Mark Begich

Mr. BEGICH

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 Madam President, I ask unanimous consent that the order for the quorum call be rescinded.

Mr. BEGICH

Mr. BEGICH. Mr. President, I wish to pay tribute to Jeff Bayless. Jeff was a senior captain in the Anchorage Fire Department. He was born and raised Alaskan, and lived his entire life bettering our great State. Jeff began his road to serve in 1986 when he became a certified State of Alaska EMT. He then went on to complete paramedic training, and began serving with the Mat-Su Borough EMS and the Central Mat-Su Fire Department. In 1991, Jeff was hired by the Anchorage Fire Department. And in 1995 when the Fire Department Emergency Medical Services and Fire Operations merged, Jeff made the move from paramedic to firefighter. In May of 2005, Jeff's steadfast dedication was recognized when he was promoted to senior fire captain. He served at Fire Station 9 in South Anchorage and Fire Station 11 in Eagle River. Although a hero in is chosen occupation, Jeff was also a champion in his community. As a North Star Bible Camp board member, a youth instructor, and with his involvement in the Alaska Fallen Firefighters Memorial Committee, he was a pillar of leadership and a stalwart example of selfless service. Jeff died after participating in a training activity on Friday March 7, 2014. He will be sorely missed. His commitment to God, family, and community will be felt for generations to come. Jeff Bayless is truly an Alaskan hero, and we mourn with his wife, Gail, his entire family, and his brothers and sisters in the Fire Department.

Mr. BEGICH

Mr. BEGICH. Madam President, 50 years ago KCAM AM Radio 790 in Glennallen, AK, began airing its signal. Today I commend this remarkable achievement. KCAM signed on the air March 27, 1964, the day of the magnitude 9.2 Good Friday Earthquake that devastated Anchorage and caused a tsunami that wiped out Valdez and other coastal communities. The community of Glennallen also felt the effects of the quake. KCAM had not yet received Federal Communications Commission permission to broadcast, but since their tower was undamaged, the Civil Defense Authority asked the station to go live under Emergency Orders. They signed on and kept residents, emergency workers, and those fleeing the damaged areas up-to-date. It was quite a beginning for a shoestring station that was founded five decades ago by the late Vince Joy. In 2014, the station is still going strong with a state-of-the-art studio, reaching listeners throughout the Copper River Valley via the airwaves and online streaming. Along the way, KCAM has earned awards from the Associated Press and was named Inspirational Station of the Year by Skylight Network and Small Market Station of the Year by Focus on the Family. I want to extend my congratulations to the current crew at the station, including president and manager Scott Yahr, program director Michelle Eastty, special projects manager Roger Bovee, and countless other staff and interns over the years who helped keep it going. As part of their celebration, a newly released book commemorates 50 years of uninterrupted operation by chronicling stories from listeners who have been affected by the broadcasting and reprinting their photos. Anyone who has lived in a small town knows that a radio station is often at the center of the fabric of the community. Such is the case with KCAM, which not only provides music, news, weather, sports, talk shows, and entertainment, but also sends personal messages and makes community announcements. I send my best wishes to my friends at KCAM Radio, the ``Voice of the Copper River Valley,'' as they observe their anniversary in April 2014.

Mr. BEGICH

Mr. BEGICH. Mr. President, in 2014, Cook Inlet Housing Authority celebrates its 40th anniversary of building housing opportunities for the people of the Cook Inlet region of Southcentral Alaska. In 1974, the Alaska State Legislature facilitated the creation of Cook Inlet Housing to ensure elders, individuals, and families in the Cook Inlet region would have access to quality, affordable housing. Since that time, Cook Inlet Housing has developed more than 1,500 energy-efficient and affordable homes for seniors and families and has catalyzed the revitalization of the Mountain View neighborhood in Anchorage. The passage of Native American Housing Assistance and Self Determination Act by the U.S. Congress in 1996, and the flexibility allowed within it, has empowered Cook Inlet Housing to leverage funding from private and public sources and more than doubled the amount of quality, affordable housing available to families in Southcentral Alaska. This year, Cook Inlet Housing is being recognized nationally with the prestigious HUD and American Planning Association's 2014 HUD Secretary's Opportunity and Empowerment Award. This award honors excellence in community planning resulting in measureable benefits in terms of increased economic development, employment, education, or housing choice and mobility for low- and moderate-income residents. I know the work that Cook Inlet Housing is doing for our community matters and helps transform lives. I would like to congratulate Cook Inlet Housing Authority for their commitment to innovation and thoughtful, dynamic development that promotes their critical mission: To create housing opportunities that empower people and build communities.

Mr. BEGICH

Mr. BEGICH. Mr. President, I rise today to recognize and pay tribute to the American Red Cross. March is American Red Cross Month-- this is a special time to recognize and thank our everyday heroes. The Red Cross is on the frontlines every day. They volunteer their time, take lifesaving courses, and provide financial donations to help those in need. We would like to remember our heroes in Alaska who help those in need. The Red Cross works tirelessly to help in times of disaster with the comfort of a helping hand. They provide round-the-clock support to members of the military, veterans and their families, and teach lifesaving classes in CPR and first aid. Across the country and around the world, the American Red Cross responds to fires, hurricanes, tornadoes, floods and wildfires--the tragedy at the Boston Marathon, and Typhoon Haiyan in the Philippines. When an injured servicemember enters a hospital far from home, the American Red Cross offers comfort. When a hospital's patients need blood, the American Red Cross blood donors make that happen. We dedicate the month of March to all those who support the American Red Cross mission to prevent and alleviate human suffering in the face of emergencies. Our community depends on the American Red Cross, which relies on donations of time and money to fulfill its humanitarian mission. The American Red Cross reflects all that is right with mankind. They make America stronger by their selfless service.

Mr. BEGICH

Mr. BEGICH. Mr. President, first, I wish to thank Senator Pryor. Senator Pryor and a group of us have introduced a piece of legislation that rights a wrong; that makes sure our military continues to receive their COLA in full course and in the full amount. As the Presiding Officer knows, we had a budget issue we worked through, and in that process the COLA for our active retired military was reduced by 1 percent. We all knew we would take the time, because we had the time after the budget passed, to fix this problem. We have already done it for our disabled retired veterans and now we need to fulfill the final and full promise of their COLA in total. I spoke last night about this issue, and then we had the vote on cloture, with the result being 94 to 0--94 to 0. If that isn't an indication of how much support there is to make sure the COLA comes back in full force, I don't know what is. I do know starting right after that vote we began hearing from people already coming up with, well, I voted for cloture, but I have a caveat. I have some qualifications I want to add on that vote. I want to have these things in Washington that are called pay-fors. Let me make it very clear to the veterans in my State--and there are 77,000 veterans who live in my State. The highest per capita in the Nation is in Alaska. They have paid the bill. They paid the bill time and time again. This is a perfect photo to use as an example of our military who have served in combat, who served on the frontlines. Think about those who have already paid the ultimate bill-- almost 6,800 servicemembers have died in Iraq and Afghanistan; from Alaska alone, 22, and I will read some of those names in a second. First, I wish to make it very clear we are going to hear these convoluted reasons as to why we should have this pay-for. I wasn't here when they paid for these wars--no, I am sorry, they didn't pay for these wars. They didn't pay the $2 trillion-plus for the wars, but now that it is time to pay the bill for those who committed to serve our country, to go to the frontlines when called upon and ensure we have the freedom we enjoy in this country, some are saying: Well, yes, we want to give them that retirement COLA, but--there should be no ``but'' here. A promise made is a promise we need to keep. My view is we should have their backs every single day, and this is the day to do it. Let me make it very clear to those who are going to have this convoluted reason for this pay-for: This is a vote for vets or a vote against vets. You can have all the gobbledygook, all the convoluted arguments, but at the end of the day if you vote against this bill, without all this stuff added to it--just a clean and simple giving the COLA back and then let's move on, give them their full COLA--you are voting against vets. I don't care how they try to press-release it, spin it, or what amendments they want to add to create a political situation for other Members on other issues unrelated to vets. A promise made is a promise we need to keep. We need to have their backs. They have our backs every single day to make sure this country is safe, no matter where American citizens are in this country or in this world. It is our time to do what is right for veterans. I shared some stories last night about Alaskans who are struggling with this issue and the commitment they thought they had. One gentleman served 18 years in the military and is close to retirement. He is wondering what did he sign up for. He has had enormous pressures on his family. He has moved six different times. He has two children, one disabled, and a variety of personal issues. But he continues to serve this country. And for us to play politics and start talking about immigration, child tax credits, forget it. It is time to do what is right for our veterans, to put this COLA back in full force. Over 30 veterans organizations support this bill with no pay-for, clean and simple. Senator Pryor and I were on a phone call last week and talked to many--the Air Force Association, Army Aviation Association, the Fleet Reserves, Gold Star Wives--I can go through the list of 30-plus organizations who work with our veterans every single day and want us to pass this bill--not an amended bill but this bill: Get it done and give peace of mind to our veterans and retirees and active military. To some degree this puts our readiness at risk. If someone is thinking about joining the military, they are looking at the benefits. They know at some point they may be called to duty and put their life on the line. So they are looking at the benefits: What can they provide for themselves and their families? What is the retirement if they become a career officer or a career enlisted member? And now they are questioning if they should. I received emails from some parents whose sons and daughters are currently enlisted and are now wondering, what did they get into when at a moment's notice the commitments, the promises we--Congress--made can change overnight. Our readiness is at risk, and the promises and commitments we make to our military are in question. Today is the start to make sure our commitments are there. We cannot say to our veterans: Sign up; we will promise you these things, and tomorrow we might change them. That doesn't help our readiness and commitment. I get that there is going to be a lot of policy wonk conversation by some Members because they want to confuse the issue and make it hard for people to understand what is really going on in Washington. But it is simple. The chairman of the Veterans' Affairs Committee knows this issue is simple. It is about our vets. If you vote yes, you are for our vets; if you vote no, you are against our vets. That is it. They can put in all the spin and all the amendments to make it sound good. But in reality, they are trying to cover an activity they are struggling with; that is, they don't necessarily like some of us who are sponsors. I get that. But let's put aside our politics. Let's do what is right for the vets, let's have their backs, let's keep the promise we made to them. Again, this bill is simple. It is so simple it is 1 page. It just says: Repeal that action. I hope my colleagues on the other side who are wondering about what they should do will vote for the vets. Vote yes. Don't mess with amendments, don't try to have this pay-for convoluted argument. The vets at home who will be watching don't care about that. They just want to make sure their COLA is there. Let's give them the peace of mind they deserve. I will read a few of the names who have paid the ultimate sacrifice. I read some of these last night: GySgt Christopher Eastman, Marines, age 28, from Moose Pass, AK; SGT Joel Clarkson, Army, age 23, Fairbanks; LCpl Grant Fraser, Marine Reserves, age 22, Anchorage; SPC Shane Woods, Army, age 23, Palmer. These are just a few of the 22 Alaskans who have lost their lives. I don't know if they would have been long-term career if they stayed in the Army or Air Force, but they sacrificed their lives. They put their lives on the line to make sure we do the right thing here. It is time we do it. Today is the opportunity. Don't convolute it with all kinds of amendments. Vote up or down. You are either for vets or against vets. I yield the floor.

Mr. BEGICH

Mr. BEGICH. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that notwithstanding the resolution of the Senate of January 24, 1901, the traditional reading of Washington's Farewell Address take place on Monday, February 24, following the prayer and pledge; further, that Senator King be recognized to deliver the address.

Mr. BEGICH

Mr. BEGICH. Mr. President, if there is no further business to come before the Senate, I ask unanimous consent that it adjourn under the previous order.

Mr. BEGICH

Mr. BEGICH. Senator-designate Walsh from Montana will be sworn in at 12:15 p.m. tomorrow. Senators will be notified when the next vote is scheduled.

Mr. BEGICH

Mr. BEGICH. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that when the Senate completes its business today, it adjourn until 10 a.m. on Tuesday, February 11, 2014; that following the prayer and pledge, the morning hour be deemed expired, the Journal of proceedings be approved to date, and the time for the two leaders be reserved for their use later in the day; that following any leader remarks, the Senate resume consideration of the motion to proceed to S. 1963, the military retirement pay restoration bill, postcloture; that the Senate recess from 12:30 p.m. until 2:15 p.m. to allow for the weekly caucus meetings; and, finally, that all time during adjournment and recess count postcloture on the motion to proceed to S. 1963.

Mr. BEGICH

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

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

Mr. BEGICH

Mr. BEGICH. I ask unanimous consent that the resolution be agreed to, the preamble be agreed to, and the motions to reconsider be considered made and laid upon the table, with no intervening action or debate.

Mr. BEGICH. I ask unanimous consent that the HELP Committee be discharged from further consideration of S. Res. 339 and the Senate proceed to its immediate consideration.

Mr. BEGICH

Mr. BEGICH. I ask unanimous consent that the bill be read for a third time, passed, and the motion to reconsider be laid upon the table.

Mr. BEGICH. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the Finance Committee be discharged from further consideration of S. 1954 and the Senate proceed to its immediate consideration.

Mr. BEGICH

Mr. BEGICH. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the letters relating to the resignation of the Senator from Montana, Max Baucus, be printed in the Record.

Mr. BEGICH

Mr. BEGICH. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the Senate proceed to a period of morning business, with Senators permitted to speak for up to 10 minutes each.

Mr. BEGICH

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

Mr. BEGICH. Madam President, I am one of the sponsors of the bill pending before the Senate at this moment. As we know, the bill is about as simple as we can get around this place: a one-sentence measure to restore the fairness to America's military retirees. The bill repeals the COLA cut Congress gave to working-age military retirees when we passed the budget just before Christmas. The budget bill had a lot of good provisions and passed with large bipartisan support on both sides of the Capitol. It avoided another government shutdown. Alaska's delegation was unified in passing the budget bill. It prevented another round of major cuts to Defense Department and other agencies. It showed the American people that Republicans and Democrats can work together. But it wasn't much of a Christmas present for our veterans--the brave Americans who made a career out of serving their country and, in many cases, putting their lives on the line. That budget deal says working-age military retirees will see their pension COLA adjustments reduced by 1 percent annually. For many this is a hit totaling tens of thousands of dollars over years. For some the total reduction over their lifetime is upwards of $80,000. It is completely unacceptable. This is why many of us only supported the budget deal because we had already committed to rolling back the COLA cut once the deal was completed. The bill before us right now will take care of the problem once and for all. The chief sponsors are Senators Hagan, Pryor, Shaheen, and myself. Many others are coming onboard. In fact, I don't know a single Member of this Chamber who opposes making sure our military retirees continue to receive their full COLA. It is right to do. When these heroes signed on to serve and made their military service a career, it is what they were promised. They should expect no less now. But I have been around the block a few times and I know what is coming. Many of our colleagues on the other side of the aisle are going to come to this floor and talk a good game. They are going to pledge their loyalty to the troops, they are going to wrap themselves in the flag, and then they are going to pivot. They are going to start qualifying things. They are going to say the sky is falling. And they are going to say we can only pass this bill if we pay for it. We have already been down that road. Many of us in this Chamber tried to fix the military COLA last month, but our efforts failed in a fight over what is known around here as a pay-for. Honestly, I am sick of it. The bill before us right now--the bill I proudly sponsor--has no pay- for. Why is that, people ask. Because the men and women of our Armed Services have already paid--paid up on their end of the deal--and now it is time for us to pay our part. Unfortunately, too many of them have paid the ultimate sacrifice, with their lives. All of them--even those who served, who survived, and were lucky enough to retire--had agreed to put their lives on the line. That is the deal when you sign up to serve this country. So to my colleagues I say, don't come down to this floor and lecture me about paying for this bill, because it is a simple thing to do. I have a list right here of Alaskan soldiers who died in battle during the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, the wars that weren't paid for. There are 22 names here. Alaska is a small-populated State, so every one of these losses hit us hard. In all, nearly 6,800 American soldiers have died in these 2 wars. Half of these fallen soldiers were between the ages of 18 and 24 years old. With permission, I am going to read just a few of the names of our fallen Alaskans: TSgt Leslie Williams, Air Force, age 36, Juneau; PFC Adare Cleveland, Army, age 19, Anchorage; SGT Kurtis Arcala, Army, age 22, Palmer; Michael Lasky, Marine Reserves, age 22, Sterling. Twenty-two Alaskans have paid the price. Granted, we will never know if these brave soldiers would have chosen to make a full career out of the military. We will never know if they would have collected a pension from the country they served. But this much we do know: Every American troop who is serving right now, especially the career soldiers, signed on with a promise from the rest of us that in return for their sacrifice, their government would take care of them. It is time for those of us in Congress to step up and do that--both sides of the aisle on both sides of the Capitol. It is time for us to pass this bill and to make good once again on our end of a deal. Let me make one point. Our actions so far on this issue are not theatrical. This isn't about some ideological policy debate. By voting to reduce the COLA adjustment, we have already impacted real people and real families and created uncertainty in their future. Here are just two examples of Alaskan constituents. A soldier from Anchorage wrote to me and said: I myself am on active duty with just over 18 years of service. Maybe I made a mistake by devoting my life from age 19 to now to the Air Force. He said he has moved six times, has two failed marriages and two children, one of whom is disabled. He says we changed the rules of the game and now wonders what would have happened if he had chosen college instead of the military. The letter says: I can't undo 18 years of service. I can't change my career path. It seems very unfair to be changing our retirement like this. Another family from the North Pole up near Fairbanks wrote to me. The husband served 20 years in the Air Force, and their daughter is currently a major in the Air Force. They were promised benefits for life, such as good health care and retirement benefits with a COLA adjustment. The husband could have left sooner and started another career, but he chose to stay because of the benefits. Their message to me was very simple: The vote to reduce the COLA breaks faith with them, with those already retired, and with everyone who has chosen a military career. And what about those bright young people who are deciding right now whether to sign up and perhaps make a career out of the military? What are they thinking about their Congress and their future? We need to fix this, and fix it right now, starting with our vote this evening--not next month, not later this spring, not next fall, but right now. I know there is going to be a lot of debate. Hopefully tonight we will see the cloture vote and move to the debate. I know there will be a list of pay-fors. As I said earlier, the people whom this protects and ensures they have a COLA and retirement they can depend on are people who served this country and put their lives on the line. We have an obligation--an obligation today, tonight, and tomorrow--to finish this and put their COLA back in place. I know we will hear arguments about the deficit and all these explanations. But I can't say enough about the payment that has already been made by our military, by the people who served not only on the frontlines but throughout this world, protecting our country. I hope we put aside our political debates and our politicking, and get on with doing what is right. When we put this in perspective about the 6,800 who perished in the two unpaid-for wars--$2 trillion-plus unpaid for--this is a $6 billion issue over the next 10 years. It is a small amount to make sure we solve this problem for our retirees. The military coalition--an incredible organization of many of our military organizations around the country--has sent a letter today supporting S. 1963, the bill we have up today. So I hope Members on both sides put aside this whole argument on the pay-for and let's get on with doing what is right with our retirees. They have paid the price, they have served our country, and it is time to pay the bill-- and that is voting for this piece of legislation tonight, voting to close it in cloture, and then moving on to final passage. I look forward to the debate. I yield the floor and suggest the absence of a quorum.

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

Mr. BEGICH

Mr. BEGICH. Mr. President, I wish to recognize Hockey Week in Fairbanks, a terrific annual celebration that takes place every winter. It has become so popular it will run for 10 days, from January 31 to February 9, 2014. During our long Alaskan winters, we welcome entertainment that celebrations like this offer and the outdoor and indoor activity that hockey represents. Ice hockey has long been a popular sport all over Alaska, with leagues that run all year for players of all age groups. Due to the commitment and interest of players, coaches, and boosters, a Fairbanks Hockey Hall of Fame was established to honor those who helped develop the sport in Interior Alaska. Because of the foresight and enthusiasm of the hall's board, they also sponsor hockey week. The activities during 2014 hockey week are varied. There is the popular ``Wear Your Jersey to School Day,'' tournaments for youth, puck shooting, a contest for the best backyard rink, ice sculptures with hockey themes, and much more. Typical of the civic spirit of the organizers and partisans, they sponsor reading programs in elementary schools and conduct blood donation drives as well, during the week. This year, the organizers have attracted a major exhibit. The outreach program of the Hockey Hall of Fame in Toronto will send artifacts from its collection to be on display in Fairbanks and, later, in Anchorage. Fans will see jerseys, sticks, skates, and many other items belonging to some of the greats who have played professionally. Each year, the celebration seems to top the previous year's. One of the reasons it does is because of the major force behind the event: Randy Zarnke, the president of the Fairbanks Hockey Hall of Fame. The year after he wrote a book about Fairbanks hockey pioneers in 2005, he started this remarkable celebration. I am happy to add my thanks for his leadership.

Mr. BEGICH

Mr. BEGICH. Mr. President, I wish to pay tribute to James von der Heydt. In his over half a century of service, James von der Heydt built a lasting legacy with distinguished service in all three branches of government. Coming to Alaska in 1943 originally to work on the construction of the ALCAN Highway, James demonstrated the versatility for which Alaskans are famous. By 1945, he was a deputy U.S. Marshall in Nome. Seeking to give more to his new home State, James left Alaska in 1948 to attend law school. When he returned, he served as the U.S. Commissioner at Nome and then as the United States attorney for Alaska. He served in the Alaska Territorial Legislature in the 1957 session and then became one of the first superior court judges when Alaska became State in 1959. In 1966, President Johnson appointed him to serve as a judge in the U.S. District Court for Alaska where he continued to shape the interpretation of Federal laws in Alaska for the next three decades. We will all miss his love of Alaska, wisdom, and compassion.

Mr. BEGICH

Mr. BEGICH. Mr. President, I rise as well to thank the senior Senator from Washington for her insight and to echo the comments from my colleagues, especially my good friend from Alaska. The not-for-profit student loan servicer in my State, the Alaska Student Loan Corporation, does an outstanding job of servicing student loans. They take a proactive and supportive role with the accounts they receive from the Department, and I want to ensure they will be able to continue to participate in this important program. I was pleased to learn that the chairman's intent in including this language was not to exclude not- for-profit servicers from competing for additional servicing accounts.

Mr. BEGICH

Mr. BEGICH. Madam President, I wish to pay tribute to MAJ Toby M. Williford for his exceptional dedication to duty and service to the U.S. Army and to the United States of America. Toby has served for the last 2 years as a congressional budget liaison for the Secretary of the Army and will soon depart for his next duty assignment. A native of Hobbs, NM, Toby earned his commission from Tarleton State University in 2003. Major Williford's assignments have been diverse and include 24 months of combat experience. While a lieutenant, he served in F Company, 1-66 Armor Battalion and Headquarters and Headquarters Company 4th Forward Support Battalion as a platoon leader, executive officer, and support operations officer, both stateside and in combat during Operation Iraqi Freedom. After promotion to captain, Toby served in the 17th Combat Support Sustainment Battalion as commander of the 539th Transportation Company and deployed to Kuwait for his second combat tour. After returning from his second deployment, Toby began his studies as an Army congressional fellow, earning a master's of professional studies in legislative affairs from the George Washington University. He was then assigned as a congressional fellow in my office in 2011. Toby was subsequently assigned as a congressional budget liaison officer in the office of the Assistant Secretary of the Army for Financial Management and Comptroller with responsibility for the ammunition and missile procurement portfolios. Toby advised the Army's senior leaders, fostering and strengthening the relationship between Congress and the U.S. Army. Major Williford's leadership throughout his career has positively impacted his peers and superiors, soldiers and civilians alike. As a congressional budget liaison officer, he worked directly with the House and Senate Appropriations Committees to educate and inform Representatives, Senators, and staff about the diverse and important ammunition and missile procurement initiatives of the U.S. Army. On behalf of a grateful nation, I join my colleagues today in recognizing and commending MAJ Toby M. Williford for over a decade of active service to his country in the U.S. Army. We wish Toby, his wife Amanda, and their four children, Addison, Aubrey, Tate, and Alyssa, all the best as they continue their journey of service to our great Nation.