Evan Bayh

Mr. BAYH

Mr. BAYH. That is correct.

Mr. BAYH. The Senator understands the amendment perfectly. It provides an incentive for the rest of the countries to forgive their odious debt they extended to Saddam, and if they do not, it puts our country in a position of maximum leverage to insist that they do in any debtors conference.

Mr. BAYH. I am pleased to yield 4 minutes to the distinguished Senator from Louisiana.

Mr. BAYH. The chairman of the committee, for whom I have the utmost respect with regard to his comments about the message we send, I think would agree that there is no vote we can cast tonight, or no amount of money that we can spend that could compare possibly to the message our brave men and women are giving to the Iraqi people every day with their presence and the heroic efforts they are making to rebuild that nation. I think that is eloquent testimony that far surpasses anything we might do. To directly answer your question, my answer would be, yes, we provide an immediate $5 billion to meet every security need that has been asked for by the Iraqi government. That is over and above the $67 billion for all of the American security costs while we are there. So there is a complete grant of every security need. With regard to the domestic reconstruction, we provide $5 billion immediately--

Mr. BAYH. May I ask the question? The Senator is concerned that those who wish us ill in that part of the world may say they are winning. In what way will they say they are winning?

Mr. BAYH. Mr. President, I yield 3 minutes to the Senator from South Carolina.

Mr. BAYH. I thank all the cosponsors on both sides of the aisle for their support and say to my colleagues, all of us are committed to the success in Iraq. To achieve that success we must have the help of the rest the world and the help of the Iraqi people on their own behalf. Several arguments have been offered in opposition to our amendment. Let me address them. First, there is no government in power to take on these obligations. Really? Was Saddam Hussein in power to burden the Iraqi people with these loans? I suggest the current council has at least as much legitimacy as Saddam Hussein. If his loans were legitimate, so are the actions of the council. It is said this is a test of our resolve. That is true. But the surest way to assure the resolve of the American people is to do what is just and fair and right. How can we possibly say to the American people the French, the Germans, and the Russians may get repaid, those who propped up Saddam Hussein, but those who paid to liberate the country receive nothing. Is that fair? That would undermine the resolve. There is a perception this is all about the oil. That is a lie. We know it is a lie. It is a demonstrable lie. I say to my colleagues, no great power, including our country, can base its policy upon falsehoods and lies. We must base our policy upon the truth and the facts. We know why we are in Iraq. It is also said this will undermine our effort to achieve loan forgiveness. On the contrary. This will provide an incentive for others to forgive their loan and puts us in a position of maximum leverage to insist they do. If they drag their heels and refuse, it is said we will lose control of this money. No, my friends, we include a specific provision providing Ambassador Bremer with veto power over expenditures. Finally, this is about American leadership. We lead when we do the right thing. I ask for your support for this amendment. It will accomplish our objectives in Iraq.

Mr. BAYH. Mr. President, how much time does our side have?

Mr. BAYH. I yield 1 minute of my time to the distinguished Senator from Nevada.

Mr. BAYH. Mr. President, it has been said that our decision tonight will determine whether America is perceived as a leader in the world. What kind of message will we send after all the dying and treasure and blood we have expended in Iraq? Can there be any doubt about American leadership and about the message we send? When we removed Saddam Hussein, America sent a message that we lead to stand for freedom--the freedom to choose your own government, the freedom to run your own economy. Tonight, again, we lead with $72 billion free and clear in grants for the security of Iraq; further, $5 billion for the immediate reconstruction needs, free and clear to Iraq; further, $10 billion for the long-term reconstruction needs for the people of Iraq is a loan to be forgiven if the rest of the world will join us in this cause. That is American leadership. That is the message we send. That is why we ask for your support.

Mr. BAYH

Mr. BAYH. Mr. President, today, the Senate will unanimously pass the Small Business Reauthorization Act. This is a critically important piece of legislation for the future of small business in America, and in turn, for our Nation's economy. Small businesses are the engines of economic growth, and they play a vital role in expanding our economy. This is something I believe in so strongly that for 2 weeks in August, I traveled across the State of Indiana to meet with small business owners and to host a series of small business summits. The purpose of these summits was to link people looking to start or expand their small businesses with every available Federal resource that could help them fulfill their dream. During my visits in Indiana, I saw first hand the differences small businesses can make in their communities. John Roembke, of Ossian, IN, used a Small Business Administration loan to start his manufacturing and design company nearly 30 years ago. He began as the sole employee for his company, but today he employs more than 60 Hoosiers. Each Hoosier employed at Roembke Manufacturing represents a family that has greater job security and new economic opportunities thanks to John's success and help from the SBA. Our Nation's unemployment rate now stands at 6.1 percent, and in my State, there are pockets of even higher unemployment. What these areas need, and what our economy needs, is more job creation, and it is a well-known fact that three out of every four new jobs are created by our growing and innovative small businesses. Usually, the only hurdle standing between a company and its desire to expand and hire new workers is capital. Without it, our businesses starve because they cannot obtain space, equipment, tooling, and employees. With it, creative businesses can secure all of these assets, expand productivity, increase sales, add new jobs, and improve the quality of life in their communities. The legislation we pass today will build on this kind of success, by creating jobs, improving access to capital, and strengthening crucial disaster assistance programs. Through the efforts of Chairman Snowe, Ranking Member Kerry, and my other fellow members of the Small Business Committee, the Senate has taken an important step toward reauthorizing the Small Business Administration and its important small business assistance programs for the next three years. Today, I look forward to supporting this bill that reauthorizes the most effective capital access programs that exist today in our Federal government: the 504 and 7(a) loan guaranty programs. These two programs will provide more than $20 billion in both long and short term funding to America's small businesses each and every year of this reauthorization. In just the last three years, these SBA loan programs have created more than 500,000 new jobs nationwide. Over the past three years in Indiana, the 504 program alone has provided $125 million in capital to small businesses and created 5,000 new jobs. The employees who fill the new positions and the entrepreneurs who have expanded their businesses return millions of dollars in payroll, sales, income, and real estate taxes to the Federal, State, and local governments in every county and State each year. These programs also provide specific, critical support to businesses that are owned and operated by women, minorities, and veterans, groups that sometimes face greater difficulty in obtaining capital. Best of all, the 504 loan program provides all of these opportunities for economic growth at no cost to the taxpayer. The 504 program is subsidy-free, financed purely by user fees that borrowers pay to finance the risk inherent in the program. The cost to the taxpayers is zero. Even with these advantages, there are still greater needs for capital in Indiana, particularly in the manufacturing sector, which employs 580,000 Hoosiers, a higher percentage of industrial workers than any other State. The manufacturing sector is in crisis. Since July 2000, manufacturing has lost 2.6 million jobs--the largest decline during the post-World War II era. Recent job losses in manufacturing jobs represents nearly 90 percent of total U.S. job losses. Manufacturing output has shown virtually no growth since December 2001. Manufacturing is, and will continue to be, critical to our country's overall economic growth, and for that reason, I want to help our small manufacturers that are struggling to compete with the low wages and high technology equipment used by our international competitors. In order to addresses this need, I offered an amendment during the mark-up of this bill that was graciously accepted by the Committee Chair. The provision directly address the needs of America's small manufacturers, providing them with the additional capital they need to stay competitive in both the United States and world markets. The provision would increase the 504 maximum loan guaranty for small manufacturers to $4 million and alter the job creation capital requirements for small manufacturers, allowing small manufacturers to create one new job for each $100,000 in 504 loan guarantees. As a result of this legislation, companies will be able to obtain new equipment, become more competitive and, most importantly, hire new workers. Indiana's Certified Development Companies estimate that the bill could create between 200 and 400 additional jobs each year. The change to the 504 loan program will allow our manufacturers to acquire more state-of-the-art equipment and technology to become more productive, and lower their operating costs. If small manufacturers are allowed to invest in state-of-the-art technology, and remain competitive with foreign competitors, this will put more hardworking Hoosiers back to work. Further, these jobs will provide higher wages and benefits than we see available in many communities today, thereby improving our quality of life. This legislation will provide the fuel that our manufacturers need to remain competitive in world market and to create jobs for workers at home. I commend the Senate for passing this bill and hope that the Senate and the House will reconcile their differences quickly so that this critical legislation can go to the President's desk for his signature. on-demand air service

Mr. BAYH

Mr. BAYH. Mr. President, I rise today with a heavy heart and deep sense of gratitude to honor the life of a brave young man from Hagerstown, IN. Staff Sergeant Frederick L. Miller, Jr., 27 years old, was killed in Ar Ramadi on September 20, 2003 when an explosive device hit his vehicle while he was on security patrol. Frederick joined the Army with his entire life before him. He chose to risk everything to fight for the values Americans hold close to our hearts, in a land halfway around the world. Frederick was the sixteenth Hoosier soldier to be killed while serving his country in Operation Iraqi Freedom. He leaves behind his parents, Ann and Frederick Miller, his wife, Jamie, and two daughters, Haley and Sierra. Jamie is pregnant with the couple's third child, a boy. Today, I join Frederick's family, his friends, and the entire Hagerstown community in mourning his death. While we struggle to bear our sorrow over his death, we can also take pride in the example he set, bravely fighting to make the world a safer place. It is this courage and strength of character that people will remember when they think of Frederick, a memory that will burn brightly during these continuing days of conflict and grief. Frederick L. Miller, Jr., joined the Army after graduating from Richmond High School in 1994 and would have marked his eighth year of military service next month. He commanded a Bradley Fighting Vehicle in Troop K in the 3rd Squadron of the 3rd Armored Cavalry Regiment. Before Iraq, he served in combat zones in Kosovo, Yugoslavia and Bosnia. Frederick was discharged after his first tour of duty, but chose to re- enlist after the September 11 attacks. His family remembers him as a true American hero, who returned to the Army during our Nation's most trying time because he felt bound by duty, and today, we honor the sacrifice he made while serving his country. As I search for words to do justice in honoring Frederick L. Miller, Jr.'s sacrifice, I am reminded of President Lincoln's remarks as he addressed the families of the fallen soldiers in Gettysburg: ``We cannot dedicate, we cannot consecrate, we cannot hallow his ground. The brave men, living and dead, who struggled here have consecrated it far above our poor power to add or detract. The world will little note nor long remember what we say here, but it can never forget what they did there.'' This statement is just as true today as it was nearly 150 years ago, as I am certain that the impact of Frederick's actions will live on far longer than any record of these words. It is my sad duty to enter the name of Frederick L. Miller, Jr. in the official record of the United States Senate for his service to this country and for his profound commitment to freedom, democracy and peace. When I think about this just cause in which we are engaged, and the unfortunate pain that comes with the loss of our heroes, I hope that families like Frederick's can find comfort in the words of the prophet Isaiah who said, ``He will swallow up death in victory; and the Lord God will wipe away tears from all faces.'' May God grant strength and peace to those who mourn, and may God bless the United States of America.

Mr. BAYH

Mr. BAYH. I thank my colleague from New Mexico, and I thank all Members of this body. It is with a sense of melancholy but also gratitude that I rise today to celebrate the life of Frank O'Bannon. He died as he lived, in service to the people of the State of Indiana. Frank O'Bannon was my friend and spent the best years of his life in public service: 18 years following in the footsteps of his father in the Indiana State Senate where he served as the leader of the Democratic Party; 8 years as lieutenant governor where we enjoyed a seamless partnership working on behalf of the people of our State, always a source of wise counsel, support, and encouragement; in these last 7 years, working on behalf of the people as Governor of the State of Indiana. His accomplishments were many and will be everlasting in memory. His devotion to education was second to none. He fought for higher academic standards, a system of assessments to determine how children are doing toward meeting those standards, and taking aggressive steps to ensure that every child across our State would have access to the skills necessary to make the most of their God-given abilities. He worked tirelessly first as lieutenant governor and then as Governor on behalf of a better economy, more job opportunities for the people of Indiana. Particularly during these recent difficult years he doubled his efforts to ensure that our State would be competitive with not only our neighboring States but also with those with which we compete from abroad. Frank O'Bannon cared about a better quality of life for all Hoosiers. He work tirelessly for better health care for the citizens of our State, particularly for the young. I am so very proud the State of Indiana ranks at the top in the country in terms of how we have used the new CHIP Program to extend health care benefits to disadvantaged children across our State. I was privileged to work with him in my capacity in the Senate to ensure our State continued to receive full funding for our efforts. Frank O'Bannon had many other important contributions in his legacy. Most recently I had a chance to visit the new White River State Park in Indianapolis and the magnificent Historical Society Center in Indianapolis where he hosted, along with our first lady, Judy O'Bannon, the other Governors from across the country to showcase the magnificent place that Indianapolis has become. The Historical Society was a wonderful setting for the Governors. We had a chance to display the finest of Hoosier heritage for the entire country. The White River State Park will be a magnificent urban park attracting not only tourists from across the State but also business and industry as leaders of finance seek a better quality of life for their employees. His contributions to that effort were substantial, as well. I believe Frank O'Bannon was a special man not for his material accomplishments but instead for the kind of man he was. There is an old saying that character is destiny. I believe that is true. Therefore, it is no wonder that Frank O'Bannon accomplished so much. He was a man of true and outstanding character, indeed. In all my years of association with him I never once saw him do something that was mean or petty. He understood very well that it is far better to be loved than feared. Even more, I always saw him place self-interest behind the public good, truly remarkable during an age of cynicism and skepticism about those in public life. There is an old proverb that says the definition of a statesman is someone who plants a tree in whose shade he will never rest. Seedlings have been planted across our State that will grow into strong oaks under which future generations will rest with ease, more secure because of the work and the legacy of Governor O'Bannon. He was a statesman, indeed. A calling characterized all too frequently by ego and hubris, Frank O'Bannon was always humble, gentle, giving credit to others, even when he deserved the lion's share. One of his favorite pastimes was to go to his cabin in Harrison County in southern Indiana to commune with nature and watch the wildlife and experience Mother Nature. That is where Frank and Judy O'Bannon were most at home. That speaks volumes about his character, as well. Let me say a word, too, about Judy. She was an exemplary first lady, leading our State in the celebration of the recent millennium, always concerned that our history and culture never be lost, always reaching out to those in need. She is generous of spirit. I hope her contributions to our State will continue for many, many years to come. Judy O'Bannon has done the people of our State proud. So today, my colleagues and Mr. President, we mourn, but we can take comfort in the knowledge that our loss has been Heaven's gain, that the life and legacy of Frank O'Bannon will not end with our grieving or with my few inadequate words but will remain everlasting in the hearts of Hoosiers everywhere as long as we can still recall what makes our State such a special place. I thank my friends and I yield the floor.

Mr. BAYH

Mr. BAYH. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the text of the bill be printed in the Record.

Mr. BAYH

Mr. BAYH. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the text of the bill be printed in the Record.

Mr. BAYH

Mr. BAYH. Mr. President, I rise today with a heavy heart and deep sense of gratitude to honor the life of a brave young man from Mitchell, IN. Army Specialist Ronald ``Ronnie'' Allen, Jr., 22 years old, was killed near Balad on August 25, 2003 when the Army unit he was riding in was struck by another vehicle. Ronnie joined the Army with his entire life before him. He chose to risk everything to fight for the values Americans hold close to our hearts, in a land halfway around the world. Ronnie was the 14th Hoosier soldier to be killed while serving his country in Operation Iraqi Freedom. He leaves behind his mother, Jyl Harrison, and his stepfather, Derek Harrison, and their children Andrea, Nathan and Eric. Today, I join Ronnie's family, his friends, and the entire Mitchell community in mourning his death. While we struggle to bear our sorrow over his death, we can also take pride in the example he set, bravely fighting to make the world a safer place. It is this courage and strength of character that people will remember when they think of Ronnie, a memory that will burn brightly during these continuing days of conflict and grief. Ronald Allen, Jr. told his family he was proud to be serving his country in Iraq because he felt like he could make a real difference there. He told them he was proud to be a soldier and that he loved his country. Today, his family remembers him as a true American hero, and we honor the sacrifice he made while serving his country. Ronald dreamed of joining the military as a young man and even early- enlisted in the Army during his junior year of high school. Two weeks after he graduated from Mitchell High School in 2000, Ronald left home to begin full-time duty at Fort Carson in Colorado. He was assigned to the 502d Personnel Service Battalion, 43d Area Support Group. As I search for words to do justice in honoring Ronald Allen, Jr.'s sacrifice, I am reminded of President Lincoln's remarks as he addressed the families of the fallen soldiers in Gettysburg: ``We cannot dedicate, we cannot consecrate, we cannot hallow this ground. The brave men, living and dead, who struggled here, have consecrated it, far above our poor power to add or detract. The world will little note nor long remember what we say here, but it can never forget what they did here.'' This statement is just as true today as it was nearly 150 years ago, as I am certain that the impact of Ronald's actions will live on far longer than any record of these words. It is my sad duty to enter the name of Ronald Allen, Jr. in the official Record of the U.S. Senate for his service to this country and for his profound commitment to freedom, democracy and peace. When I think about this just cause in which we are engaged, and the unfortunate pain that comes with the loss of our heroes, I hope that families like Ronald's can find comfort in the words of the prophet Isaiah who said, ``He will swallow up death in victory; and the Lord God will wipe away tears from off all faces.'' May God grant strength and peace to those who mourn, and may God bless the United States of America. Mr. President, I also wish today to honor the accomplishments of the Hoosier soldiers of the 1st Battalion, 293d Infantry Regiment, and the 1st Battalion, 152d Infantry Regiment, from the Indiana National Guard, who have become the first National Guard battalions in the Nation to receive the Combat Infantry award since the Korean war. The Combat Infantry award is a highly coveted honor given by the Department of the Army to soldiers who have satisfactorily performed infantry duties as part of a unit that participated in ground combat. The Infantry badge honors soldiers who have operated under the worst conditions, yet still successfully performed his or her mission in a combat environment. In addition, medics who supported the soldiers will receive the Combat Medical Badge. I am immensely proud that these Indiana battalions have become the first units in more than 50 years to earn this distinction. All members of the battalions will receive the Combat Infantry award as a symbol of our Nation's gratitude for the bravery they demonstrated and the sacrifices they and their families have made during Operation Iraqi Freedom. The 1st Battalion, 293d Infantry Regiment, and the 1st Battalion, 152d Infantry Regiment, are the first Indiana National Guard units to go into combat since World War II. As this award recognizes, they have made an exemplary return to battle, honoring themselves and their home State of Indiana through their efforts. The battalions have been stationed in Iraq for more than 5 months. During their time in Iraq, the soldiers of the 1st Battalion, 293d Infantry Regiment, have provided security for the Talil Air Force Base, a key airstrip in Southern Iraq. The unit took over responsibility for the base just days after the war's deadliest battle took place on April 1 to secure control of the airstrip. The members of the 1st Battalion, 152d Infantry Regiment, have engaged in a wide range of missions, including guarding the Baghdad Airport, one of the most strategically important sites in Iraq. I am proud to honor the soldiers of the 1st Battalion, 293d Infantry Regiment, and the 1st Battalion, 152d Infantry Regiment. The thoughts and prayers of all Hoosiers are with them as they continue their role in rebuilding Iraq. May God watch over the soldiers as they complete their duty and may God bless the United States of America. Mr. President, I further rise today to honor the heroic service of United States Army Cpl Damien Luten, 24, of Indianapolis, IN. Corporal Luten was a member of the U.S. Army's 507th Maintenance Company, which crossed into Iraq from Kuwait on March 21, 2003, as part of a convoy supporting a patriot missile battalion, during Operation Iraqi Freedom. On March 23, 2003, the 507th Maintenance Company was ambushed by Iraqi military forces and irregulars in the city of An Nasiriyah. According to the U.S. Army, Corporal Luten's convoy found itself in a desperate situation due to a navigational error caused by the combined effects of the operational pace, acute fatigue, isolation and the harsh environmental conditions. The tragic results of this error placed the soldiers of the 507th Maintenance Company in a torrent of fire from Iraqi soldiers who attacked the isolated convoy. Eleven of the company's 33 soldiers were killed in combat or later died from injuries. Seven soldiers were captured in the attack, including PFC Jessica Lynch who was later rescued by American Marines. This toll, though devastating, may have been much greater had it not been for the valorous acts of soldiers such as Corporal Luten, who sought to protect his unit by attempting to return fire with the unit's only .50-caliber machine gun. However, the machine gun failed and as Corporal Luten was reaching for his M-16, he was wounded in the right leg by enemy fire. Corporal Luten has been awarded the Purple Heart for the wound he received in combat. As I reflect on Corporal Luten's service, I am reminded of a quote by Douglas MacArthur: The soldier, above all other people prays for peace, for he must suffer and bear the deepest wounds and scars of war. The United States will be eternally grateful for the courage and bravery Corporal Luten exhibited on the field of battle. Corporal Luten is expected to return to his base in Fort Bliss, TX, where he will have at least one more surgery on his leg. This will be the ninth surgery Corporal Luten has undergone to repair his injured leg. If Corporal Luten has his way, his injury will not mark the end of his military service. He plans to re-enlist and enter the Army's Chaplain Corps when his current tour concludes in April 2004. I know that all Hoosiers share my deep sense of pride in Corporal Luten and all of the men and women of our Armed Forces from Indiana who safeguard our freedom. My thoughts and prayers are with him as he continues his recovery and begins his new service in the Army.

Mr. BAYH

Mr. BAYH. Mr. President, I rise today to honor the accomplishments of the Hoosier soldiers of the 1st Battalion, 293rd Infantry from the Indian National Guard, who have become the first National Guard battalion in the Nation to receive the Combat Infantry award since World War II. The Combat Infantry award is a highly coveted honor given by the Department of the Army to soldiers who have satisfactorily performed infantry duties as part of a unit that participated in ground combat. The Infantry badge honors soldiers who have operated under the worst conditions, yet still successfully performed his or her mission in a combat environment. In addition, medics who supported the soldiers will receive the Combat Medical Badge. I am immensely proud that it is an Indiana battalion that has become the first unit in more than 50 years to earn this distinction. All members of the battalion will receive the Combat Infantry award as a symbol of our Nation's gratitude for the bravery they demonstrated and the sacrifices they and their families have made during Operation Iraqi Freedom. The 1st Battalion, 293rd Infantry is the first Indiana National Guard unit to go into combat since the Korean war. As this award recognizes, they have made an exemplary return to battle, honoring themselves and their home State of Indiana through their efforts. The battalion has been stationed in Iraq for nearly 7 months. During their time in Iraq, the soldiers of the 1st Battalion, 293rd Infantry have provided security for the Talil Air Force Base, a key airstrip in Southern Iraq. The unit took over responsibility for the base just days after the war's deadliest battle took place on April 1 too secure control of the airstrip. I am proud to honor the soldiers of the 1st Battalion, 293rd Infantry. The thoughts and prayers of all Hoosiers are with them as they continue their role in rebuilding Iraq. May God watch over the soldiers as they complete their duty and may God bless the United States of America.

Mr. BAYH

Mr. BAYH. Mr. President, I rise today to honor the life of my fellow Hoosier, Senator Vance Hartke, who passed away on July 27. Senator Harke dedicated his life to serving his country and our home State of Indiana, setting an example of personal conviction and political courage throughout his 18 years as senator. Born on May 31, 1919, Vance Hartke grew up in Stendal, IN. He attended the University of Evansville and then earned his law degree from Indiana University. Senator Hartke served 4 years as a member of the Coast Guard and as a U.S. Navy officer during World War II. Upon his return to Indiana, Hartke began practicing law in Evansville, where he was elected mayor in 1955. From there, he was elected Senator in 1958, demonstrating a work ethic on the campaign trail that is remembered by Hoosiers still today. Senator Hartke served three continuous terms as senator, the first Indiana Democrat ever to do so. While serving as Senator, Hartke played a crucial role in requiring auto manufacturers to install seatbelts in their cars, and supported legislation that created the Head Start Program, which continues to provide early education opportunities for tens of millions of children from lower-income families. He led Senate support for Medicare, work that earned him the nickname ``Father of Medicare.'' Senator Hartke also was instrumental in creating the International Executive Service Corps, an organization modeled on the Peace Corps that sent retired U.S. business executives to developing countries to help expand their local businesses. During a particularly trying time in our nation's history, Senator Hartke remained unafraid to take a bold stance in support of his convictions, sometimes in the face of strong opposition. He chose to speak out against the Vietnam war, knowing that doing so would cost him his friendship with President Lyndon Johnson, because Senator Hartke felt it was his moral responsibility to defend his beliefs. However, of the many issues Senator Hartke supported during his 18 years as Senator, family members recall that one of his proudest accomplishments was his work on legislation that provided affordable treatment for kidney diseases. It was work that was largely overshadowed by his personal stances on other issues, but it led to the creation of a bill now credited with saving more than 500,000 lives. The sense of loss to all those who knew Senator Hartke is tremendous. He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Martha, four sons, three daughters, and 16 grandchildren.

Mr. BAYH

Mr. BAYH. Mr. President, I was disappointed to learn that not one city in my home state received any of the $700 million allocated in the fiscal year 2003 Supplemental for high-threat urban areas. After all, Indianapolis is the 12th largest city in the United States and hosts two of the three largest sporting events in the world each year. Every year, over one million race fans visit the great State of Indiana to attend the Indianapolis 500, the Brickyard 400 and the U.S. Grand Prix. I believe it is imperative that Indianapolis receive funds through the high-threat urban areas grant program to ensure a sufficient level of security is provided to all Hoosiers in central Indiana. I thank my distinguished colleagues from Georgia for their attention to this matter.

Mr. BAYH. I have been listening with great interest to my friends from the State of Georgia discuss their concerns with the high-threat urban grant program. I, too, was surprised to hear that a city as large as Atlanta did not receive any of these funds. I would ask my distinguished colleague from the State of Georgia if he was aware that Indianapolis, or any other city in the State of Indiana for that matter, did not receive any funds from the high density, high-threat urban areas grant program.

Mr. BAYH

Mr. BAYH. Surprisingly, the Defense Logistics Agency, DLA, has still not chosen to replenish an adequate was reserve of MREs. In additions, DLA has cut MRE production despite the fact that our troops in Iraq are still consuming MREs at an unprecedented rate. Would the chairman consider this matter in conference and have the managers address it if the committee finds the problem to be as grave as it would appear?

Mr. BAYH. I would further point out at the height of the operation, some estimate that DOD was down to a worldwide reserve of some 400,000 cases. To summarize, DOD was within a week of running out of food for our soldiers in the field. Thanks to a surge in production by MRE producers on very little notice, DOD managed to stave off a logistical and potential military disaster. Is the chairman aware of how close we came to literally running out of food?

Mr. BAYH. Mr. President, during Operation Iraqi Freedom, our military relied upon MREs to an extent never before seen in the history of modern combat. Due to concerns about the safety of the local food supply, Operation Iraqi Freedom and the subsequent mission has relief almost entirely on MREs to feed our soldiers. It is my understanding at the height of the operation, the Department of Defense was consuming roughly 300,000 cases of MREs per week. Is the chairman aware of this unprecedented use of MREs?

Mr. BAYH. Would the chairman yield for an inquiry on the subject of MRE supplies?

Mr. BAYH

Mr. BAYH. Mr. President, I rise today with a heavy heart and deep sense of gratitude to honor the life of a brave young man from Batesville, IN. Sgt. Chad L. Keith, 21 years old, was killed in Baghdad on July 7, 2003 when he was ambushed while on patrol with his unit. Chad joined the Army with his entire life before him. He chose to risk everything to fight for the values Americans hold close to our hearts, in a land halfway around the world. Chad was the eleventh Hoosier soldier to be killed while serving his country in Operation Iraqi Freedom. Today, I join Chad's family, his friends, and the entire Batesville community in mourning his death. While we struggle to bear our sorrow over his death, we can also take pride in the example he set, bravely fighting to make the world a safer place. It is this courage and strength of character that people will remember when they think of Chad, a memory that will burn brightly during these continuing days of conflict and grief. Chad Keith spoke to his mother over the phone only days before his death, telling her that he was hot and tired, but proud to be making a difference in the world and following in the footsteps of several of his uncles who also served in the military. He was described by teachers and classmates as a polite, respectful young man who always had a smile on his face. Chad was born in Pennsylvania, then moved to Newark, OH, before his family settled in Batesville. Chad graduated from Batesville High School in 2000 and then joined the Army, where he was assigned to the elite 82nd Airborne. Friends and family say that serving in the military had been a lifelong dream for Chad, who was only days away from being promoted to sergeant, an honor that now has been awarded posthumously. Chad leaves behind his parents, Kimberly and Mark Hitzges, two sisters, Courtney and Nicole, and a brother, Alex. As I search for words to do justice in honoring Chad Keith's sacrifice, I am reminded of President Lincoln's remarks as he addressed the families of the fallen soldiers in Gettysburg: We cannot dedicate, we cannot consecrate, we cannot hallow this ground. The brave men, living and dead, who struggled here, have consecrated it, far above our poor power to add or detract. The world will little note nor long remember what we say here, but it can never forget what they did here. This statement is just as true today as it was nearly 150 years ago, as I am certain that the impact of Chad Keith's actions will live on far longer than any record of these words. It is my sad duty to enter the name of Chad L. Keith in the official record of the United States Senate for his service to this country and for his profound commitment to freedom, democracy and peace. When I think about this just cause in which we are engaged, and the unfortunate pain that comes with the loss of our heroes, I hope that families like Chad's can find comfort in the words of the prophet Isaiah who said, ``He will swallow up death in victory; and the Lord God will wipe away tears from off all faces.'' May God grant strength and peace to those who mourn, and may God bless the United States of America.