Roland Burris

Mr. BURRIS

Mr. BURRIS. Mr. President, my brief remarks this morning are going to be on the cost of our broken health care system. There have been times throughout our Nation's history when the American people have called upon our elected leaders to make very difficult decisions. This is one of those moments. The debate over health reform has taken hold of this country and this Congress. We need a public option as part of any reform legislation, and we need it now. But the debate goes on. In House and Senate committee hearings, in townhall meetings, and at dining room tables across America, people are talking about the cost of health care reform. But they are not just talking about dollars and cents. Sometimes Washington forgets that. We worry about taxes, the deficit, and the need to keep Federal spending in check. We are right to debate these issues. But in the swirl of numbers and the cold analysis of insurance profits, we must not forget the extraordinary human cost of our broken health care system. Nearly 45,000 Americans die every year because they do not have insurance coverage and cannot get quality care. That is one death every 12 minutes. This simply cannot stand in the United States of America. As Members of the Senate, as Americans, and as human beings, we cannot allow this to continue. It is time to take bold action. We must not delay any longer. The American people are waiting--people such as Deborah, a mother from Illinois, who works for a social service agency. Her employer had to cancel health care benefits and cut salaries more than a year ago because the expenses were too high. Deborah had a heart attack in April. Her resulting hospital bills total almost $16,000. She cannot afford the medicine her doctors have prescribed for her. And now she is having trouble paying bills. Her gas and electricity have already been cut off in her home. Next it is going to be the water. Thankfully, Deborah's children and foster children have health insurance provided under an Illinois program called All Kids. But what if she suffers further complications or another heart attack? What if she loses her home or her job? What will happen to Deborah and her family? If this Congress does not pass meaningful health care reform, their future is uncertain at best. But if we do act, we can bring Deborah and her family back from the brink of ruin. If we pass health care reform with a public option, Deborah and millions like her will be able to get the quality care they need at a price they can afford. Under a public plan, health care costs will come down. Perhaps Deborah's employer will be able to restore her insurance coverage. But if not, she will be able to get individual coverage by choosing between an affordable private or public plan. Competition will drive premiums down across the board, making insurance more affordable for every single American. This means even with a preexisting condition, Deborah will not have to worry about finding good coverage at a fair price. She will be able to pay her bills again. In case she needs further treatment down the road, she will not be forced to choose between keeping food on the table or seeking the quality care she deserves. That is what health care reform is with a public option, and that is what could help Deborah. These reforms would also help working folks such as Scott and Cindy, a self-employed couple from Oak Park, IL. Scott is a carpenter, and Cindy is a freelance writer and editor. They have a combined income that ranges from $50,000 to $120,000 per year, depending on the economy. But Scott has a preexisting condition. Unlike many people in similar situations, they were fortunate enough to find an insurance company that would cover them. But the costs are extremely high. Premiums run more than $500 a month. Scott is covered by one plan, and Cindy and the kids are on a separate plan, and each one has a deductible of about $5,200 a year. That is the deductible. That is why Scott and Cindy were so worried when their son broke his arm last summer. It was a bad break, but it is the kind of injury that is common to an active 15-year-old kid. It was not catastrophic, it was not unusual, and no one's life was at stake. But the medical bills totaled about $4,000. Even though Scott and Cindy have insurance, they had to pay every cent of this out of their pockets. They are underinsured, and they know it. That is why they ration their own health care. I will repeat that: That is why they ration their own health care. Whenever they can skip a doctor's visit, or a checkup, or a minor procedure, they will do so in the interest of saving money. Of course, when their kids need treatment, they make it a priority. But Scott and Cindy know they will not be able to afford it if either of them gets sick. What will happen to this family if they experience a catastrophic illness? What will happen if their coverage gets dropped, or if the costs continue to go up? With health care reform, private insurers could no longer discriminate against Scott's family because of his condition. If they are unhappy with the private insurance, they will have the choice to purchase high- quality public insurance for the whole family. Regardless, their deductible and monthly premiums will be much lower. For the first time, they will not have to worry about Scott's preexisting condition, and they can stop rationing their health care. They will be able to take advantage of preventive care so they can catch potential problems earlier and minimize their chances of getting really sick. This is what reform with a public option would mean for Scott and Cindy, and for millions of Americans just like them in Illinois and across the country. That is why I will not compromise on the public option. I will repeat that: I will not compromise on the public option because Deborah, Scott, and Cindy need our help. That is why I will not settle for anything less than the real reform the American people deserve. The human cost is too high. As we move forward, it is important to consider all sides of this contentious debate. But this debate has been going on for nearly a century. Since the days of Teddy Roosevelt, we have been trying to come together and solve this problem. The time for debate is drawing to a close. The time for bold action is upon us now, and our path is clear. The only way to achieve meaningful health care reform and bring costs down is through a public option that creates real competition in the system. Let me be clear on this--I will be very clear--I will not vote for any health care bill that does not include a public option. I urge my colleagues to join with me, to stand on the side of the American people, and to fight for ordinary folks such as Deborah, Scott, and Cindy, and their families. We must not delay. We must not let them down. Mr. President, I yield the floor and I suggest the absence of a quorum.

Mr. BURRIS

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

Mr. BURRIS. Madam President, I ask unanimous consent to speak as in morning business.

Mr. BURRIS

Mr. BURRIS. Madam President, as we debate this Defense appropriations bill, many of my colleagues have discussed the commitment we make to those who serve this country in uniform. It is a commitment that begins on the day they volunteer for military service, and it extends through their retirement and beyond. Just as we have an obligation to servicemembers who work in harm's way, we need to offer strong support for those who are left here at home. Military families bear a burden that must not be forgotten. They deserve our utmost gratitude. And their stability and well-being affect the readiness of our Armed Forces. Our soldiers, sailors, airmen and marines cannot afford to be distracted by worries about those they leave at home. We need to address the needs of these families, not only to honor the sacrifices they make, but also to provide stability. Quality education is at the very center of these needs. That is why we must increase funding for Impact Aid, a program which provides assistance to school districts that serve military families. Throughout my career in public service, I have been a strong believer in education as a powerful force to shape lives--to give people the tools they need and the inspiration that will help them succeed. It is the foundation upon which we build our Nation's future. But even when we see an improvement in scholastic performance at the national level, some groups of students fall further and further behind. Many children of Federal workers, including military personnel, fall into one of these groups. Military bases--and other Federal facilities--occupy land that might otherwise be zoned for commercial use. Because of this, local school districts suffer from a reduced tax base to fund their expenses. This limits the amount that can be spent in the classroom and leaves students at a serious disadvantage compared with kids in neighboring towns. We need to correct this inequity. In North Chicago, IL--the home of the Great Lakes Naval Training Center--only half of the 4,000 students meet or exceed State standards. Even with some Federal assistance, North Chicago's School District 187 is able to spend just under $7,000 per student, per year. But in nearby District 125, they have the resources to spend nearly twice as much per pupil, and the school performs among the best in the State. An increase in Impact Aid funding would help to level this playing field, ensuring that the children of our soldiers, sailors, airmen and marines are not at a disadvantage because of their parents' service. Impact Aid funds are delivered directly to the school district in need, so they do not incur administrative costs at the State level. This makes Impact Aid one of the most efficient--and effective--Federal education programs. Scott Air Force Base is located in Mascoutah, IL--a community that receives Impact Aid funding. The local school district is able to spend only $6,000 a year on each child, but 90 percent of the students meet or exceed State standards. If these are the results that some students can achieve with only $6,000 per year, imagine how well Mascoutah might perform with even a small increase in available funds. It is vital that we target Federal assistance to the people who need it most--like the students in North Chicago and Mascoutah. That is why I am proud to be a member of the Senate Impact Aid Coalition, a group of 35 Senators devoted to protecting this important program. And that is why I believe that the $30 million we have set aside for Impact Aid is simply not enough. It is time to step up our commitment to military families. It is time to make sure all children have access to a quality education, regardless of who they are or where they are from. So I ask my colleagues to join me in supporting the House version of this appropriations bill, which commits $44 million to the Impact Aid Program. And when the legislation reaches conference committee, I urge Chairman Levin to defer to the House mark. The $14 million difference between the House and Senate versions may not seem significant compared to the size of the Federal budget. It may not seem significant next to the amount we spend to equip and deploy our men and women in uniform. But it will be significant to the students. Students in North Chicago, and Mascoutah--O'Fallon, and Rockford--and hundreds of communities in Illinois and over 260,000 students in 103 school districts across the United States. We owe them the same support we continue to show to their parents in uniform. And it is time to step up our efforts to meet that commitment. I yield the floor and suggest the absence of a quorum.

Mr. BURRIS. Yes.

Mr. BURRIS

Mr. BURRIS. Madam President, I ask unanimous consent to speak in morning business.

Mr. BURRIS. Madam President, last Thursday, just outside of a Chicago community center, a 16-year-old honor student was beaten to death. His name was Derrion Albert. There had been a shooting at the school earlier in the day. Afterwards, two rival groups of teens confronted each other in the street. Derrion was not a part of either group. He just happened to be passing in the area on his way home from school. In the violent chaos of that confrontation, as other teenagers punched and kicked each other, young Derrion got caught in the middle. He was beaten to death with railroad ties. The shocking murder was caught on video. It is extremely difficult, Madam President, if you have watched that film clip. But when you see this terrible scene unfold, you are struck by several things. No. 1, this did not happen in some distant country; it happened in our backyard, right outside of a community center on a populated street. It did not even happen at night. Derrion was murdered in broad daylight with people all around to witness the scene. And it did not happen to them. It did not happen to people unlike ourselves. It happened to us. Derrion Albert could have been anybody's son, grandson, nephew, brother, or friend. Just the other night, in a different Chicago neighborhood, another young boy was beaten within inches of his life. This violence is not confined to a single area or group of people. The problem is pervasive and it touches all of us. It is tearing apart families, communities, and our own sense of security. These acts are committed against our community by our community. In the last school year alone, 36 Chicago students were shot to death. This number does not include those who survived shootings in other violence. That statistic would be far higher. In the wake of last year's murders, the local government and Chicago police tried to put a stop to the terrible cycle of violence. But now, only a few weeks into the new school year, another young boy has been taken from us. I am thankful the suspects in Derrion's murder have already been arrested and charged with the crime. I am proud of the job our local law enforcement officers have done to make sure justice is served. But that is not enough. That is just not enough. It will never be enough. This problem is not unique to Chicago or Illinois. A national pandemic of violence has taken hold in every major city across the country. We can no longer stand by as an entire generation of young men and women fall victim to these senseless crimes. Government cannot do it all. Law enforcement can only do so much. That is why it is time for us to stand together as a community and as a nation to end youth violence. The old saying, ``It takes a village to raise a child,'' is very true. It takes a community to protect them. Our communities must take responsibility for our youngsters. We cannot tolerate violence any longer. Our parents must take ownership of their children and shoulder the responsibility of steering them away from gangs and violence. We cannot stand by and hope this problem resolves itself. We cannot expect someone else to find a solution. It is time to join with one voice and say: Enough is enough. This cannot stand. This cannot continue. It is time to take back our streets, our schools, our community centers, and our children. It is time for parents, teachers, neighbors, and friends to join with community leaders to put an end to the violence. It means afterschool programs to keep kids involved and off the streets. It means seeking opportunities for youth who are at risk. It means being present in young peoples' lives. Ask if your son's homework is done. See which school subject your daughter enjoys the most. Encourage kids to continue their education, to play a sport, or to go out and get a part-time job if they can find it. Be a good role model for your children and your neighbor's children. Be involved, but do not settle for the status quo. Do not let the young people of America continue to cut each other down in the streets. This will not go away on its own, and it is not someone else's problem. This youth violence that has gone on in our country is our problem, our future, and we must work together to solve it. The only way we are going to solve it is working together and recognizing that across this country there is a problem with our young people, and we can no longer tolerate that. Madam President, I yield the floor.

Mr. BURRIS

Mr. BURRIS. Madam President, I am proud to join my freshmen colleagues on the floor today. Across America there is a broad agreement on the need for meaningful health care reform. But there is much debate about what reform means and who pays the bills for keeping all our Nation's citizens well, including the disadvantaged. As the center of this controversy is a simple question of dollars and cents, what is cost-effective reform? According to a recent study by the Joint Center for Political and Economic Studies, eliminating ratios and ethnic health disparities in this country for the period between 2003 and 2006 would have reduced direct health care expenditures by nearly $230 billion. Further, when the study factors in indirect economic losses, such as missed days of work and premature death, the total cost of health care disparities to our economy approaches $1.25 trillion over the same period. This is a cost our country cannot bear. Part of the problem is a lack of coverage. People of color make up about one-third of the population of the United States, but they represent one-half of the Nation's uninsured. Providing quality, affordable health care options, including a public plan, will help address this problem. We must also change the way people receive their care. In disproportionately high numbers, many Black and Hispanic Americans use high-cost emergency room care for all their health needs. Often, by the time they seek treatment, their ailment has reached catastrophic levels. This drives everyone's costs up and puts extra strain on a system that is already stretched to the breaking point. But with certain basic steps on the front end, we can create a healthier nation and save a lot of money on the back end. For example, by encouraging and enabling health care providers to reach out to their communities, with culturally competent prevention and wellness initiatives, we can prevent some of the chronic conditions and catastrophic health care problems that have such a high cost for our economy. Basic nutrition education and access to healthy foods could drastically reduce the wide disparities in diabetes and heart disease. Expanding the prevalence of racial and ethnic minority health care professionals could increase the cultural competence of our health workforce. The health reform bills under consideration take significant steps to address the health disparities our country faces. I would like to take this opportunity to thank the HELP Committee and the Finance Committee for their tireless work in this effort. As a final combined bill comes to the floor, I look forward to an opportunity to debate and improve upon the provisions that will help our Nation's disadvantaged populations get access to the health care they need. This is not only a moral imperative in its own right, but it will help us achieve the health cost savings our health system so desperately needs.

Mr. BURRIS

Mr. BURRIS. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent to speak as in morning business.

Mr. BURRIS. Mr. President, more than 100 years ago, four American cities competed to host the world's Columbian Exposition. Elected leaders and proud citizens traveled here to Washington to make the case for their hometowns. After much debate, Congress decided that the exposition would take place in the center of the American heartland-- Chicago, IL. The Chicago delegation had made the strongest case and shown the most pride and conviction in their city. They bragged that their hometown on the beautiful banks of Lake Michigan was the perfect site for the Columbia Exposition and that no other city could compare. Folks from Chicago argued so long and so hard that a reporter referred to their hometown as ``that Windy City,'' and the nickname, of course, has stuck throughout the years. The Columbian Exposition of 1893 was a resounding success. Almost one-fourth of the entire U.S. population came to Chicago, and the city overflowed with happy visitors from across the country and all over the world. Today, Chicago remains an economic and cultural center of America. The city that hosted the Columbian Exposition has boomed into a world- class metropolis. And once again the proud citizens of the Windy City have stepped forward to make the case for our hometown. In 2016, 10,000 athletes from more than 200 countries will come together to celebrate the human spirit. Tourists, visitors, and millions of dollars will flow into a single place as a part of the greatest spectacle on Earth. The whole world will be watching the city that hosts the Olympic Games, and in 2016 that city should be Chicago, IL. From Lake Shore Drive to the West Side, it is a diverse and inclusive city that represents the very best of what it means to be American. It has always been a global leader in culture, art, architecture, commerce, sports, and even cuisine. I know Chicago will shine on the world stage in 2016, just as it did more than a century ago. The Olympic and Paralympic Games are a powerful force for global unity. It is time to bring the games back to the United States. President Obama understands what the Olympics will mean to our Nation and for Chicago. New construction and infrastructure improvement will revitalize the Midwest; tourist dollars from all over the world will begin flowing to American businesses once again; jobs will be created, revenue will increase, our local economy will be jolted back to prosperity as we prepare to host the games. It doesn't stop there. This impact will also be felt at the national level. Foreign visitors who travel to the Olympics in Chicago will also stop in Los Angeles, New York, Baltimore, Miami, Seattle, New Orleans, and a dozen other cities during their stay in the United States. The international spotlight will be focused on America and it will bring prosperity and good will. That is why I support President Obama's decision to travel to Copenhagen in support of our Olympic bid. Some have criticized this trip. Some say it is an unnecessary distraction from the challenges we face. But I believe it is just the opposite. It shows that the President is more focused than ever on bringing economic prosperity and international prestige back to the United States. A few days ago I was meeting with the mayor of Chicago and I told Mayor Daley that I thought the President and the First Lady would go to Copenhagen. There was some consternation as to whether he was going to appear, but because of the importance of the Olympics to Chicago and the Nation, I knew the President's decision was going to be made that would allow him to make an appearance in Copenhagen. I know they are proud Chicagoans, and I am pleased they have decided on strong support for their hometown. The trip will be a short one, but it could make a world of difference for Chicago and for America, because this is not just about Chicago or Illinois, it is about bringing the Olympic Games back to the United States of America. The Olympics will be a boon to our economy and they will strengthen our friendship with other nations. By appearing before the International Olympic Committee in person, President Obama can make the case that America is ready to lead once again, ready to light the torch of cooperation and prosperity for all of the citizens of the world. He can show the committee that Chicago is by far the best choice among the four remaining finalist cities. For the athletes, world-class training facility and event locations would be very close together, allowing for convenience and ease. For visitors, outstanding public transportation and modern infrastructure would make all events easy to attend. For residents of the city and people all across the United States, Chicago would shine on the world stage and dollars would pour in from across the globe to make it clear it is alive and well in my hometown. The Chicago 2016 Committee recognizes the importance of the games in renewing old friendships around the world as well as establishing new ones. Its ideals and the value of ``friendship through sport'' is at the heart of the city's Olympic bid. Let us support President Obama as he travels to Denmark in hopes of bringing the Olympics and Paralympic Games back to the United States. They are a powerful, inspiring force for unity in a world divided. Let us come together once again to welcome the people of every continent to our shores. Just as the people of Chicago did more than 100 years ago, let us celebrate our Nation by sharing one of the greatest cities with all of the world, by sharing its greatest city with the rest of the world, that great city on the lake--Chicago. I yield the floor and suggest the absence of a quorum.

Mr. BURRIS

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

Mr. BURRIS. Madam President, I would like to speak in morning business.

Mr. BURRIS

Mr. BURRIS. Madam President, in my home State of Illinois, there are roughly 44,000 people living with HIV or AIDS. Every day, these Americans face deadly illnesses that require delicate--and often expensive--treatment. Thankfully, they don't have to fight this fight alone. Across America, about 500,000 HIV patients who don't have adequate income or insurance are currently able to receive assistance under the Ryan White HIV/AIDS Treatment Modernization Act. This program supports a wide range of medical and support services that benefit HIV and AIDS patients. Illinois alone receives $75 million in Federal funds that serve more than 10,000 people. These programs make a real difference, not just in my home State, but in every State in the Union. They are critically important not only for the people who receive treatment, but for public health in general. That is why we cannot let the Ryan White Act expire on September 30. If we do not take action right now to reauthorize this program, the treatments will stop. If we do not stand up for those who need our help, half a million Americans will suddenly find themselves out in the cold. We cannot let that happen. We must act now keep this safety net in place. That's why I support a 3-year extension of the Ryan White Treatment Modernization Act. But we shouldn't stop there. As we reauthorize this legislation, it is a great opportunity to make a few small changes to make it more effective. We should update the Ryan White Act, to make HIV/AIDS information more accurate. We need to maintain transitional grant areas, so that essential services can be better matched with existing needs. We should make sure medical transportation and dietary treatments are covered for all patients. And we should use common sense to ensure that rebates and grants are classified and awarded the right way, with less bureaucratic redtape. This will make the system more efficient, and it will increase the impact this program can have on people's lives. More than 250 AIDS organizations have already expressed support for these changes, and for the reauthorization of this program. It is time to stand with them. It is time to stand with all the people who need treatment. Let us send a strong message to those who are counting on us to keep the money flowing: We will not abandon you in your time of need. If this Senate fails to act by September 30, the aid will stop. These successful programs--which enjoy broad, bipartisan support-- will simply cease to exist. We cannot let that happen on our watch. I ask my colleagues to join with me in updating and reauthorizing the Ryan White Act. I yield the floor and suggest the absence of a quorum. I yield the floor and suggest the absence of a quorum.

Mr. BURRIS

Mr. BURRIS. Mr. President, I am honored to be able to join my freshman colleagues as we speak on this important issue of health care reform. On September 9, the President stood before the Congress and issued a resounding call for health care reform. It is time for us to answer. We need to recognize, as our President does, that this is our moment to stand for freedom and opportunity. Health care reform is nothing less than a moral imperative. For years, costs have been rising and the quality of care has been going down. For the giant corporations that provide health insurance, rising costs have meant rising profits. They rake in millions of dollars by denying coverage to sick Americans. But for those of us who are not health care insurance executives, rising costs have become a terrible burden. In the early 1990s, when President Clinton and the Democratic Congress tried to pass health care reform, insurance companies brought costs under control. From 1993 to 1995, health care costs grew by an average of only $38 billion. Insurance corporations must have been afraid that reform would hurt profits, so they self-regulated, keeping costs under control until the threat of reform had passed. But when the Republicans took back the Congress, health care reform was dropped and costs skyrocketed, however. Between 1995 and 2006, costs increased by almost $102 billion annually. These numbers are clear. We are spiraling out of control, and inaction is not an option. We cannot stand by as millions of Americans all across the country are forced into bankruptcy by medical bills. Some say we are moving too quickly, that we need to wait. I ask, wait for what, for more people to get sick and die because they don't have access to health care? The American people have been waiting far too long. We must not wait any longer. It is time to make sure everyone has access to quality care and affordable health care. It is time to make sure no one can be dropped because of preexisting conditions and to provide a public option to compete with the private insurers. It is our duty to stand up for what we know is right. Mr. President, 45 years ago another Illinois Senator saw this same need as Congress debated the Civil Rights Act. The bill was under fire. There were some who could not accept reform. But Senator Everett Dirksen knew equality was woven into the moral fabric of this Nation, and he knew America had waited long enough for change to happen. Standing on the floor of this Chamber, he echoed Victor Hugo, who said: Stronger than all the enemies is the idea whose time has come. The time has come. Let's vote in health care reform. I yield the floor.

Mr. BURRIS

Mr. BURRIS. Madam President, I ask unanimous consent to speak for 5 minutes in morning business.

Mr. BURRIS. Madam President, I thank the Senator from California for the time yielded to me. In the halls of power and in living rooms across America, on cable news and around the dinner table, everyone seems to be talking about health care reform. From coast to coast--and on both sides of the aisle--there seems to be broad consensus. The American people and their elected leaders see the clear need for reform. But we often disagree about how to meet such a challenge. As we consider health care reform, and as we try to seek consensus, I believe we can find common ground on the need to address disparities in the health care system. I say we need to address the disparities in the health care system. In a country founded on the principles of freedom and equality, we currently possess a health care system that is anything but free and equal. This is simply not right. We need to ensure that quality, affordable health care is available to all Americans. We need to cut down on the widening disparity between minority individuals and the wider population so no one is left behind because of their racial or ethnic identity. People of color make up about a third of the population in the United States, but they represent half the Nation's uninsured. In Illinois alone, more than 21 percent of minorities do not have health insurance compared with 12 percent of Whites. It is time to correct this inequity and move toward a sustainable system that serves every single American regardless of skin color or economic background. This begins before birth. Only 76 percent of Black mothers and 77 percent of Hispanic mothers have access to prenatal care in the first 3 months of pregnancy. For White mothers, the number stands at more than 88 percent. This is unacceptable. It demonstrates that minority individuals are at a clear disadvantage even before they are born. This places them at a greater risk for problems down the road, problems ranging from higher infant mortality to increased rates of chronic diseases in later life. Combine these risks with a higher poverty rate and lower insurance coverage and we have a recipe for disaster. For no reason other than the color of their skin, millions of Americans are poor and uninsured. They have reduced access to health care and an elevated risk of illnesses such as high blood pressure and heart disease. This leads to a shortage of preventive care and forces some people to go to emergency rooms when they have nowhere else to turn. No wonder our health care system is strained to the limit. No wonder costs are through the roof, positive health outcomes are down, and we are unable to break this destructive cycle. We must address these disparities as part of our responsible health care reform package. We must work hard to make sure all Americans can benefit from health care reform. This means eliminating barriers to Federal health programs for American Indian tribes. It means increasing access to quality care for children, pregnant mothers, and every legal resident of this country--I say every legal resident. It means expanding preventive care and screening programs so we can stop diseases before they start. This is especially important for those who live below the poverty line. As we move forward, it is our responsibility to make sure we include every member of society in our reform proposals. We must not rest until everyone is a part of the solution. I urge my colleagues to join me in these efforts. If we work together, we can extend the promise of prosperity to every single American, regardless of race or ethic background. We can make sure this country is more free, more fair, and more equal. I yield the floor and suggest the absence of a quorum.

Mr. BURRIS

Mr. BURRIS. Mr. President, today, this Senate will act on a sweeping Transportation appropriations bill. My colleagues have spoken about this measure as an important part of the Federal budget for 2010. And they are right. This is sound fiscal policy that represents an investment in transportation and infrastructure. But we are also talking about much more than Federal spending over the next year. With this legislation, we are plotting a course for America's future. We are investing in public transportation projects and laying the groundwork for high-speed rail. We are developing renewable energy sources such as biodiesel and ethanol, which will allow us to keep efficient cars and trucks on America's roads. All of these efforts will help us achieve energy independence and protect the environment. So this bill has implications far beyond the next fiscal year. It is the beginning of a major step toward our new renewable energy paradigm. Let's talk about what that means for America. As a Chicagoan, I am fortunate to live in a city with a world-class public transportation system. Millions of people ride the CTA trains and buses every year. This reduces traffic on the streets, cuts greenhouse gas emissions, and saves money. Unfortunately, it also places a strain on the existing infrastructure. That is why we need to increase our support for the CTA and other public transportation systems across the country. We need to help the CTA and similar agencies expand service, refurbish aging infrastructure, and continue to operate safely. This will make our cities more accessible for everyone. It will help usher all urban centers into a new era of prosperity. But we should not stop there. It is time to renew our focus on transportation between cities and towns. As just about anyone can tell you, America's highways are heavily congested. Additional roads would be expensive to build, and they wouldn't make it any easier to get around. We need a solution that is both affordable and energy efficient. For me, this means only one thing: high-speed rail. I am proud to be a member of the Midwest High Speed Rail Association. And I believe it is time to weave this country together, from coast to coast, with a new network of clean, safe high-speed trains. This will create thousands of jobs, serving as a boon to the national economy. It will also save money. Laying track is four times cheaper than building highways, and railroads can transport up to five times as many people. There is no question that high-speed rail will increase the ease and affordability of travel between States. This will bring fresh opportunity to every community, large or small, that touches the new rail lines. Mr. President, 140 years ago, the great American railway first connected the east coast to the west coast. Rail travel helped give definition to this country. It is an integral part of America's past. And it will be just as important to America's future. This Transportation bill funds important projects and initiatives like these, all across the country. But it is about more than public transportation. It also helps to lay the groundwork for a renewable energy paradigm. It is a blueprint to create jobs, protect the environment, and save money. If we pass this legislation, it will be a significant step in the right direction. And if we build upon this progress in the years to come, we can secure a brighter future for ourselves and for our children, because it's not just a matter of dollars and cents, and it's not just about jobs or the environment. It is about all of that, and it is about national security. It is about reducing our dependence on foreign oil. It is about renewable energy, safer modes of transportation, and an electric grid that is more secure and more efficient. This Transportation bill is a piece of that puzzle. It is a great start. So I urge my colleagues to join with me in supporting this measure. Let's invest in America's future once again. Mr. President, I suggest the absence of a quorum.

Mr. BURRIS

Mr. BURRIS. Madam President, we have heard a great deal about health care reform over the past few months. It is an issue that excites passion in many people, from the White House to Wall Street, from the Halls of Congress to the streets of Middle America. Last week the President called this Congress to action. He drew a line in the sand: We must improve the quality of health care in America and reduce cost, we must stop insurance companies from dropping the coverage of those who need it most, and we must make sure every single American can get quality, affordable care. We can all agree on these simple goals, but there is wide disagreement about how to get there. I recognize this issue may be easier for me than it is for many of my colleagues. I will not be running for reelection next year, as many in this Chamber will. Because of this, I am free to focus my attention on policy rather than politics. I don't have to worry about political concerns. I don't have to think about what the special interests will say or what campaign donors will think about my latest vote or statement on the Senate floor. When I evaluate an idea, I only have to ask one question: What does this mean for the American people? I believe health care reform is too important to be consumed by political concerns. I ask my colleagues to take a moment and ask the same question. As we look at health care reform, what would a public option mean to the American people? The answer is clear. A public option would provide stability and security because it is easily portable. A public option will introduce accountability, choice, and competition to the national health insurance market. It will provide a safety net for those who cannot afford private insurance. It will not be a government takeover of health care. Let me repeat that: It will not be a government takeover of health care. No other proposal would be as effective; no other plan can accomplish our goals. I ask my colleagues to separate politics from policy. Let's take a look at the facts. Critics have said a public plan will cost too much. To back up this claim, they cite studies performed by the same corporate insurance giants that posted record profits in a time of hardship for many Americans. These companies can increase profits by charging higher premiums and denying coverage to the sick. They have an interest in trying to prevent the kind of reform that will benefit American families. That is why their numbers make the public option look bad. But the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office conducted a study that tells a very different story. Rather than costing us money, the CBO estimates that a health care insurance option will save taxpayers $150 billion over the next 10 years. I believe we should not compromise on the public option because it will be the key provision that can provide choice and cut costs. I believe the American people deserve $150 billion in savings. Apparently, some of my Republican colleagues disagree because they continue to oppose a public option. That is bad policy, and it is pad politics. Critics have suggested we include a ``trigger'' mechanism in the health care bill. This would allow a public plan to compete with private companies only if other reforms failed to bring costs under control. This sounds like a reasonable proposal, but we have already seen the mechanism at work. In the early 1990s, when President Clinton and a Democratic Congress tried to pass health care reform, insurance companies brought costs under control. Health care costs grew by only $38 billion every year that Congress debated reform. Insurance corporations must have been afraid that reform would hurt their profits, so they self-regulated, keeping costs under control until the threat of reform had passed. Then when Republicans claimed the majority and health care reform was dropped, costs began to skyrocket. Between 1996 and 2007, the cost of health care increased by about $102 billion every single year. These numbers are clear. Fourteen years ago, we saw exactly what a trigger provision would look like. It simply doesn't work. What we need is a public option, plain and simple. It is time to abandon half measures. It is time to abandon empty political gestures. The evidence is clear we must make a public option a central component of the health care reform legislation. It will compete with private insurers, resulting in better coverage for everyone. It will improve health care outcomes and allow Americans to keep their current doctor. It will provide stability and security, especially if someone loses their job and needs to buy their own coverage. It will save money and reduce the burden on American businesses and families. It will not lead to a government takeover of the health care industry, as some critics have claimed. These claims have no basis in fact, and we have heard them before. Allow me to quote a Republican Senator on the floor of this Chamber who said if a health care reform bill is enacted, ``it will be the beginning of the end of private hospitals and medical insurance for individuals over 65.'' That is a dire prediction. These words were spoken by Senator Carl T. Curtis of Nebraska. But he wasn't talking about the current health care bill. Senator Curtis spoke these words more than 40 years ago in opposition to the Medicare law that established one of the most successful programs in American history. A public option would not destroy private insurance. It will merely help the American people hold them accountable. As President Obama reminded us in his recent address, there are many thriving private universities in this country, even though they compete directly with public universities. Over the weekend, I was speaking with a friend of mine who is a lawyer. He runs his own small practice, and he is proud of it. The subject of health care reform came up, and he told me he was worried. Costs went up so much, so fast that he could no longer afford to provide health care for all of his employees. He had no choice but to cut benefits or drop coverage for some of the people who worked for him. Sadly, my friend is not alone. Thousands of American small businesses are face to face with the same tough choices. But it doesn't have to be this way. I told my friend about the public option. I explained how it would compete with private companies and the insurance industry, driving prices down, which will allow him to shop around and find the right plan for an affordable price. He loved the idea. He told me the public option would save money and allow him to commit to the people who worked for him. I am convinced that a public option is the best and most effective way to address the health care crisis in America today, and we can make it happen. The majority of Senate Democrats has said they would consider voting for such a measure. Only one has come out against it. So let's seize the chance to enact reform. Let's give the American people the health care choices they deserve. After all, if the public option is good enough for Members of Congress, it should be good enough for the American people. Let's extend a high-quality congressional health care plan to everyone. Let's pass a public option that will reduce costs and increase accountability. That is good policy, and it just so happens it is also good politics. I yield the floor.

Mr. BURRIS

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

Mr. BURRIS. Madam President, I ask unanimous consent to speak as in morning business.

Mr. BURRIS

Mr. BURRIS. Mr. President, it is with a heavy heart that I take to the floor of the U.S. Senate today. For each of the past 46 years, this Chamber has rung with the words of a man who came to be known as the lion of the Senate. But today, that familiar voice has fallen silent. For the first time in half a century, this Senate returns to its work without Edward M. Kennedy. With his passing, our country has lost a true giant--a compassionate public servant who became a legend in his own time, a man whose legacy is bound up in the history of the U.S. Senate, whose life and works have touched everyone in America since the day he entered public service almost 50 years ago. Over the course of his career, he influenced more legislation than just about anyone in history. He argued passionately for voting rights and helped extend the promise of our democracy to a new generation. He spoke out in defense of our Constitution and the principles of fairness we hold so dear. Time and again, he raised his booming voice on behalf of the less fortunate. He protected the rights and interests of the disabled. He extended health insurance coverage to children and fought to improve the American health care system, a struggle that would become the cause of his life. But perhaps his greatest single achievement came early in his career when he stepped to the center of the national debate and led the fight against segregation. He became a champion of the civil rights movement, lending his full compassion to a difficult and divisive issue. Today, we live in a nation that is more free, more fair, and more equal because of Edward Kennedy. He was the single most effective U.S. Senator of our time. He did more good for more people than anyone in the Senate has known before. And it will be a very long time before we see the likes of him again. Ted Kennedy reminded us of the greatness that lives in our highest aspirations. He enjoyed wonderful triumphs and endured terrible tragedy. Through it all, he taught us to keep the fire burning, to confront every challenge with passion and hope and with undying faith in the country we love so much. He reached across the aisle time and again. When everyone said compromise was impossible, Ted Kennedy did the impossible. When partisan politics divided conservatives from liberals and Republicans from Democrats, Ted Kennedy was always there to bring us together in the service of the American people. I first met Ted Kennedy in 1962 when his brother was President and Ted was a young man running for the U.S. Senate. I was a legal intern at the White House and a second-year law student at Howard University. For me, the chance to serve the Kennedy administration--and meet all three Kennedy brothers--was a remarkable and inspiring part of my early career in public service. I had the good fortune to meet Senator Kennedy one more time when I was running for reelection as state comptroller of the State of Illinois, having become the first African American ever elected statewide to office in my State. I was up for reelection, and I had a major fundraiser and I needed a big draw to come and help me raise funds. Someone said: Well, there is a Senator from Massachusetts named Ted Kennedy. He will come and help you. I said: No, no Senator of his caliber would come down to our capital for a fundraiser for a person who is running for State comptroller. Needless to say, I contacted the Senator's office. Without hesitation, Senator Ted Kennedy appeared at the fundraiser in our State capital to help me maintain my seat as State comptroller. During that same time, we had a little tragedy taking place that evening when our 15-year-old son in Chicago had been admitted to the hospital, and it was a question of whether I would be there at the fundraiser or go to Chicago to be with my son because my wife, his mother, was in Minnesota. So Senator Kennedy understood the dilemma but went on with the fundraiser. We got our son taken care of, but after my son was out of the hospital and home, guess who I got a call from days later wondering how my son was doing? It was Ted Kennedy. You just don't see a man of this caliber each and every day in this country. After I came to the U.S. Senate myself, I had the honor to serve with Ted only briefly. In all the time I knew Senator Kennedy, I came to see him as more than a living legend, more than a senior statesman, more than the lion he had become. For me, and for all who were fortunate enough to meet him over the years, he was a genuine human being, a remarkable ally, and a compassionate friend. He displayed nothing but kindness and respect for everyone he met, from his good friends to his bitter opponents. But for his many accomplishments and for all that he accomplished over the course of a lifetime in public service, there was at least one victory that eluded him. As I address this Chamber today, we stand on the verge of health care reform only because we are standing on Ted Kennedy's shoulders. And when the time comes, I plan to honor his legacy and pay tribute to his service by casting the vote he did not live long enough to see. When Senator Kennedy departed this life on August 25, he left more than an empty desk in this Senate Chamber. He left a fight for us to finish--a standard for us to bear. Long ago, he picked up the legacy of his fallen brothers and carried it forward into a new century. Ronald Reagan once said: Many men are great, but few capture the imagination and the spirit of the times. The ones who do are unforgettable. He was talking about President Kennedy. But his words ring just as true when applied to John Kennedy's youngest brother. They speak to Ted's enormous vitality--to his towering impact on the lives of so many for so long. He is gone now, but his presence lingers in these halls. In the many Senators to whom he has been a friend and mentor, in the dedication, faith, and love of country that he inspired, in the wood and stone and soul of this Senate Chamber, his legacy is very much alive. Now, that legacy has been passed to each of us. And it is time to take up the standard once again. This is a moment to look to the future, not the past--to meet difficult problems with bold solutions. As the Lion of the Senate told us 1 year ago, at the Democratic National Convention: The work begins anew, the hope rises again, and the dream lives on. Mr. President, no single voice can fill this Chamber as his once did. But together, we can carry this refrain. Mr. President. I yield the floor.

Mr. BURRIS

Mr. BURRIS. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent to speak as in morning business.

Mr. BURRIS

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

Mr. BURRIS. Mr. President, I wish to speak on the issue of travel that is before the Senate this morning. We live in a world divided. International tension, mistrust, even wars too often separate nation from nation. But every 2 years, 10,000 athletes from more than 200 countries come together to celebrate the human spirit. They meet in competition, arriving on the world stage from all five inhabited continents. Each of these five continents is represented by a single color circle, a ring entwined with four others to form the familiar symbol worn by every Olympic athlete. The Olympic and Paralympic Games are a powerful force for world unity and a boon to any city that hosts them. In 2016, the summer games will bring millions of dollars and international spotlight to one of four world cities. Selected by the U.S. Olympic Committee from a broad field of candidate cities, Chicago is one of only four finalists for the 2016 Olympics, along with Madrid, Rio de Janeiro, and Tokyo. The International Olympic Committee will make their final selection in October. That is in the coming month. We must work hard to bring the Olympics back to the United States of America. There is no greater honor than representing your country on the world stage. I am convinced there is no greater world city than Chicago. As President Obama and I both can attest, Chicago is a diverse and inclusive city. Situated on the banks of beautiful Lake Michigan, it is the jewel of the Midwest. Chicago has always been a global leader in culture, architecture, commerce, sports, and even cuisine, if you like a good meal. The Olympic spirit is alive and well in Chicago. The Chicago 2016 Committee recognized the importance of the games and renewing old friendships around the world, as well as establishing new ones. This ideal--and the value of ``friendship through sport''--is at the heart of the city's Olympic bid. It is a beautiful city, and I am proud to call it home. It showcases much of what makes this country so great. That is why it is an ideal site for the Olympic and Paralympic Games. For athletes, world-class training facilities and event locations would be very close together, allowing for convenience and ease. For visitors, outstanding public transportation and modern infrastructure would make all events readily accessible and easy to attend. For residents of the city and people across the United States, Chicago would shine on the world stage and millions of dollars would pour in from across the globe. Especially if we pass S. 1023, promoting travel to the United States and relaying better information to visitors, Chicago will be the clear choice of the International Olympic Committee in October. This important legislation, known as the Travel Promotion Act of 2009, would create a not-for-profit corporation, as well as a government Office of Travel Promotion. These organizations would work together to encourage business, leisure, and scholarly travel to the United States, restoring important components of our struggling economy. Travel and tourism, which generates as much as $1.3 trillion in the United States every year, have been on the decline since 2001, although those same industries have grown in many other countries. We must act swiftly to protect the 8.3 million American jobs that are directly related to travel and tourism. This means welcoming more overseas visitors each year--visitors who already pour $142 billion into the United States on an annual basis. An increase in international tourism would increase the profile of Chicago's Olympic bid. The 2016 Olympics, in turn, would generate even more international tourism in Illinois and across the country. S. 1023 would help this massive influx of visitors travel to the United States with ease. This would create jobs, increase tax revenue, and build stronger relationships across the globe. There are few international spectacles as singular and as inspiring as the Olympic and Paralympic Games. There are very few of those. A force for unity in a world divided, these competitions have the power to bring us together as one people, celebrating the human spirit with one voice. I urge my colleagues to join Senator Dorgan and Senator Ensign in supporting S. 1023. I thank Leader Reid for his leadership on this important issue. This legislation would help to bring visitors from all over the world to the United States, and it would help bring the 2016 Olympic games to Chicago, IL. Mr. President, I suggest the absence of a quorum.

Mr. BURRIS

Mr. BURRIS. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry be authorized to meet during the session of the Senate on Wednesday, September 9, 2009, at 10 a.m. in room 216 of the Hart Senate office building.