Robert Byrd

Mr. BYRD

Mr. BYRD. Yes.

Mr. BYRD. Will the Senator yield?

Mr. BYRD. Mr. President, I thank the distinguished Senator for yielding. I have this comment. First of all, I wish to congratulate the Senator. He is very observant. He is concerned about the Senate. He understands the rules. But while he understands the rules, we do not need any more rules. We have rules. Senators need to insist on their rights as Senators and they ought to speak up so they can be heard and they ought to pay attention. We don't need new rules. We have rules that have been here for many years, and they have been tried and tried and tried again. We need to read the rules. Senators should read the rules and Senators should understand that they are Senators and they should be proud of that fact. We should demand that the rules be observed. I could do that. Every Senator can. We don't need new rules. We simply need to understand the rules we have. We need to insist on those rules, and the Chair ought as well to insist that the rules be observed. No Senator needs to seek recognition to have the rules observed.

Mr. BYRD

Mr. BYRD. Mr. President, President John F. Kennedy was fond of quoting the Biblical passage of the New Testament: For unto whomsoever much is given of him shall be much required. That was quoted from the 12th chapter of the Gospel of St. Luke, verse 48, the King James version. When I think of that passage, I think of the life, the career, and the accomplishments thus far of my dear friend, my dear friend and colleague, Senator Ted Kennedy, who will turn 75 years old--Oh, to be 75 again--he will turn 75 years old, on February 22. The Senate will be out of session on February 22. When Ted Kennedy came to the Senate in 1962, I would already have been here 4 years. So when he, Ted Kennedy, came to the Senate in 1962, much had already been given to Senator Ted Kennedy. He had been born into a wealthy and remarkably, remarkably talented family. His father, a financial genius, had been an Ambassador to England--think of that, Ambassador to England--and the very first Commissioner of the Securities and Exchange Commission. One of his brothers, one of Ted Kennedy's brothers, had been a Senator--I can see him now, as it were--and was then President of the United States, but had been a Senator. Another brother was the Attorney General of the United States, and would eventually join Ted in the Senate in 1965. As for Senator Edward ``Ted'' Kennedy, himself, he had attended two of our country's premier educational institutions, Harvard College, and, yes, the University of Virginia. And he, Ted Kennedy, had already accumulated a lifetime of political experience by the tender age of 30 when he came to this Senate. How remarkable--just burst upon the landscape. I remember. Therefore, as the Scripture tells us, we had a right to expect much from Ted Kennedy when he came to the Senate. We had a right to expect much. What about our expectations? He delivered. He delivered. In the Senate, Ted Kennedy became the heart and the conscience, yes, of American liberalism. And he has been one of the most effective--I know. I have been here. I have watched him. I did not particularly like him at the beginning. He did not like me. Each of us knew that. We did not care who else knew it. It did not matter. In the Senate, Senator Kennedy became the heart and the conscience of American liberalism. He has been one of the most effective national legislators--read the Record; read the history of the Senate--he has been one of the most effective national legislators of the 20th century. And as one who knows something about American history and the history of the Senate, he has been one of the most effective national legislators of all time in the Senate. I have not lived all time, but I know something about all time. I know something about the Senate and know something about the history of the Senate. Ted Kennedy has been one of the most effective national legislators of the 20th century or of all time as far as this Republic stands. His imprint is on nearly every piece of progressive legislation crafted during the past 45 years. I will read that again. I want to make sure I believe that myself. His imprint is on nearly every piece of progressive legislation crafted during the past 45 years: the Occupational Safety and Health Act, OSHA; the Voting Rights Act; the Age Discrimination Act; the Freedom of Information Act; the Americans with Disabilities Act; health care reform; increases in the Federal minimum wage. These are but a few of his, Ted Kennedy's, legislative monuments. Additionally, he has been among those few at the very forefront of promoting women's rights and women's equality. He, Edward M. Kennedy, Ted Kennedy, is the Senate's Mr. Health Care. He is the Senate's Mr. Civil Rights, to a great extent. He is the Senate's Mr. Human Rights. As his Senate record reveals, Senator Kennedy is a man--a Senator--of remarkable compassion, who has labored mightily on behalf of his fellow citizens. Although born to a life of privilege, Ted Kennedy has dedicated his life--if I ever saw a dedication to public service--dedicated his life to public service. Senator Edward M. Kennedy, Ted Kennedy, has spent more than half of his life in the Senate. I have done that, too. I was just contemplating and figuring in my head. Yes, that is a long time. He has spent more than half of his life in the Senate, yes. Yes, I have spent more than half of mine, but I am not the subject of this. He, Ted Kennedy, is now second in seniority in the Senate. He, Ted Kennedy, is the third longest serving Senator in the history of the United States of America. As I wish my dear friend Ted Kennedy the happiest of birthdays, perhaps I should point out that our relationship--his and mine--did not begin--I think I have already hinted at that--on the friendliest of terms. I first encountered Ted Kennedy during the bitter and famous 1960 West Virginia Democratic primary. Ted Kennedy was in the State helping his brother John F. Kennedy, who was running for President. I, Robert C. Byrd, was supporting the other guy. In 1971, he, Ted Kennedy, was running for reelection to his position as the Senate Democratic whip. Again, I supported the other guy--me. In 1976, I was running for the position of Senate majority leader. This time, he, Ted Kennedy, was supporting the other guy. This hardly seemed the beginning of a beautiful relationship, but it was. During our service together in the Senate, I came to admire Ted Kennedy--yes, I came to admire him--as a dedicated Senator of incredible tenacity and admirable legislative skills. I found him to be an indefatigable worker who could accomplish, yes, what seemed to be legislative miracles. Sometimes they were. I, personally, will always be grateful for the support, the unstinting support, that Senator Ted Kennedy gave to me during the years that it was my privilege to serve, yes, serve as the Senate Democratic leader. And I was. I was the leader, the Senate Democratic leader. When times got tough, as they sometimes do for a Senate leader, I knew that I could always count--I could always count; yes, even without asking him, I knew where he stood--I could always count on him. It may have been a needed vote. It may have been his assistance in building support for a legislative proposal. Whatever was needed, he, Edward M. Kennedy, Ted, was there. He was there, he was always there for me, and I am grateful. As a result, our friendship has developed and strengthened. Today I am proud to call Ted Kennedy one of my best and dearest friends. I have to say he is my best and dearest friend. I will always value his friendship. I especially appreciate the way he has extended that friendship not only to me but also to all the people of West Virginia. And he did much of that before he became a friend of mine. I close this brief statement about admiration for Ted Kennedy with these words: ``How far away is the temple of fame?'' Said a youth at the dawn of the day. He toiled and strove for a deathless name; The hours went by and the evening came, Leaving him old and feeble and lame, To plod on his cheerless way. ``How far away is the temple of good?'' Said another youth at the dawn of the day. He toiled in the spirit of brotherhood, To help and succor as best he could The poor and unfortunate multitude, In its hard and cheerless way. He was careless alike of praise or blame, But after his work was done, An angel of glory from heaven came To write on high his immortal name, And to proclaim the truth that the temple of fame And the temple of good are one. For this is the lesson that history Has taught since the world began; That those whose memories never die, But shine like stars in the human sky, And brighter glow as the years go by, Are the men who live for man. Senator Ted Kennedy is a public servant. He is a dedicated legislator. He is a great Senator of our times who endeavors to live for his fellow man. Happy birthday, Ted Kennedy. God bless you. Because of you, we are a better country. I yield the floor.

Mr. BYRD

Mr. BYRD. Madam President, the Senate today gave final Congressional approval to a comprehensive $463.5 billion funding resolution. The vote today was the culmination of many weeks of determined effort by Senators and Members of the House from both parties, and from their talented staffs. I take a moment to thank Senators for their support for this legislation, and to the members of the Appropriations Committee, Democratic Senators and Republican Senators, for their determination and effort to reach this milestone. This was not easy legislation to craft. Members and staff took on the difficult task of wrapping the funding of every domestic department and agency into a single bill, without Congressional earmarks and within very austere budget limitations. It was one of the most complex processes that the Appropriations Committee has undertaken in recent memory. But it was a challenge that we met in a smart, innovative way. I thank the Appropriations Committee staff: Staff Director Terry Sauvain; Deputy Staff Director Charles Kieffer; Agriculture, Rural Development, FDA clerk Galen Fountain; Commerce, Justice, Science clerk Paul Carliner; Defense clerk Charlie Houy; Energy and Water clerk Doug Clapp; Financial Services clerk Marianne Upton; Interior clerk Peter Kiefhaber; Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education clerk Ellen Murray; Legislative Branch clerk Nancy Olkewicz; Military Construction and Veterans Affairs clerk Christina Evans; State and Foreign Operations clerk Tim Rieser; and Transportation and Housing and Urban Development clerk Peter Rogoff; their associate staffs; Communications Director Tom Gavin and Communications Coordinator Cindy Huber; Deputy Chief Clerk Elnora Harvey; and professional staff members Jack Conway and Bob Knisely. Senators know the value of a strong staff, and this staff is, in my opinion, the best on Capitol Hill. Each of these men and women devoted long hours to this legislation. But it was not just a commitment of time; it also was the application of their years of experience and their dedication to this country that helped to craft this funding resolution and help see it through the Senate. This was a bipartisan effort, and I want to pay tribute to Senator Thad Cochran, the ranking member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, his staff director Bruce Evans, and the Republican subcommittee staffs. They were partners in producing this balanced funding legislation, and their ideas and input were invaluable. Not only was the writing of this legislation a bipartisan process, but it also was a bicameral one. House Appropriations Chairman Dave Obey and his staff, and Ranking Member Jerry Lewis and his staff, were integral to the success of this legislation. This final funding package is an example of how the Congress can work together, without regard to party lines or partisan positions. this legislation focuses not on Democratic priorities or Republican priorities, but rather on national priorities of health care; law enforcement and counterterrorism efforts; education, medical care for our troops and our veterans; and energy independence. We invest resources wisely in an effort to meet the country's needs today while building the foundation for a stronger America tomorrow. I thank Senators for their support of this legislation, and I look forward to continuing this bipartisan effort on the Fiscal 2008 appropriations legislation.

Mr. BYRD

Mr. BYRD. Mr. President, will the distinguished Senator yield for a question?

Mr. BYRD. May I inquire as to how much longer the distinguished Senator will be speaking?

Mr. BYRD. I thank the Senator. If the Senator will yield further momentarily, I ask the Chair, what is the parliamentary situation?

Mr. BYRD. I thank the Chair and the distinguished Senator for yielding.

Mr. BYRD. Mr. President, for how long am I recognized?

Mr. BYRD. I thank the Chair. Mr. President, today marks the 136th day of the fiscal year. The fiscal year is over one-third complete. We will be debating House Joint Resolution 20, a joint funding resolution for the nine remaining appropriations bills that were not completed during the 109th Congress. The Republican leadership during the 109th Congress left us with a great deal of unfinished appropriations business. Only 2 of the 11 appropriations bills were enacted into law; 13 of the 15 Federal Departments are struggling to cope with a very restrictive continuing resolution which expires at midnight this coming Thursday. As I noted last week, this was not the fault of the Appropriations Committee. Under the able leadership of Chairman Thad Cochran, all of the fiscal year 2007 appropriations bills were reported from the committee by July 20. All--a-l-l--all of the bills were bipartisan bills approved by unanimous votes. Unfortunately, the Republican leadership of the 109th Congress chose not to bring domestic appropriations bills to the floor before the election and then chose not to finish those bills after the election. Instead, Congress passed a series of restrictive continuing resolutions. If Congress were to simply extend the existing continuing resolutions, we would leave huge problems for veterans and military medical care, for education programs, law enforcement programs, funding for global AIDS, funding for energy independence, and funding for agencies that provide key services to the elderly, such as the Social Security Administration and the 1-800-Medicare call center. In December, the new House of Representatives appropriations chairman, David Obey, and I plotted a bipartisan and bicameral course for dealing with this problem. Based on that plan, there were intense negotiations--intense negotiations--in January which included the majority and the minority in the House and the Senate. I, as chairman of the Senate Appropriations Committee, consulted with several Senators, and especially with Senator Thad Cochran, several times during that process, and his ranking members and their staffs were included throughout the process. The resolution that is now before the Senate is the product of these efforts. The resolution, which totals $463.5 billion, meets several goals. Let me repeat the figure: $463.5 billion. That would be $463.50 for every minute that has passed since our Lord, Jesus Christ, was born. Get this. These are the goals: First, funding stays within the $873.8 billion statutory cap on spending, the cap which was set during the 109th Congress and which equals the President's request. Second, the legislation does not--does not--include earmarks. We eliminated over 9,300 earmarks. Hopefully, the ethics reform bill will establish greater transparency and accountability in the earmarking process. Once the ethics reform bill is in place, we will establish a more open, disciplined, and accountable process for congressional directives in the fiscal year 2008 bill. Third, there is no--there is no--emergency spending in this resolution. Finally--finally--essential national priorities receive a boost in the legislation. To help pay for these priorities, we cut over $11 billion from 125 different accounts and we froze spending at the 2006 level for 450 accounts. These national priorities have broad bipartisan support, as noted in the White House Statement of Administration Policy. Many of these increases reflect administration priorities. For veterans care, we include $32.3 billion, an increase of $3.6 billion over the fiscal year 2006 level. For defense health initiatives, we include $21.2 billion, an increase of $1.4 billion over fiscal year 2006. To provide care for military members and their families, including treating servicemembers wounded in action in Iraq and Afghanistan, for the Labor, HHS, and Education bill, funding is increased by $2.3 billion. Title I grants for our schools are funded at $12.8 billion, an increase of $125 million over fiscal year 2006, which will provide approximately 38,000 additional low-income children with intensive reading and math instruction. The legislation also funds the title I school improvement fund at $125 million to target assistance to the 6,700 schools that failed to meet No Child Left Behind requirements in the 2005-2006 school year. For the first time in 4 years, we will have an increase in the maximum Pell higher education grant from $260 to $431. The National Institutes of Health are funded at $28.9 billion, an increase of $620 million over fiscal year 2006. Three hundred million dollars is included for the Federal Mine Safety and Health Administration. Let me say that again. Three hundred million dollars is included for the Federal Mine Safety and Health Administration, an increase of $23 million over fiscal year 2006, to allow the agency to continue its national efforts to hire and train new mine safety inspectors for safety in the Nation's 2,000 coal mines. The legislation increases funding for Federal, State, and local law enforcement by $1.6 billion. According to the FBI, last year violent crime rose--went up--in America for the first time in 15 years. Under the continuing resolution now in law, highway funding is frozen--frozen--at the 2006 level. Under this joint funding resolution, the Federal-Aid Highway Program is fully funded at the level guaranteed in the highway law. The joint resolution includes $4.8 billion for global AIDS and malaria programs, an increase of $1.4 billion over fiscal year 2006. Last week there was debate concerning the level of funding for the 2005 base closure and realignment program. The resolution that is before the Senate provides $2.5 billion for the base closure and realignment 2005 program. This level is $1 billion--I say again--this level is $1 billion higher than the level available in the current continuing resolution the President signed on December 9. However, this level is $3.1 billion below the level requested by the President. I assure all Senators that the Appropriations Committee, of which I have the honor of being chairman, intends to address the $3.1 billion increase when the Senate takes up the $100 billion supplemental the President sent to the Congress last week. Last week. I have every expectation that the supplemental will be before the Senate next month. This being February, I have every expectation that the supplemental will be before the Senate next month. Now, let me take a moment to review how we came to be where we are on funding the base closure account. Last year, under the very able and competent leadership of Chairman Thad Cochran, Senator Hutchison, and Senator Feinstein, the Senate Appropriations Committee reported out the Military Construction bill on July 20, which was over 6 months ago, and the bill included $5.2 billion for the base closure account. Unfortunately--I say unfortunately--that bill was never sent to the President. The President triggered the problem when he vowed to veto the fiscal year 2007 Defense bill unless the Senate added $5 billion-- $5 billion; that is $5 for every minute since Jesus Christ was born--$5 billion to the Senate version of the Defense bill. This is the same $5 billion the Senate Appropriations Committee had put toward addressing needs, such as funding the base closure account and funding veterans medical care. The Republican leadership of the 109th Congress followed the President's lead, appropriated the $5 billion to the Defense bill, and did not send to the President the Military Construction-Veterans bill or eight of the other appropriations bills. Funding for BRAC was among the many victims of that decision. Thus, and therefore, it was left to the 110th Congress to solve the budgetary mess left by that decision. While the extra $1 billion added to BRAC in this resolution does not bring the program up to the level of the President's budget request, it is sufficient--it is sufficient--to address one of the Defense Department's most urgent BRAC priorities; namely, the construction of facilities needed to bring U.S. troops back from Europe. The remaining $3.1 billion for the base closure effort can and will be addressed through the supplemental next month. This is not a perfect resolution, but it is a thoughtful resolution. By complying with the statutory cap on spending, it is a fiscally disciplined resolution. By eliminating earmarks, it provides Congress with time to pass ethics reform legislation to increase transparency and accountability. By targeting resources toward national priorities, such as veterans and military medical care, we--the pronoun ``we''-- solve the most distressing of the problems created by the existing continuing resolution. Now, looking ahead to the fiscal year 2008 bill, I am committed to working with my friend and colleague, Senator Thad Cochran, the ranking member from Mississippi, to bring--hear me--to bring 12 individual bipartisan and fiscally responsible fiscal year 2008 appropriation bills to the floor. When? When? This year. However, on this, the 136th day of fiscal year 2007, adoption of House Joint Resolution 20 will ensure that we answer some of our Nation's most pressing needs and avoid an unnecessary Government shutdown. It is time to act. I urge swift--not Tom Swift, but swift adoption of the resolution. I yield the floor. I suggest the absence of a quorum and I ask unanimous consent that the time be charged equally against both sides.

Mr. BYRD

Mr. BYRD. Mr. President, I can do this, I think in 5 or 6 minutes. I yield myself such time as I may consume. Am I recognized?

Mr. BYRD. Mr. President, today is the 136th day of fiscal year 2007. It is past time to complete the remaining nine fiscal year 2007 appropriations bills. Agencies have limped along through October, November, December, January, and half of February based on a very restrictive continuing resolution. Thirteen of the fifteen departments do not know how much money they will have for a fiscal year that is now one-third gone, one-third over. This is a deplorable way to run a government, any government, specifically the Federal Government--this Government. Under the existing continuing resolution, our veterans hospitals are confronting the need to deny health care to 500,000 veterans and to force 850,000 veterans to wait longer for their care. H.J. Res. 20 includes an increase of $3.6 billion to solve the problem. On this, the 136th day of fiscal year 2007, it is time to act. Under the existing continuing resolution, the Social Security Administration is facing longer lines for approving benefits, and furloughs of employees. The 1-800 Medicare call centers, which have received over 35 million calls from the elderly with questions about their coverage, will have to shut down for the final months of the fiscal year. H.J. Res. 20 solves those problems. It is time to act. Under the existing continuing resolution, the Department of Defense will have to delay elective surgeries, nonemergency care, and increase the cost of some pharmaceuticals for Active-Duty members, their families, and retirees. H.J. Res. 20 includes an increase of $1.4 billion to solve the problem. It is time to act. Under the existing continuing resolution, funding for highways and transit is frozen at fiscal year 2006 levels, putting 160,000 jobs at risk. H.J. Res. 20 fully funds the highway and transit guarantees. It is time to act. Under the existing continuing resolution, no funds are provided to the Department of Defense to build the facilities needed to bring our troops back home from Europe. H.J. Res. 20 includes $1 billion to solve that problem. It is time, again I say, to act. According to the White House Office of the Global AIDS Coordinator, under the existing continuing resolution 110,000 to 175,000 people will likely die of HIV-related causes. H.J. Res. 20 includes a $1.4 billion increase to help HIV victims. It is time to act. H.J. Res. 20 complies with the $872.8 billion statutory cap on spending. It contains no earmarks and, I should say, eliminates 9,300 prior earmarks. Hallelujah. It eliminates 9,300 prior earmarks. H.J. Res. 20 cuts 125 accounts below fiscal year 2006 levels and freezes 450 accounts at the 2006 level. H.J. Res. 20 is tough, it is disciplined, and it addresses critical needs. It is time to act. I urge Members to vote aye on the cloture motion and on the resolution. Mr. President, how much time do we have remaining?

Mr. BYRD. I thank the Chair. I yield the floor and suggest the absence of a quorum.

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

Mr. BYRD

Mr. BYRD. Mr. President, few would argue that these are challenging times for U.S. foreign policy. Faced with threats from a growing radical Islamic ideology, tense situations in North Korea and Iran, an escalating civil war in Iraq, humanitarian crises of biblical proportions in Africa and elsewhere, and countless other challenges, it is clear that we need as perhaps never before the hand of experience guiding our foreign policy. It is no secret that I have disagreed--deeply disagreed--with many of the foreign policy decisions made by this administration. I said in 2002 that it was a mistake to invade Iraq, and my judgement has never wavered: the President was wrong to start this war, he was wrong to continue this war, and he is wrong to escalate this war. However, we are in Iraq now. American men and women are caught in the cross-fire of sectarian warfare that has been brewing for centuries. And I believe that the way out is primarily political and diplomatic, not solely through the use of military force. The recommendations of the Iraq Study Group are just the latest reminder that we must engage diplomatically with other nations--not only with our friends and allies, but also with our competitors and even our enemies--to seek new solutions. That is why the leadership at the State Department is so important, and why I am pleased that last night the Senate voted to confirm the nomination of Ambassador John Negroponte to become Deputy Secretary of State. I had an opportunity to meet with Ambassador Negroponte recently, and I am encouraged by his long track record of service to his country, as a foreign service officer and ambassador in many different regions of the world. In his most recent assignments, he has proven himself capable of performing in the most challenging of roles, as U.S. Ambassador to Iraq and as the Director of National Intelligence. Prior to that, he served as U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations, where he earned this high praise from another diplomat, former Secretary General Kofi Annan: He's an outstanding professional, a great diplomat and a wonderful ambassador. When I met with Ambassador Negroponte, I conveyed to him my strong belief that we must rely on diplomacy and peaceful negotiation to reach lasting stability in the Middle East. I also emphasized that pursuing some sort of Sunni vs. Shi'a alignment in the Middle East as the balance of power in the region shifts is not in the best interests of the United States or the world. I am encouraged that Ambassador Negroponte seems to agree with me, and I look forward to working with him and other administration officials as we seek a path toward peace. Ambassador Negroponte has demonstrated the savvy and expertise of a world-class diplomat. Our Nation needs experienced professionals who can rise above the fray of partisan politics guiding our foreign policy, particularly in such turbulent times as these. I look forward to working with Ambassador Negroponte in his new role as Deputy Secretary of State.

Mr. BYRD

Mr. BYRD. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry be authorized to conduct a hearing during the session of the Senate on Tuesday, February 13, 2007, at 9:45 a.m. in 328A, Russell Senate Office Building. The purpose of this committee hearing will be to consider ``Rural Development-- Challenges and Opportunities.''

Mr. BYRD. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation be authorized to hold a business meeting during the session of the Senate on Tuesday, February 13, 2007, at 10 a.m., in room 253 of the Russell Senate Office Building. The purpose of this meeting will be to consider and approve the following legislation following bills: S. 184, S. 509, S. 385, S. 93, S. 84, S. 39, and to make nominations for promotion in the United States Coast Guard.

Mr. BYRD. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources be authorized to hold a hearing during the session of the Senate on Tuesday, February 13, 2007, at 10 a.m. in room SD-106 of the Dirksen Senate Office Building. The purpose of the hearing is to receive testimony on the Stern Review of the Economics of Climate Change, examining the economic impacts of climate change and stabilizing greenhouse gases in the atmosphere.

Mr. BYRD. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the Committee on Environment and Public Works be authorized to meet for a hearing on Tuesday, February 12, 2007, at 10 a.m. in SD-106. The purpose of the hearing is to review the report and recommendations of the U.S. Climate Action Partnership.

Mr. BYRD. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions be authorized to hold a hearing during the session of the Senate on Tuesday, February 13, 2007, at 10 a.m. in SD-430.

Mr. BYRD. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs be authorized to meet on Tuesday, February 13, 2007, at 10 a.m. for a hearing titled ``The Homeland Security Department's Budget Submission for Fiscal Year 2008.''

Mr. BYRD. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship be authorized to meet during the session of the Senate for a hearing entitled ``Alternatives for Easing the Small Business Health Care Burden,'' on Tuesday, February 13, 2007, beginning at 10 a.m. in room 428A of the Russell Senate Office Building.

Mr. BYRD. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the Committee on Veterans' Affairs be authorized to meet during the session of the Senate on Tuesday, February 13, 2007, to hold a hearing on Veterans Programs for Fiscal Year 2008. The hearing will take place in room 418 of the Russell Senate Office Building beginning at 9:30 a.m.

Mr. BYRD. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the Committee on Intelligence be authorized to meet during the session of the Senate on February 13, 2007, at 2:30 p.m. to hold a closed hearing.