Conrad Burns

Mr. BURNS

Mr. BURNS. I thank the Senator for that. I feel the same way about him. I want to reiterate that I think we can complete this bill today. I don't know whether or not we are in session tomorrow, but I think we can get it done. I am not sure if we have an agreement with the folks on the House side. That is another important piece of this puzzle that we have to solve in the next 2 or 3 days in order to move this legislation to the President's desk. I am sure the President wants a piece of legislation that he can sign, which gives him the direction and also allows him the flexibility to provide the safety and security for the American people. He is basically the ultimate director of how this will work. What I am saying is that I think the American people are watching this very closely. Yesterday, we had a hearing on border security. Nobody is more in tune than I am as far as border security. The Senator from Nevada understands the Western States and how big they are. We have just a little under 4,000 miles of border with our friends in Canada, with cultures that are similar, and no language barrier; and 25 percent of that border is my State of Montana. We have farmers who farm both in Montana and in Canada. So for the movement of livestock, and for farm machinery, and farm chemicals, and everything it takes to make a farm or ranch go, it is important that we have not only secure borders but also borders that are flexible enough to allow movement of commerce and to get the job done for those people who live on the border. There are ranches that lay on both sides, part in Canada and part in the United States. No, we don't have a lot of ports and the gates are rusted open. Nine times out of 10 they set out a red cone and it says: The gate is closed. You can go 100 yards on either side of the gate of entry and go in unnoticed, undetected. So we understand that, too. To conclude my statement, Mr. President, even though there is a sense of urgency for the passage of airport security, I think there is also a feeling in the United States--even though we are working in this highly charged environment because of the events of September 11--that we do it right. I think we can do it right. We also can be accountable to the American people for whom we are doing this legislation. It is for their benefit, their movement, and for the safety of this country. I appreciate the attention of the Chair. I suggest the absence of a quorum.

Mr. BURNS. Mr. President, I thank my good friend from Wyoming. When we examine this issue, we find several approaches we have to take a look at. We do want to move forward on it because there is a sense of urgency, if not in this body, in America. Last weekend when I was in Montana, that is what they discussed: How do we travel; how do we know we are safe; and the anger they feel because of the events on September 11. Whatever was important to us on September 10, by September 12 it was not important anymore. Now we have before us the very important issue of airport security and this legislation. Let's talk about the areas of concern: intelligence and passenger lists, who is in charge of those, who can better manage those; security at airports on the perimeter, the total facility, the check-in area, the departure gate, the cargo, which includes baggage and how they handle baggage, and the tremendous tonnage of air freight that moves through each airport and each facility every year; how do we secure the area where the aircraft are parked; and finally, and most importantly, the security of the aircraft. We had an opportunity to visit with the security people who are in charge of passenger safety and security for El Al. It is a Government- owned airline by the country of Israel. If there is one thing of which the Israeli people are apprised and aware, it is terrorism. How do they handle this? Granted, their domestic air transportation isn't as great as the system we find here in the United States. However, in principle, it has to be the same heightened awareness of security before we see load factors going from what they are running, around 40, 45 percent now, to 70, 75 percent, and profitability of the airlines. Air transportation is one of those linchpins of the American economy, our ability to move. El Al has 31 airplanes. Living in a very volatile region of the world, the areas of responsibility to which I referred are very important to them. They have 7,000 employees, 1,500 of whom are employed in the security part of their operation. They do nothing but security. They secure the areas I previously enumerated: intelligence and passenger lists, the airport facility, the check-in area, departure gate, cargo, aircraft area, and aircraft. They have been pretty successful in the last 20 years. They have not had a hijacking or anything such as that, operating in an area of the world that is very volatile. They have one man who is in charge of security in all of these areas. He doesn't operate the airport, the runways, the luggage, the people who handle luggage, the people who handle cargo. He handles security. They have accountability and responsibility. That is what the American public wants us to do. In this legislation, there has to be a strong, bright line of accountability and responsibility to one agency or one area of government. I have proposed an amendment. It has very strong bipartisan support. The amendment would give that responsibility to the Department of Justice. Not that the Department of Transportation is not efficient and would not be dedicated to passenger safety and security, not that the FAA could not do it, but we do not need a convoluted and nondistinct line of responsibility or accountability. The American public are telling us Justice does it best, with the confidence in the Federal Bureau of Investigation, in the Federal marshal system. We have a model right in front of us, as those folks are responsible for the security of our Federal buildings, the movement of Federal prisoners. They understand secure areas and danger points. However the Attorney General wants to do it matters not to me. It is that we have a bright line of authority and accountability and responsibility.

Mr. BURNS. How loaded was that? I think there are still disagreements among leadership. I could not do that personally. If it were in my power--which it is not--I am a soldier around here and everybody in the world is smarter than I am--I am ready to go to the bill. I would offer my amendment and we would vote on it, and we would win or lose and we would go on down the trail.

Mr. BURNS. Certainly.

Mr. BURNS. I thank my friend from Nevada.

Mr. BURNS

Mr. BURNS. Mr. President, today, I proudly join my dear friend and colleague, Senator Mitch McConnell, in offering an amendment to the Treasury, General Government Bill introducing the War Bond Amendment of 2001. This legislation is in response to the many constituents in my state and indeed, Americans from all over this country, looking for a tangible opportunity to do something positive in reaction to the despicable acts of cowardice perpetrated upon this nation and its citizens by gutless and faceless cowards. The act will create an opportunity for ordinary citizens to participate in this country's recovery and response to those acts and to support the President and our nation in the rebuilding efforts as well as bringing to justice those responsible for the horrific death and destruction of Tuesday, September 11th, 2001. Throughout this nations history, bonds have been used as a vehicle for our citizens to come to the aid of this nation and now, as much as ever in our nations history, the combined support of our people is needed. By investing in these bonds, Americans are given a way to feel a part of the solution rather than feeling helpless in the face of these terrible events of last week. Americans are not only demanding action, they are looking for an opportunity to be of service themselves, to demonstrate their commitment to this country and to do it in a meaningful, tangible way. This bill is one answer to that demand and that opportunity. I suggest the absence of a quorum.

Mr. BURNS

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

Mr. BURNS. Madam President, I assume we are still in morning business and offering statements with regard to the incidents of Tuesday.

Mr. BURNS. Madam President, ironically, on September 11 of this year, I was involved in a press conference looking at a report card to Congress on the deployment of E-911, the national emergency number. Last year, we passed that bill and the President signed it, with now the deployment of enhanced 911, which tells wireless phone operators that when you dial 911 on your wireless phone, you will get the nearest first responder rather than some other area, maybe your home area, even though you may be in roam, and I do not spell that R-o-m-e. How ironic that started at 9 o'clock in the morning. It is one of those pieces of legislation that goes unnoticed. Yet it has a lot to do with public safety, especially in rural areas where we rely on wireless. It also nationalizes 911 as the emergency number across the Nation. I made the statement at that time that we are dealing with a different world. Not only do we have to deal with our own little family emergencies, we also have to deal with this world of terrorism. So 911 and the ability to communicate becomes very important. As we walked out of that press conference, we were notified that an airplane had hit the World Trade Center in New York. Not only did I stand still but the world has stood still. We were shocked; we were outraged at an unprovoked act of violence committed against thousands and thousands of innocent Americans. Immediately, our President and Commander in Chief, George Bush, ordered the Federal Government to assist the victims of the violence, investigate these acts of terror, and to take the steps to bring those responsible for these tragedies to justice. I fully support the President's actions and will do whatever I can as an individual to help him and our country in this time of need. Terrorism, which has been condemned around the world, cannot and will not be tolerated in this country. I know the President will take all measures necessary to seek out and to punish those who viciously attacked innocent and defenseless Americans. We, as Americans, are a strong and resilient people. We will heal, and we will emerge stronger than ever. The strength and spirit of our Republic and the democracy it represents will shine through. We will not simply endure; we shall prevail. And we will send a sharp message to those cowards saying that terrorist acts will not be tolerated or condoned. They will never be able to destroy the spirit of a free people, the freedom we enjoy, and our way of life. Our thoughts and our prayers go out to those who tragically lost their lives and to those friends and families who lost their loved ones. This is far more than a tragedy to them. It is an outrageous act of terrorism that killed and injured so many innocent and decent citizens of our country. Nothing I can say to express my sympathy for those suffering is enough. My outrage of that cowardly act remains unwavering. For now, we must mourn those who have passed on and care for those who were injured. We must let the President, our law enforcement people, military, and the intelligence community work. As a law-abiding nation--and we are a nation of laws--we must be sure to place the blame on the guilty. Taking independent action against innocents or guests of our country has to be guarded against. The anger I feel inside has to be tempered because decisions made while in this state are usually not good decisions. Many are filled with that same anger and an unyielding desire for revenge. I realize we must remain calm and focused. In the heat of passion, fired by outrageous, despicable acts of those who are guilty, our leaders must be calm and dispassionate in determining who is responsible, where they are, and how we must deal with them. Have no doubt, America, we will find those responsible. I say to those who are responsible: You cannot hide. You can run, but you cannot hide. Justice will be served. It will be swift, and it will be harsh. September 11,--9-11--2001, will live a long time in the memory of many of us. I was almost 7 years old on that Sunday, December 7, 1941. I remember that day, and I can remember being a small lad growing up on a farm. My folks talked to each other differently and so did the neighbors on Monday morning, the 8th, than any of us had ever heard before. I can remember when my mother yelled out of the house, because we had an old battery radio and didn't have electricity in those days--Dad and I were in the barn choring. Mother said that the Japanese had bombed Pearl Harbor. My dad looked down at me and he said: ``Where is Pearl Harbor?'' We didn't even know. Next, the pictures came out of Pearl Harbor of the bellowing smoke from the Arizona and of the California lying half on its side. It remained in our minds for a long time. I fear that the pictures of the World Trade Center and the damage done there will live in the minds of young folks as Pearl Harbor did with us. Tuesday's acts represented a well-planned, well-financed attack on our freedom by a faceless, gutless enemy. I also want to warn the American people that we are at war. It can be called by no other name. So I stand firmly and proudly behind my Commander in Chief, the President of the United States. There is no doubt about our unity and resolve to track down, root out, and relentlessly pursue terrorists and the states that harbor them. I stand by to support our military and intelligence community and will fight for all the resources they need to ensure our national security. Let us not forget this as we consider our funding bills. What is important and what is not important? We must sift through and search our souls. This is a great nation with a strong and brave history. Americans have come together and triumphed in difficult times such as these. We will do it again, and we will punish those responsible. America remains resolved in its efforts to find those who so cowardly committed these horrific acts. One always looks for words, but sometimes words escape us. That is kind of bad when words escape an auctioneer. But to quote a few words from the ``Battle Hymn of the Republic,'' those responsible will soon understand the true meaning of this line: He hath loosed the faithful lightning of his terrible swift sword. I will tell you, America will do that, indeed, and America will march on. I yield the floor and suggest the absence of a quorum.

Mr. BURNS

Mr. BURNS. Mr. President, on September 11, 2001, the United States suffered the worst combined acts of domestic terrorism in our Nation's history. The world stood shocked and outraged at unprovoked acts of violence committed upon thousands of innocent Americans. President George W. Bush has ordered the Federal Government to assist the victims of violence, investigate these acts of terror, and take steps to bring those responsible for these tragedies to justice. I fully support President Bush's actions, and will do whatever I can to help him, and our country in this time of need. Terrorism cannot and will not be tolerated. I know the President will take all measures necessary to seek out and punish those who so viciously attacked innocent and defenseless Americans. As Americans, we are a strong and resilient people. We will heal and emerge stronger than ever. Our strength and spirit of democracy will shine through. We will not simply endure, we shall prevail. And we will send a sharp message to these cowards, showing that terrorist acts will not be tolerated. They will never be able to destroy our freedom and our way of life. My heartfelt thoughts and prayers go out to those who so tragically lost their lives and those friends and families who lost their loved ones. This was far more than a tragedy--it was an outrageous act of terrorism that killed and injured so many innocent and decent citizens of our country. Nothing I can say to express my sympathy for those suffering is enough. My outrage toward this cowardice act remains unwavering. For now, we must mourn those who have passed on and care for those injured. We must let the President, law enforcement, military and the intelligence community do their work. As a law-abiding Nation, we must be sure to place blame on the guilty. Taking independent action against the innocent and guests in our country is wrong. Many like me are filled with anger and an unyielding desire for revenge, but we must remain calm and focused. In the heat of passion fired by the outrageous and despicable acts of those who are guilty, our leadership must be calm and dispassionate in determining who is responsible and how we must deal with them. Have no doubt: we will find those responsible. I say to those responsible, ``You have no where to hide.'' Justice will be served swiftly and harshly. September 11, 2001, is another day that will forever live in infamy. Yesterday's acts represented a well-planned, well-financed attack on our freedom by a faceless and gutless enemy. Make no mistake, we are at war. Our military is on highest alert. Our armed forces are ready. I stand firmly behind our Commander-in-Chief, President Bush. There is no doubt of our unity and resolve to track down, root out and relentlessly pursue terrorists and the states that support them and harbor them. I stand by to support our military and intelligence community and fight for any and all of the resources they need to ensure our national security. Let us not forget this as we consider our funding bills. This is a great Nation with a strong and brave history. Americans have come together and triumphed through difficult times like these. We will again, and we will punish those responsible. America is united and strong. Our military might remains unchallenged. America remains resolved in its efforts to find those who so cowardly committed these horrific acts. To quote a few words from out Battle Hymn of the Republic, those responsible will soon understand the true meaning of the line, ``he hath loosed the fateful lightning of his terrible swift sword'' as America will indeed march on.

Mr. BURNS

Mr. BURNS. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the bill be printed in the Record.

Mr. BURNS

Mr. BURNS. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the bill be printed in the Record.

Mr. BURNS

Mr. BURNS. Madam President, most people who were raised in the smaller towns around this country and have experienced arsenic in their water, probably much less than the 50 parts, are kind of used to it. There is no scientific evidence that water ever hurt anybody in our country. We have it naturally. But I tell you something we don't have naturally, and that is enough money to build an infrastructure for a small town of, maybe, 300 people, some of them 200 people and some 100--real people with real faces who are faced with bills that you can't believe who have to live on the land and pry a living from the land, and then be told they have to spend everything they make to redo a water system when there is no scientific evidence at all that their water is bad in the first place and it has ever hurt them. That is what this is about. We should be sensitive to public health. We should be sensitive to water systems. But don't take at issue a water system that is not that harmful or has any harm at all with the levels of arsenic we find naturally in the waters of the West. I oppose this amendment on the grounds that we do not have the money and the cost it would bring to those small towns. I yield the floor.

Mr. BURNS. If I could have 5 minutes.

Mr. BURNS

Mr. BURNS. Mr. President, I am pleased to join Senator Wyden today with the introduction of the Electricity Information, Disclosure, Efficiency, and Accountability Act. Legislation dealing with market data for the wholesale electric power market is long overdue. The evolving wholesale electric power market is being hindered by the lack of data that power suppliers need in order to provide services to the market. Access to real time operational information leads to improved efficiencies of systems dispatch in the short term, which leads to lower prices for consumers. The absence of reliable, real time, market data hinders the ability of energy suppliers to manage price and volume risk and also prevents efficient utilization of transmission and generation capacity. consequently, the increased costs associated with risks inherent in operating without reliable data are ultimately borne by consumers. As our Nation moves towards consumer choice it is important that this Congress takes action to direct the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) to craft rules designed to promote transparency in energy markets. This bill that Senator Wyden and I have introduced will do just that. By incorporating a standard system that would provide market participants, regulators and the public access to certain operational information concerning power markets and the transmission systems that support them, this plan would keep participants abreast of the changing power operating conditions throughout the day that impact market decisions required to manage risk. The recent fluctuations in the Western energy markets have shown Montana and every State in the West that we cannot shelter ourselves from the power operating conditions in other States. With more access to that information, our local and State suppliers can have the information to better protect their consumers. This bill is backed by consumer groups, power marketers, and the national utility commissioners. It puts forward a framework that many of our colleagues can support. As the Senate continues to move closer to having movements on energy legislation, I would urge my colleagues to also support the Electricity Information, Disclosure, Efficiency, and Accountability Act.

Mr. BURNS

Mr. BURNS. Mr. President, I am pleased to join Senator Wyden today with the introduction of the Electricity Information, Disclosure, Efficiency, and Accountability Act. Legislation dealing with market data for the wholesale electric power market is long overdue. The evolving wholesale electric power market is being hindered by the lack of data that power suppliers need in order to provide services to the market. Access to real time operational information leads to improved efficiencies of systems dispatch in the short term, which leads to lower prices for consumers. The absence of reliable, real time, market data hinders the ability of energy suppliers to manage price and volume risk and also prevents efficient utilization of transmission and generation capacity. consequently, the increased costs associated with risks inherent in operating without reliable data are ultimately borne by consumers. As our Nation moves towards consumer choice it is important that this Congress takes action to direct the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) to craft rules designed to promote transparency in energy markets. This bill that Senator Wyden and I have introduced will do just that. By incorporating a standard system that would provide market participants, regulators and the public access to certain operational information concerning power markets and the transmission systems that support them, this plan would keep participants abreast of the changing power operating conditions throughout the day that impact market decisions required to manage risk. The recent fluctuations in the Western energy markets have shown Montana and every State in the West that we cannot shelter ourselves from the power operating conditions in other States. With more access to that information, our local and State suppliers can have the information to better protect their consumers. This bill is backed by consumer groups, power marketers, and the national utility commissioners. It puts forward a framework that many of our colleagues can support. As the Senate continues to move closer to having movements on energy legislation, I would urge my colleagues to also support the Electricity Information, Disclosure, Efficiency, and Accountability Act.

Mr. BURNS

Mr. BURNS. Madam President, S. 805, introduced on May 1, is a vital step toward the day when advanced research will find ways to halt, and even cure, life-threatening muscular dystrophy. Muscular dystrophy is a genetic disorder, actually a number of separate disorders, that are characterized by weakening and eventual wasting of muscles throughout the body. A quarter of a million Americans of all ages are affected by these disorders. One form, Duchenne, strikes young boys and usually takes their lives before they reach their twenties. Other forms that affect adults are also severely debilitating and can be devastating to the victims and their families. Since 1966, entertainer Jerry Lewis has hosted the annual Muscular Dystrophy Labor Day Telethon, calling the Nation's attention to the muscular dystrophies and seeking help for individuals and families affected by these diseases. Jerry Lewis is the National Chairman of the Muscular Dystrophy Association which, through its Telethon and year- round fund raising activities, has raised hundreds of millions of dollars for programs of direct patient services, research and summer camp. The MDA program supports a nationwide network of 230 clinics, which are affiliated with hospitals and universities, sends more than 4,000 youngsters it serves to MDA summer camps, and helps pay for wheelchairs, braces, and various therapies for people with muscular dystrophy. In addition to providing these direct patient and family services, MDA expends about $30 million per year to support scientific research. Over the past half century, MDA has funded research that was vital in developing the protocols that resulted in groundbreaking discoveries in genetic mapping. This extraordinary organization has played a key role in identifying the gene defects that cause virtually all of the forms of muscular dystrophy. The Muscular Dystrophy Association is to be commended for its work and can be justifiably proud of the very positive role it has in assisting those affected by neuromuscular disease. In fact, the implications of their research extend to all of the estimated 5,000 genetic-based diseases affecting all of mankind. With all of the research insights and opportunities made available by this organization, it is time for us to help. The next critical phase in muscular dystrophy research is to apply these basic scientific discoveries to the development of effective therapies. That will require substantial Federal funding. Authorizing such a vigorous Federal effort is the purpose of S. 805. The bill calls upon NIH and the Centers for Disease Control to establish Centers of Excellence in which intensified clinical research can be conducted which will speed the discovery of treatments and cures for the various forms of muscular dystrophy. S. 805 provides the Director of the NIH and the Directors of the several institutes within NIH that conduct muscular dystrophy research with the authority and responsibility to concentrate and intensify that research effort. The bill also authorizes the funds needed to conduct essential clinical trials. In short, it gives NIH the organization and the mandate to exploit recent advances in gene therapy. The goal is the swiftest possible rescue for children and adults whose lives will otherwise be lost or badly damaged by muscular dystrophy. Mr. President, the Congress has responded generously and often to the demands for research funding aimed at other diseases that shorten or impair the lives of Americans. It is time to add muscular dystrophy to the list of those diseases. I commend my colleagues for introducing S. 805, and I regret that I am just now getting the opportunity to deliver this statement, two weeks after my name was added to this important legislation as a cosponsor.

Mr. BURNS

Mr. BURNS. Mr. President, today prostate cancer remains the most commonly diagnosed non-skin cancer in America. According to estimates by the American Cancer Society and the National Cancer Institute, NCI, more than 198,000 American men will learn that they have the disease within the year. Nearly 32,000 American men will lose their lives to prostate cancer this year, making it the second most common cause of cancer death among men. Those statistics translate into devastating realities for men and families across this country. This disease will affect one in six men in the United States during his lifetime. More than 25 percent of those battling this disease are under the age of 65, prime years of productivity for families and for this Nation. The number of Americans impacted by cancer, and prostate cancer, is expected to grow. If unchecked during the next decade, cancer incidence and mortality rates could increase by 25-30 percent. In too many cases, prostate cancer is still undetected until advanced stages of the disease, when conventional therapies no longer work. This makes it critical that all American families understand the risks of prostate cancer and take measures to ensure early detection. If a man has one close relative with prostate cancer, his risk of the disease is double. With two close relatives, his risk is fivefold. Should he have three close relatives, his likelihood of a prostate cancer diagnosis is nearly certain. African American families are at particular risk. African American men have the highest incidence and mortality rates in the world. According to the National Prostate Cancer Coalition, we must raise public awareness about the impact of prostate cancer and emphasize early detection with the PSA, Prostate Specific Antigen, blood test. Over the last two years prostate cancer mortalities have decreased by 14 percent. This shows that, with the right investment in education and research, we are already saving lives. I would like to congratulate President Bush for honoring his promise to make meaningful investments in biomedical research. Commitments such as these are bringing us closer to doubling the funding at the National Institutes of Health, NIH, and put us on the right track to dramatically increase the level of funding for research at the National Cancer Institute, NCI, by FY 2003. His commitment and leadership is paramount to the investments needed in the fight against prostate cancer. In an effort to help increase awareness and educate American men and their families about prostate cancer and early detection, as well as emphasize the need for more prostate cancer research, I ask unanimous consent to consider a resolution that designates every September as the National Prostate Cancer Awareness Month. Together, Senator Reid and I, along with many others, ask for your support and encourage all of our colleagues to join us in raising awareness.

Mr. BURNS

Mr. BURNS. Mr. President, first I thank the President of the United States for his selection, moving the two judges from Montana; I thank Senator Leahy, my good friend; we have served together in a lot of different capacities, it seems, over the last 12 years; and my good friend Senator Hatch, on the Judiciary Committee, for having the hearings and moving them very quickly. Also, I thank my good friend from Montana, Senator Baucus. We worked together in order to get these two judges appointed and confirmed because the workload of the one judge in Montana is very high right now. I had the honor of presenting both Sam Haddon and Richard Cebull to the Judiciary Committee, and now I have the high honor of speaking for them here on the floor of the Senate. They are without a doubt among Montana's finest. They are men of the land, but they are also men of the law. They come with the highest ratings from their peers, and they fully understand equal justice under law. Both are outdoorsmen. Both have labored in the vineyards, so to speak, of their profession, and I highly recommend their confirmation. I thank them for their willingness to serve the judiciary system, and I congratulate them and wish them well in their endeavors. I have no doubt in my mind, and neither should anyone in this body or the President of the United States, that these two men will serve in the highest traditions of the American judiciary. I congratulate them. I yield the floor.

Mr. BURNS

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

Mr. BURNS. Are we ready to vote?

Mr. BURNS. Mr. President, I am glad we are finally considering the nomination of Steve Griles. It has been a long time. I can remember going through the hearings on the Energy Committee and him being reported out of that committee on the 23rd. It has been a long 40-some- odd days. It has been too long. It seems that we are asking our Cabinet Secretaries to do their jobs by themselves. We are having a hard time getting them any help downtown. I just think that is a wrong thing to do to any administration. I remember when President Clinton first came to town back in 1992, 1993; whenever we went through the process, I always took the position that each President got his Cabinet members and the people he wanted in his administration because he had been duly elected by the people of this country. So he could move his agenda as he saw fit. We have been holding up folks going downtown far too long. Twenty-eight percent of Montana is public land. With the BLM and the Forest Service and, of course, with the BIA and the Indian lands and Indian country, this position is very important. Of course, with Mr. Griles coming from a standpoint of multiple use, single use does not work. I think that we can balance the use of our lands. We have had a tendency in the last 10 or 15 years to redefine conservation. Conservation is the wise use of any resource. That has been the driving force on any of our resources found on our public lands and on our private lands. I have an agricultural background. This position in the Department of the Interior requires a man of not only high integrity and high purpose but also to have guts enough to make a decision. We have gone through these situations where nobody wants to make a decision. We had a situation on the Flathead Lake in just finding its level. We had too many cooks in the kitchen and nobody knew who was in charge when trying to make a decision on what level we wanted to maintain at Flathead Lake in northwestern Montana. I know there are some of my colleagues in this body who have some real heartburn with Mr. Griles. In fact, I know there are many colleagues in this body who have heartburn with the words ``multiple use.'' But, nonetheless, we who come from the land and the resources--and especially from a resource-based economy--think we understand just how important renewable resources are. We realize that in oil and gas, it is sort of finite--there may not be any more of it made. But on renewables, we should be using conservation practices that consider wise use. Tough decisions will have to be made by the Department. We need someone who is confident in making them and also basing the decisions on science and common sense. So the reason I support Steve Griles is because he brings outstanding credentials to the job. He served at many levels, both inside and outside of Government. I think everybody will find he will be an able listener, and he will also show the cooperation in being a good Deputy Secretary.

Mr. BURNS. Mr. President, I urge that this nomination be confirmed as Deputy Secretary, and on a voice vote.

Mr. BURNS

Mr. BURNS. I concur with Chairman Byrd and can assure the Senator from Virginia that the restoration of the Arlington House will receive our attention during the conference with the House of Representatives. We will make every effort to address the needs of this historic home.

Mr. BURNS. I, too, support such an allocation by the Secretary. don edwards national wildlife refuge