Jim Bunning

Mr. BUNNING

Mr. BUNNING. Mr. President, I pay tribute and congratulate both Stephan Kathman of Covington, KY, and David Sheets of Lexington, KY, on being named two of the seventy-eight outstanding U.S. high school students to attend the 21st annual Research Science Institute (RSI). The Institute, sponsored by the Center for Excellence in Education at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and the California Institute of Technology, will take place this summer. Students in this program represent the upper one-percent of those in the United States who took the PSAT exam. Science and technology is extremely important for the economic growth of this country, and we need to encourage young scholars to pursue careers of excellence and leadership in the field. These two young men and the others involved in this program are the future leaders of this country and deserve our recognition. These students are competitively selected to attend and, subsequently, are provided with assistance for the eight to ten years of their undergraduate and graduate studies. So often we hear of failures of the U.S. educational system; however, students chosen for RSI are proof that good things are happening in our schools. Kentucky is doing its job to nurture some of the county's finest talent. I join my fellow Kentuckians to congratulate Stephan Kathman and David Sheets on their achievements and wish them luck this summer at the Research Science Institute.

Mr. BUNNING

Mr. BUNNING. Mr. President, I pay tribute and congratulate Allison Hammer of Summer Shade, KY, on being named a distinguished finalist for the Prudential Spirit of Community Awards. This award honors young people in middle level and high school grades for outstanding volunteer service to their communities. Allison Hammer has proven herself to be an ideal volunteer. While she is only 14 years old, she has already done more volunteer work than many people will do in their whole life. After two of her friends were killed in an All-Terrain Vehicle (ATV) accident, she took it upon herself to start a 75-person ATV safety camp for the youths of Monroe County. In this excellent effort she recruited volunteers and raised the funds to make this camp a success. The citizens of Monroe County are fortunate to have a young woman like Allison Hammer in their community. Her example of dedication, hard work and compassion should be an inspiration to all throughout the entire Commonwealth. She has my most sincere appreciation for this work and I look forward to her continued service to Kentucky.

Mr. BUNNING

Mr. BUNNING. Madam President, I rise to honor and pay tribute to the Kentucky Mountain Development Corporation, KMHDC, for receiving one of the Fannie Mae Foundation's 6 Maxwell Awards for Excellence. The Maxwell Awards of Excellence program showcases the outstanding work of nonprofit organizations in developing and maintaining housing for low-income Americans. Each year the award is given to only 6 projects nationwide. The Kentucky Mountain Development Corporation is a church-related nonprofit established in 1973, that provides save, decent, affordable homes for low-income families in Southeastern Kentucky. The staff of nearly 30 works with volunteers to build and repair houses for low-income families and provide financing for families with income too low to qualify for any other housing assistance. KMHDC originates and services low-interest loans and provides jobs and promotes economic development through housing production in rural Appalachia. The Kentucky Mountain Development Corporation is an outstanding example of how Kentuckians use their entrepreneurial talent, drive, and vision to create opportunities not just for themselves, but for others. In the last 30 years, they have provided 600 homes for low-income families and it has completed more than 400 home repairs to substandard owner occupied units. Southeastern Kentucky is fortunate to have the Kentucky Mountain Development Corporation as a home-based business. I appreciate their loyalty to Kentucky and their community. The company is a shining example of leadership, hard work, and compassion. They are an inspiration to all throughout the Commonwealth. Congratulations, Kentucky Mountain Development Corporation. You are Kentucky at its finest.

Mr. BUNNING

Mr. BUNNING. Mr. President, I pay tribute and congratulate Danielle Miller of Louisville, KY on being named a distinguished finalist for the Prudential Spirit of Community Awards. This award honors young people in middle level and high school grades for outstanding volunteer service to their communities. Danielle Miller founded a service organization called the ``National Awareness Committee'' to provide clothing, books, and other needed items to members of the Lakhota Sioux Nation living on a reservation in South Dakota. Danielle became aware of the Lakhotas needs during a school presentation by the Native American Support Effort--NASD--in the eighth grade, and became a volunteer. Although she was too young to go on a mission to the reservation, she realized she could accomplish a great deal in her community. Danielle Miller planned and organized five collection drives at local schools and in nearby communities, and gathered enough clothing, blankets, kitchenware, bicycles and books to fill a 52-foot truck. She recruited volunteers to help sort, pack, and load the donations, and personally accompanied the shipment to the Rosebud Reservation in southern South Dakota. Danielle plans to make a documentary film that will be used to make even more people aware of the Lakhota situation. The citizens of Louisville are fortunate to have a young lady like Danielle Miller in their community. Her example of dedication, hard work and compassion should be an inspiration to all throughout the entire Commonwealth. She has my most sincere appreciation for this work and I look forward to her continued service to Kentucky.

Mr. BUNNING

Mr. BUNNING. Madam President, I ask unanimous consent that my amendment be modified by the language currently at the desk.

Mr. BUNNING. Madam President, I rise today to offer an amendment cosponsored by Senator Bingaman and 16 other Senators including Senators Grassley, Clinton, Domenici, Kennedy, Stevens, Cantwell, Voinovich, Schumer, Alexander, Murkowski, Murray, DeWine, Talent, Durbin, Bond, and Feinstein. This amendment will fix the problems with the Department of Energy's compensation program for sick and injured cold-war workers at Energy sites throughout the country. Since the end of World War II, workers at Department of Energy sites across the country helped our Nation face threats from our enemies by creating and maintaining our Nation's nuclear weapons. Many of these workers sacrificed their health and safety and were exposed to harms unknown at the time in their work to preserve our freedoms. In 2000, as part of the DOD authorization bill, Congress enacted the Energy Employee Occupational Illness Compensation Act. This act was intended to give timely and reasonable compensation to Department of Energy employees suffering from diseases caused by working in the nuclear weapons program. This program was split into two parts. Subtitle B of the program is run by the Department of Labor for those workers with diseases from radiation and beryllium; and Subtitle D of the program is currently run by the Department of Energy for those workers made ill from toxic substances. Subtitle B of the program has been running well. The Department of Labor has completely processed more than 95 percent of the 54,000 cases it has received. Subtitle D of the program, however, is completely broken and the Department of Energy has done an abysmal job running it. For almost 4 years now, the Department of Energy has failed to process and pay claims of workers who were made ill by their work. The Energy Committee has held 3 hearings on this issue which revealed the DOE's failure at administering this program. I should note that both the chairman and the ranking member of the Energy Committee are cosponsors of this amendment. GAO has also studied this issue and found the DOE's performance subpar. More than 24,000 workers or survivors have filed claims with the DOE for compensation for their illnesses. DOE has now received $95 million for this program from Congress and only four claims have been paid. Further, the program under the DOE has an uncertain process for compensating workers. Even if a worker is found to have an eligible claim, DOE has not identified an entity for all claimants who will pay those claims and serve as a ``willing payer.'' DOE's miserable job with this program is particularly troubling because of the Kentucky workers at the Paducah gaseous diffusion plant, where the uranium shipped to sites throughout the country was refined. Under DOE's program, out of almost 3,000 former Paducah workers who have filed for compensation for their illnesses. Zero workers have received any compensation for their illnesses. The Department of Energy's current track record for slow processing of claims makes me believe that it lacks the capability to handle the compensation program effectively. The amendment transfers subtitle D claims processing operations from the Department of Energy to the Department of Labor, who is currently handling thousands of similar claims under subtitle B of the program. The Department of Labor is one of the largest and most efficient claims operations in the country. Payments will be made directly by DOL to the worker or survivor. This solves the current issue of no willing payer for all eligible claims. The funds continue to be subject to annual appropriations as they currently are today. CBO anticipates only minor costs associated with the transfer of the program to DOL. This amendment fulfills the promise that Congress made to DOE workers in 2000 to provide payment and benefits for their illnesses due to toxic substances. Many of these workers are dying and should not have to wait any longer for the Department of Energy to get its act together to process and pay the valid claims in a timely manner. The current DOE program's lackluster performance is not what Congress envisioned when it passed this act in 2000. It is imperative that we protect those workers who risked their health and safety to help us win the cold war. I urge you to support this amendment and I yield the floor.

Mr. BUNNING. I will, following the Senator from Iowa.

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

Mr. BUNNING

Mr. BUNNING. Mr. President, I pay tribute and congratulate David Gruenwald of Owensboro, KY on being named a distinguished finalist for the Prudential Spirit of Community Awards. This award honors young people in middle level and high school grades for outstanding volunteer service to their communities. David Gruenwald has proven himself to be an ideal volunteer. While he is only 14 years old, he has already done more volunteer work than many people will do in their whole life. As a project to become an Eagle Scout, David started a book drive for inmates at the Daviess County Detention Center. He went above the call of duty and began to enlist his classmates at Owensboro Catholic Middle School. Soon they had increased the size of the facility's library from about 30 books to 2,900. The citizens of Owensboro are fortunate to have a young man like David Gruenwald in their community. His example of dedication, hard work and compassion should be an inspiration to all throughout the entire Commonwealth. He has my most sincere appreciation for this work, and I look forward to his continued service to Kentucky.

Mr. BUNNING

Mr. BUNNING. Mr. President, today I pay tribute to Kohrs Lonnemann Heil Engineers for being named the Kentucky Small Business Person of the Year. Joseph R. Kohrs, Robert A. Heil, Robert A. Lonnemann are the leaders of Covington's Kohrs Lonnemann Heil Engineers, a mechanical and electrical engineering firm offering heating, ventilating, air conditioning, electrical, fire protection, plumbing and communication technology consulting engineering services. Being one of the few firms in the area offering this combination of services, today, it has carved its own sizable niche, providing excellence in engineering, design and field services to Kentucky. Kohrs Lonnemann Heil Engineers is an outstanding example of how Kentuckians use their entrepreneurial talent, drive and vision to create opportunities not just for themselves, but for others. What began as a humble business almost 47 years ago is now a leading engineering firm that is a leader in giving back to the community. Northern Kentucky is fortunate to have Kohrs Lonnemann Heil Engineers as a home-based business. But more importantly, it is fortunate to have Mr. Kohrs, Mr. Heil, and Mr. Lonnemann call Northern Kentucky home. I appreciate their loyalty to Kentucky and their community. The company has been a shining example of leadership, hard work, and compassion. They are an inspiration to all throughout the Commonwealth. Congratulaions, Kohrs Lonnemann Heil Engineers. You are Kentucky at its finest.

Mr. BUNNING

Mr. BUNNING. Mr. President, I rise to pay tribute to the memory of our 40th President, Ronald Wilson Reagan. Mary and I have deep sadness today and we send out our heartfelt condolences to Nancy and the rest of the Reagan family. I didn't personally meet Ronald Reagan until 1983, but I wish I had known him before. I will never forget how even though we hardly knew each other, he was there when I needed him. This first happened when I was running for Governor of Kentucky in 1983. To be honest, not many people were helping me. I entered the race late to try to help the Republican party because we didn't have a candidate. Most people either weren't very interested or weren't giving me much of a chance. But I called President Reagan and he helped me and even came out to campaign for me. I'm sure some of his advisers told him not to, and told him there was nothing in it for him. But he came anyway. At a time when not many other people believed in me, Ronald Reagan did. That was very special to me personally. I didn't win that race, but President Reagan's faith in me and his support transformed me from someone who had merely watched him from afar to an appreciative admirer. He had no reason to come and assist me other than to help because of the goodness in his heart. I asked, and that was enough for him. Later I was at the 1984 Republican Convention in Dallas when he gave the great speech about believing in America and how our Nation symbolized hope to the world as a shining city on the hill. It was spellbinding and uplifting. Even though it was a political convention, I think his message of optimism and his belief in the goodness of America touched all Americans. President Reagan believed in me again when I ran for Congress in 1986. To be honest, I wasn't really interested at first in coming to Washington. But when Ronald Reagan and his White House turned on the power of persuasion, it was almost impossible to say ``no.'' And with Ronald Reagan's support, I was fortunate enough to win and to come join him as a Member of Congress for his last 2 years in office. Again, he believed in me and I've never forgotten it. I attended his last two State of the Union speeches as a Member of the House and they were spectacular performances. I remember during his last State of the Union when he dropped a copy of the enormous continuing resolution spending bill Congress had passed in late 1987 and warned us that we'd better get our work done on time because he wouldn't sign another bill like that. We knew he meant it and Congress listened and the next year we did get our work done on time. I believe the secret to Ronald Reagan's appeal was that he had such strong and profound fundamental beliefs about the role of Government and he was so confident in his ability to communicate those beliefs in simple, but powerful ways that average Americans could understand. People sensed that he was sincere in his own beliefs. They knew he was comfortable in his own skin and had a clear idea of the direction where he wanted to lead the country. Because he was confident in himself and believed in America and its people, the American people returned that faith. They believed in him and they listened to him. When he led, they followed. They followed Ronald Reagan when it came to his staunch opposition to taxes. They listened to him when he warned us about the evils of communism and asserted our moral superiority in the struggle between the East and the West. Many in Washington criticized him when he warned that the old Soviet Union was an evil empire. But Ronald Reagan understood that the Soviets were a moral threat to our way of life, and that we were engaged in a struggle that we had to win. The naysayers said Ronald Reagan was dangerous, but the American people knew he was fundamentally right, and history will show him to be a visionary who probably saved our Nation and the world. Like every other President, Ronald Reagan had his critics. And he made mistakes. But there is no doubt that the strong consensus among the American people is that Ronald Reagan was a great President. He was an unusually strong and optimistic leader that we all want to emulate. That's why his passing has hit so many of us so hard. Even his strongest critics will tell you that they liked Ronald Reagan the man and human being. They knew that even though he might disagree with their policies that he still liked them as people and that he would treat them with respect. That was a hallmark of Reagan and another strength of his administration--he was always a gentleman and treated others with respect. He might not have won every policy and political argument, but he fought cleanly and conducted himself with civility and grace. In the end, I believe that few of us will see another leader the likes of Ronald Reagan during our lifetime. I believe that when he took office he set out to change not only the Nation but the face of the world. That is exactly what he did. I yield the floor.

Mr. BUNNING

Mr. BUNNING. Mr. President, today I would like to take the opportunity to honor Mr. Harold O. Davies, a Seaman on the USS Yorktown in the Battle of Midway during World War II. During the Memorial Day holiday, we have honored many of our service men and women who risked their lives for their country. We have especially honored what Americans call ``our greatest generation''--the men and women who fought in WWII--and Mr. Davies is an extraordinary addition to this generation. Mr. Harold Davies fought on the USS Yorktown at the Battle of Midway. Shortly after the attack on Pearl Harbor, the United States' retaliation emerged in a grueling war of the Pacific. The Battle of Midway was the major turning point in the Pacific in which Japan lost all four aircraft carriers and all of the airmen and planes in the battle. On June 4, 1942, before the last Japanese aircraft carrier sunk, it struck the USS Yorktown, leaving the ship dead in the water. The crew worked diligently to repair the damage and returned the ship to fully operational. The USS Yorktown, also known as the ``Fighting Lady,'' launched fighters for three more days, gaining a major victory for the United States before sinking on June 7. Mr. Davies never left his post during this battle. He remained courageous and loyal to his crew and duties. As the ship was sinking, he refused to board the lifeboat until all the wounded were aboard. After the ship sank, he remained in the water for two and a half hours before being picked up by a whaleboat. Mr. Davies was not injured in the battle. He lives today as a prominent member of his community and church in Hebron, KY and is able to share the story of the legendary Battle of Midway. This type of valor should not go unrecognized. Therefore, I join my fellow Kentuckians to honor Mr. Harold O. Davies and thank him for his service in the United States Navy.

Mr. BUNNING

Mr. BUNNING. Mr. President, I pay tribute today to the Frenchburg Job Corps Center in Frenchburg, KY. On June 24, 2004 this center will celebrate a milestone anniversary. For 30 years the Frenchburg Job Corps Center has taught a variety of skills to our Kentucky workforce, helping the men and women of Kentucky to improve their job skills and their general well being. I am grateful for all the work that the Frenchburg Center has done over the last 30 years. Their contribution to the Commonwealth of Kentucky should not be underestimated. Through the work of this center many men and women have been enabled to become valuable pillars of their local and state economies. The skills that these men and women learned range from the culinary arts to apartment maintenance. But all of these skills have been of inestimable value when it comes to doing one of the most important things in life, providing for yourself, your family and your community. I believe the Commonwealth would not be the same without the dedication of these men and women and I thank the Frenchburg Job Corps for its 30 years of dedication to the workforce of the Kentucky.

Mr. BUNNING

Mr. BUNNING. Mr. President, I pay tribute and congratulate SGT Jim Mullen on his reception of the Bowling Green firefighter of the year award given to him by his peers at the Bowling Green Fire Department. Sergeant Mullen has dedicated himself to helping those in need in the Bowling Green, KY area. In addition to the firefighter of the year award, Sergeant Mullen also received the Community Service Award from the department. He earned this commendation through such activities as coaching and administering the city soccer league. He has done a wonderful public service of making Bowling Green a safer and better place to live. The citizens of Kentucky are fortunate to have the leadership of SGT Jim Mullen. His example of dedication, hard work and compassion should be an inspiration to all throughout the Commonwealth. He has my most sincere appreciation for this work and I look forward to his continued service to Kentucky.

Mr. BUNNING

Mr. BUNNING. Mr. President, I wish to pay tribute to Sister Clarita Anneken of Villa Hills, KY for her 63 years devoted to educating young men and women who attended Villa Madonna Academy. Everything that we do in the United States Senate is done with the idea in mind that we are making the world a better place for those who come after us. Indeed the entire government is dedicated to ensuring that America will continue to protect the rights to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness long into the future. However, let me remind the Senate that if the people of America are not educated to appreciate the sanctity of life, the glory of liberty, and the meaningfulness of pursuing happiness, that everything we do here will be wasted. No matter how wise the laws we enact, a people ignorant of these important principles will only resent wise laws, not benefit from them. It is for this reason that I believe that the work of Sister Clarita is so crucial. Sister Clarita has dedicated her life to the education of America's future. For 63 years Sister Clarita has invested her knowledge, time, effort, patience, and understanding in the young people of Villa Madonna Academy. Her efforts have shaped the understanding of many young people who will be a part of America's future. I believe that no good deed goes unrewarded. The reward that Sister Clarita will reap, however will be a reward reaped for many years, long after her teaching career is finished. It will be a reward which many Americans will share. It will be the reward of young, educated men and women who will be able to continue the great traditions of this country. Sister Clarita's dedication to the young is an assurance of the brightness of America's future. And I thank Sister Clarita for this assurance and for the bright future of America.

Mr. BUNNING

Mr. BUNNING. Mr. President, I pay tribute and congratulate the students of Randy Brown for winning the ``Role of Citizen'' unit award at the national finals of We The People: The Citizen and the Constitution program. This class hails from Ohio County High School of Hartford, KY. This program is run by the Center for Civic Education, a Los Angeles- based organization that strives to get students involved in government and civic affairs. The event simulates a congressional hearing whereby high school students testify as constitutional experts before a panel of judges. The members of the winning class are: Jeffrey Ashby, Samantha Beck, Hannah Benton, Jonathan Brown, Crystal Clayton, Jeffrey Coulter, Amanda Critchelow, Jessica Culbertson, Lauren Danks, Shellena Davis-Roberts, Ashley Evans, Raven Evans, Judson Hunter, Savannah Johnson, Daniel Justice, Julie Leach, Brian Mayes, Mallory Nauman, Mallory Phelps. Lauren Pieper, Emily Renfrow, Anthony Rusher, Jonathan Shrewsbury, Ashton Variot, Chase Vincent, Amy Walsh, Meredith Ward, Bailey Westerfield, Britney Westerfield, and Emily Williams. The citizens of Ohio County can be very proud of these students. Their achievement should be an inspiration to all throughout the entire Commonwealth of Kentucky. Congratulations.

Mr. BUNNING

Mr. BUNNING. Mr. President, I want to spend a few moments to talk about the nomination of Major General David H. Petraeus to be Lieutenant General in the U.S. Army. I believe President Bush and Secretary Rumsfeld have made an excellent decision to promote General Petraeus and assign him to chief of the Office of Security Transition in Iraq. I congratulate General Petraeus and wholeheartedly support his nomination. I am pleased that the Senate has moved so quickly on his nomination. We received it 2 weeks ago and he was confirmed yesterday. This is fitting because last Friday he transferred command of the 101st Airborne Division, Air Assault, to his successor at the helm of the Screaming Eagles. General Petraeus led the 101st Airborne to stunning success in Iraq. His division performed superbly in combat, and is responsible for bringing Saddam Hussein's two ruthless sons to justice. Unfortunately, the division also suffered the largest number of combat casualties in Operation Iraqi Freedom. Equally impressive to the combat performance of the division under General Petraeus were the successes in rebuilding the governing structures and the hope of the Iraqi people in a significant portion of the country. Six days after occupying the northern part of Iraq the first meetings were held to set up Province Council elections and those elections were held one week later. The division worked with Iraqis to quickly restore power, water, fuel, transportation, and industry. They set the model for cooperating with the local leaders and population to create a stable and prosperous Iraq. This all happened because of the leadership of General Petraeus. I visited General Petraeus and the Screaming Eagles in Iraq earlier this year. I saw firsthand the results of his careful preparation and skillful execution of a plan to bring order and governance to the people of northern Iraq. I was, and remain, impressed by what I saw. Because he was so successful leading the 101st Airborne in Iraq, General Petraeus has been assigned back to Iraq for the transition of power to the interim Iraqi government. I have no doubts that he is the right man for the job and will help the Iraqi transition to self- government proceed smoothly. Again, I want to congratulate General Petraeus and wish him well in his new assignment. He is blessed with a wonderful family at home who will be eagerly awaiting his return. I thank him for his service.

Mr. BUNNING

Mr. BUNNING. Mr. President, I pay tribute and congratulate Kevin Conway of Lexington, KY, on his reception of the Star of Life Award given to him by the American Ambulance Association. Mr. Conway has dedicated himself to the emergency response community of Lexington. As an employee of Rural/Metro Ambulance, Mr. Conway has made a difference in people's lives. However, what has set him apart has been his initiative as operations manager to turn Rural/Metro Ambulance into a State-recognized paramedic and CPR education facility. Mr. Conway also represents or works with many different local and State government EMS organizations. Prior to his work at Rural/Metro Ambulance, Mr. Conway was an Army Ranger. After his completion of active duty, he joined the Army Reserve as a senior drill sergeant. The citizens of Kentucky are fortunate to have the leadership of Kevin Conway. His example of dedication, hard work, and compassion should be an inspiration to all throughout the Commonwealth. He has my most sincere appreciation for this work, and I look forward to his continued service to Kentucky.

Mr. BUNNING

Mr. BUNNING. Mr. President, I rise in strong opposition to the McCain amendment. We need these energy tax provisions now more than ever. The price of energy has risen sharply and is only expected to keep going up and up. The average price of a gallon of unleaded gasoline now is $1.84 a gallon. Natural gas prices are 70 percent higher than they were a year ago. Coal prices are up 30 percent since last year. These high prices are affecting Americans' pocketbooks at a time when our economy is on the rise. If Congress does nothing to encourage more production, Americans will continue to struggle financially and our economic recovery will evaporate. The energy tax package in the JOBS bill will help our country meet its future energy needs and will help kick our economy into gear. Whether you are a Republican or a Democrat, we all know we need more production. Having a cheap, ready supply of energy is now more critical than ever to our economy. These tax incentives in this bill are crafted to help this production supply. Striking them from the bill will only lead to higher prices and more energy inflation. The energy tax incentives will also mean more jobs and more money in Americans' wallets. I am certain every single Senator has talked to his or her constituents recently about the need for the economy to create more jobs. It is a staple of the Presidential race. It is what the American people are talking about. We know the energy incentives in this bill will induce and boost industries like the coal community in my State and put people to work. There is nothing wrong with that. Passing this bill and these energy amendments will give us all a chance to put our money where our mouth is. Congress has been playing political football with an energy bill for years now. I think it is time to end the game. Many of us would prefer to pass a stand-alone energy bill. We have been trying and trying, with no effect. But for one reason or another, this bill has not passed, and this is probably our last and best shot to pass changes that will make a difference right away to our Nation and to our economy. Finally, and most importantly, this is a national security issue. We all talk the talk when it comes to promoting America's energy independence and reducing our reliance on foreign oil and sources of energy. Here is a chance to actually do something about that. By beating this amendment and passing the base bill, we will provide a significant boost to domestic energy production. We have a lot of problems in Iraq, but we cannot bury our head in the sand. We have to recognize that continuing to rely on energy supplies from that part of the world is a threat to our national security. We cannot change that overnight. We can start taking the first steps now by passing the energy tax provisions and stepping up domestic production. I urge a ``no'' vote on the McCain amendment. As a member of both the Energy Committee and the Finance Committee, I helped write the energy incentives in this bill. The incentives are good legislation and will help our economy. Our workers and our country need this bill. I yield the floor.

Mr. BUNNING

Mr. BUNNING. Mr. President, I pay tribute today to the patriotism and the courage of SSG George Rentschler of Louisville, KY. SSG Rentschler was killed a month ago on April 7, 2004. While his family, friends and his country mourn the loss of this man, I offer a few words to praise the inestimable value of his sacrifice. In this time of war, my colleagues, we can all expect to hear reports of the tragic loss of life. It would be unrealistic to expect that we can fight a war and not lose lives. SSG Rentschler knew this. And knowing this he went forth into battle for the love of his country. To serve your country when you know that it might be the cause of your death, involves sacrifice. It means that you are brave, honorable, patriotic, virtuous. It also means that you are willing to make the final sacrifice should the necessity arise. The men and women serving our country, as SSG George Rentschler did, are heroes who are protecting America to preserve our freedoms in these times of continuing terrorist threat across the world. The death of SSG Rentschler reveals to the world that this man was a true hero who sacrificed for our country. We have lost a man of courage and generosity. He was role model for all of us and will be missed.

Mr. BUNNING

Mr. BUNNING. Mr. President, today I would like to take the opportunity to honor an outstanding member of the Catholic church, Father John D. Deatrick, the pastor at St. Martha in Louisville, KY. Father Deatrick is retiring June 13, 2004 upon reaching the mandatory retirement age of the Catholic church. He has been an ordained priest for 38 years. Throughout his years as a pastor, Father Deatrick served as chaplain at St. Xavier High School as well as Bellermine University where he also served as the Bellermine Knights baseball coach. He has remained a steadfast baseball fan throughout the years and attends the National spring training camp in Florida when he gets the opportunity. Father Deatrick has been the pastor at St. Martha for 11 years. He will be greatly missed by the members of his congregation. I join all Kentuckians in commending Father Deatrick for his faithfulness and dedication to the Catholic church for the past 38 years. I wish him well in his retirement.

Mr. BUNNING

Mr. BUNNING. Mr. President, I want to talk briefly about Ambassador John Negroponte and support his confirmation to be the United States' first ambassador to the free and democratic Iraq. Not only will he be the first ambassador to the free and democratic Iraq, but he will be the first ambassador to Iraq since the first Gulf War in 1991. Ambassador Negroponte is one of the most experienced diplomats in the State Department. His experience is necessary for this job because he will be assuming one of the most challenging and important positions the State Department has ever had. Throughout his career in the State Department, Ambassador Negroponte has been stationed at eight different posts covering most parts of the world. While he has not been previously stationed in the Middle East, I have no doubt in his ability to handle the task ahead. His experience representing the United States at the United Nations since September 11 and serving in nations like Vietnam and Honduras during periods of turmoil will guide him during Iraq's transition to democratic self- government. Many challenges lie ahead for Iraq, including holding orderly elections, establishing government bodies, reconstructing infrastructure and the economy, and securing the country. The United States will be a partner for Iraqis throughout the coming challenges. Critical to the successful transition to a sovereign Iraq is the participation of the international community. Ambassador Negroponte has earned respect among his colleagues while representing the United States at the United Nations. He will do a fine job working with other nations to help Iraq flourish under the rule of Iraqis. In summary, I believe President Bush has made a fine choice in nominating Ambassador Negroponte. I support his nomination and encourage my colleagues to swiftly confirm him to this vital position.

Mr. BUNNING

Mr. BUNNING. Mr. President, I rise to congratulate the Florence Woman's Club of Florence, KY on the recent celebration of its 50th anniversary. The Florence Woman's Club was founded on April 20, 1954. Its goal was simply to make the city of Florence a better place to live. The causes that the club has lent its time to are almost too numerous to mention. They have been involved in raising money to fight cancer, working at local veterans' hospitals, and helping with the preservation of historic buildings in the area, to name just a few. The citizens of northern Kentucky are fortunate to have the services of the Florence Woman's Club. This organization's example of dedication, hard work and compassion should be an inspiration to all throughout the Commonwealth of Kentucky. They have my most sincere appreciation for this work, and I look forward to their continued service to Kentucky. I have no doubt that they will be just as productive in their next 50 years as they have been in their first 50. Congratulations.

Mr. BUNNING

Mr. BUNNING. Mr. President, I rise today to introduce The Working Family Tax Relief Act of 2004. I would like to thank my colleague, Senator Miller, for his support of this important legislation. His leadership has laid the foundation of bipartisan support that this critical tax bill and working American families deserve. Tax relief has contributed to economic growth throughout our economy. We have successfully encouraged companies to create more jobs and Americans to save and spend more. The President's tax cuts and our votes here in the Senate helped to revive an economy that was sagging in 2000 and shocked by the tragedies of September 11, 2001. We put a plan in place in 2001 to help the American family to keep more of the money they work so hard to earn. In 2003, Congress saw fit to accelerate the effective date of some of this family tax relief in order to give these families this help as quickly as possible. As a result, every American family who paid any income taxes during 2003 saw a reduction in their taxes and they will enjoy those lower taxes for this year as well. However, if we do not act this year, America's working families will face a tax increase next year. We cannot allow this to happen. The lowest-income Americans have benefited dramatically from the new 10 percent tax bracket. Today, thanks to this new bracket, working Americans are keeping more of their hard-earned paychecks. But if we do nothing, taxpayers with as little as $7,000 in taxable income could face a tax increase next year. My legislation proposes to keep the current 10 percent tax rate bracket in place rather than allowing it to shrink and increase taxes on the working families of America. This extension could bring relief to as many as 1.2 million people in Kentucky and millions of others throughout the country. And, if we do nothing, the child tax credit will be cut by 30 percent in 2005. We need to keep the $1,000 tax credit and not let it revert to the old $700 credit. There are over 350,000 taxpayers in Kentucky who need this tax relief and will benefit from this legislation. We can't ask millions of Americans to pay an extra $300 per child next year. Will you ask the families of this country, who have worked so hard to raise our entire economy up, to pay more in taxes simply because they have children? I know I won't, and I hope my colleagues won't either. The accelerated marriage penalty relief will also lapse after this year unless the Senate acts. I propose keeping the current tax deduction in place, which we increased to twice that of an individual taxpayer in 2003. Without this extension, married couples will see a cut in their standardized deduction--actually penalizing couples for being married. Over 465,000 Kentuckians benefits from this legislation. We need to keep this important tax relief intact. And finally we need to address an unintended consequence of the Alternative Minimum Tax. When the Senate passed the AMT, it was designed to ensure wealthier Americans paid at least some percentage of their income in taxes. Now that same AMT is hurting working families and middle-income America. In 2003, the Senate passed limited AMT relief that is now set to expire. This legislation will keep the current exemption levels of $40,250 for single and $58,000 for married taxpayers in place for 2005. If we fail to act, an additional $7,000 to $13,000 of middle-income taxpayers' income will be subject to this tax. We all know that the AMT is a serious issue and one that we must address--the limited relief contained in this bill is not a final solution to this large problem, but it will keep the problem from getting even worse. There are other important tax cuts that should be extended and there are other problems with the tax code that I would like to correct. But the four provisions addressed in this bill have to be addressed today not just to provide tax relief, but to prevent an immediate tax increase. We owe it to the working families and low-income Americans who rely on these tax cuts to act quickly and extend these four provisions--the 10 percent tax bracket, child tax credit, marriage penalty relief and AMT relief. Working American families and lower to middle-income America were hit hard with the economic downturn--that is why we passed these tax cuts in the first place. And now, just as these industrious Americans have started to find new jobs and spend a little more money to grow the economy, we cannot hold them back with a tax increase. And I can't stress this point enough. Many Americans--especially low and middle income families--will have their tax rates increased and face cuts in their deductions and credits unless we act. My bill is about extending the important tax breaks that we all agreed to in 2001 and accelerated in 2003. We made a commitment to the American family in the midst of an economic downturn--offering them tax relief to help stimulate the economy. And now that these tax cuts are starting to work, we can't afford to take them back. We must stay the course and support our Nation's families as we move the American economy forward toward renewed prosperity. I know how tight government finances are likely to be this year. And as my colleagues know, I have always taken a hard look at spending proposals. But we built about $80 billion into the Senate-passed FY 2005 Budget proposal for these tax provisions. And there are similar provisions in the House-approved budget. I am confident that we can secure the amount we will need for this proposal over the next few years. We find ourselves in a unique position--we must be proactive to protect the American family from an unjust tax increase. We need to take a stand for low and middle income America. This Bunning-Miller tax relief legislation will protect working Americans from what would be a devastating tax increase in 2005. I urge my colleagues to get behind this bipartisan legislation and support the Working Family Tax Relief Act of 2004.

Mr. BUNNING

Mr. BUNNING. Mr. President, I would like to take a moment today to pay tribute to the city of Paducah and their innovative and successful Artist Relocation Program. The program is a past recipient of a Kentucky Governor's Award for contribution to arts in the State. The city has even been recognized by First Lady Laura Bush as part of the Preserve America Initiative. Most recently, the city was honored by the American Planning Association at their April 2004 national convention in Washington, DC. The Special Community Initiative award is given annually to a city displaying an innovative approach to improvement. This year there were over 200 cities competing for this honor. The City of Paducah Artist Relocation Program recruits artists--both locally and nationally--to move to Paducah's downtown and historic Lower Tower area. The city has a long history providing many buildings and facilities that, while they are in disrepair, offer significant opportunity for renovation and improvement. Artists who relocate to Paducah are given a network of resources to restore facilities. The program is part of a long-term project to rejuvenate the City of Paducah's historic districts. Through the combined efforts of leaders in the city government, the Paducah Bank, Visitors' Bureau, PATS, local museums and businesses this program has seen tremendous success. The city and Commonwealth are already enjoying the benefits as an estimated $12 to $15 million has been infused into the local economy, thanks to this program. Any visitor can see the construction and revitalization underway in this Kentucky jewel. I wish to congratulate the leadership and vision of the City of Paducah on these tremendous honors, especially Program Founder Mark Barone, City of Paducah Planning Director Tom Barnett, City of Paducah Mayor Bill Paxton and McCracken County Judge Executive Danny Orazine. I look forward to the continued success of this great program.