Kent Conrad

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 President, I ask unanimous consent that the order for the quorum call be rescinded.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 rise today to talk about the proposal that a number of us have made--Leader Reid in the Senate, myself, the ranking member of the Budget Committee, Leader Pelosi in the House, Congressman Spratt, the ranking member of the Budget Committee--to put off the reconciliation proposals that flow from the budget resolution. We have just been hit by perhaps the greatest natural calamity in our Nation's history. We don't know yet how it will rank, but there is certainly a possibility this will be one of the greatest calamities in our Nation's history. And that is the reason we sent the letter this morning to Majority Leader Frist and Speaker Hastert, as well as the chairmen of the Budget Committees in both the House and the Senate recommending that we suspend those reconciliation instructions that are part of the budget resolution. We did that because we don't think what was written then fits the facts now. We have just had a massive disaster. It makes no sense to pursue the priorities that were part of that budget resolution. This is not a time to be cutting services to the most needy among us. This is not the time to cut food stamps, to cut medical care for the indigent, to cut student loans. That is what is in the reconciliation process. Are we really going to cut Medicaid $10 billion when we have hundreds of thousands of people homeless and don't have medical care and don't have a home? Are we really going to cut Medicaid in that context? Are we really going to cut food stamps when there are tens of thousands of people displaced, hundreds of thousands of people have had to leave their homes, and we are going to cut services for the most needy and, at the same time, cut taxes for the most fortunate among us? Frankly, I did not think the budget resolution made much sense when we passed it. The budget resolution's reconciliation instructions cut spending $35 billion and cut taxes $70 billion, so it increased the deficit, on balance, $35 billion when we are facing massive budget shortfalls--among the biggest in our history. In fact, the budget that was passed here will increase the debt of the country every year by $600 billion. That is stunning. It is going to increase the debt $600 billion. That is before Katrina. Now are we really going to continue down that path? Are we going to continue down a path that says on an emergency basis cut services to the least among us, cut taxes for the wealthiest among us, and run up the debt even more? What sense does this make? It makes no sense to consider those legislative proposals in light of this new reality. It seems to me very clear none of us can know yet the cost to the Federal budget of the response to Hurricane Katrina. We should not be rushing through a further reduction in resources the Federal Government has available to respond to our Nation's challenges. Katrina is a body blow of stunning proportion. We already passed $10 billion of aid, which we obviously should have done. We are told that we are going to be asked to immediately consider another $51 billion of aid, which clearly we should do. But that is just the beginning. I have been told that the cost of this disaster to the Federal Government may well reach $150 billion. So for us to go forward with a budget plan that was written before this catastrophe, and for some to come to the floor of the Senate and say, Steady as she goes, just keep on with that plan, does not make a whole lot of sense. We have just seen a dramatic disaster, a catastrophic disaster. You don't stick with the same old plan when something of this consequence occurs. We have to respond, and we do not just respond by doing what we were getting ready to do when we faced a totally different set of facts. Frankly, I don't think it made much sense before this disaster. It makes absolutely no sense after this disaster. Again, let me say to my colleagues, are we really going to cut Medicaid when we have hundreds of thousands of people displaced? Are we really going to cut student loans when we have a whole group of colleges that have been wiped out? Are we really going to cut food stamps when every night we can see on television what is happening to people who have lost everything? Are we going to say to them, Sorry, there is no help for you because we had a plan, a reconciliation plan up in Washington, and we had to stick to it? Is that really going to be the answer? I hope not because the facts have changed. The facts have changed, and the facts require that we change. The facts require that the plan changes, and the facts require we have a new plan and a new approach. I submit to my colleagues this is not the time to cut assistance for those who are the least among us and to cut taxes for those who are the wealthiest among us. This is a time for all of us to come together as a nation and respond to this disaster with a generous heart. That is my belief of what is required of us at this moment. That is the moral imperative at this moment--to respond to this disaster, to help those in need, to assist in the rebuilding, to help the sick, to feed the hungry. Goodness knows, we can see on our television screens every moment of every day that there are tens of thousands of our fellow citizens who deserve a helping hand. The notion that we just go forward with the plan as written makes absolutely no sense. Here are the images. We can all see them. Here are the homes flooded--an absolute unmitigated disaster. I have been asked by the news media about an incident that occurred in 2002 before the Senate Budget Committee. I want a chance to review that for the record. I have been asked repeatedly about a series of questions that I asked in 2002 of Mr. Parker. I asked a question in a Budget Committee hearing on February 26, 2002, of one of the witnesses, Mr. Mike Parker, the Assistant Secretary of the Army for Civil Works. He said at that hearing: If the corps is limited in what it does for the American people, we will see a negative impact on the people of this country. He was talking in testimony that he provided the Budget Committee and in response to a series of questions that I asked him. Here is how that conversation went. Assistant Secretary Parker said: ``That figure we came up with was around $6.4 billion [for Army Corps funding] . . .'' I asked him: That is what you requested? Assistant Secretary Parker: Yes. My question back to him: $6.4 billion? Assistant Secretary Parker: Right. Senator Conrad: And you got, on a comparison basis, $4 billion . . . Well, did you think $4 billion was the right number to come to? Assistant Secretary Parker: No. I would have offered that number if I thought it was the right number. In other words, what happened was I asked Assistant Secretary Parker if the amount of money being requested by the administration for the Army Corps of Engineers was sufficient to deal with the challenges they were facing. He told me, no, they were not sufficient, that they had estimated $6.4 billion was needed, but the administration would only ask for $4 billion. And that is after the previous year's budget was $4.6 billion. I also addressed questions to Lieutenant General Robert Flowers, Chief of Engineers for the Army Corps, who came to testify with Assistant Secretary Parker. Here is how that conversation went. Let me ask you this. Last year, there was $4.6 billion [in Army Corps funding]. The President cut that by $600 million on a fair comparison basis to $4 billion. What are the implications of those reductions? What will it mean? . . . LTG Robert Flowers said: With the budget as it stands, we would in fact have to terminate projects . . . Senator Conrad: So you would have no choice but to terminate contracts? Lieutenant General Flowers: Yes, sir. That's correct . . . Senator Conrad: It doesn't sound like it makes much sense to me. Does it make much sense to you, General Flowers, knowing what those projects are? Would it make any sense to you to terminate these projects? Lieutenant General Flowers: Sir, it doesn't. Lieutenant General Flowers went on to say: . . . I would submit that in combating the war on terrorism and providing homeland security, the work we do in maintaining strategic ports is very vital to the military effort as well as the economy, because 98 percent of our foreign commerce is seaborne. My rejoinder: . . . So this has got a security issue attached to it. Lieutenant General Flowers: Sir, I believe it does. We have traditionally, in the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, I think, contributed to the national defense. What happened in these exchanges is very clear. I asked Mr. Parker, the civilian head of the Corps of Engineers, if he was asking for enough money. He said he was not. He said the administration had sent up a request for $4 billion. He determined what was needed was $6.4 billion, but the administration would not allow him to make that request. Because of that testimony, Mr. Parker was then fired by the administration. He lost his job. Senator Trent Lott said: ``Mike Parker told the truth that the Corps of Engineers budget, as proposed, is insufficient,'' said Senate Minority Leader Trent Lott. Newspaper headlines on the firing of the Army Corps Chief in 2002 ran the gamut from the New York Times that said: Official Forced to Step Down after Testifying on Budget Cut. The Washington Post: Corps of Engineers' Civilian Chief Ousted; Parker Resigns after Openly Questioning Bush's Proposed Spending Cuts. The Wall Street Journal: Head of Corps of Engineers is Forced Out after Criticizing Budget Cuts for Agency. The Sun Herald of Biloxi, MS: Parker Let Go as Army Corps Chief; Honesty Got Him Fired, Some Say. The fact is, the funding for the Corps of Engineers was deficient to do the job necessary to protect New Orleans and other cities. It was clear at the time. It was testified to by the man who was the head of the Agency, and because he was honest and forthright in questions that I put to him, he was removed from his job. That is the factual history of what occurred. And those who removed him because he was honest and forthright about the needs bear serious responsibility, I believe, for what has occurred. All of us now have a special responsibility to reach out and assist those who have been devastated. It should never have happened. None of us can know if these funds had been forthcoming at the time that they were clearly needed, and that need was made clear by an appointee of this administration, who was then removed from his position because he said the funding was inadequate. This calamity requires a response, and the notion that we stick with the plan I do not think will withstand much scrutiny. We are going to have to have a new plan, and as part of that plan we should not be cutting the least fortunate among us. We should not be cutting food stamps. We should not be cutting the other life lines, whether it is medical assistance or any of the other programs that are now in place to assist these people who have been so badly hurt. I do not believe it makes any sense at this moment to cut the resources of the Federal Government when we already cannot come close to paying our bills.

Mr. CONRAD

Mr. CONRAD. Mr. President, today, we remember the life and dedication of one of the most influential leaders of the U.S. Supreme Court. William H. Rehnquist, 16th Chief Justice of the United States, passed away on Saturday, September 3, 2005. A midwesterner, Rehnquist's service to our country dates back to March 1943 when he was drafted to the U.S. Army Air Corps, the equivalent of today's U.S. Air Force. He served in World War II until 1946. After his time in the military, Rehnquist began his academic journey under the G.I. bill at Stanford University, where he earned a bachelor's degree, a master's degree, and ultimately graduated first in his class at the Stanford Law School. After clerking for Justice Robert H. Jackson, Rehnquist spent the next 16 years in private practice in Arizona. In 1971, President Nixon nominated William Rehnquist to be an Associate Justice on the Supreme Court. As Associate Justice, Rehnquist was nicknamed the ``Lone Ranger'' for his many lone dissents on the nine-member Court. In 1986, President Ronald Reagan elevated William Rehnquist to Chief Justice of the United States. In that role, Rehnquist became known for his ability to foster and retain collegiality among Associate Justices with widely differing views on the issues before the Court. He was an outstanding leader of the judicial branch of our Government. Those of us in the Senate probably remember him best for his service during the impeachment trial for President Clinton. He presided over that historic event with dignity and decorum. Over the past year, as he battled cancer, Chief Justice Rehnquist was as determined and sharp as ever, doing his job faithfully until the day that he passed away. Today, we remember the Chief Justice's passion, dedication, and brilliance. And we also remember his great sense of humor. Bill Rehnquist will be sorely missed by his family, his friends, and his country.

Mr. CONRAD

Mr. CONRAD. Mr. President, I rise today to support the Energy bill conference report. For many years, I have supported passage of a comprehensive national energy policy. Such a policy is necessary to reduce our increasing dependence on foreign energy sources. A comprehensive energy policy will help lower energy prices in the long run. Furthermore, any far- reaching bill will move us toward newer technologies that will keep our economy growing strong while making us more energy independent. Although not perfect, this Energy bill moves us in the right direction. It will expand our electricity transmission system and make it more reliable. The bill contains incentives for renewable energy, including the renewable energy production tax credit that I helped include. It will also spur an increase the production and use of domestic biofuels such as ethanol and biodiesel. Because of this bill, our coal-burning plants will improve their efficiency and emit less pollution. Finally, the bill provides needed incentives to increase natural gas infrastructure, measures that will lead to lower prices for natural gas consumers in the long run. Equally important, this bill benefits North Dakota for a number of reasons. The transmission incentives will enable my State's power producers to export electricity to distant markets. In this way, transmission incentives benefit the lignite and wind energy sectors in my State. The clean coal production incentives will make it easier to build advanced clean coal power plants. The inclusion of the wind energy production tax credit will help North Dakota realize its potential to be the biggest producer of wind energy in the country. The Renewable Fuels Standard and tax incentives for ethanol and biodiesel will aid my State's farm economy, create more jobs, and reduce our dependence on foreign oil. In addition, the bill will assist my state in developing exciting new technologies, such as coal-to-liquid fuel plants. I believe we still have a lot of work to do in order to make our Nation less dependent on foreign energy. However, this bill takes positive steps to address our energy needs. As I just mentioned, this bill will provide significant benefits to my State. For these reasons, Mr. President, I support the conference report.

Mr. CONRAD. Mr. President, I rise today to support the Energy bill conference report. For many years, I have supported passage of a comprehensive national energy policy. Such a policy is necessary to reduce our increasing dependence on foreign energy sources. A comprehensive energy policy will help lower energy prices in the long run. Furthermore, any far- reaching bill will move us toward newer technologies that will keep our economy growing strong while making us more energy independent. Although not perfect, this energy bill moves us in the right direction. It will expand our electricity transmission system and make it more reliable. The bill contains incentives for renewable energy, including the renewable energy production tax credit that I helped include. It will also spur an increase in the production and use of domestic biofuels such as ethanol and biodiesel. Because of this bill, our coal-burning plants will improve their efficiency and emit less pollution. Finally, the bill provides needed incentives to increase natural gas infrastructure, measures that will lead to lower prices for natural gas consumers in the long run. Equally important, this bill benefits North Dakota for a number of reasons. The transmission incentives will enable my State's power producers to export electricity to distant markets. In this way, transmission incentives benefit the lignite and wind energy sectors in my State. The clean coal production incentives will make it easier to build advanced clean coal powerplants. The inclusion of the wind energy production tax credit will help North Dakota realize its potential to be the biggest producer of wind energy in the country. The Renewable Fuels Standard and tax incentives for ethanol and biodiesel will aid my State's farm economy, create more jobs, and reduce our dependence on foreign oil. In addition, the bill will assist my State in developing exciting new technologies, such as coal-to-liquid fuel plants. I believe we still have a lot of work to do in order to make our Nation less dependent on foreign energy. However, this bill takes positive steps to address our energy needs. As I just mentioned, this bill will provide significant benefits to my State. For these reasons, I support the conference report.

Mr. CONRAD

Mr. CONRAD. I thank my colleagues for this clarification.

Mr. CONRAD. Mr. President, I would like to engage my friend from Iowa, the chairman of the Finance Commitee, as well as my friend Senator Baucus, the ranking member of the committee in a brief colloquy. The transportation reauthorization legislation that this body is considering includes a very important provision that is intended to provide clarity with respect to the excise tax on certain highway vehicles under Internal Revenue Code Section 4051. Can my colleagues confirm that it is the drafters' intent that this provision will allow vehicle dealers to rely on the gross combined weight rating established by the manufacturer?

Mr. CONRAD

Mr. CONRAD. Mr. President, I rise today to recognize a community in North Dakota that will be celebrating its 125th anniversary. On July 14-17, the residents of Buffalo gathered to celebrate their community's history and founding. Buffalo is a vibrant and active community in eastern North Dakota with a population of more than 200 people. Despite its small size, Buffalo holds an important place in North Dakota's history. Buffalo, like most small towns in North Dakota, got its start when the railroad stretched throughout the State. In 1883, the postmaster, Charles A. Wilder, named the community Buffalo in honor of the secretary of the Northern Pacific Railway, who was born in Buffalo, NY. Buffalo has a very active historical society that has worked to restore two unique properties, the Old Stone Church and the 1916 High School, both of which are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The restoration of the Old Stone Church, in particular, has received national attention. In 1999, it was awarded a National Trust for Historic Preservation Honor Award. Buffalo is the only community in North Dakota to ever receive the award, and it is the smallest community in the Nation to ever receive the award. The restoration of this prairie church united the community and preserved an important piece of our State's history. The residents of Buffalo can be extremely proud of their efforts to preserve these historic places. For those who call Buffalo home, it is a comfortable place to live, work, and play. Today, Buffalo is home to a cafe, gas station and repair shop, bank, day care, heritage museum and much more. The community had a wonderful celebration that included an all school reunion, parade, car show, street dance, fireworks, and games. I ask the Senate to join in me congratulating Buffalo, ND, and its residents on their first 125 years and in wishing them well through the next century. By honoring Buffalo 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 Buffalo that have helped to shape this country into what it is today, which is why this fine community is deserving of our recognition. Buffalo has a proud past and a bright future.

Mr. CONRAD

Mr. CONRAD. Mr. President, I am pleased that Senator McCain is joining me today in submitting a bipartisan Senate resolution to strengthen fiscal responsibility and restore some common sense to the consideration of conference reports in the Senate. Last November the Senate received an omnibus appropriations conference report that totaled 3,646 pages. It included nine different appropriations bills, seven of which had never been debated, amended or voted on by the Senate. It spent more than $388 billion. And it also included a miscellaneous title with several extraneous provisions that had nothing to do with appropriations. Like the appropriations titles, many of these non-appropriations items had never been considered in the Senate. Even though the vast majority of the Senate had never had a chance to review these provisions, the conference report was rushed to the Senate floor just hours after a handful of members and their staff had finished their work putting it together behind closed doors. Throughout the day, I and several members of my staff read and analyzed the provisions of this bill. During the examination, we discovered a particularly egregious provision. It would have allowed an agent of the Chairman of the House or Senate Appropriations Committee to look at the tax return of anyone in America. And, further, it would have allowed them to release the private information contained in those returns without any civil or criminal penalty. That would have created the opportunity for an abuse of power almost unprecedented in our history. Thankfully, my staff and I were able to catch this, and after strenuous debate the provision was nullified. But this is an indication of how completely flawed this process has become. None of us could know when the time came to vote, just a few hours after the bill was released, what other inappropriate provisions it contained. There simply had not been enough time to thoroughly scour the more than 3,600 pages in this bill. Unfortunately, this is not an isolated example. Over the past several years, we have seen increased abuses of the conference process. There has been a trend toward a handful of members writing legislation in secret, without full opportunity for minority participation or thorough debate in the Senate. In addition to the omnibus appropriations bills we have seen in the past several years, there are several other examples of this trend. Last year, for example, the majority leadership was unwilling or unable to move a bill through the Senate to extend expiring tax provisions. Apparently, the leadership did not want to vote on amendments to pay for these provisions, and it did not want to debate the fiscal irresponsibility of its tax policy. So what did the leadership do? It took a modest tax relief measure aimed at making the child tax credit more useful to low- and middle- income families that had languished in conference for over a year, and turned it into a $146 billion revenue loser that extended the 2001 tax cuts relating to the child credit, marriage penalty, and the 10 percent marginal rate bracket through 2010. The conferees also tacked on traditional extenders, R&D, work opportunity tax credit, etc., added a year of AMT relief, and dropped the revenue offsets that had covered all but about $250 million of the original cost. No Democrats participated in the conference, and the Senate had no opportunity to debate the merits of these individual provisions or offer amendments to offset their costs. But it is not just tax and appropriations bills that have been hijacked in conference. On issue after issue, we have had conferences where the minority was excluded so that the majority could ram through unpopular provisions as part of an un-amendable conference report. That is not right. We should not be writing brand new legislation in conference in order to bypass Senate consideration. We should not be bundling together 3,646 page conference reports in the middle of the night and asking Senators to vote on them without the opportunity for thorough review and debate. It is clear to me the conference process is broken. Former President Ronald Reagan in his 1988 State of the Union Address told us we should not do business this way, in omnibus conference reports that no Senator has an opportunity to fully understand before they are voted on. He was right. The Conrad-McCain resolution would address these problems. It would improve Senate consideration of conference reports in five simple, common-sense ways. First, our resolution would require conference reports to be filed and made available for at least 48 hours prior to Senate consideration. Under our resolution, all Senators would have the opportunity to know what is in each and every conference report that comes before this body. Second, our resolution would require a written cost estimate or table by the Congressional Budget Office prior to Senate consideration of any conference report. Senators desereve to know before they vote on a bill how much it will cost. Third, our resolution would require that a bill coming out of conference be primarily in the jurisdiction of the same committee, or appropriations subcommittee, as the Senate-passed bill that was submitted to conference. We should not be sending a $19 billion foreign operations appropriations bill to conference and having it come back as a close-to $400 billion bill that includes Labor-Health and Human Services and other domestic spending. This will help ensure that the Senate considers each bill before it comes back from conference. If any of those three conditions are not met, our resolution would allow any Senator to raise a point of order against the conference report. That point of order be waived only with a vote of 60 Senators. In addition, the Conrad-McCain resolution would strengthen current rules that are designed to prohibit extraneous provisions in conference reports. Extraneous provisions are those that are either outside the scope of the bills that the House and Senate sent to conference, or in the jurisdiction of some other committee. Provisions that are either outside the scope of conference or in another committee's jurisdiction could be stricken from the conference report on a point of order made by any Senator. That point of order could be waived only with a vote of 60 Senators. Importantly, the point of order would not bring down the entire conference report. Instead, it will only remove the extraneous matter, leaving the rest of the conference report intact. This change--similar to the application of the Byrd rule on reconciliation bills--will remove a significant impediment to challenging attempts to push unpopular riders through the Senate on unrelated but otherwise popular legislation. This common-sense legislation is long overdue. Our political process has become too bogged down with bloated spending bills and special- interest tax break legislation. Too often, it is not until after a conference report has passed that its true cost comes to light. Massive and unwieldy bills have become almost routine in the Senate. This has to stop. Our resolution would improve the legislative process while strengthening fiscal responsibility in a way that is simple, straightforward, and reasonable. I urge my colleagues to support it. S. Res. 209

Mr. CONRAD

Mr. CONRAD. Mr. President, I wish to take a moment to pay tribute to former Senator Jim Exon, a friend and colleague, who passed away on June 10, 2005. Jim Exon is a legend in his own State. For almost three decades, he served the people of Nebraska as both Governor and Senator. And through dedication and the force of his personality, he almost singlehandedly founded the Democratic Party in his State. In his entire career, he never lost an election because his constituents recognized his basic decency and common sense. However, Jim Exon didn't only serve his Nebraska constituents. He also served his country and our Government in ways that we could sorely use today. He was, of course, a patriot and World War II veteran who brought his wartime experience to his important role on defense matters. But beyond his obvious love of country, Jim Exon especially loved his country's democracy, which he saw as the crucial spark animating the American community. Jim Exon relished forthright debate and always had tremendous faith in the fairness of our system of Government. But while he advanced his beliefs with conviction and passion, he also listened to those with whom he disagreed. Indeed, he was renowned as a fair and considerate lawmaker who routinely sought common ground with adversaries out of genuine sympathy for their concerns. Jim Exon's facility for finding common ground with others stemmed from his roots in America's heartland. In rural areas and small towns, neighbors must depend on one another. People in the country rely on pragmatism to solve problems, having little patience with argument for its own sake. Jim Exon brought these Midwestern values to his work, fighting openly for his beliefs, while still playing a cooperative and constructive role in resolving differences. Given his ability to see the point of view of others, it's hardly surprising that Jim Exon made abundant legislative contributions. I was privileged to serve on the Senate Budget Committee with him, where he fought to keep our Nation's fiscal house in order. Here, too, his approach was balanced, offering a fierce opposition to wasting taxpayer money on unjustified spending, while maintaining an abiding faith in effective government. Most importantly in this area, he recognized that lawmakers must resist the temptation to use public debt to shift current burdens onto future taxpayers. To Jim Exon, skyrocketing Federal debt was a shameful legacy to leave our children. Senator Exon also understood the wisdom of investing in the family farmer, the backbone of rural communities. A tireless advocate of rural economic development, he was one of the first to recognize the importance of ethanol as fuel, a renewable energy source that we produce here at home. And he fought for better transportation, better medical care, and better schools for rural areas facing special challenges. Jim Exon also worked to keep America's military strong. A veteran of the South Pacific in World War II, he never wavered in his commitment to our Armed Forces. He played a crucial role on the Armed Services Committee in the aftermath of communism's collapse. Thanks in large measure to his efforts, our military remained the mightiest in the world, even though its mission was reoriented to face the challenges of the post-Cold War world. He worked tirelessly to contain nuclear proliferation. Jim Exon accomplished much during his three terms here in the Senate. That's not surprising given the kind of man he was. He lacked pretense. He would tell you straight out what he believed, and he listened carefully to others. And he was fair. He brought Senators together by focusing on shared interests, rather than differences. Jim Exon was a big hearty man who loved to laugh. His deep, rolling baritone had an infectious good humor and compassion behind it that won over others. He was effective, in part, because people liked to work with him. I will miss my good friend and colleague. His accomplishments live after him. The Nation and the people of Nebraska will long remember the standards of integrity and decency that were the hallmarks of Jim Exon's service to his country.

Mr. CONRAD

Mr. CONRAD. Mr. President, I rise today to honor a community in North Dakota that is celebrating its 100th anniversary. On July 1-3, 2005, the residents of Fordville, ND, past and present, gathered to celebrate the community's centennial. Fordville is a city in the northeastern part of my great State with about 266 residents. Although its population is small, Fordville holds an important place in the history of North Dakota. Medford was founded in 1905 and was an important stop along the Soo Railroad line. Because of confusion caused as a result of other stations along the Soo line with the name Medford, it was decided to combine its name with the rural post office of Belleville. The combination of Medford and Belleville resulted in the now familiar name of Fordville. The people of Fordville are proud of their local public schools and the railroad system, which helps to sustain the city. Additionally, the city has a strong farming co-operative system featuring a new grain elevator. Their lively centennial celebration included a parade, street dance, musicals and a fireworks display. I ask the Senate to join me in congratulating Fordville, ND, and its residents on their first 100 years and in wishing them well through the next century. By honoring Fordville and all the other historic small towns of North Dakota, we keep the pioneering tradition alive for future generations. It is places such as Fordville that shaped this country into what it is today, which is why this fine community deserves our recognition. Fordville has a proud past and a bright future.

Mr. CONRAD

Mr. CONRAD. Mr. President, I rise today to honor a community in North Dakota that is celebrating its 100th anniversary. From July 15 to 17, the residents of Turtle Lake, ND, will celebrate their history and the town's founding. Turtle Lake is a small town in north-central North Dakota with a population of 580. Despite its small size, Turtle Lake holds an important place in North Dakota's history. The founder of Turtle Lake was Peter Miller, the earliest homesteader in the region. Mr. Miller established the Turtle Lake post office in his farmhouse on January 25, 1886, and subsequently formed the first Turtle Lake business by setting up a shop under a lean-to. As other businesses spread throughout the area, the Miller town site was formed. Over the next decade, the post office moved to Wanamaker town site and then finally to the current location of Turtle Lake, north of the lake itself. The communities of the area came together and were incorporated as the village of Turtle Lake in 1907. Turtle Lake is a thriving community today, with a rapidly growing tourist industry that brings visitors to the turtle shaped lake for which the town is named. I ask the Senate to join me in congratulating Turtle Lake, ND, and its residents on their first 100 years and in wishing them well through the next century. I believe that by honoring Turtle Lake and all the other historic small towns of North Dakota, we keep the pioneering, frontier spirit alive for future generations. It is places such as Turtle Lake that have helped to shape this country into what it is today. I believe that the community of Turtle Lake is deserving of our recognition. Turtle Lake has a proud past and a bright future.

Mr. CONRAD

Mr. CONRAD. Mr. President, I rise today to honor a community in North Dakota that is celebrating its 125th anniversary. On July 2, the residents of Dawson, ND, gathered to celebrate their community's history and founding. Dawson is a small town in south central North Dakota with a population of approximately 75. Despite its small size, Dawson holds an important place in North Dakota's history. The Sibley Expedition helped begin the settlement of this area, but it was the railroad's expansion that was responsible for Dawson's birth. J. Dawson Thompson, along with Fredrick D. Hager and Robert E. Wallace established the city of Dawson in 1880. This town started with a windmill and a water tower and later developed into an important city. As a railroad center, it was responsible for welcoming early settlers. As the first established city of Kidder County, Dawson has experienced many changes over the years. Today, Mayor Rand Loveness leads this great city. Known for its excellent hunting and fishing, Dawson attracts a wide variety of sportsmen. Although small in size, Dawson has found ways to touch the lives of many people. Dawson has served thousands of children and adults through Camp Grassick. This camp specializes in giving people with disabilities and special needs a wonderful summer camp experience. The Veterans Memorial Wall in Dawson is another example of how this town has given back to its community. This wall honors 1,010 veterans serving from the Crimean War to the gulf war. I ask the U.S. Senate to join me in congratulating Dawson, ND, and its residents on their first 125 years and in wishing them well through the next century. By honoring Dawson and all the other historic small towns of North Dakota, we keep the pioneering frontier spirit alive for future generations. It is places such as Dawson that have helped to shape this country into what it is today, which is why this fine community is deserving of our recognition. Dawson has a proud past and a bright future.

Mr. CONRAD

Mr. CONRAD. Mr. President, I rise today to honor a community in North Dakota that is celebrating its 100th anniversary. On July 8- 10, 2005, the residents of McClusky, ND, celebrated their community's history and founding. The community of McClusky is located at the geographic center of North Dakota, approximately 65 miles northeast of the State capital, Bismarck, and 50 miles east of beautiful Lake Sakakawea, a manmade lake formed by the Garrison Dam on the Missouri River. Within 45 miles of 18 lakes, McClusky is home to some of the world's premier hunting and fishing. Founded in 1905 as the result of railroad expansion into the area, McClusky became a bustling farming community. Farming was, and continues to be, the mainstay of McClusky. In fact, the community received its name from William Henderson McClusky, a local farmer responsible for the town's establishment. In addition to farming, however, at this time McClusky's 500 residents are also vital to the continued existence of numerous organizations and businesses, including 6 churches and a bed and breakfast. I ask the U.S. Senate to join me in congratulating McClusky, ND, and its residents on their first 100 years. By honoring McClusky and all of the other historic small towns of North Dakota, we keep the pioneering frontier spirit alive for future generations. It is places such as McClusky that have helped to shape this country into what it is today, which is why this fine community is worthy of our recognition. McClusky possesses a proud past and a bright future.

Mr. CONRAD

Mr. CONRAD. Mr. President, I rise today to honor a community in North Dakota that is celebrating its 100th anniversary. On July 7, 2005, the residents of Hansboro celebrated their community's history and founding. Hansboro is a community located in north central North Dakota only 4 miles from the U.S./Canadian border. With a current population of 12, Hansboro is a very small town. However, more than 500 people congregated there for its centennial celebration this summer. It is clear that Hansboro possesses the characteristics that make smalltown America so special and unique. Founded in 1905 by railroad workers and farmers who were working to establish a rail line to connect the area to the larger community of Devils Lake, ND, it was not long before several grain elevators were built. Shortly after its founding, on November 11, 1905, a post office was established in Hansboro at which Alexander Messer served as postmaster. The name of the community was meant to honor Henry Clay Hansbrough. Hansbrough served as North Dakota's first representative in the U.S. Congress after the State's creation in 1889. He later went on to serve three terms in the U.S. Senate from 1891 to 1909. Today, Hansboro's small population consists mainly of individuals devoted to farming and ranching. However, the town also possesses the unique characteristic and great responsibility of serving as a port of entry into Canada. I ask the U.S. Senate to join me in congratulating Hansboro, ND, and its residents on their first 100 years. By honoring Hansboro and all of the other historic small towns of North Dakota, we keep the pioneering frontier spirit alive for future generations. It is places such as Hansboro that have helped to shape this country into what it is today, which is why Hansboro is worthy of our recognition. Hansboro possesses a proud past and a bright future.

Mr. CONRAD

Mr. CONRAD. Mr. President, I rise today to honor a community in North Dakota that is celebrating its 100th anniversary. On July 8- 10, the residents of Lankin, ND, celebrated their community's history and founding. Lankin is a small town in the northeast part of North Dakota. Despite its small size, Lankin holds an important place in North Dakota's history. The site was originally named ``Young'' for G.W. Young, a Park River lawyer and former teacher. He established the post office on April 7, 1898, and John Matajeck became the first postmaster. The name was changed to Lankin on July 27, 1905, when John Lankin became postmaster and the townsite was established on the Soo Line Railroad. Lankin was officially incorporated as a village in 1908. Among the town's residents were Jack McDonald, a trumpet player with Philip Sousa's famous band and Herman Witasek, a member of Lankin's 1930 State Class C High School basketball champions, who is considered to be North Dakota's first professional player of the sport. Today Lankin is a delightful community in which to live and work. Lankin is home to a number of businesses, including a grain elevator, post office, bank, restaurant and an American Legion Club. There is also an active volunteer fire department and EMS squad. The community hosted a variety of festivities during its centennial celebration. On Friday, it held an all-school reunion, banquet and dance. Saturday kicked off with a parade and that will be followed by a day of entertainment featuring games, music, a three-on-three basketball tournament and a fireworks display that evening. The weekend will close with a church service and picnic on Sunday. I ask the U.S. Senate to join me in congratulating Lankin, ND, and its residents on their first 100 years and in wishing them well through the next century. By honoring Lankin and all the other historic small towns of North Dakota, we keep the pioneering tradition spirit alive for future generations. It is places such as Lankin that have helped to shape this country into what it is today, which is why Lankin is deserving of our recognition. Lankin has a proud past and a bright future.

Mr. CONRAD

Mr. CONRAD. Mr. President, I rise today to honor a community in North Dakota that is celebrating its 125th anniversary. On August 5- 7, the residents of Kindred, ND, will celebrate their community's founding and history. Kindred is a small town of 614 citizens in southeastern North Dakota. Despite its size, Kindred holds an important place in North Dakota's history. Kindred can trace its history to 1879 when a U.S. Post Office named Sibley was moved two miles north of its original location to the present day site of Kindred. Following this, in 1880 the Great Northern Railroad established a town-site and railroad station, naming the town Kindred after William S. Kindred, a Fargo real-estate pioneer. Kindred was incorporated in 1920 and became a city in 1949. Today, Kindred is a rapidly growing community bolstered by a variety of thriving businesses including, Cass County Electric Cooperative, Dakota Ag Cooperative, and Odegaard Aviation. I ask the U.S. Senate to join me in congratulating Kindred, ND, and its residents on their first 125 years and in wishing them well through the next century. By honoring Kindred and all the other historic small towns of North Dakota, we keep the pioneering frontier spirit alive for future generations. It is places such as Kindred that have helped to shape this country into what it is today, which is why the fine community of Kindred is deserving of our recognition. Kindred has a proud past and a bright future.

Mr. CONRAD

Mr. CONRAD. Mr. President, as we prepare to celebrate our Nation's independence this weekend, many familiar images come to my mind: fireworks, family, celebration, community, parades, apple pie and everything American. Above all, I think of the flag on the Fourth of July. The American flag is a powerful symbol in this country. It represents many things to many Americans--our Nation, our independence, our principles, and our sacrifices, among other things. To some of our brave servicemen and women who fought for this country, the flag symbolizes our freedom. To others, including parents of soldiers killed in battle, the flag is symbolic of all Americans who gave their lives in all wars. I have the utmost respect for the flag as a symbol of our Nation and our freedom, and abhor acts of desecration against it. Burning a flag, or otherwise dishonoring it, is repugnant to me, my colleagues, and the brave men and women who serve and have served in the Armed Forces, as well as the vast majority of American citizens. We must protect the flag from the acts of those few who would dishonor it. That is why I am joining Senator Bennett today in introducing the Flag Protection Act of 2005, to criminalize flag desecration. While other flag protection statutes have been found to be unconstitutional, this bill was carefully crafted to avoid the problems of previous statutes. In fact, the American Law Division of the Congressional Research Service has studied it and believes it would pass Constitutional muster. It is my hope that we can act quickly to protect the flag. This bill will accomplish that goal, and I ask my colleagues to give it serious consideration.

Mr. CONRAD

Mr. CONRAD. Mr. President, as we prepare to celebrate our Nation's independence this weekend, many familiar images come to my mind: fireworks, family, celebration, community, parades, apple pie and everything American. Above all, I think of the flag on the Fourth of July. The American flag is a powerful symbol in this country. It represents many things to many Americans--our Nation, our independence, our principles, and our sacrifices, among other things. To some of our brave servicemen and women who fought for this country, the flag symbolizes our freedom. To others, including parents of soldiers killed in battle, the flag is symbolic of all Americans who gave their lives in all wars. I have the utmost respect for the flag as a symbol of our Nation and our freedom, and abhor acts of desecration against it. Burning a flag, or otherwise dishonoring it, is repugnant to me, my colleagues, and the brave men and women who serve and have served in the Armed Forces, as well as the vast majority of American citizens. We must protect the flag from the acts of those few who would dishonor it. That is why I am joining Senator Bennett today in introducing the Flag Protection Act of 2005, to criminalize flag desecration. While other flag protection statutes have been found to be unconstitutional, this bill was carefully crafted to avoid the problems of previous statutes. In fact, the American Law Division of the Congressional Research Service has studied it and believes it would pass Constitutional muster. It is my hope that we can act quickly to protect the flag. This bill will accomplish that goal, and I ask my colleagues to give it serious consideration.

Mr. CONRAD

Mr. CONRAD. Mr President, I rise today to honor a community in North Dakota that is celebrating its 125th anniversary. On July 8-10, the residents of Grand Rapids, ND will celebrate their community's history and founding. Coinciding with the weekend activities, the Zion Lutheran Church will celebrate its centennial. Grand Rapids is a small town in the southeast part of North Dakota. Despite its small size, Grand Rapids holds an important place in North Dakota's history. It began in 1880 when the North Pacific Railroad was built in LaMoure County. It was platted in June of that year by Edward P. Wells and Homer T. Elliot, the latter of whom became the post master when the post office was established on June 17, 1880. The city was named for the cataracts of the James River at this site, sometimes called the Stepping Stones. Grand Rapids was the county seat between 1881 and 1886. The first Grand Rapids school was established in 1910. After the school districts were reorganized in 1963, Grand Rapids was incorporated into LaMoure. Since that time, Grand Rapids has developed into the pleasant community it is today. Grand Rapids has a variety of recreation and activities, including a scenic nine-hole golf course and beautiful camp ground that welcomes visitors each year. The citizens also host a Summer Musical Theatre every year, and they enjoy the company of several youth each summer during the Farmer's Union Camp. Grand Rapids has an exciting weekend planned to celebrate their 125th anniversary, including a parade, picnic, historical reenactment play, as well as a craft and flea market and the centennial celebration for Zion Lutheran Church. I ask the Senate to join me in congratulating Grand Rapids, ND, and its residents on their first 125 years and in wishing them well through the next century. By honoring Grand Rapids and all the other historic small towns of North Dakota, we keep the pioneering tradition spirit alive for future generations. It is places such as Grand Rapids that have helped to shape this country into what it is today, which is why Grand Rapids is deserving of our recognition. Grand Rapids has a proud past and a bright future.

Mr. CONRAD

Mr. CONRAD. Mr. President, I rise today to honor a community in North Dakota that is celebrating its 100th anniversary. On July 9, the residents of Wolford, ND, will gather to celebrate the community's centennial. Wolford is a small town in the northern part of North Dakota with a population of 50. Although its population is small, Wolford holds an important place in North Dakota's history. It originated as a village named Orkney, honoring local homesteaders hailing from the Orkney Islands in Canada. The post office was established in June 1895. Then, in June 1905, the town site was plotted and renamed Wolford by a Great Northern railroad agent. The precise origin of the name still remains unclear. The people of Wolford take their education seriously. The kindergarten through twelfth grade public school was recently honored as a Blue Ribbon School for the students' academic achievements. Wolford also has a dedicated volunteer fire department, and the current mayor, Jim Wolf, recently helped organize a first response team. Every summer the Dale and Martha Hawk Museum, located northeast of Wolford, hosts an antique farm show. This year's show featured a 1912 Hackney plow, the only operational plow of its type still in existence today. The Prairie Arts Center, which is located on the museum's grounds, provides an opportunity for students to practice Raku, a Japanese pottery technique. Wolford's centennial celebration will include a parade, picnic lunch, an evening dance, a children's petting zoo, and a historical display. I ask the Senate to join me in congratulating Wolford, ND, and its residents on their first 100 years and in wishing them well through the next century. By honoring Wolford and all the other historic small towns of North Dakota, we keep the pioneering tradition alive for future generations. It is places such as Wolford that shaped this country into what it is today, which is why this fine community deserves our recognition. Wolford has a proud past and a bright future.

Mr. CONRAD

Mr. CONRAD. Mr President, I rise today to honor a community in North Dakota that is celebrating its 100th anniversary. On July 8 and 9, the residents of Antler, ND, will gather to celebrate their community's history and founding. Antler is a small town in the northern part of North Dakota, with a population of approximately 40. Despite its small size, Antler holds an important place in North Dakota's history. It began around 1889 when settlers Mr. and Mrs. Jack Schell; Jack, Mike, and Dan Manning; and Robert Wright first populated this region. By 1898, Duncan McLean had established a post office, and in 1905, Antler was incorporated as a city. Antler was named after Antler Creek, one of two tributaries, which resemble a deer's horns, branching from the Mouse River. Today, Mayor Tom Arneson leads this enthusiastic community. Currently, Antler is known around the State for its unique Town Square and its close proximity to the Canadian border. Residents of this peaceful town enjoy spending time outdoors, hunting, and fishing. I ask the Senate to join me in congratulating Antler, ND, and its residents on their first 100 years and in wishing them well through the next century. By honoring Antler and all the other historic small towns of North Dakota, we keep the pioneering frontier spirit alive for future generations. It is places such as Antler that have helped to shape this country into what it is today, which is why Antler is deserving of our recognition. Antler has a proud past and a bright future.

Mr. CONRAD

Mr. CONRAD. Mr. President, I rise today to honor a community in North Dakota that is celebrating its 100th anniversary. On July 1-3, the residents of Mercer, ND, will celebrate their community's founding and history. Mercer is a small town of 86 citizens in west-central North Dakota, encircled by rolling prairie and enchanting lakes. Despite its small size, Mercer holds an important place in North Dakota's history, one that long predates the establishment of the town. The community was at the crossroads of major events that shaped the early Dakota experience. The cultures of three Native American tribes converged here at Prophet's Mountain, and their relics still dot the prairies. Early fur traders traipsed the Coteau du Missouri, skirting Medicine Hill while on expeditions between Canada and the Missouri River. Major wagon trains, seeking an overland route to Montana gold fields, rutted its terrain. Trails traversed the community, some reaching as far north as Canada. At the close of the nineteenth century, lush rangeland at the foot of Prophet's Mountain beckoned pioneer ranchers along the Missouri River bottomland. Among them was William Henry Harrison Mercer, who drove his cattle herds to this area. The largest influx of new citizens the community would ever witness--the homesteaders--then followed. At the behest of the Northern Pacific Railway Company, the town of Mercer was platted July 24, 1905. The first rail traffic arrived on November 7, and construction of a depot followed in 1907. Mercer Township was organized in 1908, and three supervisors, a clerk, treasurer, assessor, two justices, two constables, a road overseer and a commission of conciliation were all elected. Like many other plains country towns, Mercer has witnessed and withstood major upheavals in its struggle to survive. Other than its fine citizens, Mercer's proudest asset has been Brush Lake. As early as 1926, community leaders with vision established the Mercer-Brush Lake Community Association, an organization dedicated to the protection and preservation of a serene, natural recreational resource for the public good. That association was reorganized in 1958 as the Brush Lake Community Association, with a membership spanning the entire region. I ask the Senate to join me in congratulating Mercer, ND, and its residents on their first 100 years and in wishing them well through the next century. By honoring Mercer and all the other historic small towns of North Dakota, we keep the pioneering frontier spirit alive for future generations. It is places such as Mercer that have helped to shape this country into what it is today, which is why this fine community is deserving of our recognition. Mercer has a proud past and a bright future.

Mr. CONRAD

Mr. CONRAD. Mr. President, I rise today to honor a community in North Dakota that is celebrating its 100th anniversary. On July 8- 10, the residents of Rocklake, ND, will celebrate their community's history and founding. Rocklake is a small town in the north central part of North Dakota with a population of 178. Despite its small size, Rocklake holds an important place in North Dakota's history. The building of the railroad from the community of Starkweather to the northwest led to the founding of Rocklake in 1905. At that time, Joseph Kelly purchased 80 acres of land from E.E. Brooks for the town site. The village was founded on the narrow fresh-water shores of the Rock Lake, for which the town was named. Rocklake was incorporated as a village on April 18, 1906. Over the last 100 years, Rocklake has remained a strong agricultural community with many second or third generation farmers. The citizens of Rocklake are very proud of their town and continue to support the local school, elevator, cafe, and churches, along with the many other businesses. I ask the Senate to join me in congratulating Rocklake, ND, and its residents on their first 100 years and in wishing them well through the next century. By honoring Rocklake and all the other historic small towns of North Dakota, we keep the pioneering frontier spirit alive for future generations. It is places such as Rocklake that have helped to shape this country into what it is today, which is why it is deserving of our recognition. Rocklake has a proud past and a bright future.

Mr. CONRAD

Mr. CONRAD. Mr. President, I rise today to honor a community in North Dakota that is celebrating its 100th anniversary. On July 1-3, the residents of Rolette, ND, will gather to celebrate the community's centennial. Rolette is located in the northern part of North Dakota with a population of 538. Although its population is small, Rolette holds an important place in North Dakota's history. A post office named after the nearby Willow Creek, along with a junction on the Great Northern Railroad, fueled the city's growth, which peaked in 1970 with 704 people. Rolette was named after the fur trader, Joseph Rolette, who lived from 1820 to 1871. Located in the scenic Turtle Mountains, Rolette boasts exceptional outdoor activities. A healthy number of lakes sprinkle the region, which provide for fishing opportunities and an abundance of waterfowl for hunters and birdwatchers in the fall. Many community members enjoy the nearby golf course or the International Peace Gardens in the warmer months. Today, Rolette is home to two cafes, a clinic, a bank, and much more. In recognition of the community's centennial, eight murals were painted by local artisans on the exterior of the Rolette Mall. Five additional murals recognizing the community's dedication to volunteerism were recently completed. Rolette's lively centennial celebration will include an all school reunion, a civic parade, dances, and an air and car show. I ask the Senate to join me in congratulating Rolette, ND, and its residents on their first 100 years and in wishing them well through the next century. By honoring Rolette and all the other historic small towns of North Dakota, we keep the pioneering tradition alive for future generations. Places such as Rolette shaped this country into what it is today, which is why this fine community deserves our recognition. Rolette has a proud past and a bright future.