Roland Burris

Mr. BURRIS

Mr. BURRIS. Mr. President, this June we celebrate our diversity as Americans as we mark Pride Month. In many ways, the struggle for equality is a singular thread that is woven through the fabric of American history. From the Declaration of Independence, to the Emancipation Proclamation, to women's suffrage, from school integration, to Stonewall, the story of this Nation is a story of a long, slow march toward equal rights for every citizen. It is a story of ever greater inclusiveness--a tribute to the enduring promise of the American dream. Together, we can reduce discrimination based on race, ethnicity, religion, sex, sexual orientation, and gender identity. I believe we can achieve equal rights for all. I believe our next step in this ongoing struggle must be to secure the rights of the gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender community. We must start by stepping up our efforts to prevent hate crimes. It is hard to believe that it has been over a decade since Matthew Shepard was brutally beaten and left to die on a bitterly cold Wyoming road. His story rightly sparked intense national debate about the nature of hate. It reminded us that if Matthew was vulnerable, anyone could be vulnerable to such a vicious attack. The thing that is particularly heinous about hate crimes is that they are not just an assault on an individual, they are intended as an indiscriminate assault on an entire community. Our government has a moral obligation to say this is wrong, and we need to make sure our law enforcement officers and our courts have all of the resources they need to deliver justice. That is why I am proud to be a cosponsor of the bill inspired by Matthew's tragic story. I do not want to see another year go by without the Matthew Shepard Local Law Enforcement Act as the law of the land. But we must not stop there. Far too many gay and lesbian Americans face not just violence but other forms of discrimination in their daily lives. We are fortunate in Illinois to have laws on the books to protect our citizens from discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity. I believe those equal protections should be Federal law. I am also a proud cosponsor of the Employment Non-Discrimination Act. It is the fair thing to do, and it is the right thing to do, and it is far overdue. Passing ENDA will not end all forms of discrimination. One of the worst forms of discrimination is not only destroying people's careers and lives, it is undermining our national security. I am talking about the military's ``Don't Ask, Don't Tell'' policy. To all of those who have served, and to those currently serving in our Armed Forces, let us say: Thank you--thank you to those who have served. We honor your service. We honor your sacrifices. And we honor your courage. This Nation is a better, safer place because of them. They fight for this Nation every day. We should end this offensive and discriminatory policy so they can be the best soldiers, sailors, airmen, and marines they can be, while living their lives openly and honestly. Especially in this time of war, when we face terrorist threats, we must welcome the service of every patriotic man and woman who signs up to defend our freedom. When we dismiss the sacrifices made by those with a different sexual orientation, we determine the strength--we undermine the strength--of our fighting forces. When we fail to recognize the brave contributions that gay and lesbian servicemembers continue to make every single day, we diminish ourselves as much as we diminish their service. Senator Ted Kennedy has long been a leader on this issue, and I know he wants to see legislation passed to end the ban. I support his important work and I will do all I can to support those efforts. We will see justice, and not just in the military, but also for gay and lesbian families. Last week, President Obama took a first step toward ending the inequality of gay and lesbian families when he extended certain benefits to domestic partners of Federal employees. For the first time, same-sex partners can be included in the Federal Long Term Care Insurance Program. Now any employee will be able to use sick leave to care for a same-sex partner, just as an employee can take time off to care for an opposite-sex spouse. I applaud the President for beginning to tear down these inequities, but while this Executive order represents an important initial step, there is so much more to be done. The U.S. Government is far behind the private sector on this front. A large number of Fortune 500 companies already offer comprehensive benefits to same-sex couples. They have done so for many years, sometimes for over a decade. This allows them to compete for the best and brightest, attracting talented professionals regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity. We need to make sure the Federal Government is able to compete for the same talented people. I am proud to support a bill that would extend additional benefits to the domestic partners of Federal workers. This legislation, introduced by my friend Chairman Lieberman and Ranking Member Collins, will extend the full range of benefits to these couples. This includes access to the same Federal health and retirement plan currently available to the recognized spouses of government workers. As the free market has shown, extending these benefits to same-sex partners is not only the right thing to do, it also makes good business sense. I know that this week, the many Pride events around the country mean a lot of different things for people in the gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender community. For some, it is a chance to reflect on the progress and accomplishments made by this community and to organize for the future. For others, it is an opportunity to reflect and to honor those who have been lost to AIDS. And still for others, it is a chance to feel safer, to feel empowered to celebrate a part of something bigger than themselves, and to be reminded that everyone should be proud of who they are. However each of us celebrates Gay and Lesbian Pride Month, we must remember that gender equality is far from over. But just as the Emancipation Proclamation set this country on the path to racial equality, just as women's suffrage paved the way for gender equality, so that singular refrain throughout our history will be taken up again. The struggle for equality will not be easy, and it never has been, but if we keep at it, we will get there. Mr. President, I yield the floor.

Mr. BURRIS

Mr. BURRIS. Madam President, more than 200 years ago at the height of a humid summer in Philadelphia, 56 men affixed their signatures to a document that contained these words: We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal. These words expressed a sentiment that could not be realized for all Americans until more than a century later. At that moment, when the United States of America was born and the Declaration signed, a great injustice was woven into the fabric of our Nation. Slavery and the racial segregation that followed have left a tragic legacy that divided this country in the bloodiest war we have yet known. It is a legacy that still affects each and every one of us this day. My colleagues, Senators Harkin and Brownback, have introduced a resolution apologizing for slavery, Jim Crow laws, and policies of segregation and hate. This is often an uncomfortable subject so I applaud my colleagues for their willingness to confront the difficult history we all share. I thank them for their leadership on the issue and rise in support of the resolution which just passed. Several State governments have issued similar apologies. But the fact that the plight of slavery was a national concern demands a national response. Some in the Black community will dismiss this resolution. Some will say that words don't matter, that the actions of our forefathers cannot be undone. It is true that those who toiled in the fields, those who were deprived of their freedom, will gain no peace from this resolution. Their story is inescapably in our history. It is a story we must confront and try to overcome on a daily basis. But words do matter; they matter a great deal--the words in the Declaration of Independence acknowledging the equality of all men, even if the flawed policies of the time failed to embrace it; the words of a President who held the Union together and promised ``a new birth of freedom,'' even if his words required the forces of an army to achieve liberty for all; the words of a Supreme Court opinion which declared ``separate but equal'' was not justice, even if the Nation was not quite ready to listen; the words of a King who dared to dream of a promised land, even if he knew he might not live long enough to see it; the words of a troubled nation searching for hope in time of fear, which seized upon the rallying cry of a young Black man from Illinois whose words inspired a people to cry ``yes, we can'' with one voice--all of these words reinforced the fundamental truth we have uttered to ourselves and our children since the birth of this Nation: In America, anything is possible. As I look around this Senate floor today, I think of my parents who never saw this Chamber. I think of my grandparents who never saw this city. I think of my ancestors who could dream only of their freedom. I think of my great-great-grandfather who was given that freedom. Freed from bondage as a slave in 1865, near Columbus, GA, without a name of his own, he adopted the Army rank as his first name, Major, and he adopted the name of his county, Green, as his last name. He named himself Major Green. In a span of those few generations, I stand here in the Senate Chamber as the great-great-grandson of Major Green on that uniquely American arc of history that has taken my family from slavery to the Senate. As a nation, we have come a long way. But we cannot turn our backs on the shame of slavery, just as we cannot turn our backs on the rest of the Constitution that at one time embraced it. The greatness of this Nation comes from our ability to chart a new course, to shape and reshape the destiny that we share, choosing to reject injustice and cruelty, choosing to overcome the tragic legacy of past mistakes and look ahead to a bright future. This resolution cannot erase the terrible legacy, but it can help to heal the wounds of centuries gone by. It can pave the way for future progress. This journey, however, is far from over. We have not yet reached the equality promised in our founding documents--equality that transcends race, gender, sexual orientation, and religion, equality upon which our ever perfecting Union is founded. This story is still being written. As we confront the enduring legacy of slavery and Jim Crow, this resolution is an important part of moving forward. I would like the Record to show that this resolution has a different ending from a resolution passed by the 110th Congress. This resolution carries a disclaimer. I want to go on record making sure that that disclaimer in no way would eliminate future actions that may be brought before this body that may deal with reparations. I thank Senator Harkin and Senator Brownback for their leadership on this issue. I urge my colleagues to join us as we seek to write the next chapter in our history, to move forward, not only saying we apologize for slavery but moving forward to make sure all remnants of discrimination of any kind are removed from this great Nation of ours.

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. Madam President, next month, the Fourth of July, this Nation will pause to remember the moment when we asserted our independence and declared ourselves free from tyranny. It is a day all Americans hold dear, and rightly so. But on the 19th of this month, which will be tomorrow, many in this country observe another independence day. It echoes the ideals laid down in that first declaration. It celebrates liberation from a more oppressive tyranny. It marks a ``new birth of freedom'' for the slaves who had been excluded from the promise of the American dream. That is why I have submitted this Senate resolution observing the historical significance of that day--Juneteenth Independence Day. Slavery officially ended in the Confederate States of America when President Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation on January 1, 1863. But many slaves did not learn of their freedom until much later. Finally, on June 19, 1865, more than 2 years after the Emancipation Proclamation, Union soldiers led by Major General Gordon Granger arrived in Galveston, TX. They brought news that must have been almost unbelievable to all who heard it--especially those who had known no existence outside of bondage. The Civil War was over, they announced, and all slaves were free. From that day on, former slaves in the Southwest celebrated June 19 as the anniversary of their emancipation. Over the past 144 years, Juneteenth Independence Day celebrations have been held to honor African-American freedom. But this date has come to hold even greater significance. Throughout the world, Juneteenth celebrations lift up the spirit of freedom and rail against the forces of oppression. At long last, Juneteenth is beginning to be recognized as both a national event and a global celebration. The end of slavery marked a major step towards achieving equal rights for every American, regardless of race, creed or color. Just as the Fourth of July marks the beginning of a journey that continues even today, we must not forget that the long march to freedom that started on June 19 is far from over. Our progress along this path and our progress as a Nation can be measured in many ways, but none so dramatic as the popular election of an African American to the Presidency of the United States. America has come a long way since that first Juneteenth, and yet we have a long way still to go. Juneteenth should be a day of reflection--a day to remember those who came before, who fought and suffered and died. But it should also be a day of action; a day for all of us to stand together and hold up the liberties we hold so dear; a day to look ahead to the future, to continue the fight for freedom and equality; a day to think of our children as much as our forefathers. Together, we must ensure that our sons and daughters know an America that is even more free, more fair, and more equal than the America we live in today. When we leave this place, let us share in the joy of those who greeted General Granger's arrival into Galveston on that fine June day more than 140 years ago. And let us stand with our forefathers to continue this journey in our own lives. Madam President, I urge my colleagues to join with me in supporting this resolution observing the historical significance of Juneteenth Independence Day.

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 two different issues in morning business.

Mr. BURRIS

Mr. BURRIS. Mr. President, as I address this Chamber today, our country remains in the grips of the worst economic disaster since the Great Depression. We have all felt its devastating effects. In the last half century, it has never been harder for working Americans to make ends meet. But finally we are beginning to see indications that the worst may be behind us. The economy is still shedding jobs but at a slower rate. Business is starting to pick up again for some--not all but for some. The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act has started to take hold, and at long last some people are beginning to feel more hopeful. But as the tide rises for some communities, others continue to slip further and further behind. In a troubling new report, the unemployment rate among African Americans has risen to 14.9 percent--up 6 points since 2007. Everyone is hurting, but this is an alarming sign that some groups are still hurting more than others. While one in five White teens is without a job, two in five African-American teens are unemployed, along with one in three Hispanic teens. The overall share of African Americans with jobs has reached its lowest point since 1986. As we begin to emerge from the worst of this economic crisis, we must not forget that there is still a long way to go for many Americans. In our rush to get this economy back on track, we need to make sure we don't leave certain communities behind. This means increasing the amount of capital available to employers, helping put Americans back to work, and protecting small businesses. As a former banker who worked hard to secure loans for small businesses, I have a deep understanding of the role these companies play in creating jobs and helping the economy to grow. I know how crucial it is to provide immediate relief, as well as lasting support. That is why I applaud President Obama's recent call to speed up the disbursal of stimulus funds. This would save or create roughly 600,000 jobs in the next 3 months alone. This will not be an easy task, but it is necessary to strengthen America's small business, put people back to work, and restore economic security. But as we rush to provide aid to the American people, we need to make sure the stimulus funds are targeted effectively. That is why oversight is critical. As billions of dollars flow from the Federal Government to the State treasuries, transparency will help keep State and Federal officials accountable for every dollar spent in the name of economic recovery. If done right, this will ensure that everyone can share in the promise and prosperity of a revitalized economy. That is why I introduced S. 1064, a bill that will set aside small amounts of stimulus money to pay for regulation and oversight. These costs are currently unfunded, leaving the American people with only vague assurances that their money will be used effectively. Mr. President, this is simply not good enough. We need to protect the interests of the American taxpayers and ensure that every dollar can be tracked. I ask my colleagues to join with me in the fight for accountability. I thank my good friends, Chairman Lieberman, Ranking Member Collins, and Senator McCaskill for signing on to cosponsor this bill. As the economy begins to improve for some Americans, let's make sure millions of others are not left behind. We need to lift the least fortunate among us and ensure every American has an equal chance to benefit from our continued economic recovery. As one of our former distinguished Vice Presidents, Hubert Humphrey, famously said: The moral test of government is how that government treats those who are in the dawn of life, the children; those who are in the twilight of life, the elderly; and those who are in the shadows of life, the sick, the needy, and the handicapped. It is time to renew our commitment to the communities that are hurting the most, and as we work to increase transparency and speed up the responsible use of the stimulus funds, we need to make sure no one is left behind. Mr. President, again, we need to make sure no one is left behind. I yield the floor and suggest the absence of a quorum.

Mr. BURRIS

Mr. BURRIS. Mr. President, I rise today to applaud Senator Lincoln and Senator Snowe for their leadership and commitment in introducing S. 1222. This legislation would revise and extend existing empowerment zone, renewal community, and enterprise community rules. It seeks to make these programs more effective and ensure that the incentives work as intended. I am proud to be a cosponsor of this important measure. Congress created empowerment zones, renewal communities, and enterprise communities to spur economic growth and create job opportunities. Cities such as East St. Louis and Chicago, IL, have received tax incentives worth $5.3 billion. These incentives encourage businesses to open or expand and to hire local residents. They include employment credits, low-interest loans, reduced taxation on capital gains, and other incentives. Unfortunately, some of the programs have not operated as intended. A few major hurdles have prevented full utilization of the tax benefits available. These incentives desperately need to be refined and extended. That is exactly what this legislation would do, and that is why it is so important for the Senate to act without delay. Empowerment zones such as the one in East St. Louis, IL, focus on grassroots, sustainable progress. They create a bond between businesses, employees, and surrounding communities. Despite receiving only one-fourth of anticipated Federal funding, they have found aspiring entrepreneurs to expand and develop local businesses, using a creative array of tax incentives and loans. This legislation is an important step toward reversing the blight faced by our inner cities without gentrifying these areas or shutting out the community members who need our help the most. Senator Lincoln and Senator Snowe deserve our utmost support in their fight to rehabilitate these communities. I am proud to cosponsor this legislation, and I urge my colleagues to join with me in this effort.

Mr. BURRIS

Mr. BURRIS. Mr. President, born in a log cabin west of the Appalachians, Abraham Lincoln grew up in an average family with modest means. Yet despite only 18 months of education and family hardships, Lincoln's strength of character, persistence, and drive are among the many reasons he remains relevant to Americans today. Lincoln's legacy continues to impact the young and old alike even as our country changes and grows. In an attempt to celebrate the life of the great Abraham Lincoln, an essay contest was held in Illinois, ``The Land of Lincoln.'' Students across the State answered the question: Why is Abraham Lincoln still important today? The following essays celebrate the life and legacy of Lincoln and at the same time showcase the talent of young people across the great State of Illinois. I congratulate Megan Hendrickson, Ahsan Jiva, and Hannah Binnion for their extraordinary essays, and I encourage all students to continue to explore the history and lessons of our remarkable 16th President. I ask unanimous consent to have the following three essays printed in the Record.

Mr. BURRIS

Mr. BURRIS. Mr. President, we live in a world divided. International tension, mistrust, and even war 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-colored circle--a ring intertwined with four others to form the familiar symbol worn by every Olympic athlete. The Olympic and the 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 the 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 this October. We must work hard to bring the Olympic games back to the United States. There is no greater honor than representing your country on the world stage. I am convinced there is no greater city in the world than Chicago. As President Obama and I can both attest, Chicago is a diverse and inclusive city. Situated on the banks of the beautiful Lake Michigan, it is the jewel of the Midwest. Chicago has always been a global leader in culture, art, architecture, commerce, sports, and even cuisine. The Olympic spirit is alive and well in Chicago. The Chicago 2016 Olympic Committee recognizes the importance of the games and in renewing old friendships around the world, as well as establishing new ones. This ideal and the value of the ``friendship through sports,'' is at the heart of the city's Olympic bid. It is a city I am proud to call home, and it showcases much of what makes this country so great. That is why it is the ideal site for the Olympic and the Paralympic games. For the 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 for the International Olympic Committee in October. This important legislation, known as the Travel Promotion Act of 2009, would create a nonprofit 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, has been on the decline since 2001, although the 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 spend $142 billion inside the United States on an annual basis. An increase in international tourism would increase the profile of the Chicago 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 into the United States with ease. This would create jobs, increase tax revenue, and build stronger friendships across the globe. There are few international spectacles as singular and as inspiring as the Olympic and the Paralympic games. 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 Enzi in supporting S. 1023. This legislation would help to bring visitors from all over the world to the United States and would also help bring the 2016 Olympics to Chicago, IL, because I have a special interest in bringing those Olympics to my hometown. Thank you. I yield the floor and I suggest the absence of a quorum.

Mr. BURRIS

Mr. BURRIS. Mr. President, it is with great pleasure and sincere pride that I congratulate the Northwestern University women's lacrosse team on winning another NCAA Championship. As a lifelong Illinoisan and an avid sports fan, I am happy to celebrate the tremendous accomplishments of these young women. In a crowded field of worthy contenders from across the Nation, this Wildcat team rose to the occasion and claimed a fifth straight national title. Their consistency, grit, and determination is exemplified by their perfect record for the season: 23 to 0, capped off by a resounding victory over the third-ranked North Carolina Tar Heels. The Northwestern women's lacrosse team also consistently ranks in the top 10 to 15 percent of academic achievement in the NCAA's Annual Academic Report. It is clear from their record that the Wildcats excelled every time they took the field, but, more importantly, they excelled in the classroom and in the community. I am proud of this team because they recognized that ``student'' is supposed to come before ``athlete'' in the phrase ``student athlete.'' For many athletes, college sports have become a launching pad for fame and fortune, but on this team you may find doctors, lawyers, and maybe even a senator or two. Although the games may not have been broadcast to a national audience or as widely covered by the media, the women's lacrosse team deserves just as much recognition as their male counterparts. They have sacrificed sleep for early morning workouts, weekends for competition, and played a sport that practically requires the commitment of a full-time job, but all the while, they continued to attend class and maintain their studies. College athletics require a remarkable amount of dedication, and this team deserves notable recognition even if their scores weren't reported on the nightly news or the front page of newspapers. Their demonstrated character and sportsmanship marks them as role models for aspiring athletes throughout the State. Their athletic performance and strong record of academic achievement place them at the pinnacle of intercollegiate success. Although several players may be honored with individual awards, this national title belongs to each and every member of the team. This victory reminds us that we have the chance to shine only with the support of our comrades, our friends, our teammates. It is through persistent and concerted effort that we reach our potential, and when we inevitably fall, it is only through the strength and grace of our friends that we can pick ourselves up and journey onward. The teamwork displayed by these young women throughout the season, even under mounting pressure and enormous expectations, allowed them to carry the day. They have done their university, and their State, proud. We should all draw inspiration from their fine example. With this championship, the Northwestern Wildcats have cemented their position as the top Lacrosse program in the country. They are quickly approaching the record of seven consecutive titles currently held by Maryland, and, like many Illinoisans, I can hardly wait for what will surely be an exciting season next year. It is with great pride that Senator Durbin and I come together to celebrate this national championship. And we are proud to offer a Senate resolution congratulating these talented athletes. In the spirit of good sportsmanship displayed by the Northwestern women's lacrosse team throughout the season, I ask my colleagues to join with us in congratulating these student athletes on their remarkable accomplishment.

Mr. BURRIS

Mr. BURRIS. Mr. President, it is with deep sadness that I rise to mark the death of security guard Stephen Tyrone Johns, whose senseless murder yesterday afternoon at the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum shocked us all. My heart goes out to his family and friends on this tragic day and to his colleagues and fellow security officers who must return to a workplace that will surely never be quite the same. Even as we mourn his death, we must commend Officer Johns, his colleagues, and all emergency personnel who responded quickly to prevent additional violence and protect the safety of museum visitors. In the aftermath of this killing, how can we make sense of that which can only be described as senseless? How can we comprehend the forces that would drive a person to such hatred, to such violence? The simple truth is that most of us will never be able to fully understand this tragedy. We can only comfort one another as we struggle to confront a world in which Officer Johns has been taken from us far before his time. The same incomprehensible hatred to which the Holocaust Memorial Museum bears silent witness. We must honor the memory of Officer Johns by continuing the work he supported at the museum, preventing further violence, and standing tall in the face of intolerance. It will not be easy to move on, but we can start by asking ourselves what we can do to prevent guns from falling into the hands of killers, to stop those who would commit hate crimes before more innocent people are slain. That is what we owe the legacy of Officer Stephen Tyrone Johns. That is how we can celebrate his memory, honor his sacrifice, and pay tribute to the spirit of his work and the continuing mission of the place where he died.

Mr. BURRIS

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

Mr. BURRIS. Mr. President, I would like to speak for about 3 or 4 minutes.

Mr. BURRIS. Mr. President, for far too long, this Nation's broken health care system has limped along badly and in need of serious reform. Many in Washington have lacked either the foresight or the political will to take on this issue. For those who have tried, it has been almost impossible to get anywhere. Even today, the President's health care proposal is under attack from both the right and the left. I think we need to do better. Controversy should not drown out conversation. The time has come to cast aside the constraints of partisanship, stop bickering, and start talking about real change. The American people have had enough. It is time to get to work. The facts are plain: tens of millions of Americans are uninsured and underinsured. Many of these are children. Even employer-sponsored coverage is in jeopardy. Businesses are being drained by skyrocketing costs, and many have cut benefits. High premiums, rising copayments, and expensive prescription drugs are driving American families to the brink. Can we stand by and watch as unreasonable health care costs cripple families who are already struggling? No, we cannot. Can we allow this crisis to deepen, leaving more and more hard- working Americans behind? No, we cannot. It is the solemn duty of this Congress to follow President Obama's lead and enact swift, responsible reform. We can cut costs and improve coverage. We can make the system smarter and less wasteful. We can empower individuals and families to make important decisions, not giant corporations or government bureaucracies. We can and we must make quality, affordable health care available to every single American. While I support the role insurance companies play in our health care system, I strongly believe a public option should also be available. This would restore accountability to the system and increase competition, driving prices down and making good coverage, private or public, more affordable for everyone. American businesses and families have waited far too long for meaningful health care reform. The time to act is now. Some of my colleagues have been working to fix our broken system for many years. Senator Kennedy has been a leader on this issue throughout his career. This is the moment he and many others have been working toward. We must seize this opportunity to reform health care in America. I urge my colleagues to work with President Obama, as well as Senator Kennedy, to make sure everyone has access to quality, affordable coverage. 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, as we prepare to return home to our constituents and to celebrate the Memorial Day weekend, remembering all those who have served and sacrificed in the name of the United States, I would like to single out one veteran in particular. It is with deep and abiding pride that I rise to salute the late VADM Samuel Gravely, and to mark the christening of a new and remarkable U.S. Navy destroyer, the USS Gravely. At a ceremony last weekend, the Gravely became the first Navy ship in U.S. history to bear the name of an African American officer. When she receives her commission, the vessel will be the most technologically advanced warship on the planet. It is a fitting honor for the destroyer's namesake, the late VADM Samuel L. Gravely, Jr., who was the first African American to become a Navy officer. Beginning his career as a seaman apprentice in 1942, amid the chaos of the Second World War, Admiral Gravely first knew a segregated U.S. Navy in which people of color served mainly as cooks and waiters. Only one ship had a black crew. That vessel was the USS Mason, whose 160 men served under the command of white officers, In 1944, the brave crew of the Mason escorted support ships to England during a vicious storm. They completed this daring mission with valor, even when cracks in the hull threatened to tear their ship apart. Because of the racial politics of the age, and despite the recommendation of their commander, it took more than 50 years for these brave sailors to receive official commendation. It was in this climate that Samuel Gravely began his naval career. He retired from a very different U.S. military 38 years later. Admiral Gravely's years of service included many notable firsts. He was the first African American to command a combatant ship, the first to command a major warship, the first to achieve flag rank, and the first to command a numbered fleet. These are remarkable accomplishments by any account, but they are made all the more impressive when they are considered in the context of the U.S. Navy at the time. This exemplary sailor achieved greatness in a time when the policies of our Armed Forces too often limited the opportunities available to people of color. He understood the obstacles he was facing, but he was determined not to bow to the limits imposed by others. He did not let those difficulties stand in his way. Instead, he turned each challenge into an opportunity to excel. We should all learn from the example set by this great American hero, who started as an enlisted sailor and overcame extraordinary odds to finish his career as a three-star admiral. His accomplishments should resonate with all Americans. Admiral Gravely proved that respect will come to those who work hard to earn it. His legacy serves as an example for countless young men and women serving bravely in the Armed Forces. Soon, the destroyer USS Gravely will stand guard on the high seas, a striking symbol to the world of the remarkable and enduring truth of the American dream. Generations of sailors will serve on her decks, and as they stand aboard the Gravely, they also stand on the shoulders of the man for whom it was named. Thankfully, the divided society of years past has given way to a new America built on equality, a Nation more free, more fair and more equal, a Nation that cherishes the contributions of all men and women regardless of race, creed or color. A Nation built through the hard work and bravery of real life trailblazers like Admiral Gravely. I am extremely proud of Admiral Gravely's achievements, and I am deeply moved by the Navy's tribute to his service. Like many, I share in the joy that Mrs. Gravely must have felt as this state-of-the-art destroyer was christened with her husband's name. When this warship is commissioned, it will be more than a fighting tribute to its accomplished namesake. It will ensure that the outstanding legacy of Samuel L. Gravely, Jr., lives on in the service of the U.S. Navy for years to come. I can think of no better way to memorialize a true American hero. Madam President, I yield the floor, and I suggest the absence of a quorum.

Mr. BURRIS

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

Mr. BURRIS. Mr. President, as I address the Chamber this evening, our great country is in the grips of an unprecedented economic crisis. In our lifetime, it has never been harder for American men and women to find a job, to get a loan, or to make ends meet. This Congress has boldly taken action in the form of a landmark stimulus package, but millions of Americans are still waiting and wondering. It is a question I hear each and every time I travel home to Illinois: Where is our stimulus relief? They are waiting for help, waiting for results, waiting to fulfill the promise of the American dream, which suddenly seems just out of reach. It is our duty to provide relief in a timely manner, Mr. President. But in the rush to allocate stimulus funds, we must not be too hasty. As we work to get this economy back on track, we need to make sure that every dollar--every dollar--is spent wisely. I have vast experience in this area. During my three terms as Comptroller of the State of Illinois, I worked hard to maintain accountability as money was distributed, so I know how difficult it is. I will also understand the importance of transparency and robust oversight. That is why I, along with my colleagues, Chairman Lieberman, Ranking Member Collins, and Senator McCaskill, have introduced S. 104, the Enhanced Oversight of State and Local Economic Recovery Act to amend the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. This measure would set aside up to one-half of 1 percent of all the stimulus funds and allow State and local governments to use this administrative expense reserve to distribute and track the stimulus money as it is received and spent. These costs are currently unfunded, leaving taxpayers with no concrete assurance that their money is being efficiently delivered to where it is most needed. Our legislation would change that, mandating careful oversight and strict regulation as every dollar is spent. This measure represents common sense and simple good governance. I urge my colleagues to join me as we work to ensure transparency and accountability. This bill would be an excellent start, but I think we should even go further. The American people demand not just basic reform but a sweeping expansion of oversight and accountability for their stimulus dollars. When this Congress passed the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, and President Obama signed it into law, we took a bold step toward starting to rebuild our economy. But we must ensure that our efforts are not penny wise and pound foolish. Without transparency, without accountability, without oversight, we will not be effective. We cannot allow billions of dollars to disappear blindly into State treasuries. Perhaps these dollars would be spent wisely, perhaps not. Perhaps is not good enough for the American people and it is also not good enough for me. As a former comptroller, I know better than to simply trust that these funds will be put to good use. That is why I have introduced this bill, to make available the funds to track and regulate every dollar of taxpayers' money, to keep government officials honest and accountable to the people they serve. We owe it to the hard-working men and women of this country to send targeted relief on swift wings, and this legislation is an essential part of that. I thank Chairman Lieberman, Ranking Member Collins, and my friend from the great State of Missouri, Senator McCaskill, for joining me in this effort. I ask all my colleagues to support this essential legislation. We must act without delay. I yield the floor. I suggest the absence of a quorum.

Mr. BURRIS

Mr. BURRIS. Mr. President, in these trying economic times, far too many Americans have had to watch their hard-earned financial security evaporate almost overnight. Rising unemployment, rampant foreclosures, and shrinking market liquidity continue to run roughshod over American families. For some, credit cards have become a last line of defense. Responsible spending on credit has helped millions of ordinary people pay bills and keep food on the table even as the economy continues to deteriorate. I rise today in support of these hard-working Americans. The need for credit card reform is crucial, and the time to act is now. We must pass the Credit CARD Act of 2009 without delay. As credit availability tightens, the final wall of support is crumbling. At the slightest provocation, many credit card companies have chosen to take advantage of families in distress with unfair interest rates and drastic new fees. Some people are suddenly confronted with a choice between large annual premiums or excessive rate hikes. A Chicagoan, Mr. Weatherspoon bought a home several years ago and soon ran into some unexpected expenses. To consolidate his home repair bills that totaled over $12,000, Mr. Weatherspoon applied for a credit card to take advantage of a low introductory offer of 4.5 percent. Without notice, that low rate jumped to 28 percent. And he has been paying it off ever since. Over the last 8 years, Mr. Weatherspoon has paid the bank $15,000, but has only reduced his principal balance by $800. These companies can change the terms of a contract at a moment's notice and without providing any reason at all. This allows them to maximize their profits while keepingAmerican families mired in more than $950 billion worth of debt. We cannot stand by as honest, responsible people fall victim to these predatory tactics. We must not allow millions of Americans to be tricked and cheated as they struggle to make ends meet. Consumers are demanding relief, and it is our duty to provide it. There is no place for that kind of greed in this new economy. There is no place for rising interest rates and record profits at the expense of good working people. Now, as never before, we must move with urgency to shieldAmerican wage earners against exploitation and ensure that everyone gets a fair deal. This is especially true of those in need, and it is on their behalf that I address this Chamber today. That is why I support the Credit CARD Act of 2009. This bipartisan legislation will give us the tools to fix a system that allows corporate giants to abuse their customers. It will bring accountability back to the market and strengthen oversight. It will end abusive practices like hidden fees and sudden rate hikes. Young consumers will be shielded by a provision that requires an adult to share in every new credit card agreement. Companies will be required to use plain language instead of manipulative fine print, ending the predatory bait-and-switch tactics that got us into this mess. Quite simply, this bill will restore fairness, honesty and plain old common sense to the credit card industry. It will stop companies from changing the rules in the middle of the game, but it will do nothing to reward irresponsible spenders or penalize companies that operate in good faith. This is essential legislation at a time when the stakes could not be any higher. We must move quickly to halt unfair and abusive practices that threaten our financial security. America has had enough, and it is time that the members of this Senate stand with our fellow citizens to say that we, too, have had enough. I urge my colleagues to join with me in passing the Credit CARD Act. We will be voting shortly. Let's pass this bill. I suggest the absence of a quorum.

Mr. BURRIS

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

Mr. BURRIS. Mr. President, I would like to speak briefly on the credit card legislation which we are going to be taking up in a minute.

Mr. BURRIS

Mr. BURRIS. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent to speak as in morning business for up to 3 minutes.

Mr. BURRIS. Mr. President, as I address this Chamber today, politicians and pundits across the country are bracing for the spirited tug-of-war which precedes the confirmation of any new Supreme Court Justice. A list of names has appeared, seemingly out of thin air, and the media is already beginning its speculative debate on who this person will be. Many seem eager to attack or defend potential nominees based on ideological grounds or even specific issues. I see little value in this overblown rhetoric and idle speculation. We must be careful in our approach to such an important task. I call upon the White House to give us a nominee who will provide diversity to the Court and ensure that each ruling is informed by real-life experience as well as sound legal reasoning. The greatest jurors in our history have been drawn from the Federal bench, private life, academia, and even elected office. It is these exceptional, independent leaders to whom our President must now turn. Some will warn that any Obama nominee will be prone to political bias and judicial activism. We must be wary as we evaluate such claims. Certainly, it is right to oppose any jurist who would attempt to legislate from the bench. The Supreme Court must be bound by law and the weight of precedent. Justices must respect our Constitution and remain unbiased on all matters. But too often, we mistake insensitivity for impartiality. We cannot afford to choose a clear record at the expense of clear judgment. Decisions such as Brown v. the Board of Education display compassion, not activism. Roe v. Wade stood on principle, not on ideology. Some call it activism; I call it courage. Our judicial history is full of these independent decisions, and we should demand such strength and integrity from every jurist we place on the bench. After all, without any kind of courage, the Supreme Court itself would hardly exist as we know it. Marbury v. Madison was a landmark ruling that forever altered the role of the Court. It established judicial review and laid the groundwork for almost every decision in the last two centuries. We must oppose jurists who would overreach, but we would be well served to find a candidate with the integrity to draw on his or her God-given sense of empathy and personal life experiences. Above all, we must ensure that he or she will bring diversity to the Supreme Court. I encourage the President to give serious consideration to naming a woman of color to the High Court. Diversity of race and gender, diversity of background, diversity of thought, and diversity of judicial philosophy--all of these qualities would bring new views and experience to the Supreme Court and would encourage healthy debate among its members, bringing new perspective to each ruling. Any experienced attorney--and there are many of us in this Chamber-- knows that finding legal truth is not easy. Few issues are black and white. Judges must sift through shades of gray to make informed decisions. Legal truth arises from this dialog, from the collision of different perspectives and opinions. In shaping the Supreme Court, we seek to build debate, not consensus. Justice David Souter, throughout his 18-year tenure on the Supreme Court, has consistently given a thoughtful voice to the principles of fairness, equality, and the importance of precedent. He has always been a consistent advocate for ``a philosophy of all philosophies'' which values fresh ideas, unique perspectives, and inclusive debate. As this brilliant jurist moves into retirement, we must embrace his independent legacy by confirming someone who will bring diversity, empathy, and a powerful intellect to the bench. In short, we must ensure that he or she is worthy to be placed among the highest legal minds in the United States of America. As a former attorney general of Illinois, I can speak to the awesome impact the Supreme Court has on ordinary citizens. It is a testament to the enduring strength of our democracy that nine individuals, appointed and confirmed by representatives of the people, stand squarely at the crossroads of justice. They are entrusted to navigate difficult legal ground in order to distinguish right from wrong and to guard the sanctity of the Constitution. When any five of these individuals come together to hand out a ruling, it becomes the law of the land. There is no implicit threat of violence to back up these decisions-- merely the quiet force of a written opinion. That is the wonder of this thing called a democracy and the power of this Court. This is a rare and remarkable opportunity for this body to have a voice in shaping the highest court in the Nation--a court whose actions will continue to reverberate across the legal landscape for future generations of Americans. With the full weight of this serious task resting on our shoulders, I ask my fellow Senators to ignore the media's idle speculation. Now is the time to exercise our constitutional powers of advise and consent. The urgent needs of the American people demand that we think outside of the box. We must confirm an individual whose unique perspective can bring fresh diversity into the decisions of the U.S. Supreme Court. I urge my colleagues to join with me in communicating to President Obama that we will settle for nothing less. Thank you, Mr. President. I yield the floor, and I note the absence of a quorum.