quick response forces to deal with chemical or biological attacks, should one occur. These are the invaluable programs that NATO will need as it changes its focus to fighting terrorism. The United States will always need allies with which to partner to promote democratic values and our principles. By offering NATO membership to these seven countries, our country is gaining valuable allies that are intimately familiar with the value of individual freedom and also the concept of representative government. They appreciate what a blessing that is for the people. The tremendous reforms and the progress that have been made by these aspirant nations is a testament to their commitment to the core values that have made NATO the strongest military alliance in history. I strongly urge my colleagues to vote favorably on this resolution of ratification and welcome Bulgaria, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Romania, Slovakia, and Slovenia to our alliance of shared security but, more importantly, to our alliance of shared values, principles, and aspirations for free people. I yield the floor.

Mr. ALLEN

Mr. ALLEN. Mr. President, Senator McCain, the chairman of the Commerce Committee, is tied up right now, but I thank him for his thoughtful leadership and his continued effort and dedication on this important bipartisan measure. I rise today to respectfully urge my colleagues to support S. 196, the minority-serving institution Digital and Wireless Technology Opportunity Act of 2003. This legislation will provide vital resources to address the technology gap that exists at many minority-serving institutions. It establishes a new grant program within the National Science Foundation that provides annually for 5 years up to $250 million to help historically black colleges and universities, Hispanic serving institutions, and tribal colleges to close what is often called the digital divide, when, in fact, what it really is is an ``economic opportunity divide.'' Since the days before I was elected to the Senate, my goal was to look for ways to improve education and empower all our young people, regardless of race, ethnicity, gender, religious beliefs, or their economic background, so that they can compete and succeed in life. Additionally, I strongly believe we need to embrace the advancements and innovations in technology--especially as a means to provide greater opportunities or security for Americans. In my view, increasing access to technology provides our young people with an important tool for success, both in the classroom and in the workforce. We all know that the best jobs in the future will go to those who are the best prepared. However, I am increasingly concerned that when it comes to high-technology jobs, which pay higher wages, this country runs the risk of economically limiting many college students in our society. It is important for all Americans that we close this opportunity gap. Now, we know the demand for workers with skills in science and technology continues to grow. Unfortunately, since 1996, the number of bachelor degrees awarded in the physical sciences has dropped 29 percent, mathematics is down 19 percent, and engineering is down 21 percent. We also know that information technology companies are still relying on H-1B visas and using foreign workers to fill important IT jobs and positions. I want to be clear that I am not against legal immigration, but I say let's properly educate and train Americans so they can get those good high-technology jobs. Now, minority-serving institutions, when one looks at them, still lack desired information and digital technology infrastructure in many cases. I encourage my colleagues to read the Commerce Committee report findings on minority-serving institutions' technology deficiencies. I will share with you some of the pertinent facts from this report and, in particular, a study completed by the Department of Commerce and the National Association for Equal Opportunity in Higher Education, which indicated, among other facts, that no historically black college or university requires computer ownership for their undergraduate students; 13 HBCUs reported having no students--not one--owning their own personal computer; over 70 percent of the students at historically black colleges and universities rely on the college or the university to provide computers, but only 50 percent of those universities can provide their students with access to computers and computer labs, libraries, classrooms, or other locations; most of these minority- serving colleges do not have the private foundation resources to provide financial support to upgrade their network infrastructure. So it is not surprising that most HBCUs do not have high-speed Internet access, especially the desired ATM or asynchronous transfer mode technology and that only 3 percent of historically black colleges and universities have financial aid available to help students close the computer ownership gap. Access to the Internet is no longer a luxury, it is a necessity. Because of the rapid advancement and growing dependence on technology, being technologically proficient has become more essential to educational achievement. The fact is, 60 percent of all jobs require information technology skills. Jobs in information technology pay significantly higher salaries than jobs in the noninformation technology fields. Thus, students who lack access to these information technology tools are at an increasing disadvantage. Consequently, it is vitally important that all institutions of higher education provide their students with access to the most current IT and digital equipment. It would also help those universities to attract professors if they have that equipment to help them impart that knowledge to their students. This proposed technology program will allow eligible historically black colleges and universities, Hispanic-serving institutions, and tribal institutions the opportunity to acquire equipment, networking capability, hardware and software, digital network technology, and wireless technology and infrastructure, such as wireless fidelity, or Wi-Fi, to develop and provide educational services. Additionally, the funds in this bill could be used to offer students much needed universal access to campus networks, dramatically increasing their connectivity rates or make necessary infrastructure improvements. At the request of some of my colleagues, we recently added provisions to assure that diversity among these minority serving institutions includes public and private colleges and universities, both 2-year and 4-year institutions, and public and private postsecondary technical institutions. Under Chairman McCain's leadership, and with the ranking member, Senator Hollings, and colleagues from across the aisle, the Commerce Committee heard testimony from the presidents of various colleges and universities representing each of the major national associations--the Hispanics Association of Colleges and Universities, the American Indian Higher Education Consortium, National Association for Equal Opportunity in Higher Education, the United Negro College Fund, and also we heard specifically from former Congressman Floyd Flake, who is president of Wilberforce University; and Dr. Marie McDemmond, president of Norfolk State University; Dr. William DeLauder, president of Delaware State; Dr. Ricardo Fernandez, president of Herbert Lehman College in New York; and Dr. Cary Monette, president of Turtle Mountain Community College testified in support of S. 196. In testimony before the committee, it was estimated that in 10 years minorities will comprise nearly 40 percent of all college-age Americans. One-third of all African Americans with undergraduate degrees, earned them from an HBCU. According to the Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities, their institutions educate two-thirds of the 1.6 million Hispanic Americans enrolled in higher education today. There are over 200 Hispanic Serving Institutions; over 100 Historically Black Colleges and Universities and 34 tribal colleges throughout our country. It is clear that minority-serving institutions in the United States are providing a valuable service to the educational strength and future growth of our Nation. And these institutions must upgrade their technology capabilities for their students. I am proud to say Virginia is home to 5 HBCUs--Norfolk State University, St. Paul's College, Virginia Union University, Hampton University, and Virginia State University. I will continue to look for ways to improve education, create new jobs, and seek out new opportunities to benefit the people of my Commonwealth and indeed our entire Nation. By improving technology- education programs in minority-serving institutions, we can accomplish all three of these goals for students throughout our Nation. S. 196 is also supported by the technology industry--The Information Technology Association of America; Computer Associates International; Oracle; Gateway Computers; BearingPoint Technologies; and Motorola all support this measure. We all recognize the technology requirements on the 21st century workforce call for tangible action, not rhetoric. Our future economic and national security needs depend on and demand that all of our eager young students have the highly technical skills needed to compete and succeed in the workforce. We must tap the underutilized talent of our minority serving institutions to ensure that America's workforce is prepared to lead the world. I thank my colleagues for joining me today. I thank the chairman of our committee, Senator McCain, and other sponsors of this measure, including Senators Stevens, Hollings, Miller, Warner, DeWine, Santorum, Talent, Cochran, Grassley, Hutchison, Sessions, Graham of South Carolina, the occupant of the chair, Fitzgerald, Lott, Domenici, Campbell, Kerry, Bingaman, Daschle, Murkowski, and Johnson. I also thank our former colleague, Max Cleland, for his work last year on a measure that is similar to what we will soon be voting on. I thank Floyd DesChamps of the Commerce Committee staff, who has done a great job, and my staff, Frank Cavaliere. Indeed, this legislation is a significant, constructive, and positive action to ensure that many more of our college students are provided access to better technology and education; and most importantly, even greater opportunities in life. And, with the passage of this bill, we will close the opportunity gap. We will leave no college student behind. I yield the floor.

Mr. ALLEN. Mr. President, I send an amendment to the desk.

Mr. ALLEN. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that further reading of the amendment be dispensed with.

Mr. ALLEN. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the managers' amendment be agreed to on S. 196.

Mr. ALLEN. Madam President, we were supposed to vote on this measure at noon. There is a question of whether or not we will be voting at noon. There is a Holocaust Memorial Service at noon. At this moment, until we determine how we are going to correlate all of that, I suggest the absence of a quorum.

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

Mr. ALLEN. Madam President, I ask unanimous consent that all time be yielded back on S. 196. I believe all Senators--and I thank those who have spoken in favor of this legislation: Senators McCain, Talent, Durbin, and Lott, as well as myself--who wanted to speak on the legislation have. Madam President, I yield back all time on S. 196. I also ask unanimous consent that the vote occur on passage at 1:30 p.m. today.

Mr. ALLEN. I say to the Senator from Nevada, that is correct. Due to the Holocaust Memorial and a variety of other things that have arisen at noon, the vote will be at 1:30. But it will be held open. It will not be a 15-minute vote. The vote will undoubtedly stay open for at least a half an hour. And at 2 o'clock there is the top-secret briefing with those officials from Defense.

Mr. ALLEN. Madam President, I think that would be the intention. It is not just a Republican or Democrat scheduling conflict, and it will not be a 15-minute vote as such. It will be held open until all Members who are going to be here have an opportunity to vote on this measure.

Mr. ALLEN. Madam President, I say to the Senator from Nevada, that is under consideration. I do not have the authority to make that decision. I suspect there will not be many people here. There are a variety of things people need to do. And I certainly want to listen to Secretary Wolfowitz, but at this point I do not have the authority to make that decision. All I can say is, being patron of this measure, I want to make sure everyone is allowed to vote on it, and the vote will be held open.

Mr. ALLEN. Madam President, I ask for the yeas and nays on final passage.

Mr. ALLEN

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

Mr. ALLEN

Mr. ALLEN. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent we now proceed to the vote on S. 196.

Mr. ALLEN

Mr. ALLEN. Madam President, I ask unanimous consent that there now be a period of morning business until 1:30 p.m., with Senators permitted to speak for up to 10 minutes each.

Mr. ALLEN. Madam President, I suggest the absence of a quorum.

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

Mr. ALLEN

Mr. ALLEN. Madam President, first, I very much commend Senator McCain for his leadership in introducing this very important, thoughtful, and considerate measure, S. 718. I am proud to be a cosponsor of it with him, Senator Chambliss, and others. The purpose of this bill is to support the morale of the brave men and women of the U.S. armed services who are stationed outside the United States, directly supporting military operations in Afghanistan or Iraq, by giving them the ability to call their loved ones without an expense to them. When you look at the findings, they all make very good sense, especially that telephone contact with family and friends provides significant emotional and psychological support to them and helps to sustain and improve morale. As you read the language of the bill, it all makes great sense as a matter of legislation. To give you an idea how it might have an impact on real people and real lives, and also the lives that have been lost, I will refer to an article today in The Washington Post, where a young man from Virginia lost his life. This young man's name is SGT Donald C. May, Jr. His father had fought in Vietnam. Young Mr. May joined the Marines as soon as he graduated from high school at Meadowbrook High School in Chesterfield County, VA. He reenlisted and eventually became a tank commander. His father received two Purple Hearts as a tank commander in Vietnam. Unfortunately, his father died in a boating accident while fishing a few years back. At any rate, SGT May moved and bounced around for several years. He went to North Carolina, where he met his wife Deborah, and eventually they went off to California where he was stationed. He left in January for the Middle East, and it was then, in January, that his mother last talked to him on the phone. As his mother recalled in this article, he said, ``Mom, this is what I have trained for all my life. This is what I am meant to do. I am ready.'' He talked a bit later with his wife and he told her that he had decided not to reenlist because he wanted to be home more with his two children, Mariah, almost 7, and Jack, almost 2. His wife Deborah is pregnant with their third child, a son, to be named William. Mrs. May, the mother, said her daughter-in-law was treated twice in the last few days for premature labor. The baby is due in mid-May. Brenda May's last communication with her son arrived a week ago. It was a letter dated March 3. So when you think of this story of this brave, courageous hero, who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country, for our safety, for our freedom, for our security, and to liberate the people of Iraq, what a gift he has given to this country--his life, his future, to be holding his baby boy William, to be with his children as they grow up. That is the greatest gift he could give to this country, and I surely hope the people of Iraq, when liberated, will also get down on their knees and thank God for people of this man's courage. When you listen to the story of him last talking on the telephone to his mother and wife in January, the last communication in a letter dated March 3, the reality is that was his last communication. I know that you, Madam President, and all Americans can readily understand how this measure would have had an impact. If he could get to a telephone to actually have his mother, to have his wife, hear his voice and have him hear their voices, to tell him that they love him, for them to tell him how proud they are for what he is doing. Obviously, they would be asking him to stay safe. But there would have been the ending on that telephone call undoubtedly where his mother, his wife, and his children would have said: I love you. While this measure looks like $40 a month and a telephone call, in some cases that may be the last contact. That is why this measure is so important, and I commend Senator McCain and all of my colleagues for introducing it. I urge my colleagues to pass it very shortly. I am also hopeful that later this week we can take up S. 721. This is a measure I have introduced with Senators McCain, Chambliss, Graham of South Carolina, Warner, Burns, Miller, and Stevens to expand the combat zone exclusions and to provide tax exclusions to personnel serving in Cuba and the Horn of Africa in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. This legislation will help expand the combat zone tax exclusion to include the period in transit to qualified combat zones and to provide full income tax exclusion to other personnel. The pay for these personnel would not be, with the passage of this bill, subject to Federal or State taxes for any month in which they serve in one of these areas. The legislation also provides tax breaks for individuals serving in Operation Enduring Freedom, the global war on terrorism, in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, and the Horn of Africa. If this measure were to pass, the pay for these personnel would not be subject to Federal or State taxes for any month in which they serve in one of these areas. As a matter of past precedent, in 1995, Congress passed legislation designating Bosnia-Herzegovina, Croatia, and Macedonia as comprising qualified hazardous duty areas. Military personnel serving there on peacekeeping duties are eligible for the same tax exclusion as personnel serving in combat zones. I also point out that officers do not receive a full income tax exclusion. Any income above the level of the highest enlisted rank is subject to Federal and State taxes. This makes absolutely no sense to me whatsoever, and I know that Senator Chambliss has another measure that will provide parity between officers serving in the Guard and Reserve. The other point of this matter is that the pay of personnel in transit to a combat zone is subject to income taxes until they actually cross into the combat zone area. What we are seeing is some of the ships are steaming at full speed when otherwise not necessary in an effort to give personnel as much tax-excluded income as possible. My view is that as soon as those battleship groups leave the ports, whether it is Wilmington, Norfolk, or San Diego, that is when the combat zone exclusion ought to apply. I think this is a commonsense, equitable matter. I think we should not be having our families back home worried about paying taxes when their brave loved one--whether that may be their husband, wife, son, daughter, mother or father--is leaving home. They should not be having to worry about paying taxes when they are serving, whether they are Reserves, Guard, or active military, in these areas supporting this operation for our security and also to liberate Iraq. I urge my colleagues to pass S. 718, the Troops Phone Home Free Act of 2003. It is the proper and compassionate thing to do. It also expresses our gratitude and appreciation not just to the troops but the loved ones home who need to have that reassurance and the pleasure of hearing their loved one's voice.

Mr. ALLEN

Mr. ALLEN. Mr. President, I take to the floor today to discuss the importance of acknowledging the tremendous risks and sacrifices our men and women in our Armed Forces make to ensure our continued freedom. In these turbulent and difficult times it is more important than ever to express our sincere and deep appreciation for the service of our Guard, Reserve, and active military. To show our gratitude, I am pleased to announce that the first 7 days of June will be designated as Citizen Soldier Week. Through the passage of my resolution, S. Res. 58, we will recognize the unique sacrifices of members of the Reserves and National Guard. Reserve and National Guard troops provide a substantial proportion of the combat forces required to carry out military operations. In doing so, many leave higher-paying jobs and place their civilian careers on hold to answer the call when our country needs their service. To begin providing the well-deserved recognition for their service, my colleagues and I have worked to make the first week of June, 2003, Citizen Soldier Week. As I discuss this resolution and the importance of recognizing our citizen soldiers, I would like to make my colleagues aware of an active duty soldier, David S. Williams. David is a native of Chesapeake, VA who was captured by Iraqi forces after his AH-64 Apache attack helicopter was downed in central Iraq. I would like to offer my heartfelt concern and hope to David's family, and let them know I will do everything within my power to ensure David's safe return to his loved ones and his mother in Chesapeake, VA. While David isn't a reservist or National Guardsman, his capture, and the effect it is having on his family and loved ones at home could happen to anyone who has the gumption to volunteer, serve, and defend our freedoms around the world. And for that, all American soldiers--and their families--should be commended and thanked. As our soldiers move closer and closer to Baghdad and continue to meet treacherous resistance, I believe it appropriate and right for the Senate to consider legislation to provide long overdue benefits to those who protect our cherished freedoms. The Armed Forces Tax Fairness Act is an opportunity to provide our Armed Forces with logical tax relief to compensate them for their tireless and dangerous service to our country. The men and women who join our military services are constantly faced with uprooting their families, being shipped off to foreign lands for months at a time, and long and difficult hours on the job. The jobs performed by our troops are often extremely demanding and come with great risk. As we are seeing daily in our liberation of the Iraqi people, these missions come with the real potential of casualties. While no legislation can compensate for the risks taken by our Armed Forces, I believe this legislation provides our troops deserved relief from unfair and burdensome tax. The exclusion of tax from death gratuity payments should have been implemented generations ago. The freedoms that every American enjoys are protected by the service and sacrifice of those brave Americans who lost their life for this country. For the Federal Government to tax any portion of a death gratuity payment is wrong and insulting. The debt owed to the men and women who have died fighting for the principles of this country is incalculable, but the least this Government can do is offer the family some degree of comfort and compensation without asking for a portion in a tax return. Nothing can replace a soldier, sailor, airman or marine who does not come home; however, at least we can offer compensation without tax. I fully support the Armed Forces Tax Fairness Act. However, I believe there are some other additional ideas that we, as the Senate, can adopt to improve the lives of those serving in our military. As many of my colleagues are aware, our troops are accorded a tax exclusion when serving in designated combat zones. Earlier this year, I introduced legislation that would expand those combat zones to provide additional exclusion when our troops are deploying to dangerous areas around the globe. I believe the combat zones tax exclusion should include the period in transit to that combat zone. By not subjecting military personnel to Federal or State taxes for this transit time, we would be providing a necessary benefit for the dangers associated with entering a combat zone. Deploying to a combat zone is a military operation that has its own set of dangers, from accidents to the constant threat of terrorist attack from the moment they leave their home port. And, our military personnel, including officers, should be covered by the full extent of the combat zone tax provisions during this critical period. As we focus on the ongoing conflict in Iraq, I would like to remind my colleagues that we also have military personnel executing the war on terrorism. My legislation would also provide the proper tax breaks for service men and women serving on Operation Enduring Freedom in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, and the Horn of Africa. We know that these two areas remain filled with danger and instability from terrorist threats, so the combat zone exclusion should also be applied to these duty stations. Many of my constituents know the dangers associated with operating in Guantanamo Bay. The soldiers of the 2nd Battalion, 116th Infantry Regiment of the Virginia National Guard are serving in Cuba. They are playing an integral part in the war on terrorism and should be properly and fairly compensated for that service without taxation by the Federal Government during their service at Guantanamo. I believe that personnel serving overseas in support of the global war on terror are performing duties at least as hazardous as those performed by personnel in some existing qualified hazardous duty areas. As our Active, Guard and Reserve Armed Forces engage in a war with Iraq, while continuing our worldwide campaign against terrorism, it is vital that we do all we can to support the men and women who bear the burden of our defense and security. Passage of the Armed Forces Tax Fairness Act and the legislation I have introduced would further indicate to the brave men and women of the Armed Forces and their families that their service is of great value and their sacrifices are understood and appreciated by a grateful Nation.

Mr. ALLEN

Mr. ALLEN. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the text of the bill be printed in the Record.