Jim Bunning

Mr. BUNNING

Mr. BUNNING. Mr. President, I want to say a few words about the nomination of Governor Kathleen Sebelius to serve as our next Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services. I will not be able to support Governor Sebelius's nomination to this position and will be voting no. I wish to take a few minutes to explain my opposition to her confirmation. First, I have always been pro life. I believe that life begins at conception and that every life is precious. I believe that we, as a society, have a responsibility to protect those who cannot protect themselves and speak for those who cannot speak for themselves. That is why I am so strongly opposed to abortion. Abortion kills the most fragile, most vulnerable, and most needy among us. These children cannot defend themselves, so they desperately need us to protect them. To me, abortion is about whether defenseless babies have a right to live. The answer, clearly, is, yes, they do. I don't understand how people can come away with any other conclusion than that one. Unfortunately, too many people do. According to the National Right to Life, there have been more than 49 million abortions in the United States since 1973, with about 1.2 million in 2005, the year they have the most recent data. These numbers are staggering and saddening. I cannot support the nomination of someone to be the leader of our Health and Human Services Department who does not respect human life. That is why I will be voting against Governor Sebelius. Her record as Governor of Kansas on abortion issues is dismal. She has vetoed multiple pieces of legislation passed by the Kansas legislature dealing with abortion, including bills in 2003, 2005, 2006, and 2008. In fact, last week she vetoed yet another bill. These were commonsense bills that I think most Americans could agree with, such as creating standards for abortion clinics that require clean and sterilized rooms and equipment, counseling before and after abortion, and medical screening for patients. Several of the bills dealt with changes to the Kansas late-term abortion laws, including one vetoed last week. That bill required certain information to be reported to the State when doctors perform late-term abortions, including the specific medical reason the abortion was performed. Another bill would have given women about to undergo an abortion the opportunity to listen to the baby's heartbeat and see an ultrasound of their child, along with several other provisions. Governor Sebelius vetoed all of these bills. I am also greatly concerned about Governor Sebelius's relationship with Dr. George Tiller, an abortion doctor from Wichita, who specializes in late-term abortion. On Dr. Tiller's Web site he says that his clinic has ``more experience in late-term abortion services over 24 weeks than anyone else practicing in the Western Hemisphere, Europe, or Australia.'' This is not something to be proud of. I know that pro-abortion supporters like to make the argument that unborn babies are a clump of cells and not yet a human being. They couldn't be more wrong. These unborn babies are developing, growing, can feel pain, and certainly have the will to live. Let me briefly give a description of the development milestones that babies reach as they grow to 24 weeks. This is according to the Mayo Clinic's Web site--the Mayo Clinic: At 5 weeks, the heart begins to beat. At 8 weeks, eyelids are forming, along with the ears, upper nose, fingers, lips, and toes. At 9 weeks, the baby begins to move. At 12 weeks, fingernails and toenails are forming. At 16 weeks, the baby's eyes are sensitive to light. At 18 weeks, the ears start working and the baby can be even startled by loud noises. At 19 weeks, the kidneys are working. At 20 weeks, most mothers can feel their babies move. At 22 weeks, taste buds are forming. At 23 weeks, the baby begins to practice breathing so she will be ready once she is born. At 24 weeks, the baby weighs about a pound and a half, has footprints, and fingerprints, and starts to have regular waking and sleep cycles. The Web site says that babies formed at 24 weeks have a 50 percent chance of survival. And this is where Dr. Tiller steps in and aborts the baby. How can you hear these development milestones and believe these babies are expendable; that these babies' lives are less important than someone else or that they simply can be killed and thrown away? Think of the difference between two babies at 24 weeks--one is wanted, one is not. For the child born early, whose parents love and want her, she would be rushed to a neonatal intensive care unit after delivery, where she would be given round-the-clock intensive medical care until she was big and strong enough to go home. Every day in this country, premature babies cling to life and fight for survival. I think most of the parents of premature babies would tell you that their child's will to live is courageous and inspiring. For the poor babies who have parents who choose to abort them, their life is about to end. According to Planned Parenthood, a procedure called dilation and evacuation--or D and E--is generally performed in pregnancies over 16 weeks. Let me read how the National Right to Life organization describes this procedure: Forceps with sharp metal jaws are used to grasp parts of the developing baby, which are then twisted and torn away. This continues until the entire baby is removed from the womb. Because the baby's skull has often hardened to bone by this time, the skull must sometimes be compressed or crushed to facilitate removal. That is disgusting, and anyone who tries to justify it should be ashamed. Abortion and the callous disregard for human life in this country is a real tragedy. George Tiller's work greatly concerns me. Governor Sebelius's ties to George Tiller greatly concern me. The late- term abortion doctor has donated tens of thousands of dollars to Governor Sebelius, and she has even honored him at the Governor's mansion in Kansas. Governor Sebelius hasn't always been upfront about their relationship as well. In answering questions before the Finance Committee, Governor Sebelius originally said that Tiller had donated about $12,000 to her. A few days later, she had to go back to revise that amount because somewhere an additional $23,000 in donations from the abortion doctor had been overlooked and not accounted for. While she said this was an inadvertent omission, it seems to me that you would remember that sum of money from one of your most controversial donors. I certainly realize that President Obama would not nominate someone to be Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services who is pro life. However, Governor Sebelius's record on right-to-life issues along with her ties to the late-term abortion Dr. Tiller cannot be overlooked. The leader of the Department of Health and Human Services should be balanced and reasonable. There is nothing in Governor Sebelius's record that makes me think she is either when it comes to protecting the life of the unborn. The second major reason I am opposing this nomination is that I don't believe Governor Sebelius has the experience to be Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services. HHS is an enormous bureaucracy, responsible for everything from the Medicare Program to the National Institutes of Health, to the Food and Drug Administration. The Department has 11 operating divisions, over 64,000 employees, and a budget of $707 billion. According to HHS's Web site, it allocates more grant dollars than all of the other agencies combined. This is a tremendous responsibility, and the Department needs someone with hands- on experience. As Governor of Kansas, she appointed someone to run their health and human services department and was not directly responsible for the day- to-day operation. As Congress considers major health care reform legislation this year, we need someone with extensive experience in setting health policy for the entire country. I fundamentally disagree with Governor Sebelius on life issues, and I do not believe she has the experience to lead such a large department. I will be voting no on her nomination. I yield the floor.

Mr. BUNNING

Mr. BUNNING. Mr. President, today I pay tribute to Kentucky students who have received corporate-sponsored National Merit Scholarships. The National Merit Scholarship Program presents this award to over 1,000 high school seniors and I am very proud that eight recipients of this award reside in the Commonwealth of Kentucky. The corporate-sponsored scholarships are a partnership between the National Merit Scholarship Corporation and local companies who wish to support students in their communities. In order for a student to receive a corporate-sponsored scholarship the student must advance to the finalist level of the National Merit Scholarship competition and meet the criteria set forth by their individual corporate sponsor. The eight students from Kentucky who received this award are Meaghan M. Sanders of Assumption High School, Austin C. Brownlow of Kentucky Country Day, Allan J. Hsiao of DuPont Manual High School, Victoria Greenstone of Sacred Heart Academy, Matthew R. Seabold of St. Xavier High School, Elliott W. Rosenberg and Kyle R. Rosenberg of Paul Laurence Dunbar High School, and Matthew S. Miller of Beechwood High School. I hope my colleagues will join me in congratulating these students on their outstanding achievement. It is students like these who will provide Kentucky and the United States with our leaders of tomorrow.

Mr. BUNNING

Mr. BUNNING. Mr. President, today I am honored to invite my colleagues to join me in congratulating seven of my constituents who are recipients of the distinguished Presidential Unit Citation. This rare and prestigious citation is given to military units for their outstanding bravery, gallantry and service as well as the unit's performance in accomplishing its mission under extreme and hazardous conditions. In January 2009 this heroic award was conferred upon the Alpha Troop, 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment for service in the Republic of South Vietnam. The individuals who received this award include Mr. Dale H. Hollabaugh, Mr. James E. Jackson, Mr. Joseph D. Boone, Mr. Gregory R. Stumbo, Mr. Kenneth Mosley, Mr. Clifton T. Geerde, and Mr. Kenneth E. Fulkerson. In 1970, in War Zone C during the Vietnam conflict, the Alpha Troop, First Squadron, 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment performed heroically through a series of combat missions over several months. After a 5-year review by the Department of Defense, the unit was awarded this citation. It is an incredible honor to be a recipient of this award and I am humbled to be able to speak of these brave individuals. We will never forget the brave citizens who fought to protect our freedoms during this time. It is with great honor that I recognize these citizens for what they have done and I know that their families and friends are proud to be a part of their lives. I would like to thank these individuals for their contributions to the state of Kentucky and to the United States, and I wish them well in all of their future endeavors.

Mr. BUNNING

Mr. BUNNING. Mr. President, I rise today to give my remarks on the nomination of Christopher Hill to be United States Ambassador to Iraq. Unfortunately, I cannot support this nomination. There are two principal reasons for my opposition. The first is his inexperience in the Middle East and with the type of challenges provided by Iraq. The second is his actions and behavior during negotiations with North Korea. It is generally accepted that career diplomats will serve in many very different parts of the globe. However, the position of Ambassador to Iraq is arguably the most important diplomatic post in the world to the United States. To see an example of just the type of person suited to this job one only need to look to the most recent U.S. Ambassador to Iraq: Ryan Crocker. Mr. Crocker previously served as Ambassador to Pakistan, Syria, Kuwait, and Lebanon. He had served in Iraq previously and was Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Near Eastern Affairs. He is also fluent in Arabic. Ambassador Hill has none of these credentials. He has spent nearly his entire career concentrating on European affairs, until recently shifting to the Far East to concentrate on issues regarding the Korean peninsula. He has no prior postings or assignments that would give him experience with the Middle East nor that would give him any knowledge of U.S. counterinsurgency efforts there. As the United States begins to draw down the military presence in Iraq, the efforts of our diplomats there will become even more important. We need a more experienced head of these efforts than we have been given in Christopher Hill. Within Ambassador Hill's experience to date, I have severe concerns in the manner in which he conducted himself as chief U.S. negotiator in the disarmament talks with North Korea. Not only do I find his actions unprofessional but question his negotiating tactics and the concessions he made. Records show he engaged in evasive and unprofessional activities, including sidelining key officials at the State Department and breaking commitments made before congressional committees. Ambassador Hill also made significant concessions to North Korea during his disarmament talks that I believe were diplomatically unsound and imprudent. I firmly believe they put the United States at a disadvantage in our efforts to move forward with this rogue Communist regime. Removing North Korea from our list of state sponsors of terrorism along with lifting our sanctions in return for a mere ``good faith'' declaration of their nuclear weapons program was unsound and irresponsible. True to form, North Korea, through a symbolic process of smoke and mirrors, only partially disclosed their weapons program giving the United States access to information that was already known throughout the international community. North Korea's recent decision to abandon the six party talks and restart their nuclear weapons program only highlights our failed diplomacy and Ambassador Hill's shortcomings. As we move forward with one of the most diplomatically sensitive missions in American history I do not believe that we can afford to make any mistakes. While Ambassador Hill has a distinguished career of diplomatic service, I do not believe that he is the right nominee for this position. Thus, I respectfully oppose his nomination.

Mr. BUNNING

Mr. BUNNING. Madam President, this is a transparency amendment that allows the Fed, forces them, to reveal what banks have received over $2 trillion in assistance. That is what the amendment says. That is what it does.

Mr. BUNNING. What are the four amendments, please?

Mr. BUNNING

Mr. BUNNING. I have about 15 minutes.

Mr. BUNNING. I am going to talk about two amendments, but I am going to wait to offer them through the vote-a-rama tomorrow.

Mr. BUNNING. Madam President, I rise to discuss the fiscal year 2010 budget. I also plan to discuss two amendments--Nos. 817 and 818--which I would like to see considered. As a member of the Budget Committee, I spoke on this budget last week during the committee consideration. I was unable to support it then, and unless truly major changes are made on the Senate floor this week, I will not be able to support it as it comes up for a vote. Since the President first gave us a preview of his plan, we have heard a lot about this year's budget. I have found it to be very troubling. The budget proposed by the Obama administration is unworkable, and I think everyone knows that. It spends too much, taxes too much, and borrows too much. The numbers in the President's proposal were appalling to anyone who believes in any kind of fiscal restraint. It got even worse 2 weeks ago, when the Congressional Budget Office predicted the numbers used by the administration were far too optimistic. The President's proposal would double the publicly held national debt to more than $15 trillion. Annual spending would leap from $24,000 per household to about $32,000 per household. This plan would also raise taxes by $1.4 trillion over 10 years. The increase in debt is also staggering. The President's proposal would double the debt held by the public in 5 years and nearly triple it over 10 years. In fact, the proposal would create more debt than every previous President from George Washington to George W. Bush. With numbers such as that, it is not surprising that the authors of this budget resolution before us today had to make some changes. While I applaud the efforts of Chairman Conrad to attempt to rein in some of the worst aspects of the administration's budget proposal, it appears we may only have an ``Obama lite'' version before us. In fact, Peter Orszag, Director of the Office of Management and Budget, tells us the two versions are 98 percent the same. The budget on the floor still has the same problems and, in some cases, new problems. President Obama promised a new era of transparency in Government. This is one reason why he submitted a 10-year budget proposal. However, the proposal before us is only a 5-year projection. Also, the President's budget assumed that Congress would continue to patch the alternative minimum tax, which digs deeper and deeper into the middle class each year. This budget assumes it will be fixed for only the first 3 years of this 5-year plan. Everyone here knows we are going to have to take care of those other 2 years, as we should. However, it looks like we still have more tax increase here. It defies logic that this budget targets tax hikes on the very people who are good at creating jobs. We know that 70 percent of all job growth in the United States--when we had it--came from small business. This budget penalizes the people who are responsible for two-thirds of the small business jobs. One of the most basic economic principles is that if you want less of an activity, you tax it more. Well, we must want less job creation. Maybe we only want to create jobs for Government bureaucrats who spend other people's money and our grandchildren's and children's money. As I have outlined, this budget has many other problems. It spends too much, taxes too much, and borrows too much. I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting changes that would make this a responsible and fair piece of legislation. I also wish to take a few minutes to talk about the two amendments I will be introducing later in the marathon we have tomorrow. The first is especially important for many of our seniors because it deals with taxes on Social Security benefits. The amendment I will be offering sets up a deficit-neutral reserve fund to repeal the 1993 increase in the income tax on Social Security benefits. I brought this issue before the House and before this Chamber before. In fact, earlier this year on a stimulus bill, I offered an amendment to repeal this unfair tax for just 1 year. That amendment failed. With this amendment, I am taking a different tack and using a deficit-neutral reserve fund to repeal the 1993 Social Security tax increase completely. This should be familiar to the chairman of the Senate Budget Committee, since he offered a similar amendment using a deficit-neutral reserve fund during the budget consideration last year. I remind my colleagues that his amendment passed last year by a vote of 53 yeas to 46 nays. When the Social Security program was created, benefits were not taxed at all. However, in 1983, Congress changed the rules of the game by passing legislation to taxing up to 50 percent of a senior's Social Security benefit if their income was over $25,000 for a single individual or $32,000 for a couple. In 1993, as I sat on the Ways and Means Committee at the time, Congress felt that taxing 50 percent of benefits wasn't good enough. That year, Congress passed, and President Clinton signed, a bill that allows 85 percent of a senior's Social Security benefits to be taxed if their income was above $34,000 for a single taxpayer or $44,000 for a couple. The additional money this tax raises doesn't even go to help Social Security's solvency. It goes, instead, to the Medicare Part A Program. I opposed this tax increase then, and I oppose it today, because 14 million seniors are hit by an 85-percent tax on their Social Security benefits. On one hand, we tell seniors to plan and save for retirement; on the other hand, we tax them for doing just that. This amendment puts the Senate on record that this 85-percent tax tier would be eliminated, and the maximum amount of Social Security benefits that could be taxed would be 50 percent. If Congress passed legislation to do this, millions of seniors would be able to keep more of their Social Security benefits. I hope my colleagues can support this amendment when it comes up for consideration. I am offering another amendment to pave the way for relieving taxpayers who have suffered devastating capital losses during these troubled economic times. Many taxpayers have been forced to sell their homes, stocks or any kind of capital asset at a loss. Our constituents will be stunned to learn they can only deduct $3,000 of those losses from their adjusted gross income. The $3,000 limit was set in 1976, when tax writers seemed to be ignorant about the impact of inflation. That limit is ridiculous in today's dollars. My amendment creates a deficit-neutral reserve fund for increasing the capital loss deduction. If it helps struggling taxpayers, we have to do it because if we raised that deduction from $3,000 and adjusted it for inflation, it would be over what I propose--at $15,000, which you could deduct from your adjusted gross. Prominent economists have noted that by eliminating some of the downside risks of investing, increasing the capital loss deduction will stimulate investment and economic growth. This amendment is a winner for taxpayers and a winner for our economy at a time when they both need some wins. I yield the floor.

Mr. BUNNING

Mr. BUNNING. Mr. President, today I invite my colleagues to join me in congratulating Adia Mathies from Iroquois High School, Lousiville, KY, for receiving Kentucky's Miss Basketball award. There is only one recipient annually for this award. Kentucky's Miss Basketball Award is given to students who show excellence in their basketball career. To be eligible for the award, students must show consistent top performance on the court. Adia Mathies has shown superior basketball skills as a high school senior and throughout her young career. This season alone, she averaged 17.1 points, 11.4 rebounds, 3.9 steals and 3.8 assists, aggressively pushing Iroquois' final record to 33-1 and the win of the State Championship. As a professional athlete, I appreciate the hard work and dedication it takes to perform at a higher level, which she has displayed. I am impressed by the excellence this student has demonstrated. I am confident that she will have success in greater challenges in the future and perform outstandingly at University of Kentucky. Mr. President, I would like to thank Adia Mathies for her contributions to the Commonwealth of Kentucky and wish her the best of luck in her future endeavors.

Mr. BUNNING

Mr. BUNNING. Mr. President, today I congratulate the winners of the 2009 Kentucky History Awards, which was held at the Thomas D. Clark Center for Kentucky History. These awards are sponsored by the Kentucky Historical Society and recognize exceptional achievements by individuals, business and civic leaders, communities, museums, and history organizations throughout the commonwealth in the field of history. Several projects and individuals that have demonstrated tremendous efforts to promote the preservation, awareness, and appreciation of state and local history were honored at this ceremony. These awards serve as an opportunity to recognize the dedication and hard work of those who cherish Kentucky history. This year the Madison County Fiscal Court received the Government Award for their Civil War Battlefield Preservation and Interpretation. The Larue County Herald News received the Media Award for the Lincoln Bicentennial. These two organizations have done the Commonwealth a great service by being advocates for our history. Dr. Kenneth Carstens of Calloway County was also a recipient of one of these prestigious awards. Dr. Carstens received the Lifetime Dedication To History Award for his service. During the time leading up to this award, Dr. Carstens received numerous teaching recognition awards, chaired many significant committees on Murray State University's campus, and conducted research for the college's contract archaeology program. He has published nine books and is currently working on six more. Mr. President, I would like to thank these people for their contributions to the State of Kentucky, and I wish them well as they continue to enhance the history of our great State.

Mr. BUNNING

Mr. BUNNING. Mr. President, today I invite my colleagues to join me in congratulating Kyle Darpel from Covington Catholic High School, Park Hills, KY, for receiving the Achievement Award in writing. This year only 525 students around the country were recipients of this award. The Achievement Award in writing is given to students who show excellence in English and writing. To be eligible for the award, students must submit a previously written paper and then be invited to participate in a timed essay. Kyle Darpel has shown great analytical and writing skills in his submitted paper. I am impressed by the excellence Kyle has displayed, and I am confident that he will have success in greater challenges in the future. Mr. President, I would like to thank Kyle Darpel for his contribution to the Commonwealth of Kentucky and wish him the best of luck in their future endeavors.

Mr. BUNNING

Mr. BUNNING. Mr. President, today I invite my colleagues to join me in congratulating J. Mari Lynn Thompson from Sacred Heart Academy, Louisville, KY, for receiving the Achievement Award in writing. This year only 525 students around the country were recipients of this award. The Achievement Award in writing is given to students who show excellence in English and writing. To be eligible for the award, students must submit a previously written paper and then be invited to participate in a timed essay. J. Mari Lynn Thompson has shown great analytical and writing skills in her submitted paper. I am impressed by the excellence she has displayed, and I am confident that she will have success in greater challenges in the future. Mr. President, I would like to thank J. Mari Lynn Thompson for her contribution to the Commonwealth of Kentucky and wish her the best of luck in her future endeavors.

Mr. BUNNING

Mr. BUNNING. Mr. President, today I invite my colleagues to join me in congratulating Jane Brannen and Adam Horn from Woodford County High School, Versailles, KY, for receiving the Achievement Award in writing. This year only 525 students around the country were recipients of this award. The Achievement Award in writing is given to students who show excellence in English and writing. To be eligible for the award, students must submit a previously written paper and then be invited to participate in a timed essay. Jane Brannen and Adam Horn both have shown great analytical and writing skills in their submitted papers. I am impressed by the excellence these two students have displayed, and I am confident that they will have success in greater challenges in the future. Mr. President, I would like to thank Jane Brannen and Adam Horn for their contributions to the Commonwealth of Kentucky and wish them the best of luck in their future endeavors.

Mr. BUNNING

Mr. BUNNING. Mr. President, I rise today to speak on the nomination of Dean Elena Kagan of the Harvard School of Law to be Solicitor General of the United States. It is with regret that I announce that I will not be able to support this nomination. My first reason is that it appears that Dean Kagan's nomination process is not yet complete. My colleague, the ranking member of the Senate Judiciary Committee Senator Arlen Specter, has already spoken on this at some length, but I agree with his thoughts. He asked Dean Kagan, in writing, to expand upon responses she supplied to the Judiciary Committee. In the estimation of several committee members and others, such as myself, she did not provide an adequate response to these requests. I find that it is not possible for me to vote to advance the nomination of someone who has not yet completed the nomination process. However, we do know some things about Dean Kagan's beliefs. For one thing, she has shown a disdain for the policy contained in the Solomon amendment. The Solomon amendment bars federal aid to universities that prevent military recruitment on campus. This is a good policy and fairly supports our military and the men and women that are a part of it. Dean Kagan defends her position by saying that she opposes the recruiters because of the ``Don't Ask, Don't Tell'' policy. Whatever her concerns with that policy, it does not seem wise or fair to shut out our nation's military recruiters. By denying recruiters access to America's colleges and universities, our military is weakened. This is the kind of wrongheaded approach that I thought had died out years ago. Unfortunately, it is still alive in the person of the President's nominee to head one of the top positions in the Department of Justice. Dean Kagan has also expressed an unsettling attitude towards religion and religious organizations. In a memo as a law clerk on the subject of which organizations should receive funding to counsel teenagers on pregnancy, she wrote ``It would be difficult for any religious organization to participate in such projects without injecting some kind of religious teaching.'' She added ``When government funding is to be used for projects so close to the central concerns of religion, all religious organizations should be off limits.'' This seems like an incredibly insensitive, insulting, and impractical view to hold. Does Dean Kagan feel that only atheists are fit to handle government funds? Would she support some sort of a ``religious commitment'' litmus test? This seems like an attitude that would be unfit for a high ranking member of our government. It is for these reasons that I cannot support this nomination. I urge my colleagues to join me in opposition.

Mr. BUNNING

Mr. BUNNING. Mr. President, today I am reintroducing an important piece of legislation that I have worked on for several years with Senator Mikulski from Maryland. I am pleased that she is joining me in introducing this bill today, and I look forward to working with her to get it passed. The bill we are introducing today, the Equity and Access for Podiatric Physicians Under Medicaid Act, will ensure that Medicaid beneficiaries in all States have access to the services of top-quality podiatric physicians. Having healthy feet and ankles is critical to keeping individuals mobile, productive and in good long-term health. This is particularly true for individuals with diabetes. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, CDC, over 23 million Americans have diabetes, which amounts to over seven percent of the total population. Diabetes is the seventh leading cause of death in this country. If not managed properly, diabetes can cause several severe health problems, including eye disease or blindness, kidney disease and heart disease. Too often, diabetes can lead to foot complications, including foot ulcers and even amputations. In fact, the CDC estimates that in 2004, about 71,000 people underwent an amputation of a leg, foot or toe because of complications with diabetes. Proper care of the feet could prevent many of these amputations. The bill we are introducing today recognizes the important role podiatrists can play identifying and correcting foot problems among diabetics. The bill amends Medicaid's definition of ``physicians'' to include podiatric physicians. This will ensure that Medicaid beneficiaries have access to foot care from those most qualified to provide it. Under Medicaid, podiatry is considered an optional benefit. However, just because it is optional, does not mean that podiatric services are not needed, or that beneficiaries will not seek out other providers to perform these services. Instead, Medicaid beneficiaries will have to receive foot care from other providers who may not be as well trained as a podiatrist in treating lower extremities. Also, it is important to note that podiatrists are considered physicians under the Medicare program, which allows seniors and disabled individuals to receive appropriate care. I urge my colleagues to give careful consideration to this important bill. It will help many Medicaid beneficiaries across the country have access to podiatrists that they need. Finally, I want to thank the Senator from Maryland for helping me reintroduce this legislation today. I hope that by working together we can see this important change made.

Mr. BUNNING

Mr. BUNNING. Mr. President, today I am reintroducing an important piece of legislation that I have worked on for several years with Senator Mikulski from Maryland. I am pleased that she is joining me in introducing this bill today, and I look forward to working with her to get it passed. The bill we are introducing today, the Equity and Access for Podiatric Physicians Under Medicaid Act, will ensure that Medicaid beneficiaries in all States have access to the services of top-quality podiatric physicians. Having healthy feet and ankles is critical to keeping individuals mobile, productive and in good long-term health. This is particularly true for individuals with diabetes. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, CDC, over 23 million Americans have diabetes, which amounts to over seven percent of the total population. Diabetes is the seventh leading cause of death in this country. If not managed properly, diabetes can cause several severe health problems, including eye disease or blindness, kidney disease and heart disease. Too often, diabetes can lead to foot complications, including foot ulcers and even amputations. In fact, the CDC estimates that in 2004, about 71,000 people underwent an amputation of a leg, foot or toe because of complications with diabetes. Proper care of the feet could prevent many of these amputations. The bill we are introducing today recognizes the important role podiatrists can play identifying and correcting foot problems among diabetics. The bill amends Medicaid's definition of ``physicians'' to include podiatric physicians. This will ensure that Medicaid beneficiaries have access to foot care from those most qualified to provide it. Under Medicaid, podiatry is considered an optional benefit. However, just because it is optional, does not mean that podiatric services are not needed, or that beneficiaries will not seek out other providers to perform these services. Instead, Medicaid beneficiaries will have to receive foot care from other providers who may not be as well trained as a podiatrist in treating lower extremities. Also, it is important to note that podiatrists are considered physicians under the Medicare program, which allows seniors and disabled individuals to receive appropriate care. I urge my colleagues to give careful consideration to this important bill. It will help many Medicaid beneficiaries across the country have access to podiatrists that they need. Finally, I want to thank the Senator from Maryland for helping me reintroduce this legislation today. I hope that by working together we can see this important change made.

Mr. BUNNING

Mr. BUNNING. Mr. President, today I invite my colleagues to join me in congratulating Nathan Horrell and Will Spence from St. Xavier High School, Louisville, KY, for receiving the Achievement Award in writing. This year only 525 students around the country were recipients of this award. The Achievement Award in writing is given to students who show excellence in English and writing. To be eligible for the award, students must submit a previously written paper and then be invited to participate in a timed essay. Nathan Horrell and Will Spence both have shown great analytical and writing skills in their submitted papers. Each student entered an analysis of Mary Shelley's 1818 novel ``Frankenstein,'' which they both wrote during their junior year in high school. At the contest, Nathan wrote his timed essay on the connection between the Internet and politics and Will wrote a short story. I am impressed by the excellence these two students have displayed. I am confident that they will have success in greater challenges in the future. Mr. President, I would like to thank Nathan Horrell and Will Spence for their contributions to the Commonwealth of Kentucky and wish them the best of luck in their future endeavors.

Mr. BUNNING

Mr. BUNNING. Mr. President, today I invite my colleagues to join me in congratulating the University of Kentucky's DanceBlue student organization and 24-hour dance marathon. This organization operates through the support and leadership of UK students, faculty, and staff as well as the Lexington community. The organization improves the lives of children and families suffering from childhood cancer through the Golden Matrix Fund, and helps serve the Bluegrass by assisting those treated at the University of Kentucky Pediatric Oncology Clinic. In just 4 years of operation, the DanceBlue organization has raised over $1 million towards research in childhood cancer. I would like to take this time to recognize the student leadership behind DanceBlue: Erin Priddy, Caitlin Mullen, Betsy Cooper, Joshua Rupp, Carson Massler, Townsend Miller, Colin Wheeler, and Tyler Bolin. Erin Priddy is a senior from Louisville, KY, and is the DanceBlue overall chair for this year. She is the fourth individual to preside over DanceBlue operations. Erin has spent many of her days and nights planning this year-long fundraising process which builds up the actual dance marathon, as well as being a full time student. The success of this organization would not be possible without the dedication and hard work of Erin. Caitlin Mullen is the vice chair for the DanceBlue organization and is also in her senior year at the University of Kentucky. Caitlin's hard work this entire year on the budget for the organization, as well as maintaining the organization's committees and keeping them together are a value to the entire university. Betsy Cooper is a senior from Paducah, KY, and is the dance marathon programming chair. Betsy's role with DanceBlue involves planning, organizing, and orchestrating the entire 24-hour period of which the Dance Marathon consists including overseeing 650 student dancers that will dance for 24-hours. Joshua Rupp is a senior from Louisville, KY, and is involved with many organizations on campus. His role with DanceBlue is the rules, regulations and operations chair. He is in charge of the logistics for the dance marathon which took place this past weekend. Josh's influence and presence on the University of Kentucky is a benefit to the school and the community. Carson Massler is a senior from Louisville, KY, and graduate of Sacred Heart Academy. Her role with DanceBlue is the family relations chair. Her position is vital to the organization since she serves as a liaison between the UK Pediatric Oncology Clinic and Golden Matrix Fund families and DanceBlue. The partnerships she has created serve as a sign of hope that this organization will continue to flourish for many more years. Townsend Miller is a senior from Lexington, KY, and is the corporate relations chair. Townsend's role with DanceBlue this year involves maintaining relationships with corporate sponsors of DanceBlue, and he is the representative of DanceBlue to local and national businesses. Colin Wheeler is from Bowling Green, KY, and serves as the marketing chair for DanceBlue. Colin's work on public relations, press releases, press kits and promotional materials is one of the main reasons why the organization and 24-hour dance marathon is such a big success. Tyler Bolin is a senior from Owensboro, KY, and serves as the special events chair. Tyler has worked hard throughout the entire year planning events that help build up to the dance marathon. His hard work and motivation are truly an inspiration to all who meet him. I am grateful that these students serve the people of the Commonwealth. I am confident that the children, families, and students whose lives they touch are all thankful for the opportunity to know them. The money that is raised through DanceBlue helps patients receive better care while improving the lives of children and their families suffering from childhood cancer. The funds are also going directly to pediatric cancer research initiatives that are helping to find a cure. Mr. President, I would like to thank these individuals for their contributions to the Commonwealth of Kentucky, the University of Kentucky, and the Lexington community. I wish them well in all their future endeavors.

Mr. BUNNING

Mr. BUNNING. Mr. President, it is with great admiration and respect that I take this time to memorialize one of Kentucky's most cherished citizens, Mrs. Emma Jean Guyn Miller. Unfortunately, Mrs. Miller passed away at the age of 107. However, her life story should serve as an inspiration for people in central Kentucky and around the entire United States. Mrs. Miller was born in Woodford County on September 29, 1901, and moved with her family to Nicholasville in 1902. Since she was young Mrs. Miller knew that she wanted to gain an education and better her community. However, since Kentucky schools were still segregated during this time period, Mrs. Miller could only attend the Nicholasville Colored School, that only served students through the eighth grade. This situation did not stop Mrs. Miller. Her mother, making only $4.50 a week, and her local church saved enough money to send Mrs. Miller to Russell High School in Lexington where she graduated in 1920. After graduating from high school she attended Turner Normal School in Shelbyville, TN, and earned her teaching certificate. She then returned to Nicholasville and began a teaching career that lasted over 40 years. Mrs. Miller began her career teaching in a one room schoolhouse and did not retire until segregated schools were ended in Nicholasville. Her students remembered Mrs. Miller as a kind but strict teacher who always had their best interest at heart. In 1940 she married William Miller, and although they did not have any children, the Millers opened their home to numerous young people in the community who needed a place to stay. She also continued to be active in Bethel AME Church, now Bethel Methodist Church, and was a member for over 80 years. This church was the same congregation that helped pay for her education at Russell High School. Mrs. Miller's life story should serve an inspiration to every American. Her uniquely American story should give us hope that we can make a difference in our local communities and change the world one person at a time.

Mr. BUNNING

Mr. BUNNING. Mr. President, today I invite my colleagues to join me in congratulating eight members of the Kentucky State Police. These brave individuals went above and beyond to help keep the Commonwealth safe. The Excellence in Highway Safety Awards are given to troopers who have the highest numbers in driving under the influence, occupant protection, speed, and commercial vehicle citations written in 2008. Trooper Chris Steward from the Dry Ridge Post received the award for the highest number of speed citations. Trooper Steward was praised by the Dry Ridge Post Commander for his dedication to saving lives on Kentucky's roads. Sergeant Steve Walker from the London Post received the award for the highest number of DUI arrests in 2008. DUI related fatalities numbered 175 in Kentucky in 2008 and Sergeant Walker's extra effort to remove impaired drivers from the road has made Kentucky roadways a safer place to travel. Trooper Walt Meachum from the Harlan Post received the award by hosting 484 community education events relative to highway safety issues. Trooper Meachum's vigorous commitment to educating younger people about unsafe driving is something every Kentucky citizen is grateful for. Sergeant Derris Hedger from the Campbellsburg Post received the award for the highest number of seat belt citations in 2008. This area has seen a 50-percent reduction in highway fatalities compared to 2007, and Sergeant Hedger's efforts are playing a direct role in those reductions. Officer Anthony Bersaglia from the Pikeville Commercial Vehicle Enforcement division received the award for the highest number of Commercial Motor Vehicle citations in 2008. Officer Bersaglia's work ethic and dedication are unmatched. Officer Travis Rogers from the London Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Region received the award for the highest number of Commercial Motor Vehicle safety inspections. Officer Rogers continually strives to make Kentucky's roads a safer place and he is a credit to the division. Officer Glenn Perry of the Louisville Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Region has received this award for the highest percentage of Commercial Motor Vehicle ``Out of Service'' inspections. The work Officer Perry performs on a daily basis and his professionalism on the roads is unmatched. Inspector Marty Young from the Georgetown Commercial Vehicle Region received the award for the number of ``Out of Service'' inspections by a civilian employee. Investigator Young's success is evident in the Georgetown Region and his eye for detail has made a significant impact on highway safety. I am humbled and grateful of the men and women who serve this agency every day by patrolling our roadways and keeping the Commonwealth safe. I am also confident that the coworkers of these eight individuals are proud to work along side of them. Mr. President, I would like to thank these individuals for their contributions to the State of Kentucky and I wish them well as they continue to protect the citizens of the Commonwealth.

Mr. BUNNING

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

Mr. BUNNING. Madam President, I call up Bunning amendment No. 665 and ask for its immediate consideration.

Mr. BUNNING. Madam President, I would like to send a modification to the desk, if possible.

Mr. BUNNING. Then I will speak on the original amendment No. 665.