Conrad Burns

Mr. BURNS

Mr. BURNS. Mr. President, I rise today to introduce the Bitterroot National Forest Dam and Reservoir Maintenance Act. The are 17 reservoirs in the Bitterroot National Forest and Selway-Bitterroot Wilderness Area. These reservoirs not only predate the 1964 Wilderness Act and creation of the Selway-Bitterroot Wilderness Area, many predate the designation of the Bitterroot National Forest. The reservoirs continued use is fundamental to a stable agricultural economy for the Bitterroot Valley in western Montana. In addition, these reservoirs provide multiple benefits to the people, economy, and natural environment of Montana in the form of ground water recharge, flood control, and increased late summer streamflows that support riparian and fishery habitat needs. In addition, the reservoirs ensure we maintain our open spaces by allowing sustainable family ranches and farms to continue instead of subdivisions. When the Selway-Bitterroot Wilderness Area was adopted as the first congressionally designate wilderness area, access roads or trails were not specifically identified for access to these dams. Clearly the 1964 Wilderness Act does provide for some level of access to these existing reservoirs for inspection and maintenance. Subsequent wilderness legislation establishing wilderness areas after 1964 have excluded ``cherry-stem'' roads and trails to dams just like these in the Bitterroot thus avoiding the problem we have in Montana. The Secretary of Agriculture, through the USDA-Forest Service, must provide access to these dams. Currently, the exact level of access is undefined and debated with each request. For each dam access request the Forest Service must comply with the National Environmental Policy Act, the Endangered Species Act, the Federal Dam Safety Act, and the Wilderness Act. To do so the agency must prepare an environmental assessment or environmental impact statement for the proposed access. This often requires months to complete and is subject to appeal and litigation by those opposed to motorized access to the dams, and in some cases those opposed to the use of the existing water rights. This legislation will clarify that the administration of the reservoirs and rights of ways should reside with the State of Montana like all other water rights. The legislation also establishes right of ways for the reservoirs and access routes to the reservoirs that would pre-empt the Wilderness Act, and National Environmental Policy Act. This bill will allow for an efficient means for irrigation companies to access the reservoirs to complete inspections, and conduct safety and operation maintenance work in a timely manner. I look forward to working with my Senate colleagues to secure passage of this important legislation.

Mr. BURNS

Mr. BURNS. Mr. President, each year since 1988, April 21 has been designated as Youth Service Day. This day is especially important for a group of Montanans in Billings, MT, who have been working with children since 1966. On April 21, the staff of Head Start, Inc. in Billings celebrated their 40th anniversary. I rise today to congratulate them on their past efforts and to express my support for another 40 years of service. We have all seen the positive impact that Head Start has on children and families throughout Montana. This Federal program provides child and family development services by helping children under the age of 5 to develop the skills they will use throughout their formal education and for the rest of their lives. Head Start in Billings was recently recognized as among the top 2 percent of Head Start programs nationwide. Their continued dedication to excellence is deserving of recognition and praise, and I am honored to rise on their behalf. While celebrating this milestone of service to Montana, these dedicated staff members recognized a very special volunteer named Thelma Adolph. Thelma, who volunteers through Head Start's Foster Grandparents program, has given her time for 20 straight years. She has touched the lives of countless children, and it is no exaggeration to say that the world is a better place because of her. Such dedication is all the more impressive because Thelma is 93 years old. And so, I ask my colleagues to share my gratitude for the efforts, dedication and excellence of Head Start and Thelma Adolph. I thank them all for their hard work and dedication on behalf of Montana's children.

Mr. BURNS

Mr. BURNS. Mr. President, I rise today to introduce the Bitterroot National Forest Dam and Reservoir Maintenance Act. The are 17 reservoirs in the Bitterroot National Forest and Selway-Bitterroot Wilderness Area. These reservoirs not only predate the 1964 Wilderness Act and creation of the Selway-Bitterroot Wilderness Area, many predate the designation of the Bitterroot National Forest. The reservoirs continued use is fundamental to a stable agricultural economy for the Bitterroot Valley in western Montana. In addition, these reservoirs provide multiple benefits to the people, economy, and natural environment of Montana in the form of ground water recharge, flood control, and increased late summer streamflows that support riparian and fishery habitat needs. In addition, the reservoirs ensure we maintain our open spaces by allowing sustainable family ranches and farms to continue instead of subdivisions. When the Selway-Bitterroot Wilderness Area was adopted as the first congressionally designate wilderness area, access roads or trails were not specifically identified for access to these dams. Clearly the 1964 Wilderness Act does provide for some level of access to these existing reservoirs for inspection and maintenance. Subsequent wilderness legislation establishing wilderness areas after 1964 have excluded ``cherry-stem'' roads and trails to dams just like these in the Bitterroot thus avoiding the problem we have in Montana. The Secretary of Agriculture, through the USDA-Forest Service, must provide access to these dams. Currently, the exact level of access is undefined and debated with each request. For each dam access request the Forest Service must comply with the National Environmental Policy Act, the Endangered Species Act, the Federal Dam Safety Act, and the Wilderness Act. To do so the agency must prepare an environmental assessment or environmental impact statement for the proposed access. This often requires months to complete and is subject to appeal and litigation by those opposed to motorized access to the dams, and in some cases those opposed to the use of the existing water rights. This legislation will clarify that the administration of the reservoirs and rights of ways should reside with the State of Montana like all other water rights. The legislation also establishes right of ways for the reservoirs and access routes to the reservoirs that would pre-empt the Wilderness Act, and National Environmental Policy Act. This bill will allow for an efficient means for irrigation companies to access the reservoirs to complete inspections, and conduct safety and operation maintenance work in a timely manner. I look forward to working with my Senate colleagues to secure passage of this important legislation.

Mr. BURNS

Mr. BURNS. Mr. President, I come to the floor today to introduce the Aviation Consumer Protection Extension Act. The bill is a 1-year extension of section 145 of the Aviation and Transportation Security Act, which passed in 2001. The current extension expires in November of this year. Currently, the aviation industry is going through a difficult time with numerous airline bankruptcies and overall uncertainty. In this environment, airline consumers deserve protection in the circumstance that their air service provider suspends service because of a bankruptcy. This extension provides that airline passengers holding tickets from a bankrupt carrier are entitled to a seat on a standby basis on any airline serving that route if arrangements are made within 60 days after the bankrupt airline suspends operations. Under the provision, the maximum fee that an airline can charge for providing standby transportation would not exceed $50 each way. The extension does not apply to charter flights but does cover frequent flyer tickets. Like all Members of this body, my State of Montana has a number of traveling families. In the unfortunate circumstance that an air carrier discontinues service, those families should not have to foot an outrageous bill to get back home. In these times of unease and uncertainty in the airline industry, we need to make sure hard-earned family vacations don't turn into unnecessarily costly expenditures. I look forward to working with my colleagues on a timely passage of this important extension.

Mr. BURNS

Mr. BURNS. Mr. President, I come to the floor today to introduce the Aviation Consumer Protection Extension Act. The bill is a 1-year extension of section 145 of the Aviation and Transportation Security Act, which passed in 2001. The current extension expires in November of this year. Currently, the aviation industry is going through a difficult time with numerous airline bankruptcies and overall uncertainty. In this environment, airline consumers deserve protection in the circumstance that their air service provider suspends service because of a bankruptcy. This extension provides that airline passengers holding tickets from a bankrupt carrier are entitled to a seat on a standby basis on any airline serving that route if arrangements are made within 60 days after the bankrupt airline suspends operations. Under the provision, the maximum fee that an airline can charge for providing standby transportation would not exceed $50 each way. The extension does not apply to charter flights but does cover frequent flyer tickets. Like all Members of this body, my State of Montana has a number of traveling families. In the unfortunate circumstance that an air carrier discontinues service, those families should not have to foot an outrageous bill to get back home. In these times of unease and uncertainty in the airline industry, we need to make sure hard-earned family vacations don't turn into unnecessarily costly expenditures. I look forward to working with my colleagues on a timely passage of this important extension.

Mr. BURNS

Mr. BURNS. Mr. President, I rise today to honor and recognize a man who has dedicated his life to education, Mr. Robert Cleverly. Bob was responsible for establishing the Close-up Foundation program at Ennis High School and has been involved in the program for over 20 years. During those years he has also been instrumental in establishing the Close-up program in numerous Montana schools. Bob was chosen by the Close-up Foundation in 1996 and 1997 and awarded the Linda Myers Chozen Award for Teaching Excellence in Civic Education. This award honors teachers and administrators who have demonstrated outstanding leadership, innovation, and commitment to the foundation's citizenship mission. In addition to his Close-up advocacy, Bob was a history teacher at Ennis High School for 38 years and is credited with organizing the first aid and CPR program. Bob was active in the school's extra curricular activities as a very successful football coach, taking several teams to statewide level competition and winning two State championships. As a result of his coaching abilities and team organization skills, Bob was inducted into the Montana Coaches Hall of Fame. Education is crucial to the future of America, and it is teachers like Bob who make education their priority, devoting their life to the future of our youth. Bob has been taking students to Washington, DC, for over 20 years with the Close-up program, giving students of Montana a firsthand view on how our Federal Government works, while experiencing the history our Nation's Capital has to offer. At great loss to Montana's high school students, this will be Bob's last year in the Close-up program, but thanks to his hard work, many Montana students for years to come will be able to explore our Nation's Capital through the Close-up program. I personally thank Bob and acknowledge his dedication, for he has gone above and beyond his civic duty. We are proud as well as fortunate to have educators like Bob Cleverly in Montana, who are willing to dedicate their lives to educate and prepare our children for the future.

Mr. BURNS

Mr. BURNS. Mr. President, I rise today to introduce legislation to help provide more affordable health coverage to millions of Americans. This legislation makes commonsense changes that will create tax parity between employer-sponsored insurance and insurance purchased in the individual market. As we are well aware, the Federal tax code's treatment of medical care has shaped the development of the private third-party system of financing health care in the United States. The tax code treats the self-employed, unemployed, and workers at companies that do not offer health insurance, most of which are small businesses, less generously than it treats workers at companies that do offer health insurance. Employer-sponsored insurance receives a tax subsidy that individually- purchased insurance does not, and as a result two-thirds of non-elderly Americans receive health insurance through their own or a family member's employer. Of equal concern, the percent of employer-sponsored insurance has dropped from 69 percent in 2000 to 60 percent in 2005 due mainly to the rapid rise in health insurance premiums, which have increased more than 60 percent in real terms over the past 5 years alone. The percent of the non-elderly population with employer-sponsored insurance has correspondingly dropped, from 68 percent in 2000 to 63 percent in 2004. Consequently, more Americans must look to the non-group market for their health insurance needs. To help rectify this disparity, the legislation I am introducing today would permit premiums for high-deductible plans purchased in conjunction with a qualifying health savings accounts (HAS) on the individual market to be deductible from income taxes. In addition, an income tax credit would offset payroll taxes paid on these premiums. As such, people who purchase their health benefits in the individual market would receive the same tax treatment as those who receive employer-sponsored insurance. Perhaps one of the most widespread criticisms of HSA plans is that they are only helpful to those who are young, healthy, and wealthy. However, a recent survey conducted by America's Health Insurance Plans reveals this not to be the case. In that survey, it was shown that 50 percent of all people covered by HSA plans in the individual market are 40 years of age or older. Moreover, 31 percent of new enrollees in HSA plans were previously uninsured. My legislation would provide substantial savings to middle and low income families. For example, a family in the 15 percent income tax bracket, and 15.3 percent payroll tax bracket, would receive a tax subsidy of over $1,500 towards the purchase of a $5,000 family insurance HSA-qualified policy. Moreover, the income tax credit to offset payroll taxes is designed to help lower income workers. These hard-working Americans are more likely to work for firms that do not offer health insurance, and many have low enough incomes that they are paying no income taxes, but still must pay payroll taxes. My bill helps to give them the affordable and quality health benefits they deserve. Since being enacted in the Medicare Modernization Act, health savings accounts have helped to provide millions of Americans with an additional option in meeting their health care needs. It is simply not fair that the law does not provide these plans with the same tax treatment provided to employer-sponsored insurance. If we are to seriously begin addressing the rapidly rising cost of health care, it is imperative that we take steps now to ensure that available health care plans are as affordable as possible. I ask unanimous consent that the text of the bill be printed in the Record.

Mr. BURNS

Mr. BURNS. Mr. President, I rise today to introduce legislation to help provide more affordable health coverage to millions of Americans. This legislation makes commonsense changes that will create tax parity between employer-sponsored insurance and insurance purchased in the individual market. As we are well aware, the Federal tax code's treatment of medical care has shaped the development of the private third-party system of financing health care in the United States. The tax code treats the self-employed, unemployed, and workers at companies that do not offer health insurance, most of which are small businesses, less generously than it treats workers at companies that do offer health insurance. Employer-sponsored insurance receives a tax subsidy that individually- purchased insurance does not, and as a result two-thirds of non-elderly Americans receive health insurance through their own or a family member's employer. Of equal concern, the percent of employer-sponsored insurance has dropped from 69 percent in 2000 to 60 percent in 2005 due mainly to the rapid rise in health insurance premiums, which have increased more than 60 percent in real terms over the past 5 years alone. The percent of the non-elderly population with employer-sponsored insurance has correspondingly dropped, from 68 percent in 2000 to 63 percent in 2004. Consequently, more Americans must look to the non-group market for their health insurance needs. To help rectify this disparity, the legislation I am introducing today would permit premiums for high-deductible plans purchased in conjunction with a qualifying health savings accounts (HAS) on the individual market to be deductible from income taxes. In addition, an income tax credit would offset payroll taxes paid on these premiums. As such, people who purchase their health benefits in the individual market would receive the same tax treatment as those who receive employer-sponsored insurance. Perhaps one of the most widespread criticisms of HSA plans is that they are only helpful to those who are young, healthy, and wealthy. However, a recent survey conducted by America's Health Insurance Plans reveals this not to be the case. In that survey, it was shown that 50 percent of all people covered by HSA plans in the individual market are 40 years of age or older. Moreover, 31 percent of new enrollees in HSA plans were previously uninsured. My legislation would provide substantial savings to middle and low income families. For example, a family in the 15 percent income tax bracket, and 15.3 percent payroll tax bracket, would receive a tax subsidy of over $1,500 towards the purchase of a $5,000 family insurance HSA-qualified policy. Moreover, the income tax credit to offset payroll taxes is designed to help lower income workers. These hard-working Americans are more likely to work for firms that do not offer health insurance, and many have low enough incomes that they are paying no income taxes, but still must pay payroll taxes. My bill helps to give them the affordable and quality health benefits they deserve. Since being enacted in the Medicare Modernization Act, health savings accounts have helped to provide millions of Americans with an additional option in meeting their health care needs. It is simply not fair that the law does not provide these plans with the same tax treatment provided to employer-sponsored insurance. If we are to seriously begin addressing the rapidly rising cost of health care, it is imperative that we take steps now to ensure that available health care plans are as affordable as possible. I ask unanimous consent that the text of the bill be printed in the Record.

Mr. BURNS

Mr. BURNS. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that it be in order at this time to ask for the yeas and nays.

Mr. BURNS. Mr. President, I ask for the yeas and nays.

Mr. BURNS. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that at 5:15, the Senate proceed to executive session and an immediate vote on the confirmation of Executive Calendar No. 575, with no intervening action or debate.

Mr. BURNS

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

Mr. BURNS

Mr. BURNS. I move to lay that motion on the table. The motion to lay on the table was agreed to. Amendment No. 3018

Mr. BURNS

Mr. BURNS. Mr. President, I rise today to introduce the Veterans' Employment and Training Act of 2006. I am joined in this effort by Senator Pryor. This important legislation will provide expanded benefits for our brave men and women returning from service in the Global War on Terror, while also providing needed workers to growing sectors of our economy. Under the Montgomery G.I. Bill, the Veterans' Administration currently provides accelerated benefits to assist our service men and women in transitioning to the civilian job market. Through this program, the VA makes short-term, high-cost training programs more attractive to veterans by paying benefits in a lump sum, and by covering up to 60 percent of the cost of some educational programs. However, this program is now only available to men and women who seek training in high-tech programs. In order to provide this benefit to more of our brave men and women in the armed forces, the Veterans' Employment and Training Act will expand eligibility for accelerated benefits to include industry sectors identified by the Department of Labor as likely to add large numbers of new jobs or require new job training skills in the coming years. These sectors include construction, hospitality, financial services, energy, homeland security, health care, and transportation. A number of these sectors face critical shortages of employees now or in the near future and are anxious to attract veterans to their professions. The trucking industry, for example, needs an additional 20,000 drivers today and expects to face a driver shortage of 110,000 drivers by 2014. The modest change that I am proposing today will help to provide needed workers to these and other industries. But more importantly, we must remember the great sacrifices made by those in the Armed Forces. For many of these brave individuals, the transition from military service to civilian life is not an easy one. It is particularly difficult for veterans between the ages of 20 and 24, who currently have an unemployment rate of over 15 percent--nearly double the rate of non-veterans in the same age group. This is simply unacceptable! We have an obligation to make sure that these individuals are not forgotten when they return from service. One step we can take now is to ensure that those who serve have access to every educational opportunity possible. By expanding eligibility for accelerated G.I. Bill benefits, we will give many of these veterans a new opportunity to get training and find work in some of the fastest growing sectors of our economy. I urge the Senate to act soon to pass this legislation. We owe it to the men and women of the Armed Forces to act quickly to provide them with this expanded benefit. I ask unanimous consent that the text of the bill be printed in the Record.

Mr. BURNS

Mr. BURNS. Mr. President, I rise today to introduce the Veterans' Employment and Training Act of 2006. I am joined in this effort by Senator Pryor. This important legislation will provide expanded benefits for our brave men and women returning from service in the Global War on Terror, while also providing needed workers to growing sectors of our economy. Under the Montgomery G.I. Bill, the Veterans' Administration currently provides accelerated benefits to assist our service men and women in transitioning to the civilian job market. Through this program, the VA makes short-term, high-cost training programs more attractive to veterans by paying benefits in a lump sum, and by covering up to 60 percent of the cost of some educational programs. However, this program is now only available to men and women who seek training in high-tech programs. In order to provide this benefit to more of our brave men and women in the armed forces, the Veterans' Employment and Training Act will expand eligibility for accelerated benefits to include industry sectors identified by the Department of Labor as likely to add large numbers of new jobs or require new job training skills in the coming years. These sectors include construction, hospitality, financial services, energy, homeland security, health care, and transportation. A number of these sectors face critical shortages of employees now or in the near future and are anxious to attract veterans to their professions. The trucking industry, for example, needs an additional 20,000 drivers today and expects to face a driver shortage of 110,000 drivers by 2014. The modest change that I am proposing today will help to provide needed workers to these and other industries. But more importantly, we must remember the great sacrifices made by those in the Armed Forces. For many of these brave individuals, the transition from military service to civilian life is not an easy one. It is particularly difficult for veterans between the ages of 20 and 24, who currently have an unemployment rate of over 15 percent--nearly double the rate of non-veterans in the same age group. This is simply unacceptable! We have an obligation to make sure that these individuals are not forgotten when they return from service. One step we can take now is to ensure that those who serve have access to every educational opportunity possible. By expanding eligibility for accelerated G.I. Bill benefits, we will give many of these veterans a new opportunity to get training and find work in some of the fastest growing sectors of our economy. I urge the Senate to act soon to pass this legislation. We owe it to the men and women of the Armed Forces to act quickly to provide them with this expanded benefit. I ask unanimous consent that the text of the bill be printed in the Record.

Mr. BURNS

Mr. BURNS. I suggest the absence of a quorum.

Mr. BURNS. I ask unanimous consent that the order for the quorum call be rescinded.

Mr. BURNS. I ask unanimous consent that the reading of the amendment be dispensed with.

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

Mr. BURNS. Mr. President, I rise today to offer an amendment and to speak on the budget. I congratulate my good friend from New Hampshire who has had this job, and my good friend from North Dakota.

Mr. BURNS. I ask unanimous consent the amendment now before the Senate be laid aside.

Mr. BURNS. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent my amendment which is at the desk be called up.

Mr. BURNS. Mr. President, I rise today to introduce this amendment, but first I congratulate the managers of this bill. It is their responsibility to hammer out a budget in very difficult times. I cannot think of two managers who are more capable of doing this. I understand the need to hold the line in discretionary spending and to make some reasonable modifications to a lot of programs. I support those goals. We need to get a handle on Government spending, but in doing so, we have to make sure we do not ask some folks to bear more than their fair share when it comes time to cutting back. I speak in two areas today, one in agriculture and agricultural programs. Right now, it has been forecast there will be some cuts there. We want to make sure those are moderated or do not happen. We have a situation in agriculture right now where with the unprecedented amount of dollars we are spending on energy and fertilizer costs, the farm is in dire trouble. We will be talking about that later. In fact, next year when we redo the farm bill, that will be the proper time to start talking about any kind of cuts or modifications to agriculture. The amendment I am offering today, along with Senator Chafee, is designed to ensure that the U.S. Government keeps our promise to our veterans. There is nothing more important to the American people than this particular item in our budget. The VA budget proposes $795 million in savings by increasing fees placed on Priority 7 and 8 veterans. The suggested increases includes a $250 annual enrollment fee and more than doubling prescription copays, from $7 to $15. This increased burden placed on our veterans is not acceptable. Approximately half of these cuts come from the expected collection from fees and the other half is through forcing over a million veterans to opt out of the system. That is not right, either. Prescription drug costs have risen steadily over the past few years. I have a chart that shows this. On the national average, $634 was the average annual prescription drug cost for veterans in Fiscal Year 1999 compared to what we see instead now, with $762 in prescription drug costs for veterans in the Rocky Mountain region. Recently, we have also seen spikes in the price of gas. The inflationary pressures add a burden to our veterans and those retirees who live on fixed income. This budget asks our veterans to pay even more just to be part of the VA health care system. These fees lead us down the road to turn the VA into another HMO, which will make it harder and harder for our veterans to be able to afford basic care. We need to reject these fees and copays. When we do, we need to ensure that we include the additional $795 million in the budget or we will leave the VA underfunded. This increase I am proposing will be fully offset with no additional taxes or added taxes. These fees are not what we promised our military folks when they went off to war and when they stood ready to defend this country. For those folks who signed up to fight for this country, this was not their expectation, and it was not our promise at the time, either. In addition, my amendment includes a $27 million increase in budget requests in the area of medical and prosthetic research. The increase will maintain funding for critical medical research programs. The budget proposes a decrease in funding for medical and prosthetic research, from $412 million down to $399 million. When inflation is factored in, these programs need to be increased to $426 billion in order for us to maintain the critical research regarding serious injuries for our veterans returning home from Iraq and Afghanistan. Let's face it, we have a lot more research to do while we are involved with this particular conflict than any other conflict we have ever faced. This research funding is critical for unique problems associated with our veterans who are returning from overseas with traumatic amputations, central nervous system injuries, loss of sight or hearing, and other serious injuries which prevent them from returning to a full and productive life. We have to do everything we can to make sure they have the ability to recover. I am a veteran. I know how important VA health care programs are to those who served this Nation. We have invested a great deal in health care services for veterans. Because of these investments, the quality of care offered at VA facilities has surpassed the care at regular health care facilities. In fact, our satisfaction rate with the veterans today is much better than it was just 5 or 6 years ago. The VA hospital and our 10 outpatient clinics in Montana are some of the best in the Nation. We must ensure that our veterans can afford the care offered in these great facilities. We did not used to have outpatient clinics in the VA. We all had to go to the hospitals that were in each State or in each region. Those outpatient clinics have filled a void by helping to cut down on travel and to serve people instead of serving a bureaucracy. I am committed to doing everything I can to help our Nation's veterans, and this amendment today is a first step to ensure that our veterans get the health care they deserve. I have never felt so strongly about this as I did after visiting Iraq. Whenever you visit Bethesda Naval Hospital, whenever you visit Walter Reed, you will see our young men and women coming home with injuries we have never seen before because we are saving more lives on the battlefield--lives that would have been lost. Now we save them there, and we are able to bring them home, repair them, and get them ready for public life. Mr. President, I see no other person on the floor. I suggest the absence of a quorum.

Mr. BURNS. With regard to what my friend from Hawaii has done today, I remind my colleagues that there has already been an increase in this budget since a year ago. We are basically prioritizing our money to be spent where it is supposed to be. If you look at the total budget growth, it has grown from about $72.6 billion to $74.9 billion in the last 5 years, an increase of around 50 percent. The result is a 69- percent increase in veterans health care since President Bush has taken office. So we are not underspending. We are just not doing a very good job of assigning our priorities where the money should be spent. We asked the VA to look at their costs to give us some idea of how they are being more efficient now. The reporting of the VA has become a lot better. It gives us a better handle on where we should be spending those dollars. My amendment does not shortchange any veteran. We just have to do a better job in our priorities. We have asked the VA to be outcome-oriented, and the outcomes have been improved. Access to health care has increased. The quality of care has increased. Patient satisfaction is up to 83 percent. That was unheard of just 4 or 5 years ago. By asking for increases over and above, basically we are doing nothing more than engaging in a bidding war. I can use the auction method pretty easily because that is where I cut my teeth. I don't mean to make light of the process, but we have to draw the line somewhere. I am a veteran. I respect the effort to take care of veterans. In our State of Montana, we now have outpatient clinics that are taking care of our veterans, not just at Fort Harrison but at several other locations where veterans do not have to travel long distances either to get their drugs, be a part of their prescription drug programs or to get their health care. What we are doing with this amendment is putting the money right back into the system where it should be spent. We are paying for it with no impact on the budget and without raising taxes. I think my good friend from Hawaii raises taxes with his amendment. I thank him for his diligence and his love for veterans. I don't have any opposition to that. What we are doing right now is talking about how we approach taking care of these fine young men and women who find themselves needing medical care that they can get nowhere else in America. I yield the floor.

Mr. BURNS. Mr. President, I yield to the Senator from Texas in support of my amendment.