Kent Conrad

Mr. CONRAD

Mr. CONRAD. Mr. President, I wish to recognize a community in North Dakota celebrating its 125th anniversary. On June 25 through 27, the residents of Wyndmere will gather to celebrate their community's history and founding. In 1883, when North Dakota was just part of the Dakota territories, the city of Wyndmere was founded. It was named after Windermere Lake in Westmorelandshire, England, which derived from the combination of ``wynd,'' meaning a narrow lane, and ``mere,'' a pool or lake. The post office was established in 1884, and the Soo Line railroad crossed through town in 1888. The town flourished and became known as the Corn Capital of North Dakota. The city was named a boom town in 1903 with multiple banks, physicians, blacksmith shops, jewelry stores, newspapers, and other businesses signaling its prosperity. Today, the city of Wyndmere and its residents are lucky to live with America's countryside in their backyard. With Sheyenne National Grasslands to enjoy, it is no surprise to find such a happy community. Wyndmere will celebrate its quasquicentennial with activities including an all school reunion and a parade. I ask the Senate to join me in congratulating Wyndmere, ND, and its residents on their first 125 years and in wishing them well in the future. By honoring Wyndmere and all the other historic small towns of North Dakota, we keep the great tradition of the pioneering frontier spirit alive for future generations. It is places such as Wyndmere that have helped to shape this country into what it is today, which is why the community of Wyndmere is deserving of our recognition. Wyndmere has a proud past and a bright future.

Mr. CONRAD

Mr. CONRAD. Madam President, section 302(a) of S. Con. Res. 13, the 2010 budget resolution, permits the chairman of the Senate Budget Committee to adjust the allocations of a committee or committees, aggregates, and other appropriate levels and limits in the resolution for legislation that invests in clean energy and preserves the environment, including legislation that encourages conservation and efficiency. This adjustment to S. Con. Res. 13 is contingent on the legislation not increasing the deficit over either the period of the total of fiscal years 2009 through 2014 or the period of the total of fiscal years 2009 through 2019. I find that Senate amendment No. 4318, an amendment offered by Senator Sanders to Senate amendment No. 4301, an amendment in the nature of a substitute to H.R. 4213, fulfills the conditions of the deficit-neutral reserve fund to invest in clean energy and preserve the environment. Therefore, pursuant to section 302(a), I am adjusting the aggregates in the 2010 budget resolution, as well as the allocation to the Senate Finance Committee. I ask unanimous consent that the following revisions to S. Con. Res. 13 be printed in the Record.

Mr. CONRAD

Mr. CONRAD. Mr. President, I am pleased to join my colleague Senator Barrasso in introducing the Rural Mobility and Access for America Act. The transportation challenges in rural States are unique. In my State of North Dakota, we have more miles of road per capita than any State in the Nation. There are more than 11,000 miles of highway in North Dakota, which translates into approximately 166 miles of road for every 1,000 people in North Dakota. We have a very large road network with a small population base to support it. In fact, North Dakota only has 16 people supporting each lane mile of Federal-aid road. The national average is 129 people per lane mile. Highways in North Dakota and other rural States connect the Nation and help ensure the effective movement of people and goods across the country. Today, the highways in the western part of my State are being impacted by a rise in truck traffic as a result of the oil boom occurring from the development of the Bakken formation. Our roads and highways are seeing a dramatic increase in trucks that are transporting supplies to the oil fields or oil to gathering lines. The agriculture industry is also reliant on a strong, nationally connected road network to move products and services. Approximately 69 percent of the goods shipped annually from North Dakota are carried by truck. Significant and growing agricultural businesses throughout my state rely on the road network to receive raw goods and transport their finished products to market. In addition, we have a large percentage of truck traffic that crosses our state. Sixty percent of the truck traffic does not originate or terminate within the state, but it still has an impact on our highways. In the next 10 years, commercial trucking in North Dakota is expected to increase by 42 percent. Discussions surrounding the reauthorization of the highway bill have focused on congestion and the needs of large metropolitan areas. Some of the proposals being advanced shift money from the traditional highway formula programs to set-asides for large metro areas. However, maintaining a nationally connected system requires substantial investments in highways in and across rural areas as well. It is important that our transportation policy continues to recognize the importance of investment in rural States, like North Dakota. The bill I am introducing with Senator Barrasso makes certain rural States are not left behind. Under this proposal, if a metro mobility program is included in the highway reauthorization, a corresponding rural program would be funded at a level equal to \1/3\ of the amount provided for the metro mobility program. The funds would be distributed evenly to the 18 States that qualify under our bill, and the States could use the funds for any of the eligible uses under the Surface Transportation Program. Our bill provides an important balance to make sure our roads, both urban and rural, get the support necessary to maintain a nationally connected system. I urge my colleagues to support it.

Mr. CONRAD

Mr. CONRAD. Mr. President, I am pleased to join my colleague Senator Barrasso in introducing the Rural Mobility and Access for America Act. The transportation challenges in rural States are unique. In my State of North Dakota, we have more miles of road per capita than any State in the Nation. There are more than 11,000 miles of highway in North Dakota, which translates into approximately 166 miles of road for every 1,000 people in North Dakota. We have a very large road network with a small population base to support it. In fact, North Dakota only has 16 people supporting each lane mile of Federal-aid road. The national average is 129 people per lane mile. Highways in North Dakota and other rural States connect the Nation and help ensure the effective movement of people and goods across the country. Today, the highways in the western part of my State are being impacted by a rise in truck traffic as a result of the oil boom occurring from the development of the Bakken formation. Our roads and highways are seeing a dramatic increase in trucks that are transporting supplies to the oil fields or oil to gathering lines. The agriculture industry is also reliant on a strong, nationally connected road network to move products and services. Approximately 69 percent of the goods shipped annually from North Dakota are carried by truck. Significant and growing agricultural businesses throughout my state rely on the road network to receive raw goods and transport their finished products to market. In addition, we have a large percentage of truck traffic that crosses our state. Sixty percent of the truck traffic does not originate or terminate within the state, but it still has an impact on our highways. In the next 10 years, commercial trucking in North Dakota is expected to increase by 42 percent. Discussions surrounding the reauthorization of the highway bill have focused on congestion and the needs of large metropolitan areas. Some of the proposals being advanced shift money from the traditional highway formula programs to set-asides for large metro areas. However, maintaining a nationally connected system requires substantial investments in highways in and across rural areas as well. It is important that our transportation policy continues to recognize the importance of investment in rural States, like North Dakota. The bill I am introducing with Senator Barrasso makes certain rural States are not left behind. Under this proposal, if a metro mobility program is included in the highway reauthorization, a corresponding rural program would be funded at a level equal to \1/3\ of the amount provided for the metro mobility program. The funds would be distributed evenly to the 18 States that qualify under our bill, and the States could use the funds for any of the eligible uses under the Surface Transportation Program. Our bill provides an important balance to make sure our roads, both urban and rural, get the support necessary to maintain a nationally connected system. I urge my colleagues to support it.

Mr. CONRAD

Mr. CONRAD. Mr. President, pursuant to section 302(a) of S. Con. Res. 13, the 2010 budget resolution, I made adjustments to the 2010 budget resolution earlier today for Senate amendment No. 4318, an amendment offered by Senator Sanders to S.A. 4301, an amendment in the nature of a substitute to H.R. 4213. The Senate did not adopt Senate amendment No. 4318. Consequently, I am further revising the 2010 budget resolution to reverse the adjustments previously made pursuant to section 302(a) to the aggregates and to the allocation provided to the Senate Finance Committee. I ask unanimous consent that the following revisions to S. Con. Res. 13 be printed in the Record.

Mr. CONRAD

Mr. CONRAD. Mr. President, today I recognize a community in North Dakota celebrating its 100th anniversary. On June 24 to 27, the residents of Regent will gather to celebrate their community's history and founding. On the peaceful prairies of southwestern North Dakota, a city of just over 200 people will be joyfully celebrating 100 years of trials, tribulations, growth, and happiness. Regent was founded on the railroad lines in 1910. Railroad officials gave it a regal-sounding name, thinking it would become the county seat. Early in its history, Regent was billed as ``The Queen City'' or ``The Wonder City.'' My good friend and colleague, a former North Dakota State tax commissioner and current U.S. Senator, Byron Dorgan is from this great town. Senator Dorgan has never forgotten his roots, and that has helped make him into the highly respected and dedicated public servant that he is. Today, the Enchanted Highway has brought a larger than life size example of the community's hard work and dedication to the State. The Enchanted Highway is off of Interstate 94 and is approximately 20 miles east of Dickinson, ND. It then extends for 32 miles south to Regent. The world's largest scrap metal sculptures portray part of the countryside's wonder and beauty from ``Pheasants on the Prairie'' to ``Deer Crossing.'' The community currently has the luxury of enjoying the finer aspects of life, such as fishing, participating in community activities, or spending time with family. The community's energy can be seen with this year's centennial celebration, filled with the zest and heart of the people. Over 4 days, Regent will be enjoying a watermelon feed, all- school reunion, a dance, parade, choral performances, and many more celebratory events. Mr. President, I ask the Senate to join me in congratulating Regent, ND, and its residents on their first 100 years and in wishing them well in the future. By honoring Regent and all the other historic small towns of North Dakota, we keep the great tradition of the pioneering frontier spirit alive for future generations. It is places such as Regent that have helped to shape this country into what it is today, which is why this community is deserving of our recognition. Regent has a proud past and a bright future.

Mr. CONRAD

Mr. CONRAD. Madam President, I rise to submit to the Senate the sixth budget scorekeeping report for the 2010 budget resolution. The report, which covers fiscal year 2010, was prepared by the Congressional Budget Office pursuant to section 308(b) and in aid of section 311 of the Congressional Budget Act of 1974, as amended. The report shows the effects of congressional action through June 7, 2010, and includes the effects of legislation enacted since I filed my last report for fiscal year 2010 on April 15, 2010. The estimates of budget authority, outlays, and revenues are consistent with the technical and economic assumptions of S. Con. Res. 13, the 2010 budget resolution. The estimates show that for fiscal year 2010 current level spending is above the levels provided in the budget resolution by $3.1 billion for budget authority and $5.8 billion above for outlays. For revenues, current level shows that $14.2 billion in room remains relative to the budget resolution level. I ask unanimous consent that the letter and accompanying tables from CBO be printed in the Record.

Mr. CONRAD

Mr. CONRAD. Mr. President, this is the Statement of Budgetary Effects of PAYGO Legislation for S. 3473. 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 S. 3473 by the Senate. Total Budgetary Effects of S. 3473 for the 5-year Statutory PAYGO Scorecard: $0. Total Budgetary Effects of S. 3473 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.

Mr. CONRAD

Mr. CONRAD. Mr. President, today I am submitting a Senate resolution to designate June 27, 2010, as National Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Awareness Day. That date was inspired by the birthday of North Dakota National Guard Staff Sergeant Joe Biel. Staff Sergeant Biel served two tours of duty in Iraq as a Trailblazer, part of a unit responsible for route clearance operations. Each day, Joe's mission was to go out with his unit every day to find and remove Improvised Explosive Devices and other dangers from heavily traveled roads to make it safe for coalition forces and Iraqi civilians to travel. As a result of those experiences, Joe suffered from PTSD and, tragically, took his own life in April 2007. There is absolutely no doubt that Joe Biel is a hero who gave his life for our country. I learned of Joe's story because friends from his platoon, the 4th Platoon, A Company, of the North Dakota National Guard's 164th Combat Engineer Battalion, have organized an annual motorcycle ride across the state of North Dakota in his memory. The Joe Biel Memorial Ride serves as a reunion for the 164th, a memorial for a lost friend, and a beacon to those suffering from PTSD and other mental issues across the region. The key point made to me by the event's organizer, Staff Sergeant Matt Leaf, is that we have to raise awareness of this disease so that the lives of servicemembers, veterans, and other PTSD sufferers can be by greater awareness of and treatment for this disorder. For many, the war does not end when the warrior comes home. All too many servicemembers and veterans face PTSD symptoms like anxiety, anger, and depression as they try to adjust to life after war. We cannot sweep these problems under the rug. PTSD is real. The Department of Defense and the Department of Veterans Affairs have made significant advances in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of PTSD and its symptoms, but many challenges yet remain. More must be done to inform and educate veterans, families and communities on the facts about this illness and the resources and treatments available. That is why SSG Leaf and his fellow Trailblazers started the Joe Biel Memorial Bike Ride. And that is why I am introducing this Resolution. These efforts are about letting our troops--past and present--know it's okay to come forward and say they need help. It's a sign of strength, not weakness, to seek assistance. It is my hope that this message will be heard. In the words of SSG Leaf, ``maybe if we all take a minute to listen, we can stop one more tragedy from ever happening again.'' Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that a letter about Joe Biel be printed in the Record.

Mr. CONRAD

Mr. CONRAD. This is the Statement of Budgetary Effects of PAYGO Legislation for H.R. 3619, as amended by S.A. 3912. 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. 3619, as amended, by the Senate. Total Budgetary Effects of H.R. 3619, as amended for the 5- year Statutory PAYGO Scorecard: $2 million increase in the deficit. Total Budgetary Effects of H.R. 3619, as amended for the 10- year Statutory PAYGO Scorecard: $6 million increase in the deficit. 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.

Mr. CONRAD

Mr. CONRAD. Mr. President, I want to take a moment to honor a North Dakota woman retiring from a long and honorable career dedicated to assisting U.S. military veterans throughout Burleigh County in the State of North Dakota. Cindy Munsch, of rural New Salem, ND, started her professional career as a teacher, educating young people on the Standing Rock Reservation, in the Bismarck Public Schools, and at United Tribes Technical College. In 1985, after 14 years in education, Cindy commenced employment with the Burleigh County Veterans Service Office. Initially the office secretary, Cindy's outstanding work ethic and duty performance was recognized by the Burleigh County Commission with promotion to the position of Deputy County Service Officer. She is now retiring after 25 years of service to our veterans. Cindy has assisted thousands of veterans with obtaining needed benefits and services. She is recognized by her peers across the State as an expert in veterans benefits, and she frequently provides advice and counsel at the request of other veterans service providers. She also assists in the administration of the veterans transportation program, which provides van transport to veterans from western and central North Dakota to the VA Regional Medical Center in Fargo. Seeing a need for women veterans in the area to have the opportunity to address issues and experiences unique to their gender, in conjunction with staff from the Bismarck Vet Center, Cindy started a Women Veterans Group that meets monthly for the purpose of discussion and support, education and community service projects. In addition, Cindy cochaired the inaugural Women Veterans Summit, held recently in Bismarck, to bring women veterans issues into focus and to provide a networking opportunity for women veterans from throughout the State. There is no more admirable vocation than one of service to others. Cindy Munsch dedicated her professional career to ensuring that our service members, who stepped forward to serve the Nation by preserving our freedom and way of life, receive the benefits and assistance they deserve. I am honored to salute Cindy Munsch for her dedicated and selfless service to our veterans for the past 25 years and to congratulate her on her retirement from the Burleigh County Veterans Service Office.

Mr. CONRAD

Mr. CONRAD. Madam President, I want to take a moment to honor COL Keith W. Zuegel of the U.S. Air Force on the occasion of his retirement after 28 years of dedicated service to our country. After graduating from the Air Force Academy in 1982, Colonel Zuegel logged nearly 2,000 flying hours across four aircraft and six airframes, including the F-111 ``Aardvark,'' achieving a master navigator rating. He skillfully served in numerous operational tours, including assignments and experience ranging from the United States to Europe and the Pacific. Of distinct importance, his skills were put to the test during the opening night of Operation Desert Storm. On January 17, 1991, young Captain Zuegel distinguished himself in an attack on a heavily fortified target near Ali Al Salem Airfield, Kuwait. In the face of heavy antiaircraft fire and surface-to-air-missiles launched against them, Captain Zuegel, the F-111 weapons system officer, and his aircraft commander elected to continue their attack. Their destruction of a hardened aircraft shelter greatly diminished the Iraqi Air Force, clearing the way for the eventual ground campaign to liberate Kuwait. His heroic combat efforts that evening earned him a Silver Star. Following his operational assignments, Colonel Zuegel served in a variety of staff assignments, working for the Secretary of the Air Force, the Commander of U.S. European Command, the Commander of Joint Forces Command, and the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. His experiences in those posts served him well, preparing him for the ``big leagues''--Director of the Air Force's Congressional Budget and Appropriation Liaison Office. In this role, he directed all Air Force congressional appropriations work on the hill for the last 3 years, as well as routine engagements and testimony by the Air Force's senior leadership with Congress. Through those interactions, my fellow Members of Congress have come to view him as a trusted ambassador in blue. The Secretary of the Air Force said that ``Zeugs is a key guy in the Air Force,'' while the chairman of both defense appropriations subcommittees lauded his efforts. Speaking personally, I have benefitted from Colonel Zuegel's work arranging congressional travel more than once and have always found him to be not only a consummate professional and an astute representative of the Air Force but also a gracious host and a wonderful travelling companion. I ask that my colleagues join me in expressing our deep appreciation to Colonel Zuegel for his outstanding service. His character and dedication demonstrate the best of our Armed Forces. Colonel Zuegel has been a friend to my office, my constituents in North Dakota, and me. On the occasion of his retirement, I wish Keith and his family all the very best in the years to come.

Mr. CONRAD

Mr. CONRAD. Mr. President, I rise to submit to the Senate the fifth budget scorekeeping report for the 2010 budget resolution. The report, which covers fiscal year 2010, was prepared by the Congressional Budget Office pursuant to Section 308(b) and in aid of Section 311 of the Congressional Budget Act of 1974, as amended. The report shows the effects of Congressional action through April 9, 2010, and includes the effects of legislation since I filed my last report for fiscal year 2010 on January 28, 2010. The new legislation includes: P.L. 111-127, the Emergency Aid to American Survivors of the Haiti Earthquake Act; P.L. 111-142, the Social Security Disability Applicants' Access to Professional Representation Act of 2010; P.L. 111-145, the United States Capitol Police Administrative Technical Corrections Act of 2009; P.L. 111-147, the Hiring Incentives to Restore Employment Act; P.L. 111-148, the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act; P.L. 111-151, the Satellite Television Extension Act of 2010; and P.L. 111-152, the Health Care and Education Reconciliation Act of 2010. The estimates of budget authority, outlays, and revenues are consistent with the technical and economic assumptions of S. Con. Res. 13, the 2010 budget resolution. The estimates show that for fiscal year 2010 current level spending is above the levels provided in the budget resolution by $3.1 billion for budget authority and $5.8 billion above for outlays. For revenues, current level shows that $14.2 billion in room remains relative to the budget resolution level. I ask unanimous consent that the letter and accompanying tables from CBO be printed in the Record.

Mr. CONRAD

Mr. CONRAD. Mr. President, the trafficking and use of illegal drugs is an ongoing challenge in our Nation. It is incumbent upon the Government to seek to prevent the flow of drugs into the country, and limit the availability of drugs on our streets and in our communities. It is for that purpose that I introduce the Drug Trafficking Safe Harbor Elimination Act of 2010 with Senator Sessions. This bill will close a loophole that could allow drug traffickers, under certain circumstances, to operate with impunity in the United States. In United States v. Lopez-Vanegas, the Eleventh Circuit Court of Appeals held that where the object of a conspiracy is to possess controlled substances outside the United States with the intent to distribute outside the United States, there is no violation of U.S. law, even if the conspiracy, including meetings, negotiations, and arrangements to execute the drug transaction, occurs on U.S. soil. Although a particular conspiracy may not be intended to bring illegal drugs into the U.S., the same traffickers could very well act to bring drugs across our own borders as their next crime. If we have a chance to prosecute such criminals, we should do so. In the Lopez-Vanegas case, the court stated that the statute relied upon by Federal prosecutors could not be extended to conspiracies to act outside of the U.S. because Congress had not expressed its intention for the statute to be applied in such a manner. This legislation provides Congress an opportunity to clarify its position. While the binding effect of the Lopez-Vanegas case is now limited to the Eleventh Circuit, it may influence other federal jurisdictions to issue similar decisions. A wide-scale adoption of the reasoning in this case could establish the United States as a safe haven for international drug cartels, damage our relationships with the law enforcement authorities of other nations, and hinder global coordination to combat drug trafficking. Further, the profits and operational capacities generated by extraterritorial drug transactions could very well bolster the ability of drug cartels to distribute drugs in the United States in the future. For these reasons, it is important to close this loophole and give law enforcement the ability to prosecute all drug trafficking conspiracies conducted in the United States.

Mr. CONRAD

Mr. CONRAD. Mr. President, the trafficking and use of illegal drugs is an ongoing challenge in our Nation. It is incumbent upon the Government to seek to prevent the flow of drugs into the country, and limit the availability of drugs on our streets and in our communities. It is for that purpose that I introduce the Drug Trafficking Safe Harbor Elimination Act of 2010 with Senator Sessions. This bill will close a loophole that could allow drug traffickers, under certain circumstances, to operate with impunity in the United States. In United States v. Lopez-Vanegas, the Eleventh Circuit Court of Appeals held that where the object of a conspiracy is to possess controlled substances outside the United States with the intent to distribute outside the United States, there is no violation of U.S. law, even if the conspiracy, including meetings, negotiations, and arrangements to execute the drug transaction, occurs on U.S. soil. Although a particular conspiracy may not be intended to bring illegal drugs into the U.S., the same traffickers could very well act to bring drugs across our own borders as their next crime. If we have a chance to prosecute such criminals, we should do so. In the Lopez-Vanegas case, the court stated that the statute relied upon by Federal prosecutors could not be extended to conspiracies to act outside of the U.S. because Congress had not expressed its intention for the statute to be applied in such a manner. This legislation provides Congress an opportunity to clarify its position. While the binding effect of the Lopez-Vanegas case is now limited to the Eleventh Circuit, it may influence other federal jurisdictions to issue similar decisions. A wide-scale adoption of the reasoning in this case could establish the United States as a safe haven for international drug cartels, damage our relationships with the law enforcement authorities of other nations, and hinder global coordination to combat drug trafficking. Further, the profits and operational capacities generated by extraterritorial drug transactions could very well bolster the ability of drug cartels to distribute drugs in the United States in the future. For these reasons, it is important to close this loophole and give law enforcement the ability to prosecute all drug trafficking conspiracies conducted in the United States.

Mr. CONRAD

Mr. CONRAD. Mr. President, my staff, working with the staff of the Finance and HELP Committees, has spent an enormous amount of time ensuring that this bill complies with the rules of the reconciliation process. The majority and minority staffers have spent long hours going over this bill in excruciating detail with the Parliamentarian. We just heard the Parliamentarian's determinations on some of those issues. The Parliamentarian has further advised us that two provisions do violate the Byrd rule. The first provision concerns the formula setting the maximum Pell grant amount annually and is considered out of order. Basically, it provides an insurance policy on how that level is calculated. The second provision says this, in its entirety: ``(D) by striking subparagraph (E); and(E) by redesignating subparagraph (F) as subparagraph (E),'' and is also considered out of order. CBO has concluded that the two provisions do not score for budgetary purposes. The Parliamentarian gave great weight to this in making his determination. While I wish these provisions were not being stricken, removing them would not affect the score of the program or prevent the bill from achieving the goals of the new Pell grant policy. Mr. President, we think it is important for the historical record to have these matters laid out on the record. I thank Senator Grassley and his staff for the work to make certain that the historical record is clear, and I want to thank my staff as well, and the staff of the Finance Committee for an extraordinary effort. I hope the people of this country recognize that these staffs have worked on both sides, minority and majority, weekend after weekend after weekend, night after night after night, and they deserve our commendation and our thanks. I thank the Chair.

Mr. CONRAD. Will the Senator yield?

Mr. CONRAD. May I just say I really owe it to several people on my staff, especially my staff director, Mary Naylor. I don't know that there has been a person more dedicated to public service than Mary Naylor. What an extraordinary effort she has made, along with Bill Dauster of the Finance Committee and also my deputies, John Righter, Joel Friedman; my counsel, Joe Gaeta; and Sarah Kuehl, who led my health care team. We owe deep thanks to this staff. This has been a year-and-a-half long effort by so many; lost weekends with their families, lost evenings. Thank you. Thank you.

Mr. CONRAD. Mr. President, in keeping with my previous statement, we on our side would not further contest either of those provisions.

Mr. CONRAD. Mr. President, I want to add to my comments from earlier today regarding the passage of H.R. 4872, the Health Care and Education Reconciliation Act of 2010. I want to again acknowledge and thank my staff for their extraordinary effort and professionalism. My staff has worked tirelessly over many months, working late nights and weekends on health care reform and reconciliation. I greatly appreciate the sacrifices that they--and their families--have made in these efforts. On my Budget Committee staff, I want to again thank my extraordinary staff director, Mary Naylor, as well as my deputy staff directors, John Righter and Joel Friedman, and my counsel, Joe Gaeta. In addition, I want to thank my incredible Budget health team, which is led by Sarah Kuehl, but also includes Purva Rawal, Jim Esquea, Jennifer Hanson- Kilbride, and Steve Bailey. They did extraordinary work. I also want to thank my Budget education team, Robyn Hiestand and Matt Mohning. Education was an important part of the reconciliation bill and college students will benefit greatly from the expansion of Pell grants and other assistance. I want to thank the remainder of my excellent Budget Committee staff, all of whom contributed greatly to this effort. I particularly want to thank Craig Kalkut, Ron Storhaug, and Jean Biniek for their assistance in this effort. Finally, I want to thank the staff in my personal office. They also played a key role in this effort and represented the State of North Dakota very well. I want to thank Sara Garland, my chief of staff; Tom Mahr, my legislative director; Kate Spaziani and Dana Halvorson, my personal office health team; and Caitlin Coghlan, my education specialist. In particular, I want to thank Tom and Kate for their extraordinary efforts. They worked hand-in-hand with my Budget team in helping produce a bill that moves this nation in the right direction on health care and fiscal responsibility. I believe it is important that the American people understand the work and sacrifice made by the staff who work here in Congress on their behalf. The last year has witnessed an incredible effort by staff on both sides of the aisle. I thank them all, and again, thank my staff in particular.

Mr. CONRAD

Mr. CONRAD. Mr. President, I move to reconsider the vote, and I move to lay that motion on the table. Amendment No. 3699

Mr. CONRAD

Mr. CONRAD. Mr. President, I express my support for S. 649, the Radio Spectrum Inventory Act. I am joining as a cosponsor of this legislation because it is important to complete a comprehensive assessment of how we use our radio spectrum before we make decisions about how we want to use it in the future. As the FCC submits the Nation's first broadband plan to Congress, we have heard much about the need for allocating additional spectrum for the expansion of mobile broadband service. There is little question that rapidly expanding these networks is of critical importance-- especially in rural States like North Dakota, which rely on 21st- century technology like mobile broadband to stay competitive. However, without a thorough understanding of how our public airwaves are currently being used, making a plan to reallocate spectrum would be putting the cart before the horse. For that reason, I strongly believe that the Congress should pass this legislation and policymakers should wait to review the results of the inventory it requires before decisions are made about how or where spectrum should be distributed for the expansion of mobile broadband services. This will allow us to shape spectrum policy in a more thoughtful manner. Just as the National Broadband Plan gives us for the first time a comprehensive plan for broadband deployment and use, the Radio Spectrum Inventory Act will provide for the first time a comprehensive map of how the public airwaves are used--for radio broadcasts, over-the-air television, mobile phones, public safety, and mobile broadband. There are too many users involved to move forward in a piecemeal way. Ultimately, spectrum reallocation is too important to rush.

Mr. CONRAD

Mr. CONRAD. Mr. President, today I offer my congratulations and warm regards to George Widman, the ``Candy Man'' of Grand Forks, on the momentous occasion of his 90th birthday. Throughout his life, George Widman has been an example of what it means to be a great North Dakotan and a great American. Growing up in the Great Depression taught George the value of hard work, something he has never forgotten. To this day, George and his wife Betty work 6 days a week at Widman's Candy Store in downtown Grand Forks. George demonstrated his lifelong patriotism through his service in World War II. During that war, he served as a naval A1C aviation mechanic on the USS Bunker Hill aircraft carrier from 1942 until it was hit by kamikazes in 1945. The ship suffered the loss of 346 men, but, miraculously, George survived. After the war, George returned home to work in the family business. Sixty years later, Widman's Candy Store is best known for its Chippers--Red River Valley potato chips covered in delicious Red River Valley chocolate. They are truly a treat. They have become famous not only in North Dakota but in Washington, DC, with fans at the White House, in the office of the Vice President, at the Pentagon, and here in the Senate. To me, the story that best defines George and Betty is how they responded to the 1997 flood that devastated the city of Grand Forks. After their store was destroyed by the floodwaters that took out most of Grand Forks, George offered Betty the opportunity to rebuild anywhere in the world. They chose Grand Forks. Ten years ago, George said his secret to longevity was ``lots of candy.'' Today, it is my pleasure and honor to wish George a wonderful 90th birthday. He is representative of the best of North Dakota, and he has my respect and admiration. I can never forget George's birthday, because it is my birthday too. Happy 90th, George, and here's to many more!

Mr. CONRAD

Mr. CONRAD. Mr. President, I rise to congratulate Peter H. Fontaine and Theresa A. Gullo for 25 years of outstanding service to the Congress as staff at the Congressional Budget Office. My colleagues understand the important work done by CBO, providing Congress with high-quality, objective, nonpartisan, and timely analyses. The success of CBO and the respect it has built up over the years is the result of the hard work and dedication of employees such as Mr. Fontaine and Ms. Gullo. Mr. Fontaine started at CBO in February 1985 as an analyst for energy issues in the Natural and Physical Resources Cost Estimates Unit in the Budget Analysis Division. He was promoted to unit chief of the Natural and Physical Resources Cost Estimates Unit in 1995, to deputy assistant director for budget analysis in September 1999, and to assistant director for budget analysis in August 2007, where he oversees the staff who prepare the cost estimates for legislation and baseline budget projections that are so instrumental to the work of Congress. Ms. Gullo gained her first experience working at CBO as a summer intern in 1982, before returning in February 1985 as an analyst for natural resources programs in the Natural and Physical Resources Cost Estimates Unit in the Budget Analysis Division. In 1995, she became the first unit chief of the newly established State and Local Government Cost Estimates Unit, and in September 2007, she was promoted to the position of deputy assistant director for budget analysis. As chairman of the Budget Committee, I greatly appreciate the sacrifices that Mr. Fontaine and Ms. Gullo--as well as their families-- make in assisting the Budget Committees and Congress. This sacrifice has never been truer than over the past year, where CBO has faced an unprecedented work load, with the staff working endless nights and weekends under extraordinary time pressures on an array of complex issues. As assistant director and deputy assistant director for budget analysis, Mr. Fontaine and Ms. Gullo oversee much of that work. I thank them for their dedication and professionalism. The outstanding work being done behind the scenes by public servants like Mr. Fontaine and Ms. Gullo rarely gets the recognition it deserves. But their efforts are critical to the functioning of our government. They are providing a tremendous service to Congress and the American people. I hope my colleagues will join me in congratulating Mr. Fontaine and Ms. Gullo on their 25 years of outstanding service to Congress.

Mr. CONRAD

Mr. CONRAD. Madam President, today the Senate passed the Statutory Pay-As-You-Go Act of 2010 as an amendment to H.J. Res. 45. As chairman of the Senate Budget Committee, I ask that the following section-by- section analysis of that act be printed in the Record.