Kent Conrad

Mr. CONRAD

Mr. CONRAD. Mr. President, I want to take a few minutes today to recognize our late colleague, Senator Ted Stevens. Ted Stevens was a fighter. He fought for his State and his country every day here in the U.S. Senate. As a former military pilot and recipient of the Distinguished Flying Cross, Senator Stevens was a champion for the military here in the Senate. And he fought for the prerogatives of this institution, sometimes taking on politically unpopular causes to make the Senate stronger. All of my colleagues will remember when Ted Stevens managed legislation. He would put on his ``Incredible Hulk'' tie, his best scowl to deter Members from offering amendments, and dare anyone to get in the way of passing his bills. Ted knew Alaska inside and out, and he did everything he could to make his State a better place for future generations of Alaskans. He recognized that in isolated, rural States the Federal Government was sometimes the only entity capable of truly transforming the lives of individuals and the prosperity of communities. And he recognized that other states sometimes faced similar circumstances. I will never forget the role Ted Stevens played during the Grand Forks flooding of 1997. The Red River overtopped the levee that year and covered most of the city, including all of downtown. And the flooding caused a major fire in the historic downtown, further devastating the community. At the time, the evacuation of Grand Forks was the largest evacuation of a city since the Civil War. In the aftermath, the city could have accepted a diminished future. It could have watched people leave and reemerged as a shadow of its former self. But it did not. The city's leaders pledged to rebuild. And the North Dakota delegation went to work here in the Congress to secure Federal assistance to help make that vision a reality. We quickly concluded that community development block grant funding would be the best source of assistance because CDBG money is very flexible and could be used to meet the city's highest priority needs. Unfortunately, the Appropriations Subcommittee chairman at the time was adamantly opposed. He simply refused to support the level of CDBG funding we badly needed. Normally, that might have been the end of the story. But in this case, Ted Stevens, the full Appropriations Committee chairman, intervened. He saw that Federal funding was absolutely critical for the community to rebuild. I think maybe he saw a city in North Dakota that needed funding just as badly as many of his Alaska communities needed Federal funding to build a brighter tomorrow. And he overruled his subcommittee chairman and made sure that Grand Forks got the CDBG funding it needed. The results have been spectacular. Grand Forks did rebuild bigger and better than ever. When some say that Federal spending is wasteful, Grand Forks is a tremendous example of how the Federal Government can make things better. So it was with profound sorrow that I learned last month that Ted Stevens had died in a plane crash on a fishing trip in his beloved State. His country owes him thanks for his long service to his Nation, both in the military and here in the Congress. The State of North Dakota and the city of Grand Forks owe him thanks for his role in bringing needed funding to projects all across our State. Lucy and I send our deepest condolences to his wife Catherine, his family, and his friends. Ted was one of a kind. We will miss him.

Mr. CONRAD

Mr. CONRAD. Mr. President, I rise today to express my support for the confirmation of Elena Kagan to serve as the next Associate Justice of the Supreme Court. Having carefully examined her record, monitored her confirmation hearings, and personally met with her, Solicitor General Kagan is clearly qualified to serve on the Court. Given her tremendous educational accomplishments at Princeton, Oxford, and Harvard, as well as her success as a constitutional and administrative law scholar at Chicago and Harvard, there is little question that she is intellectually qualified for the job. General Kagan has had an impressive career, having clerked for Supreme Court Justice Thurgood Marshall, worked as the first female dean of Harvard Law School, and served as the first female Solicitor General of the United States. During that time, she has impressed all with whom she has worked with both her character and her talent. Some of my colleagues are concerned that previous Federal judicial experience is not among her list of accomplishments. Historically, however, large numbers of our Supreme Court nominees have not had prior judicial experience. The last Supreme Court nominee appointed without any such experience served was former Chief Justice William Rehnquist. Indeed, the outgoing Court represents the first time in history when all nine Justices had Federal judicial experience. That is what prompted Justice Antonin Scalia to say that he was ``happy to see that this latest nominee is not a federal judge.'' I share that view, and welcome the unique academic perspective that General Kagan will bring to the Court. Others with concerns about General Kagan have pointed to her treatment of military recruiters as the dean of Harvard Law School or memos she wrote when she was an advisor in the Clinton administration. In addition to the explanations provided to me by General Kagan during our meeting, I am reassured about these controversies by the fact that she has received strong support from legal minds across the political spectrum. General Kagan has earned high praise from conservatives like Jack Goldsmith and Miguel Estrada, as well as from every former Solicitor General since 1985, including Ted Olson and Ken Starr. These are not people who make such endorsements lightly. They would not speak well of someone who is outside the mainstream. When considering my vote on nominees to the Supreme Court, my key test is whether or not the President's nominee is qualified to serve on the Court, not whether I agree with everything he or she have ever done. As Senators, we must examine the record, accomplishments, intellect, and character of each judicial nominee put before us, and determine whether each individual is worthy to serve on the bench. This is the standard I used when I voted to confirm Chief Justice John Roberts, Justice Samuel Alito, and Justice Sonia Sotomayor. And that is the standard I am using in voting to confirm Elena Kagan.

Mr. CONRAD

Mr. CONRAD. Mr. President, this is the Statement of Budgetary Effects of PAYGO Legislation for S. 3307, as amended. Total Budgetary Effects of S. 3307 for the 5-year Statutory PAYGO Scorecard: net increase in the deficit of $814 million. Total Budgetary Effects of S. 3307 for the 10-year Statutory PAYGO Scorecard: net increase in the deficit of $2.189 billion. Also submitted for the Record as part of this statement is a table prepared by the Congressional Budget Office, which provides additional information on the budgetary effects of this Act. The table is as follows:

Mr. CONRAD

Mr. CONRAD. This is the Statement of Budgetary Effects of PAYGO Legislation for S. 3611. Total Budgetary Effects of S. 3611 for the 5-year Statutory PAYGO Scorecard: $0. Total Budgetary Effects of S. 3611 for the 10-year Statutory PAYGO Scorecard: $0. Also submitted for the Record as part of this statement is a table prepared by the Congressional Budget Office, which provides additional information on the budgetary effects of this Act. The table is as follows:

Mr. CONRAD

Mr. CONRAD. This is the Statement of Budgetary Effects of PAYGO Legislation for H.R. 5283, as amended. Total Budgetary Effects of H.R. 5283 for the 5-year Statutory PAYGO Scorecard: $0. Total Budgetary Effects of H.R. 5283 for the 10-year Statutory PAYGO Scorecard: $0. Also submitted for the Record as part of this statement is a table prepared by the Congressional Budget Office, which provides additional information on the budgetary effects of this Act. The table follows: CBO ESTIMATE OF THE STATUTORY PAY-AS-YOU-GO EFFECTS FOR H.R. 5283, THE HELP HAITI ACT OF 2010, WITH AN AMENDMENT (EAS10363) PROVIDED TO CBO ON AUGUST 3, 2010 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- By fiscal year, in millions of dollars--

Mr. CONRAD

Mr. CONRAD. Mr. President, I come to the floor to discuss the budget point of order that has been raised against the financial reform conference report. I will be voting to waive this point of order. As Budget Committee chairman, I do not take this step lightly. In fact, the point of order that has been offered is a point of order that I created in the 2008 budget, so it is something I feel strongly about as a general matter. But its applicability here is false in the face of the importance of the legislation we need to consider. The legislation before us is critical to our economic strength. I think we all understand that financial reform is long overdue. It has been almost 2 years since the financial sector collapse brought our economy to the brink of global financial collapse. I was in the room and Senator Dodd was in the room when we were informed by the Chairman of the Federal Reserve and the Secretary of the Treasury in the previous administration that if we failed to act at that dire moment, we could face a global financial collapse. That is how serious it was. Now that the economy has stabilized, it is easy to forget the crisis that swept through the financial markets and threw us into the worst downturn since the Great Depression--in fact, which risked a second great depression. But we cannot afford to forget. We need to remember that the problems on Wall Street and in our financial sector have a direct impact on Main Street and the lives of every American. We need to ensure that taxpayers are never again asked to bail out Wall Street. This financial reform legislation will prevent another financial sector collapse, or at least will help prevent it. I do not think any of us can say this will prevent any future collapse, but it is critically important to helping us prevent another collapse. It will allow the government to shut down firms that threaten to crater our economy and ensure that the financial industry, not taxpayers, is on the hook for any costs. It will rein in risky derivatives and other risky trading practices that undermined some of our largest financial institutions. It will help level the playing field for smaller banks and credit unions by cracking down on the risky practices of Wall Street and nonbank financial institutions that caused the financial crisis. I am grateful to Senator Dodd, the Banking Committee, and members of the conference for working with me to make certain that the final bill recognizes the special circumstances of community banks and credit unions in rural States such as mine. In particular, I appreciate the committee's modification to the lending limit standards. This is very important to farming communities across the country. The final bill also provides added flexibility for rural lenders in the new mortgage standards as well as provisions to improve interchange reform for smaller financial institutions. Finally, I am pleased the committee included a risk-focused deposit insurance fund assessment formula and modified risk retention requirements for high quality loans. Especially I thank Senator Dodd for his extraordinary leadership. What a final year in the Senate. What a remarkable legacy he is leaving. I think the annals of the Senate will show very few Senators have had a record of accomplishment that matches what Senator Dodd will have done in this year. With respect to the budget point of order that has been raised against the conference report, let me make a couple of general points. First, this budget violation is not significant enough to merit derailing this important legislation. Second, we must bear in mind the risks of failing to act. If we fail to protect against a future collapse and create an orderly process for dealing with giant insolvent financial institutions, it is inevitable that taxpayers will again at some future point be asked to bail out the financial sector and prevent a catastrophic financial collapse. If one measures on any scale the differences between the technical violation in this budget point of order against what would happen if this legislation fails, they cannot even be compared. I mean, it is a gnat against an elephant. So let's keep things in mind here. Second, we must bear in mind the risk of failing to act because that would burden taxpayers in a way far beyond anything we see with this budget point of order. None of us wants that. This bill is an insurance policy against an expensive future taxpayer bailout. The point of order that has been raised is the long-term deficit point of order, a point of order I established in the budget resolution of 2008. This point of order prohibits legislation that worsens the deficit by more than $5 billion in any of the four 10-year periods following 2019. CBO has determined that at least in one of those four 10-year periods, the conference report would exceed this threshold. But this is really just a timing issue caused by the new bipartisan resolution authority created by the bill. This is the new authority given to the government to wind down failing financial firms. Under the resolution authority, if a financial firm is about to collapse, the government will use the firm's assets to wind it down and put it out of business. If the firm's assets are insufficient, the government will temporarily borrow funds from the Treasury. The financial industry will then reimburse the government and the taxpayers for 100 percent of the cost. Again, 100 percent of the money will be paid back by the banks. So the net impact on the deficit is zero. Overall, the bill saves $3.2 billion over the first 10 years, according to the Congressional Budget Office. So while technically this budget point of order lies, if you pierce the veil and look at what really happens, this bill reduces the deficit, according to the Congressional Budget Office, which is the nonpartisan scorekeeper here in the Senate. Because there is a lag time for the government to collect this money from the financial industry, CBO scores the bill as increasing the deficit in some of the later decades. But all of that money will be paid back in ensuing years, and that is what matters most in this case. So although this bill does technically violate the long-term deficit point of order, it is insignificant. The fact is, this bill reduces the deficit, according to the Congressional Budget Office. So I urge my colleagues to waive the point of order, to support passage of this financial reform legislation, which is clearly a significant step in the right direction in preventing the kind of risk to our Nation's economy that is so apparent with the current structure. Again, I thank the chairman for his extraordinary work not only on this bill but throughout the year and, I think all of us know, throughout his career. I yield the floor.

Mr. CONRAD

Mr. CONRAD. Mr. President, today I wish to recognize a community in North Dakota that recently celebrated its 100th anniversary. On June 17-20, 2010, the residents of Elgin gathered to celebrate their community's history and founding. Elgin, a Northern Pacific Railroad town site, was first named Shanley but became Elgin in 1910. The residents were having difficulty agreeing on a new name, and Isadore Gintzler is said to have looked at his pocket watch to check the time at a very late hour and suggested its brand name, Elgin, as a compromise name for the town site. The post office was established August 11, 1910. Elgin was incorporated as a village in 1911. Some of the present day businesses and accommodations that continue to thrive within the city of Elgin include the Jacobson Memorial Hospital Care Center and Clinics, Dakota Hill Housing, a dentist, an eye clinic, a cafe and bowling alley, a grocery store, a hardware store, gas stations, a bank, accounting offices, a drug store, insurance agencies, a newspaper, the post office, a lumber yard, a motel, a new public library, and grain elevators. Citizens of Elgin organized numerous activities to celebrate their centennial. Some of the activities included an opening ceremony, historical Power Point presentation, historical bus tour, musical entertainment, an alumni football game, a magician show, and an antique parade. I ask the U.S. Senate to join me in congratulating Elgin, ND, and its residents on the first 100 years and in wishing them well through the next century. By honoring Elgin and all the other historic small towns of North Dakota, we keep the great pioneering frontier spirit alive for future generations. It is places such as Elgin that have helped to shape this country into what it is today, which is why this fine community is deserving of our recognition. Elgin has a proud past and a bright future.

Mr. CONRAD

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

Mr. CONRAD

Mr. CONRAD. Mr. President, I rise to talk about the loss of our senior colleague, Senator Robert C. Byrd. Senator Byrd, I had the privilege and honor of serving with for over 24 years in the Senate. I believe this body has lost a giant. For more than five decades, Robert C. Byrd served his country, fought to protect the institution of the Senate, and worked tirelessly for the people of West Virginia. The people of West Virginia were never very far from the mind of Robert C. Byrd. I know because I worked with him every day for 24 years. Senator Byrd and his passing leave a tremendous void for this body and for the Nation. He will be greatly missed. Senator Byrd was a great man, an exceptional person, somebody who had lost his parents and, through sheer will, made himself into a great man. He was a legend in the Senate, the longest serving Senator in the history of the United States and the longest serving lawmaker in congressional history. The people of West Virginia elected him to the Senate an amazing nine times and three times before that to the House of Representatives. He served in almost every leadership post in the Senate, including twice as majority leader and for almost two decades as chairman of the Appropriations Committee. He took an incredible 18,500 votes, a record which will never be broken. At least that is my forecast. I do not know how anybody will ever break a record of 18,500 votes. Senator Byrd may be remembered most as the protector of the institution of the Senate. This is an institution he loved. More than that, this is an institution he revered as part of the constitutional structure of this country. He believed it had a special place in defending the Constitution of the United States. He believed it played a special role in preventing unwise legislation from becoming law, and he believed it deeply. He knew more about Senate history and Senate rules and procedures than any other Member, and he used that knowledge skillfully to defend this institution and to ensure it continued to function in a manner consistent with what the Founding Fathers intended. Senator Byrd did not come to those beliefs lightly. He came to those beliefs after the most thorough and very rigorous study of our history. He was a master orator. How many of us can remember Senator Byrd coming to this floor and having Members come to the floor to listen to him because very often his speeches were a history lesson--and not just drawn from American history but from world history, going back to the Roman Empire? When he was in really high excitation, he loved to go through the various Roman emperors and what brought them down, what led to the decline of the Roman Empire, and what lessons we could draw from that. His speeches were riddled with quotes from great leaders, references to American history and law, and descriptions of that ancient Roman Senate--much of it from memory. How many times did I hear Senator Byrd stand in that spot or in the leader's spot and recite from memory a lengthy poem or a speech from history? What a remarkable, remarkable man. The extent and the breadth of his knowledge was truly amazing. Senator Byrd was also an expert on budget matters. In fact, he was one of the principal authors of the 1974 Budget Act which established the congressional budget process. He created and vigorously defended the Byrd rule, which bears his name--a budget rule designed to stop the abuse of the fast-track reconciliation process. Let me just remind my colleagues of something Senator Byrd did during the Clinton administration when the administration had a health care proposal that was bogged down. It could not pass because it would require 60 votes in the Senate, and there were not 60 votes to be had. The administration wanted to use the reconciliation process, the fast- track process that allows legislation to be passed with only a simple majority. Senator Byrd said no, under no circumstances would he permit that to happen because he believed that was a violation of the whole basis of the reconciliation process which he had been involved in and which he had helped design and which was put in law solely for deficit reduction, in his view. He believed any other use was an abuse of the process--the process of reconciliation. So he said no to the President of his own party on that President's No. 1 domestic priority. There is a lesson in that for all of us. When we were in the midst of the consideration of using the reconciliation process for that purpose during the Clinton administration years, Senator Byrd told me, as a member of the Budget Committee: Senator, always remember partisanship can go too far. Our obligation, our first obligation, is to the Nation and to this institution. If that means we have to disagree with the President of our own party, so be it. I hope colleagues learn from that lesson as well. Partisanship can go too far. As the Budget Committee chairman, I had the privilege and honor of working particularly close with Senator Byrd after he joined the committee in 2001. The original idea of the Budget Committee was that the chairman of the Finance Committee would serve there, the chairman of the Appropriations Committee would serve there, and the chairmen of other relevant major committees would serve there so that the Budget Committee would put together the priorities of the United States. Senator Byrd had an acute understanding of that history. But also Senator Byrd never forgot who sent him to Washington. He tenaciously fought for West Virginia throughout his career and ensured his small, rural State had a powerful voice in the Halls of the Capitol. He never forgot where he came from. I remember well his exchange at a Budget Committee hearing in 2002 with then-Treasury Secretary Paul O'Neill, and Senator Byrd proudly and emotionally described his own humble upbringing because Senator Byrd came from very straightened circumstances. He came from a very modest background. He was an orphan. In fact, he carried a name which was not his birth name. His birth name was a different name than Robert C. Byrd. But when relatives took him in, they gave him their family name. Robert C. Byrd remembered those earliest days. He remembered what it was to struggle. He remembered what it was to have very little. He remembered what it was to wonder where your next meal was coming from and whether you were going to have a roof over your head. Senator Byrd remembered, and he was faithful to those memories. Senator Byrd loved his wife Erma. He loved his daughters Mona and Marjorie and his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. I want to say to the members of the family, Senator Byrd was intensely proud of you. I hope the children and grandchildren will get that message, that Senator Byrd was intensely proud of each and every one of you. He spoke about you often and in loving terms, and you should know that. Of course, we all know he loved his little dog Billy, and he loved his dog Trouble. In fact, I think he had multiple dogs named Trouble. Senator Byrd loved West Virginia, he loved this institution, and he loved our country. I am deeply saddened by the passing of Senator Byrd. His immense knowledge and his spirit will be missed. His values will be missed. But I am comforted in knowing that our friend Robert is now reunited with his beloved wife Erma. I know his legacy will live on in this body and this Nation forever. I thank the Chair and yield the floor.

Mr. CONRAD

Mr. CONRAD. Madam President, I want to take a moment to honor a great civil servant. On June 4, Martin Leonard Skutnik retired after 30 years of working at the Congressional Budget Office. Lenny exemplified the best of our public workforce. In his decades of service, Lenny worked tirelessly to support the work of CBO. He moved from handling mail and supplies, to printing reports, to providing IT support. Lenny's behind-the-scenes efforts helped CBO in its mission to provide Congress and the public with clear, timely, and accurate information. For that alone, he deserves our recognition and deepest thanks. But Lenny will also be remembered for the heroic deed he performed early in his career at CBO. On a cold January day in 1982, Lenny was returning home from work when he witnessed Air Florida flight 90 crash into the Potomac River. Risking his own life, Lenny jumped into the icy waters and saved one of the passengers from drowning. His selfless and heroic act was widely acclaimed at the time. President Reagan honored Lenny in his State of the Union Address, singling him out in the House gallery. This acknowledgement began the tradition of Presidents, in their State of the Union Addresses, recognizing people who have done extraordinary things. The President's gallery in the House is now often referred to as ``the Heroes' Gallery,'' thanks to Lenny. Lenny received many awards and honors for his actions on that day. But he never sought out the limelight or asked for special treatment. He remained a humble and hardworking public servant. Lenny insists he ``wasn't a hero,'' and that he ``was just someone who helped another human being.'' But we know a hero when we see one. We can't thank Lenny enough for his long, faithful service to CBO and the American people. I wish him a long, happy, and well-deserved retirement.

Mr. CONRAD

Mr. CONRAD. Mr. President, after consultation with the chairman of the House Budget Committee, and on behalf of both of us, I hereby submit this Statement of Budgetary Effects of PAYGO Legislation for the conference report to H.R. 2194, the Comprehensive Iran Sanctions, Accountability, and Divestment Act of 2010. This statement has been prepared pursuant to section 4 of the Statutory Pay-As-You-Go Act of 2010, Public Law 111-139, and is being submitted for printing in the Congressional Record prior to passage by the Senate of the conference report to H.R. 2194. Total Budgetary Effects of H.R. 2194: 2010-2015: $0. 2010-2020: $0. Total Budgetary Effects of H.R. 2194 for the 5-year Statutory PAYGO Scorecard: $0. Total Budgetary Effects of H.R. 2194 for the 10-year Statutory PAYGO Scorecard: $0. Also submitted for the Record as part of this statement is a table prepared by the Congressional Budget Office, which provides additional information on the budgetary effects of this Act. I ask unanimous consent that it be printed in the Record.

Mr. CONRAD

Mr. CONRAD. Mr. President, today I recognize a community in North Dakota that will be celebrating its 100th anniversary. On July 16 to 18, 2010, the residents of Wing will gather to celebrate their community's history and founding. Wing, a Northern Pacific Railroad town site, was founded in 1910, and named after Charles Kleber Wing, who plotted many town sites, including McClusky, Wing, Pingree, Robinson, and Regan. Leslie B. Draper established the first post office on April 15, 1911. Wing was later incorporated as a village in 1921. Today, Wing's school and residential market continue to prosper. The rural area remains rich in wildlife, attracting many out-of-state and instate hunters. The residents of Wing place great importance on involvement within the community. A strong Wing fire and ambulance service exists in town, with many local residents and farmers volunteering to perform much needed services. Citizens of Wing have organized numerous activities to celebrate their centennial. Some of the celebratory festivities include socials, a class parade, pitchfork fondue, a concert, and a street dance. Mr. President, I ask the Senate to join me in congratulating Wing, ND, and its residents on the first 100 years and in wishing them well through the next century. By honoring Wing and all the other historic small towns of North Dakota, we keep the great pioneering frontier spirit alive for future generations. It is places such as Wing that have helped to shape this country into what it is today, which is why this fine community is deserving of our recognition. Wing has a proud past and a bright future.

Mr. CONRAD

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

Mr. CONRAD

Mr. CONRAD. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the Senate stand in recess from 1:00 to 2:30 p.m. today.

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

Mr. CONRAD

Mr. CONRAD. Mr. President, today I recognize a community in North Dakota that will be celebrating its 100th anniversary. On July 17-20, the residents of Elgin will gather to celebrate their community's history and founding. Elgin, a Northern Pacific Railroad town site, was first named Shanley, but became Elgin in 1910. The residents were having difficulty agreeing on a new name, and Isadore Gintzler is said to have looked at his pocket watch to check the time at a very late hour, and suggested its brand name, Elgin, as a compromise name for the town site. Elgin watches are made in Elgin, IL, which was named by founder James T. Gifford for Elgin, Scotland. The post office was established August 11, 1910. Elgin was incorporated as a village in 1911. Some of the present day businesses and accommodations that continue to thrive within the city of Elgin include the Jacobson Memorial Hospital Care Center and Clinics, Dakota Hill Housing, a dentist, an eye clinic, a cafe and bowling alley, a grocery store, a hardware store, gas stations, a bank, accounting offices, a drug store, insurance agencies, a newspaper, the post office, a lumber yard, a motel, a new public library, and grain elevators. Citizens of Elgin have organized numerous activities to celebrate their centennial. Some of the activities include an opening ceremony, historical power point presentation, historical bus tour, musical entertainment, an alumni football game, a magician show, and an antique parade. I ask the U.S. Senate to join me in congratulating Elgin, ND, and its residents on the first 100 years and in wishing them well through the next century. By honoring Elgin and all the other historic small towns of North Dakota, we keep the great pioneering frontier spirit alive for future generations. It is places such as Elgin that have helped to shape this country into what it is today, which is why this fine community is deserving of our recognition. Elgin has a proud past and a bright future.

Mr. CONRAD

Mr. CONRAD. Mr. President, today, I am pleased to recognize a community in North Dakota that is celebrating its 125th anniversary. On July 10, the residents of Emerado, ND, will gather to celebrate their community's founding. When the railroad came to Emerado in 1882, a town began to take shape on the Hancock homestead. The town site was platted in September 1885 by Henry Hancock, originally of Ontario, Canada, and by Lewis Emery, Jr., from Bradford, PA. The village was named for Emery, owner of one of the first bonanza farms in North Dakota, consisting of 4,480 acres of land. Among the early businesses were Fred Ludwick and Henry Raymond, blacksmith; Plup and Morgans Grocery Store; Emery Hotel, built about 1882; the Virginia Hotel, built around 1915 by A.A. Hood; Dakota St. Anthony Elevator; Farmers Elevator; and Bill Hancock Hardware. The first post office was established on November 25, 1885, with Edmund Gale, Jr., serving as the postmaster. The mill was built in the late 1890s by J.R. Cooper. Over time, other businesses were developed. Among these were the Gritzmacher General Store; Seebart Brothers painters and decorators; S.S. Hood General Merchandise; William L. Sibell, barber; Charles Emery Ford Car and International dealer; George Dean Grocery; Fosnes Hardware and Machinery; Ralph Bosard, blacksmith; S.S. Grantham Coop Store; Mary Kelly Cafe; and the ``Blind Pig'' pool hall and barber shop operated by Nick Hickson. Emerado was a thriving small town until the disastrous events of May 9, 1928. Ashes cleaned out of a nearby locomotive ignited, leading to a fire that razed 24 structures, including the town's church, town hall, elevator, several businesses, homes, and barns. The church, elevator, town hall, and one home were soon rebuilt. Emerado is very proud of the Emerado Elementary School, home of the Bulldogs. Students from kindergarten through eighth grade are privileged to be taught by caring professionals who share the belief that ``each student is the most important person in school.'' In honor of the city's 125th anniversary, community leaders have organized a parade, carnival games, an all-school reunion, and many other fun and exciting events. I ask that my colleagues in the U.S. Senate join me in congratulating Emerado, ND, and its residents on their first 125 years and in wishing them well in the future. By honoring Emerado and all other historic small towns of North Dakota, we keep the great pioneering frontier spirit alive for future generations. It is places such as Emerado that have helped shape this country into what it is today, which is why this fine community is deserving of our recognition. Emerado has a proud past and a bright future.

Mr. CONRAD

Mr. CONRAD. Madam President, I yield back all time.

Mr. CONRAD. Madam President, I ask for the yeas and nays.

Mr. CONRAD

Mr. CONRAD. Mr. President, today, I am pleased to recognize a community in North Dakota that is celebrating its 100th anniversary. From July 2-4, the residents of Wildrose, ND, will gather to celebrate their community's founding. Wildrose, ND, is a Great Northern Railroad town site founded in 1910 in Hazel Township of Williams County. The post office for Wildrose was established on July 13, 1910. The site for the town was platted in 1910 and became an incorporated village in 1913. Until 1916, Wildrose was the terminus of the railroad line and billed itself as the largest primary grain market in the United States. Wildrose reached its peak population of 518 in 1930. Grace Lutheran Church, located in Wildrose, will also celebrate its 100th anniversary on July 4. Wildrose Lutheran Church was founded in 1910. Shortly after the 50th anniversary, Stordahl, Grong, Bethel, and Wildrose Lutheran Churches merged into one church, and in January of 1962 the name Grace Lutheran Church was adopted. In honor of the city's 100th anniversary, community leaders have organized a parade, a beard contest, a street dance, and many other fun and exciting events. I ask that my colleagues in the U.S. Senate join me in congratulating Wildrose, ND, and its residents on their first 100 years and in wishing them well in the future. By honoring Wildrose and all other historic small towns of North Dakota, we keep the great pioneering frontier spirit alive for future generations. It is places such as Wildrose that have helped shape this country into what it is today, which is why this fine community is deserving of our recognition. Wildrose has a proud past and a bright future.

Mr. CONRAD

Mr. CONRAD. Mr. President, I am pleased to recognize a community in North Dakota that will be celebrating its 100th anniversary. On July 3-4, the residents of Pettibone will gather to celebrate their community's history and founding. Pettibone began as a Northern Pacific Railroad station, and was founded in 1910 by Lee C. Pettibone, who named the growing community after himself. The post office was established on September 1 of that year. Pettibone is the home of the late William Hurley, a successful civil rights lawyer who won the first monetary settlement against the Ku Klux Klan in the 1960s. Today, Pettibone is a town of about 75 people located in the northeastern part of Kidder County. It contains several different businesses including a Cenex, a grocery store, two bars, a cafe, and a post office. With its gently rolling hills, German-Russian, Scandinavian, and Dutch immigrants found the land suitable to cultivating large fields of the crops they knew how to farm. Today, their descendants grow wheat, barley, oats, potatoes, flax, and beans-- all crops that continue to be important to our country's agricultural industry. The 100th anniversary festivities will include a parade, a carnival, a magician, fireworks display, demolition derby, and other celebratory events. I ask the U.S. Senate to join me in congratulating Pettibone, ND, and its residents on their first 100 years and in wishing them well in the future. By honoring Pettibone and all the other historic small towns of North Dakota, we keep the great pioneering frontier spirit alive for future generations. It is places such as Pettibone that have helped to shape this country into what it is today, which is why this fine community is deserving of our recognition. Pettibone has a proud past and a bright future.

Mr. CONRAD

Mr. CONRAD. This is the Statement of Budgetary Effects of PAYGO legislation for H.R. 3962, as amended by Senate Amendment No. 4383. This statement has been prepared pursuant to Section 4 of the Statutory Pay-As-You-Go Act of 2010, Public Law 111-139, and is being submitted for printing in the Congressional Record prior to passage of H.R. 3962, as amended, by the Senate. Total Budgetary Effects of H.R. 3962: 2010-2015--net decrease in deficit of $2.384 billion. 2010-2020--net decrease in deficit $168 million. Reduction of Total Budgetary Effects for Current Policy under Section 7: 2010-2015--$6.348 billion. 2010-2020--$6.348 billion. Total Budgetary Effects of H.R. 3962 for the 5-year Statutory PAYGO Scorecard: -$8.732 billion. Total Budgetary Effects of H.R. 3962 for the 10-year Statutory PAYGO Scorecard: -$6.516 billion. I ask unanimous consent to have printed in the Record a table prepared by the Congressional Budget Office, which provides additional information on the budgetary effects of this act.

Mr. CONRAD

Mr. CONRAD. Mr. President, today, I am pleased to recognize a community in North Dakota that is celebrating its 125th anniversary. From July 1-4, the residents of Hebron, ND, will gather to celebrate their community's founding. The city of Hebron was established in the 1880s and was formed into a village in 1885. It was incorporated as a city in 1916. Hebron grew to its highest population of 2,000 in the mid-1950s and now is a town of around 900 nestled in a peaceful valley located 2 miles north of Interstate 94 in southwestern North Dakota. Hebron is home to the Hebron Brick Company, Inc., which was started in 1904. Soon after European settlers began arriving in western North Dakota, Charles Weigel and Ferdinand Leutz established Hebron Fire & Pressed Brick Company. It is the oldest manufacturing operation in North Dakota, and its state-of-the-art brick making facility had made it one of the most successful brick companies in the upper Midwest. Abundant natural resources of the area allow the Hebron Brick Company to provide its customers with an array of brick options. Their modern facilities ensure that the Hebron Brick Company manufactures consistent, durable, and elegant products for their customers. Hebron sits along the Old Red Old Ten Scenic Byway. The Old Red Old Ten Scenic Byway allows tourists the opportunity to explore the rich history of North Dakota settlers. The culture of Native Americans and the diversity of European pioneers are captured along this route. The natural beauty of the buttes, river valleys, and prairie provides an image of pleasant, rural life for visitors. The citizens of Hebron are proud to mention the many reasons their community is so strong. The city offers genuine small-town living with a weekly local newspaper, two grain elevators, a public library, an outstanding public education system, parks, and recreational areas for families and friends to spend quality time together. Hebron will soon celebrate the completion of its new community center, and I wish to congratulate the city on achieving this milestone. In honor of the city's 125th anniversary, community leaders have organized a parade, car show, street dance, concerts, and other celebratory events. I ask that my colleagues in the U.S. Senate join me in congratulating Hebron, ND, and its residents on their first 125 years and in wishing them well in the future. By honoring Hebron and all other historic small towns of North Dakota, we keep the great pioneering frontier spirit alive for future generations. It is places such as Hebron that have helped shape this country into what it is today, which is why this fine community is deserving of our recognition. Hebron has a proud past and a bright future.

Mr. CONRAD

Mr. CONRAD. Mr. President, today, I am pleased to recognize a community in North Dakota that is celebrating its 100th anniversary. From July 1-4, the residents of New Leipzig, ND, will gather to celebrate their community's founding. In May 1910, a town site was platted by the Milwaukee Land Company of Chicago. The German-Russian residents of nearby Leipzig, wanting a location closer to the railroad, relocated to what was soon named New Leipzig. New Leipzig underwent a brief name change in 1912, but after input from residents, the town was once again called New Leipzig. Hertz Brothers Hardware is believed to be the oldest company still doing business in Grant County. Originally located in Leipzig as the Farmers Commerce Company, the company quickly moved to New Leipzig and became known as Hertz Brothers Hardware in 1912. Today, the business is under its third generation of management. Roehl Trucking is also a third-generation business, and Stelter Repair is under its fourth generation of management. Main Street today is almost entirely populated by farm-related service businesses. Businesses currently servicing the area include Tietz Hardware, Larry's Service Center, Stern Motors, Randy's Sales & Service, Stelter Repair, Roehl Transfer Inc., Schock Real Estate, B & L Lounge, Star Grocery, Hertz Brother's Inc., the United States Postal Service, New Leipzig Grain, and Dakota Community Bank. New Leipzig, like so many other rural communities, strives to be a true home for its people and to provide a solid upbringing and quality education for its children. In honor of the city's 100th anniversary, community leaders have organized class gatherings, a bonfire, a parade, a dance, and an ice cream social, among many other fun and exciting events. I ask that my colleagues in the U.S. Senate join me in congratulating New Leipzig, ND, and its residents on their first 100 years and in wishing them well in the future. By honoring New Leipzig and all other historic small towns of North Dakota, we keep the great pioneering frontier spirit alive for future generations. It is places such as New Leipzig that have helped shape this country into what it is today, which is why this fine community is deserving of our recognition. New Leipzig has a proud past and a bright future.

Mr. CONRAD

Mr. CONRAD. Mr. President, today I wish to recognize a community in North Dakota that will be celebrating its 100th anniversary. From June 25-27, the residents of Carson will gather to celebrate their community's history and founding. The rural post office opened on August 11, 1902, in Carson. A man by the name of John Erickson suggested the name Zelma for the town, after the daughter of a local rancher. However, the selected name of Carson was coined by combining the names of local settlers, Frank Carter and Simon and David Pederson. A few years later, the city merged with the rival town site of North Carson when the Northern Pacific Railroad brought the two communities together. It became the county seat of Grant County when the county organized in 1916. Today, Carson remains a small, proud community. Just this year, a devastating ice storm crippled much of rural southwestern North Dakota, leaving many without power. While the residents of Carson lost power for approximately four days themselves, they helped to serve the people of several surrounding communities who went without electricity for nearly a month. This is just one example of the resilience of the people of Carson. To celebrate the town's centennial, the residents of Carson have planned a number of festivities. They will gather for an all-school reunion, an alumni basketball game, attend a Bull-A-Rama, and participate in other celebratory festivities. I ask the U.S. Senate to join me in congratulating Carson, ND, and its residents on their first 100 years and in wishing them well through the next century. By honoring Carson and all the historic small towns of North Dakota, we keep the great pioneering frontier spirit alive for future generations. It is places such as Carson that have helped shape this country, which is why this fine community is deserving of our recognition. Carson has a proud past and a bright future.